(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.)

The Purpose of The `Purpose Driven Church'-Grace Bapt. Church, Des Moines, IA, a purpose driven church, has this posted on their web site: "God has a purpose for your teens! They don't need to wait until they are adults to make their life count! Whether your teen is in high school or junior high, we'll bring a biblical message of hope and challenge to them every week. We use cutting edge videos, fun games and music that rocks to shatter the stereotype that church has to be boring. We offer an exciting church experience geared specifically for either your junior high or high school teens." Like this is new that God has a purpose for young people. Or that they can serve the Lord before they grow old. The message of true hope hardly needs "cutting edge videos, fun games and music that rocks." If Paul knew this, he didn't include it in what Timothy needed in teaching the church how to "behave thyself in the house of God." (1 Tim. 3:15) Joseph, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah learned how to be used of God without modern cutting edges that defile the flesh. Putting on the Lord Jesus Christ does not include making provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. (Rom. 13:14) -(W. W. Mosley, hereafter WWM)

Rights Only For Those Who Oppose God?-Ala. Chief Justice Roy Moore is to be applauded for his continued battle in behalf of displaying the Ten Commandments monument in the lobby of the state judicial building. "Groups advocating church-state separation are hailing an appellate decision" that Judge Moore must remove the monument. (Crosswalk, 7/3/03) The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta ruled that the "monument violates the First Amendment's Establishment Clause." Reformed Judaism said, "Displaying the Ten Commandments on public property is not only a clear and direct violation of the separation church and state, but a disservice to religion." Their ancestors felt the same way when Moses brought the first copy into their religious services. Too many still had rather dance around their hand-molded golden calf than to post the Ten Commandments and follow the instruction therein. -WWM

Posting & Following The Ten Commandments Will Help-The Department of Health and Human Services posted this disturbing bit of info on the WWW: "In 2000, nearly 80% of all teen births were non marital, a proportion that has nearly tripled since 1970, when the figure was 30%. Non marital childbearing is also prevalent among teens and women in their early 20s (i.e., ages 20-24) for whom, in 2000, 50% of births occurred outside marriage." One division of the Ten Commandments would diminish this prevalent teen problem if followed. (Exo. 20:14) "Thou shalt not commit adultery." So much for passing out preventatives at school, or Sex Education 101. Abstinence resulting from spiritual conviction accomplishes a great deal more than sympathetic schemes. It would help if a copy of the Ten Commandments was on the wall of every class room in the U.S. -WWM

Canada First Again-"Canada yesterday announced that it will start selling cheap pot to ill people seeking surcease from pain, becoming the first country in the world to supply so-called `medical marijuana' directly to patients." (Boston Globe, 7/10/03) Health Canada, the federal ministry of health in Canada, reported portions of marijuana are already packed and ready "for sale to patients suffering from pain or nausea as the result of disease, chemotherapy used to treat cancer..." Government contracts are issued for growing medicinal marijuana. Since the product "should be moving next week," marijuana farmers must have had insider information about this coming legislation. Or, maybe Canada already had enough unused confiscated illegal dope to fill the orders until such contracts could be filled. They could always get their shortfall filled by U.S. suppliers at public schools. -WWM

Just Like Anybody Else?-Mass. Supreme Judicial Court is considering clearing "the way for same-sex marriage." (Boston Globe, 7/10/03) Canada has already sanctioned this move toward legalizing(?) sin. Now that the U.S. homosexual crowd is drawing nearer to another of their desires fulfilled, there arises some questions if this is really what they want. Two of Massachusetts such citizens are among those raising such queries. Rob Tozner & Michael Valenti have recently celebrated their 15th anniversary as "a couple." They have argued for gay marriage as a matter of "simple equality and as a form of legal protection." They now fear that all of the "inherent baggage that goes with" traditional marriage will not be best for them. "When you say marriage, you have the expectation that it's the traditional `Father Knows Best,' that old-fashioned arrangement." You mean like being one man-one man or one woman-one woman for life? Yet they argue such marriage would be "one more step in the recognition that we're just like anybody else." It is an impossibility for homosexuals to ever be "just like anybody else," until they consider themselves sinners in need of salvation through Jesus Christ. -WWM

Pres. Bush Supports Abstinence-Pres. George Bush visited Africa recently and made points with the True Love Waits group. What the president said will certainly be criticized by the left wing bunch. "We will support abstinence-based education for young people in schools and churches and community centers." (Baptist Press, 7/14/03) While Bill Clinton and his cohorts are still trying to find out what "is" means, we have a president that is clear on the only sure way to control aids. Debby Marshall, strategy consultant for AIDS work in Kenya said, "It's encouraging because abstinence is biblically based, and the president is supporting something from a biblical perspective, not a secular perspective." Pray for our president to continue to increase his desire to follow Bible teachings even to the point of recognizing the difference between true and false religion. -WWM

Researchers Running Amuck-"Researchers from Chicago reported they had injected male cells into female embryos in experiments they hope will produce cures for genetic disorders, Reuters news service reported." (Baptist Press, 7/14/03) Brazen scientist under the guise of seeking cures for human ills have reached beyond human necessities. Tampering with human embryos in such a manner is nothing less than stimulating confusion. It also adds credit in the mind of many that by some strange quirk of providence homosexuals are what they are with the right to be accepted in their sin. What God designates as sin happens in the human heart, not in a test tube. Nor will the cure for sin be found in the laboratories. Jer. 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Mark 7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, ...." -WWM

ACLU Policing Nat'l. Park For Satan-"Succumbing to complaints from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the National Park Service (NPS) removed plaques with biblical psalms at popular viewing areas of the Grand Canyon, citing concerns that it may violate the separation between church and state. Grand Canyon National Park spokeswoman Maureen Oltrogge said three bronze, religious-oriented plaques were removed from the frequently visited areas of the Grand Canyon's South Rim. The Interior Department determined that the plaques, which had been on display for more than 30 years and quoted psalms, were not appropriate for federal public facilities, Oltrogge said." (Crosswalk, 7/15/03) The ACLU may have the clout to remove God's Word from this site He created but they will be shoveling several millennia if they decide to close this beautiful canyon He created. They often succeed to remove His Word, but they will never remove His work. It would be to their advantage if they surveyed the "great gulf fixed" between them and the Father. (Luke 16:26) -WWM

An Early U.S. President's View-"Before any man can be considered as a member of Civil Society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governor of the Universe." James Madison (The Federalist, 7/16/03) Those opposing America's believing in the Creator of the universe were fewer in number then than now. To a great extent this was the result of leadership who had a genuine belief in God. The fourth president of the U.S. joined others in this esteemed position of believing this nation's beginning was a superintended work of God. (Psalm 33:12) "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance." David said it much better than did Pres. Madison. -WWM

For Men Or For God?-" `Nightline' crews follow three young men in their quest to be named the best young preacher in the land. One of them...from Odessa, Mo., who won in a qualifying meet...in the charitable phrasing of evangelical Christianity, he `took first place...and earned a ticket to the finals, which are held each year at Bob Jones University." (Kansas City Star, 6/19/03) Preaching has evolved all the way from early day abuse to modern day awards. The apostles rejoiced "that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name." (Acts 5:41) The quest to be the "best young preacher in the land" is referred to as "preach-offs" by the media. They preach before judges in a classroom setting who determine who gets the prize. This falls far short of what Paul was referring to in Phil. 3:14. "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Like all other human stimulated activities, this makes a mockery of a calling from God to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. -WWM

N.O.W.'s View Of Unjust Justices-The National Organization for Women's web site gives a clear view of their lack of biblical knowledge. The are uneasy that conservative justices appointees by Pres. Bush will be approved, and this lifts their attack on conservatism to a higher level. Concerning Supreme Court vacancies they say, "Bush will surely attempt to fill it with someone from his stable of right-wing judicial ideologues. Considering that two out of three Supreme Court decisions in the last term were decided by 5-4 votes, all of our fundamental rights - reproductive right, civil rights, lesbian rights, disability right and so many other gains feminists have fought for the past 35 years - could be at risk . . ." They admit they are lesbian oriented, abortion advocates, and feminist. Lesbianism is an abomination to God (Rom. 1), abortion is murder (Exo. 20), and feminism believes women are as qualified to preach the Gospel and pastor a church as a man (1 Tim. 3:2). They, like all humanity, have no rights outside the ordinances of God. The N.O.W. may indeed accomplish all their desires by way of liberal politicians, but they have miserably failed in heaven's court. -WWM

Overturned Anti-sodomy Law?-The US Supreme Court may have its way in the case of Texas' anti sodomy law, but there is a higher Supreme Court ruling that agrees with Texas on this matter, and with stronger sentencing. "The immediate effect of the 6-3 Supreme Court ruling invalidating the Texas ban on homosexual sodomy is that it invalidates similar laws in Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri, as well as anti sodomy laws in nine other states, including Virginia." (Washington Times, 7/18/03) God settled the matter long before the U.S. or its Supreme Court came into being. (Lev. 20:13) "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them." The N.O.W. along with lawmakers who support sodomy are riding the same pale horse of death. The rider is named "Death" and "Hell" is galloping just behind him to pick up the fallen ones. Wake up, stand up, and speak up so others won't give up. -WWM

From Legalized Abortion to Legalized Sodomy-In 1973 the U.S. Supreme Court decided that no state could constitutionally ban the practice of abortion. Thirty years later the head of the anti-sodomy law of Texas rolled from the gallows of the U.S. Supreme Court. Until the 1960s, every state had a law criminalizing homosexual conduct. The twelve remaining states in which such laws continue to exist are Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Alabama, Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Utah, and Virginia. In 1961 Illinois became the first state to decriminalize homosexuality. This information was gathered from an article by the Christian Law Asso. Now the gay/lesbian band have their very own Roe vs. Wade landmark. Decriminalizing homosexuality leaves the door wide open for the gay crowd to argue legalizing gay marriages. It is only a matter of time that the twelve remaining states will have their wings clipped by liberal federal judges. For centuries homosexuals were only knocking on Lot's door. Today they are knocking on the door of every home in America demanding that the children inside be released to the homosexual crowd that they "may know them." (Gen. 19:5) As unreasonable at it may seem, this provides a basis for attacking any law that does not treat homosexuality on an equal basis with all married men and women. -WWM

A Control That Fails-The UN's conference dubbed to "Prevent, combat, and eradicate the Illicit Trade in small arms and Light Weapons in All Aspects" concluded this week. Once again, the theme was how the UN can eliminate private-gun ownership around the world, particularly in the U.S. We are reminded by Yale researcher John Lott that his colleague, Jeff Miron at Boston Univ., examined homicide rates in 44 countries and found that countries with the strictest gun-control laws also tended to have the highest homicide rates. For example, in Britain, incidents involving criminals with guns rose 40% in the four years after handguns were banned in 1997. (Federalist, 7/18/03)

Results From Over Spending-"The more time young children spend in day care, the more likely they are to be aggressive or disobedient, says the latest report from an ongoing federal study, released today. . . . Problem behaviors, according to the NICHD (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development) study, include disobeying adults, destroying other people's possessions, arguing, fighting, lying, cheating, screaming, bragging or bullying." (Wash. Times, 7/16/03, via Muth's NVs) [Seems it would be much wiser to have obedient children than trying to stay up with the well-to-do who have nothing-else-to-do. -WWM]

Child Evangelism Fellowship, Inc.-It is admirable when any church exerts extra effort to reach the lost, both young and old, in their community. Many, however, take little if any time to examine material or its origin. There is no surprise when purpose driven churches use any material that will entertain and build their congregation. The quest to be better than any church in town in one area or another often dims doctrinal views when it comes to youth programs. It becomes a legitimate concern when Independent Baptist Churches use Vacation Bible School material from Child Evangelism Fellowship. One article of faith (#9) of this organization declares: "That the Church is composed of all those who truly believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior. It is the body and the bride of Christ. That every believer, whether Jew or Gentile, is baptized into the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit, and having thus become members of one another we are responsible to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, rising above all sectarian prejudices and denominational bigotry and loving one another with a pure heart fervently." How can they claim they are "celebrating the life of Christ" and ignore local church doctrine. There is a definite distinction between the family of God and the body of Christ. Some Church of Christ congregations are using the same material. It is no problem for them since they hold to a Pentecost birthday of the church. Even that date is 1800 years too early for them. Although I may be reprimanded sharply for these thoughts, be sure this doctrine will find its way into young minds. -WWM

ACLU Challenges Honolulu-Family Day Festivals in Honolulu were too christianized to suit the ACLU. Once again Satan's law firm assembled its forces to stop such future activities. "The lawsuit cited a musical segment of Family Day that included nine separate performances by Christian groups, while children's entertainment had a stated purpose to `save souls.'" (Crosswalk, 7/18/03) In conjunction with FDF the "city helped to organize an event called the Kids Parade in conjunction with FDF and that the parade's sponsor, the Hawaii Christian Coalition, would not allow gay and lesbian groups to participate in the parade." Good for Hawaii Christian Coalition! I pray that every city in the U.S.A. will take that stand. Those who will, have the Law of God as their defense. -WWM

Cynthia Clawson & Cathedral of Hope-"Clawson said she accepted the invitation to sing at the Cathedral of Hope because God has called her to share the Good News of who Jesus is and what He did for her. She has been asked to sing at the Cathedral of Hope on three other occasions and accepted those invitations as well." (Baptist Press, 7/17/03) The Cathedral of Hope is a homosexual church(?). Clawson is a noted participant in the Gaither Homecoming specials. She has also has been featured in a SBC annual meeting, and a Billy Graham crusade. The Gaither Homecoming special events smacks of pentecostalism with a mixture of many other community church advocates. She also is "co-pastor of Tarrytown Baptist Church in Austin, Texas, with her husband Ragan Courtney," and she "requested prayer in her endeavor to be true to God's calling on her life." On Tarrytown Bapt. web site this is often repeated: "...looking for where God is working and join Him there." Co-pastor Cynthia will look in vain if she expects God to be working with a homosexual church, unless it is Holy Spirit conviction urging them to repent and turn from the sin of sodomy. -WWM

Argentina Legalizes Homosexual Marriages-"Two Argentine men became the first gay couple to wed legally in Latin America when they exchanged rings and kisses at the registry office in downtown buenos Aires." (AFP, 7/19/03) One of the two said he felt he was living in a society that was "a little more just." A law has been passed that gives homosexual and lesbian couples who have lived together for at least two years in Buenos Aires the right to marry and enjoy the same rights in terms of health insurance, hospital visitation, bank credits and family leave, but not when it comes to adoption or inheritance. The proverbial door is open for this and other rights to become law. -WWM q

Another Ten Commandments Monument Location Unlawful?-U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb considered it a violation of the First Amendment's Establishment Clause for a Ten Commandments monument to be sitting in the city park of downtown La Crosse, WI. (Crosswalk, 7/17/03) It was installed by a fraternal order in 1960, but now, after 43 years has suddenly became `unconstitutional.' It would be interesting to know how many have visited this park and it never crossed their mind that their constitutional rights were being violated. The suit, filed by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, prompted the city to sell the parcel of land around the monument to the fraternal organization. Judge Crabb put a `no, no' on that saying the "sale of a minuscule portion of the park to the Eagles in order to preserve the presence of the monument proves rather than extinguishes defendant's endorsement of the monument's religious message." It was finally moved to a local church property. The FFRF, ACLU, and other such organizations of the devil may move the Ten Commandments out of their sight but never the effects on their eternal souls. -WWM

Hate-Crime Bill Being Considered-Ted Kennedy in the U.S. Senate introduced the "Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 1999" but that bill never became law. Recently, Senator Kennedy renamed the bill and it is now called S. Bill 625, the "Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act of 2001." (Will such a bill ever be a threat?) Government officials in Staten Island called the word of God "hate-speech" and forced a billboard owner to cover up a Bible quote about homosexuality. One cannot buy ads or use quotes from Bible verses, which condemn the practice of homosexuality on billboards, anywhere in New York City. Protection for "sexual orientation" (gay/lesbian) is stated five times in S. Bill 625. Provision for federal aid for local law enforcement in upholding this law is also included. The entire substance of this bill can be obtained on the WWW. British statesman Edmund Burke (1729-1797) once said, "All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." -WWM

Counting The Cost-A Christian couple has spent months in prison because of the wife's conversion. Naglaa, a Christian convert from Islam, and her husband, Malak Gawargios Fahmy, were imprisoned in mid-February in an effort to force Naglaa to give up her Christian faith. The pair was arrested at the airport as they tried to leave Egypt for Cyprus reportedly because Naglaa had a forged passport and identification card. "Becoming Christian shouldn't be a crime punishable by a prison sentence," Egyptian church leaders said. "It is strictly forbidden to convert from Islam to Christianity ... although the opposite happens hundreds and even thousands of times. Freedom of religion should be a human right to all, and conversions should take place with each person's own accord." (Religion Today, 7/21/03) [A similar event may be closer than we think in America. -WWM]