(Editor's Note: In our New & Views column we quote from many different sources. Please understand that this does not necessarily mean that we approve of all of the publications from which we quote. We will give the name of the source in the first quote and thereafter we will give the abbreviation of that name.)

Too Late To Die For The Faith- "If there were any doubts here about the precariousness of Protestant missionary enterprises in mostly Muslim countries, they evaporated with the recent attacks on American missionaries in Yemen and Lebanon. A gunman out to `cleanse his religion' killed three American Baptists in Yemen. In late December an American missionary nurse was shot to death a month earlier in a part of Lebanon where local Muslim clerics had criticized proselytizing by foreign Christians." (Crosswalk, 1/24/03) Many in Baptist churches in America would escape being executed for their promptness to services. If the shooting started within the first fifteen minutes of most services, the killings would be over before they arrived. (W. W. Mosley hereafter WWM)

Abortion Doctors Decline In Number-A recent survey reveals the number of physicians performing abortions has dropped to its lowest level in 30 years, the Washington Post reported. (Crosswalk, 1/24/03) According to the Alan Guttmacher Institute, which tracks abortion statistics, the number of abortion providers dropped from 2,000 in 1996 to 1,819 in 2000. The number of abortions also dipped slightly, from 1.36 million to 1.31 million in the same four-year period. (Charisma News, 1/22/03) This is no great improvement; it is just not as great a transgression numerically. Killing fewer babies is closely akin to dying under a guillotine that needs lubricating for a smoother descent. -WWM

Sin's Turnpike Always Collects Its Toll-Night clubs are always a station stop on the road to hell. A Chicago night club was recently such a place for 21 souls. Out for a night of fun(?) and frolic, disaster erupted that brought death. It was a "stampede that killed 21 people and injured 57." (Boston Globe, 2/18/03) The city of Chicago was said to be in deep mourning, and rightly so. But no one has said anything publicly about the souls of the bodies who were trampled to death as a result of incidents that started with a fight. That would be considered politically incorrect. The psalmist's condition was unlike that of the above. However, these souls could well be saying the same words. "...no man cared for my soul." (Psa. 142.4) Eat, drink, and be merry may appeal to the flesh, but it is of no eternal value. Yet churches are turning to this type of reasoning to draw crowds, even some Baptist (?) churches. While churches tire running with the footmen of entertainment, they never consider that the horsemen of extinction are planning their charge. (Jer. 12:5). -WWM

Another Inconceivable Position Of Society-What a stirred up mixture of death in the pot of American society. Underage girls must have parental permission to attend a school field trip. If she wants a tattoo, she must have the consent of a parent. This is not altogether wrong. So where is the problem? She can enter an abortion clinic or hospital and have a "fetus"(?) [unwanted child murdered] surgically removed without her parents knowing about it, to say nothing about their permission. There is a move among the powers that be to make it necessary to grant parental notification of such a process, not permission. So the parents are given the privilege of caring but not the power to check the procedure [murder]. Everyone can know what is going on, but are powerless to stop it. Yet the judgment of God is already imposed on such actions. (Exo. 21:22,23)- WWM

A Wise Evaluation-"We have spent billions of tax dollars promoting the `safe sex' myth," Focus on the Family President James Dobson said in a written statement. "In return, we continue to see numerous epidemics that plague our nation, as well as an alarming erosion of values. Congress should consider the will of parents over the agendas of organizations that profit from teen sex and commit to funding programs that promote abstinence until marriage." (Baptist Press, 2/17/03) Only 46 percent of parents opposed high-school students being taught they can obtain contraceptives without parental approval. However, when it came to their own children the survey reported that opposition rose to 70 percent. The majority feel permissiveness is more practical than prohibition and that political correctness is more acceptable than proper convictions. Much of this festered blemish would diminish with a good application of biblical preaching from America's pulpits. Too many of Rick Warren's purpose driven churches have the wrong purpose in mind. -WWM

Hollywood's Demonic Determination-Nothing is more obvious to a believer in Christ than Hollywood's determination to deliver America to the devil on their Oscar laden platter. Madonna, modern day Hanoi Jane, joins other Hollywood greats(?) [ingrates] in protesting war with Iraq. She has put the word out that her next music video contains a shocking anti-war message, including footage of "simulated dead Iraqi babies." It is dreadful to think of bodies of children or adults strewn by blast of war. But no more dreadful than to see strewn body parts of the innocent in the clinical setting of an abortion clinic. There is little doubt that she supports abortion of all unwanted babies in America. She was one of the first to take the stage in Los Angeles "exhorting the audience to pray for no retaliation against the perpetrators," against Iraq. She and other of her kind seem to be making strides in winning the battle of no "retaliation" to those who slaughter millions of America's unborn each year. She was quick to join sex pervert, Larry Flynt, in defending Bill Clinton's sexual activities in the oval room. But then Hollywood has always had sex on its screen rather than sympathy. -WWM

Dolly's Premature Demise-Scotland's accomplishment of cloning the first creature has come to an early closure. Dolly the cloned sheep was "put-down" Feb. 14 after developing lung disease and an arthritic condition that usually appear in sheep twice her age. (New Scientist Online) Dolly died at 6+ years, about half the normal longevity of normal birthed sheep. The popularity of human cloning is fueled by the false hope of growing human replacement parts. Aside from the fact that human cloning is a defiant act against the Creator, and an inherent desire of the fallen nature of man to be like God, who would want a replacement part that would age twice as fast as a part "curiously wrought" by God? (Psa. 139:15) Better take the advice Paul gave Timothy and avoid "profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:..." (1 Tim. 6:20) -WWM

Ultrasound: Anti-Abortion Weapon-The Bible records many instances proving God's estimation of pre-birth individuals. The appalling argument by pro-abortionist that there is no proof of human life until birth is stupid. "The just shall live by faith" is a guideline for all ages. (Hab. 2:12; Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11; Heb. 10:38) Mary was "found with child" before marriage. (Matt. 1:18) Jacob and Esau struggled with one another after conception and before birth. (Gen. 25:21-23) The psalmist was well known of the Lord before birth. (Psa. 139:13-15) "Seeing is believing" is not faith. What ultra-sound revealed changed some minds. Taken from Crosswalk, 2/26/03: "She was moving, she was kicking, she had legs." . . . "I honestly have to say that had I not had the sonogram (ultrasound), I would have had the abortion. But that sonogram just confirmed 100 percent to me that this was a life within me, not a tissue or a glob." Guess who is opposing a bill being considered that would grant thousands of $'s to perform untra-sound testing on those who cannot afford it? Planned Parenthood says to the expectant mother, viewing a sonogram of your unborn child "will only make it harder on you." (Prov. 14:34) "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." (Prov. 14:34) -WWM

Liberal News Media Reacting To Truth-Tom Brokaw, anchor of NBC Nightly News, painted Jerry Vines, pastor of First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL and former SBC president, as a preacher of hate. (Baptist Press, 2/26/03) Yet the pastor's statement is a matter of record. He declared "that the Muslim prophet Muhammad was a `demon-possessed pedophile' for having married one of his wives at age 6 and consummating the union when she was 9." The pastor gave the Islamic writings known as the Hadith as the source of his statement. Doesn't it seem appropriate that NBC and Brokaw would have checked the source of the pastor's information as thorough(?) as they do news on other matters? The pastor noted that "not one single member of my congregation (who have listened to me preach for over 20 years now) was given a chance to say whether or not I preach hate." You can be sure that Brokaw nor any other news anchors will call the murderous acts of Muslims against Christians in countries where they dominate a hate crime. If you believe that news from NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, etc. is on the up and up and good and fair journalism in the Christians behalf, your mind is soon to be changed. The teaching of Jesus Christ and belief in the true God is facing the most consequential trial of our day. (2 Tim. 3:1; 2 Pet. 3:3; 1 Tim. 4:1) "Having done all to stand....stand therefore..." (Eph. 6:13,14) -WWM

Liberal Commentators Missed This?-"Iraq: A Christian convert threatened repeatedly for turning his back on Islam has been murdered. Ismaeel Mohamad Ismaeel died Monday in Zakho, in the northern Kurdistan region, when he was killed by a man wielding a machine gun, Open Doors Australia said." (Charisma, 2/21/03) To express their disdain for Christianity, his Muslim family had reportedly been unwilling to claim his body for burial. He was declared an apostate after being converted to Christianity "and abducted by relatives who threatened to kill him if he did not renounce Christianity." I wonder why Dan Rather did not pickup on this kind of "hate crime" when he interviewed Saddam Hussein? Rest assured that neither Rather, Brokaw, nor Jennings will be murdered, or even charged, for defending Christianity here or abroad. -WWM

Hollywood & Liberal Politics Join Hands-It is nothing new for liberals prominent in the public eye to use their popularity to decry the very country that gave them the opportunity to succeed. False religious leaders are listed along with fallacious politicians and entertainers in this move. They are joining hands to wail because of the "malicious acts of America" to stem the tide of terrorist tyrants on our freedom. Remember this motley list who evoke anti-American sentiments, and remember they also stand against true religion: "Gloria Steinem, `Hanoi Jane' Fonda, Jesse Jackson, Martin Sheen, Susan Sarandon, Ed Asner, Rabbi Michael Lerner, et al." The Federalist, 2/26/03, lists these among those using the "current threat from Iraq to do what they do best incite anti-American action across our great nation." Derogatory actions and words against a God-established nation will not go unnoticed in the courts of heaven. Although America is far from being a Christian nation, its laws allow freedom of religion, even for Muslims, et al, which is not afforded Christians in Muslim ruled countries. Is it not impossible that Christians will one day lose their lives if they continue faithful to Christ? "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." (Rev. 12:11) -WWM

Political Expression Is Freedom Christian Expression Forbidden-A Dearborn, Michigan student was told to go home "if he didn't remove a T-shirt with a picture of Pres. Bush between the words `international terrorist.'" The ACLU are johnny-on-the-spot in the defense of Bretton Barber. The junior at Dearborn High School stated that free speech doesn't end "at the school house gate." If that is the strictly enforced rule in the eyes of the ACLU, why does it not apply when it comes to Christian prayers at various times on school property. A kindergarten girl asking Jesus to bless her meal, prayer before school events, posting the Ten Commandments, etc. are all opposed by the ACLU. All the more reason for many Christian parents to home school. Christian teachers in public schools have their spiritual hands tied by such anti-Christ organizations as the ACLU. -WWM

Satan's Popularity-Some 68 percent of Americans believe in the devil, while 20 percent do not and 12 percent are unsure, according to a Gallup poll released Feb. 25. (Religious News Service, 2/26/03) Eighty three percent of self-identified conservative Christians said they believe there is a devil. If the devil has read this, he is surely happy about his popularity. Yet he must be thrilled more that so many are unaware that he exists. God warns of his actions and determination throughout the Bible. He is called by one or more of his demonic titles over 170 times in recorded Scripture. The dismissal of God from public schools and governmental establishments has also help diminished a feeling of need for help in resisting the devil. "One nation under God" is quickly and quietly being changed. Pray for our nation. (Psa. 33:12; 89:14,15)-WWM

Big Brothers/Sisters of America-This past July the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America implemented a policy that bans "discrimination against open homosexuals" becoming mentors of young boys and girls. United Way is one the big supporters of BBBSA. "Millions of United Way donors would be shocked to learn that their money is being used to match fatherless boys with homosexual men,..." (BP, 2/24/03) Homosexuality is a perverted lifestyle that is absolutely condemned by the Word of God. It is declared an abomination (Lev. 18:22), an uncleanness and dishonor between humans, reveals vile affections and is unnatural. (Rom. 1) Such spirituals delinquents are haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, and God has given them up to their own reprobate mind. What a sad commentary for those who support such groups. Why would any member of one of the Lord's churches send any contribution anywhere except to their local church? (Eph. 3:21) -WWM

This Is The Best In Christian Music?- "Third Day and Jars of Clay topped the Contemporary Christian Music industry in receiving Grammy awards Feb. 23 in New York City." (PBI, 2/24/03) Jars of Clay music is patterned after the Beatles and other rock groups. They recorded for an R-rated obscene film a few years ago. (Calvary Contender, 2/15/98). They are both ecumenical and pro-charismatic. Their lead singer said several years ago that they did not want to be a Christian band because "it is a turn-off." Third Day came on the CCM scene in 1995 and was an immediate hit with rock oriented young people. Like most rock music groups they consist of a gang of disheveled haired, lustful looking males without a job and hoping they don't find one. And this is the best gospel music in America? "Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters!" (Isa. 17:12)-WWM

Gambling, Guzzling, & Sensual Gratification-Sin is big business in many states, likely all 50 in one way or another. Lotteries and casino gambling are counted excusable if the revenue is taxed and used for good purposes. Liquor is also painted a legitimate business so long as the tax brings in needed dividends to the state. Neither gambling nor liquor has ever had a proper slide rule examination that proves either will pay its own way, even by worldly measures certainly not by biblical and moral scrutinies. The result of being addicted to either is more costly to the state than the revenue it generates. In Nevada, the only state (as yet) that has legalized prostitution, lawmakers are considering taxing this occupation to help diminish their state deficit of several million $s. (Chicago Sun-Times, 2/27/03) How can other states, whose citizens fly to Nev. annually, permit money that could be spent at home go across state lines? Isn't that the reasoning behind promoting the lottery, para-mutual betting, and the liquor industry? The wages of sin is still death (Rom. 6:23), and sin remains a reproach to any people (Prov. 14:34). Yet many who call themselves Christians are deceived into believing social drinking or buying a lottery ticket is no big deal. Satan will see to it that eyes will get use to the dark room of sin. (1 Pet. 5:8). -WWM

Blacks Battle Aids is the title of a somber item in the Feb. 2 Parade Magazine. It states: "The AIDS virus has taken a heavy toll on America's black community. While they make up 13% of the U.S. population, blacks account for 38% of all AIDS cases and for over 60% of the cases among women and children...." The statistics are worse in Africa. -Calvary Contender