Individual Moral Responsibility: Free Moral Agents

Is each individual personally responsible to choose to accept salvation? Are we free moral agents? What about inherited depravity and infant baptism? Are we righteous because we have godly family members or because we are members of a faithful local church? What about Identity Politics, Critical Race Theory, and the "Me To" movement?

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Sir Isaac Newton’s Model Solar System and God

How can we demonstrate the existence of God to those who doubt or disbelieve? Isaac Newton, one of the greatest scientists in history, used a model of the solar system to show that the Creator of the universe must exist.

Consensus Thinking: Majority or Mainstream as Right or Wrong

People often determine what they believe in religion and morality based on the consensus, majority, or "mainstream" thinking, especially experts, scholars, or scientists. This occurs in government, media, education, denominations, etc. Is truth determined by polls and surveys or by the Bible?

Dangers of Marxism to Your Family and Your Country

 

You need to understand the dangers Marxism poses to you, your family, and your country. Why are we experiencing riots, looting, and the Black Lives Matters movement? Who is behind this, and what role do Marxists and Communists play?

We have now completed our study about Marxism/Communism and its effects on our society. The fifth and final study discusses the ultimate goal of Marxism, how successful they are being, and what you and I can do about it.

These studies in this series are available as free videos at

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This material is also available as a free article on our website at

https://www.gospelway.com/religiousgroups/marxism.php

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Bible Justice, Social Justice, or Perverted Justice?

What is justice and what is the proper standard: God's word or human desires? Should we judge people based on individual conduct or on race, wealth, influence, or family? What about Social Justice?

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Relationships between Races and Nationalities

Prejudice, unfair discrimination, conflict, hatred, riots, and alienation often exist between people of different races or nationalities. What about the Black Lives Matter movement? Is there a solution to racial strife and bigotry? Can we be united in Christ?

George Washington's Farewell Speech

There is some controversy about George Washington’s personal religious beliefs. But there is no doubt that he had great respect for faith in God and for moral living.

“Prove Yourself a Man”: The Meaning of Manhood

In 1 Kings 2:2, David gave charge to his son Solomon who would serve as king after him. He said: "Be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man." Consider some observations:

Voting: Making Godly Choices

People who believe in Bible standards for the family, morality, and religious freedom often face challenging decisions in elections. On the one hand, we ought to prefer those who will encourage righteousness and discourage evil. Yet on the other hand, the available candidates are often less than ideal.

Some people wonder, if they vote for a candidate who holds some immoral view, are they having fellowship with evil (Ephesians 5:11; Romans 1:32). Or some may think that a candidate with a history of personal immorality cannot rule wisely (Proverbs 29:2; Luke 16:10).

These principles should be considered. But usually there is more than this to be considered.

Why So Many Mass Shootings?

Every society has had evil people, but today we have people who seek to murder as many of their fellow citizens as they can. This did not exist in our society 50 to 60 years ago. So why do we have it today? There may be many factors, but consider the connection to other changes in our society in the last 50 to 60 years:

Moral Decline and the Faith of Abraham

Hebrews 11:17 – By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, "In Isaac your seed shall be called," concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.

Several Scriptures discuss the faith of Abraham and especially his faith in being willing to sacrifice his son Isaac. Hebrews 11 says his faith was so great he believed God could raise Isaac from the dead. Consider some lessons we can learn:

Humanism and the Bible

Introduction:

Few people were aware of, or concerned about, the Humanist philosophy until recently. As it has become more influential, it has become better known. Yet still few people really understand it or realize the depth of its influence on society.

The purposes of this study are to acquaint people with the major doctrines of Humanism, to demonstrate the influence it is having in our society, and to compare its teachings to those of the Bible.

The Effects of Gay Marriage

Numerous countries and states have granted the privilege of marriage to people of the same sex. Others are considering doing so.

This has followed after years of progressive moral decline: no-fault divorce, legalized abortion, trial marriages and the sexual revolution, and the gay rights movement. Granting marital status to homosexuals is one of the greatest downward leaps in this long progression.

The purpose of this study is to consider what view decent moral people ought to take, not just about homosexuality in general, but specifically about homosexual marriage. What effects will result if homosexuals are granted the right to marry?

What about people who do not practice homosexuality? How can this affect us?

Consider the following areas of concern:

Definition of "Politically Correct"

April 2014 PHYLLIS SCHLAFLY REPORT

The prevailing environment on most college campuses is what is called Political Correctness -- in faculty bias, course content, visiting speakers, and organizations and events funded by student fees. Here are the principal tenets of the campus dogma known as Political Correctness:

Separation of Religion and ... Everything!

Introduction:

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We often hear people speak of "separation of church and state."

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Many people think this proves that somehow government should never support or encourage anything religious. More recently, this idea is being used to claim that people's religious views should have no influence on the government.

We can easily document that this was never what the Founding Fathers meant when they wrote the Constitution, but what does God think?

The purpose of this lesson is to consider how religious belief is being systematically excluded from daily life.

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The End of Darwinism Part II

The End of Darwinism Part II

by David A. Noebel

Following are the last of 14 arguments posited favoring Darwin's theory of evolution followed by the scientific evidence against each one. The beginning of this article can been found in the August issue at www.schwarzreport.org.

The End of Darwinism - part 1

The End of Darwinism (Part 1)

by David A. Noebel

"The LORD’s works are great, studied by all who delight in them."--Psalm 111:2

"Last week in Nice, France, I was privileged to participate, along with 30 scholars, mostly scientists and mathematicians, in a conference on the question of whether the universe was designed, or at least fine-tuned, to make life, especially intelligent life. . . . It appears the universe is designed for biogenesis and human life" (Dennis Prager, The Washington Times, June 24, 2013, p.30).

The following 13 arguments posited favoring Darwin’s theory of evolution are then followed by the scientific evidence against each one. A finely tuned universe that includes human life is totally contrary to Darwin’s theory of chance, natural selection, and mutation. Dennis Prager is correct--"The evidence for design is so compelling that the only way around it is to suggest that our universe is only one of an infinite number of universes." Only atheists who insist on "science and reason" could accept such an unscientific and irrational view.

In God We Trust

Quotations from the Founding Fathers about Religion

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(Hobby Lobby Ad - 7/4/2013)

[Editorial Note: These quotations document the views of many founding fathers and others showing their respect for religion and morality. We quote it mainly to show that our country was established by men who generally believed that government should respect and encourage morality, decency, religion, and Bible teaching. They would be shocked to observe modern attempts to limit religious freedom or to exclude God or Biblical morality from influencing our laws and officials. (This is the text of an ad placed by Hobby Lobby in many newspapers across the country on the weekend of July 4, 2013. It apparently appeared in various forms. We have attempted to quote it as it appeared in our local paper.) – DP]

Marxism (Communism) and the Bible

Introduction:

If we had lived before WWII, what should Christians have done about Nazism?

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Assume we knew or could have known basically what Nazism was like.

Should we have kept quiet and overlooked it because:

* It involved political and economic issues and we are concerned about religion?

* It controlled governments and Christians should not criticize rulers?

* Speaking out might lead to persecution?

* It was mainly a problem in foreign nations, not here (we didn't know any Nazis)?

Or, should we have spoken out to express opposition because:

* It was based on fundamental religious errors (evolution, racism, atheism)?

* It rejected Christianity and denied Jesus?

* It sought world domination by war and military conquest (subjugating millions by war)?

* It used violence and force to eliminate unwanted citizens (millions in the holocaust)?

2 Timothy 4:2-4; Ephesians 5:11; Revelation 3:19 - God's word instructs us to oppose the forces of evil. Surely we all agree that we ought to have reproved and rebuked a belief based on religious error that forcibly subjugated millions of people and murdered millions more.

Lying and Deceit

Introduction

Our son Tim's company gave him two free tickets to a Cubs game, so he and I went. A professional photographer asked if we would like to have our picture taken for free. When we agreed, he gave us a card telling us how to access our picture online. But the site required us to pay $20 to get any useable picture. He "took the picture" for free, but he knew people would think they would get a picture for free. He deceived us.

Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things that are an abomination to God, and two of them involve lying: "a lying tongue," and "a false witness that tells lies." God hates a lying tongue!

Days of Creation: Literal Days or Long Ages?

Should we view the "days" of Genesis 1 as long periods to harmonize with evolutionary "science," or are they literal, consecutive days? To weaken the doctrine about the days of creation is to weaken the doctrine of creation itself, which in turn undermines faith in God and the Bible as God's word. (Note that "day" must have the same meaning for each of the "days" of creation.) Here is a brief summary of the evidence in the Bible.

Living Together without Marriage

Introduction:

Increasingly, couples in our society are living together without marriage. Some say marriage is "just a piece of paper," a legal formality. Others have a "trial marriage," saying they want to know if they are compatible before they make a commitment. Others justify sexual relations for those who are just dating as long as they care for one another and have a "meaningful relationship." Still others get married but then have a lover on the side.

Creation vs. Evolution

Note: We accept the Bible, even when it contradicts unproved "scientific" hypotheses, because of the evidence that the Bible is true. These proofs include eyewitness testimony of miracles, fulfilled prophecy, and Jesus' resurrection. For a discussion of these evidences, see the articles on our web site.

The following points are a summary of evidence that evolution can never be harmonized with the Bible.

The Children's Liberation Movement

Introduction:

In recent decades our society has seen the rise of various "liberation" movements, including Women's Liberation, Animal Liberation, etc.

The purpose of this study is to examine the Children's Liberation movement.

This movement is generally promoted by "child advocates" working through various child welfare and social service agencies. These especially include official government agencies, such as child and family services agencies. In particular, a leading force in promoting the movement has been the United Nations, which sponsored the "International Year of the Child" (IYC). (This occurred some time ago, but we will see that the UN is still implementing its goals.)

Animal Rights: Distinction between Men and Animals

Introduction:

Note: This article is part of a series of studies about animal liberation and the Bible. We encourage you to go to see the other articles at

http://www.gospelway.com/religiousgroups/animal_liberation.php

If men and animals are fundamentally the same in nature, then we would expect animals to have the same rights as men. But if men are fundamentally different from animals, then we should expect different rules to apply.

Homosexuality, Gay Liberation, and the Bible

Note carefully: No teaching anywhere on this web site is intended or should ever be construed to justify or to in any way incite or encourage personal vengeance or physical violence against any person.

Introduction:

Homosexuality is as modern as today's newspaper and as old as ancient history. Many ancient Greek leaders, including Socrates and Plato, were apparently homosexuals, as were many Roman emperors. It has been especially common in certain societies. What about our own society?

* Some popular studies claim ten per cent of Americans are homosexual. However, this figure was inflated. A brief filed with the U.S. Supreme Court by 31 pro-homosexual activist groups in the case of Lawrence v. Texas states: "2.8 percent of the male, and 1.4% of the female, population identify themselves as gay, lesbian, or bisexual." (Culture Facts, April 4, 2003)

Civil Laws and Morality

It has bothered me for a long time to hear people - even those who profess to be Bible believers - say, "You can't legislate morality." As a result, people have been hesitant to present moral arguments as reasons for the government to pass laws that limit immoral acts.

What same-sex "marriage" has done to Massachusetts

It's far worse than most people realize

by Brian Camenker
October 2008 Updated June 2012
Anyone who thinks that same-sex "marriage" is a benign eccentricity which won't affect the average person should consider what it has done to Massachusetts since 2004. It's become a hammer to force the acceptance and normalization of homosexuality on everyone. The slippery slope is real. New radical demands never cease. What has happened in the last several years is truly frightening.

Evolution and Racism

Modern liberal-thinking people frequently attempt to paint conservatives as "racist," usually without proof. Progressives have attempted to justify and legitimize virtually every sin in the Book from homosexuality to abortion, from adultery to drug abuse (legalizing marijuana), from no-fault divorce to gambling. But racism is one of the few evils that somehow they still oppose.

Yet almost invariably these same liberals believe in evolution, apparently unaware of the racist implications tied to the history of evolutionary belief. Below are quotations from well-known evolutionists of the past excerpted from an article entitled "The Ascent of Racism," by Paul G. Humber, Impact No. 164, 2/1987.

Sexual Morality & God's Plan for the Family

(This article is a sequel to our article on God's Plan for the Family. Please read that article before proceeding.)

Having a basic understanding of the marriage covenant, let us consider various specific forms of sexual immorality. This will increase our understanding and appreciation of that law and will show us how sexual immorality relates to the marriage law.

God's Plan for the Family

Introduction

Who can possibly doubt that sexual immorality is increasingly practiced and accepted in our society?

All you need to do is turn on your TV or read your paper and you know our society faces an epidemic of sexual immorality. Consider how this affects God's plan for the family.

The Importance of Voting in Elections

Consider the following quotations that explain our responsibility as voters to elect as our rulers people of morally upright character who respect God and His word.

George Washington, the Bible, Respect for God, and Religious Freedom

George Washington served eight years as the first President of the United States. He was the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, and chairman of the Constitutional Convention that composed the Constitution. He is often called the "Father of our country." Surely of all men he would have understood the views of the founding fathers about the relationship between government and the Bible and faith in God.

Founding Fathers: Respect for God, Bible, Religious Freedom

What view did our founding fathers and the Continental Congress hold about the relationship between government and the Bible, religion, respect for God, and religious freedom? Did they believe that a "wall of separation between church and state" should remove God and the Bible from education and government?

The Continental Congress served as the chief legislative body for the original American colonies throughout the Revolutionary War until the adoption of the Constitution. This spanned essentially from 1774 into 1789. If any group of men could be considered the "founding fathers" of our country, it would be this group. Many of them participated in writing the Constitution. If any men could ever have possessed a clear understanding of how the founding fathers viewed the Bible and respect for God, it would have been these men.

Should Christians Vote and Express Their Views to Rulers?

Surely local churches should not endorse candidates, nor sponsor or finance their campaigns. And individual Christians should not become so involved in politics that they neglect other God-given duties. But should Christians refuse all involvement in any issues that surround modern politics and elections?

Consider some of the practices that government officials currently debate, legalize, or even finance with our taxes: abortion, gambling, divorce, pornography, homosexuality, contraceptives for unmarried teens, and "education" that justifies some or all of these. Should Christians, gospel preachers, and even churches speak out about such issues, or should we remain silent? If we do not speak out, how do we fulfill our God-given duty to preach the truth and rebuke error? See Revelation 3:19; Galatians 6:1,2; James 5:19,20; I Thessalonians 5:14; Ephesians 5:11; 2 Timothy 4:2-4.

Abortion #4: Why Do Mothers Obtain abortions?

The Bible teaches that abortion violates God's will. Defenders of abortion, however, usually try to open the door by emotional appeals to traumatic cases. If these exceptions are granted, they proceed to argue for abortion on demand.

A close examination of the reasons for abortion, however, will actually strengthen the general conclusion that abortion should be avoided. Consider the following reasons for abortion.

Conception Outside Wedlock
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Abortion defenders use rape and the mother's health to argue for lax abortion laws, but these cases are a microscopic proportion of all abortions.

Fact: More than 3/4 of all abortions occur because the mother is not married to the baby's father!
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Technology to Help Clean up TV

For those of you who want help in cleaning up the filth on TV, I have two suggestions.

#1) TV Guardian eliminates most foul language. Advantages are that it works with most sources that give input to your TV (cable, DVD's, VHS, etc.). Also, it is a one-time purchase - no annual fees required after initial purchase. Disadvantages are that it only corrects language (not other forms of indecency), it only works for some programs (not all), it does not catch all bad words, and it will eliminate many religious words even when used properly (not just as profanity). However, there is some adjustment you can make for what is eliminated. Check for more information here:

Public Schools: Source of Liberalism and Socialism?

People often wonder what effect public education has had on changing children's moral and religious values. Below are some quotations in which prominent educators acknowledge the intent and effect of public education. These quotations are cited from an article by by David d'Escoto, Education Reporter, 9/2009. See the whole article at www.eagleforum.org/educate/2009/sept09/focus.html

… Is it possible that there is a direct link between our country's precipitous slide into socialism and decades of indoctrination in leftist school ideologies? You be the judge. Read below what the founder of today's schools and other public school advocates have said over the years:

Abortion #3: How to Treat an Unborn Child

The Scriptures have established that the unborn life in the mother's womb is a human individual from conception on. Therefore, we will not hesitate to refer to it as a human being or person. How then should we treat this unborn life? May we deliberately kill it? Surely we must be guided by exactly the same rules or principles we should follow in our treatment of any other "child" or "baby." What are these rules?

Stewardship: Love, Train, and Protect a Child.
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In Matthew 5:21,22, Jesus not only condemned murder, He also condemned the underlying attitude that leads people to commit murder. He forbade hatred and disrespect for the worth of a human being (cf. 1 John 3:15).

Abortion #2: Is the Life in the Womb a Human Individual?

Consider now the Bible teaching about abortion. The fundamental question to be answered is whether or not the life conceived in the mother's womb is a human person, separate and distinct as an individual from the mother.

Some Important Preliminary Considerations

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The life in the mother's womb is definitely human.

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There can be no doubt that we are discussing something that is alive. If it were not alive, why would we discuss whether or not it is right to kill it? The question is what kind of life it is.

Abortion #1: Development of the Unborn and Methods of Abortion

Introduction:

In all the wars fought by the USA, a total of over 1.2 million soldiers have died. This study is about the people who have died in a different war: the war on the unborn. Since the United States Supreme Court ruled in 1973 that unborn babies could legally be killed, between 1 and 1.5 million unborn babies have been legally killed in this country every year. The yellow pages of any phone book list several nearby clinics where women can "terminate a pregnancy."

But no human legislature and no human court has final authority over what is morally right or wrong. Nazi law and Communist law allowed the killing of millions of adults. Was that moral? God is the final authority in determining what is morally right or wrong, regardless of what any man may say (Isa. 55:8,9; Luke 16:15; 1 Cor. 1:18-25). We must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).

The purpose of this study is to consider exactly what the Bible teaches about abortion. The Bible is the perfect standard of right and wrong (2 Tim. 3:16,17; 1 Cor. 14:37; John 12:48). Too much has been said about abortion without adequately considering the Bible teaching.