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THE VOICE

Advancing Christian Life and Culture

SOCIALISM
PREDATORY POLITICIANS, Destructive Leftwing Policies & THE ROOTS OF THE HOUSING CRISIS
The Ethics of MODERN LIBERALISM • A New Perspective ON JOB LOSS
$ 6 . 9 5 U . S . / $ 7 .95 CANADA Governing CHRISTIANS • The Voice EN ESPAÑOL
SATAN’S BEST Spiritual Warfare STRATEGY
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P. 4 T H E V O I C E No. 4

FROM THE DESK OF


THE VOICE
THE PUBLISHER Volume IV • Issue 4 • Fall 2008 Edition
__________________________

T H E V O I C E is a media platform for the apostolic


voice. Our editorial board is pulling on the Spirit
of God to bring present day truth about

D
ID WE LOSE MORE OF OUR NATION TO SECULAR HUMANISTS THIS YEAR? IT’S issues that impact our readers.
_______________________
obvious that Christian values are under attack. This year many think we reached a
tipping point with a rise of socialistic ideology and big government fascism that PUBLISHER
will continue to erode more and more of our religious freedoms. Jonas Clark

AS CHRISTIANS, WE MUST RESIST THE DUMBING DOWN OF THE CHURCH THROUGH A EDITOR
diluted humanistic gospel that teaches us how to cope with life but not how to live in victory. Jennifer LeClaire
To combat this erosion we must educate ourselves with a biblical worldview. Christ taught
MANAGING EDITOR
His disciples, for example, to be salt and light in a dark world. He never taught them to
Melanie Madon
withdraw themselves from the world. He taught them to bring glory to the Father by bearing
much fruit. He even rebuked a man in the Parable of the Talents that buried his talent in CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
the ground. Unfortunately, some of the Church has been distracted, disarmed and deceived. David Barton
Instead of equipping the saints to invade, occupy and influence the world for Christ, some Carl Bosch
have focused on blessing-only, entertainment-only and rapture-only. What we need is a Deborah Brown-Volkman
righteous revolution that invades our nation with righteous leadership. David Coker
Dr. Don Colbert
THE TERM “REVOLUTION” HAS BEEN USED SO MUCH THAT ITS MEANING HAS BEEN DILUTED Christopher Evans
or connected to violence or right wing extremist behavior. Let’s look at the first use of Newt Gingrich
the word revolution, however, to discover its genesis in the western culture. The term Guy Rodgers
Dr. R. L. Wysong
“revolution” was first used by St. Augustine. You may remember him promoting Christian
values as the author of the “The City of God.” His definition was “the return of an object ART DIRECTOR
to its place of origin; a re-volution back to a more natural order.” Sounds like the restitution Brian Burke
of all things:
DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING
“REPENT YE THEREFORE, AND BE CONVERTED, THAT YOUR SINS MAY BE BLOTTED OUT, Karen Ledbetter
when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. And he shall send
Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Elvera Baker
the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy
Rhonda Clark
prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:19-21).
C o p y r i g h t © 2 0 0 8 b y Jo n a s C l a r k
THIS IS A REVOLUTIONARY VERSE. IT IS A CALL TO PUT FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD Communications, Inc. All rights reserved,
and His righteousness. Scripture declares “of the increase of His government and peace including translation. Unless otherwise noted,
there shall be no end.” Our source of victory is our identity with Christ. That identity will Scripture quotations in this magazine are from
lead you into a war in the world of ideas. Let’s take our nation away from the hands of the the King James version of the Bible.
God haters. We can do it! Jesus said “I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not
prevail.” We can’t fail if we work together. EDITORIAL INQUIRY: Have a question?
Send your letters to: T H E V O I C E , 27 W.
IN THIS ISSUE OF THE VOICE MAGAZINE WE TALK ABOUT THE RISE OF SOCIALISM, HOW TO H a l l a n d a l e B e a ch B l vd., Hal landal e
stop Satan’s best spiritual warfare strategies, overcoming weariness, the ethics of modern Beach, Fla. 33009 or send e-mail to
liberalism and the ideology of Islam. editor@thevoicemagazine.com.

CUSTOMER SERVICE: For a change


Your partner,
of address or other customer ser vice
issues, call 954.456.6032 or send e-mail to
Jonas Clark service@thevoicemagazine.com.
P. 6 C O N T E N T S No. 4

THE VOICE
®

36
FEATURES SOCIALISM:
A UTOPIAN REVOLUTION
47 We have heard much about the rise of
socialism in our nation. Does socialism
GOVERNING CHRISTIANS
affect you? Will it affect your life,
For unto us a child is bor n, unto us a
son is given: and the gover nment shall family, children, work or future? What
be upon his shoulder..Of the increase of is socialism? Is socialism an evil thing?
his gover nment and peace there shall be Should Christians be concerned?
no end… (Isaiah 9:6-7) BY JONAS CLARK
By David Coker

COLUMNS
8
PREDATORY
25 POLITICIANS
Destructive leftwing policies and the roots
Society & Culture of the housing crisis. Are free markets at
ISLAM: the root of the current economic crisis, or
THE IDEOLOGY OF CONQUEST meddling politicians? In short: Is our problem
W hat is Islam? A religion or a political
predatory lenders, or predatory politicians?
machine? W hile world leaders ignore
the true facts about Islam the Body of BY NEWT GINGRICH
Christ cannot. Discover the naked truth
about the ideolog y of Islam.

21
By Guy Rogers

54 THE ETHICS
Family Life
HOW TO RAISE A BRAT
OF MODERN
It’s easy, really. Won’t take much effort
at all. Start early. Stay consistent.
LIBERALISM
True classical liberalism does not deny all
Before you know it, they’ll be well on law; it puts in place benevolent law, like
their way to “brathood.” the Constitution, that guarantees the very
By Carl Bosch
liberty liberals seek..
BY DR. R. L. WYSONG

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No. 4 C O N T E N T S P. 7

THE VOI CE
DEPARTMENTS 42 en Español
Politics
KEEPING FIRST THINGS
15 FIRST
CARACTERÍSTICA
The Bible offers clear guidance on how a
Health & Healing Biblical voter votes.
CONTROL STRESS BY By David Barton
CONTROLLING YOUR TIME 44
Helpful tips on how to build mar gin FUEGO
into your life.
By Dr. Don Colbert
50 EXTRAÑO
Mucha gente está
Christian History persiguiendo el
STEPPING STONES: WALTER ministerio profético
18 RAUSHENBUSCH y parece que no hay
Spiritual Warfare The heritage of the social gospel. falta de confusión
By Christopher Evans alrededor de su apropiada función. Aunque
SATAN BEST SPIRITUAL
fueras llamado al ministerio profético o solo
WARFARE STRATEGY
estas sirviendo a Cristo con todo tu corazón,
God created you with the ability to see
all things possible. Your adversar y the 57 te enfrentaras con muchos problemas. Aun
cosas extrañas que necesitaran mucho
devil, seeks to utilize this gift
to sur plant your destiny. Here’s Education discernimiento espiritual durante tu camino
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE con Dios. Discernimiento espiritual viene del
how you discer n Satan’s best
WHEN GROW UP? Espíritu Santo y encuentras confirmación
spiritual warfare strateg y.
Global Education Standards have passed the en muchas escrituras a través de la escrita
By Jonas Clark
United States by, and Americans have no Palabra de Dios. Por Jonas Clark
idea that it has happened.
29 By Robert Compton
47
Spiritual Growth DISCERNIR LOS SIGNOS Y LO
SICK AND TIRED? 59 SUPERNATURAL
Que es el proposito de los signos
Breaking the cycle of weariness
and defeat in your life.
Five-Fold Ministry supernaturales que apuntan su destino?
By David Coker DISCIPLESHIP VS. Por David Coker
EVANGELISM
He called us to be a body that is structured
for constant numerical growth through
32 evangelism and constant spiritual growth COLUMNA
through discipleship.
Marketplace By David Coker
A NEW PERSPECTIVE 42
ON JOB LOSS RITMOS TRANQUILIZANTES
Don’t cope with job loss. Here’s seven DE GRACIA
tips that will encourage your heart and Como sobreponerse al espíritu de cansancio.
equip you for career success. Por Jennifer LeClaire
By Deborah Brown-Volkman

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P R E D AT O R Y
POLITICIANS
DESTRUCTIVE LEFTWING
POLICIES & THE ROOTS
OF THE HOUSING CRISIS
By Newt Gingrich

I
N THE MIDST OF THE ECONOMIC CRISIS AND THE predatory politician take advantage of taxpayers’ money
wake of the Paulson bailout, the mainstream media and the power of the government to advance their lef-
have begun publishing obituaries for the free market. twing agenda. And as we will see, predatory politicians
The elite press has begun to trumpet “the end of made the work of predatory lenders much easier by put-
American-style capitalism” and “the bankrupt dogma of ting the U.S. taxpayers in the role of guaranteeing all the
Reagan-Thatcherism.” bad paper predatory lenders could produce.

BUT ARE FREE MARKETS AT THE ROOT OF THE CURRENT • Predatory bankers (and there were plenty)
economic crisis, or meddling politicians? In short: Is our exploited a booming housing market to give loans
problem predatory lenders, or predatory politicians? to people who never should have received them. But
predatory politicians forced banks to make bad loans.
Predatory Politicians Use
• Predatory politicians (and the pursuit of profits)
Government to Get What They Want pushed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into buying
Predatory politicians are vastly more dangerous than up more and more risky, subprime loans, creating
predatory lenders because they bring the full authority and incentives for mortgage providers to issue even
vast resources of the federal government to their attempts more bad loans.
to coerce and control the American people.
• Predatory politicians resisted attempts to reign
IF PREDATORY LENDERS SEEK TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as the lenders put
peoples’ desperation and ignorance to make bad loans, the taxpayers on the line for trillions of dollars in bad

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P. 10 T H E V O I C E No. 4

loans – all while Fannie and Freddie cooked their TO UNDERSTAND THE CENTRAL ROLE THAT FANNIE MAE
books to boost their executives’ multi-million dollar and Freddie Mac played in the making of the economic
compensation packages. crisis – at the behest of predatory politicians – it is
important to first understand what these two government-
• Predatory politicians took millions in campaign sponsored enterprises do.
funds from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in exchange
for political protection against attempts at reform. FANNIE AND FREDDIE DON’T MAKE MORTGAGES TO
individual home owners. Instead, they purchase mortgages
• Predatory politicians funded radical groups like from banks and other mortgage providers. The theory is
ACORN which receive millions in taxpayers dollars to that, by taking these mortgage obligations off the books
extort banks into making risky loans, all the while they of private bankers, Fannie and Freddie would free up
work to get out the vote for the liberal politicians that capital for these banks to make more loans to other
are their benefactors. home buyers.

Predatory politicians forced banks to FANNIE AND FREDDIE WOULD THEN TAKE THESE
mortgages and “securitize” them by bundling them
make bad loans. together and selling them to investors such as investment
During the Carter Administration Congress passed the banks and pension funds. Investors received returns on
Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) with the laudable their investments as long as home values continued to
goal of helping the poor afford homes. It forced banks to climb and the underlying mortgages were paid. The risk
prove they weren’t “redlining” inner city neighborhoods for the investor, then, is in the quality of the underlying
by refusing to lend to urban residents while using mortgages. And under pressure from predatory politicians
their deposits to lend to suburban homeowners with and in pursuit of profits, Fannie and Freddie became
better credit. increasingly involved in risky subprime mortgages in
the 1990s. But because Freddie and Fannie are backed
The CRA, as strengthened under the by the federal government, investors continued to buy
their securities, safe in the knowledge that if there was a
Clinton Administration, gave leftwing, problem, the government would bail them out.
anti-free market groups veto power over
I N 1999, UNDER PRESSURE FROM THE C LINTON
bank mergers unless banks could prove Administration to increase home ownership rates among
they were making loans to credit risks. low income borrowers, Fannie Mae CEO Franklin Raines
lowered his company’s lending standards to include,
“individuals whose credit is generally not good enough
THE CRA, AS STRENGTHENED UNDER THE CLINTON to qualify for conventional loans.”
Administration, gave leftwing, anti-free market groups
(more about them below) veto power over bank mergers
unless banks could prove they were making loans to
credit risks. Wielding this power, these leftwing so-called
“community groups” have extorted hundreds of millions
from banks. These community groups, in turn, finance
both lending to low income mortgage seekers and get-out-
the-vote activity for liberal politicians. As the City Journal
reported in 2000, using the power to extort granted in
the CRA, the radical, anti-free market group ACORN
received $760 million from the Bank of New York, the
Boston-based Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of
America dragged $3 billion out of the Bank of America
and a coalition of “community groups” in New Jersey
got an astounding five-year, $13 billion agreement with
First Union Bank.

• Predatory politicians (and the pursuit of profits)


pushed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into buying
up more and more risky, subprime loans, creating
incentives for mortgage providers to issue even
more bad loans.

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No. 4 T H E V O I C E P. 11

FRANK HAD A HABIT OF MAKING PUBLIC EXCUSES FOR


Freddie and Fannie. In 2000, Franks said that he said
concerns about Fannie and Freddie were “overblown.”
In 2002, Franks categorized them as “great assets.” In
2003, he said that the American people did “not face any
crisis” with containing the risk in Freddie’s and Fannie’s
portfolios. Frank clearly ignored the obviously unsound
investment practices of Freddie, so that he could continue
to pass on rewards to industry insiders.

I N 2005, F EDERAL R ESERVE C HAIRMAN A LAN


Greenspan sounded the alarm to the House Financial
Service Committee, for the second time in two years,
about the undercapitalization of Freddie and Fannie’s
portfolios. He warned that by “[e]nabling these institutions
to increase in size […] we are placing the total financial
system of the future at a substantial risk.”
THE RESULT, GOVERNMENT REGULATORS TESTIFIED LAST
month, was that by 2008 about 33 percent of Fannie and ALSO IN 2005, REPUBLICAN SENATORS INCLUDING
Freddie’s business involved risky loans. And as of May John McCain, introduced legislation to tighten up
2008, Freddie and Fannie had guaranteed $2.2 trillion in regulation of Freddie and Fannie. Senator Chuck Schumer
mortgages, about 75% of all mortgages in the U.S., and and Senator Chris Dodd and other Democrats resisted,
owned a quarter of the all the mortgage back securities and the legislation lacked the support to get any traction.
issued on the market. After the Democrats took over Congress in 2006, all
chances of reform were lost.
HERE’S HOW A NEW REPORT FROM THE MINORITY
staff of the House Oversight and Government Reform SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN HAS CONTINUED TO PUSH FOR
Committee captures Freddie and Fannie’s role in the reform. He has argued that Freddie and Fannie should be
current crisis: dissolved, and that new regulations should be passed that
“limits their ability to borrow, shrinks their size until they
“AS THE LARGEST PURCHASERS AND SECURITIZERS OF are no longer a threat to our economy and privatizes and
mortgages and [mortgage-backed securities] in the eliminates their links to the government.”
world, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac exert a powerful
influence on the rest of the mortgage lending market. As the chairman of the House Financial
By signaling their willingness to dip ever deeper into
the pool of risky subprime and Alt-A mortgages, Services Committee, Barney Frank
they created powerful incentives for non-bank lenders resisted any regulation of Freddie and
like Countrywide Financial and Lehman Brothers to
continue scraping the bottom of the mortgage barrel. Fannie’s investment strategies and even
This fueled the disastrous housing bubble that collapsed sought to increase their portfolios.
with such dire consequences for the U.S. and global
financial system.
… WHILE F ANNIE AND F REDDIE COOKED THEIR
• Predatory politicians resisted calls to reign-in books to boost their executives’ multi-million dollar
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as they put the taxpayers compensation packages.
on the line for trillions of dollars bad loans …
IN ADDITION TO THE WILLFUL IGNORANCE DISPLAYED BY
MUCH OF THE CURRENT CRISIS COULD HAVE BEEN the Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee,
prevented if Congressman Barney Frank would have the executives of Freddie and Fannie were busy gambling
encouraged reform instead of prevented it. As the away tax payer money on dicey investment products.
chairman of the House Financial Services Committee,
Barney Frank resisted any regulation of Freddie and CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF FREDDIE MAC, RICHARD F. SYRON
Fannie’s investment strategies and even sought to ignored the warnings from regulators that Freddie Mac’s
increase their portfolios. The mission of Freddie and portfolio was built on shaky, financial grounds. According
Fannie – to provide low income housing – became a to the New York Times, Syron was warned in 2004 that
smoke shield for Frank to reward his buddies from Freddie Mac needed to cut back on investments in risky
Freddie and Fannie. loans. New York Times reports that Syron received a memo

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P. 12 T H E V O I C E No. 4

an Enron-like accounting scandal in 2004, former head


of Fannie Mae, Franklin Raines, was forced to resign.
Raines still managed to walk out of the door with at least
$20 million in compensation. Raines is now a consultant
with none other than the Obama campaign.

REPLACING MR. RAINES, DANIEL H. MUDD BECAME


chief executive in 2004. Under his leadership, shareholders
of Fannie Mae lost millions of dollars. Nevertheless, he
managed to earn at least $42 million in compensation.

• Predatory politicians took millions in campaign


funds from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in exchange
for political protection against attempts at reform.

FANNIE AND FREDDIE WORKED HARD – AND PAID


millions – to protect themselves from reform efforts
in Congress. Between 2000 and 2008, Fannie and
Freddie employees contributed nearly $15 million to the
campaigns of Members of Congress on key committees
Fannie and Freddie worked hard – and responsible for their oversight.
paid millions – to protect themselves from
T OPPING S ENATE S ENATE
reform efforts in Congress. Between THE LIST IN THE WAS
Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd at $165,400
2000 and 2008, Fannie and Freddie in contributions. But coming a close second is Barack
Obama, despite having been in the Senate only
employees contributed nearly $15 since 2004.
million to the campaigns of Members of
OPEN SECRETS
Congress on key committees responsible REPORTS THAT IN JUST FOUR YEARS IN
office, Senator Obama has received $126,349 in political
for their oversight. donations, whereas Senator McCain, first elected in 1986,
has only received $21,550.

from the chief risk officer, David A. Andrukonis, raising • Predatory politicians funded radical groups like
alarm about questionable loans. ACORN which receive millions in taxpayers’ dollars
to extort banks into making risky loans, all the while
MR. ANDRUKONIS WARNED SYRON THAT THE COMPANY’S they work to get out the vote for the liberal politicians
investment strategies were “an enormous financial and that are their benefactors.
reputational risk to the company and the country.”
According to Andrukonis, Syron said that government AS WE’VE SEEN, THE RADICAL, ANTI-FREE MARKET
regulators had no right to dictate their investment group ACORN has been one of the most successful of the
strategies. Mr. Syron reportedly said in a private leftwing “community” groups at working hand-in-glove
meeting with investors that: “This company will bow with predatory politicians to fuel the economic crisis.
to no one.”
PERHAPS THAT’S WHY LAST SUMMER’S HOUSING BAILOUT
IN APPARENT FRUSTRATION, ANDRUKONIS EVENTUALLY bill, and the Paulson bailout bill after congressional
left Freddie Mac to take a teaching position in 2005. Over Democrats got done with it, contained hundreds of
the next three years, Freddie Mac continued buying riskier millions in new funds to groups like ACORN.
loans. And last month, in the midst of the crumbling share
values, the government took the drastic step to bailout WHETHER THEY’RE RECEIVING FUNDS FROM BANKS
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. As taxpayers footed the via the Community Reinvestment Act, through
bill, Syron brought home a reward for his ineptitude. contributions from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, or
From 2003 to Aug 2008, Syron has collected $38 million direct payments from the taxpayer via Congress, these
in compensation. radical groups have been the shock troops of predatory
politicians seeking to advance their leftwing agenda.
LIKE SYRON, THE CHAIRS OF FANNIE MAE HAVE ALSO They disrupt meetings, harass public officials and use
reaped a profit from the mismanaged endeavors. Amid other “in your face” tactics to justify their funding. And

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No. 4 T H E V O I C E P. 13

in return, they work to get out the vote for the liberal
politicians who support them.

MORE THAN ANY OTHER SINGLE FACTOR, PREDATORY


politicians used the weight and power of the federal
government to create the market for the subprime loans
that are at the heart of our financial melt-down.

AND NOW THESE SAME PREDATORY POLITICIANS ARE


looking into the cameras and saying:

“THE PRIVATE SECTOR GOT US INTO THIS MESS. THE


government has to get us out of it.”

THE TRUTH IS, PREDATORY POLITICIANS GOT US INTO


this mess. Now the taxpayers are footing the bill to get
us out of it.

IT’S NOT THE FREE MARKET THAT’S SICK, IT’S GOVERNMENT


that’s sick. As P.J. O’Rourke once wrote, “Giving money
and power to government is like giving whiskey and car
keys to teenage boys.” It’s time to take away the whiskey
and the car keys from the predatory politicians. status quo by moving power out of Washington and back to the
American people. Under his leadership, Congress passed welfare
reform, passed the first balanced budget in a generation, and passed
NEWT GINGRICH is well-known as the architect of the the first tax cut in sixteen years. In addition, the Congress restored
“Contract with America” that led the Republican Party to victory funding to strengthen our defense and intelligence capabilities, an
in 1994 by capturing the majority in the U.S. House for the first action later lauded by the bipartisan 9/11 Commission. Visit
time in forty years. After he was elected Speaker, he disrupted the Newt Gingrich’s website at www.Newt.org.
No. 4 P. 15 T DH EEP A
V ROT IM CE EN T P. 15

Health & Healing


CONTROL STRESS
BY CONTROLLING YOUR TIME
EARS AGO, WHEN I ENCOUNTERED the whole time we played. To me, that degree of

Y one of my patients or friends I


would ask them, “How are you
doing?” Their response was nearly always,
BUILDING busyness is not relaxing. But for many people,
it’s as if every waking minute has to be spent
doing something in order to be perceived as
“Fine.” Now when I ask that same question, I
find that people tend to respond with answers
such as “Busy,” “Tired” or “Exhausted.”
MARGIN INTO productive. They aren’t enjoying the minutes
as they are lived. Later, many awaken to realize
with sadness that they have missed out on a

I HAVE MET PEOPLE WHO GENUINELY


believe being busy is a sign of success. Some
YOUR LIFE. great deal of enjoyment.

IN HIS BOOK THE OVERLOAD SYNDROME,


even take pride in being busy and push Dr. Richard Swenson accurately paints the
themselves to the point of exhaustion. As picture of overload in our society. He states that
a nation, America seems to be trapped in a BY DR. DON COLBERT a concept he calls margin is necessary as a space
work-and-spend cycle. Author John de Graff between vitality and exhaustion. Margin is the
calls this “afluenza”—a painful, contagious, time in which we experience breathing room
socially transmitted condition of overload, I CAN RECALL PLAYING GOLF WITH A GROUP OF and access reserve energy. Having sufficient
debt, anxiety and waste resulting from the friends a few years ago. One of my friends was margin in our lives daily is necessary to keep
dogged pursuit of more.1 on his cell phone making business calls almost us from overload.2

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P. 16 T H E V O I C E No. 4

FOR EXAMPLE, IF A PERSON IS FLYING FROM on your media time and spend more time being minutes to connect with family members at
New York to Los Angeles with a change of with people and creating your own “fun times.” mealtimes and avoid arguments and stressful
planes in Dallas, would they leave themselves topics at the table. Also, avoid eating on the
only five minutes to make the connection 8. Make the most of your waiting times. run or in your car. A great deal of stress can be
between flights? If they did, there would be a Everybody finds themselves in waiting rooms eliminated if a person will simply use mealtimes
very high probability that they would miss their from time to time. It may be a doctor’s or as opportunities to relax.
flight. They would probably also experience dentist’s office, bank or airport. Always have a
anxiety and frustration because they have book or something else with you to fill this time 13. Choose to be a good steward of
not left themselves sufficient margin for an with something positive and productive. your time, and as a part of your stewardship,
enjoyable journey. build in a healthy margin of totally unscheduled
9. Limit the amount of time you spend time. These moments are likely to fuel your
WHEN WE BECOME TOO BUSY, WE LOSE OUR with negative, pessimistic people. They creativity and energy and defuse your stress
joy. As a result, people irritate us, and we often will not only sabotage your goals, but they will level simultaneously. Remember, your time is
become frustrated, anxious and critical. How also drain your energy. ultimately your most precious possession. How
can we break out of the trap of being too busy
and practice keeping a healthy margin in our
lives? Primarily by organizing our time and
cutting out anything that is not in line with
our top priorities. This is a simple thing to do,
but many people don’t know where to begin.

HERE ARE SOME BASIC STEPS I RECOMMEND


to help you get started.

1. Purchase an organizer/calendar and


put key dates, deadlines and major events in it.

2. Organize your desk at work and


at home—the place where you do your
paperwork, pay bills and so forth. This way you
won’t waste a lot of time looking for things you
need to accomplish these tasks.

3. Throw away junk mail daily.

4. Buy a filing cabinet for storing 10. Refuse to be distracted if you are you spend it determines, in many ways, how you
important papers, such as articles, focused on a work project. Turn on the will spend eternity. Use it wisely.
warranties, documents, deeds, wills and other answering machine or have somebody answer
valuable items that may be stuck in various your calls. Don’t allow interruptions. Stick with (1) Don Colbert, M.D., Stress Less (Nashville, TN: Thomas
places around the house. one task until it is finished before moving on Nelson, Inc., 2005), p. 149.
to the next. You can get more done in an hour (2) See note 1, p. 151.
5. Organize your kitchen. Countless hours of totally focused time than in three hours of
are spent searching for items in the kitchen as time that has only a few interruptions.
one prepares meals. DR. DON COLBERT, MD
11. Make a to-do list each evening graduated from ORU Medical
6. Prevent bothersome phone calls by before you go to bed. Then refuse to think School in 1984. He then moved
telemarketers. Get call-block, caller ID, or about it until morning! As part of this list, to Central Florida where he did
simply unplug the phone during certain hours set a specific time to exercise, have your daily his internship and residency
to avoid wasting time on unnecessary calls. devotions, and eat meals. Make sure you have at Florida Hospital. For over
a little margin for relaxation and unavoidable twenty years, Dr. Colbert has
7. Declare a “media fast” one day a week, interruptions. practiced medicine in Central
or perhaps one weekend a month. That means 12. Make meal times an experience Florida. He has been board
no computer, television, radio, news, videos by tasting, smelling and savoring every bite certified in Family Practice since August 1987, and is
or DVDs. Use this time to connect with your of food instead of “wolfing it down.” I also board certified in Anti-Aging Medicine. He can
family and friends. As a general rule, cut down recommend that you give yourself at least thirty be reached at www.drcolbert.com.

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P. 18 T H E V O I C E

SATAN’S
God created you with the ability to
see all things possible. Your adversary
the devil, knowing the hidden power of
human potential seeks to utilize this gift
to surplant your destiny. Here’s how you
discern Satan’s best spiritual warfare strategy.

By Jonas Clark

A
TACTIC IS A PLAN OF ACTION FOR and altered his imagination forever. Let’s examine
attaining a particular goal. Satan has Satan’s tactics to defile man by corrupting
one goal, to steal, kill and destroy. Many his imagination.
Christians are interested in spiritual warfare
strategies dealing with principalities and powers, BEFORE THE FALL ALL THOUGHTS AND
territorial spirits and demons. Spiritual warfare imaginations were centered on the mind
is simply binding and loosing in prayer and of Elohiym, “all things possible to
attacking on purpose spiritual strongholds of him that believeth.” Man was only
opposition and resistance against the Gospel of capable of good thoughts and positive
Christ in your life (Matthew 18:18-20). It is taking imaginations. When Adam named
up, in prayer, the authority of the believer that God’s creation he never questioned his
Jesus gave His disciples (Luke 10:17). ability to believe it possible to do so.
God created the creatures and Adam
A LTHOUGH SPIRITUAL WARFARE AGAINST simply named them. It was that simple.
powers in the unseen spirit world is important, But one day the imagination of man was
most of your daily battles will be within your altered by the power of sin.
own mind and imagination. Satan understands
spiritual warfare and uses man’s own ignorance GOD CREATED ADAM AND EVE AND
of his delegated spiritual authority and the fertile placed them in the Garden of Eden.
ground of man’s unguarded imaginations to Eden was the kingdom of God on
attack him. This is why it is important to renew earth. It was man’s place of habitation
your mind with the Word of God. Satan has no and dominion. In the garden they were
authority over you unless you remain ignorant of free to enjoy God’s creation and govern
his tactic to use your imagination against you. according to their divine, God created, yet,
Godlike natures (2 Peter 1:4). In the garden
IN THE BEGINNING MAN’S IMAGINATION WAS were two trees, the tree of life and the tree of
pure and produced mighty exploits. It wasn’t the knowledge of good and evil. Of all the trees
until the fall that sin entered the soul of man they could partake excepting the tree of the
P. 20 T H E V O I C E No. 4

imagination. Eve did exactly as God had created


her. She imagined the possibility. Like Eve our
imaginations are designed to image “all things
possible”, even wrong things. Eve took the bait by
entertaining the possibility the tree would make
her like God. The formation of that possibility
was within her imagination. Just as God created
her, she was using her imagination to create. It
was, however, the wrong image. This is what
happens in our lives too. Eve pondered Satan’s
words within her imagination.

TO WIN THE WAR AGAINST YOUR LIFE YOU MUST


conquer the vain imaginations that attack your
mind. When you receive a thought contrary to
God’s word for your life don’t let it incubate within
your imagination, bind it up and cast it down.

S IN IS ALWAYS CONCEIVED WITHIN THE


imagination of man. Good people are not
impulsive sinners. They don’t just wake up one
morning and say, “I’m going to destroy my life
today.” Sin is formed within the imagination
of man.

ELLIOTT SPITZER RESIGNED AS GOVERNOR


of New York after allegedly being caught
using the services of a prostitute. He attended
USE YOUR IMAGINATION IN A POSITIVE WAY. DON’T Princeton University for his undergraduate
LET THE REALM OF IMAGINATION BE USED TO studies and Harvard University for law school,
CONCEIVE SIN. KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN was a successful lawyer and happily married to
a beautiful wife and together had three children.
GODLY THOUGHTS AND UNGODLY THOUGHTS AND He didn’t sin impulsively but was taken captive to
TREAT THEM ACCORDINGLY. INCUBATE THE GOOD sin because he continued to incubate lust within
his imagination. Imaginations need to be cast
ONES AND DESTROY THE BAD ONES. down. Take note of this. It is one thing for you
to have an evil thought it’s another to entertain
knowledge of good and evil. If they did partake the challenge well. Satan, disguised as a serpent, that thought within your imagination. Be careful
the penalty was death (Genesis 2:17). offered his perverted opinion of God’s decree. of lingering on ungodly imaginations. When you
“For God doth know that in the day ye eat do that gives them time to conceive.
LET’S GO BACK IN TIME AND WATCH the Serpent thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye
deceive God’s greatest creation, our parents. shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And SIN IS ALWAYS FORMED WITHIN THE IMAGINATION
Scripture declares, “And the woman said unto when the woman saw that the tree was good for of man. The serpent came to Eve and challenged
the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a God’s Word in her life. That’s what the devil will
of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of do to you too. He will challenge God’s Word in
is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto your life and then try to pull you into the realm
shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye her husband with her and he did eat” (Genesis of vain imagination to mull over his words of
die (Genesis 3:2-3). Eve knew the truth. She knew 3:5-6). In this scripture we learn the process of doubt, unbelief and rebellion. That is the way
that God forbade the partaking of the fruit of the Eve’s deception and Satan’s tactics to use her he attacks you.
tree of the knowledge of good and evil yet the imagination as a weapon against her: She doubted
serpent challenged God’s command. The serpent God’s Word, gazed at the tree, took the fruit, ate USE YOUR IMAGINATION IN A POSITIVE WAY.
answered, “You shall not surely die” (Genesis 3:4). and gave to her husband. Don’t let the realm of imagination be used to
conceive sin. Know the difference between godly
S ATAN CONTINUED HIS ATTACK AGAINST THE STRATEGY UNCHANGED thoughts and ungodly thoughts and treat them
God’s word by creating opportunities to doubt. The devil hasn’t changed his strategy. The tactic accordingly. Incubate the good ones and destroy
Everyone will find the enemy question God’s that worked with Eve he will try with you by the bad ones. A sign of spiritual maturity is the
Word but it is how we respond to his challenge introducing doubt and focusing you on imaging ability to know the source of your thoughts and
that controls the outcome. Eve didn’t handle the forbidden. Satan took advantage of Eve’s imaginations and deal with them accordingly.

More Related Articles Online: Spiritual Warfare


B y D r. R . L . Wy s o n g
F WE VOLUNTARILY JOIN A CLUB AND AGREE TO ABIDE is a unique dictator; it is a benign one in that its very purpose is

I
by its rules, violating those rules is ethically wrong. The to guarantee us freedom from oppression. It is the culmination of
United States is a club. To break or subvert its rules–the thousands of years of intelligent thinking about government. The
Constitution and its laws–is likewise unethical. People Constitution has elements dating back to the democratic ideals of the
who disagree with the rules have every right to do so, Greeks and Romans; the common law wisdom of the British Magna
move elsewhere, and join another nation (club) where the rules are different. Carta; and to the Age of Enlightenment that liberated man from the
oppression of the divine right of kings, state religion, hereditary status,
JUST BECAUSE THE UNITED STATES IS A DEMOCRACY AND WE HAVE CERTAIN and protectionism.
voting rights, does not mean this is a free for all. Actually, we and our leaders
live under a dictatorship and are duty bound to it. The Oath of Allegiance THUS WE HAVE COME TO THINK OF LIBERATION—BEING A LIBERAL—AS
to the United States says, in part: “that I will support and defend the a good thing. However, true classical liberalism does not deny all law; it
Constitution and the laws of the United States of America against all enemies, puts in place benevolent law, like the Constitution, that guarantees the very
foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same” liberty liberals seek. The great thinkers who put together the Constitution,
and the sages upon whose shoulders they stood, were not so silly to think
SINCE OUR OBJECTIVE AS INDIVIDUALS IS TO HAVE FREEDOM, SUCH that freedom and liberty could ever occur in a lawless society that just
constraint, at first glance, may seem like oppression. But the Constitution trusted the good and fair nature of citizens.

More Related Articles Online: Society


P. 22 T H E V O I C E

MODERN SO-CALLED LIBERALISM DENIES THE


wisdom of true classical liberalism and is naively
attempting to move society to a libertine state, a
somewhat anything goes mentality, and, politically,
Marxism/socialism/communism. In effect, while
operating under the liberty made possible only by
the Constitution, this misguided liberalism reaches
out for a liberty from any law. If they were to get
their wish, society would collapse in anarchy.

ALSO, THIS MOVEMENT VIOLATES THE CITIZEN


Oath by repudiating the spirit of the Constitution
and by promoting a foreign (Marxist) ideology.
Renaming Marxism, liberalism, is a perversion
of true classical liberalism which champions free
trade, the right of property, and the rule of law.

THERE IS NOTHING INHERENTLY UNETHICAL


about Marxism/socialism/communism, as long
as it is promoted and practiced somewhere other
than in America. Citizenship in the United States
requires obedience to our ruler, the Constitution,
which is the antithesis of Marxism/socialism/
communism. Our ruler, the Constitutional
benevolent dictator, is not a tyrannical king that society from human weakness, particularly at NOW WE MAY THINK, AND WE ARE LED TO
needs to be overthrown. Citizens do not need to the political level. believe by politicians, that because we can vote
be enlightened and liberated (liberaled) from it. that we are free to change the government
The Constitution’s goal is every freedom loving MODERN CONSERVATISM HAS BECOME besmirched however we may like. But that is not the purpose
person’s goal: to make government disappear by equating it with the old world notion of tyrannical of voting in America. We are a democratic
as much as possible and give to citizens all kings and an oppressive church. But conservative republic, not a plebiscite, a mob rule wherein
reasonable rights and freedoms—while at constructionism (follow the Constitution closely) 51% of the people could conceivably vote
the same time acknowledging and protecting is actually liberalism that has reached its zenith. to kill the other 49%. Voting is the means by

 WHICH IS AMERICA? • The right to represent yourself without


experiencing prejudice by courts and without
pressure and encumbrances that put you at
a disadvantage.
Constitutional Republic Tenets:
• Freedom from excessive bail.
• Freedom of religion, press, speech,
assembly (no permits, no licenses, equal • No denial of common law rights.
time for all competing ideas in the media).
• The right to “pursue happiness” – meaning
• Freedom to bear arms (for both self protec- the ability to earn and to keep what
tion and to keep the government honest). you earn.

• No forced quartering of troops. • No oppressive taxation and no taxation


without representation.
• No unlawful search and seizure.
• No privileged ruling class and no
• Freedom not to witness against self, monopolization of law by special interests
guaranteed due process, the right to a full such as attorneys, career politicians, and
and fair hearing, just compensation. corporate lobbyists.

• Speedy and public trial (no attorney-judge • All powers not mentioned above, reserved
deals, no waiting months for a trial). to the people.

• Trial by jury, not by attorneys and judges.


T H E V O I C E P. 23

which we are to hold politicians in check and MODERN


make them adhere to our benevolent leader,
For those who may think LIBERALISM IS GAINING STRENGTH
by garnering votes from the growing ranks
the Constitution. society is not sliding of those dependent upon the government for
their livelihood and slogans that encourage class
M ODERN LIBERALISM — MORE ACCURATELY toward a socialistic warfare, such as “the ‘wealthy’ need to be taxed
libertinism combined with Marxism/Socialism/ state, consider that in more and the ‘poor’ need a tax break. This, of
communism—is made attractive with the course, has appeal because it assumes the age-old
promise of leveling economic disparity. But this 1900 American citizens popular belief dating back to feudal times that the
denies a basic reality, namely that people will “rich” have stolen their wealth and the “poor” are
not tap their full potential if the results of their
paid taxes at a rate victims of this theft. But this denies the fact that
labor are stripped from them and given to others of about 5% of their in a free society anyone can be rich. It also ignores
who are working less. An attempt at socialism the reason this country was formed and so many
almost destroyed the original pilgrim settlements income (with no income shed their blood: unfair taxation from the British.
in the New World. (see: http://forum.isi. tax) and worked about (See the HBO series: John Adams)
org/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/3830054552/
m/1850052092) Today, the Democrat party— 20 days of the year to FOR THOSE WHO MAY THINK SOCIETY IS NOT
the primary political voice of this libertine sliding toward a socialistic state, consider that
Marxism/socialism/communism—is bent on
earn that tax. Today, in 1900 American citizens paid taxes at a rate of
repeating this historical mistake. It ignores the people pay more than about 5% of their income (with no income tax)
fact that wherever socialism and communism and worked about 20 days of the year to earn that
are attempted, economies fail and people 30%, and about 120 tax. Today, people pay more than 30%, and about
suffer horribly. days of the year are 120 days of the year are spent earning it.

UNDER THE RUSE OF FAIRNESS, MODERN SO- spent earning it. Marxist ideals interfere with and deny the “right to
called liberalism seeks to expand the size and pursue happiness.” This Constitutional and Dec-
power of government by making increasing laration of Independence phrase was interpreted
numbers of citizens supported by, and thus according to ability, to each according to need, by the U.S. Supreme Court (Field and Miller):
dependent upon it. Government is viewed as and the weak human tendency toward dependency
a big daddy to ease all our pain, guarantee a and laziness. This naïve concept assumes that “A MONG THESE INALIENABLE RIGHTS , AS
standard of living, place no demands, and solve people are selfless and honest: everyone will proclaimed in that great document, is the right of
all our problems. Its appeal and strength is derived pull at least their fair share and happily give men to pursue their happiness, by which is meant
from the beguiling Marxist precept: from each to others the results of their extra efforts. the right to pursue any lawful business or vocation,

Marxist Communism Tenets: • Governmental ownership of factories and


(American practices in parentheses) farms (control by favors for donations, and
through permits, licenses, labor boards,
• Government has a right to citizen’s pri- OSHA, Soil Conservation districts, Bureaus
vate property (if taxes are not paid, you are of Land Management, etc.).
charged with crime, or eminent domain is
exerted, property goes to the State). • Governmental ownership of communica-
tion and transportation (like a Federal Com-
• Heavy progressive income tax. The harder munication Commission and State Depart-
you work -- the more happiness you pursue ment of Motor Vehicles).
-- the more you are penalized (the income tax
code and IRS does just that). • Governmental ownership of factories and
farms (or controls through permits, licenses,
• Abolition of rights of inheritance (the State labor boards, OSHA, Soil Conservation dis-
becomes a vested party through a marriage tricts, Bureaus of Land Management, etc.).
license; State imposed death taxes). • Governmental control of education (permits
• Governmental control of labor (like manda- and licensing of teachers and schools, as
• Confiscation of rebel’s property (those not tory Social Security numbers, minimum wage, well as state-approved unions and curricula).
complying with State or tax dictates may enforced withholding tax on employees).
have property confiscated). It is apparent that the gap between American
• Corporate farms, regional planning (such as government and communism is becoming
• Central bank (a Central Federal Bank with the gradual removal of the small family farm narrower and narrower. Only by thinking
the power to create money by printing it). and its replacement with a few super farms and measuring long term consequences can
linked to governmental/corporate control). freedom be protected from naive political
ideologies such as communism.
More Related Articles Online: Society
P. 24 T H E V O I C E No. 4

in any manner not inconsistent with the equal rights business. For example, increasing the minimum of the Constitution. It is not about personality
of others, which may increase their prosperity or wage and taxes on businesses is postured as a way or any other superficial measure or promise.
develop their faculties, so as to give to them their to help the “poor.” But few stop to think about Politicians who attempt to ignore or dilute the
highest enjoyment.” how this actually damages the poor. If businesses Constitution by transferring power (and money
must pay higher wages and more taxes, they must is power) from the people to the government are
THIS RIGHT, UNLIKE ANY OTHER, MOTIVATED raise the price of their goods accordingly. Who unethical; those who vote for them are as well.
and enabled early Americans to achieve great buys the higher price for the goods? The “poor!”
success. It is the primary reason the United M ARXIST LIBERALISM SAWS THROUGH THE
States is the economic power it is. Today we are THIS DOES NOT SUGGEST THAT TAXES ARE NOT branch of freedom all people sit on to live a full
riding on the crest of an economic wave that was necessary to support our nation (club). But they and happy life. It puts us on course to the loss
generated by the great individual industriousness should be in the form of set dues or use taxes of freedom from coercion and the forfeiture of
of our fore bearers who had no income tax as we (such as the “Fair Tax”), not by way of income individual liberty, the most important tenets of
do today, nor bloated and onerous government taxes that permit government to redistribute the true classical liberalism as well as the foundation
to support. The Marxist income tax was ruled results of citizen’s hard work. The right to the of the American Constitution.
unconstitutional in 1895, but was cleverly pushed pursuit of happiness is only a right; we are sup-
through Congress in an amendment in 1913. posed to have to catch it ourselves, not have the
government hand it to us—as modern liberals DR. R. L. WYSONG is
BY STEALING FROM THOSE WHO DO “PURSUE attempt to do. Taxes should no more be based author of thirteen books on
happiness” (businesses and the “rich”), and upon “how much you earn,” than the price of health, nutrition, self improve-
redistributing to those who don’t (the “poor”— gas or groceries should be calculated by a clerk ment, philosophy, and the origin
now defined as only three televisions and two cars) based upon showing them your pay stub. of life. He is a pioneer in the
by way of the income tax code, modern liberals natural health and nutrition
threaten the very economic stability of the nation. THE RIGHT TO VOTE COMES WITH AN OBLIGATION movement, and is the first
to be informed about why we have a contract with to put the creation-evolution
THIS SUCKERING OF THE PUBLIC AND DUMBING our government (the Constitution) and what the debate on rational footings. His blog, books, updates,
them down by modern liberalism has succeeded rules of that contract are. Thus, in any election, mind-stimulating content, and interactive forums can be
to such an extent that a large segment of the every citizen is duty bound as a matter of ethics found at: asifthinkingmatters.com. To contact Dr. Wysong
population now cries for more taxes and levies on to measure the candidates through the prism email: wysong@asifthinkingmatters.com
What is Islam? A religion or a political machine? Presidents and Prime Ministers
have said, “Islam is a peaceful religion,” but does anyone really believe that?
History does not. While world leaders ignore the true facts about Islam the Body
of Christ cannot. Discover the naked truth about the ideology of Islam.

W
E FIND IN THE P ROVERBS THE By Guy Rodgers left so much suffering and death in its wake.
passage that reads, “As a man thinks The worldview of Islamism has the following
within himself, so he is.” Jesus echoed central elements:
this when he taught that it is not what goes into a 270 million dead. Entire Christianized cultures
man that makes him unclean, but what comes out throughout North Africa, the Middle East and • Muslims are superior to non-Muslims.
from inside him. This speaks to a fundamental parts of Asia no longer exist, either annihilated
truism of human nature – the way we think, or subjugated by Muslim conquerors, and at least • The world is divided between the dar al Islam
believe and view the world dictates the choices a million Jews have either died or been displaced (which is where peace “reigns” because Islam
we make and how we behave. at the hands of Islam. reigns) and the dar al Harb (the region of “war,”
where Islam does not reign).
I MAKE THIS POINT AT THE OUTSET BECAUSE ISLAM IS BOTH A RELIGIOUS BELIEF AND A
it is apparent to me that most of the citizenry political ideology, and an understanding of • Muslims have a duty to advance the rule and
of the West has neither a cursory knowledge Islamism, or “political Islam,” explains this brutal authority of Islam until the entire world is under
of the history of Islam or adequate insight into history. The careful reader of the Qur’an, the its rule.
the worldview of Islam to understand how real Hadith (the sayings and traditions of Mohammed)
and serious is the threat posed by Islamism to and the Sira (the biography of Mohammed) is left • Any and all means to advance this rule and
the West. with the inescapable conclusion that political authority, including deception, force and
Islam is an ideology of conquest and subjugation violence, is permissible and even advocated.
THE HISTORY OF ISLAM CAN ONLY BE DESCRIBED which has as its ultimate objective the rule of
as one of violence, terror, and conquest. Four- Islam over all peoples and all cultures. This WHAT, THEN, ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR FREE-
teen centuries of Islam has left a trail of tears and explains why a so-called “religion of peace” has dom-loving and peace-loving non-Muslims?

More Related Articles Online: Culture


P. 26 T H E V O I C E No. 4

FIRST, IGNORANCE OF THIS THREAT IS DEFINITELY


not bliss. While it is true that most Muslims
worldwide can be described as “peaceful”,
or “moderate”, various surveys indicate that
between 200 million and 400 million Muslims
worldwide are “radical,” or, in effect, Islamists,
and tens of millions more are sympathetic to
the Islamist agenda. What’s more, the number
of “radicals” is growing, and polling done in
Western countries such as Great Britain reveal
that younger Muslims are more likely to be
radical than their parents. In other words,
this threat is not going away. If anything, it
will increase.

SECOND, THE WEST’S APPROACH TO “CO-EXIST”


with Islamist ideology, exemplified by Great
Britain’s decades-old efforts to bend over
backwards to accommodate Islam and Muslims,
will not and in fact cannot succeed. We are
dealing with people who view non-believers as
We must stop the spread of Islamism through education,
inferior and regard as a divine call the mission information and through political action. And as we do
to subjugate all peoples, cultures and institutions so we must remember – we are not the aggressors. We are
to the rule and authority of Islam. Attempts
at accommodation are viewed by Islamists as
acting in justifiable self-defense to protect our lives, our
appeasement and reinforce their worldview that security, our safety and our liberties.
they are superior. There is no co-existing with
such a worldview, any more than there was a effect, they use the freedoms and tolerance of extend such a precious liberty to those who would
possibility to co-exist peacefully with Hitler. more democratic countries to advance their use it to spread violence and terror. Tolerance of
ideology of hate, subjugation and oppression. intolerance that leads to violence is not tolerance,
THIRD, THE MASSIVE TRANSFER OF WEALTH FROM For example, they claim their right to freedom it is cultural suicide.
the West to Muslim countries via the purchase of of speech, even when they engage in speech
oil puts us at increasingly greater risk with every that calls for Jihad against unbelievers, then IN SHORT, THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONS OF THE
passing year. This wealth transfer not only makes stunningly demand that those who criticize world must awaken to the cold, hard reality that
possible the financing of terrorist organizations, Islam be silenced for ostensibly engaging in the political ideology of Islam does not allow
it has for decades made possible the spread of “hate speech.” for co-existence, democratic values and ideals, or
Islamist ideology worldwide. For instance, over equality. We cannot control how Muslim countries
the past twenty years the Saudi’s have spent H OW ARE WE TO RESPOND TO WHAT IS choose to govern themselves, but we can control
tens of billions of dollars funding college and arguably the greatest threat to world peace this how our free nations govern themselves. We
university programs, professors and materials century? In a word, we must resist. must stop the spread of Islamism through
that put a “religion of peace” façade on Islam. education, information and through political
At the same time they have spent billions more WORKING THROUGH THE GOVERNMENTS OF action. And as we do so we must remember – we
on mosques and madrassas (Islamic schools) that our home countries, we must press for laws are not the aggressors. We are acting in justifiable
promote extremist materials they also pay for. that define Islamism as a violent ideology that self-defense to protect our lives, our security, our
leads to terrorism. The right to proclaim what safety and our liberties.
FOURTH, IT IS NOT ONLY OUR SAFETY AND one believes is a precious right, but it is not an
security that is at risk, but our liberties. Islamism absolute one. Freedom of speech is not an
is completely antithetical to the values of equality absolute right. You can’t yell fire in a crowded GUY RODGERS is the Execu-
and democracy. Where Islam rules freedom of theater because experience has shown that doing tive Director for American Con-
speech is non-existent or severely repressed. so creates an imminent threat to others. gress for Truth (ACT). He has
Women have few rights and are considered, served 25 years in the public arena
both culturally and legally, the inferior of men. IN THE SAME WAY, 1,400 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE of the non-profit and political
And of course, there is no religious freedom for has shown that the propagation of Islamist, worlds. As a political consultant,
non-Muslim faiths. jihadist ideology creates an imminent threat to he provided leadership and strategic
non-Muslims – and even to Muslims who are direction to nearly 40 campaigns,
ISLAMISTS ARE INFILTRATING AND SUBVERTING not deemed “devout” enough. Speech that is a including five presidential campaigns and the campaigns
non-Muslim countries around the world, demonstrable cause of violence is not protected of several Members of Congress and state officials. He
practicing what is called “cultural Jihad.” In speech, and free societies cannot be expected to can be reached at www.ActforAmerica.org.

More Related Articles Online: Culture


No. 4 COLUMN P. 29

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

SICK
AND
TIRED?
Breaking the cycle of weariness
and defeat in your life.

B Y D AVID C OKER

H
AVE YOU EVER BEEN SICK day I was on top of the world and
and tired of being sick? the next I was flat on the floor. I A RE YOU AT THAT PLACE IN nothing happens, or things just
You know that feeling had just enough faith to get from your life? That place where it get worse. Maybe your marriage
when it seems you are never going one week to the next, my emotions seems like everything is stuck, seems hopeless. Maybe you are
to get over a cold and you are so always getting the better of me. My like there’s a ceiling over your overwhelmed in your finances and
tired you just don’t think you can can’t see a way out. Maybe you
take it anymore. You’ve been to
the doctor; the medicine didn’t
Change is possible. You don’t have feel like you are stuck in a dead
end job.
really help. You’ve coughed until to live your life a victim of your
your sides ache. You’ve blown I WANT TO FOCUS ON THE POWER
your nose until it’s red and sore. vicious past, a prisoner of your change. What does it take to
You’ve lost sleep, work, and your
sense of humor. The worst part
present circumstances, or a slave change? It is even possible for
people to truly change? Let me
is that you’re completely helpless to your situation. God wants to testify to you today that all things
against that cold. are possible to him who believes
and can bring you out! (Mark 9:23).
IN 1993, THAT WAS THE STORY
of my life. I was sick and tired life was in a never-ending tailspin. life and you can only rise so far CHANGE IS POSSIBLE. YOU DON’T
of being sick and tired. I felt like I wanted the cycle to end, but it before something knocks you back have to live your life a victim of
everything about my life was going seemed the more I tried the more down again? You’ve pushed every your vicious past, a prisoner of
in a pointless circle. I felt like one tired I got. I felt hopeless. button and pulled ever lever and your present circumstances, or a

More Related Articles Online: Spiritual Growth


P. 30 T H E V O I C E No. 4

“No matter what, I want the


TRUTH! I am sick and tired of being
sick and tired. God, change me into
what You designed me to be! I give
up control of my own life and put
my trust in YOU!”
and tired. You want that cycle of me into what You designed me to be! I
slave to your situation. God wants We’ll dig more into what actually helplessness and hopelessness to give up control of my own life and put
to and can bring you out! I know happened in upcoming issues, but break in your life. If that’s you, my trust in YOU! I thank You for my
because His Word says so and know this, change can happen! pray this prayer: victory in advance! In Jesus name, Amen!
because I’ve lived it. He brought me There is hope. The Bible says that
out and I now walk in the greatest faith is the substance of things FATHER GOD, I THANK YOU THAT THE FIRST STEP TO ALL CHANGE
peace I have ever known. hoped for (Hebrews 11:1). Maybe You are more than enough for every is as simple as making a decision.
you don’t think you have enough situation I’m going through. Lord, I If you just prayed that prayer, you
O N F EBRUARY 22, 1993, MY faith to smile, but let me tell you, want Your Truth in my life no matter have made the first step towards
life changed. In less than one there is hope. what. No matter if it disagrees with what change. There will be many other
hour, I went from going nowhere I’ve always heard. No matter if it means steps before your reach the full
and doing nothing to beginning I BELIEVE THERE ARE PEOPLE I’ll have to change. No matter what, I manifestation of change in your
a process of change that would reading this article right now who want the TRUTH! I am sick and tired life, but know that change is on
revolutionize my life forever. are sick and tired of being sick of being sick and tired. God, change the way!
Visit www.JonasClark.com.
or Call 800.943.6490
A NEW By Deborah Brown-Volkman

PERSPECTIVE
ON JOB LOSS
Don’t cope with job loss. Get ready to
conquer the next phase of your life with
seven tips that will encourage your heart
and equip you for career success.
T H E V O I C E P. 33

A SUDDEN JOB LOSS CAN BE VERY UNSETTLING,

and it makes a person look inside in order


to get perspective on their situation. If you
future one. Use the time wisely because an opportunity like this one may
never come again.

DECIDE WHAT
follow these seven steps, you will be well on 4 YOU WILL DO NEXT
your way to getting back on track with your WILL YOU STAY IN THE SAME CAREER? WILL YOU DO SOMETHING
different? Will you start your own business? Or, will you decide to scale down
career – and your life. In fact, you may very your lifestyle so you can stretch out the time before you go back to work?
There is no right or wrong choice, only what calls to you. Trust your instinct.
well find that you are better off. That job loss The answer is inside you. It is up to you if you will take the time to listen.

could be a blessing in disguise.


PUT AN
RECOGNIZE LOSING YOUR
5 ACTION PLAN IN PLACE
1 JOB WAS NOT YOUR FAULT NOW THAT YOU HAVE FREE TIME, HOW WILL YOU MAKE IT AS PRODUCtive
as it can be? How many resumes will you send out each week? How many
YES, THERE IS SOME RELIEF KNOWING THAT THE INEVITABLE HAS FINALLY hours each day will you spend searching for jobs online and in the paper?
happened versus the waiting to see if you will go next. But there is still a How may people will you talk to, and how many e-mail’s will you send
little part deep inside you that wonders if it was your fault. Maybe if you out? Your job search does not have to consume you, but having a daily
worked harder, then this would not have happened. Maybe if you worked plan, will keep you from sitting in front of the TV saying “I really should
weekends, evenings, etc., it would have been someone else who was cut. be looking for another job.”
Maybe if you participated in office policies more, you would still have a job.
All these thoughts drain your energy and take away from the contributions
you made when you were there. Your company was not doing well. They
GET SUPPORT
had to cut costs, and you were one of the people they cut. This is all there
is to it. Period. Stop making it mean something more. 6
ENLIST THE HELP OF A FRIEND, SPOUSE, COACH, COLLEAGUE, ETC.
Someone who will listen and support you through this transitional period
DECIDE WHAT’S
2 IMPORTANT TO YOU
in your life. Looking for a job can be frustrating, time consuming, and
disappointing. Remember that you do not have to do it alone.

YOU PROBABLY HAVE PUT YOU ON HOLD FOR YEARS AS YOU HAVE BEEN
spending all your time figuring out how to mold yourself to be someone
REWARD YOURSELF
else. You worried about what your boss thought of you, what his or her
boss thought of you, and what your co-workers thought of you. You 7
spent many evenings trying to calm down or figure out what to do with a
co-worker or boss that was driving you crazy. All of this is gone (if only YES, THE FINAL REWARD IS FINDING A NEW JOB , BUT THERE ARE
temporarily) and now you get to decide what is important to you. What milestones that can be rewarded along the way. Sent your resume to five
makes you happy? What gets you excited? These are questions that you can employers? Reward. Went on one job interview this week? Reward. When
answer because you have been given the gift of time to do so. you look back, you will know that you are not the same person you were
before this happened. And, you will smile to yourself because you know
that this is a good thing.
RECOGNIZE THAT
3 THE TIME OFF IS A BLESSING DEBORAH BROWN-VOLKMAN, PCC, is president of
Surpass Your Dreams, Inc. a career, life, and mentor coaching
THINGS IN LIFE HAPPEN FOR A REASON. THERE WAS SOME PURPOSE FOR company, based in Long Island, NY. She is also author of
you to stop and reassess how you have been living your life at this point. several books including: “Don’t Blow It! The Right Words For
Why do you think this happened now? Were you working too hard? Were The Right Job,” “How To Feel Great At Work Everyday,”
you neglecting yourself ? Was your family screaming for you to spend more and “Coach Yourself To A New Career.” She can be reached
time with them? Now is the time to see if your former lifestyle will fit your at www.surpassyourdreams.com.

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Follow this link:
www.JonasClark.com/tv
SOCIALISM:
By Jonas Clark

A Utopian Revolution
W
ill socialism destroy the America we have all known?
We have heard much about the rise of socialism in
our nation. Does socialism affect you? Will it affect
your life, family, children, work or future? What is socialism?
Is socialism an evil thing? Does socialism affect the Church?
Should Christians be concerned?

The short definition of socialism is this: Socialism is a political


theory that advocates government ownership of industry or,
said another way, government ownership in the means of
production. In the last six months we have experienced an
unprecedented shift from a free market economy (private
ownership in the means of production) to a massive buildup
of federal government ownership in business, particularly the
banking, insurance and mortgage industries. This ownership
and control in businesses by the federal government is also
known as fascism.

Let me give you a few examples of the increase in the size of the
United States federal government. The American government
has increased in size by some estimates a whopping 40 percent.
The government has now created, purchased, owns or controls:

Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, an


 agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security,
employing more than 200,000 employees.

Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, employing


 more than 45,000 airport police, security and baggage
screener employees.

American International Group, Inc., or AIG, a major


 insurance corporation. The cost to U.S. taxpayers
for the purchase and bailout was over $122 billion
and counting.

Federal Housing Finance Agency, or FHFA, a newly-minted


 regulatory agency over Freddie Mac and Fanny Mae. The
cost for purchase and bailout to the U.S. taxpayers was
over $200 billion and counting.

Banker “Rescue Plan,” HEIST. The cost to the U.S.


 taxpayers $700 billion, plus $150 billion in political pork.
P. 38 T H E V O I C E

IN TOTAL, THE U.S. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT NOW


employees more than 14 million workers1, not
including state government employees. The
government also now control a large part of
the means of production. The tipping point
toward more fascism and a socialistic America
has arrived.

FREE MARKET CAPITALISM IS THE ANTITHESIS


of big government ownership and direct
involvement in business. It is an economic system
based on private property and business ownership
of the means of production. This free market
capitalistic system gives opportunity for every
average citizen to achieve the American dream of
life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Recently,
however, the fundamental spirit of capitalism has
been assailed in Washington and we have moved
dangerously close to a form of government that
is contrary to the U.S. Constitution and the spirit
of free market capitalism.

THIS ALONE IS DANGEROUS. NONE OF THIS


reveals, however, the political theory of socialism
that undermines our republic. It is a socialistic
ideology that is dangerous to the Church of
Christ and our liberty as American citizens. So
let’s examine some of the socialist thinking points
of the utopian revolutionaries. By understanding
their ideology we get a better idea of the direction
our nation is heading.


HISTORICAL ROOTS OF
THE UTOPIAN MAN
The secular socialist’s believe in the utopian

SOCIALISM IN AMERICA
man, the masters of the universe. Utopian man
is the perfected man, or the god man. Educated
from childhood to believe in the evolution of
man from savage beast to enlightened being,

T
socialists believe in the social engineering of the he roots of socialism in United States of including the
humanistic god man. America can be traced to the arrival of “Appeal of Reason,”
German immigrants in the 1850s when which was a Kansas-
MUCH OF MODERN SOCIALISTIC AND FASCIST Marxian socialist unions began, such as the based publication
ideology has its roots in the French, German and National Typographic Union in 1852, United Hat- with 700,000
Russian Revolutions. Nicholas Bonneville (1700- ters of 1856, and Iron Moulders’ Union of North subscribers.
1828), for example, was an atheist and revolution- America in 1859. Theodore H. White, author of Membership in
ary journalist during the French Revolution. He Fire in the Ashes: Europe in Mid-Century (1953) the Socialist Party
believed it was vital to rally intellectuals to lead wrote, “Socialism is the belief and the hope that Eugene V. Debs, a prisoner totaled 125,000.
mankind. These intellectuals, said Bonneville, by proper use of government power, men can for opposing US entry into
would be the “legislators of the universe” and be rescued from their helplessness in the wild World War I. Debs conver ted
the protectors of the people.2 According to cycling cruelty of depression and boom.” to socialism while
Bonneville, “Man is God” and will “one day serving jail time for his part in the Pullman
become angelic.” This is the same lie that Satan The Socialist Party in America was born and grew Strike in 1897, and began to edit the Appeal
used to deceive Eve. “For God doth know that dramatically between 1900 and 1912. Under the to Reason publication. From 1900 to 1920, he
in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be charismatic leadership of Eugene V. Debs, 160 ran for president on the Socialist ticket while
opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good councilmen, 145 aldermen, one congressman, increasing membership to the Socialist Party
and evil” (Genesis 3:5). and 56 mayors, were elected as Socialists. At tenfold. Although Debs insisted he was a Marxist,
the time, Socialists published 300 newspapers, he spoke more about poverty and injustice than

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T H E V O I C E P. 39

 STATE AS SOURCE
The socialist revolutionary also looks to the State,
of private property rights. Eminent domain is
the power of government to seize the private
in our case the federal government, rather than property of its citizens for “the common good”
God as its source for education, food, labor and of the city. When eminent domain was challenged
leadership. Philippe Buonarroti (1761-1837), the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 it constitutional
another father of socialistic ideology during the provided there was “just compensation”
French Revolution, said, “Let the Republic be the according to the Fifth Amendment.
sole proprietor; like a mother, it will afford to each
of its members equal education, food and labor.” THIS ATTACK ON AND THE ELIMINATION OF
Buonarroti was a utopian (perfect man) socialist individual property rights through the potential
revolutionary. As a freemason he was an active corruption of eminent domain and other
supporter of the French revolution and believed regulations can be better understood in the
that the state (republic) should take a paternal premise of equal distribution of goods or the
role in the affairs of man. He also promoted redistribution of wealth. Remember we are
breaking down all “marks of private property” examining the ideology of socialism and what
ownership.3 You will understand why in a moment. it will produce.

TO PROMOTE THE STATE AS ONE’S SOURCE IS A


direct violation of Scripture that declares: “But EQUAL
DISTRIBUTION OF GOODS
my God shall supply all your need according to Socialism promotes equality among each
his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians citizen. To achieve this goal they believe in the
4:19) and “I am the Lord thy God, which have redistribution of wealth. “Own everything in
brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the common, nothing for yourself…the equality of
house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods nature…the republic of equals,” said French
before me” (Exodus 20:2-3). To look to Christ for political theorist Sylvain Marechal (1750-1803)
direction, truth and life is a direct violation of the written in Voyages of Pythagoras. Equality
socialistic ideology of the utopian man. sounds good especially for those struggling
for economic freedom. Equality without labor,

ELIMINATION OF PRIVATE
PROPERTY OWNERSHIP
however, is not biblical.

Socialists view private property ownership as the TO CARRY OUT THIS EQUALITY A REDISTRIBUTION
root of all evil. Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679), of wealth must take place through the intervention
another secular thinker whose views are still of a fascist government. In a fascist government,
popular in our universities. went as far to teach the elite are those that take from the wealthy
that competition was evil. As already stated, (through various taxes) and give to the poor
free market capitalism is the ownership of the after skimming off their cut (administrative fees).
means of production. It has been a fundamental Providing a helping hand to the poor, widows
right in capitalistic America. This means of and orphans is certainly biblical. To do so by
production leads to the American dream of force, however, is not. Government cannot make
property ownership. That dream is under attack the heart of man virtuous through laws as the
with rights of ownership being “regulated” by socialist utopian revolutionary thinks.
more and more big government.
NOTHING IS FREE . THE DECLARATION OF

Debs and running mate Ben Hanford, Presidential


WE N OW H AV E , F O R E X A M P L E , “CODE Independence offers equality of opportunity. In
Campaign poster, 1904. enforcement” officers in cities employed to the Parable of the Talents, Christ rebukes the
inspect your actions as a home owner, from the man that buried his talent in the ground. Notice
color you paint your house, when to mow your he doesn’t take by force from the one with 10
typical socialist concerns about the class struggle grass, how to trim your trees and where to place talents or enact legislation and give it to the man
and the dictatorship of the proletariat (Marx). your trash cans. In my city, after a hurricane that buried his talent.
toppled a large tree it was illegal to fill the
In 1912, Debs received 900,000 votes, which remaining hole with sand without a city permit. To SECULAR THINKERS HAVE HISTORICALLY HAD
was six percent of the presidential votes cast those that don’t comply. large fines are imposed a problem with the Christian concept of good
that year, principally for his stand against Amer- that offer an additional source of revenue for and evil, or the idea of a sinful man in need of a
ica’s involvement in World War I. Debs appealed tax-starved cities. Government involvement in Savior. To them the first sins committed by Adam
to blue collar workers hungry for improved work- every aspect of life is increasing. and Eve are nothing but a myth. They believe that
ing conditions and higher wages. inequality is inherently evil and prefer to treat a
SOURCE: WWW.U-S-HISTORY.COM.
E MINENT DOMAIN IS ANOTHER FORM OF stricken society through education, legislation,
government meddling in the capitalistic system and as government policy makers.

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P. 40 T H E V O I C E

SWISS PHILOSOPHER THAT INFLUENCED THE more government involvement and experimental
French revolution Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712- social engineering of our children. The result will FRATERNAL
1778) proposed that the “damn businessman” be lawless children, void of honorable virtues and NATIONALISM
invented the concept of private property that unable to think. The socialist likes to talk of the brotherhood
created a form of envy among the people. This of men that promote a nationalism centered
envy according to him birthed all forms of
 A SECULAR SOCIETY on the cause of equality. Today this ideology is
conflict and evil in the world. To the socialist, A socialist believes in a secular society void heard in statements like “the common good,”
therefore, the free market capitalist system itself of biblical morality, biblical guidance, biblical or “it’s time to sacrifice.” These are code words
is evil and not the person. Evil, then, is the direct wisdom, in short void of Christ. Theodore for a socialistic nationalism used to replace the
result of the unequal distribution of wealth.4 Dezamy, another communist revolutionary, capitalistic ideology of equal opportunity among
believed it important to abolish all kinds of men through the division of labor.
THIS IS OUTRIGHT DECEPTION TO THE CHRISTIAN elite education. By doing so he felt that it would
who understands the fallen nature of man that promote the equality and brotherhood (fraternity) IN CHRISTIANITY LIBERTY MEANS THE FREEDOM
cannot save himself and looks to the sacrificed of man within an atheistic society. As an atheist he to do what God has called you to do within a free
Christ for the atonement of sin. taught “Equals know neither God nor the devil.”5 society. To the socialist, however, liberty means
freedom from godly restraints in morality and
STATE EDUCATION AS CHRISTIANS CHRIST the equality of men that are free from the evils
OF CHILDREN
WE BELIEVE THAT IS
vital to life and happiness. We believe in the of capitalism.
Many parents are not happy with the quality Word of God. We believe that “All scripture is
of education their children are receiving in the given by inspiration of God and is profitable SPIRITUAL,
public school. Again, to the socialist, education for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for NOT RELIGIOUS PEOPLE
is a means for building a new type of human be- instruction in righteousness: That the man of Leaders during the French revolution also looked
ing, the utopian man that finds salvation through God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto to the occult for prophetic revelation to build the
intellectual enlightenment. The problem with that all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). An atheist utopian man within a utopian society. Pythagoras
is it doesn’t work. As we move closer to socialism would flatly reject that belief as foolishness and of Samos (572 BC-500 BC) was one of their in-
within the United States we will see more and one dangerously opposed to the utopian society. tellectual icons. He was a Greek philosopher and

THE SOCIALIST’S REVOLUTION IN AMERICA TODAY


S ocialism in America can still be felt
today. According to the Future of
Freedom Foundation, any
The Social Security Act of 1935, one of
Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal creations, is
seen by many as a socialist program because
medicine” and argued that the individual, not
the federal government, had the wisdom and
capability to manage his or her own affairs.
government owned, funded, it is a government organized and regulated They argued that deregulation of the health
or -subsidized operation system. Social Security was designed to care industry and opening it up to the free
is considered to be a provide retirement benefits to citizens market would bring the cost of health care
socialist program. For through mandatory donations to the program down and increase the availability of care to
exa m p l e , p u b l i c l y during one’s employment years. the American public, which national health
owned airports, sports insurance would not do.
arenas or government- During the Clinton administration, a plan was
funded universities proposed to bring down the high costs of Today, the internet gives the Socialist
would be considered health insurance by creating “national health movement a greater platform. Socialist
socialist operations by insurance.” Critics of the national health websites for example, Socialist Party USA,
that definition. insurance concept labeled it “socialized International Socialist Review, Socialist
T H E V O I C E P. 41

As Christians we can
overcome this anti-
Christ spirit. We are,
after all, the only
danger to its ideology.
To overcome this spirit
and ideology, however,
will require us to
educate ourselves with
a biblical worldview.
dumbing down of the Church that ignores the
warfare of ideas within our world. It’s time to
stop entertaining ourselves and begin to educate
ourselves. We must become a thinking people.
Adolf Hitler said, “What luck for rulers that men
mystic that believed the future could be predicted AS ALREADY SAID, THE SOCIALIST BELIEVES IN do not think.” It’s time to think again and to renew
through mathematics. Much of his orphic beliefs the creation of the utopian man, the enlightened our minds with the Word of God (Romans 12:2).
were instituted within the Masonic lodges during being. On their path to nirvana they may embrace
the French revolution. spiritualism, mysticism, Kabala, New Age CHRIST TAUGHT US TO BE SALT AND LIGHT IN
practices and yoga but are strictly opposed to the a dark world. Far too many people are ignoring
God of the Bible. They don’t believe in good and what is taking place around them and others are
Labor Party of America and the Socialist evil, nor do they see the need for salvation. In looking to the “rapture” as an escape rather than
Worker websites are reaching a combined fact, the socialist believes man can save himself. preparing themselves to make a difference in this
38,700 unique visitors a month. While their They believe in the spiritual man but not the world. In my book “Kingdom Living” we discuss
numbers have dwindled since the 1960s religious man. As Christians we believe that a God’s expectations of His sons and daughters
and 1970s the ideology seems to be making religious person is one that is legalistic, self- and various strategies to make a difference with
a comeback in the recent presidential righteous and hypocritical that has only a form our lives. We can turn this around. We can possess
election. Socialistic ideas thrive in tough of godliness. Therefore a true Christian denies the land. Let us go up at once.
economic times, but will history prove the religious spirit but does have a religion, the
socialism to be wrong again? religion of Christianity with Jesus Christ as the EACH BELIEVER IS UNIQUE AND HAS SOMETHING
founder and cornerstone of that religion. particular that God has called that person to
do in advancing Christian life and Kingdom
SOURCE: Wikipedia SOCIALISM IS ON THE MOVE AGAIN. IT IS BEING culture. In short, to make a difference with their
promoted by university professors, in our public lives that brings glory to God (John 15:8). Yes,
schools, textbooks and even through propaganda each believer is part of the universal Body of
cartoons for our children. As Christians we can Christ but that body is in the world. Let’s get this
overcome this anti-Christ spirit. We are, after reputation, “Those that have turned the world
all, the only danger to its ideology. To overcome upside down have come here to.” As a Christian
this spirit and ideology, however, will require us you have something to say that the world needs
to educate ourselves with a biblical worldview. I to hear. Don’t withdraw yourself from the world
like what J. Stanley Oakes Jr. of Kings College and the affairs of men. Be that city set on a hill.
wrote, “If people study the Bible solely within
the confines of religion, it risks creating a spiritual
ghetto where, at best, the gospel affects the heart, END NOTES:
the home, and the family but has little to do with 1. 14.6 million employees, Paul C. Light, a government profes-
government, business, education, the media, the sor at New York University.
courts, or society at large.” 2. Fire in the Minds of Men, P. 35, James H. Billington
3. Fire in the Minds of Men, P. 35, James H. Billington
F RIENDS , WE MUST DO MORE THAN HAVE 4. See Ideas that Move the World, J. Stanley Oakes Jr. Kings
GOOD church services within the four walls of College, New York
our buildings. We must break the cycle of the 5. Fired in the minds of men, Billington, P. 252

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ELECTION 2008: KEEPING
FIRST THINGS FIRST
As the November general election approaches, the Bible offers clear
guidance to Biblical voters to help them evaluate the candidates.
By David Barton

M AINTAINING A NATIONAL AND


NOT A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE:
Because the Scripture declares that
“Righteousness exalts a nation” (Proverbs
14:34), then advancing issues that directly
rule, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule,
the people groan.” Very simply, if a nation wants
God-honoring policies, it must have leaders like
Daniel, Nehemiah, or David rather than like
Ahab, Manasseh, or Jeroboam. In America, the
“value voters.” Those whose agenda did not
benefit from these voters are now trying to win
their support by making their own particular
issue seem Biblical or moral. Therefore, the Rev.
Robert Edgar (the former general secretary of
impact national righteousness must be a primary only way there will be God-honoring leaders is if the very liberal National Council of Churches)
consideration. According to the Bible (c.f., God-honoring citizens elect them; so the first and asserts, “You can’t read the Old Testament
Deuteronomy 28; 1 Chronicles 21; 1 Kings 18), a foremost consideration in any election is whether without knowing God was concerned about
nation’s righteousness is determined by its public the candidate will advance policies that promote the environment, war and peace, poverty. God
policies and how well those policies conform to Biblical standards of righteousness. doesn’t want 45 million Americans without
God’s standards. Prioritizing the Issues health care.” Supporters of homosexual
marriage now assert that it is “moral” to extend
SO HOW DOES A NATION ENSURE THAT IT WILL IN RECENT ELECTIONS , THE MILLIONS OF partnership rights to homosexuals who have
have God-honoring policies? Proverbs 29:2 Biblical voters who sought to advance issues of “committed” themselves to each other, and
answers that question: “When the righteous righteousness through their vote were dubbed pro-abortion advocates similarly claim that

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No. 4 T H E V O I C E P. 43

it is “moral” for a poor mother to have an


abortion rather than give birth to a child she
might not want.

BUT THIS IS NOT TO SAY THAT THE REV. EDGAR


is wrong in claiming that the Bible addresses
helping the poor, war and peace, the environment,
and health care. It does – and it also speaks about
numerous issues he did not mention, including
immigration, treaties, taxation, property rights,
and national sovereignty.

E AC H OF THESE IS ADDRESSED IN THE


comprehensive system of 613 laws delivered
through Moses in the Old Testament. But God
also made it abundantly clear that not all issues
were equal, for within that expansive system He
issued His “Top Ten” (the Ten Commandments),
thus creating a prioritization of what was most
important to Him.

PROTECTING INNOCENT LIFE DID MAKE GOD’S


Top Ten (#6), as did protecting the sanctity
of marriage (#7), but the issues of poverty,
environment, health care, immig ration,
taxation, etc., did not make His Top Ten.
This is not to say that the other issues are
not important but rather that citizens should
always keep the most important things at the
top of the list. Because the Bible does establish
priorities, four of the highest ranking issues
directly affecting national righteousness will


be presented below.

ISSUE 1: Therefore, where a candidate stands


JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS The
Scriptures direct that we are to “appoint on the issue of abortion is of paramount
judges who know the laws of God” (Ezra
7:25) and judges who will “rule in the fear of importance not only for the sake of the
God” (Exodus 18:21), because – as Isaiah 1:26
unborn but also for the preservation of


unequivocally affirms – the righteousness of a
land is directly impacted by its judges. (America
clearly demonstrates the truth of this Scripture, our other inalienable rights.
for it has been judges and not legislatures
who have imposed most of the un-Biblical Court Justices will be at least 70 years old – and was established on the thesis that certain rights
policies now in place: abortion-on-demand, five of those six Justices have repeatedly struck come from God and that government must
homosexual marriage, prohibitions against the down public policies friendly to Biblical values. protect those rights inviolable. Significantly, if a
public acknowledgment of God, etc.) A President Therefore, Biblical voters should make their leader does not protect the inalienable right to
will be gone in eight years or less, but his judges selection for President based first and foremost life, then all other inalienable rights are likewise
may remain on the bench for decades afterwards on the type of judges he will appoint. in jeopardy.
and their influence is far greater than that of the
President who appointed them. ISSUE 2: MODERN HISTORY DEMONSTRATES THAT WHEN
ABORTION AND INALIENABLE a leader is wrong on the inalienable right to life,
THIS ELECTION WILL LIKELY HAVE A GREATER RIGHTS Defending the unborn must then he will almost certainly be wrong on the
impact on the nation through the judiciary continue to remain a priority for Biblical voters. protection of private property (as guaranteed
than any presidential election for the past three The right to life is the first of the three specifically in the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution),
decades, for when the next President takes enumerated inalienable rights set forth in our the Biblical right of self defense (the right to
office in January 2009, six of the nine Supreme founding documents, and American government keep and bear arms guaranteed in the Second

More Related Articles Online: Politics


P. 44 T H E V O I C E

WHILE THERE ARE MANY AREAS SPECIFICALLY


addressed by God’s moral law (e.g., adultery, pre-
marital sex, etc.), only homosexuality is currently
the focus of favorable political action. Therefore,
where a candidate stands on that issue is one of
the best indicators of whether he recognizes and
embraces God’s moral absolutes.

ISSUE 4:
PUBLIC RELIGIOUS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The Ten
Commandments begin with the pronouncement,
“I am the Lord your God” (Exodus 20:2).
Christians often attach this declaration as a
crucial prologue to the Ten Commandments
but Jews consider that forceful declaration to
be the First Commandment. They properly
believe that acknowledging God is the highest
priority and that the commands listed after that
affirmation have force only because God is
recognized for Who He is and is acknowledged as
the Source behind those commands. Therefore,
acknowledging and honoring God is a priority
in His Top Ten.

TODAY, SECULARISTS HAVE CONVINCED MANY


Americans to accept a compartmentalization of
their faith, telling them that it is appropriate to
acknowledge God at church, home, or in other
private settings but not in public venues. If a
candidate holds this position, it means that he
is willing to disconnect God from what he does,
and the entire nation is put at risk by leaders who
Amendment), the right of religious expression 1814 legal commentary documented the adverse compartmentalize faith.
(guaranteed in the First Amendment), the effect on a society from rejecting God’s moral law
sanctity of the home (guaranteed in the Third regarding homosexuality: BIBLICAL VOTERS SHOULD SELECT LEADERS
Amendment), etc. Therefore, where a candidate who will seek to protect and expand rather than
stands on the issue of abortion is of paramount IF IT [SODOMY] ONCE BEGINS TO PREVAIL, NOT restrict or weaken the opportunity for the public
importance not only for the sake of the unborn only will boys be easily corrupted by adults acknowledgment of God and the inclusion of
but also for the preservation of our other but also by other boys; nor will it ever cease His principles in public venues.
inalienable rights. – more especially as it must thus soon lose
all its shamefulness and infamy and become SEPARATING FACT FROM
ISSUE 3: fashionable and the national taste; and then ... RHETORIC : INVESTIGATING A
HOMOSEXUALITY AND THE national weakness (for which all remedies are CANDIDATE: In identifying a candidate’s
MORAL LAW If a candidate is willing to ineffectual) must inevitably follow; not perhaps positions in each of these four non-negotiable
accept, empower, and advance homosexuality, in the very first generation, but certainly in areas, the candidate’s recorded votes are to be
it is a clear indication that he does not embrace the course of the third or fourth.... Whoever, trusted far more than their public speeches (c.f.,
the moral absolutes of the Bible. Today, some therefore, wishes to ruin a nation has only to get Matthew 7:20, Titus 1:16, and Luke 6:46). But
have rejected the Biblically-established rights this vice introduced, for it is extremely difficult to how can an official’s actions – i.e., his voting
and wrongs in favor of their own personal extirpate [remove] it where it has once taken root record – be checked on any specific issue?
preferences – a situation thrice denounced in because it can be propagated with much more Fortunately, dozens of groups now track the
the Scriptures as “every man doing that which is secrecy … and when we perceive that it has once votes of elected officials on numerous issues.
right in his own eyes” (Deuteronomy 12:8, Judges got a footing in any country, however powerful
17:6, and 21:25). and flourishing, we may venture as politicians to F OR EXAMPLE , PRO - LIFE GROUPS SUCH AS
predict that the foundation of its future decline National Right to Life monitor votes on the
PREVIOUS GENERATIONS UNDERSTOOD THAT is laid and that after some hundred years it will abortion issue and award a score to each official
obeying God’s moral laws always benefited a no longer be the same … powerful country it is – as do pro-abortion groups such as National
society (Deuteronomy 6:24). In fact, a popular at present. Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL) and

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T H E V O I C E P. 45

Planned Parenthood. Similarly, pro-homosexual Planned Parenthood, pro-homosexual groups


groups such as the Human Rights Campaign HRC and GLSEN, and secularist groups such
(HRC) and the Gay Lesbian Straight Education as ACLU and AU in order to win the support
Network (GLSEN) monitor the voting record of the Biblical voter.)
in support of homosexual issues, and militant
secularist organizations such as the American CASTING A VOTE Once you have
Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Americans examined where a candidate stands on the four
United for Separation of Church and State (AU) non-negotiable issues, only then should you
also monitor voting records. extend your consideration to include other issues
(e.g., economics, foreign policy, taxes, military,
THERE IS NOW A SINGLE WEBSITE TO WHICH health care, energy, etc.).
voters may turn to see the ratings of such groups.
(The candidate needs to have a high score from NO CANDIDATE WILL EVER BE THE PERFECT
groups like Right to Life and low scores from candidate and support everything you do, but
pro-abortion groups such as NARAL and that must never be the sole measuring stick
for selecting a candidate. After all, if that were
SEE CANDIDATE SCORECARDS ONLINE true, then today’s faith voters likely would not
have supported most of the Biblical heroes had
they run for office today, for David – although
1. Go to Project Vote Smart, http://www. a man commended by God and recommended
votesmart.org. as our example in numerous areas – was guilty
of adultery (and more); Noah had trouble with
2. At the top right of the front page, click on drunkenness; Samuel, Eli, and Gideon did not
“Presidential Candidates” (which will take you control their children; Lot committed incest;
to http://www.votesmart.org/election_ Moses was guilty of murder; etc. God regularly
president.php?dist=bio.php). used very imperfect individuals – even individuals
with major flaws – to accomplish great and
3. Click on the photo of a presidential positive things in the life of a nation. We should
candidate. therefore always support the candidate most
in line with the four non-negotiables, not the
4. When the page comes up for that candidate, superficially “perfect” candidate.
under the candidate’s photo, click “Interest
Group Ratings.” BIBLICAL VOTERS MUST DEVELOP AN ATTITUDE
of unswervable duty coupled with a resolute
5. Dozens of scorecards will appear, listed steadfastness and must vote in every election.
alphabetically by categories. To see where In Luke 19:13, Jesus commands: “Occupy until
the candidate stands on abortion, go to the I come,” and for the sake of this generation as
“Abortion” section at the top. Scroll down well as future ones, we must be active citizens.
to “Civil Liberties and Civil Rights” to The responsibilities facing God-fearing citizens
see the ratings of secularist groups like in this election are somber, and the potential
the ACLU and AU, as well as the ratings of repercussions from our actions (or lack thereof)
pro-homosexual groups like the Human are both far-reaching and long-lasting.
Rights Campaign and the National Gay
and Lesbian Task Force. Scroll down to
“Conservative” to see the ratings of Biblically- DAV I D BA RT O N i s
oriented pro-family groups such as Christian the Founder and President
Coalition, Concerned Women for America, of WallBuilders, a national
and Christian Action Network; and scroll pro-family organization that
down even further to “Family and Children presents America’s forgotten
Issues” to find the ratings of Biblical-values history and heroes, with an
groups such as the Family Research Council. emphasis on our moral, religious
and constitutional heritage. He
6. Realize that in each category will appear is the author of numerous best-selling books, with the
the ratings of secular and religious, liberal and subjects being drawn largely from his massive library of
conservative groups; therefore make sure tens of thousands of original writings from the Founding
you know the philosophy of each group to Era. David and his wife Cheryl have three grown children,
understand whether its rating is good or Damaris, Timothy, and Stephen, and reside in Aledo,
bad from a Biblical viewpoint. TX. He can be reached at www.wallbuilders.com.

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GOVERNING
CHRISTIANS
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder:
and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of
Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end… (Isaiah 9:6-7)

BY DAVID COKER

I
F YOU LOOKED IN THE NATURAL, YOU MIGHT THE WORD SAYS THAT THERE IS A KINGDOM also knows that the only way the enemy fails
say the Kingdom of God is not increasing, that is going to increase; like a mustard seed, to overtake a territory is if there is a territorial,
but withering up and dissipating. You see the Kingdom of God will grow. In order for apostolic, governing church that will prevent it
Islam, Hinduism and secular humanism taking the Kingdom of God to grow, we must build from happening.
over the earth. According to Christian researcher churches structured according to the pattern of
George Barna, thousands of people are leaving Kingdom government established in the Word. WE HAVE BUILT THE ENTIRE OPERATION OF
the church every week. Why are they leaving? Every church is not a governing church. You may God around church services. The church service
What are they looking for? People are hungry for ask, “Why does there need to be an apostolic, was never intended to be the culmination of our
truth; searching for meaning and purpose. They governing church?” Look around at the things Christian walk. It was never meant for our lives
are looking for kingdom structure and govern- that are happening in our world today: violence, to be built around church services. The church
ment that would provide them with relevance and drugs, perversion. God knows what strategies service was designed for believers to come
opportunity to make a difference in the world. the enemy has planned for your territory. He together to learn the keys to the mysteries of

More Related Articles Online: Christian Living


P. 48 T H E V O I C E

the Kingdom. Jesus instructed His disciples in concerning God’s Kingdom to the Kingdom
The earth is the parables. Parables provide opportunities to learn of Satan. Adam left the government that he
Lord’s and the what you want to know. If you ask questions
of the parable, you will learn the true meaning.
was under and obeyed another government,
becoming the servant of another government.
fullness thereof. When a parable is told, you don’t have to learn Through him, we became servants of another
anything you don’t want to know. Many Christians government, too.
The geographic do not want to know anything new, because we
planet Earth become responsible for what we learn. It is a
lot easier to put all the responsibility on God
GOD GAVE ADAM A MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
for this earth, and Adam took that management
belongs to God. so we don’t have to take responsibility for our contract and gave it to Satan. When Jesus came,
personal growth. He did not come to bring us another religion.
The war is not over He came to bring us another government;
terra firma. The PEOPLE WHO ARE HUNGRY WILL ASK QUESTIONS
like the disciples did. When they asked, “What in
another management contract. The devil took
Jesus up on a mountain and showed Him the
war is over the the world does this parable mean?” Jesus replied, Kingdoms of the world and said, “If you will
“Unto you is given to know the mysteries of the fall down and worship me, I will give you all
government. The Kingdom.” True disciples will seek understanding of this.” You may say, “Well, he could not do
war is over who is to know the mysteries of the Kingdom. Think
about natural kingdoms. It is possible to be
that.” The fact is he could do that because
they belong to him. The kingdoms of this
in control. The war a citizen belonging to a kingdom or country, world belong to Satan. He is the god of this
but not have access to the inner workings of world. Now, we’re not talking about the earth
is over who has the government of that kingdom. It is just as itself. The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness
control over the possible to belong to the Kingdom of God and
not know or understand the mysteries or the keys
thereof. The geographic planet Earth belongs
to God. The war is not over terra firma. The
government. of His Kingdom. Jesus explained to Peter that war is over the government. The war is over
the revelation he had came to him because he was who is in control. The war is over who has
a disciple. In essence, control over the government.
Jesus was saying, “Yes,
you know who I am. WE DO NOT NEED ANOTHER RELIGION. AS A
I am the Christ, the matter of fact, if a territory is to change, it is
Son of the Living God. going to change because there is a change of
Peter, on this rock of government. Look at what is going on in Iraq
revelation I will build right now. They are trying to change that nation
My Church and the by putting in a new government. The only way
gates of Hell shall not anything changes is when government changes.
prevail against it. I will If the spiritual territory assigned to us is ever
give you, my disciple, the going to change, then the government has got
keys to My Kingdom.” to change.
Who receives the keys
to the Kingdom? Those JESUS CAME TO BRING US THE GOVERNMENT OF
with the revelation of God and was crucified because He was the King.
the Kingdom! Wherever Jesus went, the Kingdom of Heaven
went with Him. Wherever He went, change
TO UNDERSTAND THE took place. When He walked in the presence
Kingdom, we must go of sickness and disease from the kingdom of
back to God’s original darkness, He brought healing to the people from
purpose. He created the Kingdom of Heaven. He said, “If I cast out
Adam and made him the devil by the finger of God, or by the Spirit
the first ambassador of God, then you know that the Kingdom of
and overseer of this God has come nigh unto you.” He said, “I am
earth realm. He gave coming and bringing another government, and
Adam dominion and, this other government is going to increase.”
through Adam, He If Jesus came to set up His Kingdom, we can
gave dominion to all find the pattern that He used and follow that
of us. Adam committed pattern so that we produce the same thing. The
high treason against the Word says the government of God would be
Kingdom of God when on His shoulder; we are His body where that
he gave information government rests.

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T H E V O I C E P. 49

As governing churches
produce effective disciples
who understand God’s
government, the Church will
increase instead of decrease.
We are going to change our
territories by changing the
government.

NOT ONLY DID HE TEACH THEM THE THINGS counsel in the heart of a man is as deep water,
Every time God gets ready to change of the Kingdom, but He demonstrated and but a man of understanding will draw it out. We
governments and bring restoration, showed them how to function in the Kingdom. are here today, not because Jesus worked miracles,
He starts with a man. How does God He preached the Kingdom, cast out devils, but because Jesus knew how to disciple people.
set up his government? healed the sick, raised the dead, and exercised He learned how to walk His disciples through
the authority that Adam originally had. He came the process of self-discovery, equipping them
to reestablish the rule and dominion that was to implement the government of the Kingdom.
1. He supernaturally calls a man lost in the first Adam by teaching and raising up
disciples. He worked together with them in the THE KINGDOM OF GOD WILL BE ADVANCED
2. He anoints a man ministry. He demonstrated the supernatural part in the earth. The Apostle John prophesied,
and taught them to do the natural part. Many “the kingdoms of this world have become the
3. He tests a man. The man comes out people will not do the natural part, and never Kingdoms of our lord, and of His Christ.” As
of the test in the power of the Spirit. get to the supernatural. Once the disciples were governing churches produce effective disciples
equipped to do the natural, He sent them out to who understand God’s government, the Church
4. Man begins to preach his message. do the supernatural. When they rejoiced over will increase instead of decrease. We are going
He begins to tell the people God has demons being subject to them, He corrected to change our territories by changing the
called him, given him a message, and them, reminding them that they should rejoice government. As the governing rule is brought
spoken to him. over having their names written in Heaven. Jesus under the authority of the Church, the kingdom
established the pattern for apostolic government of darkness loses influence. The government of
5. The next thing the man does is he by making disciples. the Kingdom of God can only come through
begins to carefully choose disciples, disciples in the Church.
because without disciples the message YOU DO NOT MAKE DISCIPLES BY BRINGING
and the government will never last. people to church three times a week and
preaching to them. A disciple is somebody who DAV I D C O K E R i s a
sells out. They are not looking to have a good 1985 RHEMA graduate
name in the community and go to a popular and the founding apostle of
JESUS TRAINED HIS DISCIPLES ACCORDING TO church, or be a member of the best country clubs. Gateway Believers Fellowship
this pattern. He called them and began to put Disciples are people who are ready to lay down in Carnesville, Ga. He is also
His message in them. He began to teach them their lives for Christ. They realize they are seeing the founder of Breakthrough
about His government. He took his disciples something bigger than other people see, and they Apostolic Ministries Network
up on a mountain and began to tell them about have a hunger for something other people do not (B.A.M.) His ministry can be
the Kingdom. even care about. The Bible says in Proverbs that reached at www.gatewaybelievers.com.

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Stepping Stones

WALTER
RAUSCHENBUSCH
The Heritage
of the Social Gospel
BY CHRISTOPHER H. EVANS

W
ALTER RAUSCHENBUSCH (1861-1918) IS SYNONYMOUS The experience of living in one of the poorest neighborhoods of the city
with one of the most enduring legacies of Christian reform, the served as Rauschenbusch’s single biggest influence.
Social Gospel. The Social Gospel was a movement in American
Christianity from approximately 1880 to 1920, represented by church REFLECTING ON HIS MINISTRY YEARS LATER, HE RECALLED THE
leaders who applied Christian teachings to the social-economic prob- anguish he felt over the poverty in his church, and the pain he felt
lems of that era. Among the movement’s major figures were Washington officiating at the funerals of little children who died from contagious
Gladden, pastor of the First Congregational Church of Columbus, Ohio, diseases. “Oh, the children’s funerals! They gripped my heart—that
Charles Sheldon, author of best-selling Christian fiction (and the man was one of the things I always went away thinking about—why did
who popularized in his 1897 novel, In His Steps, the expression, “What the children have to die?”
Would Jesus Do?”), and Rauschenbusch.
BY THE EARLY 1890S, RAUSCHENBUSCH BECAME AN ADVOCATE FOR
BORN ONLY A FEW MONTHS AFTER THE BEGINNING OF THE CIVIL municipal reform, including the building of public parks, and government
War, Rauschenbusch was raised by his German-immigrant parents, Au- legislation that would protect workers from exploitation in the nation’s
gust (a fifth-generation Lutheran pastor who later became a Baptist) and growing “sweatshops.” He preached that Christians needed to do all in
Caroline, within a tradition of strict piety. After graduating from Rochester their power to work toward the improvement of social conditions on
Theological Seminary, he spent eleven years as pastor of an impoverished earth, noting “the best way to get the self ready for Heaven… is to get
German-immigrant church in the Hell’s Kitchen section of New York City. this world ready for God.”

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No. 4 T H E V O I C E P. 51

AFTER YEARS OF POOR HEALTH, INCLUDING BECOMING ALMOST


totally deaf, Rauschenbusch turned to full-time teaching. From 1897 until
his death in 1918, he served on the faculty of Rochester Theological
Seminary, where he taught church history and wrote several influential
books exploring the relationship between Christianity and contemporary
social problems. Rauschenbusch’s 1907 work, Christianity and the Social
Crisis, was one of the biggest selling non-fiction books on religion in
the early 20th century, and had a major influence upon subsequent
developments in American Christianity.

RAUSCHENBUSCH POSSESSED A POWERFUL CHRISTIAN FAITH, ROOTED


in prayer and spiritual discernment. He never renounced the Christian
piety that had long been part of his family heritage, and was never afraid
to speak openly about his love for Jesus. Early in his career, he collabo-
rated with Ira Sankey, the partner of Dwight L. Moody, in translating
Sankey’s gospel hymns into German. While Rauschenbusch worried
that Christian piety was no guarantee of a relevant ministry, social ac-
tion alone was a poor substitute for a God-centered faith. During his SWEATSHOP WORKERS: Eight girls sitting and facing a narrow
table, sewing by hand on material held in their laps, during a sweatshop
lifetime, Rauschenbusch was accused by his critics of dismissing the key
inspection in Chicago, Illinois. The girls are all looking at the camera.
tenets of Christian belief, a criticism that continues to be leveled against Source: Wikipedia, courtesy of the Chicago Historical Society.
him by some today. Yet even a cursory reading of his writings reveals
the depth of his faith, and an awareness that the quest for justice was
inseparable from a vibrant piety. At a time when many secular and
religious leaders were engaging
RAUSCHENBUSCH TENDED TO APPROACH THEOLOGY FROM THE
angle of a working minister. He engaged theological issues not from
a host of social problems related
a systematic perspective, but in terms of the practical usefulness of to industrialization, urbanization,
specific ideas. At his core, Rauschenbusch was an evangelical who and drastic economic disparities
embraced that which was most sacred from his Baptist-pietist heritage,
and a liberal who was not afraid to relate Christian theology to the social- between the rich and poor,
political context of his era. His theological outlook built upon an earlier Rauschenbusch had the foresight
foundation of pre-Civil War Protestant evangelicalism that identified
conversion and social reform as central components of Christianity.
to see these problems as faith
While acknowledging that faith in Christ’s imminent return had the issues that needed to constantly
potential to stir conviction in the short run, he doubted if such a faith
alone could be sustained with great zeal over the long haul. “The question
prod the Christian’s conscience.
is, which will do more to make our lives spiritual and to release us from
the tyranny of the world, the thought that we may at any moment enter RAUSCHENBUSCH WOULD BE THE FIRST TO ADMIT THAT HE WAS NO
into the presence of the Lord, or the thought that every moment we economist or political scientist. Yet his economic-political analysis de-
are in the presence of the Lord? fined issues that succeeding generations of church leaders would follow.
Rauschenbusch defined himself as a Christian socialist and, for better
CENTRAL TO RAUSCHENBUSCH’S THEOLOGY WERE HIS TEACHINGS or worse, that label has followed him to this day. Yet Rauschenbusch
on the kingdom of God. His view of the kingdom was never rooted was a liberal capitalist in sentiment and in practice. While he did call
in anything approximating a theological utopia. At a time when many for extensive government control and regulation of industries that he
secular and religious leaders were engaging a host of social problems believed were essential to the greater public welfare (such as railroads
related to industrialization, urbanization, and drastic economic disparities and public utilities), he believed in the right of economic competition
between the rich and poor, Rauschenbusch had the foresight to see these and was highly critical of Marxist theorists who advocated for a govern-
problems as faith issues that needed to constantly prod the Christian’s ment controlled, command economy.
conscience. For Rauschenbusch, the kingdom of God was always an ideal
that faith communities struggled to obtain, but could never ultimately RAUSCHENBUSCH TENDED TO DERIVE THE HEART OF HIS THEOLOGY
achieve within history. Writing at the end of Christianity and the Social from the Old Testament prophets and the synoptic gospels (Matthew,
Crisis, he asserted, “we know well that there is no perfection for man in Mark, Luke). In this regard, his theology reflected the theological
this life; there is only growth toward perfection... At best there is always assumptions of many liberal church leaders of the late 19th century
but an approximation to a perfect social order. The kingdom of God who attempted to show how Jesus’ teachings from the first century
is always but coming.” might be applied to conditions of contemporary society. Also, he

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P. 52 T H E V O I C E

incorporated disparate theological influences, ranging from Catholic


mystics, Puritan and Anglican divines, Anabaptist martyrs, and 19th-
century political thinkers. Christ’s teachings against wealth, his solidarity
for the dispossessed, and his teachings on the radical reversal of values,
where “the last would be first, and the first would be last,” represented
the core of Rauschenbusch’s faith. It was this premise that made
Martin Luther King, Jr. comment that Rauschenbusch reminded the
church that Christianity needed to address both the spiritual needs
of the individual and the material needs of society. “It has been my
conviction ever since reading Rauschenbusch that any religion which
professes to be concerned about the souls of men and is not concerned
about the social and economic conditions that scar the soul, is a
spiritually moribund religion only waiting for the day to be buried.”

WHILE THERE WERE LATER REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SOCIAL GOSPEL


movement that came precariously close to associating specific social-
reform systems with the teachings of Jesus, this oversimplification
certainly does not apply to Rauschenbusch. Despite the assertions of HELL’S KITCHEN: Circa 1890s
later critics of the Social Gospel, Rauschenbusch’s optimism was always
counterbalanced with a clear sense of human sinfulness. While he did
not rely on Augustinian views of original sin, he repeatedly emphasized “It has been my conviction ever
the fact that humanity’s proclivity was toward sin. “Ethically man sags
downward by nature,” he wrote in the early 1890s, “moral gravitation
since reading Rauschenbusch that
is downward. It is accelerated in us by years of sin and by the swirling any religion which professes to be
rush of centuries of wrong which pushes us from behind.” concerned about the souls of men
OVER TWO DECADES LATER, AT A TIME WHEN AMERICA HAD JUST and is not concerned about the
entered World War I, Rauschenbusch repeated a point that he expressed
many times in his career that realizing signs of the kingdom of God
social and economic conditions
in earth came only through the human struggle for justice. As he that scar the soul, is a spiritually
noted in his last major book, A Theology for the Social Gospel in
1917, “The coming of the Kingdom of God will not be by peaceful
moribund religion only waiting
development only, but by conflict with the Kingdom of Evil. We should for the day to be buried.” -- Martin
estimate the power of sin too lightly if we forecast a smooth road.”
Rauschenbusch’s beliefs on the collective nature of sin defined a larger
Luther King Jr.
tradition of Christian social ethics in the 20th century. A recovery of
this tradition is essential for churches that seek to challenge a social
complacency that uncritically accepts the sanctity of contemporary DESPITE HIS LOVE FOR THE CULTURAL AND THEOLOGICAL HERITAGE
uses of political, military, and economic power that victimize the poor of his German ancestral roots, Rauschenbusch was always clear that his
and the suffering. political allegiances lay within the United States. He loved the democratic
history of America, and at times became carried away in his praise for the
RAUSCHENBUSCH NEVER TURNED A BLIND EYE TO THE SUFFERINGS uniqueness of the American democratic experiment (and as a professor
caused by unjust economic practices, and believed that the church’s critique of church history, he tended to equate signs of the kingdom with those
of these injustices was part and parcel of Christian discipleship. It could church movements that did the best job of promoting democratic
be argued that the problems that Rauschenbusch addressed in the early precepts in their theology and ecclesiology).
20th century such as child labor, minimum wage legislation, and worker
protection from unsafe working conditions, represent problems that have WHILE NEVER A PACIFIST, HIS LATER THEOLOGY EMPHASIZED THE tenets
been “solved” through the ministrations of various 20th-century social of nonviolence that characterized numerous social reform movements
reform efforts. Yet casting an eye to a landscape defined increasingly throughout the 20th century. Amidst the current tumult surrounding
by the rhetoric of globalization, and its pleas for competitive markets, American military actions associated with the war on terrorism, we
one recognizes that the causes Rauschenbusch fought for are still very would do well to remember these words that Rauschenbusch wrote in
much a part of our contemporary landscape. In looking at this unsettled his 1910 book, Prayers of the Social Awakening.
landscape, we need church leaders who can reclaim Rauschenbusch’s
emphasis that critiques current economic practices (whether from GRANT TO THE RULERS OF NATIONS FAITH IN THE POSSIBILITY OF
the “left” or “right’), through incisive theological worldviews. peace through justice and grant to the common people a new and stern

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T T HH E E VV OO I I C C E E P. 53 P. 53

enthusiasm for the cause of peace. Bless our soldiers and sailors for
their swift obedience and their willingness to answer to the call of duty,
but inspire them none the less with a hatred of war, … May our young
men still rejoice to die for their country with the valor of their fathers,
but teach our age nobler methods of matching our strength and more
effective ways of giving our life for the flag.

THE SENTIMENT OF THIS PRAYER IS AS TRUE TODAY AS IT WAS ALMOST A


hundred years ago. It is a reminder to us that social action by the church
should never be divorced from a deeply-rooted personal faith.

CRITICS OF RAUSCHENBUSCH NOTED THE EASE WITH WHICH HE formed


friendships with politically conservative men of power (including
a long-term friendship with the Rockefeller family). Yet the core
of Rauschenbusch’s theology emphasized that the quest for justice
was inseparable from personal relationships that were predicated on
friendship, pastoral care, and mutual accountability.

IN THE SPRING OF 1918, AS RAUSCHENBUSCH LAY DYING OF CANCER,


her wrote a poem, later named by his widow, Pauline, “the Little Gate
to God.” This poem reflected Rauschenbusch’s belief that our lives are
not judged as much by our earthly successes, as by our faithfulness to
God--even when hope seems at an end.

In the castle of my soul Is a littler postern gate, whereat,


when I enter, I am in the presence of God. In a moment, in
the turning of a thought, I am where God is. This is a fact.

God is the substance of all revolutions; when I am in him, I


am in the Kingdom of God And in the Fatherland of my Soul.

Is it strange that I love God? And when I come back


through the gate, do you wonder that I carry memories
with me, and my eyes are hot with unshed tears for what
I see, and I feel like a stranger and a homeless man,
where the poor are wasted for gain, where rivers run red,
And where God’s sunlight is darkened by lies?

TODAY, WE FIND OURSELVES IN A CULTURE DEFINED BY THE QUEST OF


Americans for economic and spiritual prosperity. Amidst the anxiety of
our times, there is a great deal of spiritual substance within the heritage
of Christian faith that Walter Rauschenbusch bestows upon us. It is built
upon a legacy of Christian social thought that is evangelical, inclusive of
all God’s people, and not afraid to wrestle with the complex social and
cultural ambiguities that define our particular era of religious history.

CHRISTOPHER H. EVANS is Sallie Knowles Croz-


er Professor of Church History and Director of United
Methodist Studies. He regularly preaches and teaches in
numerous Rochester area churches. His Recent books are
The Kingdom is Always but Coming: A Life of Walter
Rauschenbusch; The Faith of Fifty Million: Baseball, Reli-
gion and American Culture and The Social Gospel Today.
He can be reached at www.crcds.edu/chevans.asp

More Related Articles Online: Chritian History


Family Life

How to raise a brat.


By Carl Bosch

I
t’s easy, really. Won’t take much effort at all. Start early. Stay consistent.
Before you know it, they’ll be well on their way to “brathood” by
the time they enter school. If you’re lucky, when they reach middle
school age, they’ll be well entrenched. Here’s how you do it.

Make excuses for them. All the time, on as many occasions


as possible. Misbehavior? It must have been the
other kids! Bad grades? That’s an easy one;
there’s a personality conflict with the teacher.
Didn’t make the Pop Warner football team?
The coach picked favorites! On and on, just
make sure that you deflect
everything so they’re
not responsible.
P. 55 T H E V O I C E No. 4

GIVE IN TO WHINING, CRYING, COMPLAINING your kids are playing sports. Your sons and that most school cafeterias sell. With regard to
and temper tantrums. Whenever things don’t go daughters will notice. They’ll watch and follow dinner never make anyone sit down at the table
their way, immediately attempt to quiet or appease in your footsteps. together and have a conversation while eating.
them. Give them a treat or whatever it is they’re Encourage them to take their dinners elsewhere
griping about. If you try saying no at first that HELP THEM WITH EVERYTHING. WHEN THEIR and eat while they’re doing something else. The
will only make them howl and complain more. shoes are untied, tie them. (It’s quicker.) When can play X-Box, read magazines or even do
Be sure to give in to them when it reaches this they fall down while skiing, pick them up. homework. Better yet, turn on the television and
point. That will help to teach them that they’ll (They’re little and they’re just learning.) When let them watch T.V. instead of talk.
always get what they want, it’s just that sometimes they have to write a difficult report or paper for
they’ll have to pout and badger a bit more until school, write most of it for them. (They’ll learn ALLOW THEM TO INTERRUPT ADULTS AT ANY
they bother you enough so that you’ll give in. Just by example.) Talk to the coach and get them on time. If you’re talking on a phone, speaking with
remember, it’s always easier to give in. They’re the team. (They didn’t really display their talents someone at a store or even having a conversation
stronger and more persistent than you are. in the tryouts.) Never let them taste failure. Ever. with your spouse or a neighbor out on the lawn
For anything. Failure might make them sad or allow him or her to butt in any time they like.
DISCIPLINE SPORADICALLY, INCONSISTENTLY moody and hurt their self-esteem and you cer- After all, they’re children and their needs should
and with anger. Make accusations and threaten tainly wouldn’t want that. be placed above everyone else’s.
consequences that you’ll never follow through
on. Make punishments that are severe, but lack GIVE THEM EVERY NEW TOY , ELECTRONIC BE A BUDDY TO YOUR CHILD, A PAL, AN EQUAL.
follow through. If you use “grounding” as a video game, fashion clothing, hairstyle, CD, and Dress alike and try to do the things they do.
strategy make it harsh and long term. Then in a cell phone they want. Never wait a reasonable Grab a second chance at childhood and treat
few days or so forget about the grounding. Al- length of time when they request something new your child as if they have the same emotions,
low them to be back on the phone to friends and and don’t make them earn any portion of the cost responsibilities and rights that you do. Have them
watching T.V. again. What the heck, grounding of items they desire. If something breaks make be your confidant and tell them all the stories and
is harder on you then it is on them anyway. This sure you go out and quickly purchase a new one anecdotes that you’d share with an adult. Blur
serves two purposes in creating your novice brat. and if anything becomes outmoded or a little the boundaries between adult and child and you’ll
First, it shows that your authority and control older or slower, be certain to rush out and get always feel closer to them.
are lacking. Secondly, it proves that your word the newest, best, and preferably more expensive
means little. version. That way they can show it off to their SOUNDS RIDICULOUS? OF COURSE IT IS. YOU
friends. It’s status, after all. could do the exact opposite of all these sugges-
ROLE MODEL POOR BEHAVIOR, INSENSITIVITY, tions and find that you’re raising a polite, consid-
and selfishness. Make fun of people for being W HEN MAKING DINNER MAKE SURE THAT erate, self-reliant and competent youngster. But
old, slow, less able and less gifted. Bully people; everyone’s happy and gets to eat exactly what look carefully and you might see a few parenting
especially people in the service industry like they want. If Kristen doesn’t want chicken, but techniques that you do use at times. Watch out.
waitresses, secretaries and those checking you that’s what the family’s having tonight, make sure Here comes the brat.
out at the grocery store. Talk down to everyone to prepare some pasta or a hamburger just for
from fast food servers, to delivery people, to her to that she’ll be happy. Make only what they
telephone operators. Demonstrate that you often want for school lunch, regardless of nutrition.
feel smarter, quicker and wittier than the aver- Make sure they have some extra money so they
age person. Get angry with people occasionally can buy some of the wide variety of junk food
and show your power by yelling. Especially yell
loudly and long at umpires and referees while

YOU could do
the exact opposite of all
these suggestions and find that
you’re raising a polite,
considerate, self-
reliant and competent
youngster.
More Related Articles Online: Family Life
No. 4 T H E V O I C E P. 57

Education

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE


WHEN YOU GROW UP?

A
WORRIED ABOUT HOW MY GIRLS WOULD COM-
S THE PROUD FATHER OF TWO TEENAGE
girls with straight “A” grades, I never BY ROBERT COMPTON PETE in the 21st century with such ambitious chil-
imagined how a classroom of first grad- dren, I decided to more fully explore education in
ers in Bangalore, India would change my girls’ children – “What do you want to be when you the countries we hear little about in the U.S. – In-
education, their lives and my own life forever. grow up?” dia, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Brazil, Argen-
But that is exactly what happened on my very tina, Peru, Thailand. What I learned in two years
first trip through exotic, engaging, emerging THEIR AMBITIONS ASTONISHED ME – “ENGINEER, of travel and visiting K-12 schools throughout
India in 2005. engineer, scientist, cardiologist, engineer, fighter these countries worried me deeply, not only about
pilot, engineer, doctor…” How amazing! Those my own daughters’ ability to compete economi-
I HAD A FRIGHTENING FLASH OF INSIGHT IN first graders had already set high intellectual cally but the ability of all American children to
that first grade classroom – Indian children are and career goals. Perhaps this class was an have a rising standard of living in their life times.
better educated, more motivated and more likely aberration, a coterie of little Indian geniuses, or
to succeed in the 21st century economy than perhaps there was something more profound A DISTURBING CONCLUSION EMERGED FROM
American children. It came from asking a simple in Indian education and Indian culture than I my travels – that Global Education Standards
le question to a dozen 5 and 6-year old Indian ever imagined. have passed the United States by, and Americans

More Related Articles Online: Education


P. 58 T H E V O I C E No. 4

These students spend less time on sports and more time in


school – as much as 100% more in the case of China. They
spend less time socializing and more time in tutoring.
socializing and more time in tutoring. They don’t I tried the Kumon math system but found it
hold part time jobs, because they see intellectual slow and too paper intensive. So with an Indian
pursuits as a full-time requirement. partner, I designed and produced an online
math education system, built to the Indian Math
MOST TROUBLING OF ALL, THIS EDUCATIONAL Standards – www.IndianMathOnline.com.
superiority is occurring in countries where the K-
12 student population dwarfs our own: India has AS I SHARED MY STORIES OF I NDIA WITH
211 million K-12 students; China has 200 million friends I struggled to communicate how
as compared to America’s 53 million. accelerated the Indian education system was
compared to the U.S. I published a blog of my
THESE ARE TWO COUNTRIES THAT AMERICANS travels through India – to help other American
have not had to compete with until recent years. parents understand their views of India are 20
China opened itself to global competition in 1978 years outdated. Here I described my experiences
after Mao’s death and the end of the Cultural in K-12 schools in India – how motivated the
Revolution. India only opened itself to global students are and how much time they dedicate
competition in 1991 with the abolishment of to their studies.
the Raj system.
have no idea that it has happened. Particularly ADDITIONALLY, I SPEAK TO THE
in India and China, K-12 education produces SO IN THE DECADES AHEAD AMERICANS WILL entrepreneurial spirit that is embodied by so
students clearly more advanced in math and sci- still be competing economically with our historic many young Indians. For example, one 12-
ence but also better-rounded in literature, history, competitors – the Japanese, who crushed the year-old boy, named Ravi, started his own retail
language, economics, art and music. U.S. auto industry, the Koreans, Singaporeans, sales business – selling trinkets on the street.
Taiwanese who captured electronics and steel and From there, he learned to give tours to visitors
THESE STUDENTS SPEND LESS TIME ON SPORTS the Europeans who remain potent competitors. at the Hanging Gardens in Mumbai, learning
and more time in school – as much as 100% Now every American child will also be competing NINE languages – at least conversationally
more in the case of China. They spend less time with four Indian children and four Chinese – which greatly increased his selling success
children – children who are getting with foreigners. Ravi aspires to someday be a
a better education, are more highly certified Tour Guide – a well-paying, respectable
motivated and whose countries are career – or to buy a business. I was amazed by
unified in their economic focus. how enterprising Ravi was – especially at such
a young age and coming from a background of
AS A PARENT, WHAT WAS I TO DO FOR little opportunity.
my own teenage daughters – to help
them be globally competitive while AS A R E S U LT O F M Y O B S E RVAT I O N S O F
they were being educated in an insu- education – and students’ motivation and
lar U.S. education system oblivious dedication to it in India and China – I decided
to the Global Education Standards? to make an hour long documentary film
that compares and contrasts the high school
FIRST, WE CHANGED HOW THE GIRLS experience in the U.S., India and China called Two
prioritize their time. We reduced Million Minutes: A Global Examination. The title
year round athletics to seasonal comes from the fact that every child has roughly
and filled that time with tutoring in 2,000,000 minutes of life during high school.
math and science. In America, tutors
are for helping the slow students.
Much as an American parent with ROBERT COMPTON is
an athletically gifted child would an Indianapolis venture capi-
hunt for the best coaches, camps talist and the creator and ex-
and equipment, in India and China ecutive producer of “2 Million
the more talented the student, the Minutes”, a provocative new
more tutoring the parents seek. documentary that looks at how
American education falls short
S ECOND , I NEEDED TOOLS TO in today’s global economy. He
ASsess and advance my girls’ learning. can be reached at www.2mminutes.com.

More Related Articles Online: Education


DISCIPLESHIP vs
EVANGELISM By David Coker

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN IN THE RIGHT CORNER, WEIGHING IN AT


2 TONS, THE NEED-MEETING, care-providing, sinner’s prayer-saying,
heavyweight champion of the church world… EVANGELISM! And on
the left, at 50 lbs., but standing 40 feet high, the leadership-developing,
people-challenging, vision-carrying… DISCIPLESHIP!
More Related Articles Online: Five-fold Ministry
P. 60 T H E V O I C E No. 4

becomes upset thinking you have “hurt” the people they brought in.
Many times the pastors have Focus on evangelism, and you end up with a big church filled with
a great new “initiative” for the church, people who don’t pay tithes, bills, or live a Godly life. Somewhere,
there must be a middle ground, a structure to support both evangelism
but to effectively implement God’s and discipleship.

strategy in the Great Commission, MY ADMINISTRATIVE PASTOR RAISES CATTLE. RECENTLY, ONE OF HIS
cows had twins. The twins looked and acted very differently. One was wild,
demands a church structure with running through the fence anytime you came near it (sounds evangelistic
doesn’t it), while the other was more attached to its mother (like a good
the weight on vision-led teams, disciple). Yet, the same mother was able to raise both calves. Any farmer
that has raised a set of twins can tell you that many cows don’t handle it
not just new initiatives. well. Often the more aggressive calf grows big and the other one falls
behind. Even if the cow does have enough milk for both, often she loses
too much weight to continue giving effective support.
I USE HUMOR TO INTRODUCE THIS TOPIC, BECAUSE IT’S SCARY HOW
lopsided the Body of Christ has become. Most churches center around AS A SENIOR MINISTER, I CAN RELATE TO THE MOTHER COW. GOD HAS
one of these two “champions” of the church world. Some churches live called His church to be the mother of “twins”, and like the calves, the
to evangelize, while others exist to disciple. They end up either 100 miles most aggressive twin gets the milk. Many ministers have given up. Because
wide and 1” deep or 40’ deep and 1” wide. The challenge comes when of hurt, frustration, and loneliness many ministers fall into a “survival
you try to do both. God has designed His church to be balanced! Most mode.” They have tried evangelism and were hurt because their structure
pastors wrestle with; do I develop the people I have, challenging them to wasn’t designed to disciple those they reached. Others tried discipleship
go further, or do I focus on bringing in new people and let things slide? and people left because they weren’t willing to be accountable. Sometimes,
Doing both is difficult. ministers do strive to provide for both, but the strain on the leadership is
so heavy that what once was effective, just isn’t enough.
WHEN YOU START TO HOLD PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE AND MAKE THEM
disciplined followers of Christ, the evangelistic side of your church THE NEW TESTAMENT DISTINCTIVELY RECORDS THE GREAT COMMISSION
differently in Mark and Matthew. In Mark, it says to go into all the world
and make disciples, in Matthew it says to preach the Gospel to all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
God never intended for the church to choose one or the other. Instead,
He called us to be a body that is structured for constant numerical growth
through evangelism and constant spiritual growth through discipleship.

WE MUST DEVELOP OUR CHURCH STRUCTURES TO SUPPORT BOTH


discipleship and evangelism. Many times the pastors have a great new
“initiative” for the church, but to effectively implement God’s strategy
in the great commission, demands a church structure with the weight on
vision-led teams, not just new initiatives. In Ephesians 4:16 God says
that every joint supplies. The growth of the body rests on every joint,
not just on the lead minister!

LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING, GOD HAS CALLED YOU TO CHAMPION


both of them. Where the Lord guides, He provides! If you feel like your
pastor is just “surviving,” I encourage you to pray for him. You can
change the atmosphere. You can hook up with his vision and support it
with your words, time, and money! Show him you are beside him, not
just behind him. God didn’t call him to carry the load alone. Let’s turn
the power of Evangelism and Discipleship into an effective team instead
of competitors!

DAVID COKER is a 1985 RHEMA graduate and the


founding apostle of Gateway Believers Fellowship in Carnesville,
Ga. He is also the founder of Breakthrough Apostolic Ministries
Network (B.A.M.). His ministry can be reached at www.
gatewaybelievers.com.

More Related Articles Online: Five-Fold Ministry


THE VOICE
®

en Español

Característica
Discernir Los Signos
Y Lo Supernatural
Que es el proposito de los signos
supernaturales que apuntan su
destino?

Columna:
Ritmos Tranquilizantes
De Gracia
Como sobreponerse al espíritu de
cansancio.

FUEGO EXTRAÑO
D
IOS ESTA EDIFICANDO Y ESTABLECIENDO sobre la fundación de La Palabra de Dios. No a un alto de manera que podamos tomar fotos
su Reino. Pero El no esta apresurado estoy tratando de criticar cualquier movimiento de la señal, bailamos alrededor de la señal y hasta
a construirlo usando excita miento y del pasado o presente. Mi meta hoy es equiparlos construimos iglesias en honor de la señal. Que
hocus-pocus. No, El lo esta haciendo con conocimiento y entendimiento para que tontos nos hemos hecho!. El propósito de una
a su manera, de acuerdo a su Palabra. puedan identificar a un verdadero movimiento señal es revelar una localidad. Señales espirituales
El está estableciendo Iglesias apostólicas de Dios. no son diferentes. Cuando veas una señal
gobernantes en territorios para construir Su espiritual, es meramente indicando el camino
Iglesia. Una función de los apóstoles y profetas IMAGÍNESE A USTED MANEJANDO A SU LUGAR donde Dios quiere que vayas.
verdaderos es la de exponer operaciones falsas favorito de verano. Cuando esta como a 30 millas
de Satanás que tratan de entrometerse y subvertir de su destino, usted ve su primera señal con el JESÚS DIJO EN MATEO 12:39, “UNA MALA Y
la credibilidad de La Palabra. Si Satanás puede nombre de la ciudad. Qué hace usted? Poner los adultera generación busca una señal, pero ninguna
desacreditar la calidad de un movimiento de Dios, breques, resbalarse en la cuneta y saltar al rotulo? señal le será dada, pero la señal del profeta Jonás.
mandando falsificaciones, entonces es capaz de Espero que no! Sin embargo, en el cuerpo de Jesús no dijo que estaban en un “poco de error”.
restringir y limitar la efectividad de un verdadero Cristo, parece que nos hemos convertido en El los llamo MALVADOS Y ADULTEROS! Lo
movimiento cuando suceda. En estos tiempos, cazadores de señales. A la primera señal de un que está diciendo es que si están buscando por
es vital que construyamos todo lo que hacemos “milagro” o de lo “sobrenatural”, traemos todo una señal, estas mostrando amor por la señal

Visit the homepage: The Voice Magazine


T H E V O I C E E N E S P A Ñ O L P. 63

EN EL VIEJO TESTAMENTO, LA GENTE TENÍA Muchos signos te


que vivir por señales. Ellos no tenían un espíritu
renacido de Dios para darles dirección a través llevan a un punto
de un testimonio interno (Efesios 3; 16) Ellos
necesitaban señales externas de Dios para poder muerto. Es importante
saber dónde ir y qué hacer. Moisés siguió a de acordarse que
una nube de fuego y Gedeón puso cueros de
ovejas, pero Pablo simplemente oro en lenguas y hay un mundo real y
fortaleció su hombre interior (1 Corintios 14:18).
Entonces el procedió a escribir dos tercios del
espiritual, y Dios no
Nuevo Testamento! En Proverbios David escribe es el unico poniendo
proféticamente que el espíritu del hombre es la
candela del Señor y descubre todas las partes signos en el camino
íntimas de nuestras entrañas. Como Cristianos del espiritual.
Nuevo Testamento con la naturaleza del Espíritu
de Dios habitando en nosotros, no tenemos
que buscar por señales externas. Nosotros HE CONOCIDO MIEMBROS DE LA FAMILIA Y
simplemente sabemos en nuestro “CONOCER”. amigos- buena gente, muchos de los cuales aman
Somos llamados a caminar por fe y no por lo que a Jesús sinceramente- pero que visitan síquicos.
vemos (2Corintios:5:7) significa que seguimos la Esos síquicos fueron capaces de decirles la
dirección del Espíritu que habita en nosotros. razón por la cual estaban allí, que buscaban y
el resultado de la situación, y todo fue cierto.
EL NUEVO TESTAMENTO NO SOLAMENTE NOS Significica esto que debemos consultar a síquicos?
dice las señales que son de Dios, sino que nos Por supuesto que NO! Los síquicos operan con
muestra las señales que son usadas en diferentes ayuda demoniaca, espíritus familiares, no del
situaciones. Hay señales que siguen a los Espíritu Santo. Los poderes demoniacos pueden
creyentes (Marcos 16:17), y hay señales para el no ser reales, no solamente imitaciones sin poder.
creyente (1Cor.14:22), y hay dones del Espíritu En ningún lugar en las escrituras encontramos
que son operaciones del gobierno y poder del joyas apareciendo, polvos de oro cayendo,
Espíritu Santo. (1Cor.12 y Efesios 4). gente actuando como animales, estigmatas {
sangre o aceite saliendo de las manos de la
SEÑALES VIENEN DE DIFERENTES FUENTES Y gente como las heridas de Cristo), amistades
sirven a diferentes propósitos. Algunas son señales con ángeles o ángeles especiales que llevan
que regulan el conducir, otras son rótulos que unciones especiales.
advierten y otras son señales que nos dicen que y
donde las cosas están localizadas. Todas estas señales ESTOS SON “LETREROS” SEÑALES QUE HAN
son legítimas, pero no son de las mismas personas. sido puestos por otros poderes sobrenaturales
En lo sobrenatural, hay tantas señales pero no son pero que no encajan en la realidad de Dios. Lo
todas de Dios. Como saber la diferencia entre una importante es reconocer que estas falsas señales
legitima señal de Dios y solamente un rotulo? parecen tan reales como las otras. Alguna vez
has seguido un letrero buscando por algún
UN DOMINGO MIENTRAS ESTABA PREDICANDO restaurante o café y cuando llegas allí encuentras
en vez de por el cual que te da la señal. Estas en mi Iglesia, justo cuando señalé a uno de los que no existe? Solo porque la señal es real no
actualmente entrampando con la verdad. Eres abanicos, alguien lo encendió. Ahora, yo se que quiere decir que viene de Dios o que te lleva
un adultero, buscando beneficios de algo con el algunas personas lo tomaron como una señal hacia Dios. Muchas señales te llevan a callejones
cual no tienes una relación verdadera. “del viento del Espíritu moviéndose”. No, fue sin salidas. Es importante recordar que hay un
meramente una coincidencia. Le llamo “las mundo espiritual real y Dios no es el único que
C UANTAS I GLESIAS Y “ CRUZADAS “ SE HAN señales de Santa Claus” porque es como un pone señales en tu camino espiritual.
concentrado en las “señales” que se han niño se convence a sí mismo de que Santa es
convertido en adúlteros de la Verdad? real porque la leche y las galletas no están a la NO ME TOMES A MAL; YO HE VISTO A DIOS
mañana siguiente cuando se despierta. Cuando hacer algunas cosas muy interesantes. He visto
EN NUESTRO MUNDO SENSITIVO A LOS MEDIOS DE quieres algo con mucha fuerza, las circunstancias personas sanadas y liberadas. He visto milagros
comunicación, tenemos rótulos por dondequiera pueden alinearse para soportar tus esperanzas que simplemente son inexplicables. Sin embargo,
que pueden distraernos de nuestro enfoque real. de que sea verdad. Si estas buscando por una hay un común denominador en todo lo que
Si estamos mirando intensamente a un rotulo, señal, el diablo se asegurara de darte una. Yo Dios hace… Su Palabra. La respuesta de Dios
podemos perder la señal del otro conductor y creo absolutamente en señales proféticas y es siempre en línea con su Palabra. Y Su Palabra
causar un desastre. Cuando la señal se convierte en sobrenaturales, pero también se como medirlas traerá una verdadera transformación en las vidas
el enfoque, perdemos visión del verdadero destino. con mi espíritu nacido de nuevo. de sus gentes.

wwww.thevoicemagazine.com
P. 64 T H E V O I C E E N E S P A Ñ O L No. 4

SI HAY ALGO QUE SE, ES QUE HAY GENTE QUE CUALQUIER TEXTO QUE TOMEMOS FUERA DE
puede ser completamente ignorante y operar en contexto es un pretexto. Lo mismo que una señal.
el Espíritu. Una vez trabaje para un gran hombre Cualquier señal tomada fuera de contexto (bueno o
Dios. El amaba a Jesús y quería vivir correcto malo) es un pretexto y puede traernos problemas.
delante de Él. Una vez el estaba en el hospital Ese es el problema de depender en señales.
con neumonía y tuvo una visión del Señor Pueden ser interpretadas incorrectamente. Pueden
Jesucristo con sus espaldas llagadas y sangrientas. venir de gente equivocada. Podemos construir un
El me describió esta visión con tanto detalle, aun templo y alabar a la señal y nunca llegar a nuestra
recordando el contraste de la sangre roja con el meta diseñada por Dios. DEBEMOS aprender
verde del pasto. No tengo duda de que era una a caminar por fe por el Espíritu. Debemos
visión verdadera de Dios. El problema es que el comprender como discernir señales y compararlas
ignoraba como interpretar la visión. El pensó que con nuestro manual de instrucción. Debemos
quería decir que si Jesús había estado dispuesto mantener nuestro enfoque en donde Dios nos
a sufrir tanto por el, entonces el debería estar nuevo” y después desalentarse (y algunas veces está guiando y no quedarnos entrampados en
dispuesto a sufrir de neumonía por Jesús. Qué profundamente adoloridos) acerca del resultado. lo sobrenatural que nos rodea en el camino.
triste? La visión le mostraba que Jesús ya había Desafortunadamente, también he visto muchos
llevado todas sus enfermedades y sanado todas de estas personas que se han decepcionado tanto
sus dolencias para fortalecer su fe, pero porque que han perdido completamente contacto con DAVID COKER has a
el carecía de entendimiento, este hombre lo capto el Plan de Dios para sus vidas. Consideremos a refreshing voice and the heart
muy mal! William Branham, el gran evangelista en sanación of spiritual father. He is a
en los años 1940. El empezó persiguiendo a 1985 RHEMA graduate
HE CONOCIDO OTRAS PERSONAS QUE AMAN a Dios Dios, pero después empezó a experimentar and the founding apostle of
genuinamente, pero se distrajeron por los letreros visitaciones de ángeles. El fue engañado y empezó Gateway Believers Fellowship
estrategias de Satanás. Esas buenas personas a creerse el Profeta Elías. Por este engaño muchos in Carnesville, Ga. He is also
querían experimentar un poderoso movimiento creyentes empezaron a dudar de si la voluntad pioneered Breakthrough Apostolic
de Dios, tanto que se enredaron en la inestabilidad de Dios era sanarlos. Esto es exactamente lo Ministries Network (B.A.M.), A relational network of
del avivamiento que ocurría al momento. He que el enemigo intenta; desacreditar a Dios, apostolic ministries. His ministry can be reached at www.
observado a muchos excitarse acerca de “algo destruir ministerios, y alejar a la gente de la Fe. gatewaybelievers.com.
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P. 66 T H E V O I C E E N E S P A Ñ O L

EXTRAÑO POR JONAS CLARK

M
ucha gente está persiguiendo parte de la Trinidad. El es un caballero, un
el ministerio profético y hombre de Estado y un amante espíritu quien
levanta a Cristo, el único engendrado Hijo de
parece que no hay falta de Dios. El no es una presencia femenina. El no es
confusión alrededor de su una “cosa”, “sentimiento” “niebla “o fuerza.
apropiada función. Aunque fueras
L A H ISTORIA HA INTRODUCIDO MUCHOS
llamado al ministerio profético o solo líderes divagantes con extrañas manifestaciones.
estas sirviendo a Cristo con todo tu Tu ventaja es 4,000 años de historia bíblica, desde
corazón, te enfrentaras con muchos Adán hasta Cristo, para servirte como guía de
precisión. Una piedra angular para permanecer
problemas. Aun cosas extrañas que bíblico es usar la historia escrita como tu
necesitaran mucho discernimiento fundación para medir la verdad. Cuando pasan
espiritual durante tu camino con cosas extrañas, busca en La Palabra por ejemplos que el Espíritu Santo usa ninguna de esas
bíblicos. Si no puedes encontrarlos, entonces algo manifestaciones para confirmar la resurrección
Dios. Discernimiento espiritual viene esta terriblemente malo. de Cristo. Estos son solo unos pocos ejemplos
del Espíritu Santo y encuentras del fuego extraño.
confirmación en muchas escrituras a EXPERIENCIAS, AUN VIVIDAS , PODEROSAS Y
sobrenaturales no son medidoras de la verdad. ALGUIEN TE PUEDE DECIR QUE LAS COSAS DE
través de la escrita Palabra de Dios. En mi generación he visto reuniones donde había Espíritu no se pueden entender por el hombre
polvo de oro, plumas, piedras preciosas y gente natural. Esto no es cierto porque el Espíritu Santo
DÉJAME DECIRTE ESTO: EL ESPÍRITU SANTO latiendo y rugiendo como leones. La búsqueda si puede ser entendido. El nunca viola la Palabra
no es algo extraño, raro o místico. El es la tercera a través de las escrituras no da evidencia de escrita. Las cosas del Espíritu son entendidas

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P. 67

LOS GRUPOS PROFÉTICOS DE JEZABEL Y BALÍN


– y otros que te encontraras- tienen todo tipo
de cosas extrañas, señales y maravillas en sus
reuniones. Solamente recuerda que no toda
maravilla, no importa cuán mística ni excitante,
es del Espíritu Santo (1ª de juan4:1). Aun milagros
legítimos en reuniones no confirman el que
estos ministros estén fluyendo correctamente.
Las escrituras dicen, “ Muchos me dirán en ese
día, Señor, Señor, que no profetizamos en tu
nombre? Y en tu nombre expulsamos demonios?
Y en tu nombre hicimos muchas maravillas? Y yo
les contestare, nunca te conocí: apártate de mí,
hacedores de iniquidad” (Mateo 7:22-23)

UNA PA RT I C U L A R I DA D E N T R E A L G U N O S
ministros es el amor al dinero que paga por sus
estilos de vida extravagante. Algunos que abrazan
estos espíritus son mercaderes. Mercaderes
venden profecías, sanaciones, aceites religiosos,
pociones y varios productos que reenfuerzan
el mensaje. Típicamente ellos trabajan dentro
de sus propias redes, enfocando en sacar de
la gente todo el dinero que sea posible. Tienen
toda clase de trucos para manipular a la gente.
Siempre reclutando seguidores que se enlisten en
sus grupos. He visto algunos trabajar con mucha
malicia para robar a la gente de Dios.

UN JOVEN LE LLAMAREMOS SCOTT, SE ASOCIO


con una de estas redes de mercaderes. El vino a
visitarme recientemente buscando arrepentirse.
Scott ofreció sus papeles de ordenación de los
varios ministros dentro de la red y renunciando
a su participación. Paso después a revelar el
propósito de sus muchas conferencias: recaudar
dinero, no para avanzar el ministerio de Cristo.
Después de estos servicios los organizadores
dividen las ofrendas entre ellos mismos. Scott
me sorprendió cuando compartió la mentalidad
de estos mercaderes. Ellos creen que la cantidad
de dinero que recaudan confirma el nivel de la
unción profética.

POR VARIAS HORAS, SCOTT HABLO DE MUCHOS


individuos algunos bien conocidos y otros
oscuros. El divulgo numerosas estrategias malas
en reuniones a través de la nación. Aprendí que
por el logos, la Biblia (Hebreos 4:12) Otra vez, el Ellos han escrito libros y producido muchos ellos se mercadean entre ellos mismos. Ellos
Espíritu Santo no es extraño raro o místico. videos de entrenamiento. Estos espíritus intentan buscan por jóvenes ingenuos para volverlos
sabotear al ministerio profético y revelarse como demonios como ellos. Hay toda clase de males
PROFETAS DE DECEPCION los “expertos” en ese medio. Ellos condenan trabajando entre bastidores entre esta gente.
En mi generación, Jezabel y Balín profetas eran criticismo como irrelevante, falto de amor, Ellos miran y escuchan videos con la intención
los enemigos predominantes del verdadero ignorante y critico. Espero que al tiempo de leer de aprender las maneras de hablar y actuar
ministerio profético. En los últimos 20 anos este material usted se dar cuenta de la locura y de los verdaderos ministros del evangelio para
estos espíritus se han hecho más sofisticados. escapara de sus decepciones. Probablemente las imitarlos. (Jeremías 23:30) evítalos y no te
Ellos han construidos sus propias redes de cosas empeoraran, y usted encontrara que son su reúnas con ellos. Ten cuidado de sus halagos
iglesias, seguidores y escuelas de entrenamiento. oponente más fuerte. y sonrisas. Al principio te halagaran. Si surte

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P. 68 T H E V O I C E E N E S P A Ñ O L

efecto, te mercadearan. Solo recuerda Dios. Ellos no necesitan objetos de las


que si aceptas sus halagos te pueden ropas de la gente, cabellos o fotos para
comprar. Los servidores de Cristo no asistirlos en sus declaraciones proféticas.
son prostitutas. Ni tampoco proyectos astrales dentro del
mundo espiritual. Verdaderos profetas
UN ESPÍRITU DE RECHAZO PUEDE no se mezclan con las enseñanzas de la
atacarte SI estos líderes te dan la espalda. Nueva Era acerca del dios-ego, o tratan
Si te sientes así piensa de esta manera, de desenllavar secretos escondidos
rechazo es protección. No necesitas la dentro de las escrituras. Ellos no venden
aprobación de nadie a excepción de la profecías, pociones ni elixires. Ellos no
de Cristo. Los servidores de Dios no son ocultistas, médiums o chamanes. Los
se compran a ningún precio! No trates ocultistas buscan secretos escondidos y
de aprender nada de ellos. No eres un el “conocimiento de lo oculto”. Ellos
síquico, ni místico, ni espiritista. Tú usan varios métodos para encontrar
eres un ministro de Cristo. Tienes la oscuras “verdades” como numerología y
responsabilidad de usar tus dones como la lectura de símbolos y letras del idioma
un fiel miembro servidor del cuerpo Hebreo. Numerología es el estudio de la
de Cristo. El propósito de la unción es relación entre números y objetos que los
establecer y avanzar el Reino de Dios, espiritualistas necesitan para adivinación.
dar testimonio del amor de Dios y Los practicantes de Kabala por ejemplo,
confirmar al mundo la resurrección de buscan por el conocimiento de lo
Cristo nuestro Salvador. Los verdaderos oculto en números y símbolos. Esto no
profetas son también llamados a volver es bíblico!
los corazones de los hombres hacia Dios,
a caminar en santidad, enfrentar el pecado HE VISTO GENTE USAR EL CALENDARIO
y construir la Iglesia de Cristo. Evita la Hebreo y sus símbolos anuales para
fama, los elogios de hombres y vana profetizar eventos del año venidero.
gloria y ten en cuenta tus motivaciones en Esto no es el trabajo del Espíritu Santo,
todas las cosas. (Proverbios 4:12) sino que señales de brujería de la antigua

EL FLUJO DEL PROFETA DEL NUEVO


PROFETAS VERDADEROS SON LLAMADOS Babilonia. La escritura dice que los
secretos pertenecen a nuestro Señor y
Testamento es primeramente usado para
edificación, exhortación y consolar (1 A VOLTEAR EL CORAZON DE LA GENTE A lo que Él ha escogido revelar está en su
Palabra, solo ocultistas buscan por lo
Corintios 14:13). Este don también ayuda
a convertir el logos, la palabra escrita, a DIOS, CAMINAR EN SANTIDAD, CONFRONTAR prohibido.”Las cosas secretas pertenecen
al Señor nuestro Dios: pero las cosas que
rema, la palabra viviente, la voluntad del son reveladas pertenecen a nosotros y
Espíritu Santo. Nuevamente, los profetas PECADO Y EDIFICAR LA IGLESIA DE CRISTO. a nuestros hijos para siempre, para que
de Nuevo Testamento no son síquicos. podamos hacer todos sus mandamientos
Un síquico usa poderes demoniacos para
profetizar. Como ya dijimos, profetas no
DEBEN DE EVITAR FAMA, ELOGIOS DE de la ley”. (Deuteronomio 29:29)

son místicos; un místico es aquel que usa


falsificaciones espirituales para aparecer
HOMBRES Y GLORIA EN VANO, Y CUIDAR A LGUNAS COSAS NO PODRÁN SER
discernidas fácilmente. En algunos
como que tienen un acceso especial al
favor de Dios. SUS MOTIVOS EN TODAS COSAS casos se tendrá que esperar hasta que los
frutos aparezcan (Mateo 7:17) Mientras

LOS FALSOS PROFETAS PUEDEN LANZAR (PROVERBIOS 4:23). se espera por los frutos, recuerda que
el Espíritu Santo no produce personas
miedo y maldiciones. He oído algunos inestables, extraños ni raros. Ellos serán
decirle a la gente que están en peligro si no que estas cosas aumentarían antes de su regreso. fuertes en el Señor y en el Poder de su Fuerza.
obedecen sus palabras proféticas. Este tipo de Si, un día habrá un juicio de los vivos y muertos Ellos estarán llenos de amor, poder y en sano
cosas no son más que brujerías. Átalas y continúa pero el miedo no lleva a las personas a Cristo. Son juicio. (2 Timoteo 1:7)
con Jesús. Ningún profeta es ungido por el las buenas nuevas de la amorosa benevolencia de
Espíritu Santo para maldecir a las personas. Pablo Dios y su ofrecimiento de perdón de pecados a T EN CUIDADO CON MEZCLAS IMPÍAS . No
dijo” no bendigan no maldigan” (Romanos12:14) los que se arrepienten. (Juan 3:16) prediques con maestros inmorales, predicadores,
Maldecir es una señal segura de un falso profeta. músicos o cantantes inmorales- y no te sientes en
Balín, un verdadero profeta que se malogro y por BUSCANDO sus reuniones tampoco. Encontraras que algunos
ello perdió su vida. Dios no manda tormentas, SECRETOS ESCONDIDOS por error son muy talentosos pero el talento no
huracanes y terremotos para juzgar a la gente, Los Profetas de Cristo dependen solamente invita la presencia del Espíritu Santo. Talento es
ciudades y naciones por sus pecados. Jesús dijo en el Espíritu Santo y en la Palabra escrita de visto en actuaciones de habilidad utilizadas para

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T H E V O I C E E N E S P A Ñ O L P. 69

entretener. Entretenimiento, sin embargo, no EL DON DEL PROFETA NO ES PONER UN También debes Saber de que el movimiento del
cambia los corazones. Los profetas del Nuevo espectáculo. Los profetas no son artistas. Los Espíritu Santo no es confirmado por el número
Testamento son llamados a volver los corazones profetas embusteros son artistas y saben cómo de gente que atiende Estas reuniones o por
hacia Cristo. No a poner un acto para la gente. trabajar al público. Pulido espectáculo, no la representación de celebridades cristianas.
importa cuán místico, aparentemente espiritual Solamente por la Palabra, testimonio Y el fruto
EVITA EL ORO, LA GLORIA Y LAS MUCHACHAS. o entretenido, no es la unción. Usted puede vivir es que puedes estar seguro. Aun el fruto puede
Este es un viejo proverbio que te ayudara. Si, en una época donde la diferencia no es my clara engañarte. Como dijimos antes busca por
Dios te prosperara porque la obediencia a su y Dios te puede usar para traer clarificación. fruto Constante, vidas cambiadas, salvaciones
palabra siempre trae una medida de prosperidad. Algunos reavivamientos atraen fuego extraño y gloria solo para Cristo.
Las escrituras dicen “El amor al dinero es la raíz .Puedes leer la historia del reavivamiento de
de toda maldad”. Mientras ministras, no olvides Welch en Whales y la de Azuza en Norte América ALGO DE LO QUE HE ESCRITO PROBABLEMENTE
que la gloria pertenece a Dios. La escritura nos como ejemplos de fuego extraño que entro en te ha entristecido. Esto es bueno. Si no, entonces
recuerda “el no comparte su gloria con nadie” las reuniones. hay algo Malo; si vas a caminar cerca con Dios,
(Isaias42:8). Finalmente, cuídate de los pecados será necesario que mueras por dentro a través
sexuales. Cuando te cases, se fiel a tu esposa C UANDO NO ESTÁS SEGURO DE LAS COSAS del camino. Muchas cosas te entristecerán.
de tu juventud. El pecado sexual ha destruido ten cuidado de los ministerios de jóvenes Lamentaciones, luto y dolor serán tus compañeros.
ministerios de miles de gentes aun antes de y busca el consejo de los viejos ministros, Esto te impulsara a Interceder por las vidas de tus
que tú vinieras a esta tierra. Te puede destruir esos santos de pelo canoso que han estado hermanos y hermanas en el Señor. Las buenas
a ti también. caminando con Cristo por largo tiempo. Los noticias son que puedes Llegar y dar honor a
más seguros son aquellos que han estado en Cristo en el camino. El Apóstol Pablo lo dijo
PULIDO ESPECTACULO el ministerio un mínimo de 25 anos y tienen mejor, “Camina digno de la vocación por La cual
Como ya dijimos, evita el fuego extraño, pues un fruto constante. No veas a los principiantes has sido llamado, con humildad, mansedumbre,
es la introducción a algo extranjero dentro del aunque parezcan que son altamente ungidos largo sufrimiento, sobrellevando los unos a otros
ministerio, del mensaje, de la iglesia, profecía, (1 Timoteo 3:6) Yo he visto a estos jóvenes En amor. Esforzándose para mantener la unidad
oración, ofrenda o dentro de la “unción”. Los “superestrellas” ir y venir. La carrera de los del Espíritu y la paz (Efesios 4:1-3)
hijos de Aron , Nadab y Abihu, ofrecieron fuego ministros de Dios es larga. Es un maratón
extraño y perdieron sus vidas. (Levítico 10: 1- que se acaba al llegar a la meta del Cielo. EVITA EL EXTRAÑO FUEGO Y ESTATE ATENTO A
10). El ministerio es un ministerio santo con LOS PROFETAS JEZABEL Y BALÍN SE presentaran la venida del Rey de Gloria, el Autor y Terminador
servidores santos sirviendo a Dios. como los expertos en las cosas más extrañas. de tu Fe, Jesucristo nuestro Señor.

Click these links to order:


NextLevelProphetic.com, TheVoiceBooks.com.
P. 70 C O L U M N A

LA VIDA APOSTOLICA

RITMOS
TRANQUILIZANTES

DE GRACIA
Como sobreponerse
al espíritu de cansancio.
P OR J ENNIFER L E C LAIRE

S
i alguna vez te has sentido vencido. El cansancio distorsiona
cansado, estas en buena tu perspectiva. Te hace mirar al El cansancio trae consigo espíritus
compañía. Moisés se canso mundo- y tal vez a tu iglesia- con
de tener sus manos alzadas cuando ojos turbios. Cansancio tiene de pesadez y fatiga que te hacen
los Israelitas peleaban contra los
Amalequitas (Éxodos 17:11-13).
amigos llamados desaliento y
confusión y los tres cantan una
sentir y querer darte por vencido. El
canción que suena algo así: cansancio distorsiona tu perspectiva.
JOB SE SINTIÓ CANSADO EN MEDIO
de su tribulación desgarradora de “!ESTOY PONIENDO TODO DE MI Te hace mirar al mundo- y tal vez a tu
su corazón (Job 10:1). Y David se parte y no estoy llegando a ningún iglesia- con ojos turbios.
sintió cansado con sus gemidos lado. La única luz al final del túnel
tanto así que remojo la almohada es una locomotora arrollándome.
con sus lagrimas y empapo sus Nada va a cambiar así que mejor escuche. Otros soldados cansados MIRA, SI ESTÁS HACIENDO ALGO
sabanas con su llanto (Salmos 6:6). dejo de tratar. Ya no sé ni lo que se unirán al coro y agregaran grande para el Señor – sea dirigiendo
Eso sí que es cansancio! estoy supuesto a hacer ¡” nuevos versos. Recuerden la un ministerio internacional o
vieja canción, “nadie conoce el dirigiendo una casa de madre-
QUE ES EL CANSANCIO? FORTALEZA H AS OÍDO ALGUNA VEZ ESTE problema que he visto… nadie padre soltero- puedes esperar que
agotada. Resistencia fallida. Vigor refrán, o algo similar? Es fácil conoce mis tristezas”? Creo que cansancio visite tu domicilio. Jesús
acabado. El cansancio trae consigo formar un quarteto con estas va al tiempo de Job, pero muchos dijo hace 2,000 anos que la cosecha
espíritus de pesadez y fatiga que voces- y aun ser el líder. Cantaran de nosotros todavía la cantan de es abundante pero los obreros son
te hacen sentir y querer darte por la cansada canción a cualquiera que vez en cuando. pocos. Desafortunadamente, no

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T H E V O I C ET H E V O I C E P. 71

mucho ha cambiado al respecto,


desde sus días en la tierra.

ENTONCES, QUE ES LO QUE UN


creyente apostólico debe hacer
cuando cansancio viene cantando
esa canción? Bien, dobla tus
medias de “súper-cristiano” y tú
capa en tu guardarropa. En otras
palabras, descansa a las primeras
señales de cansancio. Recuerda,
cansancio es el primer alto en el
camino a agotamiento. Dios nos
manda a guardar el Sabbath, una
vez a la semana. Aun Jesús se sintió
cansado algunas veces y él es el
Hijo de Dios.

R ECUERDAS CUANDO J ESÚS Y


sus discípulos iban caminando
de Judea a Galilea? El grupo
apostólico tenía que viajar a
través de Samaria. Jesús llego a
una ciudad llamada Sychar cerca
de un pedazo de tierra que Jacob Si estas agotado, Jesús esta llamándote. Te está diciendo,
dio a José. El pozo de Jacob
estaba allí. “Jesús, cansado del
“ estas cansado? Agotado? Quemado con religión? Ven a
viaje, se sentó a descansar al mí. Vente conmigo y recobraras tu vida. Yo te enseñare a
lado del pozo. Era cerca de la
sexta hora (mediodía) (Juan 4:3- descansar realmente.”
6 AMP). Jesús estaba cansado,
y era solo mediodía! Así que que el enemigo planea atacarnos con cansancio, y su entendimiento de acuerdo a tu palabra.” (Salmos
toma un descanso. Está bien que mientras estamos cansados y no hay quien lo alcance. El da 119:28 NIV)
descanses si estas cansado. débiles (2 Samuel 17:1-3). Yo creo fuerza al ansado y multiplica las
que agotamiento trae a sus primos fuerzas del que no tiene ninguna. SI ESTAS AGOTADO, JESÚS ESTA
AUN JESÚS ALENTÓ A SUS desanimo y confusión y la melodía Los jóvenes se fatigan y se cansan, llamándote. Te está diciendo, “ estas
apóstoles a descansar. “Y el les es tan miserable como la más triste flaquean y caen pero los que cansado? Agotado? Quemado con
dijo, aléjense a solas aun lugar música que has oído cantar. esperan en el Señor tendrán nuevas religión? Ven a mí. Vente conmigo
desierto y descansen por un fuerzas; Alzaran a volar como las y recobraras tu vida. Yo te enseñare
rato- pues muchos iban y venían TÚ SABES YA LA RESPUESTA AL águilas, correrán y no se cansaran; a descansar realmente.” Camina
continuamente sin tener tiempo agotamiento. Es la Palabra de caminaran y no desmayaran.” conmigo y déjame enseñarte
ni para comer. Y se fueron en el Dios. Mientras busco en la Biblia, (Isaías 40:28-31) como yo lo hago. Aprende el
barco a un lugar solitario.” (Marcos me da animo y aliento (lo opuesto ritmo de gracia. Yo no te daré nada
6:32 AMP) Puedo oírlos a ustedes a desanimo y confusión) y es el TENEMOS UNA PARTE QUE JUGAR. pesado sobre ti. Acompáñame
ahora mismo decir “mándenme remedio para el agotamiento. La Tenemos que esperar en el Señor. y aprenderás a vivir libremente
ese bote por aquí!” Biblia está llena de promesas para Me gusta como lo dice la Biblia (Mateo 11:28-30 MSG).
el soldado agotado. Así que prepara Amplificada, expande en la palabra
AHORA, SI TE VAS EN ESE BOTE tus cuerdas vocales y alístate a “espera”: esperar con expectación, RITMO DE GRACIA NO FORZADO…
y descansas por un rato y sigues cantar estos versos al enemigo la buscar, poner tus esperanzas en me gusta esa promesa. Déjame
agotado, bien amigo, tenemos próxima vez que estés cansado. El. Cuando David estaba en una terminar con otra promesa de
un caso diferente. El escritor de tierra desierta, no había agua el Gálatas 6:9 “No nos cansemos ni
Hebreos nos advierte no agotarnos “QUE NO SABES? QUE NO HAS busco desesperadamente a Dios, agotemos ni desmayemos de hacer
porque podríamos perder ánimo oído, que el Dios Eterno, El Señor, clamando, “Mi alma tiene sed de ti, el bien noblemente, pues a su debido
de corazón y desmayar en nuestras El Creador de los confines de la mi cuerpo te anhela.” (Salmos 63:1 tiempo hemos de cosechar, si no
mentes (Hebreos 12:3). Claro tierra, no desfallece, ni se fatiga NIV) El oraba a Dios,”Fortaleceme perdemos coraje y desmayamos.”

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DUMBING US DOWN THE SEVEN PILLARS OF BECAUSE THEY HATE


by John Gatto HEALTH by Dr. Don Colbert by Brigitte Gabriel

The Hidden Curriculum What you can do for A Christian Arab


of Compulsory Schooling yourself concerning your journalist who witnessed
- With over 70,000 copies health, God will not do. the deadly beginnings
of the first edition in print, of fundamentalist Islam
this radical treatise on It’s up to you to do it now. issues a passionate wake-
public education has been Most diseases are caused by up call to America.
a New Society Publishers’ unhealthy lifestyles, poor
bestseller for 10 years! diet, lack of exercise, stress, Brigitte warns that radical
and inadequate sleep. Islam will stop at nothing
Thirty years in New York City’s public schools short of domination of all non-Muslim
led John Gatto to the sad conclusion that This book, based on best-selling author Dr. countries. She points out mistakes the West
compulsory schooling does little but teach Don Colbert’s life message, reveals seven fun- has made in consistently underestimating the
young people to follow orders like cogs in an damental principles that will enable people to single-mindedness with which fundamentalist
industrial machine. walk in and enjoy the health God intended. Islam has pursued its goals over the past
Dr. Colbert explains the body’s vital need for: thirty years. Gabriel outlines the history, social
This second edition describes the wide-spread movements, and religious divisions that have
impact of the book and Gatto’s “guerrilla Water, Sleep and rest, Living food, Exercise, led to this critical historical conflict. Fiercely
teaching.” Detoxification, Supplements and Coping with articulate and passionately committed,
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DELAWARE FLORIDA (Cont’d) INDIANA

Praise to the King Ministries, Inc. Spirit of Life Ministries Whole Truth Gospel Tabernacle

M I N I S T RY D I R E C T O RY
Apostle Nailah & Pastor Wayne Gilliam Apostle Jonas & Pastor Rhonda Clark Bishop Kevin B. Wise, Sr.
Wilmington, Delaware Hallandale Beach, Florida Gary, Indiana
(302) 571-0695 (954) 456-4420 (219) 884-1353
www.praisetothekingministries.org www.jonasclark.com www.wholetruthgospeltabernaclehc.org

FLORIDA GEORGIA MARYLAND

Christ’s Kingdom Life Center Sandy Hall Ministries Redeemer International Family Church
International Rev. Sandy Hall Pastors Chris and MaryEllen Geeslin
Apostle Leslie Brown III Jonesboro, Georgia Frederick, Maryland
Hollywood, Florida (678) 479-6472 (301) 514-2759
(954) 963-1355 www.sandyhallministries.com www.RedeemerFamily.org
communitymission@bellsouth.net
Gateway Believers Fellowship MINNESOTA
Prophetic Revival Center Apostle David Coker
Pastor/Prophetess Sandra Moore Carnesville, Georgia Five-Fold Ministries
Miami, Florida (706) 384-5242 Bishop Mark & Kathryn Shaw
(305) 248-0033 www.gatewaybelievers.com Rochester, Minnesota
www.sandramoore.org (888) 808-5455
Dr. Kluane Spake www.5fold.org
Restoration World Outreach Ministries Jubilee Alliance
Apostle Steve & Michelle Lyston Atlanta, Georgia LOUISIANA
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (678) 478-4958
(954) 297-9552 Jamaica (876) 754-0500(1) www.kluane.org AEGA International Headquarters
rwominc@yahoo.com Dr. Henry Harbuck, General Overseer
ILLINOIS Monroe, Louisiana
Resurrection Life Family Worship Center (800) 842-5176
Apostle Trevor & Pastor Martha Banks Faith Center www.aega.org
Fort Pierce, Florida Apostle Don Lyon
(772) 465-0036 Rockford, Illinois MISSISSIPPI
www.trbanks.com (815) 964-8000
www.rockfordfaithcenter.com End Time World Ministries International
Sharejoy Ministries International Apostle James & Prophetess Theresa Jones
Pastor Andra Maxwell South Haven, Mississippi
Fort Lauderdale, Florida (901) 628-6969
(954) 825-7189 jamesjones1027@yahoo.com
andramc@hotmail.com
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Zion Restoration Int’l Ministries Awake The Bride Ministries Equippers Outreach Fellowship
Apostle Donnetta Mathis Lisa Jo Fanelli-Greer Apostle Jerry Adkins
Lincoln, Nebraska Grantham, Pennsylvania Weimar, Texas
(402) 435-4260 (717) 802-0922 (979) 725-8233
www.zrimhome.org lisajogreer@awakethebrideministries.com pastorja@equippersoutreach.com

NORTH CAROLINA Jubilee Ministries International VIRGINIA


Apostle Mark & Pastor Jill Kauffman
HE VOICE Activate Church New Castle, Pennsylvania Cornerstone Ministries
Pastor Jorge Parrott (724) 657-3884 Prophetess Thialyn Reed
Charlotte, North Carolina www.jubileeministriesint.com Quinton, Virginia
(704) 517-2557 (804) 536-4945
www.activatechurch.org Prevailing Word World Outreach Center Cornerstoneministries1@gmail.com
Apostle David M. Young, Sr. &
Heart House Ministries Pastor Diane Young Covenant Life Church
MINISTRY DIRECTORY

Apostle Noland M. & New Castle, Pennsylvania Apostle Jeff H. &


Prophetess Jo E. Owens (724) 658-5282 Prophetess Linda R. Herbert
Raleigh, North Carolina www.prevailingwordwoc.org Alexandria, Virginia
(919) 413-5260 (703) 321-8092
hearthousenc@aol.com SOUTH CAROLINA www.covenant-life-church.org

Healing Rain Ministry Disciples of Christ Evangelistic Church Mercy and Truth Ministries
Prophet Michael and Lyn Bacon Apostle Daniel & Eva Harmon Apostles Eric & Johniene Miller
Wake Forest, North Carolina Elloree, South Carolina Newport News, Virginia
(919) 671-3614 (803) 353-8681 (757) 240-4695
www.healingrainministry.org www.matministriesva.org
Harvest Center Church
OHIO Apostle Rufus & Bertha Smalls INTERNATIONAL DIRECTORY
Summerville, South Carolina
BAHAMAS
Believer’s Church International (843) 875-6238
Apostle O. Michael & RufusLSmalls@comcast.net Bahamas Faith Ministries
Prophetess Beverly Smith Dr. Myles Munroe
Defiance, Ohio World Harvest Ministries Nassau, Bahamas
(419) 782-9723 Apostle Alvin Green & Apostle Alva Green (242) 341-6444
www.believerschurchinternational.org Columbia, South Carolina www.bfmmm.com
(803) 765-9090
Judah Tabernacle www.worldharvestministries.org HONDURAS
Pastors Jeff & Louanne Leslie
Columbus, Ohio Grace Life Ministries
(614) 492-6000 TENNESSEE Pastors John Paul & Edith Yesenia DuBose
www.judahtabernacle.com Siguatepeque, Honduras
Christ the King Inc (504) 773-4977
OREGON Apostle Prega Gounden
NICARAGUA
Dandridge, Tennessee
Voice of the Trumpet Ministries (423) 790-9980 Center of Christian Fellowship
Apostles Gary & Traci Carson goundenprega@yahoo.com Apostle Arturo Sanchez
Clackamas, Oregon Managua, Nicaragua
(503) 630-4294 (505) 265-7096
www.voiceofthetrumpet.org www.casabetesdanicaragua.com

Redeemer International Ministries


Click www.thevoicemagazine.com to find more Apostles Chico Hernandez, Chris Geeslin
Jenotepe, Carazo, Nicaragua
Churches and ministries online. (301) 514-2759
www.WinNicaragua.com
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