Uncategorized

Christian Priorities On a high hill, overlooking Silicon Valley and San Jose on San Francisco Bay below, I fervently prayed for the lost souls below. It wasn’t long before I heard that the Gideons International Convention was coming to San Jose. As it turns out, I became the Prayer and Witnessing Chairman of that convention. I was responsible for coordinating thousands of Christians from all over the world who went into the community witnessing and handing out Gideons New Testaments. I believe that if a person walks with God, they can do great things. God has a plan and if we walk with Him, then we can be a part of it. Have there been times you have been in the center of God’s will and seen His hand move in your life? God wants to use us. He wants us to be available for service. Would you pick up a dirty glass to drink? To be used of God, we must keep our heart in tune with Him, harmonized with His plan, and keep our eyes on the Conductor’s hand. Audrey Mieir wrote a song to capture this theme… “To be used of God to sing, to speak, to pray. To be used of God to show someone the way. I long so much to feel the touch of His consuming fire. To be used of God is my desire.” Isaiah 26:3 blesses us with this promise that, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Let’s get there and stay there! The Holy Spirit is the key to open the door to victorious Christian living. Pray that your life will be used by the Holy Spirit to live for God daily. It’s God’s desire. FIRST, MAKE SURE YOU’RE SAVED The primary Christian priority, derived from these key teachings in the Bible, must include initiating a personal relationship with God. Acts 4:12 states, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is NONE other Name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Faith in Christ’s atoning sacrifice is essential for eternal life and defines Christian identity. Without a personal conversion experience of receiving Christ, you can’t begin the wonderful journey of walking with God and enjoying the beautiful blessings of putting God FIRST in your life. John 5:3: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous.” The law of God is the moral guideline for righteous living. Following God’s moral and spiritual laws reflects submission to His authority and paves the road to a successful Christian walk. In order to begin this quest for perfect peace, you must first make sure you know God. Only then you can truly experience the peace of God in personal decisions. Matthew 22:37-38 says, “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with ALL thy heart, and with ALL thy soul, and with ALL thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.” Deuteronomy 6:5 adds, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” Loving and worshiping God begins with repentance and asking Jesus to come into your heart to save you. This is the core of true Christian faith, encompassing obedience, trust, and devotion. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S ROLE How can we consistently stay in the center of God’s will? In order to walk with God, a person must be sure they are saved and a born-again child of God. Without a true conversion experience, the Holy Spirit does not actually live inside you and you are completely unqualified to live the victorious Christian life. Without a true salvation experience, we are still in our sins, unregenerate, and still dancing to the music of our worldly motivations. We are religious but not in a living personal relationship with God. Once you are a born-again saved Holy Spirit indwelt Christian, you can suddenly begin to hear His voice as “…all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you” (John 15:15). Paul explains that as true regenerated believers, we have the “Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith” (Eph. 3:17). The Bible is clear that God’s Spirit lives in the hearts of believers. In Romans 5:5, the Bible explains that “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Acts 2:38 explains that Christians have the Holy Spirit; “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, … and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” 1 Corinthians 6:19 – “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” JESUS IN MY HEART If you have had a true salvation experience, Jesus lives in your heart through the indwelling Holy Spirit and your sins have been washed away and you are now clean and a newborn baby in the family of God, ready to learn to walk with Jesus and your heavenly Father. In 1 Corinthians 2:10, “God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” According to John 16:13, the Holy Spirit now “…will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come.” At the moment of salvation, Jesus comes into your heart, your soul is washed perfectly clean from the stain of sin. Revelation 1:5, “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood,” When you

Doctrine Theological Seminary (DTS) does NOT support Calvinism in any way, shape, or form. We believe everyone (who is able) needs to be confronted with the Gospel and that all (who are able) have a free will choice to accept or reject Christ.  The Earth is a stage and we are the actors who need to make one simple decision to save our souls from hell (Romans 10:13). Jesus gave His life a “ransom for all… Whereunto I am ordained a preacher,” 1 Timothy 2:6-7. Did Jesus do this to offset Adam’s sin only or for the sins of all people? Those who hold the “Adam only” position also likely believe that the sin of Adam resulted in the spiritual death of all. This is theologically problematic. MANY believe that “man was created in the image and likeness of God, but that in Adam’s sin the race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God; and, that man is TOTALLY depraved, and, of himself, utterly unable to remedy his lost condition.” IS MY DISABLED BROTHER LOST? I have a severely mentally disabled brother who cannot talk. He can’t process any language. He has Downs Syndrome and suffered brain damage at birth. Yet, he seems complient, loving, and generally happy. Along with all aborted babies, is he lost? I know he cannot comprehend the plan of salvation. Is he a sinner in Adam? Is he totally depraved, born lost and going to hell when he dies? He’s 60 years old. INTRODUCING ORIGINAL SIN Original Sin doctrine means that because Adam sinned, all mankind dies spiritually, that all those who are born are born as sinners, lost, guilty, bound for hell, and totally depraved because Adam’s sin has caused condemnation on each person. They are born lost. They are born sinful, and on their way to hell and all children are unsaved. Well, there is an exception; you might be one of the lucky few who are elect to go to heaven. Is this really true? Now, those who hold this position might cringe at the thought that everyone is born desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked…” That’s a hard pill to swallow. Is it true? Yes, according to many churches and denominations. Over the years, theologians have debated this vigorously and have taken positions that are entrenched. This issue has separated people and caused church splits. What does it really matter if we were born lost or not? Normal Christians go about their daily lives, they raise children, sit in church and even share the Gospel without worrying about this doctrine. Should we just ignore it and go on with our lives as if it doesn’t really matter? We could. But those of us who preach the word usually end up taking a theological position against or for this teaching that we are born totally depraved, sinners from birth, and in need of a Savior. It makes sense, doesn’t it? So shouldn’t we just let this debate lie and leave it alone? I don’t think so. We should take another look at it and see if the Bible actually teaches this or not. FEAR OF JOB LOSS There are some very practical reasons pastors would want to toe the line or suffer reprimand or loss of faith community respect, possibly resulting in loss of a position of employment affecting their bread and butter. The phrase, “Toe the line” means those “who were deemed in need of punishment for minor offences were made to stand with their toes touching the line, without talking or moving, for hours at a time in all weathers. Hence the term ‘toe the line’, means to do as one is told or behave as expected.” It’s an idiom that means to conform to a standard or rule, or do what is expected without causing trouble. So clergy are under pressure to follow church doctrinal statements or possibly lose their position. That’s probably why most don’t want to open this can of worms. This is one reason why doctrine may divide churches, so the topic is often taboo. I have had communication with many church leaders who refuse to debate this topic and simply reject Doctrine Seminary out right. They cannot endorse a school that has “divisive doctrines“. Divisive means to cause division. This is understandable, especially when the mission statement of Doctrine Seminary emphasises confronting false doctrines. ROLE OF BIBLE SCHOOLS Ephesians 4:14 warns, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of DOCTRINE, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” Does this mean we should ignore doctrine or embrace it? I think it means to solidify doctrine. That’s what Bible schools are supposed to do. I don’t believe that Doctrine Seminary is culpable for any of those reasons since we attempt to clarify the true Gospel and patiently confront false doctrines. I don’t remember any of my Bible teachers insisting we are born lost and that we fall under the condemnation of the curse upon Adam to propagate original sin and guilt from birth. On the contrary, the emphasis was always on Christ and His blessings, not Adam’s curse. FALSE TEACHERS So where do these pastors, and churches and even denominations get this teaching and how does it become so entrenched in theology and in church doctrinal statements? Obviously, there must be solid scriptural support for this. Let’s look at their point of view. They believe … Genesis 8, after Noah’s flood was over, (Genesis 8:21) “And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.” First, let’s focus on the phrase “not curse the ground.” This

LET’S GET OUR THEOLOGY STRAIGHT  Of course, the most liberal to most conservitive churches will be reluctant to emdorse any semjnary due to doctrinal issues. DOCTRINE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY (DTS), comes under scrutiny by chuches, and rightly so. The reason new denominations are formed includes breaking away from a previous one for varying reasons, including doctrine. DTS is not a new denimination. We seek endorsement from Bible believing churches of all sound denomjnations and independent churches around the world. DTS welcomes endorsement from any church or denomination. Objections to the principles and practices of DTS may include our unique methodology of student research supervision. Students are provided with guiding templates to develop their critical theology positions. Teachers at DTS can monitor their progress and make suggestions before final acceptance. All student doctrinal positions must be supported by scripture in context. Questionable Objections

Born to die, but it’s not what you might think. Ethan Hawke, a Christian Actor, was recently asked by Stephen Colbert during a late-night television interview, “What do you think happens after death?” Ethan answered, “I don’t think we die.” Ethan believes in life after death, as many do. However, there is a curse that hangs over all of us from birth that results in death, and it’s not what you may think it is. Do you believe you can approach this matter with the seriousness it deserves, rather than let your background and experiences lead you away from the truth? According to the book of beginnings, Genesis, in the Bible, the curse of God on Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden affects all people, but this other curse of death is brought upon you through life. Here we go… You are brought into this world and get programmed by environmental nurturing not only to learn to function in society, but also deceived about life by the very folks who brought you into life, your family. How could that be? Parents generally have good intentions for their kids. They want them to be successful, to lead a happy life, and to fit into society. Most people in the world are brought up in a certain religion. Whether Catholic, Protestant, Hindu, Muslim, or Christian, most devout and obedient children honor their parents and follow their faith in God. True, some are atheists and many do reject belief in God altogether, but most of the world will live and die in the religion in which they were born, and there is nothing that can be done about it. So, you may ask, what is wrong with that? Each person can live their life as they wish. True, but the end thereof may be a horrific death and eternity in hell. So, how can a devout religious person end up in hell? Easy answer, they were born into a certain religion and will die in it. If the religion is wrong, then they will miss heaven. They are stuck in the faith in which they were born, for the most part, and will die in it. We are therefore born to die in that faith in which we were born, and if it is wrong, we will go to hell. This shocking truth is much more profound than you can imagine. Let’s say you were born in the Middle Ages. There was no printing press or copy of the Bible available for you to read. Even more obscure, let’s say you were born before Christ in some distant land, how could you possibly know how to be saved? Even those living today, born in Japan, India, China, Russia, Africa, the Middle East, or South Asia, will have some idea of God presented to them by society, but would likely be far from not only hearing the true Gospel of salvation, but would quickly reject it out of hand. This is why we are born to die, stuck in a false belief system without even realizing it. When confronted with the truth of how to be saved from Hell since God “gave His Only beloved Son,” Jesus, they reject it based on their upbringing. In most cases, they were not raised by true Christians. According to John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This means that the offer of salvation, eternal life, is offered to everyone in the whole world throughout time, yet most refuse to accept Christ. We are born into a false narrative, and we will die in it. We are born to die. When I share Christ with those of faiths from distant lands, as well as those who were raised Christian but not born-again, if they don’t understand the Gospel based on how they were raised, there is a good chance they will reject it. They will die in their sins because they trust in how they were raised and what they have derived from that experience. They make serious decisions about passing through death based on false indoctrination, false premises, and entrenched religious or even atheist conclusions. They are born into life and end up dying without Christ. Those will end up in hell. This is what the Bible teaches. Revelation 20:15 states: “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” That’s hell, and that’s the Bible truth! How can we escape if we are born to die and end up in hell? How can we stop the curse of having been “born to die?” What can we do to be saved from hell? Many are wrapped in the teachings and beliefs of their parents. Some reject the religion that they were born into, but life can become very uncomfortable if they do. Their relatives may not appreciate that decision. I meet folks from around the world who sacrifice fruit to idols in their homes because they were raised that way or decided to try that religion. I see folks who wear turbans and go to the temple who are so chained by this faith that they will never get out of it. Just because a person was born Catholic doesn’t make it right. Just because they are born Muslim doesn’t mean it is correct. Yet, they are stuck in their false faith just because they were born that way. They are born to die and don’t care. This is very sad. Just because a person is born into a certain faith doesn’t mean they can’t embrace the universal truth that only the Bible is correct and all other faiths are wrong. Where do all these false religions come from? The answer is that their most distant ancestor, that we are all related to, Noah, knew God. His sons, Ham, Shem, and Japhet, and their families,

Running head: GEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE FOR NOAH’S FLOOD By Peter Zacharoff Ph.D Candidate, University of Phoenix  Doctrine Seminary (OnlineSeminary.info) Geological Evidence for a Biblical Worldwide Flood: Twelve Proofs Supporting Noah’s Flood Abstract This paper presents twelve geological arguments supporting the historicity of a global Noah’s Flood as described in Genesis 6–9, challenging the uniformitarian assumptions of mainstream geology. Drawing from young-earth creationist (YEC) scholarship, we argue that sedimentary layers worldwide exhibit characteristics—such as minimal erosion between layers, sorted material consistency, abrupt compositional changes, and angular conformity—that are consistent with rapid, catastrophic deposition during a global flood approximately 4,500 years ago. Peer-reviewed studies from Answers Research Journal and Journal of Creation published after 2022, along with highly cited works from the last decade, provide empirical support for these claims. We also identify research trends and gaps in flood geology, offering a robust defense of the Biblical narrative against evolutionary timescales. Introduction The Biblical account of Noah’s Flood (Genesis 6–9) describes a global cataclysm that reshaped Earth’s surface, depositing vast sedimentary layers and fossils. Young-earth creationists interpret geological features as evidence of this event, contrasting with mainstream geology’s uniformitarian framework, which posits slow deposition over millions of years. This paper presents twelve proofs of a global flood, focusing on physical geological evidence such as the absence of erosion between sedimentary layers, sorted material consistency, and global layer distribution. We integrate recent peer-reviewed studies from Christian academic sources and highly cited works to support these arguments, addressing research trends, gaps, and mainstream stratigraphic findings.   12 Proofs of Noah’s Flood No Erosion Between Sedimentary Layers Mainstream geology assumes sedimentary layers were exposed to atmospheric erosion over millions of years, yet many strata exhibit flat, “knife-edge” boundaries with minimal or no erosion. For example, the boundary between the Coconino Sandstone and Hermit Formation in the Grand Canyon shows no evidence of weathering despite an alleged 5–10 million-year gap (Snelling, 2023). Snelling (2023) argues that these featureless boundaries indicate rapid, sequential deposition during a global flood, as erosion over millions of years would produce topographic relief and weathered surfaces. Similarly, Patrick et al. (2024) cite the Tapeats Sandstone’s flat boundary with underlying strata, noting storm beds and boulders indicative of high-energy water flows, not slow processes. This absence of erosion precludes the long timescales required for evolution, supporting a catastrophic flood model (Snelling, 2019). Consistency of Sorted Material Within Sedimentary Layers Sedimentary layers as the St. Peter Sandstone, spanning 500,000 square miles, exhibit remarkable purity (e.g., nearly pure quartz), which cannot be explained by modern depositional processes like river deltas, which produce mixed sediments. Snelling (2023) suggests that only large-scale hydrological sorting during a global flood could achieve such uniformity over vast areas. The White Cliffs of Dover, composed of 350 feet of sorted chalk, further exemplify this phenomenon, as local floods lack the scale to produce such deposits. This rapid sorting and deposition imply that fossils within these layers were buried quickly, not exposed long enough for evolutionary processes. Sudden and Abrupt Change in Sedimentary Layer Composition Sedimentary layers often transition abruptly, with “knife-like” boundaries, as seen between the Hermit Formation and Coconino Sandstone. Patrick et al. (2024) argue that these sharp transitions, lacking evidence of prolonged erosion, indicate rapid deposition during a global flood. Mainstream geology struggles to explain such abrupt changes without invoking catastrophic processes. The global mixing and sorting of sediments during the Flood account for these uniform, flat layers, negating the possibility of evolutionary timescales. Consistency of Sedimentary Layers Worldwide Sedimentary layers, such as the Tapeats Sandstone, span continents and appear on high mountains like Everest, laid down flat according to Earth’s curvature. Snelling (2023) argues that such consistency over vast distances, including across oceans, is inexplicable under uniformitarian models, which assume continental drift disrupted layer formation. This global consistency contradicts gradual plate tectonics over millions of years, as layers would vary in thickness and orientation. The rapid formation of these layers during the Flood precludes evolutionary timeframes. Angular Consistency of Sedimentary Layers The angular conformity of strata across continents, such as the Tapeats Sandstone’s equivalents in Africa and the Middle East, indicates a single depositional event. Snelling (2019) notes that these layers maintain parallel thickness even when bent, suggesting rapid, global deposition before tectonic uplift. Only a global flood could produce such widespread, angularly consistent strata, eliminating the time required for evolution. Volcanic Activity Through Sedimentary Layers Volcanoes extrude through sedimentary layers, indicating that all sediments were deposited before volcanic activity. Snelling (2019) suggests that this sequence supports rapid sediment deposition during the Flood, followed by post-Flood volcanism. Ice core layers, often cited as evidence of long timescales, are better explained as seasonal snowstorms compressed rapidly, not requiring millions of years. This rapid deposition sequence eliminates evolutionary timescales. Angular Consistency of Bent Strata Hard sedimentary layers, like the Tapeats Sandstone, are bent without fracturing, indicating soft-sediment deformation during the Flood. Snelling (2023) notes that such bending, seen in the Grand Canyon and globally, requires wet, pliable sediments, not dry, brittle rocks formed over millions of years. This phenomenon, coupled with minimal cracking, supports rapid deposition and deformation during a global deluge, contradicting evolutionary models. Formation of Coal, Oil, and Natural Gas Fossil fuels are found in high-pressure pockets between sedimentary layers, formed from rapidly buried organic matter. Snelling (2019) argues that only a global flood could uproot forests into floating mats, bury them under sediment, and pressurize them into coal and oil. This rapid burial explains fossil preservation and negates the slow accumulation required for evolution. Erosion Begins With the Top Layer Observable erosion occurs only on Earth’s surface, not between buried sedimentary layers. Snelling (2023) cites the flat boundaries in the Grand Canyon as evidence of continuous deposition without long-term exposure. Post-Flood glaciation, as proposed by Tweedy (2024), explains surface erosion and glacial deposits, occurring rapidly after the Flood as continents uplifted and oceans receded. This lack of internal erosion eliminates evolutionary timescales. Reverse Extrapolation of Angled Strata Unfolding bent strata reveals they were originally deposited flat, suggesting

 In the beginning  God created  the heavens  and the Earth Genesis 1:1   Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. It’s true. It’s just an opinion if something is magnificent when compared to something else. My wife, for example, is the most beautiful person I know, but others likely feel the same way about theirs. Likewise, my friend went fishing on the South Fork of the Stanislaus River in the Sierra Mountains of California just yesterday. He sent back photos to show us where he was fishing. The group made over those beautiful photos of God’s creation. I said, “That’s debatable.” Why would I even say such a thing? Well, it is. GOD CREATED THE WORLD And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. Genesis 1:31 God made everything perfect — in the beginning. The mountains, the rivers, the valleys you love… Not!  What? That’s practically blasphemy, you think to yourself. Let’s delve into this and seriously consider it. You may be shocked by what you learn, so please brace yourself. No. God did not create Yosemite. Nature did. But that sounds evolutionary, doesn’t it? Not at all. Didn’t God create nature, you suppose, not like this? When God created the whole world, He did it marvelously, perfectly, beautifully, but what we see now is not that world. Ready for a big shock? You see, the nature you enjoy is all you know. You don’t know the world before the Great Flood. Before Noah’s time, the world was still intact, not destroyed, and perfectly designed. Now, we see the result of God’s curse on mankind: Noah’s Flood.  During the time of Noah’s Flood, the entire world was transformed. Not in a beautifully creative world, but in a chaotic slime, a sludge, a conglomeration of dirt. All that mud includes everything from the perfect world that God created at the beginning, wiped out by a worldwide deluge. Last week, the news brought horrific stories of a freak rainstorm in Texas that created flash floods of muddy water that killed one hundred people or more. That’s what happened worldwide during the Noahic Flood. The heavens opened up as the door of the Ark was sealed. That reminds me of the end of life itself. When we die, that door shuts for good, and all those folks outside of the Ark faced certain unimaginable doom. they all drowned. The entire world was swallowed up by water and only those who were in the Ark or fish that could swim in that sediment-laden water would survive.  Genesis 7:23“And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the Earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the Ark.” So here’s the bad news. Again, don’t be surprised, because nature as we know it, with all of the beautiful flowers, trees, meadows, canyons, and snow-capped mountains, isn’t God’s perfect creation at all. Take a deep breath as you take the following sentence in. What you are seeing is;   The Surface of Earth is nothing but the bottom of a dried-up ocean.   Yes, it’s true. Sorry to burst your bubble. Why is this even worth mentioning, when you have come to realize the beauty of nature? Well, for one thing, it is nothing compared to what it could be. Oh, so you think, well, what we have is all we know, so let’s make the best of it, right?  Sure, but folks, most reject God based on their view of evolution. This is why this debate is so critical. Folks go to hell thinking that this is all there is. They can’t see God, hear God, or touch God. They come up with their own rationalization for how we got here. My neighbor has a left-wing sign on their lawn supporting their beliefs. One point is that they “support science.” Is that so? What they are saying is that there is no male or female, that fetuses are not alive, that God didn’t create life, that there is no afterlife, and that they can do whatever they want. They reject the Bible (mostly), they believe in woke politics and identity issues, sexual freedom, and calling Christians fascists.  Those excuses are all silenced by the fact that God created them and that there is a heaven and hell. Where is the proof? Well, for one thing, it is very explicitly laid out in the Bible itself. But of course, most pick and choose what they want to believe from that book. But nature has the answer sealed in rock.  Nature, specifically the Earth itself, provides tangible proof that Noah’s Flood was absolutely real. What does that do to their belief in evolution? It destroys it. What does that do to their belief that God doesn’t exist? It banishes it. What does that do to their faith that the Bible is a fairy tale? It buries it. The fact is: The very ground we stand on outside, changes the grounds for what we believe on the inside.   Genesis 7:19-20, “And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the Earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered. Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered…”   Here are twelve absolute scientific proofs that God exists, the Bible is true, and Noah’s Flood was real. These proofs destroy atheism, evolution, and hopefully even liberalism. Life exists, and life itself is a testimony of God’s design. The Earth is the curator that conceals Creation’s credibility. Here we go… TWELVE PROOFS OF NOAH’S FLOOD: PROOF #1: No erosion between sedimentary layers: The present-day observable process of erosion and deposition differs greatly from what is found beneath the surface. Evolutionists largely believe that this process

Time waits for no one. Take a moment of untrospection and ask, am I using or abusing time? Is there anything more fundamentally indispensable than the pulse of time? If your heart stops, your breathing halts, you lose consciousness, or die, time stands still for a moment. What exactly is time, anyway? Does time stand still?  STILL TIME Time is the relation to another event in the past, present, or future. It’s a comparison of two rhythms of reality. It’s movement compared to another object. Benjamin Franklin said “time is money,” but in actuality, time is more valuable than money. Einstein’s theory of relativity demonstrates that time is not absolute but can pass differently for observers depending on their relative motion and gravitational environment. It’s a matter of perspective. SPEND TIME Spending time to plan for your future is worth your time. If money is a symbol of human action, labor producing goods or delivering services, then actions create reactions resulting in loss or benefit.  FUTURE TIME In a song by the Steve Miller Band, “time keeps on slippin’, slippin’, slippin’ into the future.” Like a mighty river, we just watch it go out to the sea. As has often been eulogized, it’s water under the bridge and you can’t cry over spilled milk. When it’s gone, it’s gone forever, never to return. You can’t take it back but you can look back in time. BACK IN TIME Pretend you are in a rocket leaving earth faster than light. If you pass the light that left earth, you could actually look back in time. If you had a very strong telescope, you could see dinosaurs walking the earth. The light reflected from all objects on earth though all time is still out there, traveling into the heavens. Is it any wonder that God can exist outside of time? 2 Peter 3:8 explains, “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” Stuff happens, and it’s over. You can’t put a bullet back in the gun the same way it exited. What’s done is done. But Jesus said we can redeem time. We can maybe make up for lost time. “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom,” Psalms 90:12. So time matters. We should spend our time wisely. USE TIME WISELY “Time is the wisest counselor of all” – Pericles. What is the very best use of your very limited time on earth? I like to spend my time handing out Bibles to lost souls. I can’t do that all the time, but I can always use my time to serve God, to live for Jesus, and become a living testimony of His presence in my life. Spending time to share Christ, is the very best use of time, in my view. American educator, Stephen R. Covey said “The key is in not spending time, but in investing it.” When you get to heaven, you’ll be eternally rewarded. You can’t go back in time. COUNTING TIME In a reasured Christian hymn, Howard B. Grose wrote… Give of your best to the Master;Give of the strength of your youth;Clad in salvation’s full armor,Join in the battle for truth C.S. Lewis said, “For the present is the point at which time touches eternity.” What happens in time when we use time for God? We get paid. Since “money” (value) is a symbol of labor in products or services when we use our valuable time to serve God, we make a spiritual deposit in the “Bank of Heaven” that pays eternal dividends. Every moment of your precious time spent living for Jesus is well worth it.  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  Ephesians 5:16 OUT OF TIME “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14). God knows what’s around the corner, we don’t.  We’re driving in the dark and our headlights can’t shine around corners, but God has great night vision, and from his perspective, He knows what’s around the bend. God was there. He formed the earth and the entire universe. He knows all my thoughts and motives and understands my situation. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11). “My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me” (Psalms 31:15). “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established” (Proverbs 16:3). TIME’S UP Take your time and think about this. I’m sitting here in my home and I hear the ticking of the wall clock. “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23). God has seen all the good, the bad, and the ugly. “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). Are you really ready to face the judgment of God at time of death? “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). You are running out of time. Reevaluate your use of time. TIME TO WAKE It’s time to wake up and start a new chapter in the book of your life, to use time religiously. It’s time to change, time to say “yes” to God’s agenda. Acts 3:19 urges believers to “Repent, then, and turn to God.” Matthew 6:33, states “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Align your life to seeking God’s plan for success and His righteousness in your use of time, above all else in life. “For He saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day

America was Founded on Biblical Principles. My wife Debbie’s DNA test came back and shows that her family’s American ancestors can actually be traced all the way back to the Pilgrims on the Mayflower on her father’s side, and to Jamestown, America’s first colonial settlement, on her mother’s side. Debbie graduated from American Heritage high school and then Christian Heritage college, both in California. She loves America.  GEORGE WASHINGTON  George Washington, Founding Father, Commander-in-Chief, President of the Constitutional Convention, and the 1st President of the United States (1789–1797), frequently linked religious observance to the preservation of liberty. In a 1776 order to the Continental Army (General Orders, July 9, 1776), he pronounced that “The blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary but especially so in times of public distress and danger. The General hopes and trusts that every officer and man will endeavor to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier, defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country.” In his 1783 Circular to the States, he prayed that citizens would “entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another… under the Divine blessing.” These statements suggest that Biblical virtues are essential for sustaining America’s freedom. JOHN ADAMS AND HIS SON Similarly, John Adams, another Founding Father, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and the 2nd U.S. President (1797–1801), wrote in a 1813 letter to Thomas Jefferson, “The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity.” His son, John Quincy Adams, the 6th U.S. President, 1825–1829, Son of John Adams, believed in the urgency of Bible distribution.  He stated, “My hopes of a future life are all founded upon the Gospel of Christ… And may the associated distribution of the Bible proceed and prosper till the Lord shall have made ‘bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God,’ Isaiah 52:10.” This quote found in the book, Christian Heritage Fellowship, “John Quincy Adams,” Christian Quotes from the Founding Fathers, reflects his belief that understanding and applying Biblical principles fosters freedom. SAMUEL LANGDON Samuel Langdon, in “How the Bible Influenced the Founding Fathers” (OUPblog, 2016, by Daniel L. Dreisbach), as another of our nation’s Founding Fathers, as a delegate to New Hampshire’s Constitutional Ratifying Convention and President of Harvard University, contended in a 1775 speech that “the civil Polity of [Biblical] Israel is doubtless an excellent general model [for America’s new government]” and that “some principal laws and orders of it may be copied, to great advantage, in more modern establishments.” He drew on Old Testament descriptions of Israel’s governance to support the idea of a free, republican system.  BENJAMIN RUSH Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a devout Christian, wrote, “Christianity is the only true and perfect religion, and that in proportion as mankind adopt its principles, and obey its precepts, they will be wise, and happy.” He believed that Biblical teachings fostered the moral foundation necessary for a free society. Rush advocated for Bible-based education in schools to instill virtues conducive to liberty (Pure Flix, “7 Founding Fathers’ Quotes on Religion, God & the Bible,” 2021).   ELIAS BOUDINOT Elias Boudinot, delegate to the Continental Congress, President of Congress (1782–1783), and founding President of the American Bible Society, urged, “Were you to ask me to recommend the most valuable book in the world, I should fix on the Bible as the most instructive, both to the wise and ignorant.” Elias Boudinot believed the Bible’s dissemination was critical for maintaining a free and virtuous society in America. His advocacy for religious liberty reflects Biblical principles of conscience that permeate the Constitution of the United States and the formation of America’s government.  JOHN JAY John Jay, the 1st Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, President of the American Bible Society and signer of the Treaty of Paris, stated, “Let us therefore persevere steadfastly in distributing the Scriptures far and near.” He believed the Bible’s teachings supported the moral framework necessary for founding a free republic. His role in the American Bible Society underscores his view that biblical principles sustain liberty (American Bible Society, “6 Quotes About the Bible from the Founding Fathers,” 2017). NOAH WEBSTER Noah Webster (1758–1843), is known as the “Father of American Scholarship and Education.” A prolific educator, author of “Webster’s Dictionary,” and as a political writer who deeply influenced America’s early educational and cultural landscape. His works, including the “Blue-Backed Speller” and the “1828 American Dictionary of the English Language,” were infused with Biblical principles, emphasizing that Christianity and the Bible were foundational to America’s liberty and governance by the conviction that Biblical morality underpinned the new nation’s free institutions.  Noah Webster’s Views on Biblical Principles in America’s Founding reveal that the Bible, particularly its moral teachings, was essential for sustaining a free republic. He saw Christianity as the source of America’s civil liberties and argued that education and governance must be rooted in Biblical principles to ensure the nation’s prosperity and moral character.  Yet, in Democrat-run cities like New York,  Baltimore, Chicago, Denver, Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles,  the homeless, and drug addicts, along with millions of illegal, undocumented migrants flood our streets with violent protests, challenging the very fabric of America’s Biblical foundation. Our country has recently decayed into a spiritual quagmire of deceit, deception, and debauchery.  Removing Bibles, the Ten Commandments, and prayer from schools has resulted in absolute moral decay. Social Issues such as drug addiction, rape, child sex trafficking, property theft and vandalism, car jacking, burglary, flash mob volence where cities burn and freeways are occupied, the threat of terrorism both domestic and international, American flag burning, pride flag waving, the “woke” trans-gender influence on our children, and even the very real looming threat of World War 3 along with potential nuclear annihilation remain a grave concern for today’s generation. Noah Webster, along with all of America’s Founding

SPEAK UP The call for Christians to vote their conscience is founded in scripture, (Psalms 33:12) “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom He hath chosen for his own inheritance.” A shift took place in the 1980s, when Regan said he was against abortion, and many Christians decided to vote Republican. The rise of a group popular with Christians, the Moral Majority, was formed to promote conservative Christian values among born-again evangelicals.  Our ciuntry, America, fought a bloodyvwar to get rid of kings. “They have set up kings, but not by me,” Hosea 8:4. God is sometimes displeased with our choices of leadership. We look on the outside (Saul), but God sees the heart (David). 1 Samuel 16:7, “But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” SPEAK OUT Christians need to examine candidates to see if their policies align with Biblical principles. Obviously, Proverbs 29:2 makes good sense, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” Christians ought to use their influence to insist that the best possible candidate wins elections.  The Holy Spirit plays a primary role in curbing the spread of evil on earth. He does this through inspiring Christians to stand up and speak up. 2 Thessalonians 2:7, highlights this restraining force that is currently holding back evil, “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only He (the Holy Spirit) who now letteth, will let, until He be taken out of the way.”  Yet, Romans 12:18 compels Christians “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Believers should actively pursue peaceful relationships with all people, to the extent that it is within their power. But sometimes, it seems impossible. Nevertheless. Christians should speak up. Hebrews 12:14 guides Christians to “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” Psalm 34:14 asks Christians to “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” SPEAK OPENLY Christians are compelled in Matthew 22:39 to “love thy neighbour as thyself.” If Christians love their fellow citizens, they should act politically in their best interest. Luke 6:31 urges Christians “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” The “GoldenRule” means to care for society by influencing government to do what’s right. A dictionary defines the term “politics” refers to, “affecting, or acting according to the interests of status or authority within an organization rather than matters of principle.” The word “political” actually originates from the Greek word “polis”, a city-state. Over time, “political” has evolved to encompass the broader concepts of “affairs of the people.” Christians who love the Lord should follow the principles in Joshua 24:15, which says, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”  Romans 13:1-7 indicates that governing authorities are established by God. Yet God uses His people on earth, who serve Him, to cause political change. Although believers should submit to them, as rulers are God’s servants for good, believers are called to influence people to vote in godly politicians who become the “minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” 1 Peter 2:9, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.” Additionally, 1 Timothy 2:1-2 encourages believers to pray for those in positions of authority. That prayer may be answered by God motivating Christians to stand up and speak out. The Bible is full of believers who “speak truth to power.”  OT EXAMPLES In the Old Testament, Hebrew Midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, defied Pharaoh’s command to kill all newborn Hebrew boys, choosing instead to fear God rather than the oppressive ruler. Jonathan, Son of Saul, refused to obey his father King Saul’s unjust order for a compulsory fast, as it would have unjustly punished those who weren’t aware of the decree. Queen Vashti of the Hebrews in Babylonian captivity in Persia refused to obey King Ahasuerus’ (Persian king Xerxes’) drunken demand that she publicly display herself, prioritizing her own dignity over his arbitrary decree. Likewise, Queen Esther risked her life by approaching King Ahasuerus without invitation to expose a plot against her people, the Jews, defying a law to intervene against injustice. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused King Nebuchadnezzar’s command to worship a golden statue, demonstrating their unwavering faith in God despite the threat of the fiery furnace. Daniel disobeyed King Darius’ decree that no one should pray to any god or man other than the king, choosing to continue praying to God openly and accepting the consequences. Elijah confronted King Ahab and his wife Jezebel about their idolatry and unjust actions, including the murder of Naboth to seize his vineyard. The prophet Micah denounced the corrupt practices of leaders who exploited the poor and twisted the law, while also offering hope for future restoration. Jeremiah, known for his persistent warnings to the kings of Judah about the impending Babylonian exile due to their persistent idolatry and injustice. Isaiah declared that God would judge corrupt rulers who loved bribes and neglected justice for the vulnerable.  NT EXAMPLES

The Foundation of America’s Faith and Freedom for the Fourth on July 4, 2025 As ealy as 1611, when the Pilgrims stepped onto this great land on Plymouth Rock, the United States of America has been forged in the fires of faith, guided by divine providence by the conviction of its Founding Fathers that liberty is a gift from the hand of Almighty God. These men, endowed by a deep reverence for their Creator, founded America on a deep conviction that the cornerstone of this nation would be Jesus Christ and the Holy Word of God, the Bible. John Adams: As John Adams declared, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” This truth establishes the Biblical foundation of their vision, as seen in Psalm 33:12 that “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance.” George Washington: The Founders understood that true freedom in a nation flows from acknowledging God’s providence. George Washington, in his Farewell Address, emphasized, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.” Their reliance on divine guidance is revealed in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” This trust shaped a nation where individuals could pursue their God-given potential, unhindered by the tyranny of unjust kings. America’s Prosperity: America’s vast economic opportunities are a testament to God’s supeenatural guidance and providence. The free market, grounded in the Biblical principles of hard work and innovation, and stewardship, are echoed in Colossians 3:23, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” This spirit of hard work and entrepreneurship has made America a land of unparalleled opportunity, where dreams can flourish within the realms of divine liberty. Donald Trump: On July Fourth, 2025, we are grateful for President Donald Trump, whose bold and inspiring leadership has rekindled faith in God and a patriotic commitment to America’s founding Biblical principles. His care for all citizens of this great nation and his unwavering resolve to protect our freedoms remind us of the sacred trust we have held from the beginning. With hearts full of gratitude, we thank God for His faithful provision, for our economic blessings that lift up our communities, and for faithful Christian leaders like House Speaker Mike Johnson, who strive to honor our founding vision of faith. May we, as a nation, continue to seek God’s guidance and stand firm in faith and freedom, forever blessed as “one nation under God.” Amen.