"What’s More Important: Liberty Or The Entity That Protects It?" by Chuck Baldwin

Some favorite quotes:

. . . Thomas Jefferson–and the rest of America’s founders–believed that freedom was the principal possession, because liberty is a divine–not human–gift. . .

Jefferson could not be clearer: America’s founders desired a land in which men might live in liberty. By declaring independence from the government of Great Britain (and instituting new government), Jefferson, et al., did not intend to erect an idol (government) that men would worship. . .

To America’s founders, patriotism had everything to do with the love of liberty, not the love of government!

Today’s brand of patriotism (at least as expressed by many) is totally foreign to the fundamental principles of liberty upon which America was built. I’m talking about the idea that government is an end and aim in itself; the idea that government must be protected from the people; the idea that bigger government equals better government; the idea that criticism of the government makes one unpatriotic; the idea that government is a panacea for all our ills; and the idea that loyalty to the nation equals loyalty to the government. All of this is a bunch of bull manure!

Full Article: "What’s More Important: Liberty Or The Entity That Protects It?" by Chuck Baldwin (About a 10 minute read)

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"You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being."
Revelation 4:11

Psalm 65:2-13 (from The Message) [ESV Translation here]

We all arrive at your doorstep sooner
or later, loaded with guilt,
Our sins too much for us—
but you get rid of them once and for all.
Blessed are the chosen! Blessed the guest
at home in your place!
We expect our fill of good things
in your house, your heavenly manse.
All your salvation wonders
are on display in your trophy room.
Earth-Tamer, Ocean-Pourer,
Mountain-Maker, Hill-Dresser,
Muzzler of sea storm and wave crash,
of mobs in noisy riot—
Far and wide they'll come to a stop,
they'll stare in awe, in wonder.
Dawn and dusk take turns
calling, "Come and worship."

Oh, visit the earth,
ask her to join the dance!
Deck her out in spring showers,
fill the God-River with living water.
Paint the wheat fields golden.
Creation was made for this!
Drench the plowed fields,
soak the dirt clods
With rainfall as harrow and rake
bring her to blossom and fruit.
Snow-crown the peaks with splendor,
scatter rose petals down your paths,
All through the wild meadows, rose petals.
Set the hills to dancing,
Dress the canyon walls with live sheep,
a drape of flax across the valleys.
Let them shout, and shout, and shout!
Oh, oh, let them sing!

This earth day remember our duty to care for the earth, but also remember to worship the Creator and not the creation!

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."

So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth." And God said, "Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food." And it was so. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
Genesis 1:26-31



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The Bible Knights Quest! - Bible Challenge 2010 - Week 2 - 04/18/2010

Week 2 - Luke Chapter 2
 
Knights and Ladies,
 
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11

Jesus was born our Savior and Lord! Born "Messiah and Master." (The Message)

"Compare Isaiah 9:6 , 'Unto us a Child is born.' It is a birth--'The Word is made flesh' ( John 1:14 ). When? 'This day.' Where? 'In the city of David'--in the right line and at the right 'spot'; where prophecy bade us look for Him, and faith accordingly expected Him. How dear to us should be these historic moorings of our faith! . . . a Saviour--not One who shall be a Saviour, but 'born a Saviour.'"
("The Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible" Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871)

"These three titles [Savior, Christ, Lord] reveal the greatness of Mary's son. . . The astonishing announcement, probably not fully grasped by the shepherds, is that this Messiah who has been born as a baby is also the Lord God himself."
("The ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version" 2008, Crossway Bibles)

Commentaries:

http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/
 
Accept the challenge, take the quest!

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“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
(2 Timothy 3:16-17)
 
A prayer for the use of Holy Scripture:
 
O Gracious God and most merciful Father, who has granted us the rich and precious jewel of Your holy word, assist us with Your Spirit, that it may be written in our hearts to our everlasting comfort, to reform us, to renew us according to Your own Image, to build us up, and to instruct us into the perfect building of Christlikeness, sanctifying and increasing in us all heavenly virtues. Grant this, O heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
(adapted from the “1599 Geneva Bible” Tolle Lege Press, 2006-2007)
 


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National Day of Prayer Gathering
Thursday May 6, 2010
Peoria County Courthouse Plaza
324 Main Street, Peoria IL
Noon – 1

Join us for a time of intercession for our region and
nation as we are led in prayer by area ministers and
leaders. We will gather by the fountain in the Plaza area.
Additional information at http://nationaldayofprayer.org



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The Bible Knights Quest! - Bible Challenge 2010 - Week 1 - 04/11/2010

Luke Chapter 1
 
Knights and Ladies,
 
"Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word."
Luke 1:1-2

Luke's "carefully investigated" record of the accounts of the "eyewitnesses" so that we "may know the certainty of the things you have been taught." (Luke 1:1-4)

"Many had undertaken to give an account of that which was historically received among Christians, as related to them by the companions of Jesus; and Luke thought it well-having followed these things from the beginning, and thus obtained exact knowledge respecting them-to write methodically to Theophilus, in order that he might have the certainty of those things in which he had been instructed. It is thus that God has provided for the instruction of the whole church, in the doctrine contained in the picture of the Lord's life furnished by this man of God; who, personally moved by christian motives, was directed and inspired by the Holy Ghost for the good of all believers."
(John Darby Synopsis of the New Testament)

Commentaries:

http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/

Accept the challenge, take the quest!

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“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
(2 Timothy 3:16-17)
 
A prayer for the use of Holy Scripture:
 
O Gracious God and most merciful Father, who has granted us the rich and precious jewel of Your holy word, assist us with Your Spirit, that it may be written in our hearts to our everlasting comfort, to reform us, to renew us according to Your own Image, to build us up, and to instruct us into the perfect building of Christlikeness, sanctifying and increasing in us all heavenly virtues. Grant this, O heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
(adapted from the “1599 Geneva Bible” Tolle Lege Press, 2006-2007)
 

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The Bible Knights Quest! - Bible Challenge 2009 - Week 52 - 03/28/2010

Sunday --- John 15
Monday --- John 16
Tuesday --- John 17
Wednesday --- John 18
Thursday --- John 19
Friday --- John 20
Saturday --- John 21

Knights and Ladies,

So the other disciples told [Thomas], "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."
John 20:25

Jesus has risen! He has overcome death!

It's interesting that Thomas' doubt is recorded. He eventually sees the Lord and believes (John 20:28), and history records that the Apostles and early disciples were given a choice, recant the lie that they had seen Jesus alive after his crucifixion or die. They chose death. Why die for a lie? They wouldn't. It is true, Jesus has risen!

"Then Jesus told him, 'Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'" (John 20:29)

Peoples lives are still being transformed today by the true and living God! We may not see Him in physical form, but we can see the results of faith in Him, the hope and life transformation, the miracles and wonders.

"But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20:31)

The Scriptures are written so we may hear and read the truth of God the creator, Jesus Christ the savior, and the Holy Spirit and believe!

"Jesus is the Son of God with all that this high term implies, the Logos of John 1:1-18 (the Prologue). 'Very God of very God,' Incarnate Revealer of God. . . 'Life' is eternal life so often mentioned in this Gospel, life to be found only in the name (and power) of Jesus Christ the Son of God."
("The Robertson's Word Pictures of the New Testament" Broadman Press 1932,33, Renewal 1960)

Accept the challenge, take the 2010 quest! Click for Details!

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“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

A prayer for the use of Holy Scripture:

O Gracious God and most merciful Father, who has granted us the rich and precious jewel of Your holy word, assist us with Your Spirit, that it may be written in our hearts to our everlasting comfort, to reform us, to renew us according to Your own Image, to build us up, and to instruct us into the perfect building of Christlikeness, sanctifying and increasing in us all heavenly virtues. Grant this, O heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
(adapted from the “1599 Geneva Bible” Tolle Lege Press, 2006-2007)


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The Bible Knights Quest! - Bible Challenge 2010
 
Knights and Ladies,
 
So Jesus said. . . "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32 ESV

Abide in God's word! To truly be Jesus' disciples, we must know, study, and live out His word!
 
Bible Challenge 2010: A commentary study of Luke and Acts

Readings will be one chapter a week starting Sunday, April 11. The first devotional will be posted and emailed Friday, April 9.

It's only one chapter a week, but I will be reading through a commentary at the same time. I will make online commentary resources available as well as links to the resources I'm using. This will be a study of Christ's bride, the Church, and my devotional emphasis will be on our part in Acts chapter 29 today!
(see details at www.BibleKnights.com/theQuest.aspx)

I pray you will take the challenge to abide in God's word!
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you!
Mick Dobra, Chaplain and Founder the Romans 15:4 Project
 
The Bible Challenge!
 
The Bible Challenge is a yearly Quest, from Easter to Easter, through the word of God! Will you give God 15 to 30 minutes of your day to read, study, and meditate on His Word? Will you take the challenge?

Awakening
 
". . . we invite followers of Christ in every corner of our land, of every race and denominational background, to unite in common pursuits to see God glorified, His Church revived and our nation transformed by an awakening to the Supremacy of our Lord Jesus Christ."
- Awakening America Leadership Summit, Northampton, Massachusetts, 2008
 
We, the Church, must act quickly and become the salt that stings the moral wounds and flavors the grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ. As he said in Matthew chapter 5 verse 13 :
 
“‘You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.’


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“Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.” -- C. S. Lewis (1898 - 1963)

Obamacare passed this weekend, but it's not too late, now the Constitutional and State's Rights battles begin!

Liberty Counsel Plans to Fight!

"Because the bill that passed Sunday night mandates individual coverage and requires private employers to provide coverage,Liberty Counsel is FILING SUIT IN FEDERAL COURT THIS WEEK to challenge the bill's constitutionality!

We need hundreds of thousands of Americans to sign our Statement of Support for this litigation. Given the sad spectacle we saw play out in the House of Representatives this weekend, we must now win this battle in a courtroom."

Please go here to sign your official Statement of Support:

http://www.libertyaction.org/r.asp?u=26419&RID=17937600



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HSLDA believes that the current health care reform legislation in Congress poses a serious threat to parental rights and homeschool freedom.

Two more reasons why God fearing families should oppose Obamacare Health Care Reform!

1) The Intrusion into family sovereignty!
"The problem is found in Section 2951 on page 568 of this 2,074-page bill. This section is titled Maternal, Infant, And Early Childhood Home Visiting Programs . . . Under the terms of this program, government officials, including social workers, will be able to visit the homes of certain families . . . all the details of the home visitation programs are open to being politically influenced by government bureaucrats . . . They may pressure parents to adopt child-rearing methods that are against the family's religious beliefs. Home visitation officials may even threaten families with abuse and neglect investigations if the families do not choose to follow the official parenting education models."
See more here: Calls Needed: Government Home Visitations in the Health Care Reform Bill

2) Federally Mandated and Funded Infanticide (ie. Abortions)
"For the first time in history, the bill would create authority for the federal government to MANDATE ABORTION COVERAGE . . . Individuals and families would be FORCED into insurance plans with mandatory abortion coverage . . . American taxpayers would be forced to pay a new 'ABORTION PREMIUM FEE' to cover the costs of abortions for other people . . . The bill WOULD NOT adequately protect the consciences of medical providers who refuse to participate in life-destroying practices" (David Bereit, National Director, 40 Days for Life)
Learn more here: Stop the Abortion Mandate!

Do Not be fooled! "No dictatorship or godless form of government can tolerate any authority superior to its own, so religion and family are authorities that must be eradicated or, at least, discredited and smothered."
(Dr. John Howard, founder of the Howard Center for Family, Religion and Society. Addressed to the Philadelphia Society, 2/28/2009)

We therefore declare our family sovereign and ordained by God!
We hope to live out our vision and mission to honor and glorify God and to leave a Godly legacy by modeling God's plan and purpose for our marriage and family!
(The Dobra Family Mission, 2010)

More on Family and Education:

I don't think we always grasp just how important our families are in the big picture. Are you obeying God, teaching your children, and leaving a legacy for God?

Another study confirms. . .
It's best NOT to send your kids to preschool!

"federalization of education" for a mere $75 a student!

Family Alert: Huge marriage penalty in both healthcare bills (Updated x5)

Swedish government taking children by U.N. authority

1 in 7 Students Pregnant in Planned Parenthood Public High School!


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The Bible Knights Quest! - Bible Challenge 2009 - Week 51 - 03/21/2010

Sunday --- John 8
Monday --- John 9
Tuesday --- John 10
Wednesday --- John 11
Thursday --- John 12
Friday --- John 13
Saturday --- John 14

Knights and Ladies,

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;
John 11:25

Jesus is the resurrection and the life! Only Jesus can give and sustain life.

Can anyone maintain a life? I had this "moment" with our first child, Luke. Laying in the bassinet in our bedroom gurgling and coughing. I was a wreck! Every odd noise I would sit up and make sure he was still breathing. I was becoming a sleepless zombie! And why? Did I give my child the breath of life? Could I possibly maintain his life? No! And that's when I gave him over to Jesus, the true giver, sustainer, and maintainer of LIFE!

"Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life--'The whole power to restore, impart, and maintain life, resides in Me.' . . . The temporary separation of soul and body is here regarded as not even interrupting, much less impairing, the new and everlasting life imparted by Jesus to His believing people."
(The Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871)

Special Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Jesus the resurrection and life, grant your people wisdom in this dark time. I pray that the infanticide (abortion) promoting and funding health care bill does not become the law of our land! In Jesus Christ's life giving name I pray - Amen

Special Healing:
For those that have had abortions, we all, everyone of us myself included, fall short of the glory of God and do not deserve His mercy. But Jesus is the greatest example of God's unfailing mercy and grace. We can all be forgiven and made new through His death and resurrection on our behalf. For those that have accepted this gift we can forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead, eternal life. "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14)

Accept the challenge, take the quest!

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“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

A prayer for the use of Holy Scripture:

O Gracious God and most merciful Father, who has granted us the rich and precious jewel of Your holy word, assist us with Your Spirit, that it may be written in our hearts to our everlasting comfort, to reform us, to renew us according to Your own Image, to build us up, and to instruct us into the perfect building of Christlikeness, sanctifying and increasing in us all heavenly virtues. Grant this, O heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
(adapted from the “1599 Geneva Bible” Tolle Lege Press, 2006-2007)


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