Why I’m not a 501c3
Having been involved with ministries over the last several years I have seen government become more and more hostile toward church and para-church ministries who take a political stand.
Part of my calling and passion is to speak about political issues and when speaking to culture, faith, and social issues it’s nearly impossible to keep politics out of it. I believe the church should take a vocal stand for what is right from a traditional Biblical world view.
In the 50′s the church walked away from education, media, sports and politics with disastrous results. Also in 1954 a group called the Fellowship of Christian Athletes decided they would not let the enemy have athletics and have been challenging coaches and athletes to stand up for their faith. Now at the close of nearly every athletic event we see a group of athletes from both teams gathered at center court, center ice, or center field to pray together.
Recently we have seen the fruit of Christians involved in media who have the same attitude. Specifically an episode of Law and Order gave the pro life position a very honest and fair portrayal. We are also beginning to see movies and television shows that are family friendly and fair to cultural conservatives.
I believe it is critical that we not only pray (2Chronicles 7:14) but let our prayer inform our involvement. We must not embrace apathy clothed in holiness and piety.
So even though I may receive fewer financial gifts as a result I will not be voluntarily muzzled by the 501C3 rules. I hope this clarifies my choice. I would love to hear your comments.
Global Warming Consensus
A couple of interesting things came to my attention over the weekend.
The first is a petition that’s been signed by over 30,000 scientists, 9,000 of which are PHD’s.
The second is an article from the Calgary Herald entitled Scientists pull an about face on global warming.
The money quote:
Latif is one of the leading climate modellers in the world. He is the recipient of several international climate-study prizes and a lead author for the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). He has contributed significantly to the IPCC’s last two five-year reports that have stated unequivocally that man-made greenhouse emissions are causing the planet to warm dangerously.
Yet last week in Geneva, at the UN’s World Climate Conference–an annual gathering of the so-called “scientific consensus” on man-made climate change –Latif conceded the Earth has not warmed for nearly a decade and that we are likely entering “one or even two decades during which temperatures cool.”
We cannot afford to allow the Obama administration to pass Cap and Trade or allow environmental groups to cripple our economy based on a faulty premise.
This is how we should stand
It has been my experience over the last couple of years that most of the time when discussing politics we argue based on a faulty premise.We accept things based on assumptive language without debate or discussion about the foundational issue.
So today when I ran across this post from The American Thinker I had to post it for you. If your not reading The American Thinker on a regular basis your missing brilliant commentary.
Here is the money quote:
I haven’t read the health care bill, HR 3200. It’s not because I don’t care what’s in it; rather, I oppose the bill because I don’t accept the premise that it’s needed or even constitutional.
Click through and read the whole article and before you go off on your next conversation consider the premise. Is it even valid?
The American Thinker: I Don’t Accept the Premise
Free Candy
This is a point I have been making for a very long time but Stuart Shepard makes the point very well in this Stoplight video commentary:
Ronald Reagan on Socialized Medicine
Supreme Court Vacancy
We knew it would happen and here’s the first one.
I had to post this video because my amazing wife is the guest host.
Isn’t she amazing? I am so proud of her.
Doctor Shocks Oprah with News of Ethical Stem-Cell Successes
Michael J. Fox is left speachless by Oprah’s Dr.
You can watch the whole clip here on Oprah’s web site.
The money quote’s come at 2:07 and 2:27. It’s only 3:43 check it out.
Update to Frontier School of the Bible
In this political environment with our freedoms attacked daily and politicians who go about implementing their agenda through tricks bypassing public debate and the will of the people. I assumed their was a dark purpose regarding the new legislation in Wyoming.
Mr Miles has asked that people not call or email the legislature rather to pray. His update is posted below. I appreciate Mr Miles taking the high road and I hope I have not damaged the cause.
Dear Christian Friends,
The following is an update on our situation with the State of Wyoming :
Yesterday, we sent an email to every member of the state legislature. Most of them are not aware of how the new state statutes have affected Frontier School of the Bible. Thus far, there has been a good response. The Economic Development Committee got involved and are very concerned about this situation. We are seeking to schedule a meeting at Frontier with the Department of Education, the Economic Development Committee, our local legislators, and the LaGrange City Council. Also, we asked for an extension to the April 15th deadline.
I spoke with Don Landis, who is the president of Jackson Hole Bible College , and learned that he was unaware of these new statutes. They affect this school as well.
Please pray that we can schedule this meeting and for a solution to this problem to come about in a non-confrontational way. I believe this can happen. For now, I think it is best if supportive individuals do not make calls or send emails to the State of Wyoming . I think it would be fine to do so if you have friends or contacts in the Wyoming state government.
There is no question that prayer is the best approach.Thank you for your prayers and encouraging emails. I will continue to give updates.
Yours In Christ,
Nelson Miles
I sincerely apologize for my rash reaction.
Does Wyoming really want to establish a state religion?
If the Wyoming state government were pressing this issue on a k-12 school it would be egregious enough however; This is a Post Secondary School which people can choose to attend or not based on how they want to be trained.
Below is a letter to constituents from Nelson Miles, President of Frontier School of the Bible
Dear Friend,
I am writing to you in regard to a situation facing Frontier School of the Bible – a situation that could shut down our school in the state of Wyoming .
In 2006, the legislature was seeking to deal with diploma mills. New legislation not only addressed this issue, but also included religious schools and took away religious exemptions, which protected us from state control. We were not aware of this and had no notification. The statute requires private post-secondary schools to become accredited or become licensed by the state. Last fall, the Department of Education did notify us that we were in violation of the law. I explained to them that we were unaware of the statute and thought we were under a religious exemption. Also, I explained the nature of our school and asked them to reconsider an exemption. They told me they would consider my request. Last Friday, I received a letter from the Wyoming Department of Education stating that our request was denied and we had until April 15 to start the process of accreditation or state licensing.
Bringing our school into compliance with the new state statute in regard to accreditation would create the following problems:(1) It is very costly. As a faith-based institution, we do not have the financial resources to acquire and keep the accreditation.
(2) It would change the purpose and curriculum of the school.
(3) It would eliminate well-qualified instructors who do not have the higher degrees. We utilize experienced pastors and missionaries to train for those fields of ministry. Some have the higher degrees and some do not.
The other option is state licensing. This would involve having the State of Wyoming evaluate our Bible and ministry classes, instructors, and facilities to see if they want to grant us a license. Any changes to our curriculum would need to be approved by the Department of Education. Also, it appears that as a religious school we could not discriminate against religious beliefs and we would not be able to hold instructors or students to our doctrinal stand. This appears to be a clear violation of freedom of religion and one step away from state licensed churches. The implications of this situation could impact churches and Christian organizations all across our country.
We are asking Christians to fervently pray about this situation. We are praying that, if it is God’s will, legal action will not be needed. The Rutherford Institute and the ACLJ are looking at our situation.Thank you for your prayers.
In Him,
Nelson MilesPresident, Frontier School of the Bible
Mr Miles is only asking for prayer. We need to do more. If you live in Wyoming call and write your state legislature and ask them why they want to establish a state religion.
All it takes for evil to succeed is for good people to do nothing.
We must take a stand here.
My Songs
