Last night, a small group of friends  and family went to see the new movie Amazing Grace.  I am not a movie critic and do not see many Hollywood productions, but this one is a winner.  It will be interesting to see if the box office tallies are enough to encourage the producers to do more films like this.
            The movie itself is very classy--the production value, the sets and scenes are enough to take the viewer into the late 1700"s and the actors were top notch.  There is enough humor injected to relieve the tension of the story, and the story is one that really should be included in all history classes.        
            Amazing Grace is the true story of William Wilberforce, a man of substantial means in this world, who battled against economic and political forces in Great Britain to bring an end to the slave trade and ultimately slavery.  The movie makers did a wonderful job of including John Newton as a real life mentor for Wilberforce and the use of Newton"s song Amazing Grace added to the wonderful experience.
            I would urge anyone who reads this to see the film for two reasons.  First we need to support efforts like this one-there are so few films that show Christians in a positive light.  Secondly, I would hope that you will walk away from the movie feeling inspired.  Amazing Grace shows us that Christians can and must make a difference in our culture.  I have no doubt that none of us are Wilberforces by ourselves, (I sure don't see any in Washington or Sacremento) but if each of us takes a little piece of the fight, we can turn this country around. Thank God for Wilberforces example--I hope it is a call to action for many.

             I wonder what the World War 2 generation really thinks about the events of this past week in Congress.  While we as a country are at war, most of us civilians have not made any sacrifices--especially when we compare 2007 with 1942.  Our sevice members and their families are to be commended for their faithful responses to extended and frequent deployments to very dangerous places.  All to make us safer here at home.  Please continue to pray for all those in harms way and their families.
            I heard a retired 4 star General this week who echoed John Murtha and Cindy Sheehan in his denunciation of this War On Terror--particularly our efforts to stand up some semblnce of an independant, democratic Iraq.  He admitted that he hadn't read "America Alone" or "The Looming Tower", and he just couldn't see what this threat to America really is.  While I am truly grateful for his service to our country, it's hard to believe that an intelligent  General hasn't taken the time to look at the facts or even look to New York City where there are still 2 buildings and 3000 people missing.
            But even more amazing was the stampede in Congress this week to push forward a non-binding resolution of non-support for adding 21,000  troops to Iraq.  17 Republicans signed on with all but 2 of the Dem. members of the House to pass this toothless denunciation of President Bush's new "surge.  Just a few months ago, the opposition to the Iraq phase was screaming for new leadership and more boots on the ground.  Now they have both and they are still not happy.  What hypocrites-especially the Republicans!   There is a group forming at Victorycaucus.com that is already looking for ways to challenge our wayward Republican brothers and sisters in the next round of primaries.
            The point of all this--I want to encourage anyone who reads this to see the new movie "Amazing Grace".
It tells the story of William Wilberforce who spent almost 30 years of his life doggedly pursuing the end of slave trading in Great Britain.  It is an amazing story about doing what's right and not detouring from that calling.  People like Wilberforce, Churchill and even FDR used tp be ca;;ed statesmen--I sure don't see too many in the House or Senate now.  I do see a lot of windbag politicians.
Maybe if we could get our "politicians" to see how a "statesman" did it--nah, they are to busy reading polls to read books or see an important true story.

         The events of this last week have been to some Americans thoughtful and prudent and to others rash, reactionary, radical and to some, a decision from the pits of Hell.  Those same folks whose mantra  of a few months ago was, "we need more boots on the ground", have now decided to cut and run from the most important battle in the War on Terror.  Most Democrats and some Republicans have dedided that it is not a good thing to wipe out Islamist terrorists who are standing in the way of a democratic republic in Iraq-it may not look like America, but for the Middle East it would be quite progressive.
        President Bush's  approval rating has fallen steadily and other polls show that there is little support for sending more troops to Iraq and continuing the fight there.  Democrats have spoken openly and excited ly about cutting off the funding for the war.  They have compared this war to Vietnam-which as we all know was perhaps the lowest point in the American experience.  At the end of the Vietnam War, we made promises to the South Vietnamese to fund their army as they continued to defend their country.  A Democratic Congress decided that that promise wasn't worth much so they voted to cut off all funding to the South Vietnamese.  The result- at least 3 million murdered on Vietnam and Cambodia.
        Senator Ted Kennedy was one of those who cut off support to South Vietnam.  Now he is bloviating about doing the same thing in Iraq.  He has been joined by a large chorus from the left- Boxer, Schumer, Biden, etc. I am more than willing to admit that I am not an intellectual-in fact I'm not close.  But unlike our elected officials who are placing power over security and an irrational hatred of Pres. Bush over clear thinking foreign policy that looks years into the future, I am bright enough to consult intelligent sources that have done some research into our (at least in my opinion) enemies.
        There are two books that I would recommend.  Lawerence Wright's "The Looming Tower" is a wonderful history of the Islamist movement.  He is a center-left fellow who is most certainly not a Bush type voter.  But one of the themes of his book is the ongoing, intensifying, utter hatred that Islamists have for those of us who are Americans.  This is not the "hatred" that exists between Dodger and Giant fans or Steeler and Raven supporters.  This is an I'm willing to die and take as many as I can with me kind of hatred.  Read the book-I guarantee that you will learn something,
        The second book is Mark Steyn's "America Alone".  At times I found myself saying out loud "quit being so funny, this is serious!"  He is the wittiest and perhaps most intuitive observer on the scene today.  His research shows the demographics of Europe--they are doomed by attrition.  Europeans are not replacing themselves with babies-but Muslim immigrants arre picking up the slack.  Unfortunately, they are not all solid, patriotic citizens.  Did you know that the most popular boys name in some Western Europeans countries is Mohammed?
        Enough already-please read the books.  This is not Vietnam.  Kennedy's cohorts betrayed 3 million people.  If we lose the battle in Iraq, if we give up and quit, the forces that we are fighting will follow us.  Read the books.

     Tonight, I went downtown to pick up Mexican food for dinner.  But it was a different ten minute drive than usual.
     I really need to offer some background.  My wife is in the habit of recording the Coral Ridge Hour every Sunday morning.  Since I leave for our church before she does, she has an opportunity to preview Dr. Kennedy's worship service.  Yesterday when we met at our church, she told me how awesome the music was on the broadcast from Coral Ridge and was particularly moved by their choir's presentation of "Mary, Did You Know".  I watched it when we got home and it was truly outstanding-a choir that can really sing, brass, tympani, organ and piano.
     So tonight I pulled out the CD we have of Dave and Barb Anderson's Christmas concert.  Though our choir is not on this recording(probably Providential), it is the same list of music we sang with them a few years ago. On the way home tonight, I punched up "Mary Did You Know".  I sang along for a while as I remembered the bass part but when the lyrics came to say that this little baby is the "great I AM", I couldn't sing anymore.  The reminder that God , in His infinite wisdom , sent His very own Son in the form of a poor little baby left me so awed that I couldn't make a sound.
     Jesus Christ came here as a helpless child.  Even though He was fully God, He lived His life as one of us.  He fullfilled all of God's laws perfectly-then offered Himself willingly as a sacrifice to satisfy God's wrath against our disobedience to Him.  It is through faith in the work of Christ that we obtain eternal life with Him.  There is not a thing I can add to His work that will change God's plan of salvation
     Music is a wonderful gift.  Tonight, God's plan of redemption , set to music caused a crusty,conservative, Lutheran to remember why this is such a special time of the year.  I hope and pray that your Christmas season allows time to remember that little baby in Bethlehem who is the Great I AM!

After spending a wonderful Thanksgiving with Kids and grandkids, I was invited to a friends home on Thursday evening for a cigar and the opportunity to spend some time with two Marine Corps Cobra pilots.  My impression is always the same.  These guys are not like most of us who have never worn the uniform.  The discipline, sacrifice, and focus of Marines is on a much higher level than any group that I have been a part of-including football teams and church organizations.  (as a side note, imagine how much Kingdom work could be done if Christians were as dedicated as Marines!)                                                                                   

The purpose of this post is to pass along some anecdotal information that in some small way disproves some of the charges from the left about our Iraq policy and our military.                    

The Iraqis really don't want us there-we are only making the country worse.  I was told a story about a convoy that was making it's way along a narrow road, only to encounter a young girl seated Tiennaman Square like in the middle of the road.  The road was to narrow to pass her and she was not in a mood to move.  After a period of time investigating her reasons for her actions, our Marines determined that the entire road for the next few miles had been booby trapped by terrorists--her actions probably saves many casualties.  That young lady risked much by blockading our convoy.  It appears that she really liked Americans.  Imagine that!

John Kerry's insinuation that only dummies end up in the military.  One of the pilots I talked to indicated that he loves spending any free time he has reading everything he can by Mark Steyn, Victor Davis Hanson, and Hugh Hewitt.  I can only conclude that this pilot-who has a degree from West Virginia University--seems to be plenty bright.  I would like to add that I only wish that those making policy decisions in our country had the same reading habits.

Our men and women in uniform are NOT all like the the perverts and misfits that were at Abu Gharib.  I'll just direct you to a photo and story that I haven't seen in any newspapers.  Check out www.snopes.com/photos/military/gebhart.asp     These warriors have great hearts too.

God bless these brave men and their squadrons as they prepare to head back to Iraq.

 I was recently honored to speak for a few minutes at church about why giving is important to me.  With some minor adjustments, I'd like to pass along those thoughts and challenge whoever reads this to do some pondering as we approach Thanksgiving.

About a month ago several adults and 15 or so youth from Zion went to the extreme east edge of Tijuana to build two houses for families there.  The poverty there is incredible.  One can't imagine the gratitude that is shown for a "house" measuring 12 feet by 12 feet.  Oh yeah, they get a window, door, and roof--but no plumbing or electrical service.

At the same time I was finishing a book by Pastor Don Piper.  He told his story about being crushed by an eighteen wheeler, being dead for 90 minutes of our time, and what it was like to spend that period at the gates of Heaven.  He was amazingly brought back to life here, spent over two years in excruciating pain as he rehabilitated and has had to readjust his life to the new normal that his injuries have created.

We were also practicing and singing an anthem in worship entitled "What shall I Render to the Lord"-for all His benefits to me?

What amazing perspective these events offered!  Let me list a few of the blessings God has given me.

        1.  Christian grandparents and parents who took the time to explain God's providence, His plan of salvation, and consistently modeled Christ's love.
        2.  A faithful sister, who is also a friend, and her family.
        3.  A loving and Godly wife who definitely keeps me on track.
        4.  Three challenging daughters - all believers.
        5.  An honest, hardworking business partner of 31 years.
        6.  All the work we can do and then some.
        7.  Financial blessings enough to have a home here - most always filled with laughter.
        8.  An almost new car, nice clothes, and if you could see me, plenty of food.
        9.  God has provided enough for all 3 daughters to attend private Christian colleges.
        10.  I've been on two cruises.  I have a DVD player and a very faithful friend who records all the Steelers games for me to watch.
        11.  God inspired someone to invent the cell phone--I can call my   grandson from anywhere, anytime.
        12.  We have been given a wonderful church, a solid Pastor, sound and inspiring preaching and teaching, and our closest friends-our Zion family.

This is only a partial list-- I'm too tired to list the blessings I've received from listening and reading Rush, Hugh Hewitt, RC Sproul, Dr. Kennedy, Pastor Demel, Luther, Calvin and even Doug Haugh.

 My challenge is this--take a FEW precious moments and make your own list.  I think it will make Thanksgiving even more meaningful.

Thanks be to God and God Bless!

                In the wake of a painful loss in the mid-term elections, it occurred to me that it really is a simple thing to be a leftie.
                 First and foremost--a liberal can never be called a hypocrite.  While conservatives , and especially Christian conservatives are and should be held to a high standard, most of the libs I've seen have no standards.  I think that by definition one cannot be a hypocrite if they are not violating a standard of behavior that they have set as the bar for acceptable behavior.  Think Ted Kennedy.   I'm quite sure that he has never bloviated about faithfulness in marriage, moderation in adult beverage comsumption,  reckless driving, or cheating in school.  So by definition, he can never be called a hypocrite.
                   We, as conservatives who stand for values(you know the list), have a much more difficult road to walk.  But it is a very important road.  There is an entire cottage industry in this country dedicated to  catching conservatives and especially Christians being hypocrites.
Our elected representatives and those of us who support them need to realize that if we talk the talk, we need to walk the walk.  While we ALL fall short, there have been way too many scandals in the Republican Party.  Our political leaders and those clergy and church leaders who have chosen to enter the arena of ideas need to do a much better job of modeling  conservative(and where applicable Christian) behavior.
                    I guarantee you, people are watching.  If we are to make a difference in 2 years, we had better clean up our side of the aisle.  NOBODY expects the other side to.  Think Ted Kennedy.

                 It really isn't fair to pile on Senator Kerry for his ridiculous slander against the fine men and women of our military.  But I feel compelled.  Whatever he meant to say, his true feelings of condescending arrogance toward those he considers his inferiors slipped out.  Once again, we are reminded that many on the Left consider us regular folks too stupid to make decisions for ourselves.  If Senator Kerry had an open mind, I would invite  him to meet the multitude of service members of our church.  I am amazed that each and every one of them, from the E3's to the Colonels seem to be well adjusted  and extremely productive members of our community.  If the Senator came by, and he didn't come with the attitude he had during the Presidential campaign-"Where do I get me a hunting license?",  he would find that the members of the military here in Fallbrook are bright, serious people that are quite fulfilled in their choice of careers.  Yea I know, I'm preaching to the choir and he will never understand.  Remember that next Tuesday!
                  Here is some advice for the Senator.  This whole mess could go away very quickly with a few simple words.  Start with I'm sorry.  Lose the pretense that you are the smartest guy since (pick one:  Joe Biden, Chuck Shumer, Howard Dean).   Maybe the Sen. could make a few sincere statements supporting those dedicated, driven, dare I say patriotic folks that serve in our stead.  Of course, if he did these things, he would be a Republican and to him, that's almost as foul as not having an Ivy League degree.
                   I hate to say it, but until Senator Kerry apologizes, we'll have to keep him on double secret probation, but I would like to thank him for the boost he's given our side one week from this important election.  Make sure you vote early and often.

Providentially,  some of the events that pointed to the great divide in the Christian faith today were addressed in our Reformation Sunday Service this morning.
First some background.  Earlier this week, Hugh Hewitt interviwed Andrew Sullivan about his new book--a book that appears to contain some theology and presents quite a distaste for those of us who are orthodox and hold to the inspiration of Scripture.  While Hugh was dogged in his questioning, he was never rude and was only trying to elicit information about Mr. Sullivans faith and background in order to put the content of the book in perspective.
Mr. Sullivan's responses can only be described as defensive, angry, and at times abusive.  My reaction as I listened was mostly sadness, as the realization dawned that Mr. Sullivan,  like millions of Americans and Western Europeans has tried to remake Christianity into a system that removes a just and Holy God from His rightful place--holding His creatures accountable for every sin we commit against Him.
Fast forward to our service this morning.  If you can picture a conservative, Bible believing Lutheran Church singing A Mighty Fortress, Crown Him  With Many Crowns,  reading Luther's morning prayer and liturgically confessing sins and receiving forgiveness.  Now the sermon.  Over the sound system came the rancid voice of Bob Dylan singing The Times They Are A Changing.  Hardly Lutheran--hardly Christian--hard to listen to! (sorry Hugh)
Pastor Demel went on to point out that in Luther's time, the Church proclaimed a God who delighted in sending people to Hell.  An angry, scary God ready to punish at a moments notice.  Luther's (along with Calvin's) great contribution was his rediscovery of the Gospel--God's great gift of His Son who took all of our sin on Himself and now offers us eternal life through trust in Christ's work on the Cross.  Sadly, 500 years later, the times have changed to the point that nobody is scared of God anymore.   Many people I encounter and I would think Andrew Sullivan falls into this category, "worship" a God who happily gives them a big pat on the back for trying hard, or being better than the next person.  That is not the God of the Bible who is still Holy but also merciful through His Son.
My goal in this post-to thank Hugh for a great interview, thank James Lileks for a great parody after the interview and to encourage anyone who reads this to read the Bible.  The truth is there and it isn't a-changin!
The transcript and audio of Hugh's interview are availabe a Hughhewitt.com.  I encourage you to hear that and the Lileks bit afterward.  And include Andrew Sullivan in your prayers.

I am currently reading a wonderful new biography of Roberto Clemente.  I think that you have to be in a specific demographic to understand this post,  but maybe there is someone like me out there.
As a child of 6, I know that I watched the 1960 World Series with my parents.  Though I have no memory of the original TV images, I remember the reaction of my staid and reserved parents when Mazeroski hit the Home Run.  Rules were broken- running in the house, jumping on the bed-and that was the adults.  From that point on, I have loved  the Pirates and especially Roberto Clemente.  As I know now, he was a very complex and at times conflicted man-but oh how he could run, throw and hit.
In addition to the book, I received a copy of a reunion of the 1960 heroes, complete with their reccollections and commentaries about that majical year.  How much fun it would have been to sit in a room with the absolute heroes of my youth:  Dick Groat, Vernon Law, Roy Face, Hal Smith, Gino Cimoli, Maz and others from that period as they shared their memories from that wonderful time.   It was so nice to take some time away from the problems of this world today and just think about a simpler time--and beating the Yankees!
It's a different story today for the Bucs, 14 losing years in a row.  But somewhere on their roster is the next Smokey Burgess or Bob Friend.  I'll keep watching for them to appear.

For two decades, I have watched in anguish the Presbyterian Church's march into heterodoxy.  As the son of a United Presbyterian minister who heard 2 sermons a Sunday for many a year, I know the soundness of Biblical Presbyterian doctrine.  The PCUSA today is but a shell of the legacy that descended from Calvin, Knox,  Edwards, Gerstner,and Sproul.  I am sad to report that the PCUSA today has become a "big tent" that denies the inspiration and innerrency of Scripture and therefore can embrace a feel good theology that seems to say, independant of Divine Revelation, "I'm OK, you're OK."
Hugh Hewitt's post today about the publishing wing of the PCUSA's new conspiricy book about 911 is just further proof of the leftward movement of the leadership of the denomination.  While much of the  " new" teaching and doctrine of the PCUSA  "tickles the ears" of the gradually more liberal members, it is direct conflict with the teachings of the Bible.  And I hate to say that no matter how many good deeds people do, whether it is supplying Angela Davis with money to defend herself,   embracing openly homosexual clergy, or authorizing the money to publish a book on President Bush's conspiricy to get the US into war in the mid-east,  those" good "deeds are meaningless.  When the Church ignores the Bible and the simple message of the Gospel--that is the immense sinfullness of each individual person and the forgiveness that is offered freely by faith in  Christ's work on the cross--and places its trust in good deeds and affirming sinful behavior,  the denomination becomes complicit in leading people to Hell.  That is scary and given my history, sad.
I have tremendous respect for Hugh Hewitt and I hape that God will use him to spearhead a new reformation in the Presbyterian Church

It seems to me now , that Natalie Mains of the Dixie Chicks wasn't completely wrong.  The only mistake she and her talented, but misguided cohorts made was in being embarrassed by the wrong American leader.  When will Jimmy Carter "fade away"?  My knowledge of American history is not complete, but can anyone argue that Jimmy Carter was not the worst President this country ever had?  And an even tougher argument-somebody tell me why he isn't the absolute worst ex-President we have had in the history of the United States.
Pres. Carter's record includes his Chamberlain style foreign policy, odd/even gas rationing, "just put a sweater on" in South Dakota in the winter time to combat the high cost of heating our homes.  The list is endless--hostages in Iran, believing terrorists in negotiations etc.
But it is as a former Pres. that Jimmy really shines.  From "monitoring" rigged elections to trashing this country, to promoting the United Nations as a viable authority to settle differences between terrorists and democratic nations,  he is an abject failure.  His latest diatribe included a comparison of Islamo-fascist fundamentalists with those of us who are orthodox Christians.  He thinks we are as much a part of the world's problems  as they are.
And his legacy lives on through those wonderful, "ivory towered" jurists that he appointed.  Those appointees continue, like the Eveready Bunny to chip away at the security and fabric of this nation.  But, having met people like Pres. Carter and his appointees,  it is not enough to tell them to "pull their heads out, there is a real world out there."  We need to endorse, support, and vote for serious, grounded adults in Nov.
Re. the title of this post.  My Dad died in 1988.  One of his regrets was voting for Jimmy Carter.  I know that it is not possible, but wouldn't it be wonderful if we could amend that idiotic Mc Cain Feingold campaign finance "reform" bill to include a gag order on former Presidents? Especially those who are failures at everything they say or do.
Rest in Peace Dad---we will carry on.

Andrew Sullivan has recently become even more virulent in his criticism of Christians.  Some, including me, would say that his critism stems from ignorance and predjucice.
Sullivan has even gone as far as accusing, among others, Hugh Hewitt of being Christianists.  But as Hugh pointed out on his blog, there has been no definition of Chrisionist offered by Mr. Sullivan.   I think that we all know that Islamists are Moslems who condone, encourage, or participate in violence against anyone not of their faith.  Does that mean that a Christianist is one of the very, very, very small minority who claim Christ as Lord who bombs an abortion clinic or who shoots an abortion Doctor?  If that is the definition, I'll buy it.
But it seems to me that Sullivan is including a much wider class in his definition.  It seems to me that he is also including many orthodox Christians-perhaps the most tolerant people in our culture.  Many Bible believing, church attending Christians like myself live in neighborhoods that are not photo copys of Nazi Germany.  In our immediate neighborhood we have a lesbian couple with children and a very liberal(some might say radical couple) who are the antithesis of everything the Bible teaches about how to live a God pleasing life.  While I don't agree with their lifestyle and political choices, it would never occur to me to strap a bomb around my expanding waist and blow them and me to Paradise.  The most radical thing I can remember doing to the neighbors is asking if I can keep an eye on their house while they are out of town.  If Sullivan is equating this type of behavior with radical Islamists, he is clearly further around the bend that I thought.
Hugh Hewitt is only a slight aquaintance of mine, though I have listened and read his views since the KFI days.  If Andrew Sullivan wants to expand his definition of Christianists to include a committed, compassionate, reasonable, mild-mannered man like Hugh,  I guess I'll join up gladly.
God Bless our military

From Adam's first bite through the most recent unguided rocket into Israel, these are the times that try men's souls.
Thanks to a heads up from Hugh Hewitt,  I am reading Manchester's Churchill: Alone, which  is the most prescient book around today.  One can't read it without being struck by the denial of the west as to a grave threat and the rampant anti-semitism expressed.  It is Groundhogs Day  writ large.
It seems to me that we have a 2 pronged problem today.  First, we have a biased press that leaves much of our population ignorant or ambivilent about the threat that radical Islamists pose.  Unless we regular folks join the giants of talk-radio, print and blogs who deal with the facts of the Islamist movement, I fear that we will have a change in leadership.  This change will not be good, because the Democratic Party does not have the brains or brawn to face a world at least as dangerous as Hitler's re-armed Germany.
We foot soldiers need to be armed and able to warn family, friends, and neighbors about the grave consequences of the upcoming elections.  We need to elect pro-America, anti-terrorist, serious people to the Congress who will in Barney Fife"s immortal words, "nip it in the bud".
The second prong of our problems today is on a parallel track.   While media bias keeps our populace ignorant, our culture has been degraded to the point that many millions of Americans are on the fast track to Hell.  Many of our family and friends are not only ignorant to the temporal threat posed by militant Islamists, they are so completely absorbed in the popular culture that they can't see the eternal consequences of their need for a Savior.
The only thing that former Surgeon General Jocyln Elders got right was when she said,"we're all gonna die of something someday."  Well, people are dying every day, deluded by a culture that has taught them that there is no God, or that if your good, you will go to Heaven.  God not only exists, but his standards for eternal life are really high--either be PERFECT, or bow our knees to Jesus Christ and trust that the work He did on the cross will satisfy God's hatred of sin.
I don't know if anyone will ever read this, but if you do and agree, we have a lot of work to do. We need to encourage others to confront the forces of evil-terrorists of every stripe.  And we need to share the love of Christ with hurting people that we meet-even if they don't  know why they are hurting.    
God Bless our  military men and women and all those that spread the Gospel of Christ