(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.)

God Approves of Studying- "When today's high school students are tested, they don't seem to perform very well. In June, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) released the `Nation's Report Card' showing that one in four 12th grade students are unable to read at a basic level. Only 36% of fourth grade students are able to master basic reading requirements.... The reason public school students aren't faring as well as they should is because they are being led by politicians and education bureaucrats who care more about politics and political correctness than they do about educating America's youth." (The Federalist, 9/8/03) Since Paul wrote to Timothy that he was to "study to shew thyself approved unto God," (2 Tim. 2:15), and we now have a whole generation graduating from high school with one in four of them unable to read at a basic level, how many of these 25% will want to read the Bible? How can they possibly hide God's Word in their heart that they will not sin against Him unless they can read? (Psa. 119:11) Learning reading, writing, and `rithmatic are important, but not near as important as learning "repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." (Acts 20:21) (W. W. Mosley, hereafter WWM.)

The Leaven of Culture-This is the title of an article written by Benjamin S. Cole printed in the Baptist Press, 8/12/03. Following are two excerpts from his article concerning the recent action of the Episcopal Church in America to install a homosexual bishop. The article is worthy of printing in its entirety but space is limited here. Mr. Cole writes: "To offer just one example (of the leaven of culture), have you noticed the hermeneutic consistency between the argument to install homosexual clergymen in New Hampshire and the move to ordain women pastors? While ordaining homosexuals may reveal a more shocking rejection of biblical proscriptions, the shared pattern of culturally guided interpretation of the sacred text is unmistakable. The same argument is being used: The Bible is a culturally bound collection of prehistoric doctrines that any reasonable person would reject. Simply put, believe the Bible and kill the church, or at best render it irrelevant. . . So while the Episcopalians flounder in the tempestuous seas of a culture gone awry, Southern Baptists ought to be all the more vigilant that our prophetic salt does not become unsavory either by moral indifference or ecclesiological uncertainty." Amen to Mr. Cole's assessment of modern day culture. Independent Baptist are not nearly careful enough about barricading against the temptation to surrender doctrinal principles to draw would be parishioners. -WWM

More On Modern Culture In America-"Before social studies, feminist studies, gay studies and even labor-union studies became trendy subjects for their own sake, exploiting great literature to make political points, the great books planted the seed for contemplating the human condition. But sometime over the last century, the literary tree of knowledge was struck by lightning. Its branches grew distorted limbs that appealed to messages without transcendence."-(Suzanne Fields, The Federalist, 9/8/03) Political correctness is not only robbing America of the teaching of her founding fathers, it is destroying true spirituality. This is made possible by the prophets who are well characterized in Isaiah 56:10. "His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber." -WWM

The True God vs. Islam's `god'-"While we argue about the place of God in U.S. society, our enemies are not so conflicted. They believe their god wants us dead. No amount of munitions, money and Marines is going to stay these fanatics from their ordained rounds. To them, death is victory. To us, it is tragedy. They are counting on us not wanting to die. They welcome death as a promotion. They believe we will cut and run if they can spill enough of our blood. We regard our blood as precious. They see theirs as the currency of martyrdom." -Cal Thomas (via Muth's NV, 8/7/03) Like Israel, who refused to drive out the Amorite, Canaanite, Hittite, and other false god worshipers (Exo. 34:11ff), America is snuggling close to the false god of Islam, and others, while counting the true God as a threat to genuine freedom. Limp, languid, lackadaisical Christianity will be the downfall of any nation who once served the God of heaven and then turned their back on His truth. Nationally we have fallen into this category: (2 Kings 17:33) "They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence." It remains "a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Heb. 10:30,31) -WWM

Code of Ethics of the Homosexual-"It is the conviction of members of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement that human sexuality in all its richness is a gift of God, gladly to be accepted, enjoyed and honored as a way of both expressing and growing in love, in accordance with the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Therefore it is their conviction that it is entirely compatible with the Christian faith not only to love another person of the same sex but also to express that love fully in a personal sexual relationship." (Statement of conviction of LBCM) It is apparent that the LBC movement has not read the Word of God concerning the subject of "personal relationship." Or of any other subject in reference to a godly life. Their "growing in love" is iniquitous passion. Loving with a pure heart comes only in obeying the truth in the Spirit. (1 Pet. 1:22) Jesus said He and His Father were One. (John 10:30) Jesus then is of the same persuasion as God concerning sodomy as well as adultery. (Lev. 20:13; Matt. 5:27,28; 19:18) Sodomy will never be rewarded with the heritage of the Lord. (Psa. 127:3) Nor will the sodomite ever be happy with the children of their youth. (Psa. 127:3-5) Not only is this spiritually impossible it is also physically impossible. -WWM

Public Education Of Past History-William Holmes McGuffey is the author of the "McGuffey Reader," which was used for over 100 years in our public schools with over 125 million copies sold until it was stopped in 1963. Pres. Lincoln called Mr. McGuffey the "Schoolmaster of the Nation." Read these words of Mr. McGuffey. "The Christian religion is the religion of our country. From it are derived our nation, on the character of God, on the great moral Governor of the universe. On its doctrines are founded the peculiarities of our free institutions. From no source has the author drawn more conspicuously than from the sacred Scriptures. From all these extracts from the Bible, I make no apology." If the methods of this past history educator were used in America's classrooms today, there would be higher practices, principles, and performance in graduating classes. Now it is reported that one out of four graduating seniors cannot read up to basic requirements. If beginners in school today were taught that "`A' stood for Adam," senators Feinstein, Kennedy, Clinton, the ACLU, etc. would rise up in arms. Political correctness has robbed our youth of God-honoring learning. (Prov. 4:7) "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." -WWM

Questionable Church Sign Displays-Quotations on church signs are as variable as are the teachings(?) inside the building. Commonly they display events, dates, etc. Some are becoming more of a spiritual eyesore than informative. A recent email revealed the disgust of the writer with one such sign near their home. On one side it read, "Afraid of having fun, then keep on driving." The insinuation on the reverse side of the sign is too rude and vulgar to reveal in this publication. Many churches are turning to having fun in the flesh and know or teach little if anything about spiritual matters. Preaching has given way to playing, evangelization to entertainment, and praying to practicing skits. Earnestly pray for pastors who are unwaveringly staying by the stuff, preaching from the KJV, and feeding the church which the Holy Ghost has made them overseers. (Acts 20:28) "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." -WWM q

Church Sponsors First Annual Basketball Shootout-"The Granite (OK) First Baptist Church (SBC) will sponsor the first annual Sept. Shootout at the Granite City Park . . . should there be a cancellation due to rain, the Shootout will be held (the following Saturday)." (The Enterpriser, 9/11/03) Multiple entries are expected and the decision of the judges will be final. Trophies will be awarded for various age groups with "the most impressive Trophy and the title of the best of the 2003 Shootout will go to the individual with the most total points." No doubt the claim will be made of getting more participation of the church with the community. Jesus said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature," not go to their play ground and impersonate their activities. (Mark 16:15) In Matt. 28:20, Jesus promises to be with them always if they will preach, teach, baptize, and teach again all repentant believers. I seriously doubt that our Lord will attend this Basketball Shootout. (1 John 2:15) "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." The night is too far spent to be involved in fleshly escapades. (Rom. 13:14) "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof." -WWM

Searing The Conscience-A group calling itself the November Gang that is connected to abortion providers has started a new effort to help women overcome their reluctance and regrets concerning abortion. In some clinics, women are "permitted to pray over their fetuses, even to sprinkle them with holy water in impromptu baptismal rites." (Investigative Journal, Ruse, 9/10/03) The NG group claim they are as interested in the `patients' heart as with her body. The National Coalition of Abortion Providers simply don't want it talked about. In either case abortion is still an abominable act before God. It is nothing short of murder of a person who is totally unable to defend himself. The expectant mother is sure to realize soon after agreeing to the murder of her own child, that the abortionist who claims that "it is only tissue" is not only a murderer but a liar. (Matt. 5:21) -WWM

Saddleback's Own Worship Venues-The web site of Saddleback Community Church provides this invitation to services. "It is something brand new! One of our few `traditions' at Saddleback is to keep trying new ways to tell the good news of God's love. What is a worship venue? It's a live feed of the message on a large bright LED screen. It's live bands with different styles than in the Worship Center. It's a smaller, more intimate atmosphere for worship. AND you can even bring your coffee with you into the service!" They obviously did not get the #1 definition of `venue' from the Bible or dictionary. The first definition of `venue' in the Webster's II New College Dictionary, 1995, is: `The locality where an alleged crime or other cause of legal action occurs.' Sounds about right. The Judge of all the earth will have the last say on this. Promising attenders are reminded of the Saturday singles service where all singles are invited to watch the service `through a live video link in the Plaza Room.' All this for a time of `expressive worship and heartfelt praise.' This is far removed from the old-time country church revivals. It may draw larger crowds but likely will have far less heavenly results. -WWM

More On Pedophile Priests-With the huge settlements between the Catholic Church in Boston and abuse victims from pedophile priest, another such crime is reported in Utah. "Mario Arbelaez Olarte, a Catholic priest who has been placed on administrative leave by the Salt Lake Diocese, is attempting to get the court to let him leave the country rather than serve any time in prison." (Investigative Journal, 9/10/03) The priest used an Internet chat room attempting to lure what he thought to be a 15-year-old boy into his trap. An officer of Crimes Against Children appeared at the planned meeting place. Now the priest wants to leave the country free of all charges to plan his next attack on youth in another nation. Administrative leave or leaving the country will not be regard at the White Throne Judgment. (Rev. 20:11-15) -WWM

The Watchful Eye Of The ACLU-Recently Chief Justice Roy Moore of Ala. was ordered by a federal judge to remove the Ten Commandments monument from Alabama's Judicial Building in Montgomery. The battle to bring this to fruition was led, as usual, by the ACLU. They are Satan's watchdog that sniffs out and barks at every odor of our nations Christian history. Once again the hounds of hell have treed an item of discontent for the anti-God crowd. "It has been almost 10 years since District Court Judge David Pake of Maumelle, Ark., placed a framed copy of the Ten Commandments in his suburban Little Rock courtroom, but it was just last month that the ACLU lodged a complaint about the tribute, making it the first such action since the display was hung on the wall in 1994.

"...Pake's copy measures 11 by 14 inches and hangs near the judge's bench, away from where most court participants sit. According to local news reports, many who often appear in Pake's courtroom, including the Maumelle city attorney, never even noticed Pake's tribute until the ACLU drew attention to it." (CNSNews.com, 9/11/03) Pray that God's watchmen will not become dumb dogs that cannot bark when Christianity become the prey of the hecklers from hades. (Isa. 59:6) - WWM

The Cost Of Taking A Stand For God-Chief Justice Roy Moore will soon appear before the state's Court of the Judiciary, according to Cybercast News. U.S. District Court Judge Myron Thompson ordered the removal of The Ten Commandments monument from the Federal building in Montgomery. Justice Moore deemed the apostles right when they said, "We ought to obey God rather than men." (Acts 5:29) Now his job and political career are hanging in the balances. From Aug. 22 Justice Moore has 30 days to respond to charges of alleged judicial misconduct. Nebuchadnezzar's order must be obeyed, or they will burn in his overheated furnace. The sound of the wicked king's instruments are vibrating. Get ready to bow or burn. The anti-God protectors(?) from Christianity are crying, "Who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?" (Dan. 3) Pray for men who are willing to say with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, "...be it known unto thee . . . we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou has set up." (Dan. 3:17,18) We once thought this could happen only on other shores, but the tide of sin has swept it to the coast line of America. -WWM

Nelson Publishers' `Resolve' To Make Money-Thomas Nelson Publishers are resolved to make money even at the expense of mutilating the Bible. Their new Bible "that look like a magazine" is titled `Resolve,' and indeed has a magazine cover with pretty smiling faces of young ladies. (via TNP's Web.) Here is the explanation for this new venture. "In focus groups, online polling, and one- on-one discussion, Transit has found that the number one reason teens don't read the Bible is that it is `too big and freaky looking.'" The same reasoning is popular in presenting the Lord Jesus Christ to the worldly crowds. Yet the true Bible says, "...there is no beauty that we should desire him." Only the heavenly Father will draw a lost sinner to Jesus, and not by making Him fashionable. Nelson claims , "This fashion-magazine format for the New Testament is a perfect solution to that problem. Teen girls feel comfortable exploring the Scriptures..." These publishers feel there is need for conforming God's Word to particular groups; Bibles for Women, Men, Children, Teens, NKJ, NewAm., Revised Standard, Catholic, Charismatic, and on and on. The primary reason is $$$$s. They seem to claim an accomplishment they feel God has failed in. Jesus states the real reason that anyone doesn't read the Bible: "...because my word hath no place in you." (John 8:37) -WWM

John Maxwell's Bible-The advertisement of Maxwell's Bible is misleading to say the least: "The leadership expert takes an in-depth look at God's laws for leaders and leadership." Jesus said, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26) Did the Holy Spirit hold the "expert" position on a thorough study of God's laws only until John Maxwell came on the scene? If Maxwell's Bible is only a teaching implement, why does he call it "The Maxwell Leadership Bible"? Baptists, beware of any writer who cohorts with T. D. Jakes, Jesse Duplantis, John Hagee, Promise Keepers, and other charismatics. Maxwell has also spoken for Jerry Falwell and Robert Schuller. Not a quality assembly to be identified with. Who are the primary listeners when Duplantis speaks on TBN? "People who `hate preachers' watch the program. Kids who `don't like church' watch the program." (TBN Web) Duplantis is likely not the only one of the above group who qualifies for these listeners. -WWM

Missouri Overrides Abortion On Demand-Primarily due to the moral conviction of Sen. Harold Caskey, Missouri's law of abortion on demand has been overridden. Gov. Bob Holden vetoed a bill requiring a 24-hr. waiting period "after a woman makes an initial appointment for an abortion. The Missouri House voted 120-35 to override the veto." (BP, 9/17/03) Good for Missouri!! It would be even better if abortion would be altogether abolished. The immoral Planned Parenthood organization has announced it will file suit in federal and state courts attempting to keep the law from taking effect. There is little doubt that the ACLU will also become involved. Sen. Caskey is a Baptist with moral convictions that Gov. Holden knows nothing about personally. PP and the Gov. sound like a used car salesman who is afraid you will back-out of the purchase if you think about it over night. Abortion is eternally more serious, and an abomination before a Holy God. (Exo. 21:22,23; Eccl. 11:5) -WWM

Re-Thinking Canada's Same-Sex `Marriage'-"The move toward legalizing same-sex `marriage' in Canada may not be a done deal as previously thought." (BP, 9/17/03) A close divide in the Canadian Parliament was revealed when a non-binding motion defending a man/woman only marriage was defeated by only 5 votes. Canada's Prime Minister Jean Chretien, who proposed legislation legalizing gay marriage, could be on shaky ground on this subject. Pray Canada's PM will topple completely off the immoral pedestal that too many politicians perch on for the gay vote. While you are on your knees on this matter, thank the Lord Jesus for Pres. Bush and for his stand on moral values. Pray that our President will become more like King Hezekiah in regard to service to our God and opposed false gods such as Islam's Allah. (2 Kings 18:3-7) -WWM

Canada's Dictionary Yields To Gay Pressure-"The New Canadian Oxford Dict. will change its definition of marriage to read, `The legal or religious union of two people,' editor-in-chief Katherine Barber told CanWest News Service. It will say nothing about a husband and wife." (BP, 9/17/03) Barber criticized those who are opposed to the change. She gave this typical statement of homosexual sympathizers: "They don't want to admit that gay people can have relationships that are just like their ideal heterosexual relationships." Ms. Barber should look up other definitions, such as `just like.' Webster's II New College Dictionary is also updated for the 21st century. The old Webster's defined `gay' as merriment; happy. The updated gives an added definition to be politically correct: "A person whose sexual orientation is to a person of the same sex." It would be good for gay sympathizers to also look up the word `orientation.' `The line or direction followed in the course of a trend, movement, or development." So the gay lifestyle is plainly following the course of a trend, movement, or development. Satan is the master of sinful orientation. -WWM

Traditional Marriage Assaulted Once More-The head of biblical marriage, one man/one woman, is once again on the chopping block. "An advocacy group for single adults said Monday that federal and state laws and private employment policies designed to encourage traditional marriage constitute `discrimination' against those who cannot or choose not to marry." (CNSNews, 9/23/03) Thomas Coleman, executive director of Unmarried America, a part of the Am. Asso. of Single People, says there is no justification for government or private businesses to encourage or reward marriage. Surely Mr. Coleman has never read the Bible. Coleman would have to include God in this group. (Psa. 127:3) "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward." Coleman spoke of "those who cannot" (the homosexual, not those married couples who would love to have children but cannot), and those who "choose not to marry." There is nothing wrong with choosing not to marry, but cohabiting outside of marriage is fornication. If the gay crowd want children as they claim, let them `beget' their own. They cannot!! Their chosen orientation(?) is an abomination to God. -WWM

Prohibiting Illicit Relationship an Infringement of Liberty?-Thomas Coleman, of Unmarried America argues it is. He uses the recent legalization of homosexual sodomy in Texas as his platform. "They said the Texas law was unconstitutional, so really, it's any law that criminalizes private sexual relations between consenting adults as unconstitutional, is an infringement of liberty," Coleman argued. "They basically, kind of, opened the door to constitutional rights and arguments that there are constitutional protections for unmarried persons and that discrimination on the basis of marital status is not going to just automatically pass muster any longer." (CNSNews, 9/23/03) What about this law, Mr. Coleman? (Heb. 13:4) "Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." The claim that unmarried majorities "currently exist in 13 states, 132 congressional districts and more than 300 U.S. cities" is highly questionable. He must be including all between conception and marrying age. -WWM