How many people are sick of hearing about the election, and everything that comes with it?  I know I am.  I do think it is important, however, to lay out a few things on this very important topic.  The more I talk with people about the election, the more I wish there was some sort of test people would be required to pass prior to voting.  I’m not talking about a stringent evaluation, but just the ability able to answer the simplest of questions for qualification.  I spoke with a woman recently that told me she was voting for Obama because “He is black, and will bring change.”  Her perspective reminds me of people watching TV ads promoting drugs for different disorders.  People believe the ad, and make a request to their doctor for prescription… based on cute purple butterflies floating around happy faces.  This election is no different than any other in recent history with the advertising and media promoting in all the same sort of fashion as big pharmaceutical companies.

     I have a few thoughts on some issues, and will let the links that follow in this newsletter to be further research for you on the candidates’ positions.

ABORTION

     When many people see this issue as a forefront in choosing a candidate, they can dismiss it fairly easily.  The problem with those who do such: they have never connected the term from political position to real life.  It is a choice, and the choice is to remove and murder innocent human life.  The people I know that have traditionally supported abortion as a woman’s right to choose, have been reconsidering their position as they become informed of the horrible truth involved.  It is a bizarre culture we live in, that many that are so concerned about the proper treatment of animals, yet these very same people absolutely ignore this travesty against human life. 

     As you likely know, the McCain camp is Pro-Life, and the Obama camp is Pro-Abortion (let’s start calling it what it is).  The regard for the sanctity of human life, and the support for unconstitutional laws created (e.g. Roe vs. Wade) should be a top priority for Christians and non-Christians alike.  This one topic alone should make your vote quite easy.  There are a few others that should help. 

     In the forum put on by Saddleback Church, Barack Obama couldn’t give a definition of when human life begins.  Answering the question was, “above his paygrade.”  John McCain clearly believes life begins at conception.  It’s really offensive to me to have to even debate when life begins, or when life is viable.  Life is life.  Whether it is a developing blob or not is irrelevant, it is a human life and to remove it at any stage is murder.  To add some additional perspective though, my wife is currently 28 weeks pregnant.  There is at least one abortionist right here in Grand Rapids that will legally perform abortions up to 23 weeks, just a few short weeks younger than our little baby is right now. 

FAITH

     When is comes to Obama, there are many red flags that shoot up in regard to his faith.  One very large one is an issue that the liberal media would like people to drop like it’s hot – his connection to his (now former) pastor of 20 years, Rev. Jeremiah Wright.  Obama has distanced himself from Wright, and dispelled his racist and controversial remarks, but you can’t be exposed to someone’s philosophy for such a period of time and not be influenced.  The gospel preached in Wright’s church is a social gospel focusing constantly on race.  The official engine of his message is Black Liberation Theology (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_liberation_theology), and has Jesus as a central Messianic figure, all the while making the main point racial equality/ social justice.  Obama’s references to Scripture are frightening.  One in particular, that he cited in response to a question on same sex unions - "If people find that controversial then I would just refer them to the Sermon on the Mount, which I think is, in my mind, for my faith, more central than an obscure passage in Romans."

     Obscure passage in Romans?  Apparently Obama’s Biblical hermeneutic allows him to cut, copy and paste as he sees fit to make culturally relevant while still holding on to a faith all his own.

     On McCain, he appears to me to possibly be coming into a better understanding of what Christianity is all about.  Maybe he’s pandering.  I can’t say that I’m confident that he isn’t just a cultural Christian, like many Americans.  Evangelical leaders like James Dobson has said (www.boston.com/truthtank/dobson) in the past that he would not vote for McCain for his views on gay marriage, embryonic stem cell research, temper/foul language, etc., though he may be considering to recant that message.  I could think of quite a few candidates I’d rather see running, but McCain’s world view is certainly much more in line with Christian values than that of Barack Obama. 

NATIONAL SECURITY

     National security is one of McCain’s greatest strengths.  He has experience and perspective beyond any other, and is ready to defend this country.  This is one of the most crucial of issues for us in the world we live in today.  Obama would support having open conversations with terrorists, to work things out diplomatically.  It sounds nice, but is founded in fantasy.  British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain signed the Munich Agreement for peace along with Hitler and Mussolini in 1938… that worked well.  We do need to be diplomatic as a nation, minus the naïve belief that leaders bent on destruction will follow through with their end of the bargain. 

Obama’s Plan for Vulnerability:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o84PE871BE

Obama on the Surge in Iraq:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcIeoSHTyCI

GOVERNMENT

     It is painfully obvious that our government is larger than ever, and is poised to grow even more.  It can be disheartening to see the stranglehold effect of the federal government getting into a multitude of areas that it shouldn’t be.  Obama has an agenda to “make government cool again.”  In many ways, he’s already succeeding.  Many young people are lulled to sleep by his elaborate, seemingly inclusive speeches, ignoring the freedoms they so willingly are ready to give up to this government.  In fact, looking at cnn.com videos recently, some of our priorities as a population become clear.  What was the most popular video on a world news website on this particular date?  The election?  Ahmadinejad at the UN?  No.  The story about Clay Aiken telling the world that he’s gay. 

     The federal government doesn’t exist to provide for every need of the general public.  It is in place to legislate and protect the American people.  Too much control equals too much power, and freedom flies right out the door with it.  The Obama camp would like to reduce certain areas of the government, while adding to other areas (like national, government controlled health care).  One bright hope to me is having Sarah Palin on the ticket for the Republican side.  Here is someone that hasn’t been entrenched in Washington politics, but has been active in creating positive change in her state as Governor of Alaska.  Here is an addition that can possibly bring real reform.   

IN CLOSING

     Last month, we peered into the world of the Emergent Church as post-modern powerhouse of influence on Christian culture.  The Matthew 25 Network is a “Christian” group endorsing Obama, with such leaders involved as Emergent Brian McLaren.  It’s disappointing to say the least, to see the endorsement for Obama.  Take a look at their defense for this candidate on their site - www.matthew25.org/paf/index.htm.  Interesting to me that they defend Obama’s stance on abortion “extremism,” and fail to see that the act in any regard as the murderous smear on this nation that it is. 

     I haven’t said much in this newsletter that hasn’t already been said.  As Christians, our primary goal is to reach the lost, but we need to be aware of what’s happening with the leadership of this country we live in.  Make a point to try to change someone’s vote, but be careful on the information you present.  If you are an email forward sender, you have a responsibility to check the facts before you hit the send button.  There are far too many currently in circulation that are full of half truths and outright lies.  I have utilized the www.snopes.com site to verify forwards sent to me, and highly recommend it.  When you get the opportunity to share with someone your concerns about the election, take the opportunity to share the gospel as well.  It’s an easy transition, given the topics for discussion.  Use every opportunity you can to witness for Christ. 

MORE LINKS:

On the Issues:
 
http://ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm

http://ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm

Wall Builders Candidate Comparison -
http://wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=5386

AFA Voter Issue Guide -
http://www.afa.net/08VG/index.html

McCain’s Site on the Issues -
http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/

Obama’s Site on the Issues -
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/

Religious Examination:

The Pew Forum Candidate Religious Views -
http://pewforum.org/religion08/

Christianity Today’s Coverage on the Election -
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/special/campaign2008.html

Newsweek Story on Obama’s Faith -
http://www.newsweek.com/id/145971/page/1

Abortion:

National Right to Life’s Site (with much to say about the candidates) -
http://www.nrlc.org/default.html

Planned Parenthood’s Campaign View -
http://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/campaigns/campaigns-16.htm

Economy:

An In Depth Analysis of the Tax Plans of the Candidates -
http://www.taxpolicycenter.org/truthtank

Washington Times Tax Proposal Comparison -
www.washingtonpost.com/truthtank

A Couple of  Interesting Extras:

YouTube video - John McCain on ‘The View’ -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRIrMRw4Gm8

YouTube video - John McCain on Gay Marriage - Ellen Degeneres Show
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7addd1-SY8
(Newsflash: we don’t need a Constitutional amendment to define marriage as one man, one woman.  That’s exactly what the word means.)

Take the USA Today/abc News Match-O-Matic to help you determine who you should vote for, based on your agreement with statements made by candidates.  Quite interesting actually. –
http://abcnews.go.com/politics/MatchoMatic/fullpage?id=5542139

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

NIV

by Kris Zoerman

“Who are you voting for and why?”

     A couple weeks ago a couple of us decided to approach people at the Eastown Street Fair with a camera and ask the simple question, “Who are you voting for and why?” Every single interviewee said they were either not voting, or voting for Obama. And the reason why? Let’s just say that the Obama ads comparing McCain to Bush are very effective. So the next question we asked was what they were looking for in a candidate. Answers ranged from someone who tells the truth, someone who doesn’t cheat on his wife, one who cares about the less fortunate, and one who is passionate about their beliefs.

     It’s amazing how when you are looking to share Christ with others, how easily transitions appear. We went on to ask a few how good of a candidate they would be. If they have ever lied, had ever stolen, or ever committed adultery in their hearts. All of course were guilty just like you or I, and admitted they were not themselves very good candidates. We then shared with them that what we had just gone through were some of the 10 Commandments, God’s law. We then went through how Holy and Just God is, how he measures us to His standard and that the only way we can escape his righteous judgment is to cling to the Savior who suffered in our place. Greg and I had some really great conversations, with people who God is clearly working on drawing toward Him.

     I got lost on my way there that day, and was so frustrated I literally started heading home. It was then that I realized I was in a spiritual battle, that someone was trying to keep me from an important conversation. One thing I have to learn over and over, is that in my weakness, God shows up.
 

     This time of year is generally a little less oriented around big events with street outreach, as they are diminished quite a bit.  For the next few weeks, we are planning on being downtown GR on Friday nights from around 9:00-12:00, talking with people out on the bar scene and such.  The Grand Rapids Griffins schedule starts toward the end of October, which has also been a great venue for us in the past.  I would like to take a moment to highlight an upcoming concert that is sure to be a great night, the Nine Inch Nails concert on Saturday, November 15.  We are considering doing a small scale training prior to the event as well, so mark the date if interested (more info in the next newsletter).  I highly encourage anyone to come out for any event, even if it scares you silly.  Come and check out what God is doing in our midst.  In fact, maybe you’re like me and are stuck on a pretty tight schedule.  Take a minute to look at our schedule online (http://www.truthtank.com/Events.html) and pick a date to come out and see what happens with the Truth Tank team.  You will be encouraged.
 

"How can you know that you are saved?"

     A two-year-old boy was once staring at a heater, fascinated by its bright orange glow. His father saw him and warned, "Don’t touch that heater, son. It may look pretty, but it’s hot." The little boy believed him, and moved away from the heater. Some time later, after his father had left the room, the boy thought, "I wonder if it really is hot." He then reached out to touch it and see for himself. The second his flesh burned, he stopped believing it was hot; he now knew it was hot! He had moved out of the realm of belief into the realm of experience. 

     Christians believed in God’s existence before their conversion. However, when they obeyed the Word of God, turned from their sins, and embraced Jesus Christ, they stopped merely believing. The moment they reached out and touched the heater bar of God’s mercy, they moved out of belief into the realm of experience. This experience is so radical, Jesus referred to it as being "born again." The Bible says that those who don’t know God are spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1; 4:18). We are born with physical life, but not spiritual life. Picture unbelievers as corpses walking around who, by repenting and placing their faith in Christ, receive His very life. There is a radical difference between a corpse and a living, breathing human, just as there is when sinners pass from spiritual death to life. The apostle Paul said if you are "in Christ," you are a brand new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17). 

     Those who now have God’s Spirit living in them will love what He loves and desire to do His will; they will have a hunger for His Word, a love for other believers, and a burden for the lost. The Holy Spirit also confirms in their spirit that they are now children of God (Romans 8:16). Those who believe on the name of the Son of God can know that they have eternal life (1 John 5:12,13).

     Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, "My speech and my preaching were not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God" (1 Corinthians 2:4,5). What Paul was saying was, "I deliberately didn’t talk you into your faith, but I let God’s power transform you." He didn’t reach them through an intellectual assent, but through the realm of personal experience.
Suppose two people—a heater manufacturer and a skin specialist—walked into the room just after that child had burned his hand on the heater. Both assured the boy that he couldn’t possibly have been burned. But all the experts, theories, and arguments in the world will not dissuade that boy, because of his experience. Those who have been transformed by God’s power need never fear scientific or other arguments, because the man with an experience is not at the mercy of a man with an argument. "For our gospel came not to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance . . ." (1 Thessalonians 1:5).

Excerpted from the Evidence Bible
 

     I ran across this link recently of Charles “Round Mound of Rebound” Barkley is planning to run for Governor of Alabama in 2014.  In case you don’t know, he’s a former NBA All Star.  He is entertaining to watch, but has a difficult time being diplomatic, even as a sportscaster.  In this clip, he discusses his political views in short and “fake Christians.”  Be prepared to not know whether to laugh or cry…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8WoI7a-5NQ&NR=1

     Each year, a great opportunity arises where non-Christians actually come to your door looking for something sweet - Halloween.  If you pass out candy, make a point to pass out a little more.  You could hide behind your door, and when kids come up you could jump out in a scary clown costume, scream and say, "You think that was scary?  Just wait until Judgement Day!"  Well... maybe not that.  You could simply give out gospel tracts (paired with a good candy treat).  You could print your own, or purchase some great ones for kids here at Living Waters' website.  I generally make a point to give these to little kids (be sure to tell the parents what you're giving them), and there are plenty of others like these for older kids/adults (one of my favorites).  You can email me too for some of our Gerald Ford Million Dollar Bills to give out too. 

 

                                                 
              Benjamin Franklin: 
              “A dying man can do nothing easy.”