Common Sense Commentary: Let me first lay the groundwork and set the stage for our discussion of Melchizedek.
Jesus Christ did not begin in the womb of Mary or in the manger of Bethlehem. John the beloved Apostle wrote, as God gave him the words, of the eternal existence of Christ, in John 1:1-3 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (The Word is capitalized which makes it a proper name of a person. When God spoke the word, and said, in Gen.1, "Let there be....", the Word went out and performed God the Father's command.) Now, back to John 1:14, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten (Son) of the Father,) full of grace and truth. God could not have made it clearer that the "Word" in John chapter one is none other than Jesus Christ and that He was "in the beginning", "was God", made "all things" at God the Father's command and was "made flesh" in the womb of the virgin Mary. John also wrote Christ's own words of His eternal existence in Rev.1:8, "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." Eternal existence.
In the Old Testament, God gave David a prophetic declaration in the very words of Christ. "Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God.... Psm.40:7-8.
This same prophetic verse, of the words of Jesus, is quoted in the New Testament in Hebrews 10:7&10 , "Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.... By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all...." The thing I want to point out in these two verses is, that the entire "volume" of the entire Bible "is written of me", Jesus said.
It's all about Jesus, from Genesis to Revelations. Many other verses confirm this fact. In Lk.24:44, Jesus said, "... all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me." Again, He said,
"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." Rev.1:8
The fact that God chose Mary, specifically, to give birth to the body of Jesus was incidental to who He was and where He placed Himself in relation to His mother and His church. He was teaching His disciples when Mary and His half brothers came seeking Him. Here is the incident, "There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him. And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother." Mark 3:31-35. He came from eternity into a fleshly body for a short time and then returned into eternity at the right hand of God the Father. Mary's closest relationship to Jesus was not fleshly but spiritual, as an eternal Christian, not as Christ's eternal mother.
The oldest book in the Bible is Job, and even Job spoke of Christ's eternal existence in Job 19:25, "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth." Here, Job is certain that his redeemer (Messiah/Christ) "lives" (present tense verb, right then, in the far distant past) and that his redeemer will also, "stand at the latter day" in the far distant future. Eternal,continual, permanent existence.
Jesus, Himself, spoke of His eternal existence when He told the Jews that He had seen Abraham and Abraham had seen Him (Jn.8:56-57). The Jews denied the possibility of that and Jesus answered, "Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am." Jn.8:58. "I am" is what the name Jehovah (YHVH) means, in the first person. In the third person, it means "THE EXISTING ONE". In the second person it means "HE IS". Jesus was telling those Jews that He was and is eternal and that He had, in fact, seen Abraham, in the flesh, and Abraham had seen him, in the flesh.
Now the question is, when did Christ "see" Abraham and when did Abraham "see" Him? It happened in Gen.14:14-20 when they came face to face, Abram and Christ. The Psalmist referred to Melchizedek in Psm.110:1-4 and the writer of Hebrews covers the subject thoroughly in Heb. 7. Read these verses for yourself.
I will expound upon all the references to Melchizedek and "The Priestly Order of Melchizedek" in my next blog.
.
Jul 10, 2013
Meaning Of Abomination Of Desolation
Common Sense Commentary: The following is my opinion, after a lifetime of study, as I see it at this moment. I am sure, on this subject, I will see it more and more clearly as the mist rises and prophecy continues to unfold.
The original prophecy of the latter days "Abomination Of Desolation", which is set up in Jerusalem on the Temple Mount upon the singular spot known as the Holy of Holies, where God dwelt, within the veil, among His people Israel, in the Old Testament, was given by the prophet Daniel. ".... and they shall pollute the sanctuary, and take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination of desolation that maketh desolate." Dan.11:31. Following this first reference to it, Daniel gives a second mention in the next chapter, Dan. 12:11... "And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days." (3 1/2 years). The Anti-Christ will make a 7 year treaty agreement with Israel, the Muslims and the world and break it after 3 1/2 years to take full, dictatorial control of the world. The seven years are called the Tribulation Period and the second half of it is known as the Great Tribulation. Notice in the two verses above that the Abomination Of Desolation is "placed" in the first verse and "set up" in the second verse. These two verbs relate to a "thing" rather than a person.
The above prophecies are repeated, by Jesus, in the New Testament in three of the four Gospels.
In Matt.24:14-16... "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains..." (Note this will happen at "the end" )
Also repeated in Mark 13:14 "But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains...." (Note reference to this thing as "it") "it" is not a person. It may be anything from a life-like bank of computers to a replica of Mecca or even a throne or some other kind of symbolic form.
At this point in prophecy, nobody knows what "it" is.
Finally, the prophecy is repeated in Luke 21:20-22 ..."And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. (So it is the "desolation" of Jerusalem which is meant in the Abomination Of Desolation) Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; (This phrase ties this verse with the two references above as reference to the same thing. Same words) and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled."
(Fulfilled prophecy)
So exactly what is an "abomination"? It is an ugly, evil and unholy act such as mentioned in 2 Chron.36:8 "The rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and his abominations which he did, and that which was found in him, behold, they are written...."
A false measure in buying or selling is an abomination to God. "A false balance is an abomination to the Lord." Prov.11:1. (An ugly, unholy thing standard with Muslims)
Hatred pretending friendship is abomination... "When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. Whose hatred is covered by deceit..." Prov.26:25-26. (An ugly, unholy thing used by Muslims to gain acceptance).
False prayer is an abomination ... "Even his prayer shall be abomination."
Prov.8:9. (An ugly, unholy thing with Muslims bowing their heads toward Mecca with rear-ends in the air toward God)
Using incense in worship is an abomination. "When ye come to appear before me ... Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me ...." Isa.1:12-13.
(An ugly, unholy thing in worship ... also).
And what is "desolation"? It is good made bad, "to make wretched, to lay waste, ruined and forsaken". The Nazis and Japanese did it in WWII, the Communists did it all over Eastern Europe, Asia and to their own people. Detroit did it to itself.
I believe the Abomination Of Desolation standing in the holy place, "set up" and "placed" there on the Temple Mount, in Jerusalem, is an ugly, unholy, perverted Religious System contained or programed into some visible form. A counterfeit of Old and New Testament Truths. "Standing" there, even now, a Muslim Mosque, the most important one on earth second to the one in Mecca. Muhammad was supposed to have ascended from there into heaven on his donkey. This Mosque probably isn't the one referred to in the prophecy but, at some point, the Jews will rebuild their Temple there, and the Anti-Christ will confiscate "it","the sanctuary" as his ruling place, and as a united world "church" dominated by Muslim dogma. There are more muslims than Catholics now, as of this week, according to the Pope. Muslims have historically confiscated churches in conquered countries, and turned them into mosques. I think this is the abomination of desolation, a world religious system, standing in the holy place, which will have a counterfeit God, Prophet, Bible, Church, Heaven, Hell, and a counterfeit Commission... "Go ye into all the world and conquer, kill and make converts." That is the very method they have used throughout their history and it will be continued as the "Abomination Of Desolation", a world religious system incorporating religion, economics, politics and health, which Islam already does. I could be wrong on a few of these things, but this is how I now see it, through the mist, as it unfolds. RB
The original prophecy of the latter days "Abomination Of Desolation", which is set up in Jerusalem on the Temple Mount upon the singular spot known as the Holy of Holies, where God dwelt, within the veil, among His people Israel, in the Old Testament, was given by the prophet Daniel. ".... and they shall pollute the sanctuary, and take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination of desolation that maketh desolate." Dan.11:31. Following this first reference to it, Daniel gives a second mention in the next chapter, Dan. 12:11... "And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days." (3 1/2 years). The Anti-Christ will make a 7 year treaty agreement with Israel, the Muslims and the world and break it after 3 1/2 years to take full, dictatorial control of the world. The seven years are called the Tribulation Period and the second half of it is known as the Great Tribulation. Notice in the two verses above that the Abomination Of Desolation is "placed" in the first verse and "set up" in the second verse. These two verbs relate to a "thing" rather than a person.
The above prophecies are repeated, by Jesus, in the New Testament in three of the four Gospels.
In Matt.24:14-16... "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains..." (Note this will happen at "the end" )
Also repeated in Mark 13:14 "But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains...." (Note reference to this thing as "it") "it" is not a person. It may be anything from a life-like bank of computers to a replica of Mecca or even a throne or some other kind of symbolic form.
At this point in prophecy, nobody knows what "it" is.
Finally, the prophecy is repeated in Luke 21:20-22 ..."And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. (So it is the "desolation" of Jerusalem which is meant in the Abomination Of Desolation) Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; (This phrase ties this verse with the two references above as reference to the same thing. Same words) and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled."
(Fulfilled prophecy)
So exactly what is an "abomination"? It is an ugly, evil and unholy act such as mentioned in 2 Chron.36:8 "The rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and his abominations which he did, and that which was found in him, behold, they are written...."
A false measure in buying or selling is an abomination to God. "A false balance is an abomination to the Lord." Prov.11:1. (An ugly, unholy thing standard with Muslims)
Hatred pretending friendship is abomination... "When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. Whose hatred is covered by deceit..." Prov.26:25-26. (An ugly, unholy thing used by Muslims to gain acceptance).
False prayer is an abomination ... "Even his prayer shall be abomination."
Prov.8:9. (An ugly, unholy thing with Muslims bowing their heads toward Mecca with rear-ends in the air toward God)
Using incense in worship is an abomination. "When ye come to appear before me ... Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me ...." Isa.1:12-13.
(An ugly, unholy thing in worship ... also).
And what is "desolation"? It is good made bad, "to make wretched, to lay waste, ruined and forsaken". The Nazis and Japanese did it in WWII, the Communists did it all over Eastern Europe, Asia and to their own people. Detroit did it to itself.
I believe the Abomination Of Desolation standing in the holy place, "set up" and "placed" there on the Temple Mount, in Jerusalem, is an ugly, unholy, perverted Religious System contained or programed into some visible form. A counterfeit of Old and New Testament Truths. "Standing" there, even now, a Muslim Mosque, the most important one on earth second to the one in Mecca. Muhammad was supposed to have ascended from there into heaven on his donkey. This Mosque probably isn't the one referred to in the prophecy but, at some point, the Jews will rebuild their Temple there, and the Anti-Christ will confiscate "it","the sanctuary" as his ruling place, and as a united world "church" dominated by Muslim dogma. There are more muslims than Catholics now, as of this week, according to the Pope. Muslims have historically confiscated churches in conquered countries, and turned them into mosques. I think this is the abomination of desolation, a world religious system, standing in the holy place, which will have a counterfeit God, Prophet, Bible, Church, Heaven, Hell, and a counterfeit Commission... "Go ye into all the world and conquer, kill and make converts." That is the very method they have used throughout their history and it will be continued as the "Abomination Of Desolation", a world religious system incorporating religion, economics, politics and health, which Islam already does. I could be wrong on a few of these things, but this is how I now see it, through the mist, as it unfolds. RB
Jul 9, 2013
Perfect Fit Into "Abomination Of Desolation" Prophecy
Common Sense Commentary: From the elections of 2008 we have all witnessed what I call a series of "Evil Miracles". I refer to a long list of occurrences which previously would have been totally impossible to have come about. I'm talking about eye-popping, mind boggling, happenings on a level with the unbelievable... but they happened anyway. Things which cannot be explained in any other way than to confess the reality of an evil, powerful, God hating fallen angel named Lucifer, alias Devil and Satan. What we have all witnessed since 2008, in America, and around the world, is an "about face", a sea-change, a revolting revolution to the core of practically all civilized nations. In the Middle-East it is called "Arab Spring". In Europe it is the apparent coming apart of the European Union... with non-Muslims temporarily in charge. In China, Africa and South America, revolution and civil war are boiling just below the surface. Here in the U.S., I need not elaborate. The rapid demise of our national influence, productive power, world leadership, common sense and the World Reserve Currency, the dollar, are obvious. Not to mention the reversal of our national heritage, a Christian America, into the abyss of secularism and socialism, under the leadership of what appears to be a Muslim, Socialist President and a comatose, acquiescent Congress. There is no way that Islam is not a vital part of the Anti-Christ's reign. It fits the description of the Abomination Of Desolation. Except for a miracle from God, their take-over of the world is irreversible. Here, in this video, are the sobering facts. You must watch it in self-defense, to be informed, to know the truth of the matter; but you must put your trust and destiny into the hands of God. He could have prevented all this, but He didn't. That means, He is allowing it to happen .... and I think, in fulfillment of prophecy... which must come to pass.... because "It is written".
http://www.youtube.com/embed/6-3X5hIFXYU
http://www.youtube.com/embed/6-3X5hIFXYU
Jul 8, 2013
Christians, Above All Things Love One Another
Common Sense Commentary: I believe the magnificent success the Apostles of Christ had immediately after He ascended back into heaven, and just after Pentecost, when thousands were saved and the Church grew exponentially, was due to three things. First, the presence and power of the Holy Spirit of God working through the Apostle's. Second, the pure and simple preaching of the Gospel Of Jesus Christ to the thousands of pilgrims gathered in Jerusalem, from many nations, for the Feast Of Pentecost. And third, the sincere, agape love the Apostles received from Jesus and passed on the those who heard their preaching and saw that love.
God even spoke through that strong, rough handed, short tempered Apostle, Simon Peter, and said, "Above all things have fervent love (agape) among yourselves...." 1Peter4:8. "Above all things...", he said. How important is that? "Above all things".
This has to be the reason Satan does all in his power to neutralize "love" among Christians. If he can cause division, hard feelings or vain pride to keep Christians from loving each other, he stops the Church of Jesus Christ in it's tracks and weakens the members of His church to effectively carry out the Great Commission of winning souls. Satan uses the sins of jealousy, fear and pride to stop Christians from loving and showing that love to children, husbands, wives, and other Christians, which strengthens homes, relationships and churches. Sin drains the agape love from hearts and leaves churches cold, useless and ineffective. Jesus spoke to this in Matt.24:12, where He said, "And because iniquity shall abound the love of many shall wax cold." Sin destroys love. Jesus not only loved people, he showed it. John 11:5 says, "Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus." Do you think Jesus hesitated to tell his apostles and disciples that He loved them. He did it constantly. "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another, as I have loved you...". Jn.13:34. The next verse, v.35, He tells us that "love" is the identifying mark of a Christian. "By this (love) shall all men know ye are my disciples if ye have love one for another." Love is a testimony to the world that we are Christians.
Spiritual (agape) Love is commanded or commended or expressed toward others over 300 times in the New Testament alone. So remember the power of love, and it isn't known unless it is shown and expressed. My mother loved her family and people in general but especially Christians. She was constantly telling us and showing her love in a thousand ways. Dad was a bit more reserved but nobody had any doubt that he was a loving, giving, helping man. Our family was and is a hugging, loving bunch. We live next door to our son Ron. We see him at least once a day and he never leaves without saying, "I love you", whether it's to his mother and me or his wife Cindy or his children and grand-children. I feel sorrow for people who never hear their spouse, children, relatives or friends tell them they are loved. Of course, it is more important to show it than to say it, but saying it has a power almost equal to showing it. You husbands and wives express your love for your mate. Parents must communicate love to their children to give them security that they are loved. Don't let the fear of being misunderstood keep you from expressing your love for fellow Christians and little children. Jesus expressed His love constantly with great effect. We, as His disciples should follow His example. RB... I love you who read this and more important ... so does Jesus.
God even spoke through that strong, rough handed, short tempered Apostle, Simon Peter, and said, "Above all things have fervent love (agape) among yourselves...." 1Peter4:8. "Above all things...", he said. How important is that? "Above all things".
This has to be the reason Satan does all in his power to neutralize "love" among Christians. If he can cause division, hard feelings or vain pride to keep Christians from loving each other, he stops the Church of Jesus Christ in it's tracks and weakens the members of His church to effectively carry out the Great Commission of winning souls. Satan uses the sins of jealousy, fear and pride to stop Christians from loving and showing that love to children, husbands, wives, and other Christians, which strengthens homes, relationships and churches. Sin drains the agape love from hearts and leaves churches cold, useless and ineffective. Jesus spoke to this in Matt.24:12, where He said, "And because iniquity shall abound the love of many shall wax cold." Sin destroys love. Jesus not only loved people, he showed it. John 11:5 says, "Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus." Do you think Jesus hesitated to tell his apostles and disciples that He loved them. He did it constantly. "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another, as I have loved you...". Jn.13:34. The next verse, v.35, He tells us that "love" is the identifying mark of a Christian. "By this (love) shall all men know ye are my disciples if ye have love one for another." Love is a testimony to the world that we are Christians.
Spiritual (agape) Love is commanded or commended or expressed toward others over 300 times in the New Testament alone. So remember the power of love, and it isn't known unless it is shown and expressed. My mother loved her family and people in general but especially Christians. She was constantly telling us and showing her love in a thousand ways. Dad was a bit more reserved but nobody had any doubt that he was a loving, giving, helping man. Our family was and is a hugging, loving bunch. We live next door to our son Ron. We see him at least once a day and he never leaves without saying, "I love you", whether it's to his mother and me or his wife Cindy or his children and grand-children. I feel sorrow for people who never hear their spouse, children, relatives or friends tell them they are loved. Of course, it is more important to show it than to say it, but saying it has a power almost equal to showing it. You husbands and wives express your love for your mate. Parents must communicate love to their children to give them security that they are loved. Don't let the fear of being misunderstood keep you from expressing your love for fellow Christians and little children. Jesus expressed His love constantly with great effect. We, as His disciples should follow His example. RB... I love you who read this and more important ... so does Jesus.
Jul 7, 2013
Four Greatest Blessings Of Old Age
Common Sense Commentary: It is not health, wealth, fame or power. It is not a satisfaction with your religious faith. It is not an inner feeling of self-righteousness or worthiness.
I am in the place called "old age" and therefore qualified to give my opinion on the subject.
The four greatest blessings of Old Age are:
(1) To know that you know that all your sins are under the blood of Jesus and Heaven is your eternal home based solely on what He did on the cross and in His resurrection.
(2) To know that your spouse, your children and friends love you and others respect you. To truly love them as well.
(3) To know that your life, though punctuated with sin and failures, was not wasted and helped others to Christ.
(4) To know the peace which passeth all understanding.
"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil.4:7.
This is more than my opinion. RB
I am in the place called "old age" and therefore qualified to give my opinion on the subject.
The four greatest blessings of Old Age are:
(1) To know that you know that all your sins are under the blood of Jesus and Heaven is your eternal home based solely on what He did on the cross and in His resurrection.
(2) To know that your spouse, your children and friends love you and others respect you. To truly love them as well.
(3) To know that your life, though punctuated with sin and failures, was not wasted and helped others to Christ.
(4) To know the peace which passeth all understanding.
"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil.4:7.
This is more than my opinion. RB
Jul 4, 2013
Declaration Of Independence Day Speech By John Quincy Adams
Common Sense Commentary: Here, below, is a speech given by John Quincy Adams, one of the primary composers and signers of our nations Declaration Of Independence, 176 years ago, when he was a very old man, 61 years after it was written and adopted.
The Oration was Delivered Before the Inhabitants of the Town of Newburyport,
at their request, on the Sixty-First Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence,
July 4th, 1837. By John Quincy Adams
Here, I present only the first three paragraphs of his speech. RB
Why is it, Friends and Fellow Citizens, that you are here assembled? Why is it, that, entering upon the sixty-second year of our national existence, you have honored with an invitation to address you from this place, a fellow citizen of a former age, bearing in the records of his memory, the warm and vivid affections which attached him, at the distance of a full half century, to your town, and to your forefathers, then the cherished associates of his youthful days? Why is it that, next to the birthday of the Savior of the World, your most joyous and most venerated festival returns on this day? – And why is it that, among the swarming myriads of our population, thousands and tens of thousands among us, abstaining, under the dictate of religious principle, from the commemoration of that birth-day of Him, who brought life and immortality to light, yet unite with all their brethren of this community, year after year, in celebrating this, the birth-day of the nation?
Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the progress of the gospel dispensation? Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer's mission upon earth? That it laid the corner stone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity, and gave to the world the first irrevocable pledge of the fulfillment of the prophecies, announced directly from Heaven at the birth of the Savior and predicted by the greatest of the Hebrew prophets six hundred years before?
Cast your eyes backwards upon the progress of time, sixty-one years from this day; and in the midst of the horrors and desolations of civil war, you behold an assembly of Planters, Shopkeepers and Lawyers, the Representatives of the People of thirteen English Colonies in North America, sitting in the City of Philadelphia. These fifty-five men, on that day, unanimously adopt and publish to the world, a state paper under the simple title of 'A DECLARATION.'
There needs to be no further explanation of this founding father's words. RB
The Oration was Delivered Before the Inhabitants of the Town of Newburyport,
at their request, on the Sixty-First Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence,
July 4th, 1837. By John Quincy Adams
Here, I present only the first three paragraphs of his speech. RB
Why is it, Friends and Fellow Citizens, that you are here assembled? Why is it, that, entering upon the sixty-second year of our national existence, you have honored with an invitation to address you from this place, a fellow citizen of a former age, bearing in the records of his memory, the warm and vivid affections which attached him, at the distance of a full half century, to your town, and to your forefathers, then the cherished associates of his youthful days? Why is it that, next to the birthday of the Savior of the World, your most joyous and most venerated festival returns on this day? – And why is it that, among the swarming myriads of our population, thousands and tens of thousands among us, abstaining, under the dictate of religious principle, from the commemoration of that birth-day of Him, who brought life and immortality to light, yet unite with all their brethren of this community, year after year, in celebrating this, the birth-day of the nation?
Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the progress of the gospel dispensation? Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer's mission upon earth? That it laid the corner stone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity, and gave to the world the first irrevocable pledge of the fulfillment of the prophecies, announced directly from Heaven at the birth of the Savior and predicted by the greatest of the Hebrew prophets six hundred years before?
Cast your eyes backwards upon the progress of time, sixty-one years from this day; and in the midst of the horrors and desolations of civil war, you behold an assembly of Planters, Shopkeepers and Lawyers, the Representatives of the People of thirteen English Colonies in North America, sitting in the City of Philadelphia. These fifty-five men, on that day, unanimously adopt and publish to the world, a state paper under the simple title of 'A DECLARATION.'
There needs to be no further explanation of this founding father's words. RB
Choosing Sides On Abortion Issue: Amazing Grace Or Hail Satan
Common Sense Commentary: Every issue has it's defining moments. A person's true nature will eventually show through. Evil will finally come out of the closet. The true colors of every political party, social movement or religious cult will come to the surface. The emotions of a fanatical cause cannot be controlled forever. RB
"Tensions in Texas ratcheted a bit higher Tuesday as activists on both sides of the abortion issue squared off at the Capitol in Austin for a somewhat odd religious-themed shout-down.
"Gov. Rick Perry has called for a second special session to pass an abortion law that would prohibit the procedure past the 20th week of pregnancy. "Pro-choice protesters shouted, "Hail Satan!" as an attempt to drown out pro-lifers' rendition of "Amazing Grace." "Abortion supporters are once again showing their true colors," Priests for Life National Director Fr. Frank Pavone writes of this and other inflammatory tactics of pro-abortion protesters.
Abortion Supporters Chant 'Hail Satan!' to Drown Out Pro-Lifers Singing 'Amazing Grace' July 3, 2013 - 11:51 AM -Austin, Texas
By Joe Schoffstall - CNSNews.com"Tensions in Texas ratcheted a bit higher Tuesday as activists on both sides of the abortion issue squared off at the Capitol in Austin for a somewhat odd religious-themed shout-down.
"Gov. Rick Perry has called for a second special session to pass an abortion law that would prohibit the procedure past the 20th week of pregnancy. "Pro-choice protesters shouted, "Hail Satan!" as an attempt to drown out pro-lifers' rendition of "Amazing Grace." "Abortion supporters are once again showing their true colors," Priests for Life National Director Fr. Frank Pavone writes of this and other inflammatory tactics of pro-abortion protesters.
Jul 3, 2013
Request To Help Our People In Benghazi: Answer..."Stand Down"
Common Sense Commentary: Do we, the American People, represented by our government, which is controlled by The Obama Administration, STAND UP for our military troops and foreign service personnel, or do we STAND DOWN when they are in life or death situations ? Whatever the answer to that by we citizens, it doesn't matter. We are not in a position to give the orders to supply, assist, or rescue them. The immediate orders must come from the Executive Branch which executes the law and takes the action needed. The Legislative Branch (Congress) Legislates the laws, the Judicial (Supreme and Lower Courts) judge the laws and the Executive Branch (President and his cabinet) execute the laws and authority under the law. Neither the Congress nor the Supreme Court could make the "Benghazi decision" or interfere with the President or his cabinet in making that decision. In the final analysis, Benghazi was squarely in the lap of the President. "The buck stops here" said President Truman. And that is where the "Benghazi Buck" stops... while burning a hole in the Presidential britches right through his legs etc., the Presidential hot seat and through the Presidential floor of the Oval Office into the basement.... where it is still "lies" buried... but still burning. The Presidential smoke, with mirrors to misdirect the guilty fire, fills the White House and Halls of Congress like Nero's burning of Rome, and blaming it on the Christians. The desperate Roman Emperor never owned up to burning his own city and neither will our desperate U.S. Emperor. He has filled Washington with denials, while his cabinet lies and points fingers at any and everybody but the President, his Secretary Of State, Defense, or Cabinet. It must have been the Christians who done the dirty deed. RB
Here, below, is an expert testimony on Benghazi to which I am assigning my OOOOOO award ... Obviously Out Of Obama's Oxymoron Orbit. RB
Here, below, is an expert testimony on Benghazi to which I am assigning my OOOOOO award ... Obviously Out Of Obama's Oxymoron Orbit. RB
Gentlemen
I would say every US fighter pilot, retired or on active duty, knows that Panetta and Dempsey both are full of ___ when they said there was no time to send help to Benghazi. They claim it was a problem of "time/space." All my friends and I said, "_______" We know they could have gotten F-16s there from Aviano. "Hands" Handley is a well-respected USAF fighter pilot. Here is his short resume and what he just wrote about Benghazi below that. If anything, Handley is pessimistic in his timeline of when F-16s could have reached Benghazi. I think they could have been airborne even sooner and turned quicker at Sig. The decision to not try was not based on capability. We had the operational capability in every way. I hope Handley's taxes are in order. His IRS audit is forthcoming. Eagle Biography Colonel Phil "Hands" Handley Colonel Phil "Hands" Handley is credited with the highest speed air- to-air gun kill in the history of aerial combat. He flew operationally for all but 11 months of a 26-year career, in aircraft such as the F-86 Sabre, F-15 Eagle, and the C-130A Hercules. Additionally, he flew 275 combat missions during two tours in Southeast Asia in the F- 4D and F-4E. His awards include 21 Air Medals, 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses, and the Silver Star. Betrayal in Benghazi
Phil "Hands" Handley Colonel, USAF (Ret.)
The combat code of the US Military is that we don't abandon our dead or wounded on the battlefield. In US Air Force lingo, fighter pilots don't run off and leave their wingmen. If one of our own is shot down, still alive and not yet in enemy captivity, we will either come to get him or die trying. Among America 's fighting forces, the calm, sure knowledge that such an irrevocable bond exists is priceless. Along with individual faith and personal grit, it is a sacred trust that has often sustained hope in the face of terribly long odds. The disgraceful abandonment of our Ambassador and those brave ex-SEALs who fought to their deaths to save others in that compound is nothing short of dereliction-of-duty. Additionally, the patently absurd cover-up scenario that was fabricated in the aftermath was an outright lie in an attempt to shield the President and the Secretary of State from responsibility. It has been over eight months since the attack on our compound in Benghazi . The White House strategy, with the aid of a "lap dog" press has been to run out the clock before the truth is forthcoming.
The recent testimonies of the three "whistle blowers" have reopened the subject and hopefully will lead to exposure and disgrace of those responsible for this embarrassing debacle. It would appear that the most recent firewall which the Administration is counting on is the contention "that there were simply no military assets that could be brought to bear in time to make a difference" mainly due to the unavailability of tanker support for fighter aircraft. This is simply BS, regardless how many supposed "experts" the Administration trot out to make such an assertion.
The bottom line is that even if the closest asset capable of response was half-way around the world, you don't just sit on your penguin ___ and do nothing. The fact is that the closest asset was not half-way around the world, but as near as Aviano Air Base, Italy where two squadrons of F-16Cs are based. Consider the following scenario (all times Benghazi local): When Hicks in Tripoli receives a call at 9:40 PM from Ambassador Stevens informing him "Greg, we are under attack!" (his last words), he immediately notifies all agencies and prepares for the immediate initiation of an existing "Emergency Response Plan." At AFRICON, General Carter Ham attempts to mount a rescue effort, but is told to "stand down". By 10:30 PM an unarmed drone is overhead the compound and streaming live feed to various "Command and Control Agencies" and everyone watching that feed knew damn well what was going on. At 11:30 PM Woods, Doherty and five others leave Tripoli, arriving in Benghazi at 1:30 AM on Wednesday morning, where they hold off the attacking mob from the roof of the compound until they are killed by a mortar direct hit at 4:00 AM. So nothing could have been done, eh? Nonsense. If one assumes that tanker support really "was not available" what about this: When at 10:00 PM AFRICON alerts the 31st TFW Command Post in Aviano Air Base, Italy of the attack, the Wing Commander orders preparation for the launch of two F-16s and advises the Command Post at NAS Sigonella to prepare for hot pit refueling and quick turn of the jets. By 11:30 PM, two F-16Cs with drop tanks and each armed with five hundred 20 MM rounds are airborne. Flying at 0.92 mach they will cover the 522 nautical miles directly to NAS Sigonella in 1.08 hours. While in-route, the flight lead is informed of the tactical situation, rules of engagement, and radio frequencies to use. The jets depart Sigonella at 1:10 AM with full fuel load and cover the 377 nautical miles directly to Benghazi in 0.8 hours, arriving at 1:50 AM which would be 20 minutes after the arrival of Woods, Doherty and their team. Providing that the two F-16s initial pass over the mob, in full afterburner at 200 feet and 550 knots did not stop the attack in its tracks, only a few well placed strafing runs on targets of opportunity would assuredly do the trick. Were the F-16s fuel state insufficient to recover at Sigonelli after jettisoning their external drop tanks, they could easily do so at Tripoli International Airport, only one-half hour away. As for those hand-wringing naysayers who would worry about IFR clearances, border crossing authority, collateral damage, landing rights, political correctness and dozens of other reasons not to act" _____ them". It is high time that our "leadership" get their priorities straight and put America's interests first. The end result would be that Woods and Doherty would be alive. Dozens in the attacking rabble would be rendezvousing with "72 virgins" and a clear message would have been sent to the next worthless ___ terrorist contemplating an attack on Americans that it is not really a good idea to "tug" on Superman's cape. Of course all this would depend upon a Commander In Chief that was more concerned with saving the lives of those he put in harm's way than getting his crew rested for a campaign fund raising event in Las Vegas the next day. As well as a Secretary of State that actually understood "What difference did it make?", or a Secretary of Defense whose immediate response was not to the effect that "One of the military tenants is that you don't commit assets until you fully understand the tactical situation." Was he not watching a live feed from the unarmed drone, and he didn't understand the tactical situation? Ultimately it comes down to the question of who gave that order to stand down? Whoever that coward turns out to be should be exposed, removed from office, and face criminal charges for dereliction of duty. The combat forces of the United States of America deserve leadership that really does "have their back" when the chips are down. |
Obviously Out Of Obama's Oxymoron Orbit
Common Sense Commentary: I was reading a news commentator's summation of Barack Obama's legacy .... for which he will be remembered on the pages of American history, in future times, when this came to me: Here was an intelligent, honest observer of our president's sudden flash from an ignominious unknown to President of the most powerful nation on earth, in warp speed, who wrote with simple candor, the truth of Obama's huge ego and total lack of any good and positive accomplishment. The writer simply pointed out a hundred destructive changes Obama has made in America with not one improvement or positive change in his entire time in office. As I read, it popped into my mind, "Obviously Out Of Obama's Oxymoron Orbit". OOOOOO.
I will be giving the "OOOOOO" Award to various writers who are "Obviously" not subservient or acquiescent to the president's powerful personality or agenda to wreck this country ... as most of the news media and half our citizens seem to be. I will not publish anything vulgar, so don't ask me. Also, please don't send anything you haven't already googled for authenticity. I will double check everything anyway. If there are minor errors in an article, but it is still basically true, and not already widely known, I may publish it. It is amazing how much good information and erroneous there is floating around out there in the ethereal atmosphere of the world wide web. We want only the true and meaningful, but as yet not generally known information. RB
I will be giving the "OOOOOO" Award to various writers who are "Obviously" not subservient or acquiescent to the president's powerful personality or agenda to wreck this country ... as most of the news media and half our citizens seem to be. I will not publish anything vulgar, so don't ask me. Also, please don't send anything you haven't already googled for authenticity. I will double check everything anyway. If there are minor errors in an article, but it is still basically true, and not already widely known, I may publish it. It is amazing how much good information and erroneous there is floating around out there in the ethereal atmosphere of the world wide web. We want only the true and meaningful, but as yet not generally known information. RB
Jul 2, 2013
What Happens In A Cataclysmic U.S. Crisis When 76% Have No Savings?
Common Sense Commentary: What happens is, if they have no money, they have no food, electricity, water, insurance or gasoline. What happens is, they are forced to go looking for money, food, water and gasoline. What happens is, they are not going to starve or let their children starve. I hear someone say, "Oh, but the government will help people". Yes, they would if they had that much food, water and gasoline and could deliver it to those millions of people composing 76% of the entire population of our country, which they don't and can't. So what happens when Uncle Sam doesn't come running to their rescue? He had a hard enough time helping just one city when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. Why would anyone think he could do better with a need a thousand times larger? Again, I say it, that 76% of America would go hunting with bag, basket, or bucket and a knife, club or gun. Even moral people have been known to eat their companions after just one week without food, when snow bound in an isolated place. So, what happens in the land of the free and home of the brave when they no longer have money, free food and are no longer brave but afraid, horribly afraid... and starving? They go hunting, yes, but not to Wal-Mart or the Supermarket. They have no money or gas to get there, after a week or so, and besides, the markets are empty. They may start door to door begging ... but their neighbors have little or nothing to share either... so what can they do? Band together in their search. They will do what the majority of Americans who voted in the last elections would do ... whatever they have to do to get what someone.... anyone else has that they do not have. This same scenario has happened many times over history, in many other countries, and will happen again ... even here in the U.S. where 76% of our citizens have no savings to fall back on. You say, "Americans won't do that" or "We Christians will share with the needy". Yes, some will, but even that 24% of Americans who have some degree of savings, may only have enough for their families to survive a few weeks and even the wealthiest of Americans could not make a dent in that 76% of Americans who live from pay-check to pay-check or welfare check to welfare check. Only God, Himself, could solve such a problem. Our Socialistic Government, feeding on our greed and sins, got us in this mess, and certainly cannot get us out of it. Neither can Warren Buffett or Bill Gates or anyone else. Only God can deliver our country... if He even willed to do so, which we do not deserve and I doubt if that is in His plans for us, as a country. Individual Christians, yes, but "save the nation?" Why should He? Have we, as a nation, sought His will, hungered for His word, talked to Him in prayer, obeyed Him, loved Him? No, in fact, we have, as a nation, done the opposite... avoided Him, ignored Him, shunned His word, disobeyed practically every thing He has commanded. If you wonder "where is God when we need Him?" He is where He has always been ... it is America which has turned away from Him to seek their own selfish fantasies and lusts. Few other nations have had any regard for God in generations, if ever.
Here is the article about the 76% of our citizens without any savings. RB
The economy isn't getting better and the unemployment numbers we keep seeing are far from accurate. According to CNN Money, 76 percent of Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck.
Meanwhile, a new Rasmussen Report shows the majority want the government to cut spending in order to spur economic growth.
Here is the article about the 76% of our citizens without any savings. RB
The economy isn't getting better and the unemployment numbers we keep seeing are far from accurate. According to CNN Money, 76 percent of Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck.
Roughly three-quarters of Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck, with little to no emergency savings, according to a survey released by Bankrate.com Monday.
Fewer than one in four Americans have enough money in their savings account to cover at least six months of expenses, enough to help cushion the blow of a job loss, medical emergency or some other unexpected event, according to the survey of 1,000 adults. Meanwhile, 50% of those surveyed have less than a three-month cushion and 27% had no savings at all.
"It's disappointing," said Greg McBride, Bankrate.com's senior financial analyst. "Nothing helps you sleep better at night than knowing you have money tucked away for unplanned expenses."
Even more disappointing; The savings rates have barely changed over the past three years, even though a larger percentage of consumers report an increase in job security, a higher net worth and an overall better financial situation.
Meanwhile, a new Rasmussen Report shows the majority want the government to cut spending in order to spur economic growth.
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