Tag: Discernment

With Some Telling Christian Americans to Stay Home in November and Not Vote, Evangelical Leaders to Meet With Trump

On By kingsjesterIn Christianity, Politics2 Comments

th1DXO5NI3The hope of a Christian is inseparable from his faith. – John Quincy Adams, 6th President of the United States of America

Foxnews.com reports that

Trump has agreed to meet privately with some of the nation’s most prominent Evangelical leaders – a meeting seen as critical to garnering support from social conservatives, Fox News has learned.

“Our goal is to be able to have a conversation that could lead to a better understanding of what Donald Trump has to offer to the country,” said Family Research Council President Tony Perkins.

Perkins is one of the key conservative leaders spearheading the gathering – set for June 21 in New York City. Perkins, along with Bill Dallas of United in Purpose, worked with Dr. Ben Carson to arrange the meeting.

As many as 500 conservative leaders from around the nation are expected to attend the invitation-only event.

The meeting was convened by a who’s who among Evangelicals – including Southern Baptist Convention President Ronnie Floyd, James Dobson, Ralph Reed, Penny Nance, Bob McEwen, Tim Wildmon of the American Family Association, Kelly Shackleford of First Liberty, and mega-church pastors Jack Graham and Ed Young.

“I want to be actively supportive of a candidate who can help turn this nation around,” Perkins told me. “With Trump – I’m not there yet. I hope to be there – but I’m not there right now.”

Perkins said Trump will not be delivering a speech. He will be there to answer questions. There will be no straw poll. There will be no endorsement from the conservative leaders.

“There is no preconceived outcome here,” he told me. “I’m hoping we can have a conversation that could lead to helping conservative leaders make a decision about what to do in this election.”

The meeting comes as a small, but vocal number of Christian leaders is urging people of faith to stay at home on Election Day.

And that’s why Tony Perkins is worried.

“Our goal is to be able to have a conversation that could lead to a better understanding of what Trump has to offer to the country,” he said. “If we don’t try, the outcome is not going to be good.”

Specifically, the leaders want to hear detailed plans on potential Supreme Court nominees and the vetting process. They also want to hear about Trump’s policies regarding religious liberty, pro-life issues and possible vice presidential candidates.

“A vice presidential pick is going to be very crucial,” Perkins said. “Mr. Trump doesn’t have a track record – so I am going to rely very heavily on who he is going to pick as a running mate.”

Floyd, the president of the nation’s largest Protestant denomination, said he just wants to do the right thing.

“The vast majority of Southern Baptists are very much where I am today – we’re trying to figure this out,” he told me. “We’re trying to navigate through these waters that are very uncertain and very difficult.”

Floyd had strong words for Christian leaders who are suggesting voters should simply stay home.

“We cannot change what exists or even alter it or adjust it sitting on the sidelines and prognosticating about the situation,” he said. “We have a biblical responsibility, but we also have a responsibility as citizens of the United States to express the privileges afforded to us – that men and women have died on the battlefield to give us – and I’m not walking away from that.”

Floyd said the conversation with Trump is a way for Christians to share their hearts with him.

“None of us have endorsed Mr. Trump, nor have we condemned Mr. Trump,” he said. “This is about the possibility of being able to appoint the next four Supreme Court justices. This is about the dignity of human life from the womb to the tomb. This is about religious freedom. I’m not about to sit at home and not express something. I’m accountable to God and I believe I’m accountable to my fellow Americans.”

But at the same time, he acknowledged that many people of faith are struggling to come to terms with some of Mr. Trump’s past statements – statements that are contrary to biblical teachings.

“Could you vote for him? That’s the question at hand,” Floyd said.

Why, yes, Rev. Floyd, This Southern Baptist most certainly could. And, will.

During this Republican Primary Season, I have been called everything but “a Child of God”, simply because I have written factual posts about Donald J. Trump and have stated that, if and when he becomes the Republican Party’s Nominee, I will pencil in the bubble beside his name, as my choice to fill the Office of President of the United States of America.

According to some people, you are not truly a Christian, if you are willing to make that choice.

However, I beg to differ, and I stand with the Reverend Franklin Graham on this issue.

In  a recent Facebook Post, Rev. Graham wrote:

Trump Madness—It’s “trumping” everything in the news, even March Madness. Do you believe protesters blocking the road to his rally to stop people from getting there today? There are those who passionately support him and others who are adamantly against him. He’s a political phenomenon like our country hasn’t seen before. I don’t think America has ever had a presidential candidate opposed by both establishments, Republican and Democratic, as well as the sitting president. I just hope that as a result of this unforgettable campaign season, politicians on all sides will get the message loud and clear that Americans are tired of the status quo and the corruption that has gripped Washington. Join me in praying for the 2016 elections and for the future of this nation.

That being said, Rev. Graham, in a previous interview, done with CBN, stated that  “a left movement within the evangelical community that are telling people, ‘If so-and-so wins or this person wins don’t vote.’ ” Rev. Graham went on to add, “I’m just saying, I don’t care who wins and who’s out there, you have to vote.”

I do not believe that Jesus would be a part of the Social Justice Movement, which is so popular among Liberal Churches, today. His was and is a soul-saving movement. One that still brings hundreds of thousand of people to individual salvation on this terrestrial ball every day. A movement that, in fact, was embraced by the founders of this cherished land.

Now is not the time to be pressing Christian Americans to make a “collective” choice, to move as “a Body”, if you will.

That being said, allow me to also state that I believe that American Evangelicals must excise their Spiritual Gift of Discernment in choosing between Donald J. Trump and Hillary Clinton for the job of President.

When Mitt Romney was the Republican Candidate for President in 2012, a lot of Americans stayed home, rather than vote for Romney.

That may have helped those individuals feel better about themselves, but it also helped to bring them and their fellow citizens four more years of economic suffering under the Presidency of Barack Hussein Obama (mm mmm mmmm).

Just as a Christian’s Salvation is not manifested as a Collective Experience, but a Personal one, so is a Christian American’s Voting Rights a Personal Experience.

I had somebody tell me recently, that they would “pray for me” to make the “right” choice, in the upcoming Presidential Election.

While the prayers of others are always appreciated, that hit me as if it was “The Church Lady” saying,

Well, bless your heart.

That’s an old Southern insult, in case you didn’t know.

As Christians we are instructed to individually listen to that “Still Small Voice” inside us.

While Christians, in church and outside of it, represent the corporate Body of Christ, according to scripture, we each possess the gifts of Free Will and Discernment.

These gifts are used by each of us on a daily basis, including aiding in our decision to support a Presidential Candidate in the Election of 2016.

Unlike Liberals and Marxists (but, I may be repeating myself), we do not vote as a collective, nor should we.

There are no Saints running as candidates, on either side, during this Primary Season. Just men and a woman…a very mean woman.

But, I digress…

Each of us must decide for ourselves, whom we will vote for.

Since the “Shot Heard ‘Round The World” was fired on April 18, 1775, this country has been built by Christian Americans making individual choices.

Your Individual Salvation is not determined by your vote…but, by God’s Grace.

However, the much-needed Reclamation of America must certainly will be.

And, that is why this Christian American Conservative is voting for Donald J. Trump.

“A Charge to Keep I Have.”

Until He Comes,

KJ

 

Can You Vote For Donald J. Trump and Still Be a Christian? Are You Kiddin’ Me?

On By kingsjesterIn Christianity, Politics1 Comment

th (63)In our Sovereign Nation, 75% of Americans still proclaim Jesus Christ as their Personal Savior.

What role will Christian Americans play during this Election Cycle?

The Christian Post reports that

The Reverend Franklin Graham recently stated that Christians need to vote come November and that might include having to choose “the least heathen of the two.”

In an interview with CBN in Denver earlier this week, Rev. Graham stressed the importance of evangelical Christians being involved in the electoral process, saying “I don’t care who wins and who’s out there, you have to vote.”

“And I’m not going to tell people who to vote for, I’m not going to do that — let God tell you who to vote for,” said Graham. “You may have to hold your nose, you may have to decide which is the least heathen of the two heathen.”

 Graham’s comments came as he continued his travels across the country to speak on behalf of his Decision America Tour.

“I want to challenge Christians to boldly live out their faith and to pray for our nation and its leaders. I want to encourage Christians to get out and vote, and to cast their ballots for candidates who uphold biblical principles,” stated Graham last April.

“I want to strongly urge Christians to run for public office at every level — local, state, and federal. We will not be endorsing any political candidates, but I will be proclaiming the truth of God’s Gospel in every state.”

Graham’s tour is taking place during a heated primary season of controversial statements, actions, and even legal battles.

Donald Trump, the Republican frontrunner, has been criticized for his inflammatory rhetoric and for the violence that happens at his campaign rallies.

Hillary Clinton, the Democratic frontrunner, is weathering issues surrounding the private email server she had while Secretary of State and may face an indictment as a result.

On Facebook, Graham commented about these developments during the campaign season, believing it to be evidence that America needs a “Godly revolution” to heal its “broken” situation.

“This past week we saw violent protests at political rallies. One candidate is under investigation by the FBI. Another candidate says we need a political revolution. What America needs is a Godly revolution,” wrote Graham.

“Our nation is broken — politically, spiritually, and morally — and our only hope is Almighty God. Let’s take a stand together and pray for God to intervene in this country, to forgive us, and to give us another chance.”

This article attracted my eye, simply because, as the subtitle on my blog states, I am a “Christian American Conservative”.

However, during this Republican Primary Season, I have been called everything but “a Child of God”, simply because I have written factual posts about Donald J. Trump and have stated that, if and when he becomes the Republican Party’s Nominee, I will pencil in the bubble beside his name, as my choice to fill the Office of President of the United States of America.

According to some people, you are not truly a Christian, if you are willing to make that choice.

However, I beg to differ, and I stand with the Reverend Franklin Graham on this issue.

And, here’s why…

I do not believe that Jesus would be a part of the Social Justice Movement, which is so popular among Liberal Churches, today. His was and is a soul-saving movement. One that still brings hundreds of thousand of people to individual salvation on this terrestrial ball every day. A movement that, in fact, was embraced by the founders of this cherished land.

That being said, Rev. Graham, in the article, spoke of “a left movement within the evangelical community that are telling people, ‘If so-and-so wins or this person wins don’t vote.’ ” Rev. Graham went on to add, “I’m just saying, I don’t care who wins and who’s out there, you have to vote.”

When Mitt Romney was the Republican Candidate for President in 2012, a lot of Americans stayed home, rather than vote for Romney.

That may have helped those individuals feel better about themselves, but it also helped to bring them and their fellow citizens four more years of economic suffering under the Presidency of Barack Hussein Obama (mm mmm mmmm).

Just as a Christian’s Salvation is not manifested as a Collective Experience, but a Personal one, so is a Christian American’s Voting Rights a Personal Experience.

I had somebody tell me yesterday, that they would “pray for me” to make the “right” choice, in the upcoming Presidential Election.

While the prayers of others are always appreciated, that hit me as if it was “The Church Lady” saying,

Well, bless your heart.

That’s an old Southern insult, in case you didn’t know.

While Christians, in church and outside of it, represent the corporate Body of Christ, according to scripture, we each possess the gifts of Free Will and Discernment.

These gifts are used by each of us on a daily basis, including aiding in our decision to support a Presidential Candidate in the Election of 2016.

Unlike Liberals and Marxists (but, I may be repeating myself), we do not vote as a collective, nor should we.

There are no Saints running as candidates, on either side, during this Primary Season. Just men and a woman…a very mean woman.

But, I digress…

Each of us must decide for ourselves, as Rev. Graham said, which “heathen” we will vote for.

Since the “Shot Heard ‘Round The World” was fired on April 18, 1775, this country has been built by Christian Americans making individual choices.

My perceived support of Donald J. Trump, through the articles that I write, is my inidivual choice, made through a detailed study of facts and with a heart-felt reverence toward this Sacred Land and the One who brought our Forefathers here.

So…can you vote for Donald J. Trump and still be a Christian?

Certainly you can.

Your Salvation is not determined by your vote…but, by God’s Grace.

So, this November, get out there and vote!

A Charge to Keep We Have.

Until He Comes,

KJ

 

 

 

November 6, 2012: A Time for Discernment

On By kingsjesterIn Christianity, Politics3 Comments

As I publish this post, we are 25 days away from the most important Presidential Election of our Generation.  I tweeted yesterday,

26 days until Americans decide whether we return to the Shining City on the Hill or become the Proletariat. Pray for Americans’ discernment.

So, what is discernment?

Paula Marolewski, writing for ezinearticles.com, came up with a good description:

Hebrews 5:14 notes that discernment is the ability to recognize good and evil: “Solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.” But you might say that recognizing good and evil is the end product of discernment. What about the actual process of discernment: how do we get to the point of recognizing good from evil? How do we gain that ability? What is involved in discernment? If we know the process, we will get the product.

The process begins with establishing a solid definition. The American Heritage Dictionary defines discernment as: “To detect or perceive with the eye or the mind; to perceive the distinctions of [which can be considered “to define”]; to discriminate.”

To detect. To define. To discriminate. Three “D’s” that define “discernment.”

Per Gallup, 78% of Americans proclaim Jesus Christ as their Savior. 92% profess a belief in God.

As we enter the home stretch to Election Day 2012, let’s look at the present Occupier of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC, through the three “D’s” Ms. Marolewski described.

1. To Detect – In 2007, Presidential Candidate Barack Hussein Obama (mm mmm mmmm) made a very telling comment, as CBN, explains:

Obama believes that religious conservatives need to accept the fact that America has evolved and government policies need to encompass all faiths because the country is no longer just a Christian nation.

“I think that the right might worry a bit more about the dangers of sectarianism. Whatever we once were, we’re no longer just a Christian nation; we are also a Jewish nation, a Muslim nation, a Buddhist nation, a Hindu nation, and a nation of nonbelievers. We should acknowledge this and realize that when we’re formulating policies from the state house to the Senate floor to the White House, we’ve got to work to translate our reasoning into values that are accessible to every one of our citizens, not just members of our own faith community.”

In a speech last month to a church convention, Senator Obama told the audience, “Somehow, somewhere along the way, faith stopped being used to bring us together and started being used to drive us apart. It got hijacked. Part of it’s because of the so-called leaders of the Christian Right, who’ve been all too eager to exploit what divides us.”

2. To Define – In an article written last March, David Barton, noted historian and the force behind wallbuilders.com, wrote an article titled “America’s Most Biblically-Hostile U.S. President”, in which he said,

When one observes President Obama’s unwillingness to accommodate America’s four-century long religious conscience protection through his attempts to require Catholics to go against their own doctrines and beliefs, one is tempted to say that he is anti-Catholic. But that characterization would not be correct. Although he has recently singled out Catholics, he has equally targeted traditional Protestant beliefs over the past four years. So since he has attacked Catholics and Protestants, one is tempted to say that he is anti-Christian. But that, too, would be inaccurate. He has been equally disrespectful in his appalling treatment of religious Jews in general and Israel in particular. So perhaps the most accurate description of his antipathy toward Catholics, Protestants, religious Jews, and the Jewish nation would be to characterize him as anti-Biblical. And then when his hostility toward Biblical people of faith is contrasted with his preferential treatment of Muslims and Muslim nations, it further strengthens the accuracy of the anti-Biblical descriptor. In fact, there have been numerous clearly documented times when his pro-Islam positions have been the cause of his anti-Biblical actions.

3.  To Discriminate – This is where the rubber meets the road.  Take a look at what happened at the coronation of Obama as the Democratic party’s Presidential Candidate.

Someone was not originally invited to the Democratic Party’s party, as Sally Quinn reported in the Washington Post:

Look what happened at the Democratic convention Wednesday. The 2008 platform had included the word God. Not this year. The original 2012 platform said, in part, “in America, hard work should pay off, responsibility should be rewarded, and each one of us should be able to go as far as our talent and drive take us.”

Not a word about God. It didn’t take long for major outcries from both parties. Romney and his running mate Paul Ryan weighed in immediately.

“The (Democratic) party is veering further and further away into an extreme wing that Americans don’t recognize,” said Romney.

Connie Mackay, head of the Family Research Council’s political action committee, said, “It was easy to remove God from their platform given their support of issues such as abortion on demand and same-sex marriage go against what God’s word says on these issues.”

President Obama, seeing the gathering storm clouds insisted that God be restored. According to his deputy campaign manager Stephanie Cutter, “They were a mistake and he said we’ve got to fix it. President Obama didn’t agree with the platform. He sought to change it.”

Former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, an ordained United Methodist minister who chaired the platform drafting committee quickly rallied to reinstate the old language because, as he said, “our belief in God is central to the American story and informs the values we’ve expressed in our party’s platform.”

Not so fast. There were three voice votes on the language to put God back in the platform language, presented by Los Angeles Mayor and Democratic Convention Chairman Antonio Villaraigosa, which were not conclusive. There were many loud “No’s” and quite a few “boo’s” prompting right-wing media outlets and religious blogs to proclaim, “Democrats Boo God” and “God Booed by Democrats at Convention! Incredible!”

After a very ugly struggle language was changed to read “We need a government that. … gives everyone willing to work hard the chance to make the most of their God-given potential.”

They actually booed God!!! Can you imagine?

George Washington said in his Farewell Address on September 19, 1796,

Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to a political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim that tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness. We ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which heaven itself has ordained.

The greatest President in my lifetime, Ronald Wilson Reagan, said,

Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.

He also said,

If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under.

I pray that God grants all Americans a spirit of Discernment, so that we will not forget that we are one nation under God on November 6th.

Amen.