What exactly does it mean to be holy? What does it look like?

Here’s one to think about it: consider growth in godliness as the sanctification of your body.

• The mind is filled with the knowledge of God and fixed on what is good.
• The eyes turn away from sensuality and shudder at the sight of evil.
• The mouth tells the truth and refuses to gossip, slander, or speak what is coarse or obscene.
• The spirit is earnest, steadfast, and gentle.
• The soul rests and rejoices in Jesus.
• The muscles toil and strive after Christlike virtue.
• The heart is full of joy instead of hopelessness, patience instead of irritability, kindness instead of anger, and humility instead of pride, thankfulness instead of envy.
• The sexual organs are pure, being reserved for the privacy of marriage between one man and one woman.
• The feet move toward the lowly and away from senseless conflict, divisions, and wild parties.
• The hands are quick to help those in need and ready to fold in prayer.

When I lose track of what holiness is actually about, I try to scan down the body from head to toe and remember what God desires from me. And just as importantly, I need to remember who Christ is and is making me to become.

This is an excerpt from Kevin Deyoung’s blog.  To read it in it’s original context, CLICK HERE.

In their own words the stated purpose of this endeavor is as follows:
“By God’s grace, we seek to plant churches that center on genuine worship, intentional relational evangelism, gospel-centered discipleship and community, and purposed multiplication.”

Please take a moment to check out their ministry website here: www.plant4thegospel.com

This is an wonderful opportunity to pray for, support, and give to the advancement of the gospel in Salt Lake City.

Watch this brief promotional video.

Gospel Grace Church – a baptist church plant in Salt Lake City, UT from Plant4theGospel on Vimeo.

–John Brown of Haddington, in a letter of paternal counsel written to one of his pupils newly ordained over a small congregation, cited by Alexander Grossart in The Complete Works of Richard Sibbes, Vol. 1, Ed. Alexander Grossart (1862-1864; reprint, Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1979), 294.

Over the last week I’ve prepared several Facebook pages for the merge to timeline.  Here are a few examples of my work:

Tampa Bay Music Academy
Hire Partners
Hire Velocity
TSC Services
John Tracy

Want a timeline cover photo like these?  I’ll make one for you!  Contact me for details.

Watch this, and rejoice in what God has done:

You can send your letter to:

The Honorable Mohammed Khazaee
Ambassador and Permanent Representative
Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations
622 Third Avenue
New York City, New York 10017
Fax: 1.212.867.7086
Email: iran@un.int

If you are unfamiliar with this story.  Please click here to read this post.

This year, as is usually true in an election, there is not a candidate in the Republican primary that I am overly excited about. Don’t get me wrong, I will vote, and I will be an informed voter. I read a lot, I study the debates, I’m a political activist and try to engage in my community in a practical way that makes a difference. I’ve even run for office myself. I’m not passive in any way when it comes to doing what I can for the good of our communities, and ultimately our country. All I am saying is that, after intently studying the players, there is not a particular candidate that stands out in front for me in this election. I can think of a few names that, if they had run, I would be a lot more excited about, but nonetheless, as of today, we have five candidates to select from.

There are things I like about each of them. There are things that I do not like about each of them. Two candidates have already eliminated themselves, I have chosen to eliminate three other candidates for varying reasons, and I am still wrestling with which of the remaining two I will vote for.

I have to say that all five of the remaining men look far better than the man who occupies the White House currently. They would all be a good step in the right direction, comparatively.

And that brings me to my point. I am compelled to ask you a question. I think it is probably the most important question for Republican voters in this election. It does not matter if you have chosen to fly a flag in support of Mit Romney, Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Rick Santorum, or Rick Perry. The question is for everyone. It is for me, and for all of you. Please answer it honestly. I would love for you to write your answer in the comments below and to forward this same question to as many people as you can.

Here it is:

When the primary is over, for the good of the country, and to ensure that the most liberal president in the history of our nation is not elected for another four years, will you unite behind the Republican nominee and cast your vote for that person, in an effort to take back the Oval Office in the November general election?

It saddens me, no, it angers me, to hear people say things like, “if my guy doesn’t win, I’m not voting in the general election;” or, “I’ll just write my candidate in.” Even more enraging is the thought that one of the candidates, after failing to acquire enough votes from the American populace to receive a bid of confidence as the party nominee, would even entertain the idea of jumping back in the general election under another party affiliate. Anyone who would do that does not have the good of the country in mind. Furthermore, anyone who knows anything about politics, knows that the only thing that will come out of that, is a split conservative vote, ensuring another four years for Obama. A third party candidate cannot win in a general election! Insanity!

I’m not telling you who to vote for in the primary. Study the issues. Get to know the candidates. Be passionate about the person that you support. Vote for the one that you can most closely identify with. But, do not forget that the real goal in the primary is to determine a candidate who can defeat Obama’s liberal agenda in November. To do that, we must come out of the primary in unity.

Once again, if you are voting in the Republican primary, that’s a great start, but here is the question that is of utmost importance: Will you support the chosen Republican nominee and help us win back the White House?

If not, I’m sorry to say, you are the problem in America.

Merry Christmas!

-John

For more information on the new album, CLICK HERE!

Soteriology

The Doctrine of Salvation

Statement of Belief:

I believe that salvation is offered freely to all men (John 3:16).  Salvation describes God’s plan of redemption made possible by Christ’s atonement on the cross for the sins of mankind.  It is given to sinners, who, by the grace (unmerited favor) of God, repent of their sins and put their complete faith in Jesus Christ alone (Acts 20:21; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10).  This is the only way for sinful man to be reconciled to holy God.  Man is powerless to attain salvation through any other means, person, or work (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7).  Salvation is not an end in itself.  It leads to sanctification, the process of growing in Christlikeness (Philippians 1:6).  Sanctification leads to the ultimate goal of salvation, which is the glorification of God in heaven for all of eternity (Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14).

Acts 4:12:  “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

Romans 5:1:  “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”

Details of Salvation:

The Provision for Salvation:

God provided salvation by sending His only Son, Jesus, to be the substitute for man and thereby to incur the wrath of God’s punishment for sin.  Jesus was the only worthy substitute because He was born sinless and lived a sinless life.  He is the spotless Lamb of God, the ultimate sacrifice, and He shed His blood for the sins of all men.

Acts of God in Salvation:

Election:

I believe that God, in His sovereignty, has already chosen those who will be saved (Acts 16:38; Colossians 3:12).

Ephesians 1:4:  “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:”

His choice was not based on any effort or merit of man.  Nor was it a reactive choice based on God’s ability to see who would choose Him anyway.   He chose for reasons known only to God.

Romans 9:15-16:  “For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.  So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.”

I do not believe that the doctrine of election eliminates the responsibility and need for God’s people to evangelize the lost (II Timothy 2:10).  We are commanded to preach the gospel to every creature.

Matthew 28:19-20:  “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

I do not believe that the doctrine of election voids man’s guilt due to his sin and his need for a Savior.

Romans 9:19-21:  “Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?  Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?  Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?”

Though it may seem contradictory, I also believe that God has given every person a free choice to be saved and that no one is forced to accept Christ’s gift of atonement (Romans 10:13).  Furthermore, I believe that the atonement is available to all, and is not limited to a chosen few.

Revelation 22:17:  “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”

I do not believe that it is possible to fully reconcile the conflict between God’s sovereign election, and man’s free choice.  It is a mystery that God has not revealed to us.  We are not required to fully explain this quandary, but must simply accept both as true according to God’s Word.  It is a comfort to me to know that God’s wisdom far surpasses my capacity to completely understand this doctrine.  I rejoice that as one of God’s elect, His Spirit opened my eyes to my need for a Savior, and enabled me to choose Christ and accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 8:28-35; Ephesians 1:5-6; II Thessalonians 2:13).

Adoption:

When a person trusts Jesus Christ as His Savior He becomes part of God’s family.  Believers possess all of the rights, privileges, and expectations of God’s family (Galatians 4:5-7; John 1:12-13).  These include:

• Eternal inheritance – assurance of salvation (Romans 8:17)
• The presence of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14)
• Discipline (Hebrews 12:6-8)
• Intimacy – God is our Father, our “Abba” (Romans 8:15-16)

John 1:12:  “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”

Romans 8:15-17:  “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:  And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”

Justification:

God declares that the believer will not receive the penalty due for his sin.  He is given a new legal standing of righteousness before God (Romans 5:1; I Corinthians 1:30; II Corinthians 5:19-21).

Romans 4:5:  “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”

Imputation:

At salvation an individual’s sin is charged to Christ’s account and the righteousness of Christ is transferred to that person (I Peter 2:24; Romans 4:1-8, 22, 24).

Romans 3:25-26:  “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”

Romans 5:19:  “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”

Propitiation:

When Christ died on the cross, He appeased God the Father by accepting His wrath on Himself.

I John 2:2:  “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”

I John 4:10:  “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

Vicarious Universal Atonement:

Christ died in the place of the sinner.  He was sinless, but accepted punishment for the sins of the world.  For the believer, there is no further payment due for sin.  The full punishment was poured out on Christ.  I do not believe that Christ’s atoning work is limited.  I believe that is freely offered to all who will believe (Isaiah 53:5-6; Romans 5:9; I Corinthians 15:3; II Corinthians 5:21).

Mark 10:45:  “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Reconciliation:

Salvation restores the relationship between God and man.  There is a barrier between God and man because God’s holiness cannot tolerate any sin.  For the believer, that barrier is removed, and man can once again have sweet communion with his maker as it was in the beginning when man was created (II Corinthians 5:18; I Peter 3:18).

Romans 5:10-11:  “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.  And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.”

Redemption:

Christ’s payment for sin satisfied the demand of God’s law that sin deserves death.  At salvation, Christ redeems the Christian by bringing him out from under the curse of the law (Ephesians 1:7).

Galatians 3:13:  “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:”

Regeneration:

When a person is saved, he is changed by God and given a new nature (II Peter 1:4).  He is “born again (John 3:5)” and becomes a “new creature (II Corinthians 5:17).” He experiences newness in all areas of his life.  With the new nature, God makes the believer a new man (Ephesians 4:24), and gives him a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26-27), a new name (Isaiah 62:2), a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27), new desires (Galatians 5:17), new mercies (Lamentations 3:19-25), and a new song (Isaiah 42:10, Revelation 5:9; 14:13).  The believer worships and serves a new God, who is also his new Father, and who will one day take him to a new heaven and a new earth.  All things are changed, or regenerated, when an individual is saved (Titus 3:3; John 3:5; Ephesians 2:1,5).

II Corinthians 5:17:  “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Psalm 40:1-3:  “I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.  He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.  And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.”

Sanctification:

According to Romans 8:28-30, God orchestrates all of life’s circumstances to conform the believer into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.  The text says “that all things work together for good” for Christians.  It is important to recognize that the text does not say that all circumstances in life will be good, but rather that God will work all things (the good, bad, tragic, and delightful alike) together for good.  It is also important to note the definition of good in that passage as being “conformed to the image of his Son (Romans 8:29).”  God’s ultimate good for every believer is Christlikeness and often that is refined in the believer’s life through trial and tragedy.  I believe that positional sanctification takes place at salvation when a person is declared righteous and holy in the sight of God because of Christ’s atonement (I Corinthians 1:2; 6:11; Hebrews 10:10).  That is certainly an act of God.  However, I also believe that each Christian is required to responsibly work toward personal holiness in the ongoing practical process of sanctification (Ephesians 4:21-24).  This is accomplished by the grace of God through the working of the Holy Spirit.  The believer is to display the fruit of the Spirit and should seek to live a life of obedience to God’s Word (I Peter 1:15-16; Galatians 5:16-23).  Complete sanctification, also called glorification, is a goal that will not be attained by the natural man, but will be surely realized by every believer in glory (Jude 24; I Thessalonians 3:13; I John 3:2).

II Corinthians 3:18:  “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

I Peter 1:15-16:  “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

Glorification:

When a believer is taken to heaven, either by rapture or by death, he is changed to be like Christ.  This is called glorification.  I believe that glorification takes place in two steps.  When a believer is taken to meet Christ in glory, the sin nature is left behind.  The inward battle between base sinful passions and the desire to pursue Christlikeness no longer rages.  For all of eternity the believer in heaven will be complete righteousness and perfection (Romans 8:29-30).  I also believe that all believers, on earth and in heaven, will be given new perfect bodies at the time of the rapture (I Corinthians 15:35-57; II Corinthians 5:1-5).

I John 3:2:  “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”

I Corinthians 15:52:  “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

Assurance and Eternal Security:

I believe that once an individual is saved by the grace of God, through faith and repentance, He can never lose his salvation.  It is eternal.  A believer’s confidence in this fact strengthens with the increased knowledge of God and greater understanding of Christ’s atoning work (Romans 5:10-11; I Peter 1:5).

John 10:27-30:  “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.  My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.  I and my Father are one.”

I Thessalonians 5:23-24:  “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.”

Man’s Response in Salvation:

I believe that salvation comes to a man through repentance and faith.

Repentance:

One must repent of his sin.  That does not mean that he will never sin again.  It does mean that he changes his disposition toward sin.  He rejects the previous condition of living without care for sin, and embraces a lifestyle of serving God.  He purposes in his heart to live a righteous life and asks God to forgive him for the sins that he has committed (II Corinthians 7:9-10).

Psalm 51:3:  “For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.”

Isaiah 55:7:  “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”

Faith:

A sinner must look to Jesus and trust Him as the one and only Savior.  He must believe in his heart that the solitary means of justification is accepting Christ’s free gift and he must place full confidence in Christ’s atoning work as hope for redemptive salvation. Faith is more than believing about Christ.  It is believing in Christ.  It is the difference in saying, “I trust your statement,” and “I trust you.”  The Bible says that faith comes “by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). So then, faith itself is a gift of God that comes from the illumination of His Word in the heart of an individual.  Faith is in stark contrast to any thought that salvation could be attained because of self-worth, or by self-merit.

Romans 3:28:  “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”

Galatians 3:11:  “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.”

Hebrews 11:1:  “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Predestined for Christlikeness:

God has pre-determined that those who have trusted Christ as their Savior will be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, through the full process of calling, justification, sanctification, and glorification.  Christlikeness is a certain future for every believer.

Romans 8:28-30:  “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”

The Exclusivity of Christ for Salvation:

I believe that Jesus Christ’s atonement is the one and only hope for the salvation of men.  I reject any teaching or system as heresy that adds or detracts from the truth that Jesus Christ is the only Savior.

John 14:6:  “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Galatians 1:8:  “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”

“Stick with your work. Do not flinch because the lion roars; do not stop to stone the devil’s dogs; do not fool away your time chasing the devil’s rabbits. Do your work.  Let liars lie, let sectarians quarrel, let critics malign, let enemies accuse, let the devil do his worst; but see to it nothing hinders you from fulfilling with joy the work God has given you.

He has not commanded you to be admired or esteemed.  He has never bidden you defend your character.  He has not set you at work to contradict falsehood (about yourself) which Satan’s or God’s servants may start to peddle, or to track down every rumor that threatens your reputation.  If you do these things, you will do nothing else; you will be at work for yourself and not for the Lord.

Keep at your work.  Let your aim be as steady as a star.  You may be assaulted, wronged, insulted, slandered, wounded and rejected, misunderstood, or assigned impure motives; you may be abused by foes, forsaken by friends, and despised and rejected of men.  But see to it with steadfast determination, with unfaltering zeal, that you pursue the great purpose of your life and object of your being until at last you can say, ‘I have finished the work which Thou gavest me to do.’”

-Anonymous

Watch this Vertical Church Video from Harvest Bible Fellowship on Vimeo.

A burden of my heart is to see God’s people consistently spending time in His Word.  Without daily focused time with the Lord, we will never see the victory and experience the joy in the Christian life that we have been born again to know.

My experience has been that without a specific plan for reading God’s Word, I will tend to be a hit-and-miss, spontaneous Bible reader.  I will read it on the days that it is convenient and I will not on the days that it is not.  When I have a plan in place, I am much more likely to be consistent.  Maybe I’m the only one who is that way, but if you can relate, I want to help you.

Some Bible reading plans are so complicated or take so much time that you feel destined to fail before you even begin.  Below is a tool to use in your daily Bible study.  I’m using it right now, myself, and I hope it will help you too.  Take a minute to read the instructions summary first so that you will know how to use this tool.  Then, dive into the plan this month.  What better time is there than now to start spending time with God every day?

Let me know if you find this to be helpful.  I would love to hear about your daily time with God!

CLICK THESE LINKS FOR EACH OF THE MONTHLY PLANS (PDF FILES):

January Plan
February Plan
March Plan
April Plan
May Plan
June Plan
July Plan

Daily Bible Reading, Study, and Memorization
(approximately 20 minutes each day)

How to Meditate: the MAP Method
(from “Changed Into His Image” by Jim Berg, pg. 298-299)

Memorize
Analyze
Personalize

How to use the form:

FRONT SIDE:

-Read one chapter, put today’s date in the small blank on the left of the chapter reference once you have completed the reading.

-In the longer blank to the right of the chapter reference, list the primary themes that you see in each reading.

-There are 24 chapters listed to be read on 24 separate days.  On the remaining days of the month, there are two “focus chapters” listed at the bottom of the page to read two more times.

-There is space at the bottom of the front page to take notes on the chapters that you read, particularly the two focus chapters.

BACK SIDE:

-Two memory verses are selected that coincide with the focus chapters.  Work on one memory verse for the first half of the month, and the other for the second half of the month.

-One effective technique of memorization is to list the first letter of each word to serve as a memory cue.  Those memorization letters have been printed below the verses.

-As you spend time memorizing these verses, take time to analyze and personalize them.  There is space at the bottom of the page to list key questions, key words, cross references, and personalized thoughts that are drawn from the memory verses.

Preached on May 29, 2011 at Hillsdale Baptist Church

The Universal Longing for Freedom

John 8:31-47

After watching the Elizabeth Vargas report on 20/20 on Friday, April 8, 2011, I feel compelled to comment from a few different angles.

First, abuse of any kind is wicked and ungodly, and is particularly disgusting when it is cloaked in the guise of religiosity.  My heart goes out to anyone who has been the victim of a crime at home, church, school, or any other place.  I pray that in time you will be healed and justice will be served.

Tragically, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse has darkened the doors of virtually every denomination and religious group at various times in American history, as well as every other arena of society (politicians, teachers, businesses, families, etc.).  Every time another incident of abuse is uncovered, it is cause for great sorrow.

Having said that, it should come as no surprise that the mainstream media would take a fringe group of extremists and paint thousands of churches and individuals with a single brush.  The media regularly uses the same tactics in the political realm in attempt to quiet opposing voices (i.e. the Tea Party, political conservatives, etc.).

I do not know all of the facts from the particular stories that were referenced in the 20/20 episode, and cannot begin to validate or repudiate the claims.  However, out of fairness to Dr. Chuck Phelps (Tina Anderson’s former pastor), I would encourage you to read his statements posted at www.DrChuckPhelps.com.  I do know that members of the media rarely accurately present the whole story.  Often the presentation is from a biased perspective used to further a liberal agenda.

I could say more on that, but my real purpose is to clarify a few things:

The label IFB (Independent Fundamental Baptist) was used repeatedly in the episode.  That label does not represent a particular denomination, association, or club of churches.  In other words there is not an IFB denomination.  Those three terms simply describe what certain churches believe and how they operate.  Let’s take them one at a time:

Independent: An independent church is not a member of an association, denomination, or organization that provides authority or hierarchy outside of the local assembly.  It is self-governing, just like a local political or social club that is formed with its own charter and by-laws, and with the oversight and direction by its own membership and congregationally elected board.  By nature of that fact, “independent” churches can differ from one to the next like night and day.  The beliefs and leadership of each independent church determine the atmosphere and practice.  To say that all “independent” churches are like the ones portrayed in the 20/20 episode (regardless of the accuracy of the portrayal) and paint them with one broad brush is intellectually dishonest since the very nature of independence means that each one is free to operate “independently.”

Fundamental: A Biblical church is one that believes in the fundamental doctrines of the Bible.  Are there churches that add to the “fundamentals” other biases, rules, and, legalistic standards?  Are there some churches that even go so far as to knowingly allow sin to run rampant and unchecked within the assembly?  Of course!  But, those would be perversions of and additions to Scripture and would not in any way reflect the fundamentals of the Bible.  Any real Christian would want to go to a church that believes in the fundamentals of the Bible.  In fact, it is when a church departs from the fundamentals of the Bible and begins teaching and preaching man’s opinion instead of God’s Word that problems surface.

Baptist: What is a Baptist Church?  There are many different “stripes” of Baptists in America in the 21^st Century.  Again, they can be very different in practice from one to the next.  However, when a church takes the name Baptist, it has historically meant that it believes the following “Baptist Distinctives:”

Biblical Authority
Autonomy of the Local Church
Priesthood of the Believers
Two Ordinances of the Church
Individual Soul Liberty
Saved and Baptized Church Membership
Two Offices of the Church
Separation of Church and State

Without going into great detail about each one of those, let me summarize by saying this:  True Independent Fundamental Baptist Churches are simply those churches that believe and preach the Bible. In short, they love God, they love others, and they are committed to sharing that love with their local communities.

They are the kind of churches that speak the truth of the Bible in love and proclaim the gospel message of the Lord Jesus Christ.

What is that message?  If you get nothing else from what I have said thus far, be sure to get this:

1) All men are sinners and have broken God’s law. (Romans 3:23)

2) Because of sin, all people are condemned to death in hell as the punishment for sin. (Romans 6:23)

3) Jesus Christ, the only perfectly guiltless one to ever live, stood in as a substitute and took the punishment for every sinner including you and me. (Romans 5:8 and 1 Peter 3:18)

4) There is nothing that you or I can do to earn or deserve what Christ has done for us. (Titus 3:5-6 and Ephesians 2:8-9)

5) All you and I have to do to benefit from the work that Jesus Christ has done for us is to believe that this account is true, accept it for ourselves by calling out to Jesus to save us from our sins, and commit our lives to live for Him from now on.  (John 3:16, Romans 10:13, Acts 16:31).

6) God promises that anyone who does this will receive eternal life in heaven because Jesus Christ paid the price for us to go there.  (John 5:24)

To conclude, what is the label that flies on the flag of your life?  I believe that the label of IFB has been misrepresented and abused, but that is not what is most important in this discussion.  The label that is of utmost importance is this: Are you a true believer in Jesus Christ?  That is what will make all the difference in eternity!

I am re-posting this fantastic article by Pastor Cary Schmidt. What an incredibly accurate and honest comparison of a leader who operates in the flesh verses one whose leadership evidences Spirit-control. If you lead anyone, in any way (and, let’s be honest, we all do), you need to read this! For the sake of those under your authority, read it now!

-John Tracy

_______________

Leader—Fleshly or Spiritual—Which Are You?
By Cary Schmidt | January 17, 2011

Recently I was having a conversation with a wonderful servant of God who has worked for several “high-profile” Christian leaders in the past two decades. This is a person for whom I have the utmost respect—an individual with a very gracious spirit, incredible gift mix, and true servant’s heart. And this is a person who has expended sacrificial service to the Lord with great poise and faithfulness. Yet, in our conversation, I was sad to discover the mistreatment and disrespect that this person had endured from a well-known evangelical leader. The conversation was brief, appropriate, and rather vague, but enough for me to see that this person had lost a lot of respect for someone once held in high esteem.

Flesh is powerful. Flesh is demanding. Flesh in leadership is ugly—really ugly. Flesh in leadership finds it easy to ride roughshod over people. Flesh enjoys “ripping face.” Flesh reasons that someone “deserves it.” Flesh enjoys dominance. Flesh finds fulfillment in being insulting—especially in a group. Flesh feels justified in giving a piece of its mind, putting someone in their place, and reminding everyone who’s really in charge. Flesh often reminds itself how stupid everybody else really is. Flesh loves to assert and reassert itself. Sometimes it masquerades as well-meaning. Sometimes it rationalizes the “ends justifies the means”—after all, the ministry outcome is for the Lord. But for those on the other end of the “flesh trip”—it always hurts.

* Fleshly leaders demand. Spiritual leaders inspire.
* Fleshly leaders rip face. Spiritual leaders shepherd.
* Fleshly leaders fly off. Spiritual leaders reconnect.
* Fleshly leaders remind you where you failed. Spiritual leaders help you know how to win.
* Fleshly leaders talk down to. Spiritual leaders communicate respect toward.
* Fleshly leaders blame you. Spiritual leaders mentor you.
* Fleshly leaders grasp for respect. Spiritual leaders earn respect.
* Fleshly leaders remind you of their position. Spiritual leaders remind you of Jesus.
* Fleshly leaders block you out. Spiritual leaders welcome you in.
* Fleshly leaders are unapproachable. Spiritual leaders are transparent.
* Fleshly leaders are authoritarian. Spiritual leaders are humble authorities.

In this post, I speak to me. I am made of flesh. And too often, over the years, I have found myself in moments when flesh masqueraded itself as “spiritual leadership.” I was harder on someone than I should have been—a rebellious teen, a struggling Christian, a growing staff member, my own son or daughter. I’ve had to look back and see times when I responded in frustration rather than Spirit-filling. How I would have been better to let my frustration settle, turn the mirror back on myself, seek the gracious temperament of the Holy Spirit, and then approach that other person as they are in truth—a precious child of God.

And then I look at Jesus. He has all authority. He is the King of Kings. He has all power. He is the great God of the universe. If anyone had a right to deal in authoritarian practices and tones, it was Jesus. Yet, He is the perfect expression of authority that isn’t authoritarian. The perfect balance of power expressed with humble compassion. He dealt firmly. He dealt strongly. He dealt authoritatively. But He wasn’t harsh. He wasn’t caustic, insulting, or demeaning. He didn’t treat everyone else around Him like He knew everything and they were all stupid. (Which was actually true, in this case!) He treated them like a shepherd. He was gentle, kind, compassionate, caring, forgiving, patient, and nurturing. Sure there were moments where Jesus dealt very strongly and directly with sin, false religious leaders, and outright blasphemy. But to those He led—He did so with the pristine qualities of a shepherding leader.

People don’t respond to “harsh” or fleshly leadership. In fact, “harsh” is perhaps the ugliest quality of modern leadership. It shuts people down. It is entirely uninspiring, demotivating, suffocating. “Harsh” kills the heart, smothers spiritual desire, and starves the soul. “Harsh” hurts. “Harsh” kicks someone in the gut rather than breathing life and energy into them. “Harsh” impeads forward progress, quenches the Holy Spirit, and stifles a team. “Harsh” never inspired anybody. ”Harsh” is just… well… repulsive!

If you serve the Lord and lead people, they probably yearn to get it right. They probably work hard to get it right—even when they fail. They probably long to please you and the Lord. They probably grasp for every positive word of encouragement you could share. They probably are genuinely stronger than you in some areas, and could benefit by hearing you acknowledge it—I know my team is. They are probably inspired to action and rallied to greater focus, rising up to greater levels of service every time you are the inspiring, Christ-like leader that the Holy Spirit enables you to be. And they are probably sucked dry of life and energy every time you return to “harsh” flesh.

And so, just a convicting word to me—and perhaps to you, whether you lead a 6th grade girl-scout cookie sale, a youth group, a student body, or a church family. “Harsh” is not listed in the fruits of the Spirit. People have to put up with harsh all the time. It’s everywhere in secular culture and the modern work place. But it’s just really nasty when it’s pretending to be “spiritual.”

When all is said and done. When it’s all over. When our time of serving the Lord and leading His sheep is wrapping up and we are headed home for the marriage supper. I know this for certain. We will regret the times our flesh stepped in. We will wish we could rewind and undo those moments. And we will reap the rewards for the times we shepherded God’s own with grace, humility, and compassion—just like Jesus—a true spiritual leader.

Preached on March 27, 2011 at Hillsdale Baptist Church

Worship: What Is It and Why Should I Bother?
Psalm 34:1-7

Watch this video:

Do We Really Believe What We’re Saying? from The Church at Brook Hills on Vimeo.

Proverbs 29:18:  “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”

“Pilgrims with no vision of the promised land become proprietors of their own land…. Instead of looking upward at [the Lord], they look inward at themselves and outward at each other.  The result?  Cabin fever.  Quarreling families.  Restless leaders.  Fence building.  Staked-off territory.  No trespassing! signs are hung on hearts and homes.  Spats turn into fights as myopic groups turn to glare at each other’s weaknesses instead of turning to worship their common Strength.” Max Lucado

Preached on January 2, 2011 at Hillsdale Baptist Church

Fellowship in the Ministry
Philippians 1:1-11

Preached on September 26, 2010 at Hillsdale Baptist Church

What Does the Bible Say About Music?

As I begin 2011, I am struck with the reminder that January 1, 2011 was scheduled to be the due date for my third son, Jackson Cole, to be born.  In His providence, God chose to usher our little boy directly into His presence on July 10, 2010.  I know that he is in heaven because of the truth of Scripture revealed in passages like Deuteronomy 1:39, Isaiah 7:15-16, 2 Samuel 12:23, and Romans 5:18.  This event was one of several difficult trials that our family faced in 2010.  I can honestly say that it was the most difficult year of my life, to this point.  As I reflect over the past year, I cannot answer all of the “whys” that still plague my mind.  However, I can see God’s hand faithfully working in the details during each of the hardships.  It was a year of growth for our family in ways that we could never have experienced apart from suffering.

So, at the beginning of 2011, I am grateful…
…for Jesus Christ, my Savior
(I could not have dealt with the trials of this year without the grace, peace, and mercy that the Lord gives each day)

…for my Kim, Luke, and Bryce
(I can see God at work in each of them, and I love them with all my heart)
(Kim has recorded her thoughts about Jackson on her Facebook blog.  CLICK HERE to read.)

…for friends and family
(your support, prayers, and words of counsel have meant the world this year)

…for God’s provision
(even this week, God used special people in our lives to make it possible for us to purchase a headstone for Jackson’s grave)

We do not know what another day holds, much less another year, but if in His grace, God gives us another 52-week period, I know with complete confidence that He will continue to bring to completion the good work that He has begun in our lives, and in our weaknesses, He will prove Himself to be strong (Philippians 1:6).

I’m ready.  Let 2011 begin!

2 Corinthians 12:10:
“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

I came across this great online gospel presentation:

Two Ways to Live – The Choice We All Face:
“The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple – simple enough to be outlined in a few pages.  It is a message from the Bible about God and His Son, Jesus.  It is about life and death, and the choice that we all face.  And it all starts with a loving creator God…”

CLICK HERE to view the presentation.

I am very excited to announce the release of my new album, called “Christmas Time”! I had a lot of fun performing on the saxophone, guitar, piano, and digital keyboard for this project. I think you are really going to love the result! It is a recording of six of my favorite Christmas songs and is available for download now for only $5.49. I would love for my music to become a part of your Christmas tradition this year.

For more information and to download, click one of these:

CD BABY:
http://www.CDBaby.com/JohnTracy1

iTUNES:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/christmas-time-ep/id406425638

Merry Christmas!
John

I have had a lot of requests for advice on how to vote on the constitutional amendment proposals as well as the Judicial Elections.  After seeking the counsel of several informed individuals as well as conducting my own research, I have come to the following conclusions.  These are my recommendations for the November 2 ballot:

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
NO. 1
Repeal of Public Campaign Financing Requirement

Summary:  Amendment 1 would end the constitutional requirement for taxpayer financing of political campaigns.

Pro: Proponents of Amendment 1 wish to repeal the state Constitution’s provision on campaign financing. They argue that tax dollars should not be used to fund political campaigns, especially during periods of budget austerity. They also note that in the nine states where public funds can be used to aid political campaigns, there is no evidence to support the notion that this practice has helped lesser-known or minor party candidates compete more effectively.

Con: Opponents of Amendment 1 point out that voters in 1998 approved a constitutional amendment providing for public financing of political campaigns, and that the problem the amendment was intended to address persists: that candidates who lack personal wealth necessary to fund a statewide campaign from their own pocket find it difficult to compete against wealthy individuals or well-established candidates, particularly incumbents.

Recommendation: On balance, the proponents’ positions are more persuasive. Therefore, I recommend YES on Amendment 1.

NO. 2
Homestead Ad Valorem Tax Credit for Deployed Military Personnel

Summary:  Amendment 2 would instruct the Legislature to enact an additional homestead exemption for Florida homeowners on active military service outside the country. The amount of the tax break would be based on the amount of time served overseas in the previous year.

Pro: Proponents argue that this additional property tax exemption would provide financial help to military personnel and their families when the personnel are deployed abroad.

Con: There is no formal opposition to this measure, but it could slightly reduce property tax revenues that support services provided by local governments and school districts.

Recommendation: The fiscal impact on local governments would be minor, while the financial aid for military personnel who are deployed abroad could pay dividends by solidifying Florida’s standing as a place where military personnel are welcome to live and to retire when their active duty ends. Therefore, I recommend YES on Amendment 2.

NO. 4
Referenda Required for Adoption and Amendment of  Local Government Comprehensive Land Use Plans

Summary:  Amendment 4 would require voter approval of proposals that change local growth-management plans.

Pro: Supporters claim that voters deserve “a seat at the table” on growth decisions in their city or county for issues affecting their homes and our communities. They say Amendment 4 will end the atmosphere of corruption and distrust in local government by giving voters the ability to veto or approve new projects and changes to existing developments, thereby fixing the broken system currently in place. Proponents also claim that Florida’s real estate bust and the related foreclosure crisis were caused in part by overdevelopment that occurred when elected city and county officials too easily approved the plans of developers from whom they regularly receive large campaign contributions.

Con: Opponents say that Amendment 4 will cost jobs and hurt Florida’s economy by stifling growth, thereby costing taxpayers millions of dollars. They also claim that the amendment is poorly written and doesn’t provide exceptions for vital community needs such as hospitals, police stations, and schools. Some opponents also claim that Amendment 4 paradoxically could create more of the urban sprawl that its advocates decry by forcing developers to look for lands on the urban fringes where their plans would be less likely to meet resistance from nearby neighborhoods. Opponents also note that because of the large numbers of comprehensive plan amendments proposed in many jurisdictions during each election cycle, the presence on the ballot of scores of highly technical questions may exacerbate Election Day congestion at polling places. However, by far the most persuasive argument against Amendment 4 may be the experience of St. Petersburg Beach, where a local version this measure has been blamed for causing higher taxes, a loss of jobs, and endless litigation.

Recommendation: The evidence against Amendment 4 is overwhelming. Currently, more than 334 organizations, associations, and local governments, plus every daily newspaper in the state, have taken a position against this amendment…and for good reason. Because of the detrimental impacts this amendment would have on Florida’s economy and on citizens’ property rights, I recommend NO on Amendment 4.

NO. 5
Standards for Legislature to Follow in Legislative Redistricting

Summary:  Amendment 5 would require that legislative districts not be drawn to favor one political party over another or deny minorities equal opportunity to participate in the political process.

Pro: Supporters of Amendment 5 complain that the legislators choose their constituents rather than the other way around, intended primarily to protect incumbents and partisan advantage. They also note that some legislative and congressional districts are geographically so misshapen that many voters do not even realize who represents them in Tallahassee or Washington, D.C.

Con: Opponents of Amendment 5 say compliance with Amendment 5’s standards would be difficult, if not impossible, because of the nature of Florida’s diverse demographics. They complain that in practice these standards are contradictory and confusing – akin to the practical joke that some old-line college coaches used to play on their freshmen players by shouting, “All right, you guys! Line up alphabetically by height.”

Recommendation: Enactment of the confusing and contradictory standards mandated in Amendment 5 would increase the likelihood that any redistricting plan devised by the Florida Legislature would be subject to protracted litigation and would ultimately be replaced by a plan devised by appointed judges rather than by the people’s elected representatives. Therefore, I recommend NO on Amendment 5.

NO. 6
Standards for Legislature to Follow in Congressional Redistricting

Summary:  Amendment 6 would require that congressional districts not be drawn to favor one political party over another or deny minorities equal opportunity to participate in the political process.

Pro and Con: See Amendment 5.

Recommendation: As with Amendment 5, enactment of the confusing and contradictory standards mandated in Amendment 6 would increase the likelihood that any redistricting plan devised by the Florida Legislature would be subject to protracted litigation and would ultimately be replaced by a plan devised by appointed judges rather than by elected representatives. Therefore, I recommend NO on Amendment 6.

NO. 8
Revision of the Class Size Requirements for Public Schools

Summary:  Amendment 8 would set the average pre-K through third grade class size at 18 students, but allow a maximum of 21 students in any one class provided it was balanced at that school by a class with fewer than 18 students; set an average of 22 students for fourth through eighth grade but allow a maximum of 27; and set a high school average of 25 students but allow a maximum of 30.

Pro: Amendment 8’s slight relaxation of the class size amendment’s overly rigid limits would solve the problem of “the 19th student.” That is, if the absolute limit in the early grades is 18 students, what happens when all the classes are at the maximum and a 19th student shows up a couple of weeks after school starts? Or what happens when a high school senior needs one last math course to graduate and all of the sections are filled?  Slightly modifying the overly rigid limits to allow for a school-wide average within the respective grade groupings would avoid these problems.

Con: The teachers unions and some parental groups argue that passage of Amendment 8 would allow class sizes to creep back upward to unacceptable levels at which teachers have too many students assigned to them and cannot provide students with enough individual attention. They also claim that the gains in student achievement are attributable to smaller classes rather than to the other reforms that have included charter schools, vouchers, and a testing regimen to measure students’ academic progress.

Recommendation: In order to provide schools with a reasonable degree of flexibility with respect to class sizes, I recommend YES on Amendment 8.

NONBINDING STATEWIDE ADVISORY REFERENDUM

Balancing the Federal Budget. – A Nonbinding Referendum Calling for an Amendment to the United States Constitution.

Summary:  The referendum asks whether voters support a constitutional requirement that the federal government balance its budget without raising taxes. Florida voters do not have the authority to force the federal government to adopt such a requirement, so the vote is purely symbolic and known as a nonbinding resolution.

Pro: The question will provide voters with a chance to weigh in on the issue. An affirmative vote would put pressure on Congress to tighten its belt, and give Florida delegates in Washington political support to push for change.

Con: The referendum is a push poll, a survey in which questions are written in such as way as to steer votes in a desired direction.

Recommendation: I recommend YES on Referendum 1.

JUDICIAL ELECTIONS
Justices of the Supreme Court – Retention

Charles T. Canady – YES – voted to support constitutional amendment to fight Obamacare
Jorge Labarga – NO – voted to deny constitutional amendment to fight Obamacare
James E. C. Perry – NO – voted to deny constitutional amendment to fight Obamacare
Ricky L. Polston – YES – voted to support constitutional amendment to fight Obamacare

District Court of Appeal – Retention

Marva L. Crenshaw – NO
Patricia Kelly – YES
Nelly N. Khouzam – YES
Robert Morris – YES
Steven T. Northcut – NO
Craig C. Villanti – YES
Douglas A. Wallace – NO POSITION

Circuit Court

Group 18:
Patricia “Trish” Muscarella

Group 27:
Jeff O’Brien

Preached on August 8, 2010 at Hillsdale Baptist Church in Tampa, FL

I Did It My Way:  King Saul

1 Samuel 15

It was truly an honor to represent you on the ballot today.  I am overwhelmed by your strong showing of support.

The final vote tallies today were:
Alison G. Crumbley – 13, 717 votes (29.32%)
Karen King – 11,965 votes (25.57%)
John Tracy – 9,779 votes (20.90%)
Steven N. Kanakis – 8,568 votes (18.31%)
Billie Ann Stamatis Kaleel – 2,756

I, of course, would have liked for the outcome to be different, but I am nonetheless excited about having the support of 20% of the voters in Pasco County.  Victory was not ultimately ours today, but there have been many victories over the last year in the form of opportunities to have a strong influence in Pasco.  This campaign was about serving families, and I will continue to do that, as I always have.

As for my political future, in the short term I will continue to serve as the president of the Faith and Family Values Republican Club of Pasco County (www.PascoFFV.org) and I will maintain my position as Outreach Leader for my friend Marco Rubio, in his U.S. Senate Campaign.

The long term plan?  Well,….. stay tuned.

For America,

John Tracy
Running for Pasco County School Board
District 4 – 2010 Election
www.JohnTracyForSchoolBoard.com

For God, Family, and Country
www.JohnTracy.me
http://Blog.JohnTracy.me
________________________

You can connect with John on Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Political advertisement paid for and approved by John Tracy, Nonpartisan, for School Board, District 4

We are now officially in the home stretch for the Pasco County Primary Election.  On August 24, I, along with many other local candidates will be on the ballot.  It is very exciting to see our campaign building steam as more and more people connect with our conservative family values platform.

The local newspapers have been working hard to publish information on the school board candidates.  There are twelve of us running in three districts, so I’m sure that they have had a difficult job to keep up with all of us.

Having said that, I was taken back by the grossly exaggerated description of my comments at the Pasco County Chamber of Commerce school board candidate debate which took place on Thursday evening, August 12, 2010.

It is important that YOU, the voter, know what I really stand for and believe, and what I really said.  Please take a few minutes to read my response to Jeff Solochek’s August 14^th article in the St. Petersburg Times.

Printed Saturday, August 14, 2010, in the Pasco Times section of the St. Petersburg Times:  John Tracy’s comments at Pasco School Board candidate debate offend his rivals

First, I must be mistaken, but I thought Mr. Solochek was at the candidate debate to report on the subjects that were debated by the candidates.  There is little, if anything, in this article about that.  In fact, you would not know it from this article, but there were actually three full hours of debates featuring all twelve candidates for the Pasco County School Board.  No doubt, an article like this will certainly sell more papers than simply reporting the factual content of the evening.  So, allow me to set the record straight.

Here are the facts:

I came to this event ready to “debate,” not just answer questions.  It was a debate, not simply a candidate forum.  The purpose of a debate is to point out those areas that you are different from your opponent(s) and to distinguish yourself so that the voters can make an informed decision.  This may be a novel thought to some, but when five people are running for the same seat, they probably have varying beliefs on any given subject!  They probably do not all think alike.

In the course of the evening we discussed several topics: taxes, curriculum, charter schools, budget deficits, solutions to the economic crisis, etc.  It was apparent that there are some clear differences between the candidates on each of these subjects.  We’re not all the same.

For example, one candidate believes that the answer to our budget problems is to give a 10% pay cut only to those employees who make more than 100K per year.  That is not fair!  That is a modern day Robin Hood who takes from the rich to give to the poor.  That is classic redistribution of wealth.  I am not for that!  If we have to cut salaries, it should be an equitable cut for all, starting with the school board.  I pointed that out in the debate.

Another candidate is unwilling to rule out the possibility of raising taxes to cover our budget shortfalls, and has even gone so far as to say that those of us who refuse to consider that as an option are not being honest.  Really?  In this economic climate with such high percentages of unemployed people and houses in foreclosure, can you not emphatically state that raising taxes is a terrible idea?  I AM telling the truth when I say that to even talk about raising taxes right now is absurd!

It was in the spirit and context of this debate, which had virtually nothing to do with family values, that each candidate was given the opportunity to make one final closing remark.  I made the following 90 second statement:

“What sets me apart from my opponents is my long-term investment in the lives of families.  I’ve been on the frontlines for family values for a long time and so serving the students, parents, and teachers on the school board would be a natural extension of who I already am.

I’m not running for this position because it is the next convenient step, or for some kind of personal achievement, or like one of my opponents has said “I just think I would like to do board work”.  I don’t have some ulterior political motive.  This isn’t about me!  This is about the families of Pasco County.

I believe that, like never before, we need men and women of character in public office on the national, state, and local levels:  People who will say what they mean and do what they say.  People who won’t lie, cheat, or steal, even when it is hard to take a stand and do the right thing; People who will not flip-flop on their values.

A person’s moral character far outweighs his resume accomplishments, the amount of money he can raise as a politician, or even the political friends that he has.

Character is what matters most.

I want to be that kind of person for the families of Pasco County: a man of integrity and honesty who will work hard for our schools.

Frankly, I have great concerns with the direction that our nation is headed, and I intend to do everything that I can to make a difference in my lifetime so that I can leave a better America for your children and mine.

I’ll work hard, I’ll be a team player, and I’ll listen.  Let’s work together!”

Nowhere in that statement did I attack the values of my opponents.  I did not say that they were not people of integrity. I cannot comment on their personal values.  I do not know them well enough to do that.  I can only state that my intent is to be a man of character who represents the families of Pasco County.

It is always funny to me how the press will twist an event to create something in the minds of the public that did not actually take place.  This particular article misrepresents my statements and fails to accurately set the context of the debate forum.

Lesson learned.  Voters beware!  Do not trust the press.

Hi, I’m John Tracy.  I am a Christian conservative, a small business owner, and a community servant.  I have spent my life pouring myself into families while on staff at two local churches and three summer camps.  I’ve had the opportunity to mentor and counsel hundreds of young people and parents.  I was a classroom teacher on the elementary, middle, and high school levels and I know the joys and the frustrations of our teachers in Pasco.  In fact, both of my parents were teachers and I consider excellent teachers to be among our nations heroes!  Currently I do a lot of private music teaching at a Fine Arts Academy where I am also the director.  It is my privilege to serve as the president of the Faith and Family Values Republican Club of Pasco County and I am on the campaign team, as the Pasco church outreach leader, for my friend, Marco Rubio, in his US Senate campaign.

I believe in school safety, student equality, fiscal responsibility, and family values.  I’m for smaller government, fewer taxes, and basic freedoms.

I’m only one voice, just like you.  I don’t have all the answers, and I can’t fix all the problems by myself.  But I promise that I will work hard to do my part, I will listen to the students and parents, I will be a team player with my fellow board members, and I will be a voice for conservative families.  Join me, and together we can make a difference.

I invite you to get to know me by visiting http://www.JohnTracyForSchoolBoard.com.  I would also appreciate your help in spreading the word.  The biggest thing that I need right now is simply to make contact with as many residents of Pasco County as possible in order to spread our conservative message to likeminded friends.  If you find that our values are closely aligned, would you please forward this email to all of your Pasco friends and family.  Thank you!

The First Amendment of the Constitution says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof . . .” The two parts of that statement, formally known as the “establishment clause” and the “free exercise clause”, provide the foundation for the Supreme Court’s interpretations of the “separation of church and state” doctrine.  The First Amendment, as it reads, is in line with the teaching of Scripture.  God has ordained the government of the church as well as civil government.  Each has a distinct sphere of operation.  The purpose of civil government is stated in Romans 13:1-7.  The purpose of the church is declared in Matthew 28:19-20.  As stated in the First Amendment, I do not believe that the government should control the church.  Neither do I believe that the church should be in power over the affairs of civil government.

Unfortunately, the First Amendment is often interpreted in a way that attempts to drive religious principles and morals out of government and even to limit the role of religious individuals, particularly pastors, from being involved in civil government and community service.  I believe that every individual American has a responsibility to seek to have as great of an influence in society as possible for the good of the nation.  A church employee (i.e. a pastor, priest, rabbi, mullah, etc.) should be no less engaged in current affairs and community service individually than a person representing any other profession.  What should not take place is for a particular church or denomination to be placed in a position of power in government.  In other words, I do not believe in a theocracy, where a particular religion is required for all citizens.  That is an entirely different matter from that of an individual Christian (regardless of profession) who serves in a political office, and is the exact concern of the First Amendment.

I believe in religious freedom.  Religious belief is a personal matter of the heart.  What you and I believe will certainly influence our decisions, or morals, our judgment, and our behavior, all of which will bear specific consequences.  You cannot separate one’s beliefs (religious or other) from their actions.  The one will inevitably influence the other.  It is for this reason that I believe that people with character and Christian beliefs and values are exactly the kind of people that are needed to lead our nation.  They are the ones who founded our nation.  Almost half of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, as well as most every Founding Father graduated from orthodox Christian teaching seminaries and were pastors, church elders, and church officers.  Here is a sample:

Samuel Adams: Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Father of the Revolution, Attended Harvard (an orthodox Christian seminary at that time)

John Hancock: First signer of the Declaration of Independence, Acting President of the United Sates, Started the “Minutemen,” commissioned George Washington as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, Governor of Massachusetts, Attended Harvard (an orthodox Christian seminary at that time)

John Quincy Adams: Sixth President of the United States, Vice-President of the American Bible Society, Vice-President of the Massachusetts Bible Society, Attended Harvard (an orthodox Christian seminary at that time)

Robert Treat Paine: Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Military Chaplain, Helped write the Massachusetts Constitution, Attended Harvard (an orthodox Christian seminary at that time)

Rufus King: Signer of the Constitution, Selected as manager of the American Bible Society, Signer of the Constitution, Ratifier of the Bill of Rights, Attended Harvard (an orthodox Christian seminary at that time)

Bushrod Washington: U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Vice-President of the American Bible Society, Vice-President of the American Sunday School Union, Attended William and Mary (an orthodox Christian seminary at that time)

John Lowell: Revolutionary Officer, Member of the Continental Congress, Member of the Society for the propagating of the Gospel among the Indians and others, Authored Article I in the Massachusetts Constitution of 1779 and insisted that it be adopted into the Bill of Rights—“All men are born free and equal, and have certain natural, essential and inalienable rights, among which may be reckoned the right of enjoying and defending their lives and liberties…”, Attended Harvard (an orthodox Christian seminary at that time)

Jonathan Trumbull: Governor of Connecticut, Ordained Pastor, Attended Harvard (an orthodox Christian seminary at that time)

Timothy Pickering: Revolutionary General, Secretary of State, His ideas formed the Northwest Ordinance, Attended Harvard (an orthodox Christian seminary at that time)

William Samuel Johnson: Signer of the Constitution, Attended Yale (an orthodox Christian seminary at that time)

Zephaniah Swift: Author of America’s first legal text, Attended Yale (an orthodox Christian seminary at that time)

James Bowdoin: Governor of Massachusetts, Member of the Society for Propagating the Gospel Among the Indians and Others, Attended Harvard (an orthodox Christian seminary at that time)

James Kent: Father of American Jurisprudence, Attended Yale (an orthodox Christian seminary at that time)

Joel Barlow: Diplomat under Washington and Adams, Chaplain in the American Revolution for three years, Did not become liberal until 1794, Attended Yale (an orthodox Christian seminary at that time)

John Cotton Smith: Governor of Connecticut, U.S. Congressman, Puritan Minister, President of the Litchfield County Foreign Missionary Society, First President of the Connecticut Bible Society, President of the American Bible Society, President of the American Board of Foreign Missions, Attended Yale (an orthodox Christian seminary at that time)

John Treadwell: Governor of Connecticut, Member of Continental Congress, Member of the Missionary Society of Connecticut, Attended Yale (an orthodox Christian seminary at that time)

These men, and others, are the same ones who declared that all Americans are free to practice religion in whatever way that we deem best.  Our country was founded by religious men, but they recognized that government cannot require religion or disallow it, it can only protect religious freedom.  Who better to do that, than those who are religious?

In Romans 13:1-3 the Bible also uses similar terms to make it clear that a Christian individual seeking to be an influence in politics is not the same as a denomination or group of churches running the government.  Thus, I do believe in the separation of church and state as originally presented in the First Amendment of the Constitution.  I do not believe that statement to in any way be in conflict with my personal desire to serve my community and country in the realm of politics.  My beliefs and values certainly shape the decisions that I make, and have led me to my current role of a minister.  Those values and beliefs have also driven me to step out and lead in the arena of politics.  Again, I believe strongly that religious people with character and integrity should not be excluded from political leadership, but I do not believe that religion should be regulated by the government whether it is done so in a positive sense by requiring a particular system of belief, or done in a negative sense by denying religious freedoms.  Both are an infringement upon Constitutional rights.  I will not seek to use any political platform to regulate religious belief and practice.  At the same time, I will stand up for religious freedom and the individual’s right to make whatever religious choice that he deems best, so long as it does not hinder another’s equal rights and freedoms.

I believe that providing a quality education to the next generation of Americans must be at the very top of the priority list for all of us.  A quality education will not be realized apart from excellent, dedicated teachers.  Having taught on the Elementary, Middle School, and High School levels, I know the challenges that a school teacher faces.  Teachers are far too often underpaid, overworked, and unthanked.  Now, you would never hear that from most of them.  They are servants who are more concerned with their calling to train young people than they are with making money and receiving praise.  That is why they are a teacher in the first place.  They teach because they care more about others than they do themselves.

I believe that teachers are heroes.  I can think of many special teachers from my past that helped to shape and mold me into the person I am today.  We should do whatever we can to ensure that our teachers are paid respectable wages and are given the resources that they need to provide the best possible education for our children.

I was very disheartened to hear that Florida, once again, fell behind the majority of the states in average teacher salaries.  The latest Rankings and Estimates report from the National Education Association ranks Florida at number 35 compared to all 50 states.  The average teaching salary is $46,921.

I believe that the laborer is worthy of fair and just compensation.  I believe that an honest day’s work deserves and honest day’s pay.  What is a fair and just wage for a Florida teacher?  There are many factors that would play into answering that question, but for starters, it would seem obvious that we should not be well below the national average.

A good teacher works tirelessly, often coming in early and staying long after the school day is finished.  A teacher’s job far surpasses the time spent in the front of the classroom.  Grading papers, tutoring students, meeting with parents, coaching a team, helping with debate, rehearsing with a music ensemble, practicing for the school play, lesson planning, etc. all has to find a place in the day whether it is compensated or not.  In many ways a teacher’s job never ends.

It is a tough, exhausting, albeit very rewarding job.  There are few things as fulfilling as pouring oneself into a young life and knowing that your influence will have a lasting impact on the future of the student.

Florida should not be ranked among the states that pay teachers the least.  Our goal should be to rank near the top.  We want quality teachers to come to Florida, not leave because they cannot make a living.

St. Petersburg Times:
-Click the links below to read the full articles.

September 30:

Pastor announces bid for Pasco School Board

John Tracy, president of the Faith and Family Values Republican Club of Pasco County, announced on his blog late Tuesday that he will seek to replace Kathryn Starkey on the…

St. Petersburg Times:

October 1:

Republican Club president and pastor posts desire for Pasco school board seat…

LAND O’LAKES — The seat isn’t officially open for another three years.

But candidates for Pasco County School Board District 4 are popping up now, with incumbent Kathryn Starkey having announced her plan to resign next summer to…

A Challenge for President Obama
Posted on the Heritage Foundation Website

In his speech today, President Obama challenged American students to take responsibility for their own success. Telling students that succeeding in life requires hard work, he urged students to set goals, do their homework, and seek guidance from positive role models. It was a good message for students to hear. We hope that American students answer his challenge.

But President Obama has his own challenge to answer. It was made clear by a group of…
Click here to Read the full article

Also, watch the following video about the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program:

LINK:  DC Opportunity Scholarship Program

]]> http://johntracy.me/2009/09/09/president-obamas-classroom-speech/feed/ 1 http://johntracy.me/2009/09/07/america-land-of-the-free/ http://johntracy.me/2009/09/07/america-land-of-the-free/#comments Tue, 08 Sep 2009 01:20:47 +0000 JT http://johntracy.me/blog/?p=533 America…The land of the free and the home of the brave.
In case you have not noticed, that is a statement, that, as modern day Americans, we cannot take for granted.  Nearly every freedom that we value as American citizens seems to be up for grabs.
Let us take a moment to ponder…What is Freedom?
Freedom is the most cherished of all American principles.
Freedom was the dream of our founding fathers as they birthed our nation.
Freedom is ...]]>

America…The land of the free and the home of the brave.

In case you have not noticed, that is a statement, that, as modern day Americans, we cannot take for granted.  Nearly every freedom that we value as American citizens seems to be up for grabs.

Let us take a moment to ponder…What is Freedom?

Freedom is the most cherished of all American principles.

Freedom was the dream of our founding fathers as they birthed our nation.

Freedom is the prayer on all of our hearts when we think of our children’s future.

Freedom is the hope that gets us out of bed and sends us off to work every morning.

Freedom is the cause that countless American heroes have given their lives for.

Freedom is the unique, defining characteristic of America.  It is our freedom that is envied by the nations of the world.

Our freedom has overcome turmoil at home and abroad.  It has persevered through the darkest of days.

For you and me, and for any red-blooded American, freedom, quite simply, is who we are.

We are a free people!

Our freedom, though, is not the product of chance, but has been carefully crafted over hundreds of years.  You do realize that when our founding fathers first scrawled their declarations of freedom by dim candlelight, they were, in a very real way, committing treason.  But, loving liberty and freedom more than life, they took up pens; pens more powerful than any sword and called a fledgling nation to a revolution—not with a trumpet and bayonet, but with parchment and ink.  There have been hundreds of other freedom lovers who have followed in their footsteps over the years—brave men and women whose words, faith, and courage give us strength for today and inspiration for the future.  The key is that all of these patriots did not limit their convictions to words on a document; they lived every sentence that they wrote!  Their convictions were seen in the character of their lives.

Many have died at home and abroad to defend our freedoms.  Freedom has always come at a great price.  Ever since that first battle summons went out in Lexington, Massachusetts, Americans have always answered the call to defend freedom.  Even today, although their lives are interrupted, their families separated, their dreams put on hold, the brave members of our armed forces continue to display personal sacrifice for the greater good of our Nation.  For every Husband, Wife, Father, and Mother serving our Country on the other side of the world:  We love you and we are praying for your safe return.  Your courage keeps us strong.  For every son and daughter who has answered the call of our country, to take your place in the ranks of our military, may God protect you.  We could not be more proud of you.  You are our heroes.  You are the protectors of our freedom.

But, our freedoms are not defended solely by our nations military.  There has never been a time in American history when our freedoms were under greater attack within our own borders.

On January 6, 1941, America stood poised on the brink of another worldwide conflict.  In his State of the Union address before Congress, President Franklin D. Roosevelt identified four fundamental freedoms that are universal.  His message was, in essence, a prayer—that our children, our children’s children, and all future generations of Americans might live in freedom.  He said, “Freedom means the supremacy of human rights everywhere.  Our support goes to those who struggle to gain those rights and keep them.  This is not a vision of a distant millennium.  It is a world attainable in our own time and generation.  In the future, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential freedoms.”  He went on to say, that…

The first [freedom] is the freedom of speech and expression.

The second [freedom] is the freedom of every person to worship God in his own way.

The third [freedom] is the freedom from want.

The fourth [freedom] is the freedom from fear.

In light of Roosevelt’s definition of freedom, are we a free people today?

At the founding of this nation, our forefathers placed our destiny in the hands, heads, and hearts of the millions of free men and women who would follow after them; those free citizens who would be willing to do whatever it took to defend their freedom, and who would graciously recognize the good hand of God, governing in the affairs of men.

It is with great sadness and sobriety that I say, that is not the way of government today.  There are those in elected positions right now, ruling in the highest offices of our land, who would strip us of our core, foundational, God-given, freedoms.  We have people representing the American people in Congress who, in contrast to the efforts of the founding fathers, really do not care what you and I think.  They would script our destiny for us without even considering our input.

Just last month Representative Eric Massa of New York went on record saying,

“I will vote adamantly against the interests of my district if I actually think what I am doing is going to be helpful.  I will vote against their opinion if I actually believe it will help them.” (CLICK HERE for video of this statement)

Hold on Mr. Massa!  Before you applaud yourself for taking a stand, let me remind you that you are in office to represent the opinions and interests of those in your district.  If you are not going to do that, what are you doing in Washington?

Maybe you are thinking, “But, wait, John.  Should an elected official vote his conscience or the popular opinion?”  This question assumes that a person will arrive at a one-time moment when he is forced to face that proverbial fork in the road.  It rarely happens that way.  Here is how I see it:  if you are an honest person with integrity, and vote your conscience all along the way, and one day acquire a public office, then you will have been placed in that position to represent your values that the voters on the ground share.  Doing so will not be a big shock to those who have supported you up until that point.  If you one day wake up in office and only then decide to suddenly “vote your conscience,” and in doing so alienate the people that you represent, I would question how honest you have been with them all along the way.  Certainly you cannot please everyone, but if the majority of the people are concerned with your public policy decisions, you are most likely the wrong person to represent those people.

You see, as free citizens, our founding documents afford us the liberty to elect men and women from among us, to represent us, not to lord over us.  The more our elected officials make decisions without listening to the opinions of the people on the ground, the less free we really are.

What about the freedoms detailed by President Roosevelt?  How do we measure up in 21^st Century America?

Freedom of speech and expression?  UNDER ATTACK by the current Administration.

Freedom to worship God?  UNDER ATTACK as seen in numerous legislative rulings in recent months and years (see THIS VIDEO for a small sampling).

Freedom from want?  Freedom from fear?

All of these freedoms are literally slipping through our fingers.

Hear me well, if we will continue to be free men and women, the time to act is now!  The clock is ticking.  We are quickly running out of time.  I fear for the future of America.  What kind of nation will we pass to our children and to our grandchildren?  Will they know anything of a free America?

My friends, the days of standing on the side-lines of this battle are over!  All passivity must be cast aside.  The question is, “Do you love America?”  Do you want to remain free?  Do you want the next generation of Americans to live in freedom?

Then, you must act now!

What will you do to ensure that those freedoms are maintained, not only during your lifetime, but for generations to come?

I cannot do everything to turn things around, but I can do something; and so can you!  How that specifically plays out may look different for every one of us, but are you doing your part to defend our freedoms?

We must stand together in the face of those who would shred us of our freedoms.  We must stand up, speak out, push back, hold the line, and work hard for freedom.  It will require our time, our energy, and our money.  It may cost a dear price!

We must live moral, upright, responsible lives that are consistent with the beliefs and ideals that foster freedom.

We must never forget that the greatness of America is the direct result of Divine Providence, and we must pray earnestly for God to continue to bless America.

I say often, work like it’s all up to you, and pray like it’s all up to God!  That has always been the American way!

My prayer is that after reading this brief article, you will have a renewed conviction to advance the cause of freedom, deeply rooted in faith and dependence on God.  What will you do to make a difference?

Regardless of your political preferences, I urge you for moral reasons to email or call your US congressional representative and senators today (even if you have called or emailed before) to oppose the horrifically bad Health Care Bill that is before Congress.  The legislators are under extreme pressure to pass this bill; we need to exert extreme pressure for it not to be passed.

Click on THIS LINK (Fred Thompson Interview) and please listen to the 8 minute interview with someone who has carefully read this bill.  It will start automatically.  (See also a summary of some of the terrible points of this bill below.)

Contact both of your senators and your representative.  Ask them to read Page 425 of the proposed health care bill.

On Page 425 of this Health Care Bill, the Federal Government will require EVERYONE who is on Social Security (this will include all senior citizens and SSI people) to a MANDATORY counseling session every 5 years in which the counselor will explain to the person why and how to choose one of various ways to end his/her suffering (and his/her life).  Yes, they are going to push SUICIDE to cut Medicare spending! Health care will be denied based on age.  500 billion dollars will be cut from the senior citizen healthcare budget.  The only way for that to happen is to drastically cut health care.  The oldest and the sickest will be cut first.  Paying for your own care will not be an option.

I urge you to email or call your Congressmen in Washington today!!!    Tell them to read page 425 of this bill, if they don’t read anything else.  Surely, some of them have elderly parents who will be affected by this.  And, politicians themselves will be affected by this someday too.

Feel free to send this to everyone you know.  THIS LINK provides the contact information for every elected official in the United States.  It might help others make the necessary contacts regarding page 425 of the proposed health care bill.

The President is trying to rush this bill through Congress — before the American people (and maybe even before your political representatives) find out what is buried on page 425 and other pages of this lengthy Health Care Bill.

Little gems from the Health Care Bill:

. Page 16: States that if you have insurance at the time of the bill becoming law and change, you will be required to take a similar plan. If that is not available, you will be required to take the government option!
. Page 22: Mandates audits of all employers that self-insure!
. Page 29: Admission: your health care will be rationed!
. Page 30: A government committee will decide what treatments and benefits you get (and, unlike an insurer, there will be no appeals process)
. Page 42: The “Health Choices Commissioner” will decide health benefits for you. You will have no choice. None.
. Page 50: All non-US citizens, illegal or not, will be provided with free healthcare services.
. Page 58: Every person will be issued a National ID Healthcard.
. Page 59: The federal government will have direct, real-time access to all individual bank accounts for electronic funds transfer.
. Page 65: Taxpayers will subsidize all union retiree and community organizer health plans (example: SEIU, UAW and ACORN)
. Page 72: All private healthcare plans must conform to government rules to participate in a Healthcare Exchange.
. Page 84: All private healthcare plans must participate in the Healthcare Exchange (i.e., total government control of private plans)
. Page 91: Government mandates linguistic infrastructure for services; translation: illegal aliens
. Page 95: The Government will pay ACORN and Americorps to sign up individuals for Government-run Health Care plan.
. Page 102: Those eligible for Medicaid will be automatically enrolled: you have no choice in the matter.
. Page 124: No company can sue the government for price-fixing. No “judicial review” is permitted against the government monopoly. Put simply, private insurers will be crushed.
. Page 127: The AMA sold doctors out: the government will set wages.
. Page 145: An employer MUST auto-enroll employees into the government-run public plan. No alternatives.
. Page 126: Employers MUST pay healthcare bills for part-time employees AND their families.
. Page 149: Any employer with a payroll of $400K or more, who does not offer the public option, pays an 8% tax on payroll
. Page 150: Any employer with a payroll of $250K-400K or more, who does not offer the public option, pays a 2 to 6% tax on payroll
. Page 167: Any individual who doesn’t have acceptable healthcare (according to the government) will be taxed 2.5% of income.
. Page 170: Any NON-RESIDENT alien is exempt from individual taxes (Americans will pay for them).
. Page 195: Officers and employees of Government Healthcare Bureaucracy will have access to ALL American financial and personal records.
. Page 203: “The tax imposed under this section shall not be treated as tax.” Yes, it really says that.
. Page 239: Bill will reduce physician services for Medicaid. Seniors and the poor most affected.”
. Page 241: Doctors: no matter what speciality you have, you’ll all be paid the same (thanks, AMA!)
. Page 253: Government sets value of doctors’ time, their professional judgment, etc.
. Page 265: Government mandates and controls productivity for private healthcare industries.
. Page 268: Government regulates rental and purchase of power-driven wheelchairs.
. Page 272: Cancer patients: welcome to the wonderful world of rationing!
. Page 280: Hospitals will be penalized for what the government deems preventable re-admissions.
. Page 298: Doctors: if you treat a patient during an initial admission that results in a readmission, you will be penalized by the government.
. Page 317: Doctors: you are now prohibited from owning and investing in healthcare companies!
. Page 318: Prohibition on hospital expansion. Hospitals cannot expand without government approval.
. Page 321: Hospital expansion hinges on “community” input: in other words, yet another payoff for ACORN.
. Page 335: Government mandates establishment of outcome-based measures: i.e., rationing.
. Page 341: Government has authority to disqualify Medicare Advantage Plans, HMOs, etc.
. Page 354: Government will restrict enrollment of SPECIAL NEEDS individuals.
. Page 379: More bureaucracy: Telehealth Advisory Committee (healthcare by phone).
. Page 425: More bureaucracy: Advance Care Planning Consult: Senior Citizens, assisted suicide, euthanasia?
. Page 425: Government will instruct and consult regarding living wills, durable powers of attorney, etc. Mandatory. Appears to lock in estate taxes ahead of time.
. Page 425: Government provides approved list of end-of-life resources, guiding you in death.
. Page 427: Government mandates program that orders end-of-life treatment; government dictates how your life ends.
. Page 429: Advance Care Planning Consult will be used to dictate treatment as patient’s health deteriorates. This can include an ORDER for end-of-life plans. An ORDER from the GOVERNMENT.
. Page 430: Government will decide what level of treatments you may have at end-of-life.
. Page 469: Community-based Home Medical Services: more payoffs for ACORN.
. Page 472: Payments to Community-based organizations: more payoffs for ACORN.
. Page 489: Government will cover marriage and family therapy. Government intervenes in your marriage.
. Page 494: Government will cover mental health services: defining, creating and rationing those services

CALL TODAY!

Thanks to Tony Masella of www.OurTownFla.com for the great video footage and pictures of our July 23, 2009 Faith and Family Values Republican Club Meeting with Marco Rubio.  He has posted video footage of the entire meeting on YouTube.com, including speeches by John Tracy and Marco Rubio, questions from the audience, and closing remarks by Carlos Saenz.  The footage is broken into seven parts:

PART ONE:

PART TWO:

PART THREE:

PART FOUR:

PART FIVE:

PART SIX:

PART SEVEN:

You can also view some great photos from the event on OurTownFLA.com by clicking HERE.

Thank you to Ronnie Blair for an excellent recap in the Tampa Tribune on our July 23, 2009 Faith and Family Values Republican Club meeting.  It was a great night, with the highlight being the speech from guest speaker, Marco Rubio, 2010 U.S. Senate Candidate.  We really appreciate the good press coverage from the Tribune and the support!

To read the article, entitled “Rubio champions family values,” CLICK HERE

Thanks to Jodie Tillman, staff writer for the St. Pete Times, for a great article on July 22, 2009, featuring me and the Faith and family Values Republican Club of Pasco County.  I really appreciate the support and exposure for the Faith and Family Club.

The article is entitled “Republican party endorses countywide faith and values club in Pasco.”

I love that title because it simply states the message that we are sending out from the Republican Party of Pasco County.   As I have said repeatedly to various members of the press in the last few weeks, the Republican Party is the party that will stand up for the issues that Christians care deeply about.  There are three groups of people that should always vote Republican:  Christians, Gun Owners, and Veterans.  You will not find a refuge in the Democratic Party if you represent any of those three.  Now, I know that as soon as I say that, many will immediately scoff and utter the names of some of the party’s embarrassing examples of failed leaders.  Further, I hear far too often, and even feel myself, the great disappointment with those in office who would call themselves Republicans, but not represent the historical party values.  As a result, there is a huge movement of people that would abandon the Republican Party and form a new independent group of voters who are true to their values and morals.  While I am very sympathetic to the frustrations with some of our elected officials, and can certainly relate to the motivations of these conservatives who are fed up with that see in Washington, let me say that desertion from the Republican Party is a grave mistake for Americans!  Like it or not, there is not a day in the foreseeable future that a third party will have a chance at winning a major election.  That is a fact.  We must unite and rally as conservatives under the umbrella of the party that has stood, historically, for conservative values and moral principles.  Splintering the conservative vote by dismissing the Republican Party will only hand over our country to the liberal left and contribute to our moral demise.  Granted, there are a lot of guys in office who have an “R” after their names, who need to be kicked out because they do not represent what we stand for, but do not cave in to them by handing over the party and losing your power as a voter by alienating yourself.  Now is the time for us to unite!  Now is the time for us to make a stand!  Now is the time for us to take back, not only the Republican Party, but also the United States of America!  We must take it back, as conservative people who hold to our Faith and Family Values, from those who would depart further from morality.  If we will not do it, who will?  This is the real issue in America that is at the root of all of the surface problems that we are facing.  Our government has no moral compass.  Together, we can change that.  Don’t leave us.  Like never before, JOIN US!

To read Jodie Tillman’s article in the St. Pete Times please click HERE.

Thanks to Tom Jackson for featuring me and the FFV Club in his Tampa Tribune column on Sunday, July 19, 2009:

“Faith warrior urges others off sidelines.”

CLICK HERE to read the full article.

I had the privilege of being interviewed by Tom Jackson on WGUL AM860 on Saturday, July 18, 2009.  I enjoyed talking about the Faith and Family Values Republican Club and sharing my perspective on the true need of our nation.  You can listen to the interview, which is broken into two segments, by clicking below:

PART 1 John Tracy on the Jax Files

PART 2 John Tracy on the Jax Files

I enjoyed the opportunity to be interviewed this morning by AM TampaBay radio talk show hosts Jack Harris and Sharon Taylor on 970 WFLA. I appreciate George Skinner, a fellow Pasco REC member, going to the effort to record the interview. You can listen to it below:

The Faith and Family Values Republican Club of Pasco County is honored to host 2010 US Senate Candidate, Marco Rubio, at the July 23, 2009 monthly club meeting. The event will take place at 7:00pm at Word of Life Conference Center in Hudson, Florida. We would love to see a large crowd assembled to hear Mr. Rubio speak on issues related to our Faith and Family Values. He is a passionate speaker, a family man, and one who is committed to conservative values.

Will you join us on Thursday, July 23? Will you also help us get the word out by inviting your friends?

For more information, including directions to the event, please visit our website at www.PascoFFV.org.

You do not need to already be a member of the Faith and Family Values Club to attend. The general public is welcome. We hope to see you there!

Thank you!

The Faith and Family Values Republican Club of Pasco County is honored to host 2010 US Senate Candidate, Marco Rubio, at the July 23, 2009 monthly club meeting. The event will take place at 7:00pm at Word of Life Conference Center in Hudson, Florida. We would love to see a large crowd assembled to hear Mr. Rubio speak on issues related to our Faith and Family Values. He is a passionate speaker, a family man, and one who is committed to conservative values.

Will you join us on Thursday, July 23? Will you also help us get the word out by inviting your friends, coworkers, and family?

For more information, including directions to the event, please visit our club website at www.PascoFFV.org.

You do not need to already be a member of the Faith and Family Values Club to attend. The general public is welcome. We hope to see you there!

Thank you!

For America,
John Tracy

As it becomes more and more necessary to keep in close contact with our elected officials and communicate to them the desires of “We the people,” I am asked often for a list of contact information for those individuals.  Please bookmark this post and refer to it often.  I have actually put my Senator/House Rep contact numbers in my cell phone address book so that I can contact them quickly when I need to.

You can call the President at the following numbers: 202-456-1111 and 202-456-1414.  You can view the contact information for your Senators HERE.  You can view the contact information for your Congressmen HERE.

For those of you who live in my home state of Florida, you can contact your FL State Senate and House Legislators by using the zip code look-up HERE.

Friends,
Our family values, as people of faith in God, are constantly being attacked.  That is why the Faith and Family Values Republican Club of Pasco County is necessary.  As the residents of Pasco and TampaBay, we need a place where we can find unity and rally together to influence our country!  My hope is that these sentiments resonate in your heart and that we will see you at the next FFV Club meeting.

Our inaugural meeting on May 28 was a huge success!  Randy Maggard of the Pasco Republican Executive Committee did an outstanding job at casting the vision for the start of our FFV club.  Thank you so much to each of you who attended that first meeting, and thanks especially to those who have already joined the club!  Together we can make a difference!

Our second meeting will take place this Thursday, June 25, at 7:00pm.  The host location is Word of Life Conference Center in Hudson.  Directions can be found on our website at:  http://www.PascoFFV.org.

We have a great speaker scheduled.  Terry Kemple, of the Community Issues Council, has years of experience leading on issues of faith and family.  He will not only challenge us, but give us several opportunities to get involved through specific initiatives.  You will not want to miss this informative session!  For more information, please check out our website.

We need your help at getting the word out.  Please try to think of five friends in your address book that you can forward this email to and invite them to attend our meeting.

We look forward to seeing you Thursday!

For America,

John Tracy

This is an incredibly inspiring presentation on classical music from Benjamin Zander, the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra. He is a fabulous communicator. His passion for classical music and for helping others catch the vision for music is amazing.

If you have ever thought that classical music was boring, this will change your mind! You owe it to yourself to watch this amazing video. Classical music is for everyone!

Sorry for the inconvenience. Thanks so much for the support and for faithfully following my updates.

This will be the last post on the old blog feed.

Once again, please go to www.JohnTracy.me/blog and subscribe to the new RSS and Podcast feeds using the links on the home page.

Thanks again,
John Tracy

I have also included the new links below:

Click for NEW PODCAST FEED LOCATION

Click for NEW RSS FEED LOCATION

Thanks so much to Anthony Masella and OurTownFLA.com for featuring the inaugural meeting of the Faith and Family Values Republican Club of Pasco County. We really appreciate the support and exposure!

To view the post please CLICK HERE.

Preached on June 7, 2009 at Hillsdale Baptist Church in Tampa, FL

Lord of All

Colossians 1:15-18

Dr. Shadrach Meshach (S.M.) Lockridge was the Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church located in San-Diego, California from 1953 to 1993. He was known for his preaching across the United States and around the world. The following is an incredible excerpt from Lockridge’s most famous sermon, “That’s My King.”

What an awesome description of Jesus Christ, the Lord!  It literally sends chills up my spine.

I hope you enjoy it (the first few seconds are silent, but give it a second…the sound will start soon after).

In the words of Dr. Shadrach:  “I wonder if you know Him.”

Dear Friend,
I am very excited to announce the inaugural meeting of the Faith and Family Values Republican Club of Pasco County! This Thursday, May 28, 2009, will mark the day that “we the people” of Pasco join forces and pledge to stand up for our Faith and Family Values. The club will be a place for camaraderie, education, communication, and inspiration! Together we can stand against the attacks on our moral values and get actively involved in what is happening in our County.

Will you make this Thursday night’s meeting a priority? We want you there! Bring your voice and your opinions, but most of all bring your commitment to Faith and Family!

We are privileged to have, as our first keynote speaker, Mr. Randy Maggard, the current Chairman of the Republican Executive Committee (http://www.PascoGOP.org). Mr. Maggard is an outstanding leader in the county, a dedicated Christian, a family man, and has a long history of support for family values.

The club meeting will also feature an open forum discussion and specific ways that you can make a difference!

If Faith and Family are two words that you are passionate about, we want you at the inaugural meeting and we need you to join the club!

The meeting location is: Temple Baptist Church, 37253 Clinton Ave., Dade City, FL 33525.

For more information, please visit http://www.PascoFFV.org. I look forward to seeing you Thursday. Thank you.

For America,
John Tracy

__________________
John Tracy
Faith and Family Values
Republican Club of Pasco County

Web: www.PascoFFV.org
Email: FaithAndFamilyValues@PascoFFV.org
Phone: 813-310-5699
__________________________________

President – John Tracy
Vice President – Carlos Saenz
Secretary – Jessica Larreau
Treasurer – Jonathan Barnes

Copyright 2009. Faith and Family Values Republican Club of Pasco County. Paid for by the Faith and Family Values Republican Club of Pasco County, not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee. Faith and Family Values Republican Club of Pasco County is an Officially Chartered Club by RPOF-The Republican Party of Florida. This e-mail may contain confidential or privileged information. If you think you have received this e-mail in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail and then delete this e-mail immediately. Thank you.

God has given me the great privilege of serving as the Music and College Pastor of Hillsdale Baptist Church in Tampa, Florida.  It is truly an honor to serve our Lord in the ministry.  Hillsdale is an incredible church with many unique ministry opportunities and outreach programs.  We would love for you to join us on your computer for a service or a Bible study via our live internet video broadcast.  I lead the music in each of the Sunday services. Return to this page during any of the broadcast times listed below to view the live feed.

The regular broadcast schedule is as follows:

SUNDAY – 10:30AM – Morning Worship Service; 6:00PM – Evening Family Service
TUESDAY – 6:30AM – Men’s Genesis Bible Study
WEDNESDAY – 6:45PM – Lifesteps Classes (Practical Life Application Classes)

Pastors win Challenge to Political Involvement
IRS rules voter education on moral issues, registration permissible

by Drew Zahn
© 2009 WorldNetDaily

In a decision that holds ramifications for churches around the country, the Internal Revenue Service found that a non-profit organization that gathered pastors to a series of public…

CLICK HERE for full article.

Take a look at the blog post by clicking HERE.

Do you feel lost in the political haze of our day?  Do you wish there was a place to go where your voice would be heard, where your values would be appreciated, where you could make a difference in your community?  Are you tired of politicians in Washington, Tallahassee, and even in Pasco County who constantly attack the values and morals that are so vitally important to your family?  YOU ARE NOT ALONE.  There are many who feel as you do.  Let’s stand up for our values and principles in Pasco County!  Let’s take back our county, our state and our country and make a difference!  Let’s collectively demand that our voice is heard by those in office!  Will you join us?  It’s time to rally together to accomplish something great in Pasco County!  Our values and principles are worth protecting.  We need you in the Faith and Family Values Club!

For America,
John Tracy

For more information, CLICK HERE.
To view and JOIN our Faith and Family Facebook page, CLICK HERE.

Club Mission Statement:
Our mission is to promote and protect Judeo-Christian family values and principles by educating, assisting, and uniting the Republican Party of Pasco County to engage our community in the issues of the day.

Topics of Interest:
Religious Liberty
Sanctity of Life (Pro-Life)
Traditional Marriage and Family
Protecting the Innocence of Children
Separation of Church and State
Morality and Integrity in Political Leaders
Quality Education in Public Schools (including the faith and beliefs of our founding fathers)

Club Meetings:
Club meetings will feature member discussions on these and other related topics, guest speakers who passionately address them, and strategic planning to use our resources to influence Pasco County.  The club meeting will take place on the fourth Thursday of every month.

FIRST MEETING:  May 28, 2009, 7:00pm
LOCATION:  Temple Baptist Church, 37253 Clinton Ave., Dade City, FL 33525

Activities:
Club members will be encouraged to join together and volunteer time to support the efforts of various organizations that exist to help and promote our stated areas of interest (examples: Red Envelope Campaign, volunteer at Crisis Pregnancy Center, The Run For Innocence, write specific letters to elected officials, etc.).

Membership:
The Club recognizes the following two classes of membership:
Active – Any registered Republican voter, who resides within the boundaries of Pasco County.
Associate (non-voting) – Any other registered Republican voter who does not qualify for Active status.

Dues:
The Club will not start collecting dues until the June, 2009 meeting.  Prior to that anyone can attend for free.

The annual dues are $20 for an individual, Active or Associate Member, and $30 for a married couple, Active or Associate members, payable to the Treasurer upon becoming a member, and then yearly on or before January 31.

For more information contact us at:  FaithAndFamilyValues@gmail.com or 813-310-5699

John Tracy, President
Carlos Saenz, Vice President
Jessica Larreau, Secretary
Jonathon Barnes, Treasurer

A great interview with Marco Rubio on important current issues:

Please join us for this delightful evening!

Preached on June 19, 2005 at Calvary Baptist Church in Simpsonville, SC

We Are Sanctified For Him

Romans 8

Preached on April 19, 2009 at Hillsdale Baptist Church in Tampa, FL:

Ordinary Living for an Extraordinary God

1 Samuel 16

Preached on January 4, 2009 at Hillsdale Baptist Church in Tampa, FL:

The Greatest Wrestler of All Time

Genesis 32

Preached on July 20, 2008 at Hillsdale Baptist Church in Tampa, FL:

Joyful Thinking Resolves Conflict

Philippians 4:1-7

Preached on July 13, 2008 at Hillsdale Baptist Church in Tampa, FL:

Grace from Giving God’s Way

Acts 4:32-5:11

Preached on June 22, 2008 at Hillsdale Baptist Church in Tampa, FL:

Ready or Not, It’s Harvest Time!

Galatians 1:1-10

Preached on May 4, 2008 at Hillsdale Baptist Church in Tampa, FL:

God on the Throne: A Picture of Holiness

Isaiah 6:1-5

Preached on September 3, 2006 at Hillsdale Baptist Church in Tampa, FL:

The Test of Commitment

Matthew 4:1-11

Preached on August 13, 2006 at Hillsdale Baptist Church in Tampa, FL:

The Testimony of Baptism

Romans 6:1-13

Preached on March 19, 2006 at Hillsdale Baptist Church in Tampa, FL:

What Is Worship?

Romans 12:1

On April 6, 2009 while at a press conference in Turkey, President Obama made the following statement:  “One of the great strengths of the United States is … we have a very large Christian population — we do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values.”   On April 4, 2009 Newsweek magazine published an edition entitled “The Rise and Fall of Christian America.”  Jon Meacham wrote the feature article called, “The End of Christian America.”  In the month of April, the same month that Christians remember and celebrate the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Newsweek and Obama have declared that America is no longer a Christian nation.  While the number of Bible Believing, Christ followers has, no doubt, declined, America is nonetheless a nation founded under God by men who loved and revered God and His Word.  Those of us who do know Christ as our Savior must not miss this opportunity to boldly proclaim the truth while we still have the right to do so freely.  The real answer that the world needs is the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Anything short of that will only be temporary relief.  However, we must also be light and salt in a dark world and make every effort to make an impact on our sphere of influence.  Do you love God?  Do you love America?  What are you doing about it?

Please study the following links:

NEWSWEEK ARTICLE by Jon Meacham entitled “The End of Christian America”
CITIZEN LINK RESPONSE to the Newsweek article by Glenn T. Stanton of the Focus on the Family Action Committee
AL MOHLER’S RESPONSE to the Newsweek article (president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a board member of groups like Focus On the Family and Together For the Gospel)
REAL CLEAR POLITICS RESPONSE to the Newsweek article by Brent Bozell entitled “The Decline and Fall of Newsweek“

VIDEO of President Obama in Turkey:

VIDEO RESPONSE by Focus on the Family Action Committee:

As our brave men and women of the armed forces continue to serve sacrificially and bravely in all parts of the world, let us not forget to uphold them in prayer, especially those who have allegiance to two military forces:  The Forces of the United States, and the Army of the Lord God.

Joel Dubois is just one of thousand of Christian servicemen who need your prayer today.  He is a soldier in the U.S. Army. He is our friend, a Christian, a husband, and a father of four.  Join us in praying for his safety and for his family while he is gone until January, 2010.  May God protect him and bring him home safely when his duties have been fulfilled.

The following letter was written by Joel on March 14, 2009:

Dear Family and Friends,
14 March 2009
Dusty days here at Camp Liberty in Iraq. We had a thunder/lightning storm last night which turned everything into mud and you would think that the rain would keep the dust down for a few days at least. But sure enough, today was another hazy, dusty day. We’ve had several big dust storms. Imagine a very foggy day, but instead of moisture in the air it is dust. Dust gets everywhere, and after walks to work or chow it ends up in your mouth, nose and eyes. After the storms there is a fine layer of dust on everything at work and it takes several days just to clear it out of our building.

Camp Liberty is in western Baghdad. My area of operations on the post is approximately ½ mile square. I eat, work, sleep, go to the gym, go to chapel, and go to the store in an area surrounding Signal Hill, which is a man-made teardrop-shaped hill that Saddam built for some reason. This part of Baghdad used to be Saddam’s hunting grounds. It is now filled with housing barracks and T-walls (large concrete barriers used for protection against mortars and rockets). From where I live one can occasionally hear Muslim calls to prayer, otherwise this location could be some dusty corner of Phoenix. I live in what is called a “containerized housing unit” or CHU. It’s a 10×13 foot trailer that I share with another Soldier in the band – a trumpet player from Kansas City. We have a window and air-conditioning, and the latrines and bathhouse are within a short walk.

Regarding safety here, there is more likelihood of getting hit crossing the street than by mortars or rocket attacks on our post. Those things have happened in the past, but in the two months I have been here only one mortar attack has occurred. It happened while I was eating at the chow hall. The alarm sounded “incoming, incoming” and everyone got under the tables. After a few moments the “all clear” signal sounded and everyone got up and finished their dinner. In many respects it was more of an inconvenience than a safety hazard. But we do have a long year ahead of us and the bad guys are still out there, so I would appreciate your prayers. Signal Hill has a CRAM (counter rocket and mortar) weapon installed on it. It’s basically a large Gatling gun synced with a radar unit that detects incoming rockets and mortar and fires off molten copper at the incoming round.

All Soldiers wear either our army combat uniform or our physical training uniform. No civilian clothes are allowed. All Soldiers carry their weapons and 30 rounds of ammunition with them at all times. There are checkpoints at most of the facilities here on post, and no bags are allowed into the dining facility, recreation areas, or chapel.

The Chapel here is good, but I miss the fellowship that I enjoyed at Killeen Bible Church. I filled my ipod up with sermons before I left and have enjoyed listening to a sermon almost every night before falling asleep.
The 1st Cav Band performed for the Transfer of Authority from 4th Infantry Division to the 1st Cavalry Division as well as for my battalion’s Combat Patch Ceremony. The tuba group I’m in has done a couple of gigs also, but for the most part it has been a slow start musically. I practice with the tuba group three times a week and with the ceremonial band once a week. The show band performs usually every weekend but I am not in that ensemble. The band is scheduled to move into a new facility soon and that will bring some variety to the routine here while we get set up in our new facility. In addition to my musical duties I work in a gym twice a week. My duties are to clean it and monitor its usage. This is actually a good detail because it allows me time to work out and it is indoors and air-conditioned. I’d like to be doing music all the time, but it could be a lot worse.

Some things are very different about this environment. For instance – no children. I have not seen a child since I left Fort Hood two months ago. You don’t think about things like that until they’re gone. I miss my wife and kids.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Jeanine is the real hero in this situation. She is “holding down the fort” at home while I am here and I would appreciate your prayers for her and Chloe, Will, Lauren, and Emma. This is a 12-month tour and I should be returning no later than January 2010.

My address here is:
SPC JOEL DUBOIS
1CD BAND, DSTB, 1CD
CAMP LIBERTY
APO, AE 09344

Best wishes,
Joel

]]> http://johntracy.me/2009/03/25/pray-for-spc-joel-dubois-us-army/feed/ 0 http://johntracy.me/2009/03/06/obama-lied-to-gun-owners/ http://johntracy.me/2009/03/06/obama-lied-to-gun-owners/#comments Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:43:39 +0000 JT http://musicoftampa.com/JohnTracySite/Blog/?p=172 How many times did we hear President Obama make statements on the campaign trail that he would not take away the rights of gun owners and that he would be supportive of the 2nd Ammendment.  I’ll refresh your memory of a few times when he specifically said “I’m not going to take your guns away.”  He said it very clearly at rallies in Duryea, Pennsylvania and in Boise, Idaho, among others. He also told a news conference that “Lawful ...]]>

How many times did we hear President Obama make statements on the campaign trail that he would not take away the rights of gun owners and that he would be supportive of the 2nd Ammendment.  I’ll refresh your memory of a few times when he specifically said “I’m not going to take your guns away.”  He said it very clearly at rallies in Duryea, Pennsylvania and in Boise, Idaho, among others. He also told a news conference that “Lawful gun owners have nothing to fear…I think people can take me at my word.”

Well, we can now see how much his word is worth.  In direct contradiction to the President’s prior statements Attorney General Eric Holder announced that the president will seek to reinstate the ban on semi-automatic firearms.  This is only the beginning.  The Obama administration has made it clear that they do not support the Second Amendment at all.  Get ready for an all-out attack on our right to bear arms.

What can we do about it?  Let these elected officials know that you are not happy and you will not stand for this!  Remember, they all want to be re-elected.  Let them know how strongly you feel about gun rights and that you will not vote for someone who does not support the 2nd Ammendment. Remind them that when you take guns away from citizens who legally own them and responsibly use them, the only people left with the guns are the criminals.  Furthermore, statistics show that the areas of our country that have had gun rights taken away have proven to be the most crime infested parts of America.

This morning I called my Florida Senators and Congressmen as well as President Obama.  I would encourage you to do the same.  You can call the President at the following numbers: 202-456-1111 and 202-456-1414.  You can look up the contact information for your Senators HERE.  You can look up the contact information for your Congressmen HERE.

Again, express to them your complete disdain and ABSOLUTE REJECTION of all GUN BANS and challenge them to be willing to fight for and defend our Constitution and what it stands for.  Do this for America!

A traditional view of marriage must be upheld to ensure the strength and prosperity of future generations of Americans.  This is a key issue that must transcend party lines and be preserved by all freedom lovers of the United States.  Our true strength as a nation does not flow from our military might or our financial prosperity.  It flows from the core values upon which our nation was founded.  Our values underscore our beliefs about God, family, and country.  It is those values and beliefs that set us apart as unique in the eyes of the world and in turn make us a great nation under God.  The heart and life-blood of American society is the family unit.  There is no debating the fact that children raised in a traditional family with a mother and a father are far better off than those who are not.  A child needs the balance of male and female leadership and guidance.  He needs to learn about love, discipline, and faith from his parents.  Schools should complement what is being taught in the home, but the real educating about how to live and function as a responsible citizen should be provided by Mom and Dad.  The influence that parents have on their children cannot be overemphasized.  That is not to say that single parents cannot overcome their adverse circumstances and prove to do an exemplary job at raising their children.  However, they will most often be the first to tell you, that their situation is far less than ideal.    Statistics show that kids raised without a mother or a father and particularly when born out of wedlock, are likely to be pushed into a lifestyle of poverty and welfare.  They are more prone to drugs and crime.  They often drop out of school and acquire low-paying, dead-end jobs, if they get jobs at all.  Again, this is certainly not the story of every child raised outside of a traditional family environment, but unfortunately it does prove to be the norm more often than not.  Americans must understand that marriage is instituted by God in the Bible.  It is to be for one man and one woman for life.  Divorce, same-sex marriage, premarital sex, and unprepared/underage marriage breaks down the strength of our family structure.

What can be done?
1) A federal constitutional amendment is needed that defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman.  Same-sex marriages should not be recognized on the federal or the state level.

2) The Defense of Marriage Act was passed and became law on September 21, 1996.  It must be supported and upheld as law.  It declares that no state or political subdivision within the United States has to recognize persons of the same sex as married, even if their relationship is declared as a marriage in another state.  It also maintains that the Federal government is not permitted to consider same-sex relationships as marriages for any purpose, even if they are viewed as marriages in certain states.

3) All must commit to be part of the solution, not the problem.  Enter into “holy matrimony” only after giving careful thought and prayer to that monumental decision.  Take advantage of every resource available to prepare for marriage, such as pre-marital counseling, books, and seminars on marriage.  Train the next generation to have a reverent view of marriage and to commit to sexual abstinence in relationships until they are married.

Tonight, I’m writing to plead with you to rise up and speak out right now! As you know there is a stimulus bill being debated in Washington that, if passed, will forever change the course of our nation. It has absolutely horrendous implications for our country! To read the details for yourself, please visit this link:
CLICK HERE
Please call or email your Congressman or Senator immediately! We have all got to do our part to try and stop this before it is too late.

For contact information for your elected representative please visit the following link:  CLICK HERE

Thank you!

For America,
John Tracy

Please follow the link below to participate in an MSNBC survey about whether or not our nation’s motto, “In God We Trust” should be removed from United States currency.

Let your voice be heard and tell others to do the same!

Click Here:  MSNBC SURVEY

Any parent, who has had the amazing privilege of witnessing a baby’s entrance into the world, will agree that life is a miracle.  Life is not only an extraordinary gift from God at the beginning, but the same could be said at every age of our existence.  Why does your heart continue to beat at your current age?  It is a gift from God.  We all have the God-given right to life.  We are all created equal.  Americans should value their fellow citizens at every age.  One life is no less valuable than another, whether in the womb, or in the nursing home.  The question addressed here is, when does life begin?

The Bible repeatedly declares that life begins at conception.  One example is God’s statement about the prophet Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1:5.  “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”  David says in Psalm 139:13, 16:  “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.  My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.  Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.”  Not only does life begin at conception, God already knows all about us before we are ever birthed into this world.

Science also proves that life begins at conception.  At the moment fertilization takes place, the unborn child’s full genetic makeup is already in place.  Already determined in that moment is the child’s gender, height, and even skin, hair and eye color.  Life begins at that moment of conception.

Since that is true, is one life more important than another?  Does one life have the right or power to take another innocent life?  Of course not.

Let us be very clear that, based on the unchanging Word of God, murdering an unborn child in the womb (abortion) is a sin that God has always hated and was punishable by death in the Bible. In fact, God condemns murder of all kinds, but particularly the murder of children. In Ex. 20:13 God says, “Thou shalt not kill.” In Lev. 20:1-5, God says that the one who committed the horrible atrocity of child sacrifice should “surely be put to death.” Exodus 21:22-23 is a specific example where an actual abortion is found:

“If men strive, and hurt a women with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman’s husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life” (Ex.21:22-23).

This is just a sampling of the Biblical evidence on the subject of abortion, but the theme is consistent. What does God think about abortion? … “life for life.”

What does all of this mean for those who are governing the United Sates?

1)    No tax dollars should be spent on promoting and performing abortions or on assisted suicides (euthanasia).
2)    A constitutional amendment designed to protect the right to life should be written and passed as legislation. Ideally the practice of abortion, as well as euthanasia, in any form would be illegal and viewed just as seriously as the murder of any other human life.
3)    Roe vs. Wade should be overturned.  The Supreme Court should continue in the direction of the recent Gonzales v. Carhart case where the gruesome practice of partial birth abortion was forbidden.
4)    In the mean time, numerous legislation should be pursued on the federal level to deter the practice of abortion:  a ban on partial-birth abortion; a bill to establish a woman’s right to know the exact procedure done during an abortion; a mandate that parents be informed and provide consent before an abortion is performed on a minor; requirement that doctors inform the mother that the unborn child will feel pain, and provide the option to anesthetize the baby prior to the abortion.

The human race has the tremendous privilege of living on the only planet in our solar system that is perfectly suited to sustain life.  The earth is a beautiful place.  Everywhere we look we see the evidences of God’s touch.  The Bible says in 1 Timothy 6:17 that God “richly provides us with everything to enjoy.”  All good things on this planet are from the good hand of our good God.  Even God, Himself, when creating the universe stopped after each of the six days to say of His work, “It is good.” (Genesis 1)

God made the earth, He owns it, and He sustains it.  We are simply caretakers of this beautiful planet.  As such, we should handle it carefully and respectfully, not unnecessarily destroying it or contaminating it.  We should do our best to be good stewards of our beautiful home.

Having said that, never forget that God did make the earth for us to enjoy.  In Genesis 1:28-29 God said to the first humans that they had dominion over the earth and were to subdue and enjoy it.  Humans are the only members of God’s vast creation that are equipped with a soul and the ability to reason.  We are literally God’s masterpiece and He made the earth for us to enjoy.  It is for us.  As a result, we have the liberty to take pleasure in our beautiful home to the fullest.  Use, but don’t abuse, is a great philosophy.

The theory of an intensifying Global Warming that will destroy the planet and end the potential for life on this planet is absurd.  There is no legitimate proof of that happening, and actually plenty of proof of the opposite.  Again, God is the one who sustains the universe, not man.  We are powerless to completely destroy or to save the earth.  That is God’s business, not ours.  We should not fear that by responsibly enjoying our planet, we might destroy it by leaving our carbon footprint.  The earth has gone through a series of warming and cooling cycles many times throughout documented history.  Scientists do not agree, though some would like to say that they do, that we are on an unprecedented warming trend.   Think of the Vikings, for example, who over 1,000 years ago settled in a place they named Greenland.  They obviously named it after what they saw when they first sailed near the coast….green lands.  They would not have even been able to sail near Greenland if the waters were frozen over like they are today.  The temperature must certainly have been warmer to allow them to colonize on Greenland.  The Vikings had a thriving civilization there for some three hundred years until it did indeed freeze over and by 1408 they had abandoned it.  Greenland has remained frozen for many years, but today we are told to panic because the ice sheet around the edges of Greenland is melting.  History seems to evidence that we have actually had a cooling cycle for the last several hundred years and now we are possibly returning to temperatures that previously existed.  Even in the 1970s environmentalists were warming of a coming Ice Age!  Now we are told that the planet is warming.

The only logical conclusion is that the earth goes through cyclical climate changes.  Funding and legislation related to the myth of Global Warming should be eliminated altogether.

Todd Schnitt, a radio host based out of Tampa, Florida, has put together an excellent list of resources on the subject of Global Warming.  In his own words, it is “one of the largest collections of articles and opinion pieces on the Internet, many written by respected scientists, climatologists, meteorologists and professors who dispute the apocalyptic “man-made” explanation of global warming.”  His collection can be viewed at the following link:

http://schnittshow.newsradio610.com/globalwarming.html

What needs to be done?  Here are some potential ideas:
1) When gas prices soared in 2008, T. Boone Pickens, a visionary oil man, promoted a plan to bring wind power to the middle states of our country.  Wind is certainly not the ultimate long-term example, but it could possibly be a short-term fix while other alternative fuels are explored and developed.

2) Drilling in our country needs to happen NOW!  Drill in Florida.  Drill in California.  Drill in Alaska.  Drill wherever we can to decrease our dependence on OPEC.  Again, this is probably not a permanent long-term solution, but it will take the pressure off of Congress while they develop a plan for other fuel sources.

3) Alternative fuel options need to be brought into production and made available to the American people for a reasonable cost.  Nuclear, wind, solar, hydrogen, clean coal, biodiesel, ethanol, and biomass should all be explored.  I’ve heard that Congressional Republicans call this the “all of the above” strategy!  Vehicles, factories, and machinery need to be manufactured that will run on alternative sources.  The federal government should research and develop a budget to fund the exploration of these various possibilities.

To be successful in the future, America needs to make energy independence an absolute priority.  It is critical for our prosperity and security.

I am very excited to be on the Young Republicans Subcommittee, part of the Executive Committee of the Republican Party in Pasco County, Florida.  It is very important that the youth of our nation rally together in the next election to help win back the United States.  Pasco County is a key political area of the state of Florida and works hand-in-hand with Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.  We are very committed to reaching the youth in future elections and working diligently to spread the message and values of the Republican Party to high school and college campuses.

I have created a “Group” on Facebook to assist in rallying the youth of the three counties stated above.  I would invite all interested parties to join.  You can join the group HERE.

If you are younger than 30, live in Pasco County Florida, and believe in the core values of the Republican Party, this group is for you. If you are a friend to the group just described, we would also welcome your presence. This is a place for honest discussion, networking of kindred hearts, and promotion of our values and beliefs. As the youth of our party, we must rally together to win back our nation!

As stated on the GOP website, here is what we affirm:

I’m a Republican Because…

I BELIEVE the strength of our nation lies with the individual and that each person’s dignity, freedom, ability and responsibility must be honored.

I BELIEVE in equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, creed, sex, age or disability.

I BELIEVE free enterprise and encouraging individual initiative have brought this nation opportunity, economic growth and prosperity.

I BELIEVE government must practice fiscal responsibility and allow individuals to keep more of the money they earn.

I BELIEVE the proper role of government is to provide for the people only those critical functions that cannot be performed by individuals or private organizations, and that the best government is that which governs least.

I BELIEVE the most effective, responsible and responsive government is government closest to the people.

I BELIEVE Americans must retain the principles that have made us strong while developing new and innovative ideas to meet the challenges of changing times.

I BELIEVE Americans value and should preserve our national strength and pride while working to extend peace, freedom and human rights throughout the world.

FINALLY, I believe the Republican Party is the best vehicle for translating these ideals into positive and successful principles of government.

I look forward to seeing you on Facebook soon!

This story absolutely blew me away.  On January 12, 2007 Joshua Bell, arguably the greatest violinist in the world and one time child prodigy, helped to conduct a very thought provoking study in a metro station in Washington D.C.  He played some of the greatest classical music ever written on his 3.5 million dollar violin for 45 minutes to see if he and the music would be appreciated by every day, busy Americans.  In the entire time that he played he was given a total of $32 in tips and received no applause or recognition.  Most never even stopped to listen or pay attention.  The most interested of all seemed to be children.  Just two days before Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston and the seats averaged $100 each.  After this event he headed off on a concert tour to European capitals.  It really does make you stop and ask…how many truly great and truly beautiful things do we miss in life, because we are too busy wtih insignificant nonsense?  Let’s stop and smell the roses a little more often!  Read the whole story as printed in the Washington Post HERE.  Yes, I verified on Snopes.com that the story is true.

Please watch the video below and consider the following.  Whether you like him or not, you must admit that President Obama has risen to an incredible place of success and has literally made history.  I wonder if he has ever stopped to think that his mother gave him the first and best gift of all…the gift of life.  Nothing that he has accomplished in life would have been done if his mother had chosen abortion.  Barack’s life was not terminated before birth and as a result he now has the tremendous privilege of leading the greatest nation in the world as the first African American President.  Shouldn’t everyone have that chance?

He has been President of the United States for two days.  What is his first priority as the new leader of the free world?  Sadly, today Obama announced that among his first three executive orders will be issuing “a reversal of a ban on federal funding for non-governmental organizations working outside the U.S. that offer abortions or abortion counseling. Obama will sign the executive order on the 36th anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion in all 50 states (CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE FROM FOX NEWS).”  Am I surprised?  Of course not.  Obama’s commitment to legalize and fascilitate abortion is no secret.  But I must say, it outrages me to actually see this particular agenda moving forward.  He is making it even easier for Americans to legally kill our own citizens!  God help us.

In one of his final speeches, Former President George W. Bush made the following statement:

“Like all who have held this office before me, I have experienced setbacks. There are things I would do differently if given the chance. Yet I have always acted with the best interests of our country in mind. I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right. You may not agree with some tough decisions I have made. But I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions.” (Full Article Here)

Mr. Bush went on to say, “There is legitimate debate about many of these decisions. But there can be little debate about the results. America has gone more than seven years without another terrorist attack on our soil.”

I have to say this, and say it loudly….  THANK YOU Mr. Bush for keeping America safe.  I have not always agreed with every decision that you have made, but I often am reminded that it is easy for a person to talk about what they would do if they were in charge.  It is a completely different matter to be the one sitting at the desk in the Oval Office making the decisions.  I am confident that history will one day tell of how the 43rd President of the United States made great personal and public sacrifices to keep all of us safe from our enemies even when it seemed that no one was grateful.  THANK YOU for being a man of courage and conviction.  I pray that we will continue to know peace, freedom, and security in the United States for many years to come.

I was especially moved with admiration and respect for Mr. Bush after reading the comments of Karl Rove, long time advisor to Bush and his Deputy Chief of Staff for several years.  I am convinced that the real George W. Bush is not the man so often portrayed in the media as an unintelligent, quick-triggered, irrational, bumbling fool.  Rather, like Rove, those closest to him speak so often of his humility, conviction, purpose, and dedication to moral principles.

I would enourage you to read the article by Mr. Rove and consider your own grattitude for a President who has served tirelessly for you and our great country.

At Hillsdale, we are fully in support of the growth and development of local businesses.  We do all that we can to invest in the well being of our county.  However, we are concerned that the addition of a Convenience Store and Gas Pumps on the corner of Ehrlich Road and Bellamy Road would have detrimental consequences in our area.

Because of this, we support the existing zoning of the Northwest corner of Ehrlich Road and Bellamy Road and the preservation of the wetlands in Citrus Park.

Here is a summary of the negative impact that rezoning to accommodate a RaceTrac Convenience Store and Gas Pumps would have on our community:

1.    The addition of a RaceTrac Convenience Store and Gas Pumps would further harm the beautiful wetlands and protected environment of Citrus Park.  The quiet ambiance that we currently enjoy would be replaced by pollution and noise.
2.    The driveway cut on Bellamy Road would be too close to the intersection, not allowing adequate stacking of Northbound Bellamy traffic when making a left turn into site.
3.    Since Bellamy Road is the only access into several developments, representing hundreds of homes, any commercial driveway to the site from Bellamy would not be safe or practical.
4.    The driveway cut on Ehrlich Road would be too close to the intersection, representing a traffic hazard to accelerating Westbound traffic from the light for right hand turns into the site.
5.    There are currently no provisions for a security/privacy wall along the Western property line between Hillsdale Baptist Church and the proposed RaceTrac Convenience Store and Gas Pumps.  If plans proceed, we would like to see a six-foot masonry wall run the entire length of the Western property line.
6.    An application for a Beer and Wine License is likely for RaceTrac Convenience Store and Gas Pumps.  This would put alcohol sales adjacent to Hillsdale Baptist Church, Preschool and Academy. Current regulations state that alcohol sales must be 500 feet away from the property line, not the building, of a church or a school.  The proposed site shows a 20-foot set back from the church property line.  A convenience store, like RaceTrac, will likely fail without alcohol sales.  See the Southeast corner of Ehrlich Road and West Village Road as proof of where a previous convenience store with gas station and car wash failed and was sold to Regions Bank.  Their failure is attributed to having no alcohol license due to the proximity of Ben Hill Middle School.
7.    The atmosphere of a RaceTrac Convenience Store and Gas Pumps is not in keeping with the residential character of the neighborhood.
8.    There is no need for additional fuel delivery in the neighborhood.  Stations in our area are closing due to the economy, not opening.
9.    The exit off of Northbound Veterans Expressway is poorly designed.  Because of this, many tickets are cited when traffic, merging Eastbound onto Ehrlich Road, does not come to a full stop. There is often a Highway Patrol or Sheriff waiting on the East side of the retention pond.  Eastbound traffic going into RaceTrac Convenience Store and Gas Pumps will likely have to perform a u-turn. Additional accidents are probable. Eastbound traffic turning onto Bellamy Road already does not have enough room in the turning lane, which clogs the traffic flow.

Again, at Hillsdale Baptist church, we are not against the success and growth of local business in Citrus Park.  A progressive, flourishing community is good for our own growth.  However, we do fervently support the safeguarding of our protected wetlands and the wildlife that accompanies them, as well as the quiet ambiance and residential character of our community.  For these reasons, we support maintaining the current zoning regulations of the previously discussed intersection.

We would greatly appreciate the additional support of all concerned citizens who have an interest in the well being of the Citrus Park community.  A public hearing is scheduled for January 20 at 6:00pm and is open to any interested party.

For further questions or comments, please contact John Tracy, Hillsdale Baptist Church Pastoral Staff Member, at 813-884-8250.

There is also a Facebook Group Created for Citizens to join and show their support of keeping the current zoning.  More information can be read there.  You can visit the Facebook page by clicking HERE.

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Please watch the video below before reading my comments that follow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfF15cUc9AM

In case you have never heard of Bill Ayres, here is my brief description:
Bill Ayres is an unrepentant terrorist who was a member of the Weather Underground and bombed the Pentagon, the U.S. Capitol and a New York City police headquarters. After 9/11, he was quoted in the New York Times as saying “I don’t regret setting bombs … I feel we didn’t do enough.”

Ayers is currently a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He and Obama live in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood and served together on the board of the Woods Fund, a Chicago-based charity that develops community groups to help the poor. Obama and Ayres made speeches together in 1997 and 2002. Obama spokes-person David Axelrod said that they were friends. Obama left the board in December 2002. Among the other interesting connections between the two is the fact that Ayers helped launch Obama’s political career by hosting a meet-the-candidate event at his home for Barack when he first ran for office in the mid-1990s.
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Now, consider this…
Should we have to question the American loyalty of the Commander and Chief of this Nation? Obama has a lifetime of “questionable (to say the least)” friends: Bill Ayers, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Tony Rezko, etc. I’m so tired of hearing of his connections with people and organizations that are anti-American. How many times have we heard stories about Obama refusing to wear a flag on his coat, refusing to pledge to the flag during the National Anthem, and along with his wife making terribly derogatory statements about the USA-the greatest nation in the world! Why is someone so anti-American even being considered? Could it be that, if America votes in Barack Obama as the next President, the population at large is just as anti-American as he?

Let me explain. Why do we love America? Is it only the greatness of our land that we love in terms of our economic dominance in recent decades, our military power, our natural resources, or maybe even the wit and wisdom of our founding fathers? Is Barack Obama opposed to that America? Maybe in part, but for the most part, no. He’s not opposed to the existence of America, nor having her be the most influential nation on the world scene. He’s opposed to the America that you and I, who are believers in Jesus Christ, know and love…the America that is based on principles and precepts in God’s holy Word.

Why are we great, people?  Here is the answer: because of the good hand of our good God! The only way we have any hope to continue to be great, is if we continue striving to be good! And, good is not possible apart from God.

Barack Obama is anti-American not just because of his association with terrorists and radicals and his blatant refusal at times to honor the very symbols of our freedom. He is anti-America, primarily because he is against our Christian morals. I don’t know his heart, nor his eternal standing before a holy God, but I do know that he denies the very clear teaching of Scripture on many issues.

Does one have to be a professed Christian to lead this nation?  No, that has never been the case, although it has certainly been ideal when it has happened in our history. On the other hand, should Christians look for a candidate that most closely aligns with their Christian world-view?  Absolutely!  If Obama has his way, he will take America farther from God with his policies than we have ever been in our history.  Trust me, Bill Ayers could be the least of our worries in the near future.

I shudder to think what all this could mean for the eternal-security of our nation (from God’s perspective).

I do know this, the Bible gives no indication at all that America will continue to be the favored nation until the end of time. There are several identifiable nations in the book of the Revelation, but Bible scholars agree, America is not found among them. What does the future hold for our great land?  Only God knows the full answer.  Regardless, you and I must be found faithful until He calls us home.  America has seen great times of revival in the past, and we need that today more than ever. It’s not too late! Centuries ago God said of His chosen people, Israel, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

It always been the case that God has blessed or punished a nation based on the heart condition of the Believers in that land. So, I admonish you as strongly as I can…CHRISTIANS, WORK (and vote) like it’s all up to you, and PRAY like it’s all up to God!  May God have mercy on our nation!  Revelation 22:20: “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

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The following was written by a black concert pianist named Huntley Brown. There is a lot of stuff flying around about the election, but few better than this. I think it is great! This man understands that we are Christians first, Americans second. And, for those of you who care, I did verify with Snopes that it is legit: http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/huntleybrown.asp

Please take a minute to read it.

JT

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Dear Friends,
A few months ago I was asked for my perspective on Obama, I sent out an email with a few points. With the election just around the corner I decided to complete my perspective. Those of you on my e-list have seen some of this before but it’s worth repeating…

First I must say whoever wins the election will have my prayer support.  Obama needs to be commended for his accomplishments but I need to explain why I will not be voting for him.

Many of my friends process their identity through their blackness.  I process my identity through Christ.  Being a Christian (a Christ follower) means He leads I follow.  I can’t dictate the terms He does because He is the leader.

I can’t vote black because I am black; I have to vote Christian because that’s who I am.  Christian first, black second.  Neither should anyone from the other ethnic groups vote because of ethnicity.  200 years from now I won’t be asked if I was black or white.  I will be asked if I knew Jesus and accepted Him as Lord and Savior.

In an election there are many issues to consider but when a society gets abortion, same-sex marriage, embryonic stem-cell research, human cloning to name a few, wrong economic concerns will soon not matter.

We need to follow Martin Luther King’s words, don’t judge someone by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.  I don’t know Obama so all I can go off is his voting record.  His voting record earned him the title of the most liberal senator in the US Senate in 2007.

To beat Ted Kennedy and Hillary Clinton as the most liberal senator, takes some doing.  Obama accomplished this feat in 2 short years.  I wonder what would happen to America if he had four years to work with.

There is a reason Planned Parenthood gives him a 100% rating.  There is a reason the homosexual community supports him.  There is a reason Ahmadinejad, Chavez, Castro, Hamas etc. love him.  There is a reason he said he would nominate liberal judges to the Supreme Court.  There is a reason he voted against the infanticide bill.  There is a reason he voted No on the constitutional ban of same-sex marriage.  There is a reason he voted No on banning partial birth abortion.  There is a reason he voted No on confirming Justices Roberts and Alito.  These two judges are conservatives and they have since overturned partial birth abortion.  The same practice Obama wanted to continue.

Let’s take a look at the practice he wanted to continue

The 5 Step Partial Birth Abortion procedures:

A. Guided by ultrasound, the abortionist grabs the baby’s leg with forceps. (Remember this is a live baby)
B. The baby’s leg is pulled out into the birth canal.
C. The abortionist delivers the baby’s entire body, except for the head.
D. The abortionist jams scissors into the baby’s skull.  The scissors are then opened to enlarge the hole.
E. The scissors are removed and a suction catheter is inserted.  The child’s brains are sucked out, causing the skull to collapse.  The dead baby is then removed.

God help him.  There is a reason Obama opposed the parental notification law.

Think about this:  You can’t give a kid an aspirin without parental notification but that same kid can have an abortion without parental notification.  This is insane.

There is a reason he went to Jeremiah Wright’s church for 20 years.

Obama tells us he has good judgment but he sat under Jeremiah Wright teaching for 20 years.  Now he is condemning Wright’s sermons.  I wonder why now?

Obama said Jeremiah Wright led him to the Lord and discipled him.  A disciple is one in training.  Jesus told us in Matthew 28:19 – 20 “Go and make disciples of all nations.”  This means reproduce yourself.  Teach people to think like you, walk like you; talk like you believe what you believe etc.  The question I have is what did Jeremiah Wright teach him?

Would you support a White President who went to a church which has tenets that said they have a …

1. Commitment to the White Community
2. Commitment to the White Family
3. Adherence to the White Work Ethic
4. Pledge to make the fruits of all developing and acquired skills available to the White Community.
5. Pledge to Allocate Regularly, a Portion of Personal Resources for Strengthening and Supporting White Institutions
6. Pledge allegiance to all White leadership who espouse and embrace the White Value System
7. Personal commitment to embracement of the White Value System.

Would you support a President who went to a church like that?

Just change the word from white to black and you have the tenets of Obama’s former church.  If President Bush was a member of a church like this, he would be called a racist.  Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton would have been marching outside.

This kind of church is a racist church.  Obama did not wake up after 20 years and just discovered he went to a racist church.  The church can’t be about race.  Jesus did not come for any particular race.  He came for the whole world.

A church can’t have a value system based on race.  The churches value system has to be based on biblical mandate.  It does not matter if it’s a white church or a black church it’s still wrong.  Anyone from either race that attends a church like this would never get my vote.

Obama’s former Pastor Jeremiah Wright is a disciple of liberal theologian James Cone, author of the 1970 book A Black Theology of Liberation. Cone once wrote:  “Black theology refuses to accept a God who is not identified totally with the goals of the black community.  If God is not for us and against white people, then he is a murderer, and we had better kill him.

Cone is the man Obama’s mentor looks up to.  Does Obama believe this?

So what does all this mean for the nation?

In the past when the Lord brought someone with the beliefs of Obama to lead a nation it meant one thing – judgment.

Read 1 Samuel 8 when Israel asked for a king.  First God says in 1 Samuel 1:9 “Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do.”

Then God says:
1 Samuel 1:18 ” When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day.” 19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” 21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. 22 The LORD answered, “Listen to them and give them a king.”

Here is what we know for sure.

God is not schizophrenic.

He would not tell one person to vote for Obama and one to vote for McCain. As the scripture says, a city divided against itself cannot stand, so obviously many people are not hearing from God.

Maybe I am the one not hearing but I know God does not change and Obama contradicts many things I read in scripture so I doubt it.

For all my friends who are voting for Obama can you really look God in the face and say; Father based on your word, I am voting for Obama even though I know he will continue the genocidal practice of partial birth abortion.  He might have to nominate three or four Supreme Court justices, and I am sure he will be nominating liberal judges who will be making laws that are against you. I also know he will continue to push for homosexual rights, even though you destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for this.  I know I can look the other way because of the economy.

I could not see Jesus agreeing with many of Obama’s positions. Finally I have two questions for all my liberal friends.

Since we know someone’s value system has to be placed on the nation,

1. Whose value system should be placed on the nation.

2. Who should determine that this is the right value system for the nation?

Blessings, Huntley Brown

Way to go Mike!  It’s great to hear a Christian take a stand on a very public stage.

It has been exciting to found the Hillsdale Youth Symphony this year.  Talented young musicians were selected for the group after completing a rigorous audition process.  Our debut concert was in October, and we are approaching our second performance on December 19.  This week HYS received some media attention with a great article in the St. Petersburg Times.  Click here to view the article!

Today I am especially grateful for the brave men and women who serve in our armed forces.  It takes a special individual with a sacrificial heart and tremendous character to risk all to defend the freedoms that you and I so often take for granted.

Yesterday, my brother-in-law, Chaplain Mike Smith, was deployed to Iraq with the 82nd Airborne division of the U.S. Army.  Mike will be away from his wife and three kids for a full year, but believes whole-heartedly in the mission that he has been called to do.  He is a superb example of an American hero and is a true patriot.  Mike is already a combat veteran having been deployed as a U.S. Marine during the Gulf War.  He has also served in local law enforcement and S.W.A.T. operations.  He has the respect and admiration of all those who know him.

Mike is just one of thousands who needs your prayers today.  Would you take a moment this day to pray for our troops?  They are serving tirelessly for us.  The least that we can do is to remember them.

Please feel free to post the names of your loved ones who are deployed at this time  and to share their stories.  May we not forget to uphold our soldiers with prayer.