Saturday, January 23, 2010

Senate Chaplain: Religious Leader For Secular Flock

by Audie Cornish
January 23, 2010

Audio for this story from Weekend Edition Saturday will be available at approx. 12:00 p.m. ET





Walter Ray Watson/NPR
Senate Chaplain Barry Black (second from right) prays with his staff before delivering the prayer to open the legislative day of the U.S. Senate.






January 23, 2010



Most mornings, after the gavel is struck in the Senate chamber on Capitol Hill, a prayer is offered in that most secular body — a practice that goes back to the founding fathers at the Continental Congress in 1774.

Chaplain Barry C. Black delivers the prayer, offering up some of the first words heard each day in the chamber.

Black works from an office in the Capitol building, a well-appointed room with high, arched ceilings and wall-to-wall mahogany bookcases. Compared with the number of people working for senators, the chaplain's staff is downright humble. He has an executive assistant, a director of communications and a chief of staff.

But from this third-floor perch in the Capitol building, Black enjoys one of the best views of the National Mall's mosaic of cherry trees, museums and monuments.

Biblical Analysis For Earthly Decisions

The role the chaplain performs for the Senate stands almost at the meeting point between church and state. He's a religious leader and shepherd to what is essentially a secular flock. This includes the Senate lawmakers, their families and their staffs, as well as all the other people who work on the Senate side of the Capitol — nearly 6,000 people in all.


When the health care bill was being debated in the chamber, the people at my Bible study were from both sides of the aisle.

- Chaplain Barry Black



His job entails coordinating events with other spiritual leaders throughout the year, from rabbis to Muslim imams. He officiates at weddings, funerals and christenings for lawmakers, their families and their staffs, and offers one-on-one counseling on matters both spiritual and private.

He also leads five Bible study groups each week, including one that is made up of just senators. Black says he thinks that for almost any issue the Senate is debating, there are biblical aspects that can be discussed in the study groups he holds.

"For instance, when the health care bill was being debated in the chamber, the people at my Bible study were from both sides of the aisle," Black says. "And though we did not talk directly about the health care bill, I did a study on euthanasia and what the Bible says about 'end of life.' "
That particular Bible study he led for senators occurred around the time last year that the term "death panels" was bandied about by opponents of the health care legislation. Black addressed the death panels discussion, he says, because the Bible addresses it.

"My Bible themes come from what is actually going on, on Capitol Hill," Black says.

A Job Backed By The Founding Fathers

Though pending legislation sometimes informs the topics of his teachings, the chaplain says his position is nonpartisan and nonsectarian. While offering prayers on the floor of the Senate and in leading Bible study groups, he says he doesn't give his personal opinion on public policy or legislation. But if a senator asks him, Black will speak his mind, behind closed doors.

This raises a question: How appropriate is this practice of chaplains giving senators their opinions? Is it inappropriate to have this extraordinary access? Access that citizens — voters who elected senators — don't enjoy?

Black says the framers of the Constitution intended that guidance be available to the nation's lawmakers.





Walter Ray Watson/NPR
Black reads from a prayer book in his office. He is the 62nd Chaplain of the U.S. Senate




"And remember, the establishment clause says: 'Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of a religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' " Black says. "So to have the opportunity of being advised from an ethical perspective, the framers basically said we think we should be there."

The Path To Senate Chaplain

The chaplain is full of nuggets, quotes from speeches, verses from the Gospels, passages from Longfellow and even the wisdom of Barney Fife.

"Your children are not your children," he recites from The Prophet without notes. "They are the sons and daughters of life's longing for itself. They come through you, but not from you, and though they are with you, they do not belong to you."

Black learned the practice of memorizing from his mother, Pearline Buck Black, a devout Christian and Seventh-day Adventist. She raised her eight children in Baltimore's public housing with her husband, Lester Black, who was a truck driver.

In Pearline's home, any of her children could earn a nickel for memorizing a Bible verse. But it was young Barry who began memorizing the sermons of famous preachers, including Peter Marshall, a Scottish-born Presbyterian minister who also served as Senate chaplain.

But Black says he didn't even know Congress had chaplains until he was in his 20s in college.

Black picked up several college degrees before he became a preacher. He was told he was too young to be assigned his own congregation within the Seventh-day Adventist church, so he became a traveling minister.

In the 1970s, he was preaching in North Carolina when he encountered two young black servicemen who visited from the Norfolk, Va., area, regularly driving three to four hours to hear him. When he asked why they'd come so far, they mentioned that in the Navy, they'd never seen an African-American chaplain.

This planted a seed — and inspired Black to join the Navy shortly after.

Two decades later, he was Rear Adm. Barry Black, and a chief of chaplains — the first African American to hold the position.

In 2003, he was appointed to the Senate, where he says his job has given him "a pleasant surprise."

"The level of spirituality of many of the senators was greater than I expected [it] to be," Black says.
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Source:http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122872399
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Wicca's Invitation



Posted by David Virtue on 2010/1/20 8:10:00


Pagan practices are meeting with an increasingly receptive audience in the Episcopal Church. Is it the consequence of an unmet need?

by Jeff Walton
January 14, 2010

The monthly meditation had a playful air about it.

"A crone is an old woman. A crone is a witch. A crone is a wise woman. Which one will you be, my friend? Which one I?"

Wrapped around a rite for "croning", the meditation embraced a history of mystical women and offered prayers to "Mothering God" and "Eternal Wisdom." But the article was not in a new age publication or Wiccan blog: it was on the pages of the September newsletter of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington.

Entitled "Crone Power", the meditation innocuously sat opposite a story about choosing a children's Bible and next to a column on St. Jerome. The newsletter quickly drew the attention of Anglican bloggers, many of whom found the placement of what appeared to be a Wiccan ritual to be jarring in an official church publication. But intentionally or not, the publication and placement of the rite were reflective of a new reality: one in which practices drawn from or inspired by pagan belief, including witchcraft, are increasingly finding acceptance within the ranks of the Episcopal Church.

"Croning rituals have been a part of modern day witchcraft since [English occultist] Gerald Gardner invented it in the 1950s," explains Catherine Sanders, author of Wicca's Charm: Understanding the Spiritual Hunger Behind the Rise of Modern Witchcraft and Pagan Spirituality. Sanders, an evangelical Christian, spent several years researching pagan practices and witnessed their incorporation into the church during the writing of her book. Sanders said that croning, the practice of honoring a woman who has gone through menopause, became more popular in the 1970s with the women's movement.

"Most of the mainline denominations had people within them experimenting with pagan rituals," Sanders said. "A lot of these people were searching for a way to affirm what they were going through in their lives."

While the croning ritual was notable for its prominence in a diocesan newsletter, such pagan-inspired practices are not new in the Episcopal Church. In 2005, Pennsylvania Episcopal priest Bill Melnyk was outed as a Druid (he belonged to the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids) after posting a druid ritual to an Episcopal Church Women's website. Melnyk, who had taken the name "Oakwyse," was forced to resign by his bishop.

Pagan influences in women's spirituality were also a prominent part of the "Reimagining" movement that appeared among some mainline Protestant feminists in the early 1990s. The Reimagining movement encouraged worshippers to refer to God as a feminine deity known as "Sophia," loosely based on the Greek concept of the wisdom of God. Controversy eventually subsided after denominational leaders, responding to pressure from traditionalists, distanced themselves from the Reimagining liturgies.

The diocese of Washington itself has a track record of embracing mystical rites, most recently hosting a Native American "smudging" ceremony at the National Cathedral. During an interfaith conference,Sacred Circles: a Celebration of Women's Spirituality, smoking tobacco was offered to the spirits of the four cardinal directions.

Crone Power

The author of the rite that appeared in the Washington Window was herself far from the traditional images of covens and witchcraft. An older parishioner at St. Alban's Church, Helma Lanyi arrived from the Roman Catholic Church ten years ago after taking issue with Catholicism's hierarchy and patriarchy.

Situated near the highest point in Washington, D.C., next to the prestigious school of the same name that educates many of Washington's elite, St. Alban's is more reflective of the reserved and upper-class mainstream of the Episcopal Church, rather than the fringe congregations that have previously entertained pagan ideas and practices. Its rector was recently elected to become the new bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia.

"I had become aware for a while that it's really not cool in our society to be an older woman," Lanyi said. "At one point I picked up a book on crones. That describes very much the whole pagan point of view about being an older woman."

Lanyi, a first generation immigrant from Germany, found the topic interesting. Nevertheless, it did not appeal to her as a Christian.

"I'm really not into Earth mother thinking," the St. Alban's parishioner explained. Among other concerns that she had with pagan practices, Lanyi did not like the portrayal of female power as superior to male power. But the idea of croning seemed to resonate along with a book she had read by liberal Catholic nun Joan Chittister. Lanyi saw being older as a gift, and she had grown tired of what she saw as a cultural expectation to hide one's age.

"Why is the joy of life considered to be something that it isn't part of [life] for women when they are older?" Lanyi asked. "I felt that God hasn't taken his concern away from me now that I am older. Why should that only be between me and God?"

In her words, Lanyi wanted to be "properly an old lady without being out of the picture." So she investigated croning further. Normally engaged with her work as co-chair of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship at St. Alban's, Lanyi visited Wiccan websites that her daughter had found, complete with a variety of croning rituals.

"It blended perfectly with my nonviolence training and interest," Lanyi said of some of her folk religion readings. Lanyi found in folk religion an element which "emphasized the more female elements of being non-judgmental." The St. Alban's parishioner saw those elements as being compatible with Christianity as she understood it.

"That's what Jesus came for, working together and everyone is equal," Lanyi claimed. "Jesus came not to go against all of that [folk religion], the same way he didn't go against the Jewish religion, Jesus came to affirm our nature."

But whereas Lanyi found value in folk religion, some of the Wiccan croning rituals themselves were wild and over the top.

"I couldn't see asking people to do that in my living room," the elderly German laughed. She decided that authoring her own rite was the best way to proceed.

"I pretty much made it up, that ritual doesn't exist anywhere as I know it," Lanyi explained. "I thought it was a little like baptism rituals, this idea of asking questions: what are you seeking, what do you want?"

She wrote her ritual a little bit tongue in cheek, she admitted. Then, last year, Lanyi gathered seven friends and performed the rite. They stood in a circle, one lighting a candle and placing it on a center table. They took turns reading the poem "Woman's Work," by Maya Angelou, as a sign of solidarity with all women. Then they invited the newest crone-to-be into the circle.

"What we read in these Wiccan rituals that my daughter shared with me, they used dirt or soil, and that didn't make sense, so we used a hand-woven stole," Lanyi added. She recalled the rite in her article:

She [the new crone] tells us of the phases of her life up until now. The others ask her: "What is it you are seeking for this phase of your life as a crone?"

She answers: "I seek wisdom." We say in unison: "Mothering God, grant her Crone Wisdom."

We ask: "Beside wisdom, what is it you are seeking?" She answers: "I seek judgment." We reply: "Mothering God, grant her Crone Judgment."

Finally we ask: "Besides wisdom and judgment, what is it you are seeking?" She says: "I seek Joy." We respond: "Mothering God, grant her Crone Joy."

We take turns anointing her forehead with special oil and present her with a stole, or wreath, inviting her to go forth into the world and share her Crone power.

We pray: Eternal Wisdom, source of our being and center of all our longing, In you our sister has lived to a strong age: A woman of dignity and wit, in loving insight now a blessed crone. May the phase into which she has entered bear the marks of your spirit. May she ever be borne up by the fierce and tender love of friends and by You, most intimate friend; and clothed in your light, grow in grace as she advances in years, For your love's sake.

"I wanted to indicate that this was now a passage, now a part of life," Lanyi said. "It meant a lot to us, most of us were of that age."

An Unmet Need

After years of researching Wicca, Sanders has empathy for women like Lanyi that have looked to pagan ritual.

"There definitely is a hunger," Sanders explained. The author observed that croning rituals tend to draw older women, while younger women seek rituals involving nature. Many times, the rituals grew out of desire to be recognized or acknowledged.

"Older women have a lot of wisdom, and they do have a special place in our society," Sanders said. "But the fact that our society has this view that women need to make themselves better (through things like plastic surgery), that's the result of sin and the fall."

"A lot of these women are looking to affirm something that they don't think is being met," Saunders said. Quoting author Arthur Lindsley of the C.S. Lewis Institute, Sanders surmises that sometimes "people are interested in neopaganism because of the unpaid bills of the church."
One example that Sanders cites is the church's lack of a response to miscarriage or stillbirth. While the Episcopal Church has historically offered no rite acknowledging these traumas, Wicca does.

"The problem that exists with a lot of these pagan rituals is that they don't bring the redeeming life of Jesus into them," Sanders said. "They're all about the participants, and that is where the problem lies."

For such needs to be properly addressed within the Christian Church, rites made for them have to be about what Christians believe, Sanders says. "It has to focus on Jesus and what he did for humankind."

The evangelical author notes that many of the pagan rituals do not focus on a personal God, since they presuppose a god revealed or contained only in natural forces.

"As Christians, we just go so much further than that," Sanders says. "It's perfectly fine to have a service of worship to praise Him for His creation. There can be a certain need for churches to do more of this thing, but not pagan rituals that stop short of praising God and that step outside of Christian theology."

Additionally, Sanders has concerns about feminized language that can be found in such rituals, including Lanyi's croning rite.

Lanyi said that the Washington Window editor "did come back to me to ask if I could make it more Christian." In her published meditation, Lanyi backed the feminized wording with references to Christian women in the Celtic tradition such as Hild, Ita, and Brigid. She also cited the 14th century writer Julian of Norwich, who described God as a Mother. Lanyi labels all these Christian women crones, along with Catholic school pioneer Mother Seton and Mother Theresa of Calcutta.

"In calling God Mother, the thing that is confusing for pagans or Wiccans is that we are 'part of that' but in Christianity, we are not part of God, he is wholly separate," Sanders explained. She noted that mothers give birth, a trait ascribed to the goddess in the mainline Reimagining movement. In contrast, Scripture does not describe God as possessing reproductive organs or giving birth, traits common in depictions of pagan deities.

"Obviously God is not human, he is wholly other," Sanders said. "In calling God father, that's what Jesus did. He didn't call God his mother or she, he called him he."

Sanders says that the draw toward such feminized depictions of God sometimes comes from the personal history of the practitioner.

"You have these women that are very hurt, upset because of a relationship with their father, but Christianity says God can heal you of past hurts through the redeeming love of Christ," Sanders said. During the course of her research, Sanders also found that difficult marriages or encounters with a pastor that were unsatisfactory could also leave a woman wounded and drawn to Wicca.

A Service of Remembrance

Some churches are taking notice of the need for spiritual acknowledgement of events like miscarriage. At the Falls Church, an Anglican parish in suburban Washington, D.C., the pastoral care staff worked on a liturgy of remembrance for a special All Saints' Day service. Sensing a need for women who had experienced losses through miscarriage, abortion, stillbirth, or early childhood death, the 275-year-old parish began the service in 2008.

"It wasn't about us, it was all about the redeeming work of Christ," Sanders said. "The subject of the ceremony was to remember the children and what happened to the parents there, but it was all focused on God and deeply rooted in Scripture."

"It was very much about glorifying God," the author said. "It marked the loss, but it pointed to Jesus Christ." The special All Saints' Day service proved extremely popular, with the sanctuary reaching full capacity. The pastoral care staff plans to repeat the service this year.

Rev. Nicholas Lubelfeld, an Episcopal Priest on staff at the Falls Church, explained a distinction between the church's All Saints' service and pagan rituals.

"It's one thing to try to conform our lives to God's will; it's another thing to try to shoehorn God into our goals and aspirations," Lubelfeld said. The priest said that the difference was between prayer through Jesus Christ and bringing God "into play into our plans."

"Who's agenda is it?" Lubelfeld asked. "My need is what I bring to God, but I don't try to shoehorn him into my plan -- magic has as its aim the securing of a particular end; prayer has the end of bringing our hopes and fears to God."

"It would be good for churches to consider ways to honor who God created us to be, the things we are experiencing," Sanders said. But Sanders added that if rituals do not point to Jesus, they don't have a place in the church.

"The Gospel is the best answer for those people," Sanders said. "As a result of sin, we don't honor women the way we should, and therefore they are reaching out. These are people that are in our midst that are hurting, and if it means reading up on these rituals, that will help us understand where they are coming from."

"In modern 21st century America, we think we know what we need, and that's a dangerous place to be in," Sanders said. "We need to constantly glorify him."

Since publication of her croning rite, Lanyi has received a subdued response.

"I'm aware that this may be not entirely what people are used to," Lanyi said. "Women my age have come to me and said, 'I loved your article'-- but not a lot. I'm not sure if they know what to think of it."


----Jeff Walton is Communications Manager and Anglican Staffer for the Institute on Religion & Democracy.The following article originally appeared in Forward in Christ Magazine, and is reproduced with permission.
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I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house


1 Kings 18


1And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.

2And Elijah went to shew himself unto Ahab. And there was a sore famine in Samaria.

3And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly:

4For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)

5And Ahab said unto Obadiah, Go into the land, unto all fountains of water, and unto all brooks: peradventure we may find grass to save the horses and mules alive, that we lose not all the beasts.

6So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.

7And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said, Art thou that my lord Elijah?

8And he answered him, I am: go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here.

9And he said, What have I sinned, that thou wouldest deliver thy servant into the hand of Ahab, to slay me?

10As the LORD thy God liveth, there is no nation or kingdom, whither my lord hath not sent to seek thee: and when they said, He is not there; he took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that they found thee not.

11And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here.

12And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from thee, that the Spirit of the LORD shall carry thee whither I know not; and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find thee, he shall slay me: but I thy servant fear the LORD from my youth.

13Was it not told my lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the LORD, how I hid an hundred men of the LORD's prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water?

14And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here: and he shall slay me.

15And Elijah said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely shew myself unto him to day.

16So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him: and Ahab went to meet Elijah.

17And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel?

18And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim.

19Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table.

20So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel.

21And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

22Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men.

23Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under:

24And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken.

25And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under.

26And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made.

27And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked.

28And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them.

29And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.

30And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down.

31And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the LORD came, saying, Israel shall be thy name:

32And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD: and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed.

33And he put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces, and laid him on the wood, and said, Fill four barrels with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice, and on the wood.

34And he said, Do it the second time. And they did it the second time. And he said, Do it the third time. And they did it the third time.

35And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water.

36And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word.

37Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again.

38Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.

39And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God.

40And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.

41And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.

42So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees,

43And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times.

44And it came to pass at the seve

nth time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down that the rain stop thee not.

45And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel.

46And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Geithner: HE'S ALIVE! U.S. will overcome daunting problems! Budget 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yx6CpomuP3Ehttp://


VoiceofAmericans2008
March 03, 2009

Americans Observe Roe v. Wade Anniversary

Written by Dave Bohon
Friday, 22 January 2010 10:00



January 22 marks a tragic and somber milestone as millions of Americans across the nation observe the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which opened the door to legalized abortion and has resulted in the deaths of nearly 50 million pre-born babies over the last 37 years.

With government-controlled healthcare looming on the national horizon, this year’s observances have taken added significance as debate rages over the extent to which abortion will be funded under a federalized health system.

In the days leading up to marches planned to observe the Roe v. Wade decision, pro-life leaders and activists gathered in key cities around the nation to spotlight the issue and to focus on the massive expansion of abortion and other anti-life measures that would come with a full-blown federal healthcare plan.

“America’s March for Life is now the world’s March for Life,” said Joseph Meaney, a spokesman for Human Life International (HLI), at a rally in Virginia. “It has become the world’s pro-life protest because of the aggressive promotion of abortion and population control that is now official policy of the United States, thanks to the administration of President Barack Obama.”

In Houston, pro-life supporters gathered on January 18 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) outside the construction site of a Planned Parenthood facility that is slated to become one of the largest abortion clinics in the world. Lou Engle, president of a pro-life effort known as The Call, noted that the six-story abortion “super center” is located in the center of a Houston neighborhood that is predominantly Hispanic and African-American — two racial minorities that have been heavily targeted by the abortion industry.

“As Martin Luther King Jr. would proclaim it,” said Engle, “it is time to ‘subpoena the conscience’ of the nation” concerning the tragedy of abortion. “Maybe Houston could become the Birmingham of our day to let the unborn go free and spare the pregnant mother the agony of guilt.”

Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, noted that the Houston clinic will likely serve as a “prototype for so-called ‘preventative care’” called for in President Obama’s healthcare blueprint. “Already, Planned Parenthood is counting the millions, if not billions, of dollars the organization will receive under the current Obama plan.”

The official January 22 Walk for Life in Washington D.C., which has taken place annually since the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, is expected to draw participants from around the nation and world. As an expected 250,000 pro-life supporters gather before the U.S. Supreme Court Building, similar rallies will be conducted in such locales as Chicago, New York City, Minneapolis, and Los Angeles.

March for Life President Nellie J. Gray told a reporter for Charisma magazine that this year’s participants are making a bold call for America’s public servants to “Stand Up” for life. She noted that Congress and the Supreme Court “must understand that by allowing abortion in America they are responsible for about 3,000 pre-born boys and girls being killed every day.”

She added that President Obama “should understand that in the first year of his Administration approximately one million pre-born boys and girls have been killed.”

In addition to nationwide pro-life rallies, a “Viritual March for Life” will be hosted January 22 by the group Americans United for Life (AUL). Participants can go to the organization’s website and register to join such national leaders as Sarah Palin, Mike Huckabee, and James Dobson in a “virtual” rally for life on Capitol Hill.

AUL’s president Charmaine Yoest noted that the present healthcare bill before Congress makes participating in this year’s observance of Roe v. Wade important for all who value life. “We created the Virtual March for Life to encourage people to be here tomorrow and to give voice to countless Americans who can't be in Washington but wish they could,” she said. “We are encouraging everyone to click and be heard.”

Dr. Patti Giebink, a South Dakota physician who during the mid-1990s worked for Planned Parenthood as the state’s only abortion doctor, told The New American that pro-life individuals should keep in mind the important role compassion and mercy can play in reaching out to those working in the abortion industry. She said that those elements will do more than all the rhetoric they can muster to change minds and hearts.

“It’s not difficult for me to have compassion for people performing abortions,” she pointed out. “I understand the motivation they have to do what they do,” she said. “I was there once myself.”

Asked how pro-life individuals can be most effective in reaching out to abortion providers, Dr. Giebink said, “Love them and pray for them. Any language that communicates hate or judgment is just not going to work. Remember, most of those performing abortions think what they are doing is right. I know I did. My change came as God worked on my heart, and as others prayed for me.”

Reflecting back on the abortions she performed, Dr. Giebink said, “My heart grieves for the lives left unlived. I cannot bring back the lives I ended. But I know God has forgiven me. Now I know the truth, and I can speak it to others in love.”

Photo by John Stephen Dwyer
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Jan Marcussen's Mid-January 2010 (pdf) Newsletter

Lions!

Pastor Jan Marcussen - P O Box 68, Thompsonville, IL 62890 - Phone 618-627-2357 - Fax - 618-627-2712

This is your 497th letter - My web-sites are Reg6.com, HenryPotter.org, & WBNS.US
Mid January Y2K+10 The AT Radio Network is on the air at
Atradio.net

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

Dear SDA friends around the world. Read all the boxes in this letter, then come back here and we’ll talk about what’s happening. Faith: Headlines in the news reveal the “Plan to Bring Back ‘Inquisitions:’ ‘Witch Hunt’ Expected Under New U.S. ‘Hate Crimes’ Law.” Another headline reveals that “1 in 3 Communicate with Dead.” We see that what is going on is preparing the minds of the people for the devil’s law. But before we talk about these things, here’s another question. One of the four living creatures around the throne of God has the face of a lion. What does that mean?

Hope: Does the Bible represent both Satan
and dear Jesus as lions?
Pastor Jan: Are you ready? Here we go -

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“Satan raged like a chained lion and defiantly exhibited his power over
the bodies as well as the souls of men... Two rival powers claimed
supremacy. Jesus was stretching out His arms of love, inviting all who
would to find pardon and peace in Him. The hosts of darkness saw that
they did not possess unlimited control, and they understood that if Christ’s
mission should be successful, their rule was soon to end.”
GC 514.

Charity: Satan’s raging like a chained lion was after he had taken possession of earth through sin. But what about before that?

Pastor Jan: Here it is - “There was war in heaven. The Son of God, the Prince of heaven, and his loyal angels, engaged in conflict with the arch rebel and those who united with him. The Son of God and true, loyal angels prevailed; and Satan and his sympathizers were expelled from heaven. All the heavenly host acknowledged and adored the God of justice. Not a taint of rebellion was left. All was again peaceful and harmonious as before. [Now watch what happens.]
“Satan stood in amazement at his new condition. His happiness was gone. He looked upon the angels who, with him, were once so happy, but who had been expelled from Heaven with him. Before their fall, not a shade of discontent had marred their perfect bliss. Now all seemed changed. Countenances which had reflected the image of their Maker were gloomy and despairing. Strife and discord were among them. Previous to their rebellion these things had been unknown in Heaven. Satan now beholds the terrible results of his rebellion. He shuddered, and feared to face the future, and to contemplate the end of these things.
“The hour for joyful, happy songs of praise to God and his dear Son had come. Satan had led the heavenly choir.
[He’s controlling the music today.] He had raised the first note, then all the angelic host united with him, and glorious strains of music had resounded through Heaven in honor of God and his dear Son. But now, instead of strains of sweetest music, discord and angry words fall upon the ear of the great rebel leader. Where was he? Was it not all a horrible dream? Was he shut out of Heaven? Were the gates of Heaven never more to open and admit him? The hour of worship draws nigh, when bright and holy angels bow before the Father. No more will he unite in heavenly song. No more will he bow in reverence and holy awe before the presence of the eternal God.
[This is why there is irreverence in the churches, schools, and homes. Please pray for the people and for the children!] Could he be again as he was when he was pure, true and loyal, gladly would he yield up the claims of his authority. But he was lost! beyond redemption, for his presumptuous rebellion! And this was not all; he had led others to rebellion and to the same lost condition with himself – angels, who had never thought to question the will of Heaven, or refuse obedience to the law of God till he had put it into their minds, presenting before them that they might enjoy a greater good, a higher and more glorious liberty. This had been the sophistry whereby he had deceived them. A responsibility now rests upon him from which he would fain be released.

“These spirits had become turbulent with disappointed hopes. Instead of greater good, they were experiencing the sad results of disobedience and disregard of law. Never more would these unhappy beings be swayed by the mild rule of Jesus Christ. Never more would their spirits be stirred by the deep, earnest love, peace, and joy, which his presence had ever inspired in them, to be returned to him in cheerful obedience and reverential honor.
“Satan trembled as he viewed his work. He was alone in meditation upon the past, the present, and his future plans. His mighty frame shook as with a tempest. [I saw giant, pre-flood human footprints in Glenrose, TX that were from a man who was about 15 feet tall. Angels are taller than that. Satan’s “mighty frame” is taller than all of them.] An angel from Heaven was passing. He called him, and entreated an interview with Christ. This was granted him. [Our Saviour is so kind! Just picture Satan talking with the lovely Jesus, whom he had just been desperately fighting with!] He then related to the Son of God that he repented of his rebellion, and wished again the favor of God. He was willing to take the place God had previously assigned him, and be under his wise command. [“Jesus wept.” John 11:35.] Christ wept at Satan’s woe, but told him, as the mind of God, that he could never be received into Heaven. Heaven must not be placed in jeopardy. All Heaven would be marred should he be received back; for sin and rebellion originated with him. The seeds of rebellion were still within him. He had, in his rebellion, no occasion for his course, and he had not only hopelessly ruined himself, but the host of
angels also, who would then have been happy in Heaven had he remained steadfast.
“He repented not of his rebellion because he saw the goodness of God which he had abused. It was not possible that his love for God had so increased since his fall that it would lead to cheerful submission and happy obedience to his law which had been despised.
The wretchedness he realized in losing the sweet light of Heaven, and the sense of guilt which forced itself upon him, and the disappointment he experienced, were the cause of his grief. To be commander out of Heaven, was vastly different from being thus honored in Heaven.

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:7.

“Whoever consents to renounce sin and open his heart to the love of Christ, becomes a partaker of this heavenly peace. There is no other ground of peace than this. The grace of Christ, received into the heart, subdues strife and fills the soul with love. He who is at peace with God and his fellow men cannot be made miserable. Envy will not be in his heart; evil surmisings will find no room there; hatred cannot exist. The heart that is in harmony with God is a partaker of the peace of heaven and will diffuse its blessed influence on all around. The spirit of peace will rest like dew upon hearts weary and troubled with worldly strife.” In Heavenly Places, p. 35.

Praise God!
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The loss he had sustained of all the privileges of Heaven seemed too much to be borne. He wished to regain these. “When Satan became fully convinced that there was no possibility of his being re-instated in the favor of God, he manifested his malice with increased hatred and fiery vehemence. “God knew that such determined rebellion would not remain inactive. Satan would invent means to annoy the heavenly angels, and show contempt for his authority. As he could not gain admission within the gates of Heaven, he would wait just at the entrance, to taunt the angels and seek contention with them as they went in and out. [Notice the word “contention.” He wanted to “debate” with them. Satan’s people are masters at debating “truth.” Jesus never debated with anyone. To questions or accusations, He either said, “How readest thou?” “It is written,” or told a parable. To some accusations, He said nothing.] He would seek to destroy the happiness of Adam and Eve. He would endeavor to incite them to rebellion, knowing that this would cause grief in Heaven. “His followers were seeking him; and he aroused himself and, assuming a look of defiance, informed them of his plans to wrest from God the noble Adam and his companion Eve. If he could, in any way, beguile them to disobedience, God would make some provision whereby they might be pardoned, and then himself and all the fallen angels would be in a fair way to share with them of God’s mercy. If this should fail, they could unite with Adam and Eve; for when once they should transgress the law of God, they would be subjects of God’s wrath, like themselves. Their transgression would place them also, in a state of rebellion; and they could unite with Adam and Eve, take possession of Eden, and hold it as their home. And if they could gain access to the tree of life in the midst of the garden, their strength would, they thought, be equal to that of the holy angels, and even God himself could not expel them.
“Satan held a consultation with his evil angels. They did not all readily unite to engage in this hazardous and terrible work. He told them that he would not intrust any one of them to accomplish this work; for he thought that he alone had wisdom sufficient to carry forward so important an enterprise. He wished them to consider the matter while he should leave them and seek retirement, to mature his plans. He sought to impress upon them that this was their last and only hope. If they failed here, all prospect of regaining and controlling Heaven, or any part
of God’s creation, was hopeless. “Satan went alone to mature plans that would most surely secure the fall of Adam and Eve. He had fears that his purposes might be defeated. And again, even if he should be successful in leading Adam and Eve to disobey the commandment of God, and no good come to himself, his own case would not be improved; his guilt would only be increased. “He shuddered at the thought of plunging the holy, happy pair into the misery and remorse he was himself enduring. He seemed in a state of indecision; at one time firm and determined, then hesitating and wavering. His angels were seeking him, their leader, to acquaint him with their decision. They will unite with Satan in his plans, and with him bear the responsibility, and share the consequences. “Satan cast off his feelings of despair and weakness, and, "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." Matthew 5:7
“God is Himself the source of all mercy. His name is "merciful and gracious." Exodus 34:6. He does not ask if we are worthy of His love, but He pours upon us the riches of His love, to make us worthy. The merciful "shall obtain mercy." There is sweet peace for the compassionate spirit, a blessed satisfaction in the life of self-forgetful service for the good of others. He is linked with Him who has all the resources of the universe at His command. His life is bound up by the golden chain of the immutable promises with the life of God. The Lord will not fail him in the hour of suffering and need. "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19. And in the hour of final need the merciful shall find refuge in the mercy of the compassionate Saviour [Praise God!] and shall be received into everlasting habitations.” MB 21-24.


WorldNetDaily Exclusive
December 14, 2009
Plan to Bring Back 'Inquisitions'
‘Witch hunt' expected under new U.S. 'hate crimes' law
By Bob Unruh
The lawyer who handled the years-long battle by Pastor Stephen Boissoin over
"hate speech" charges for a letter he wrote to the editor of a local newspaper that
cited the Bible's condemnation of homosexuality, is forecasting a nationwide
"witch hunt" in the U.S. prompted by an expanded "hate crimes" law signed by
President Obama. An appellate court in Canada recently reversed the decision by
an administrative judge that Boissoin was to pay $5,000 and give a written apology
to the professor.
"Our children are being victimized by repugnant and premeditated strategies,
aimed at desensitizing and eventually recruiting our young into their camps. Think
about it, children as young as five and six years of age are being subjected to
psychologically and physiologically damaging pro-homosexual literature and
guidance in the public school system… Come on people, wake up!" Boisson
wrote.
Chipeur today told WND the damage to religious liberties from the case was
immediate and dramatic, and continues even though the decision has been
overturned.
“I had church pastors, church school principals, board members coming to me
for legal advice [when the case erupted]," he said. "They were saying, 'What
should we do about our statement of faith, our bylaws, our policies. Should we
just completely repeal them so that we won't have people offended?'"
Chipeur said his advice was for organizations to "tell the truth as you see it
from the Bible" and the law firm's job was to defend that right. “Even though I
gave them that advice, many pulled punches," he said. "They reversed policies,
they buried their statements of faith, ran for the hills. They tried to do everything
they could." [This is the way most people and most church members are going to
act when the mark of the beast is enforced at the Sunday law. They will just “cave
in” like the cowards who are mentioned here, and like Peter. Peter told Jesus that
he would never deny Him, but would go with Him to prison and to death. A few
hours later he was cursing and swearing that he never knew Him. Are you
stronger than Peter? Peter was so weak because he thought he was so strong.
We Laodiceans know that we “have need of nothing.” That’s why it says that the
majority will “forsake us.” Last Day Events, p. 180. If Peter had prayed, “Lord, save
me from myself!” he would have been saved. But he didn’t. Like Laodiceans, he
trusted in his strength instead of clinging in weakness to Christ.]
"I can tell you there was significant damage from the decision. People continue
to be afraid. That was the impact of the decision. Christians became afraid," he
said.
Chipeur said he expects the same issues now to be raised in the U.S., because
of the expanded "hate crimes" law signed by Obama. They will be going on a witch
hunt, repeating the Spanish Inquisition."
"Christians are singled out for prosecution, with threats, imprisonment, and
fines simply for refusing to stop doing what Christ commands: proclaiming the
truth." "These cases are a good precursor of what is coming” he warned.
This is only part of the article. If you want all of it, or any article in this letter, just
send anything to help cover the cost. Anything above that will be used to reach as
many as fast as we can with God’s last message of love and warning while the dear
people are still alive.
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Dear Pastor Marcussen,
I read the book “National Sunday Law,” and shortly afterward, I became a Seventh-day
Adventist. I had been worshiping on Sunday for 30 years! The NSL book has changed my life
forever! Recently, a friend gave me some of your newsletters, and the material is
astounding! I’m amazed with the amount of TRUTH that I’ve learned in a short time! I will be
giving out the NSL books. Keep up the good work! God bless you! N.S. Buffalo, N.Y.
as their leader, fortified himself to brave out the matter, and do all in his power to defy the authority of God and his Son. He acquainted them with his plans... [Meanwhile, in heaven - ] “God assembled the angelic host to take measures to avert the threatened evil. It was decided in Heaven’s council for angels to visit Eden and warn Adam that he was in danger from the foe. Two angels sped on their way to visit our first parents. [Look at them flashing through the blackness of outer space - millions of times faster than the speed of light. If you’re faithful to Jesus, you’ll soon be able to do that.] The holy pair received them with joyful innocence, expressing their grateful thanks to their Creator for thus surrounding them with such a profusion of his bounty. Everything lovely and attractive was theirs to enjoy. That which they prized above all other blessings, was the society of the Son of God and the heavenly angels...
They had many questions to ask. “The angels lovingly gave them the information they desired. They also gave them the sad history of Satan’s rebellion and fall. They then informed them that the tree of knowledge was placed in the garden to be a pledge of their obedience and love to God; that they could obey the law of God and be inexpressibly happy, or disobey, and lose their high estate, and be plunged into hopeless despair...
“The angels cautioned Eve not to separate from her husband in her employment; for she might be brought in contact with this fallen foe. If separated from each other, they would be in greater danger than if both were together. The angels charged them to closely follow the instructions God had given them in reference to the tree of knowledge; for in perfect obedience they were safe... God would not permit Satan to follow the holy pair with continual temptations. He could have access to them only at the tree of knowledge of good and evil.” 1 SP 28-34.
We know “the rest of the story” concerning the “roaring lion,” and how he caused the happy and sinless pair to fall. Satan not only counterfeits the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah,” but he counterfeits ‘The Lamb of God.” “Satan... does not always appear as a lion; he has the power to come as a lamb, and then his voice is soft and low.” ST 9/24/96.
The living creature near God’s throne which has the face of a lion represents God’s Kingly power to save us, protect us, and lovingly rule. The lovely Jesus is the real “Lion of the tribe of Judah.” He is the real “Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of he world.”
Faith: Please give us an example of this.
Pastor Jan: Here’s one. “As Jesus came into the temple, He took in the whole scene. He saw the unfair transactions. He saw the distress of the poor, who thought that without shedding of blood there would be no forgiveness for their sins. He saw the outer court of His temple converted into a place of unholy traffic... No link bound the priests and rulers to their God. With prophetic eye He looks into futurity, and sees not only years, but centuries and ages. He sees how priests and rulers will turn the needy from their right, and forbid that the gospel shall be preached to the poor. He sees how the love of God will be concealed from sinners, and men will make merchandise of His grace. As He beholds the scene, indignation, authority, and power are expressed in His countenance. The attention of the people is attracted to Him. The eyes of those engaged in their unholy traffic are riveted upon His face. They cannot withdraw their gaze. They feel that this Man reads their inmost thoughts, and discovers their hidden motives. Some attempt to conceal their faces, as if their evil deeds were written upon their countenances, to be scanned by those searching eyes.
“The confusion is hushed. The sound of traffic and bargaining has ceased. The silence becomes painful. A sense of awe overpowers the assembly. It is as if they were arraigned before the tribunal of God to answer for their deeds. Looking upon Christ, they behold divinity flash through the garb of humanity. The Majesty of heaven stands as the Judge will stand at the last day... His eye sweeps over the multitude, taking in every individual. His form seems to rise above them in commanding dignity, and a divine light illuminates His countenance. He speaks,
and His clear, ringing voice – the same that upon Mount Sinai proclaimed the law that priests and rulers are transgressing – is heard echoing through the arches of the temple: ‘Take these things hence; make not My Father’s house an house of merchandise.’ Slowly descending the steps, and raising the scourge of cords, He bids the bargaining company depart from the precincts of the temple.
With a zeal and severity He has never before manifested, He overthrows the tables of the money-changers. The coin falls, ringing sharply upon the marble pavement. None presume to question His authority. None dare stop to gather up their ill-gotten gain. Jesus does not smite them with the whip of cords, but in His hand that simple scourge seems terrible as a flaming sword. Officers of the temple, speculating priests, brokers and cattle traders, with their sheep and oxen, rush from the place, with the one thought of escaping from the condemnation of His presence. “A panic sweeps over the multitude, who feel the overshadowing of His divinity. Cries of terror escape from hundreds of blanched lips. Even Here they are! Can you guess why the “signing ceremony” for this shocking thing was signed in this giant Catholic Monastery? This December 21 issue of The New American reveals that with the passage of the Lisbon Treaty, the EU has been
vested by its member countries with the power to control every facet of EU citizen’s lives. Rome has been working indirectly to “regain control” as revealed in Great Controversy, pp. 565,566, in preparation for the enforcement of the mark of the beast at the Sunday law, and the article reveals that “the insidious process” [leading to this treaty] was begun by them first “forming an innocuous coal and steel union.” Rome loves unions. She uses them all the time - like she did in Poland to get rid of Communism so she could move in. It says, “From there the entity morphed into the friendly sounding “European Economic Community.” From there, it has now turned into the monster EU. In preparation for the Vatican’s coming push for the enforcement of its “mark,” the article says, “With the unanimous ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, following a deceptive propaganda campaign, Europe has taken another giant step in the direction of a tyrannical style of federalism and an unprecedented centralization of power.” It reveals that the treaty has now given the EU power to “make, change, or abridge all ‘rights’ as it sees fit.” It reveals that this European Superstate is developing in tandem with other “sovereignty-abolishing” giants like the U.N., the IMF, the African Union, the South Asian Association, NATO, and a budding North American Union - which began with nice sounding things like NAFTA, which American people were tricked into by the loveable Jesuit Georgetown University Bill Clinton. You may remember that his happy motto was “NAFTA, you HAFTA.” It reveals that all of these papal controlled monsters “now encircle the globe.” It says, “Freedom itself is under major threat.” If you want this entire amazing article, just ask when you write for the others.

Dear Sir,
I got your book “National Sunday Law” on Friday. Then on Wednesday, I gave my job notice that I would no longer work on God’s Sabbath. I, Melva Lewis believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and I have been saved by God’s grace. I thank you for your book. I thank you because my eyes have been opened to the truth of God’s fourth commandment. By God’s grace, I will honor God’s commandment. The light has come! I will sow seeds of love by helping you tell the world about God’s Sabbath day. May God bless you.

Melva Lewis
N. Brunswick, N.J.

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Dear Sir,
A friend gave me a copy of a book called “National Sunday Law.” Having been raised a Roman Catholic, yet having fallen away, I was curious and began to read. After a few chapters, [where you give the twelve hints as to who the beast is, it dawned on me that the beast of Revelation is the Roman Catholic system.] I started to become nauseous, but as I continued to read, it was as if a fog was lifted and I felt a bright, wonderful feeling. I read the whole book from beginning to end, and then I immediately read it again. Words cannot describe how much my life has changed since then. Now I’m studying with several Seventhday Adventist people. I’m studying the Bible as I have never done before. I have fully accepted the Bible message which Seventhday Adventists teach. I have made plans to be baptized as soon as possible. Please send me more of these books to share with others. I thank God for allowing me to have my eyes opened. God bless you all!

Sincerely Tony
Oregon

Dear Sirs;
My name is Rachel Midgett. This book “National Sunday Law” was sent to me and it laid around for three weeks. I finally picked it up to read it, and I couldn’t stop! I read it to the end, and it changed my life! I am in awe! I want more of this truth! I want to thank you so much for doing God’s work and spreading the truth so we can be saved. Please send me your follow-up book. Thank you so much.

Dear Pastor Marcussen,
I am writing to you in behalf of the Seventhday Adventist body here at N.C.I. We are grateful for your diligence in sending your letters to us. It reveals many truths that need to be told to all. Your book “National Sunday Law” is the best formatted presentation for witnessing - to send God’s three angels’ messages to the people. Please send us more of these books. They will have a very dramatic impact on those who are hungry for truth. Satan knows that time is short. May God continue to bless your ministry and may this letter find you well.

G.L.

Dear Sir,
I was looking for something to read when I came across this ole ragged and torn book entitled “National Sunday Law.” I read this book! My eyes came open! This is the most powerful book I’ve ever read! It gave me understanding of Daniel and Revelation! I have a pen pal named Shirley. She has some friends who really need to read this book. I want more of these books to give to them. I want them to understand the truth too. Your
friend in Jesus, Joseph Oquin

the disciples tremble. They are awestruck by the words and manner of Jesus, so unlike His usual demeanor. They remember that it is written of Him, ‘The zeal of Thine house hath eaten Me up.’ Ps. 69:9. Soon the tumultuous throng with their merchandise are far removed from the temple of the Lord. The courts are free from unholy traffic, and a deep silence and solemnity settles upon the scene of confusion. The presence of the Lord, that of old sanctified the mount, has now made sacred the temple reared in His honor. “In the cleansing of the temple, Jesus was announcing His mission as the Messiah, and entering upon His work. That temple, erected for the abode of the divine Presence, was designed to be an object lesson for Israel and for the world. From eternal ages it was God’s purpose that every created being, from the bright and holy seraph to man, should be a temple for the indwelling of the Creator. Because of sin, humanity ceased to be a temple for God. Darkened and defiled by evil, the heart of man no longer revealed the glory of the Divine One. But by the incarnation of the Son of
God, the purpose of Heaven is fulfilled. God dwells in humanity, and through saving grace the heart of man becomes again His temple. God designed that the temple at Jerusalem should be a continual witness to the high destiny open to every soul. But the Jews had not understood the significance of the building they regarded with so much pride. They did not yield themselves as holy temples for the Divine Spirit. The courts of the temple at Jerusalem, filled with the tumult of unholy traffic, represented all too truly the temple of the heart, defiled by the presence of sensual passion and unholy thoughts.
“In cleansing the temple from the world’s buyers and sellers, Jesus announced His mission to cleanse the heart from the defilement of sin, – from the earthly desires, the selfish lusts, the evil habits, that corrupt the soul. ‘The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. But who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? for He is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap.” Mal. 3:1-3.

“No man can of himself cast out the evil throng that have taken possession of the heart. Only Christ can cleanse the soul temple. But He will not force an entrance. He comes not into the heart as to the temple of old; but He says, ‘Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him.’ Rev. 3:20. ‘He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.’ Micah 7:19. His presence will cleanse and sanctify the soul, so that it may be a holy temple unto the Lord.
“Overpowered with terror, the priests and rulers had fled from the temple court, and from the searching glance that read their hearts. In their flight they met others on their way to the temple, and bade them turn back, telling them what they had seen and heard. Christ looked upon the fleeing men with yearning pity for their fear, and their ignorance of what constituted true worship. In this scene He saw symbolized the dispersion of the whole Jewish nation for their wickedness and impenitence. “And why did the priests flee from the temple? Why did they
not stand their ground? He who commanded them to go was a carpenter’s son, a poor Galilean, without earthly rank or power. Why did they not resist Him? Why did they leave the gain so ill acquired, and flee at the command of One whose outward appearance was so humble?
“Christ spoke with the authority of a king, and in His appearance, and in the tones of His voice, there was that which they had no power to resist... [He is the true Lion King.] At the word of command they realized, as they had never realized before, their true position as hypocrites and robbers...
“Slowly and thoughtfully, but with hate in their hearts, they returned to the temple. But what a change had taken place during their absence! When they fled, the poor remained behind; and these were now looking to Jesus, whose countenance expressed His love and sympathy. [Now, Jesus turns into “The Lamb.” ] With tears in His eyes, He said to the trembling ones around Him: Fear not; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me. For this cause came I into the world. “The people pressed into Christ’s presence with urgent, pitiful appeals: Master, bless me. His ear heard every cry. With pity exceeding that of a tender mother He bent over the suffering little
ones. All received attention. Everyone was healed of whatever disease he had. [Praise God!] The dumb opened their lips in praise; the blind beheld the face of their Restorer. The hearts of the sufferers were made glad... As the priests and temple officials

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Dear Pastor Jan,
It is a real thrill to get your newsletters and see how the Holy Spirit is using your ministry to touch lives of such a wide and diverse audience around the world. I am convinced, and more than ever burdened, as I know you are, with the vital need to get God’s special end time message to the people. Who knows if that last encounter with the message will be their last opportunity before the close of their probation? The work you are doing is where
my heart is. I assure you that you are continually in my prayers. Keep up the good work. Your brother in that blessed hope.

V.W. Shafer, PhD

witnessed this great work, what a revelation to them were the sounds that fell on their ears! The people were relating the story of the pain they had suffered, of their disappointed hopes, of painful days and sleepless nights. When the last spark of hope seemed to be dead, Christ had healed them. The burden was so heavy, one said; but I have found a helper. He is the Christ of God, and I will devote my life to His service. Parents said to their children, He has saved your life; lift up your voice and praise Him. The voices of children and youth, fathers and mothers, friends and spectators, blended in thanksgiving and praise. Hope and gladness filled their hearts. Peace came to their minds. They were restored soul and body, and they returned home, proclaiming everywhere the matchless love of Jesus.
[Praise God!]

“At the crucifixion of Christ, those who had thus been healed did not join with the rabble throng in crying, ‘Crucify Him, crucify Him.’ Their sympathies were with Jesus; for they had felt His great sympathy and wonderful power. They knew Him to be their Saviour; for He had given them health of body and soul...
“In putting Christ to death, the Jews virtually destroyed their temple. When Christ was crucified, the inner veil of the temple was rent in twain from top to bottom, signifying that the great final sacrifice had been made, and that the system of sacrificial offerings was forever at an end.
“In the Saviour’s death the powers of darkness seemed to prevail, and they exulted in their victory. But from the rent sepulcher of Joseph, Jesus came forth a conqueror. ‘Having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them.’ Col.2:15. [He died as the sacrificed Lamb. He rose as the conquering Lion.] By virtue of His death and resurrection He became the minister of the ‘true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.’ Heb. 8:2.
“The sacrificial service that had pointed to Christ passed away; but the eyes of men were turned to the true sacrifice for the sins of the world... ‘By His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.’ Heb. 2:24; 9:8-12. [Wonderful Jesus!]
“‘Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.’ Heb. 7:25. ‘Seeing then that we have a great high priest, . . . Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.’ Heb 4:14-16.” DA 157-166.

Praise God friend! Praise God!
Your friend in Christ, Pastor Jan

Source:http://wbns.us/news/Mid-January.2010.pdf

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Korea think tank says Kim Jong-il nearing death

By Park Chan-Kyong, Agence France-Presse
January 20, 2010



North Korean leader Kim Jong-il returns a salute as he reviews a military parade in Pyongyang in this October 10, 2005 file photo.



SEOUL — North Korea's ailing leader Kim Jong-il may die in two or three years and this could spark upheavals such as a coup, mass unrest or massacres in the communist nation, a South Korean state think tank says.

In a rare report forecasting possible regime collapse in the North, the Korea Institute for National Unification (KINU) also warned that such internal unrest could prompt the North to start a limited war on the Korean Peninsula.

KINU's "Study on Unification" was released this week, days after Pyongyang reacted angrily to reports of a separate Seoul government contingency plan to handle unrest in the North.

"There is a high possibility that Kim Jong-il may not exist in the North by 2012," KINU said in its report.

The North's stated goal is to become a powerful and prosperous nation by 2012, the 100th anniversary of the birth of its founder Kim Il-Sung.

Kim Jong-il, who succeeded his father, will be 68 next month. He is widely thought to have suffered a stroke in August 2008 and is also reportedly suffering from diabetes and heart disease.

"The post-Kim Jong-Il era would likely see a change in power elites, possibly including a military coup and upheavals such as civil unrest and popular uprisings, massacres and massive outflows of refugees," it said.

The report presented three scenarios for life after Kim — a third-generation power succession by his son Jong-Un, a collective military leadership or the rise of a single ruler from the military.

It said a post-Kim power vacuum would likely aggravate shortages and corruption, sparking civil unrest and a breakdown in order, giving the military an excuse to step in.

Whatever happens in the North after Kim Jong-il dies, South Korea should pursue a policy of non-intervention and respect its people's rights to self-determination, the report said.

Discussion of its leader's fate is taboo in the North and some analysts said the KINU report could anger the isolated regime.

On Friday the North's powerful National Defence Commission (NDC) led by Kim Jong-il threatened to break off all dialogue with South Korea unless Seoul apologizes for an alleged contingency plan to tackle regime collapse.

South Korean media has reported the existence of the plan, which has not been confirmed by the government.

The NDC denounced the alleged plan as a "crime" and said it would stage a "holy war" against those who drew it up, accusing the conservative Seoul government of seeking reunification through absorption.

"Making such a sensitive (KINU) report public in the South is likely to irritate North Korea greatly," Kim Yeon-Chul of the private Hankyoreh Peace Institute told AFP.

Yang Moo-Jin of Seoul's University of North Korean Studies said the KINU report "touched a raw nerve among North Koreans" by considering the sensitive topic of regime collapse, and could bring an angry response.
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Source:http://www.theprovince.com/news/Korea+think+tank+says+Jong+nearing+death/2463089/story.html
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Indian airports on alert over hijack threat

Government increases security at airports and orders use of sky marshals amid warnings of Islamist terrorist plot to hijack plane

Matthew Weaver and agencies
guardian.co.uk, Friday 22 January 2010 09.20 GMT



An Air India jet comes into land at Mumbai airport. India's airports are on high alert after intelligence reports suggested terrorists may seize a plane. Photograph: Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images


Airports in India were put on high alert today after intelligence reports of a terrorist plot to hijack a plane.

The Indian government also directed airlines to deploy sky marshals on a number of routes between countries in south Asia.

Terrorist groups with links to al-Qaida or Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Pakistan-based group behind the Mumbai attack in 2008, were planning to seize a plane operating in the region, according to intelligence reports cited by the Press Trust of India.

The warning comes in the run up to next Tuesday's annual republic day in India, when there are often security scares.

Routes to India from countries in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation are thought to be especially vulnerable. They are Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Sky marshals have been ordered on board planes flying on routes between India and these countries. India has also advised these seven countries to step up security at their airports.

Despite volatility in the region, India has been spared a major terrorist attack since the Mumbai incident, when 10 militants attacked the city for three days in November 2008, killing 166 people.

Aviation spokeswoman Moushumi Chakravarty said that the airports were placed on alert yesterday after the government received the warnings.

A report in The Indian Express newspaper, which Chakravarty confirmed, said intelligence officials had uncovered a plot by militants to hijack an Air India or Indian Airlines flight destined for a South Asian country.

UK Bansal, from India's home ministry, told Reuters: "We have alerted our civil aviation security people against a possible attempt to hijack an Indian airlines flight."

He added: "This would obviously be from terrorist groups who are arraigned against Indian interests." He did not specify which group.

The Indian media said the hijack threat was uncovered during the interrogation of Amjad Khwaja, a militant leader belonging to Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami, an extremist group involved in numerous terror attacks in India.

Khwaja was arrested in the southern Indian city of Chennai last week and was being questioned by Indian police.

The terror alert came just days after the US defence secretary, Robert Gates, warned that a syndicate of terror groups affiliated with al-Qaida was trying to foment a new war between India and Pakistan.

Gates praised India for its restraint after the Mumbai attacks, but expressed concern that the government would have a hard time reacting so cautiously if it were hit again.

In December 1999, Islamic militants hijacked an Air India flight from Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, to Kandahar in southern Afghanistan. The hijacking ended when New Delhi released four Islamic militants in exchange for 167 passengers and crew.

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Source:http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jan/22/indian-airports-alert-hijack-threat
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Fourth storm causes flash flooding, mudslides, and three trucks turned over on Interstate 10



Thursday, January 21st, 2010.
Issue 03, Volume 14.


RIVERSIDE - The fourth storm to bear down on Riverside County in four days brought flash flooding, mudslides and generally bad driving conditions, including gusty winds that blew over three trucks on Interstate 10 in Blythe today.

The National Weather Service predicted rain and thunderstorm activity would continue into Friday. A flood watch for Riverside and San Bernardino counties was in effect through 10 tonight.

Snow levels will drop to 4,500 feet. Temperatures in the Riverside area were expected to fall to around 40 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Conditions tied to the unstable weather prompted Riverside County officials to issue an emergency proclamation today, placing all available public safety personnel on alert. The action followed California Attorney General Jerry Brown's state of emergency declaration for Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties.

Brown, who is acting governor while Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is in Washington, D.C., said the declaration was intended to free up resources and funds to address storm-related problems that might overwhelm local personnel.

Meantime, heavy rain led to spot flooding countywide today.

On state Route 79, near Vail Lake Road east of Temecula, a mudslide pushed a vehicle 70 feet down a precipice, requiring firefighters to rescue the motorist.

Water and debris flow prompted the California Highway Patrol to close part of the Ortega Highway between Riverside and Orange counties.

Riverside County firefighters rescued four people trapped in Advertisement
vehicles surrounded by water at Murrieta Road and Park City Avenue in Menifee, as well as motorists stuck at Dawson and McLaughlin roads and Encanto and Rouse roads.

On westbound state Route 79, near Vail Lake Road in Temecula, a sinkhole developed, causing traffic to be diverted this afternoon, according to the CHP.

Northbound Interstate 215, just south of Van Buren Boulevard in Riverside flooded around 12:15 p.m., causing traffic delays.

An underpass at a railroad crossing on 14th Street near Howard Avenue flooded around 12:30 p.m., prompting Riverside police to close access to the area.

Gusty winds overturned four big rigs around 4 p.m. on westbound Interstate 10 near mile markers 147 and 149, in Blythe, near the Arizona state line, said CHP Officer Ramon Perez.

The westbound side of the interstate was closed until the trailers could be removed by a tow truck, Perez said.

A tornado watch is in effect in southeastern Riverside County, including Blythe, until 9 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Around 3 p.m., radar detected a possible short-lived tornado about five miles west of the Blythe Airport, and winds gusted at more than 70 mph, the National Weather Service reported.

Riverside Municipal Airport recorded 1.03 inches of rain in the 24-hour period ending 5 p.m. Thursday; Hemet recorded 1.7 inches; and Palm Springs recorded 2.5 inches, according to the National Weather Service.


901 earthquakes shake up Yellowstone National Park



written by: Jeffrey Wolf written by: Chris Vanderveen 9 hrs ago

DENVER - Nine hundred plus earthquakes and counting: that's the word from the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.

Since Sunday, there have been 901 measured earthquakes underneath Yellowstone National Park. The largest has been of magnitude 3.8. The swarm is now comparable to an earthquake swarm located in the Yellowstone Lake area a year ago.
"The swarm earthquakes are likely the result of slip on pre-existing faults rather than underground movement of magma," reported the United States Geological Survey on Thursday. "Currently there is no indication of premonitory volcanic or hydrothermal activity."

Two of the strongest earthquakes were measured on Wednesday night. Eight of the earthquakes have measured a magnitude of 3.0 or more.

While the vast majority of the earthquakes have been too small to feel, people in and around the park have reported feeling a few of them. The earthquakes have centered near the northwest edge of the Yellowstone Caldera.

The USGS believes there is nothing to indicate any serious cause for concern. Earthquake swarms have been quite common in the area since the time of the last major eruption 640,000 years ago.

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Source:http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=131231&catid=188
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P.S. I accept the article as a fact; However, 640,000 years?
How do they know such preposterous claims? How can they measure that?
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The Earth is not that old. It is approximately 6, 800 years old, according to Jewish scholars.
I would rather believe the Bible account of Earth's age, than believe a deluded college trained new age-humanist Darwinist expert.
Arsenio.
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Thursday, January 21, 2010

US Stocks Drop Sharply;Financials Slide On Obama's Bank Plan


JANUARY 21, 2010, 2:53 P.M. ET


By Peter A. McKay and Kristina Peterson

A plunge in financial stocks weighed heavily on the broader market as President Barack Obama proposed the most extensive curbs on banks' risk-taking since the outbreak of the recent financial crisis.

J.P. Morgan Chase and Bank of America were two of the worst performers. J.P. Morgan fell 4.2% and Bank of America was down 3.9%. Goldman Sachs Group fell 3.5%, despite reporting stronger-than-expected earnings before the bell. Citigroup slid 4.1%.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average was recently off 173 points, or 1.6%, at 10430.01. If that decline persists through the closing bell, it would represent the average's second straight triple-digit point decline, the first such slide since late October.

In comments just before midday, Mr. Obama spelled out a plan that would effectively restore some provisions of the Depression-era Glass-Steagall Act, which separated firms' commercial and investment activities until it was repealed in 1999. Mr. Obama endorsed what he called the "Volcker Rule," after measures pushed by former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker, which would place restrictions on the proprietary trading done by commercial banks, essentially limiting the way banks bet with their own capital. The proposals would likely face a tough fight to get through Congress, which has already been subject to heavy anti-regulation lobbying by major firms in recent months.

After the president's remarks, traders and analysts also debated how effective the plan might be if implemented. "This probably should've been done a year or two ago," said Bill King, a strategist at M. Ramsey King Securities in Burr Ridge, Ill. But he added: "You can't entirely legislate the solutions to this rather than let the markets work, either. As long as the Fed is keeping interest rates low, the Street is going to take on a lot of risk."

But even amid the market slide, some traders were nonchalant about the harm that Mr. Obama's proposals might inflict to major banks. "There were a lot of firms on the Street before Glass-Steagall was repealed that were still able to function quite profitably," said John O'Donoghue, head of equities at Cowen & Co. He said he viewed Mr. Obama's speech as an attempt to gain back popular opinion after Democrats lost one U.S. Senate seat in Tuesday's Massachusetts election.

The Nasdaq Composite Index was down 0.6%. The S&P 500 was off 1.4%, hurt by a 1.5% decline in its financial sector. All the index's other categories traded lower as well, including a 3.4% slide in basic materials as fears of global monetary tightening continued to simmer.

Commodities were also under pressure, especially oil, which neared a one-month low after government data showed a plunge in refinery activity due to weak fuel demand. Crude futures were recently off $1.77 to $75.97 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. "Refineries just don't want to produce product as demand is lackluster and the money is not there," said Mike Zarembski, senior commodities analyst with OptionsXpress in Chicago.

Investors are also skittish over movement in the dollar, which on Wednesday broke through a 200-day moving average against a basket of other currencies. Data showing growth in China's economy and subsequent reports of a tightening lending environment have made the market more cautious recently.

In other markets, gold futures also slipped and Treasurys climbed. The 10-year note was up 9/32 to yield 3.619%.


Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100121-714406.html?mod=WSJ_latestheadlines

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P.S. President Obama was originally a Community Organizer from what I've heard. Well, since taking office he has specialized in a new field; He's now becoming an Economy Destroyer. Perhaps he ought to be called Mr. T, as in Tyrant. His aspirations as president surpass that of chief executive of our federal government. I believe he sees his office as royalty; Obama may see himself as a latter day Napoleon, Emperor of the District of Columbia: Lord of the Pax Americana (Nobel Laureate)?


All this meddling with every facet of American free enterprise is absurd, and quite disturbing.


Arsenio.
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Beliefs, culture cause Bible Belt to resist cremation


By Bob Smietana • THE TENNESSEAN • January 10, 2010


When the Rev. Enoch Fuzz dies, he has one request for his family.


Please don't bury him.

Instead, like a growing number of Americans, the pastor of Corinthian Baptist Church in Nashville wants to be cremated.

"I don't want to be out in that snow, in that ground, in that rain," he said. "Cremate me and put me in one of those bottles. And then throw me up into the attic."

Related
MAP: Cremations increase, but South still prefers burial


Fuzz's family and congregation aren't too keen about the idea. His daughter objects to cremation. And so far, he said, none of his church members have been cremated. And, he doesn't expect that to change anytime soon. That's not surprising.

About a third of Americans are cremated when they die, according to the National Funeral Directors Association. But Baptists and other evangelicals have been slow to embrace the practice. A recent survey among leaders of the National Association of Evangelicals found that only 8 percent said they would choose cremation. Cremation rates in the Bible Belt remain among the lowest in the country.

Americans first began practicing cremation in the late 1800s. But it remained relatively rare. In 1967, for example, less than 4 percent of Americans were cremated. By 1990 about 17 percent of Americans were being cremated. That figured doubled to about 34 percent by 2007.

Gary Laderman, a religion professor who studied the history of cremation, says that Christian taboos about cremation have declined.

Traditionally, Hindus and Buddhists have cremated their dead, while Christians, Jews and Muslims have buried their dead. But today, Laderman said, Americans are more likely to mix and match spiritual practices. For example, a recent study by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life showed that 24 percent of Americans, and 22 percent of people who call themselves Christians, also believe in reincarnation.

"It shows the decline of traditional religious sources of authority," Laderman said.


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