(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 National Religious Creed- "In London recently, President Bush said that Christians and Muslims both pray to the same God. That was theologically controversial, but it was faithful to the national creed." (NYTimes, 12/30/03) Columnist David Brooks pointed out in this article that "Americans are reasonably tolerant, generally believing that all people of good will are basically on the same side." Shortly after 9/11 a video was released that reveals Osama ben Laden praising Allah for the destruction of the two World Trade Center buildings in NY. It may be politically correct to say that Christians & Muslims pray to the same God, but it reveals theological bankruptcy. There is but one true God and beside Him there is no other. Nebuchadnezzar made the correct assessment between the false god he worshiped and the true God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, when he proclaimed "there is no other God that can deliver after this sort." (Dan. 3:28,29) (W. W. Mosley, hereafter WWM)

Megachurch Indoctrination- "Churches compete for congregants. To fill the pews, they often emphasize the upbeat and the encouraging and play down the business about God's wrath. In today's megachurches, the technology is cutting edge, the music is modern, the language is therapeutic, and the dress is casual. These churches are seeker sensitive, not authoritarian." (NY Times, 12/30/03) Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof is a typical trait of last-day religion. The sad conclusion of many congregations today is they have need of nothing. What an alarming announcement to multitudes it would be to hear how God feels about this. (Rev. 3:16) "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."-WWM

Government Marriage Councilors?-President Bush is planning to spend $1.5 billion to promote healthy marriages. This is to train help for couples that they might "develop interpersonal skills that sustain `healthy marriages.'" (CNSNews.com, 1/14/04) Tony Perkins, president of Family Research Council, is pleased "that the Bush Administration recognizes that marriage promotion is a worthy aim of the federal government." And all this time I thought the Word of God contained all that is necessary to guide any man and woman that God has joined together. In fact, it is somewhat dangerous for any one or the government to fool around with what God has joined together. "For every $1,000.00 we spend on public programs addressing family breakdown, we only spend one dollar trying to prevent that breakdown in the first place. The President's initiative puts the emphasis in the right place prevention," Perkins added. The text book has already been written for successful marriage. A good chain-reference KJV can be purchased for every couple (opposite sex) planning marriage for $40 to $60. $1.5 billion would buy some 30 million Bibles. Add to that all money payed to congress to argue the case. Get saved, join the Lord's church, buy a KJV Bible, and listen to the counsel of a God called pastor. That will build a healthy marriage. -WWM

Creationism Challenged- "The book, Grand Canyon: A Different View, is a compilation of breathtaking views of the Canyon and essays written by scientists from the fields of geology, paleontology, biochemistry, physics, and geophysics and by theologians who hold to the `young earth' view of the origins of the universe. Part of that view, held by creation scientists and a growing number of secular geologists, maintains that the Grand Canyon was formed by a lot of water over a few thousand years not by the slow erosion of the Colorado River over millions of years." The book, compiled by Tom Vail a veteran tour guide of the Canyon was drawn into controversy recently when a group of prominent evolutionists called for it to be removed from the park's bookstores because they considered it too "religious." (Crosswalk, 1/16/04) Although the (all wise) U.S. Supreme Court deems creationism non-scientific, liberal scientist could solve all of their problems if they would just read and believe God's holy Word. Why would it surprise such a wise assembly to find out the substance on the moon is of the same substance as the earth? After all, they both have a common Creator. -WWM

The Result Of Expelling God From School-The Bend Bulletin (Oregon), 12/10/03 (Excerpted from the article "When Kids Kill"): According to FBI statistics, 9,017 girls younger than 18 were arrested in the United States in 2001 for serious violent crimes like murder, rape, and robbery. The same year, police arrested 40,817 boys for those crimes. Roughly 40,000 girls were arrested in the nation for minor assaults in 2001. That compares with about 86,000 arrests of boys, FBI statistics state. (Berean Call,1/16/04) (Job 8:13) "So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite's hope shall perish: . ." Satan is certainly taking advantage of the separation of church and state crowd. Putting the Ten Commandments in the back room where it will not offend the heathen will surely bring this to pass: (Psa. 9:17) "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." -WWM

JPII's Cure For The World's Ills-VATICAN CITY (Reuters, 1/1/04) - The world needs a "new international order" to solve its conflicts and ensure peace, Pope John Paul said in his New Year's Day address on Thursday. "More than ever we need a new international order which draws on the experience and results of the United Nations," the 83-year-old pontiff said at a mass in St Peter's Basilica. "An order which is capable of finding adequate solutions to today's problems, based on the dignity of human beings, on integrating all society, on solidarity between rich and poor countries, on the sharing of resources and the extraordinary results of scientific and technological progress," he added. (Berean Call, 1/16/04) Sounds like the heralding of the beast of Rev. 13. Who is able to make war with him? The one who blasphemes God will keep a puny false peace for those who follow him. He will have "a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies." Evil speaking against God is already a common language. It is high time for believers to awake out of sleep. Our catching away is drawing near. (Rom. 13:11) Catholicism's `Holy Papa' will one day get his "new international order." -WWM

A Culture Without The Bible- "While American culture bombards young people with messages that sexual exploration or experimentation at a young age is healthy and normal, current health statistics are sending them a very different message the truth. Each day in America, 8,000 teenagers are infected with STDs. More than a million teenage girls will become pregnant this year, which can be expected to account for 20% of the 1.3 to 1.5 million abortions that will be performed in the U.S. this year." (Crosswalk, 1/19/04) Among the most dreadful words to hear just short of eternal hell are found in the Book of Romans chapter 1. "God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, . . ." (v. 24); "God gave them up unto vile affections: . . ." (v. 26); "God gave them over to a reprobate mind, . . ." (v. 28). It is impossible to read the Bible and not notice God's vengeance against any nation given over to lustful pleasure. -WWM

God Made It Who Can Deny It?-Religious plaques quoting verses from the Bible's Book of Psalms are hanging on the outside walls of two gift shops at the Grand Canyon. They are a gift from a religious group presented in 1970. "Those verses hanging on the outside walls of two gift shops and a lookout tower along the south rim of the canyon could intrude on a visitor's own personal meditation and might be construed as a sermon from the government. . . .The psalms also became an issue last summer after a visitor called them to the attention of the American Civil Liberties Union. The organization took no action but queried the park on the plaques' history. Fearing a suit, park administrators removed the verses but have since replaced them while the Justice Department considers the matter." (Boston Globe, 1/19/04) Seems it would make a greater impression if the ACLU would simply remove the canyon. Then there would be no reason to give God the credit for creation. (Psa. 94:8) "Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise?" -WWM

Gay Politics-Some presidential and other positional wannabe's are again riding the band wagon with the homosexual crowd. Claiming that gaining the desires of gay voters by fighting for their `civil rights' is good and proper. Homosexuality is neither civil or right. Civilized is hardly the descriptive word for the gay `lifestyle.' It is certainly not right or correct because it is unnatural. God has given homosexuals over to a reprobate mind to do things not convenient. (Rom. 1:28) The gay crowd has turned the natural into that which is against nature. (Rom. 1:26) Spineless legislatures may give in to gay pressure, but God has given them up. -WWM

Is This Becoming Traditional America?- "[There are] approximately 156,000 homosexual households in America with children. According to U.S. Census data gathered by The Times, there are some 60,000 male couples, 96,000 female couples. The New York Times profiled `stay-at-home' dads within same-sex partnerships in its Jan.12 edition with the implication that such couples are just as traditional as a family with a stay-at-home mom." (BP, 1/16/04) However, biblical marriage supporters add this fact in the same publication when they ". . .point to a body of research showing that children with biological parents are better off than children in other circumstances. For instance, children with biological parents are less likely to drop out of school, more likely to have good grades, less likely to commit crime and less likely to be sexually active, research shows." Obviously the gay people have never found homosexuals with children in the Bible or little V. Gene Robinson would point it out. -WWM

Descendants Of Abraham? "The Jewish Community Relations Council, the major public policy voice of the Jewish community in Greater Boston, has voted overwhelmingly to endorse same-sex marriage." (Boston Globe, 1/16/04) Abraham was referred to as "Abram the Hebrew." (Gen. 14:13) He was the great, great grandfather of Judah. Three heaven sent individuals appeared to Abraham with the news of God's plan to destroy Sodom. (Gen. 18) It was clearly revealed to Abraham that sodomy is an unrighteous act. Not even ten righteous could be found in Sodom that it might be spared. Only Lot and his two unmarried daughters escaped the fiery demise of Sodom's inhabitants. What a dreadful thought that this same ratio of the righteous and unrighteous might come to fruition in America. Be sure of this, God has not changed His mind about sodomy. (Mal. 3:6) -WWM

One Anglican Priest Exalted -Another Put Down- "An Anglican priest from British Columbia is speaking out after his conservative mission church was shut down by its local diocese. Bishop Michael Ingham of the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster recently closed Church of the Holy Cross because of its opposition to homosexuality. Holy Cross rector James Wagner says a decision by the diocese to create a rite to bless same-sex marriages was `divisive' and a departure from scriptural truth. That is why his church refused to perform same-sex `blessing' ceremonies." (Crosswalk, 1/15/04) The Anglican church is far from being scriptural by any stretch of the imagination. However, this action reveals the trend of much of Christianity(?) today. This organization recently exalted gay Episcopalian V. Gene Robinson to the position of bishop, and removed the work of Bishop Ingham for opposing homosexuality. -WWM

Churches Renting Movie Houses-Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" production grabbed the attention of much of America's spiritual ear. "In anticipation of the release of Gibson's film, (Arch) Bonnema has bought out all 20 screens of the Cinemark Tinseltown so that members of Prestonwood Baptist Church can experience the movie on debut day. Bonnema also plans to give half of his thousands of tickets to theology students, Bible study groups and others. . . .And like Bonnema, churches across the nation are buying large blocks of tickets in advance of the film's release on Feb. 25, Ash Wednesday." (NewsMax.com, 1/20/04) These Baptists, and others, may forget about Wednesday night services Feb.25, if they haven't already done so. After all, Hollywood surely knows more about the suffering of Christ for sinners than the pastor does. There is little doubt in my mind that some churches will take the tithes and offerings of the Lord's church for purchasing these tickets. I have heard of churches renting places of entertainment with the Lord's offering and consider it spiritual activity. Such will never be approved by a holy God. -WWM

Hope For The Future?-BROCKTON- "At a beanery called Frank's just off the interstate, 16-year-old Patrick Catoe sits at a window table, raving about the new love in his life and, in romantic detail, describing the night they met in Boston and the fun they had the previous weekend doing what a lot of young couples do: fantasizing about their wedding. Naturally he has a photograph." (Boston Globe, 1/20/04) Celebration of a state Supreme Judicial Court that declared the right of gays to marry has reached the teen crowd. This teenager said: "I know now that one day I'll dance with my mom at my wedding, and thank you, government, for finally making it OK." No government on earth can declare homosexuality to be `OK.' There is another law that says it is an abomination before God. (Lev. 18:22) The only hope for this 16 year old is in a cleansing from sin by the blood of Jesus Christ. (1 John 1:7) "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." -WWM

Wide Gap Between `Many' & `Few'- "Polls show that approximately 40 percent of Americans do not belong to a church and do not consider religion a very important part of their lives." (Boston Globe, 1/20/04) When it comes to spiritual dedication to the Lord's church, it would not be surprising to find out that at least 90 percent of the other 60 percent feel the same about faithfulness. At least it would seem so with all the empty pews at many services. (Matt. 7:13,14) "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." -WWM

Amen!- "Pastors who preach the Bible recognize that the church is not just a collection of religious people; it is a declaration of war on the prince of the power of the air. If that is the case, preaching means equipping men, women and children not just to know something, but to confront the powers of this age with the Gospel of a resurrected Christ." (Excerpt from Baptist Press, 1/14/04) (1 Cor. 1:21) "For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." The emphasis must be on preaching the Gospel, not playing the games. On evangelizing the lost, not entertaining the lazy. -WWM

Mocking Marriage-Britney Spears' short marriage by her own words was no more than a joke. David Letterman announced the birth of his baby last Nov. 3 and was complimented by a standing applause. He and the baby's mother are not married. The sad truth is the greater percent of America is unconcerned about illegitimacy. Divorce has become the acceptable cure for incompatibility. While homosexuality demands the right to marry, legal marriage between a man a woman is becoming secondary, if that close, to carnal satisfaction. Obtaining favor with the Lord in the matter of marriage never enters the mind of too great a percent of couples. (Prov. 18:22) "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD." -WWM

Catholic Cardinal Says Prostitution OK-Gustaaf Joos, a Belgian cardinal said, "I am prepared to sign here in my blood that of all those who say they are lesbian or gay, at most 5 to 10 percent, are effectively lesbian or gay. All the rest are sexual perverts. . . Real homosexuals don't wander in the streets in colorful suits," he said. (NewsMax.com, 1/23/04) He may have in mind the pedophile priest in the U.S. when speaking of `sexual perverts.' The cardinal thinks ". . .it is better to find a prostitute than seduce or rape a girl. At least there are no innocent victims involved." How one sin is better than another, can be a legitimate argument for satisfying the lust of the flesh, is impossible to explain. Since "sin is a reproach to any people," (Prov. 14:31) all sin, homosexuality, prostitution, etc. will ruin any nation. When Potiphar's wife seduced Joseph, he explained sin in this manner: " . . .how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" (Gen. 39:9) All sin is against God. (Psa. 51:4)-WWM

Islam & Christianity Equal Religions?-Fuller Seminary has received a $1 million grant from the Justice Department to help fund a project aimed at calming relations between Christians and Muslims, seeming to promote the idea that the two are equally acceptable religions. Its proposed interfaith code of ethics rejects offensive statements about each other's faiths, affirms a mutual belief in one God, and pledges not to proselytize. Nearly 100 retired SBC missionaries signed a plea in June asking Christian leaders to refrain from making inflammatory public statements about Islam which would harm missionary work in Muslim lands (1/3/04 World). A SBC spokesman said "for Fuller to declare that Christians and Muslims worship the same God would be a radical departure."(12/8 Agape) The Council on Amer.-Islamic Relations is demanding an apology from Paul Harvey for referring to Islam as "a religion which encourages killing." (Calvary Contender, hereafter CC)

China Crushes House Churches-Inside sources say Red China is crushing the house church movement. It considers unregistered churches political subversives. Protestant churches can register only through the China Christian Council and its related Three-Self Patriotic Movement. Both closely cooperate with the Communist regime, which forbids worship outside state-backed official "patriotic" religious bodies (1/04 Chr. Today). Worship is allowed only in government-monitored churches, temples, and mosques. In a two-month period beginning last mid-August, authorities closed or bulldozed over 100 churches in one town. (12/23 Huntsville Times). Today, about 15 million Protestants and 10 million Catholics worship in the official churches. Millions more belong to unofficial house churches. CC

NRB Conference-This takes place in Charlotte this year (Feb. 13-18) and, true to form, includes ecumenical speakers and CCM singers. Speakers include: Chuck Swindoll, Franklin Graham, Adrian Rogers, John Piper, Michael Cassidy, Chip Ingram, and Janet Parshall. Music by: Talley Trio, Larnelle Harris, and Stuart Neill. Pres. Bush and Tom DeLay are invited. Dr. Colas will attend with press credentials. -CC

Falwell Praises Rick Warren's Growth Methods-Dr. Jerry Falwell and other Southern Baptist leaders have highly praised Rick Warren's pragmatic philosophy of ministry and unbiblical, marketing-inspired methods for church growth. Fundamentalists must beware of Warren's "Purpose-Driven" methods and inaccurate theology, and for Falwell's influence and compromise. Secular marketing strategies, capitulation to an ungodly culture and meeting the perceived needs of the unregenerate may result in higher "numbers" at church, but the implementation of such "methods" does not glorify God nor accomplish His work in the way He desires. (Foundation). -CC