[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”949″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_custom_heading text=”“A Piece of My Mind”” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:50px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_custom_heading text=”December 2019 Newsletter” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Advancing Christian Faith and Values,
Defending Religious Liberty for All,
Supporting Civility and the Common Good
through Preaching, Teaching, Writing, Activism and Reasoned Conversations

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”1304″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

“3 R’s” for Churches at the Start of Every New Year

Revival – is our church aflame with (wise) zeal and love and enthusiasm to serve the Lord, along with repentance from sin and forgiving others?

Reformation – Are our doctrines and values thoroughly biblical and their explanations crisp and clear and contemporary?

Renewal – Are our church’s structures (including facilities and grounds and equipment) positive testimonies and enhancements to our witness and are our methods and governance as sharp as they could be? Read pages 3-6 below about one key area of “Renewal” your church may need.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Bible Insight – The Christmas Immigration Story

A Fitting Word for Epiphany Sunday, January 5, 2020

“…an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child [Jesus] and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’” – Matthew 2:13

A church in Claremont, California created quite a controversy (as I’m sure they intended) by putting Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus in cages—symbolizing experiences of some attempting immigration into the U.S. along the southern border.

My opinion? No depictions of the plight of immigrants can be better than the simple biblical story of the danger facing the Holy Family at the hand of the paranoid and murderous King Herod. By God’s guidance Joseph and Mary fled with Jesus to Egypt. That didn’t end the danger! After Herod’s death the family returned to the land of Israel, again by God’s guidance, and finally settled safely in Galilee (read Matthew 2:19-23).

Here was government oppression to faith in God, up to and including killing. Here was fear to return to the land because of new oppression. Imagine being afraid of the leaders in the country you love and call “home”, because they cannot tolerate a challenge to their rule—in this case a spiritual challenger (this is typical of tyranny). The travail and risks of emigration are preferred over the travail and risks of living under tyranny while striving to please God.

Christians believe the flight to Egypt by Jesus’ family had special redemptive significance, for this child was destined to rule and abolish evil rulers like Herod personified (listen to the words of “Joy to the World”).

But the stories about Jesus provide broader value as they point us to the vision of the prophets for a land of justice and mercy. For that I pray, and I give thanks for the social impact of the Christmas Season. Jesus is indeed the savior of those who believe, but also the savior of all people everywhere (1 Timothy 4:10), including those living under and fleeing from oppression.

See Appendix for my denomination’s 2019 resolution on immigration.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Pastoral Compensation—Proper and God-pleasing

By Donald Shoemaker
Pastor Emeritus of Grace Community Church of Seal Beach, CA

“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, ’Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages.’” – 1 Timothy 5:17-18 (NIV)

Neither then nor today have most Christian leaders received financial compensation for their service. But many others are “career pastors” or have other compensated roles in the local church. A given church has hired them with the expectation that such “career” people are what the church needs and they should be compensated for their services.

What financial obligations do we have to our pastors? And do we approach these obligations with joy or with reluctance?

Before getting deeper into that topic, I want to stress how important it is for churches to demonstrate leadership in good and honorable ways. Churches should be the engines of healthy change, not the cabooses (have you ever seen a caboose—once the last car on a freight train?). Accommodations for those with disabilities? Churches should already lead the way and not wait for a city agency to come along and tell them what they must do. The same is true with pastoral compensation and other matters of pastoral care. Lead the way!

Here are my convictions1 (they are intended to fit full-time pastoral roles and would need adjustments to fit other compensated roles in the church).

1. Compensation

Compensation should be commensurate with a pastor’s training, years of experience and level of achievement. As compared to what? Certainly as compared to similar pastoral positions in the area.2 But also to similar secular positions, such as education. Why shouldn’t the senior pastor earn what a principal earns at a local school of similar size?

Compensation should never include the costs of doing ministry. Not only is this wrong in itself, but it gives the impression the pastor is earning more than he really earns.

Compensation should also include reimbursement of one-half of Self-Employment Tax (“Social Security”).3 A pastor is considered self-employed by the IRS for Social Security purposes. The tax is currently 15.3%. If the pastor were considered an employee, the church would have to pay half of that. This is a matter of equity.

The Bible gives the principle of compensating someone as he is “worthy.” So let’s ask, does our compensation package express what the pastor is truly “worth”?

2. “Fringe” Benefits

• Health, dental and vision insurance paid totally or in part by the church (here’s an idea if this is something new: start 50/50 and move up to 90% paid by the church). Remember that this fringe benefit saves the pastor a significant amount of tax, as it also does for workers in secular jobs.
• Vacation time of two to four weeks, four being appropriate for the senior pastor.
• Identified holiday time off, or “CTO” if the pastor must work on a holiday. The church I served thoughtfully added the Monday after Easter to the list, which now totals twelve days.
• Sick pay of 10 days per year that can be accumulated up to a reasonable limit.
• Bereavement pay.
• Maternity and paternity leave (this can be covered by sick pay or vacation pay) for up to six months.
• Term life insurance of $50,000.
• A defined-contribution retirement program. The church should match the pastor’s pre-tax contribution up to 5%, perhaps phasing this in over the first three years of service.

3. Professional Expenses (“Who serves as a soldier at his own expense?”
– 1 Corinthians 9:7)

• The church should cover all reasonable costs of doing ministry. This includes professional library and computer-related tools, expenses for conferences, ministerial dues, periodicals, a mobile phone, and more.
• An accountable “Petty Cash” system is a wise way to cover smaller expenses, like lunch with a prospect or a book or the cost of attending a meeting.
• Reimbursement of mileage for the work-related use of the pastor’s vehicle (this must be the per-mile rate established by the IRS and cannot include commuting).
• All professional expenses should be supported in writing to be honorable and to avoid taxes. Avoid any taxable schemes like “$200 a month for auto”.

4. Professional Improvement

• A paid Sabbatical of three to six months every seventh year of service to provide for concentrated professional growth and improvement.4
• Cost of continuing education.

5. Community Service

• Encourage the pastor to be involved in meaningful community service and cover any expenses involved (such as membership fees for community organizations).
• Provide 10 days of compensation for Jury Duty. Some pastoral work can be accomplished during Jury Duty, but be sure the pastor isn’t expected to perform two jobs during this period.

6. Debt Retirement

• If the pastor is paying off a student loan for seminary or other ministry-related graduate studies, the church should view itself as the beneficiary of this training and pay the monthly expense of this debt.

All of this is to fairly compensate the pastor who is serving honorably and well. The church has to set its own measurement standards to evaluate this. Job descriptions are essential for holding a pastor accountable to agreed-upon performance points. They also protect a pastor from unestablished expectations.

I have talked about financial and related responsibilities a church has toward its pastor. There are other responsibilities. Protecting church leaders against unfair criticism, a process for handling grievances, clear job expectations, striving for a spirit of “shalom” in the church, and protecting the pastor’s family from unnecessary intrusions and criticisms are among them.

None said it better than the Apostle Paul: “Respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

ENDNOTES:

(Introduction) Several of my points follow generally the compensation policies set forth in the employee handbook of Grace Community Church of Seal Beach, where I served as senior pastor from 1984 to 2012.

2 (Compensation) One compensation study I read covered such a broad geographical area as to be almost meaningless (what hath Arizona to do with Orange County, California?). It also gave no consideration to the pastor’s education.

3 (Compensation) The church should require its pastors to be in the Social Security program. They cannot “opt out” because (1) chances are strong they will not provide for comparable retirement income on their own, and (2) more important, pastors (and their denominations) do not have the required moral objections to government programs like Social Security.

4 (Professional Improvement) Some churches never think of a sabbatical (or a retirement plan, for that matter) since they don’t expect a pastor to stay long and they treat him accordingly. Taking unfair advantage of a pastor is a clear violation of scripture (1 Timothy 5:17-18).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Tribute to a Good Friend and Community Leader

Seth Eaker, 46, of Seal Beach CA died suddenly and unexpectedly on December 18.
He was a respected Seal Beach community leader, involved with the Lion’s Club, the Police Foundation, the Chamber of Commerce and just about anything else that was significant in town. He was a long-time spokesman on LGBT issues.

Seth and I had our points of agreement and respectful disagreement. We would exchange long emails, walk on the pier, stroll the streets of Old Town or just sit and talk. He would thoroughly prepare for our discussions and I quickly learned I had to be “on my toes” as well. We would discuss the Bible, religion, ethics, religious liberty and gay rights, court decisions, politics, community issues, and more. We were both listeners. I was honored whenever he would refer to me as his “mentor.”

When he was nominated to be Seal Beach’s Citizen of the Year in 2014, I voted for him as a member of the selection committee. We last sat together at the Chamber of Commerce breakfast November 14.

I will miss all my personal encounters with my good friend. The community will miss his energetic, loyal presence and service and his ability to add worth to anyone he encountered.

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Issues of Death and Dying

(NOTE: I spoke on “Death and Dying” to a group of ministers on November 12. Five days later death hit very close to home when my wife’s brother passed away. Suddenly the topic became immensely personal. I hope the words I share will be of value to both pastors and others.)

“There is a time for everything…A time to be born and a time to die…”
“[God] has made everything beautiful in its time.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2, 11

If October 31 is “Dia de los Muertos” (“Day of the Dead”) then September through December have truly been “cuatro meses de los muertos” (“four months of the dead”) for my family and myself.

September, October, November, December – eight deaths plus serious illness!

• “Aunt Sally” called from Ohio in August to say she was dying of kidney failure. “Would you prepare a memorial message that could be played at the service?” “Of course we will—and we will visit you when we are in Ohio in October.” Three weeks later we received a call that Aunt Sally had died. We “Skyped” a memorial service to those gathered at a funeral home in Ohio.
• Jarrid Wilson, well-known pastor serving with Greg Laurie at Harvest Church in Riverside, CA, and minister on suicide issues and close friend to our daughter and her family, committed suicide in September.
• We travelled to Ohio in October to visit my brother and my wife’s brother, both of whom were having major health issues.
• Two church members passed—Trudy in her sleep, Chris after being briefly ill with cancer.
• Well-known worship pastor Keith Wells died of pancreatic cancer a few weeks after experiencing severe pain during a worship service—his “retirement” service.
• As I prepared to leave home for Trudy’s memorial, our next-door neighbor suddenly died. This experience showed the truth of Proverbs 27:10 – “Better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.”
• My wife’s brother died under hospice care in Ohio on November 17.
• Seal Beach community leader and good personal friend Seth Eaker died suddenly on December 18.

“God, that’s enough for the rest of this year and then some!”

“It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting,
for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart.”
– Ecclesiastes 7:2

Why is this “better”? Because you confront one of life’s surest realities. After that “cold plunge” go live your life as best and joyful as you can in light of it.

“However many years a man may live, let him enjoy them all.
But let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many.”
– Ecclesiastes 11:8

Pastor John Piper said: “I’d rather speak at a funeral than at a wedding.
People need help.”

Over the years, when people ask me what a pastor’s work is like, I respond: “A pastor must be able to conduct a funeral and a wedding the same day, and take the right set of emotions to each.” One Saturday this happened! I officiated at a funeral in South-Central L.A. Then on to an ocean-front wedding in Newport Beach for an LAPD cop and his bride. More of a contrast I cannot imagine!

Pastor must have and show emotions as needed, but be in control of them always. If he’s having a crisis of emotions, he needs support by family and church leaders and, if needed, professional help and time off the job.

“Death and Dying” Questions for All to Ponder
and for Pastors to Shape into Ministry and Policy

1. Have we “put our house in order” and are we helping our flock do the same?
Doing so is both biblical and wise! “This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die…” – Isaiah 38:1 (the prophet’s word to the king).

Completing a “Living Trust” is the best way to do this. At least that’s the place to start.

The Bible’s Book of Ecclesiastes has this pessimistic look at what will come of our wealth:

“I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the fruit of my toil into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless.” – Ecclesiastes 2:18-19

This pessimism can be largely overcome by a Living Trust.

2. Have we established an “Advance Health Care Directive” and encouraged it with our family and church members?
Be sure to check out your state’s “Advance Health Care Directive” (or similar executable document). It should be available at no cost on-line. These are generally understandable and simple to execute. You may find that your version of a Living Trust includes the AHCD.

3. Have we thought seriously about death and dying issues? Pastors, have you taught about these from the pulpit or in classes?
Have you taught on doctor-assisted suicide if it has become an issue in your state? Here are some key issues for pastors and laypeople to ponder:
• The “Patient Autonomy” argument. It is often presented as the ultimate value justifying assisted suicide. Patient autonomy, rather, is an important aspect of end-of-life decision-making, but not the only aspect. There are at least three other equal values: “Do good” (beneficence), “Do no evil” (non-maleficence), and “Do justice”. Patient autonomy is not an absolute right.
• “Abandonment” – a common fear by those severely ill. A patient may receive less institutional care if the family does not maintain a regular presence.
• “I don’t want to be a burden” is a very common concern of the elderly who are facing severe illness. We need to re-think burdensomeness in light of biblical mandates to families (1 Tim. 5:4,8). [Some of these points were drawn from “Facing Ethical Dilemmas at End-of Life” seminar presented by Dr. Bill Hoy at O’Connor Mortuary in Laguna Hills, CA on Nov. 6, 2019.]

“…if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God… But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” – 1 Timothy 5:4, 8

4. Does your church have a pastoral “ready response” policy for when a member has a severe medical crisis or accident, or when a member or someone in his/her immediate family dies?
In my 34 years as a senior pastor I made this a top priority. At my church we always have a “pastor on call” available. People in need can call a church number and their call is automatically forwarded to a pastor’s cell phone.

My mother experienced a complete lack of pastoral care during her six-month struggle with cancer. No good church will do this to a faithful member.

5. Pastors should have a brief service prepared to conduct on-location with the family and others gathered after someone passes.
This is a simple matter to plan for in advance. I have in my car scriptures and prayers in English and Spanish for use in appropriate chaplain “call-outs”.

6. Do we offer counsel to the bereaved on the details of what to do after a death occurs? Do we know the options on disposition of the body, on mortuaries to recommend, and what kinds of funerals/memorials can be held? Do we have a general idea of costs? Do we understand the role of the coroner?

Traditional funerals are becoming less common. A traditional funeral and burial may cost $10-12,000, plus cemetery costs. A single grave may cost $5000 or more in Southern California. The cost to pick up the deceased for cremation followed by a graveside service may be $2800, plus cemetery costs. Reputable mortuaries will have costs easily available without pressure, preferably on-line.

I find that many do not know what the next steps are after a death occurs. Typically, the coroner may require that a non-hospice death be “signed off” by the person’s physician. Otherwise, an autopsy may be required. Circumstances vary widely on this. The pastor or chaplain may need to be a helpful advocate for the family.

7. Do we lead a funeral/memorial with the appropriate decorum? Do we conduct the service based on sound theology? Do we focus on Christ, the reality of death, and the hope we have in Christ, or are we there to “celebrate the life” of the deceased? How do we interface with ceremonies such as by the military or by a lodge? What elements of a service are to be encouraged and what elements discouraged?

Dr. Bill Hoy of Baylor University believes the funeral service is an important part of the social support needed for effective grieving. (Do Funerals Matter: The Purposes and Practices of Death Rituals in Global Perspective, Routledge, 2013).

“Being casual” has its places in ministry, but a funeral or memorial may not be one of them. Dress a notch better than most of the men present will likely dress.

Have a Christ-centered funeral/memorial focused on the gospel and resurrection hope. This is possible, with sensitivity, whether the deceased was a Christian believer or not. Try to avoid devoting lengthy periods of time for tributes, audio-visuals, etc. Try to put any secular music requests early in the service and move toward music expressing faith and hope.

8. What have you as a pastor or layperson experienced in working with a mortuary that you have really appreciated or not appreciated?
Most funeral directors show compassion and excellence and professionalism. There are exceptions! I note the use of inexperienced staff on weekends, problems with the sound system, and sometimes bland prerecorded music. Planning a service with a dysfunctional or divided family is a challenge for both pastors and funeral directors. Only very rarely have I seen what I thought was excessive spending on funeral services or attitude problems on the part of funeral personnel.

Be prepared to make recommendations to families and even to intercede, when rarely necessary.

In conclusion, providing quality pastoral care to a family in this hour of need is one of the most important and ennobling services a pastor can provide. This is true whether one is a member of our church or not, or a Christian believer or not. We should consider this a high calling and strive for the utmost compassion, skillfulness and professionalism in it.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1577989683262{background-color: #a5cece !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do. Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil. Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love… Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.”
– Ecclesiastes 9:7-10

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Don’s Ministry

December 29 – “The Holy City—Our Final Home” (Revelation 21-22) at Grace Community Church of Seal Beach.

Don’s messages can be heard at www.gracesealbeach.org under “Resources”. Other messages: July 28: “Jeremiah—Right Man for the Right Hour” (Jeremiah 1-20) and April 14: “The Triumphs and Failures of Israel’s Greatest King [Solomon]” (1 Kings 1-11)

Website: www.donaldshoemakerministries.com
Contact me at: donaldshoemakerministries@verizon.net[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Appendix – Immigration Reform
The following Resolution was adopted by my denomination, The Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches (Charis Fellowship) in July of 2019:

America has been a land of immigrants since before the nation was founded. Between the extremes of nativism and open borders, most citizens have open arms toward immigrants but also see the rule of law and secure borders as essential for a safe and civil society. Today our nation and our churches are increasingly populated by people from a multitude of cultures and lands, and many of these people are undocumented.

How can our Charis Fellowship respond?

1. We call on our churches to give prayer, thought, discussion, and action toward addressing the problem of the undocumented immigrant in a God-honoring way.

2. We recognize the divisive and controversial nature of this debate, and we encourage dialogue in the churches that is respectful, open-minded, and solution focused.

3. We further call on our churches to be the “reconciling presence of Christ” in the midst of a broken system that creates rancor, resentment, racism, selfishness, fear, exploitation, danger, and disregard for the law.

4. We call on our society and elected leaders to rise above political posturing and rancor to work toward a solution on immigration that is compassionate and realistic—a solution that accomplishes the government’s responsibility to protect its citizens and guests, while at the same time provides relief to the oppressed.

5. We recognize that meaningful solutions to this problem are not easily reached and must come through a determined will to achieve them. We deplore the present situation when our Federal Government is unable to resolve key immigration issues year after year.

6. We also recognize that the United States cannot accommodate everyone who desires to come to this country. Correcting the situations that force many to flee their home countries is one way to reduce the number attempting to gain entry into the United States.

7. We also call on the Federal Government to be wise in its use of Foreign Aid to aid in reforming situations in those foreign countries.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”949″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_custom_heading text=”“A Piece of My Mind”” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:50px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_custom_heading text=”December 2019 Newsletter” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Advancing Christian Faith and Values,
Defending Religious Liberty for All,
Supporting Civility and the Common Good
through Preaching, Teaching, Writing, Activism and Reasoned Conversations

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”687″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

The Fall of the Berlin Wall—November, 1989
An Important Reminder for Thanksgiving

We have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, including our precious liberties gained and sustained by the sacrifice of many.

Our youth and young adults need to be taught the lessons of the Berlin Wall—what caused it, what sustained it, and what brought it down thirty years ago. Today’s fascination with Socialism shows the need for this.

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Thanksgiving 2019

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. – 1 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV

Seal Beach, California held it’s first Prayer Breakfast on November 2. I led the responsive prayer time. I began with “Thanksgiving.” My prayer, with some edits:

Thanksgiving

Scripture enjoins us to offer prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving for all who are in authority. So we pray for our president, members of Congress, judges, state and local officials. We thank you for them and we pray you will give them hearts of wisdom, justice, and compassion as they fulfill their roles as servants of the people.

We lift this prayer before you. All: “Hear our prayer, O God!”

Civility

We are concerned with the breakdown of basic civility in speech and conduct at all levels of government, high and low. We ask you to move the minds and wills of those who govern us so they will be people of civility, encouraging constructive and respectful communication, and discouraging volatile, hostile or aggressive actions and words, because civility is so essential to our democracy and our public process and who we are as a people.

We lift this prayer before you. All: “Hear our prayer, O God!”

Civility

We pray for our government in Washington. Bring wisdom and justice in spite of political turmoil and consideration of impeachment. Guide our president as commander in chief, and our representatives and senators. We also now pray for the men and women of our military at home and around the world. May they fulfill their good missions and come home safe. May our country be safe and be guided from above to fulfill the role in the world you will for us to have.

We lift this prayer before you. All: “Hear our prayer, O God!”

State Government

We pray for our governor, members of the state legislature, and other elected and appointed officials. Guide them in their priorities and their fiduciary duties as caretakers of the state’s finances and needs. May they fulfill their role so our state citizens can work and live and enjoy our truly remarkable state to its fullness.

We lift this prayer before you. All: “Hear our prayer, O God!”

Local Government

We pray for our mayor and city council, our city manager and all in administration… We thank you for them and pray your guidance for all they do. We pray for our police department. Watch over them as they watch over us. We pray for our police and firefighters as they strive often in the most difficult and dangerous of situations to keep us safe. Protect them and guide them as they protect people and property.

We lift this prayer before you. All: “Hear our prayer, O God!”

Citizens of America

We pray for our citizens, that they will take their citizenship duties seriously and fulfill them. We pray they will honor their elected and appointed officials properly, in light of their roles and in spite of their shortcomings. We pray we all will fulfill the biblical commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves.

We lift this prayer before you. All: “Hear our prayer, O God!”

Finally, God, we thank you for America, our heritage, our present and our potential.

America, America.
God mend thine every flaw.
Confirm thy soul in self-control.
Thy liberty in law.

All: “Amen!”

(Please use this prayer fully or in part, as you find it of value.)

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You Know You Are in the Heart of Ohio
when…

People strike up conversations with you easily.

A man in the car parked beside you at your hotel offers you his scrapper without being asked, to clear the ice and frost off your car windows.

You see “Mail Pouch Tobacco” ads painted on the side of barns.

You can “open carry” a firearm as a fundamental individual right.

The little church you visit sends workers into the woods to cut firewood to give to the needy before winter sets in.

The church cutting firewood for the needy delays its project for one week so its workers aren’t in the woods during deer hunting season. Besides, some of the church’s people want to go deer hunting.

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Your brother tells you dozens of deer come through his property every night.

You see lots of Amish people on the roads and in the stores.
Gas is $2.29 a gallon.

Note: We were in Ohio for my brother-in-law’s funeral, November 20-25.

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Message for the Season . . .

Mary, Mother of Jesus,
Blessed Among Women

Mary did NOT say in her poem “The Magnificat”—

“From now on all generations EXCEPT PROTESTANTS will call me blessed.”

I once referred to Mary as “the Blessed Virgin” in a pro-life narration. The phrase was changed—“too Catholic” the editor thought. “Wouldn’t go over well in Evangelical churches.”

Too bad, since that’s how she is depicted in Luke’s birth account (Luke 1:48).

What made Mary “blessed”?

1. She maintained her virginity prior to her marriage to Joseph. *

The angel announced to Mary, “You have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High…he will reign over the house of Jacob forever” (Luke 1:30-33).

Mary said, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” (1:34). Good question!
The angel’s answer is profound, ending with “Nothing is impossible with God” (1:35-37).

Mary remains a role model for all—women AND men—of protecting virginity as a gift from God.

2. She willing accepted the gracious call that she will bear the Christ Child.

“I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said,” Mary told the angel (1:38). Mary remains a model to us all of surrender to the will of God.

3. She reverently pondered the meaning of Jesus’ birth and childhood.

The shepherds who came to visit baby Jesus then “spread the word” about him. Mary took a quieter approach. She “treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart” (2:16-20).

When Jesus was twelve Mary and Joseph, fearing Jesus was lost, finally found him in the Temple engaged in discussions with the teachers of the Law. Jesus explained to his parents, “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (2:41-52). Once again, Mary meditated on the deeper meaning of her son’s life and mission (2:51).

The church can’t accomplish its mission without evangelists, learners and doers. AND a ministry of meditation on what God is doing and why.

4. She remained faithful to her son through the ordeal of the cross.

Three “Mary’s” stood before the cross when Jesus was crucified—his mother, his mother’s sister Mary (wife of Clopas) and Mary Magdelene (John 19:25).

5. She continued as a follower of her son after his ascension and as the Church was launched on the Day of Pentecost.

The mother of Jesus was numbered with Jesus’ disciples as they all awaited the coming of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 1:12-14). She thus became part of the Spirit-filled infant church that began a movement that continues around the world to this day.

Mary is worthy of our honor as a singular obedient servant graced to be the mother of our Lord. Truly, all generations since should call her “blessed.”

* A long tradition within both Eastern and Western churches confesses the “perpetual virginity” of Mary. That is, even after her marriage to Joseph she remained ever a virgin. Most Protestants find no biblical or theological need to embrace this view and believe that she and her husband Joseph would have consummated their marriage in sexual union.

Important to both positions are (1) belief in a miraculous conception of Jesus in the womb of Mary, making her “the mother of the Lord” through the Holy Spirit without the agency of sexual union with a man, and (2) the role of Mary as a role model of sexual purity—a position needed today more than ever.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1575135058514{background-color: #dda1a1 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Incivility

We have scorched our opponents
with language that precludes compromise
and we have brushed aside the possibility that the person
with whom we disagree might actually sometimes be right.”

– Jim Matti, Institute for Civility in Government

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Don’s Ministry

December 29 – Speak on the Book of Revelation at Sunday Morning Services (8:00, 9:30, 11:00) Grace Community Church of Seal Beach.

You can watch the service via Facebook “live” at 11:00 a.m. (PST) on December 29 or anytime afterward. Simply go to “Grace Community Church of Seal Beach” and click on “live” or (for later viewing) “videos”.

Don’s message of July 28: “Jeremiah—Right Man for the Right Hour” (Jeremiah 1-20) and his message of April 14: “The Triumphs and Failures of Israel’s Greatest King [Solomon]” (1 Kings 1-11) can be heard at www.gracesealbeach.org under “Resources”.

Website: www.donaldshoemakerministries.com
Contact me at: donaldshoemakerministries@verizon.net[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Appendix
“Reflections on the 30th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall”
By Ilya Somin
The Volokh Conspiracy, November 9. 2019

Today [November 9] is the thirtieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. It is undeniably a happy occasion—not only because the fall of the Wall was good in itself, but because it presaged the collapse of communist tyranny throughout Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. But the history of the Wall also carries some important lessons that we have not fully learned even today—lessons about the nature of communism, but also about the importance of freedom of movement across international boundaries…
In several ways, the Wall and its collapse are fitting symbols of communism. They demonstrate several truths about that system that we would be wise not to lose sight of. First and foremost, Cold War-era Berlin was the most visible demonstration of the superiority of capitalism and democracy over communism and dictatorship. Despite the fact that East Germany had one of the highest standards of living in the Soviet bloc, it had to build a wall to keep its people from fleeing to the capitalist West. By contrast, West Germans and other westerners were free to move to the communist world anytime they wanted. Yet only a tiny handful ever did so. Decisions to “vote with your feet” are often better indicators of peoples’ true preferences than ballot box voting, since foot voters have better incentives to become well-informed about the alternatives before them. Even more powerful evidence is the fact that many East Germans and others fled communism even when doing so meant risking their lives.
Second, the Berlin Wall was an important symbol of the way in which communist governments violated the human right to freedom of movement, one of the most important attributes of a free society. If people are forcibly trapped under the rule of the government in whose territory they happen to be born, they are not truly free; rather, they are hostages of their rulers.
Finally, the sudden collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1989 vividly demonstrated the extent to which communist totalitarianism relied on coercion to maintain its rule. Some Western scholars and leftists contended that most Russians and Eastern Europeans actually supported communism or at least preferred it to the available alternatives. The events of 1989 gave the lie to this notion. Once the Soviet government and its puppet states in Eastern Europe signalled that they would no longer suppress opposition by force, the Berlin Wall was quickly torn down, and communist governments throughout Eastern Europe collapsed within months.
Despite all of the above, I am somewhat conflicted about the status of the Berlin Wall as the symbol of communist oppression in the popular imagination. My reservations have to do with the underappreciated fact that the Wall was actually one of communism’s smaller crimes. Between 1961 and 1989, about 100 East Germans were killed trying to escape to the West through Wall. The Wall also trapped several million more Germans in a repressive totalitarian society. These are grave atrocities. But they pale in comparison to the millions slaughtered in gulags, deliberately created famines, and mass executions of “kulaks” and “class enemies.”…
It is right to commemorate the fall of the Wall, and to mourn its victims. But we should also remember that it was just the tip of a much larger iceberg of communist oppression. Indeed, those other oppressive policies were the main reason why so many Germans (and others) sought to flee communism in the first place. The true lesson of the Berlin Wall is not merely that the Wall itself was unjust, but that it was meant to perpetuate other, far more severe injustices by making it impossible to escape them. That lesson remains relevant today, as socialist dictatorships continue to oppress millions in Cuba, North Korea, and Venezuela.
In western nations, “democratic socialism” has gained ground in recent years. While most of its advocates do not want to go as far as the communists did, the two ideologies nonetheless share a great deal of dangerous common ground…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”949″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_custom_heading text=”“A Piece of My Mind”” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:50px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_custom_heading text=”October 2019 Newsletter” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Advancing Christian Faith and Values,
Defending Religious Liberty for All,
Supporting Civility and the Common Good
through Preaching, Teaching, Writing, Activism and Reasoned Conversations

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”687″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Thanksgiving When Blessings Aren’t So Evident

(Many of our American ancestors celebrated in times when life was
quite tentative and prosperity very uncertain)

Though the fig tree should not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
– Habakkuk 3:17-18

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I was privileged to be Palmer Luckey’s pastor for many years. Always a curious and creative fellow, he invented a head-mounted virtual reality display and founded Oculus, which was later purchased by Facebook. In 2014 he received the American Ingenuity Award in the Youth category from the Smithsonian.

Do a Google search of his name and you read this under “Palmer Luckey –Wikipedia”: “Palmer Freeman Luckey…is an American fascist and the founder of Anduril Industries, a defense technology company…” [bolds mine].

But if you actually access Wikipedia, you read this: “Palmer Freeman Luckey…is an American entrepreneur and the founder of Anduril Industries, a defense technology company…” Entrepreneur, not fascist.

What’s with Google?? Has somebody hacked its search results for Palmer?
By contrast, I read “entrepreneur” and not “fascist” when I searched with Bing. Who would do this smear? Is money involved? What should Google do about it? What should Wikipedia do? I’m curious if any readers know the answers.

Note: my search was done on September 25.

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Pastor Greg Laurie speaks of the death of Jarrid Wilson

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“Tragically, Jarrid took his own life. Sometimes people may think that as pastors or spiritual leaders we are somehow above the pain and struggles of everyday people. We are the ones who are supposed to have all the answers. But we do not.”
A point both pastors and church members should always keep in mind.

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Message of the Month –
Beware of Leftist Fundamentalism

“Fundamentalism” is not just an American religious movement. Its dictionary definition includes “strict adherence to any set of basic ideas or principles.” More than that, fundamentalism is a mindset with typical characteristics.
So you can be very secular and still be a fundamentalist.

What are some common characterizations of fundamentalism?

Fundamentalists are absolutists. In the mind of the clergy or the party faithful there is but one Truth. It is precise and detailed. It is not open to re-examination or dialogue. All information is sifted through the screen of ideology and presuppositions.

Therefore fundamentalists are also closed-minded. Why not be, if you already have all the truth in your back pocket?

Fundamentalists are separatists. They repudiate their polar opposites but they especially loathe those who could be their fellow travelers—those who embrace most of their tenets but not their mindset. Religious fundamentalists loathe evangelical Christians who aren’t as strict as they are, or who don’t cross every theological “t” their way.

Leftist fundamentalists loathe liberals who are not “the true faithful” as they think they are. * Many don’t have any meaningful contacts with thinking conservatives (an oxymoron to them) and never dialogue with conservatives. Some are even proud they don’t.

Fundamentalists are idealists. Whenever data does not conform to their presuppositions it is “flawed” or biased or incomplete. If we just had a little different scenario or a little more data than the past or present has given us, they are sure that the fundamentalist ideal would then be vindicated.

This idealism is seen in leftists’ thirst for more government revenue. Big government has the compassion and answers, but not enough money. If it just had more money, the shortcomings in its visions would not be there.

Finally, fundamentalists are self-righteous. Their cause is the correct and moral one, pure and simple. Everyone else is wrong (if not evil), ignorant, laughable and mean-spirited. Leftist fundamentalists never apologize for their sacrifice of the intellect, their costly errors or practical failures. What counts is the righteousness of the cause, not the empirical facts and certainly not the results.

Are there any differences between religious and political fundamentalists? O yes there is—at least one. And it is huge! Religious fundamentalists have traditionally been apolitical. They just want to be left alone—free to indoctrinate their own, practice their faith, and preach the gospel. Only for rare and significant matters have religious fundamentalists tried to impose their moral views on society. **

Leftist fundamentalists, on the other hand, are transformationist zealots and crusaders from the get-go, out to reshape America, by coercion if need be. That makes them scary.

George Will captures both the self-righteous and coercive spirits of leftism: “Progressivism has become a compound of self-satisfied moral preening and a thirst for coercion” (“Progressives are all too willing to cut constitutional corners,” The Washington Post, October 16, 2019).

Fundamentalists, religious and political, have every right to bring their agendas to the national table and to try to persuade others. That’s one great thing about America. But once their ideologies are laid out for all to see, the American process of open debate and reason leads to their tempering or rejection.
Fundamentalism, whatever its stripe, just doesn’t “play well in Peoria.”

* For a great example see: Michael Taube, “The Left Targets One of Its Own” in The Wall Street Journal, October 28, 2019.
** The misguided effort to bring organized prayer into public schools was one example. Critics cite Prohibition as an example of faulty imposition of morality. Perhaps so. But many supporters of Prohibition were mainstream religious people (and non-religious people) who saw it as a positive social solution to keep families strong and financially solvent. They were not fringe religionists trying to shape America according to sectarian dogma. In reality, all legislation reflects moral positions at some level, and activists who believe in “the cause” strive to impose their views on others by coercion if persuasion doesn’t work.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Religious Liberty Vigilance – Presidential Candidates’ Disdain for Religious Liberty

““Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
– The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

I take no personal pleasure in upholding religious liberty in the face of its challenges, especially when the disagreements are with friends.

Had you asked me thirty years ago what the main pressure would be against religious convictions, I would have cited challenges against the right of parents to raise their children according to each family’s faith. Wrong!

When same-sex marriage was legalized in California in 2008, an editorial in my local newspaper told religious people who didn’t support same-sex marriage to relax. “Conservative religionists have nothing to fear. Their religious practices and their personal definition of marriage are intact.” Wrong again!

“Live and let live” is not a value embraced by the secular left.

It is appropriate to note that not all gay rights activists think like the left.
Tyler Deaton is one of many gay rights advocates who also support genuine religious freedom (The Hill, March 28, 2019). Andrew Sullivan is another. Religious freedom can be protected if the determination is there.

At a CNN “Equality Town Hall” hosted by the Human Rights Campaign in Los Angeles on October 11, Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke was asked by CNN’s Don Lemon if he would favor stripping tax exemption from religious institutions if they opposed same-sex marriage.
O’Rourke’s answer was very clear: “There can be no reward, no benefit, no tax break for anyone or any institution, any organization in America that denies the full human rights and the full civil rights of every single one of us. So as president, we’re going to make that a priority and we are going to stop those who are infringing upon the human rights of our fellow Americans.”

Freedom of religion is not a right that applies except when it doesn’t.

More alarming than his answer itself were the great applause from the audience and the concurrence of the other candidates.

Marriage is one of the Sacraments of the Catholic Church. Will government step in and judge a church that safeguards its sacraments for those who qualify in accord with the church’s convictions? O’Rourke says yes.

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, quoted above, is the great bulwark against all attempts to control others and eclipse their rights. The right to free speech and to the free exercise of religion, among other enumerated rights, doesn’t just apply when speech or religion is fashionable.

Fashionable speech or religion needs little protection. The real test for liberty comes when the speech or the religion is out of the mainstream or regarded as repulsive, ugly, unworthy of defense.

The First Amendment never says “however” or “unless” or “except.” Freedom of religion is not a right that applies except when it doesn’t. All the rights secured in the First Amendment are near-absolutes.

“To deny an exemption to claimants who engage in certain forms of speech is . . . the same as if the State were to fine them for this speech.”
– U.S. Supreme Court (1958), quoted by George Will (Washington Post, October 16, 2019)

My deep concern is that many presidential candidates, many who embrace the goals of the Human Rights Campaign, many secular leftists don’t really care about freedom of religion. They care about their vision for America and the conformity it requires. Religion be damned if it gets in the way.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Bible Insight – Scripture as the Foundation for Our Human Dignity and Duties

(NOTE: I originally wrote these points as a portion of Resolutions presented at my denomination’s annual conference in July. Producing resolutions was a task I had as chair of our Social Concerns Committee from 1985 to 2019. The points have been expanded for this “Bible Insight” section.)

1st Principle: God is the creator of the heavens and the earth and all it contains.

Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”

Dennis Prager observes that Genesis 1:1 is “the most important verse in the Bible.” If it is false, nothing that follows it matters. (See: Dennis Prager, Genesis: God, Creation and Destruction, vol. 1 of The Rational Bible, pages 1-14)

2nd Principle: God created humanity as his highest creation, making humanity alone in his image and after his likeness.

Genesis 1:26 – “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule…over all the earth.’”
Psalm 8:4-6 – “What is man that you are mindful of him…? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands.”

3rd Principle: God created man as male and female, both as bearers of his image.

Genesis 1:27 – “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” The inverted repetition in the second phrase gives emphasis to the first phrase. The third phrase further articulates what is intrinsic to our humanity.

4th Principle: The woman was made from the man, she alone being equal to him yet different from him, to complete the duality of human existence and make marital union possible.

From Genesis 2:18-24 – “Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken from the man. The man said, ‘This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called “woman,” for she was taken out of man.’ For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and they will become one flesh.”

5th Principle: God appointed mankind as stewards over creation.

Genesis 1:26, 28 – “Then God said, ‘…let them rule over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’ …God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.’”
See also Psalm 8:6-8

This is not to be an exploitive, selfish rule that exhausts the earth, but one of careful oversight with enjoyment (see my “Conservation as a Christ-like Cause” in the July-August, 2019 Newsletter).

6th Principle: God chose Israel, the object of his love and protection, to be his special people and a blessing to the whole world.

Genesis 17:7-8, 21 – God said to Abraham, “I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants… The whole land of Canaan, where you are now an alien, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God.”
“But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you…”
See also: Genesis 12:1-3; Amos 3:1-2; Zechariah 2:7; Romans 9:4-5; 11:28-29

7th Principle: Human sinfulness deeply afflicts OUR RELATIONSHIP TO GOD AND TO ONE ANOTHER (including how men and women, parents and children, rich and poor, strong and weak, and people of differing races treat each other) and also afflicts OUR UNDERSTANDING OF OURSELVES (who we are as human beings), tempting us to define ourselves in subjective humanistic ways rather than according to our creator’s design.

Genesis 6:5-6 – “The Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The Lord was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.”
See also: Genesis 3:1-19; 8:21; Romans 1:18-32; 3:10-18

From these seven foundational principles I draw several ethical implications—17 in fact! Here are two, and more will follow.

1. All human life (including the unborn, those with mental and physical infirmities and those who are terminally ill) is precious and worthy of our protection and care.

2. The loss of any human life by the actions of another is tragic. Nonetheless, taking human life is justifiable in narrow circumstances such as self-defense or defense of others (whether exercised by an individual or by the magistrate). Yet even this is tragic, for God himself takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11).

“Science doesn’t teach right from wrong—or even that there is a right and wrong. The purpose of Genesis 1 is not to teach science. It is to teach about God, man and nature.”
—Dennis Prager, The Rational Bible: Genesis

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Don’s Recent Ministry

Lead Prayer Time at Seal Beach Prayer Breakfast on November 2. Locals can sign up for this event at:

www.gracesealbeach.org under “Resources”.

November 12 – Speak on issues of death and dying to the Grace Leadership Network, 10:00 a.m. at Grace Brethren Church of Norwalk CA, 11005 Foster Rd.
Don’s message of July 28: “Jeremiah—Right Man for the Right Hour” (Jeremiah 1-20) can be heard at www.gracesealbeach.org under “Resources”.

We All Need to Remember
“The Loyal Opposition” – a phrase fond to Dr. Charles Krauthammer

“Originally a British parliamentary term, it encapsulates a concept critical to democracy: that whoever holds power, all sides must respect the fundamental legitimacy of their political rivals; that their differences be seen not as treasonous or out of bounds, but rather as healthy disagreement within our divided and adversarial system of government, which as a whole — and only as a whole — retains ultimate authority. Members of the other party may be your opponents, but within the walls of our democratic constitutional order, they are not your enemy. Where freedom and pluralism reign, you must convince, not overpower.”

– Daniel Krauthammer, speaking of an essential phrase that was fond to his father, Charles Krauthammer (“Charles Krauthammer championed civil debate,” The Washington Post, October 25, 2019)

Reformation Day—October 31

And finally, a Reformation thought, October 31 being the 502nd anniversary of the start of the Protestant Reformation. On October 31, 1517, German theologian Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the Wittenberg Castle Church door.

Luther on the dialectic of Christian freedom:

“A Christian is the most free lord of all, and subject to none.
A Christian is the most dutiful servant of all, and subject to all.”

– Martin Luther, On Christian Freedom (1520)

Website: www.donaldshoemakerministries.com
Contact me at: donaldshoemakerministries@verizon.net[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”949″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_custom_heading text=”“A Piece of My Mind”” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:50px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_custom_heading text=”October 2019 Newsletter” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Advancing Christian Faith and Values,
Defending Religious Liberty for All,
Supporting Civility and the Common Good
through Preaching, Teaching, Writing, Activism and Reasoned Conversations

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”687″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1270″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Jarrid Wilson was a pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside CA. He was a close friend of my daughter and son-in-law. They camped together in Mammoth Lakes this past summer. Jarrid was ring bearer at my daughter’s wedding in 1992.

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Jarrid struggled with depression issues and faced up to them positively in his ministry. He founded “Anthem of Hope,” a Christian mental health ministry helping people battling depression, anxiety, self-harm, addiction and suicide.

On September 10 Jarrid took his own life. He was 30. We extend our support and prayer to his family and friends and all who knew of his life and ministry.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) is available 24/7

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Back the Badge – Psalm 106:3

“Blessed are those who maintain justice.”

“The Letter of the Law”
vs.
“The Spirit of the Law”

The Letter of the Law:
A motorist in West Hollywood received a $53 citation for parking over a line. The ticket gave the reason: “No portion of the vehicle may be outside space mark.”

The Spirit of the Law:

The City responded to the driver’s Twitter: “We typically refer folks to the contesting information on the back of the ticket. This one may be unique, but we’re not 100% sure.” With no further action by the motorist, the ticket was dismissed.

Several years ago I took a “Laws of Arrest” course at the Orange County (CA) Sheriff’s Department and learned the difference between “letter and spirit” of the law. These words well summarize the importance of this difference:

“Are you using, ‘Letter of the law vs. Spirit of the law’ while working in law enforcement? Most of you who are officers learned this term in the academy or perhaps while in the military. Either way, it is important each officer grow and develop in their job and hone the level of equilibrium needed while dealing with people or situations. Yes, you may have the authority to enforce the law….to the letter, but eventually you will be questioned not only by your administration but most likely in court by judges and lawyers over your decision to enforce the letter of the law….”

“…Most departments have a traffic department and it is those traffic officers who play the big part of traffic enforcement. Even so, the traffic department should use good balance and go by spirit of the law if at the time it fits. Remember, if we do not have balance in police work things will work against us as society ultimately controls our very moves in law enforcement” [italics mine].

– “Letter of the Law vs. Spirit of the Law,” POLICEVOICE, March 29, 2016

The issue of “spirit versus letter” came home when one of my grandchildren received a ticket for turning right on red without a full stop. It was caught on camera. A camera has neither heart nor head and can’t discern what the “spirit of the law” requires. Only a real officer can do that.
No wonder camera enforcement is so widely hated.

There’s more! Read the 8th Amendment to the US Constitution:

“Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed,
nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.”

Well, the base fine for violating the “right on red after stop” law is $100.
Fair enough. But state and local governments see the ticket as a cash cow.
Various fees, surcharges and penalties are lathered onto the base fine.
What for? Some samples (7 out of a list of 16 that I read):

• The County General Fund
• The County Jail Construction Fund
• The County Automated Fingerprint Fund
• The Emergency Medical Fund
• The State Court Facilities Construction Fund
• The Emergency Air Medical Transportation Fund
• The State General Fund

Bottom line: the final ticket cost climbed to almost $500! *

These extras, mostly unknown to the general public, carry a very negative social consequence. People of small means can’t afford to pay the ticket.
So more penalties are added. Too many unpaid tickets? Big trouble! It becomes a downhill snowball—growing larger each time it goes around.

The Bible teaches the penalty should be appropriate for the wrong.

Like some ticketing practices, the fine process I’ve described breaks the “spirit of the law” and does not generate respect for the law, which is essential to a well-ordered and just society.

* By comparison, my only traffic ticket was for going 60 in a 50 MPH stretch of highway through Ohio farmland. I was tracked by an airplane. The fine was $85.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Message of the Month – Baptism by Pouring
When Rules Give Way to Principles, and Rituals to Compassion
(Here’s more on the “Letter” and “Spirit” of the Law)

We had a most joyous experience at Grace Community Church of Seal Beach several years ago on a Sunday morning. We baptized one of our dear older saints. It was not possible to fulfill this baptism through immersion. So the baptism was done by pouring with the Elders of our church gathered around.

Pouring is not our usual mode of baptism. We baptize by immersion. Indeed, we really do! We baptize by triple immersion—likely the oldest baptismal practice in the Early Christian Church. So what can we say about pouring?
I offer three questions and answers…

1. “WWJD?” – What Would Jesus Do?

Jesus would put a compassionate act ahead of a particular rule or ritual.

[Jesus] went into their synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”

He said to them, “If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a man than a sheep!” (Matthew 12:9-12 New International Version. It is important to read the entire context: Matthew 12:1-14.)

Then Jesus healed the man, to the irritation of those who were bound by rules. We too must be willing to lay aside a particular way of doing a ritual if fulfilling the spirit of the ritual would lead us to do the ritual a different way.

Some churches might say to someone unable to have immersion baptism,
“We understand you aren’t able be baptized—God understands too.” But that misses the point and is only semi-compassion! Why not give a person the joyous experience of baptism through a different ritual rather than denying someone the joy of the baptism?

2. What does baptism symbolize?

Many things! In fact, baptism is too rich a ritual for any specific method to capture all its meanings.

One important lesson of baptism is that it is a sign of the arrival of the Holy Spirit. In fact, Jesus drew a close linkage between baptism in water and baptism in the Holy Spirit. He told his disciples shortly before the Day of Pentecost, “John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 1:5).

And just how was our Lord’s promise of the baptism of the Holy Spirit fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost? The Holy Spirit was “poured out” on the waiting, submissive disciples! To have the Holy Spirit “poured out” on them was one and the same as being “baptized” in the Holy Spirit. Simon Peter explained it this way: “Exalted to the right hand of God, [Jesus] has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear” (Acts 2:33). In fact, Peter said that the coming of the Spirit fulfilled the promise of the prophet Joel, that God would “pour out” his Spirit on all people (Acts 2:17).

I’ll go so far as to say this: If I only had the Book of Acts to go by, I would assume baptism was probably done by the pouring method! Also, since the Spirit is poured out on us effusively, baptism by pouring should be effusive too. We’d do our best to drench you!

3. What would the Early Church do?

A likely answer might come from the oldest document we have, outside the New Testament, which gives us a glimpse into the life and teaching of the Early Church. It’s called The “Didache” (“did-a-KAY”), known as “The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles” (none of whom probably ever saw it).

It was written in the common Greek language of its time with a gentile Christian audience in mind. It’s an excellent little discipleship manual that would guide new Christians in The Faith—even today. The “Didache” is dated anywhere from AD 50 to AD 125. You might want to do a search for “Didache” on your computer and read its simple teachings for yourself.

Here’s what the “Didache” had to say about baptism [bold mine]:

Chapter 7. Concerning Baptism. And concerning baptism, baptize this way: Having first said all these things, baptize into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, in living water. But if you have no living water, baptize into other water; and if you cannot do so in cold water, do so in warm. But if you have neither, pour out water three times upon the head into the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit. But before the baptism let the baptizer fast, and the baptized, and whoever else can; but you shall order the baptized to fast one or two days before.

This is what it teaches: (1) baptism should be done in “living (running) water” or cold or warm water; (2) if those kinds of water were not available, pouring is permitted; (3) the pouring is to be “three times upon the head” by the Trinitarian formula (Matthew 28:19). The strong inference is, the preferred mode of baptism was most likely a triple immersion, since a triple pouring was permitted as a substitute mode if the necessary water was lacking. But the mode of pouring was certainly acceptable too.

The point I make is this: If pouring was an acceptable mode of baptism due to insufficient water for immersion, certainly it is an acceptable mode of baptism if done for some other good reason.

My Conclusion

Jesus put mercy, compassion, and people’s well being ahead of rules and rituals. He let the spirit of the Law trump the letter of the Law. The church should do the same. We would neither want to miss for ourselves nor deny to another the joy of Christian baptism!

ENDNOTE: TAKE CARE HOW YOU QUOTE THE CHURCH FATHERS

The Church Fathers are excellent sources of primary information on the thinking of the early church and secondary information on what the Bible taught. But there are cautions. First, since many writings by the church fathers are responding to controversies within the church, we can’t assume they are speaking for the entire church.
Second, quotations from the church fathers must be taken in their contexts, not “proof-texted” to support what we want to prove. Of course the Bible itself is never to be misused this way either.

“Wonderful things in the Bible I see,
When they are put there by you and by me.”

Here’s an example: my church tradition practices baptism by triple immersion (discussed above). Indeed, there are clear references to triple immersion in the church fathers.

When I was a seminary student (1966-69) the syllabus of my course “Denominational Beliefs and Practices” listed several church fathers as extra-biblical support for triple immersion. The summary sentence was: “The testimony is unanimous for trine immersion among the early fathers, and there is not a dissenting voice.” *

That’s quite a triumphant statement, underscored by the tautology. But is it really correct? One church father cited ** was Basil the Great (fourth century). And yes, he spoke of triple immersion baptism. But for what purpose?

Basil asks, “Whence the rule of trine immersion? And the rest of the ceremonies at baptism…from what Scripture are they taken? Are they not all from the unpublished and private teachings, which our Fathers kept under a reserve inaccessible to curiosity…?” ***

Basil’s whole point in a lengthy section is that baptism by triple immersion and many other rituals the church practices DO NOT HAVE A BASIS IN SCRIPTURE. RATHER, THEIR BASIS IS FOUND IN CHURCH TRADITION.
Context matters!

* “Denominational Beliefs and Practices” by Dr. Herman A. Hoyt, page 43.

** The claim about Basil was a secondary reference, taken from God’s Means of Grace by Charles F. Yoder. Secondary reference should be viewed with caution and only used when the primary source is not available or when the point of the reference is minor.

*** Basil the Great, De Spiritu Sancto, chapter 27, paragraph 66. Also see: “The Longer Catechism of the Orthodox, Catholic, Eastern Church” in The Creeds of Christendom by Philip Schaff, volume 2, pages 448-50.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

First Amendment Vigilance – When to Limit Speech

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

A gentleman I met in the dairy department at my local supermarket was wearing the T-shirt modeled here:

I commented to him about it, and he replied that someone recently told him at a bowling alley to take it off and wear it inside out! He refused. Good for him!

The First Amendment’s “free speech” guarantee does not protect us from speech policies at work or in many other contexts, such as in our homes and churches. It DOES protect us from any government limitations on speech, including at government locations like public universities (many of which apparently don’t know that).

But the First Amendment has GREAT TUTORIAL POWER, in that it creates an atmosphere of freedom in the country generally. For example, raunchy or intimidating speech excluded, we generally accept how others choose to express themselves. Cultural mores traditionally guide and temper what we say, unless these mores break down.

Sincere commendation of others needs no justification. Criticism of others on the other hand generally requires that we have earned the right to be heard. We can give criticism in a moment of urgency (because a necessity to be heard exists), or with friends and family, or with business associates (when constructive criticism is cultivated), or between pastors and church members, or with subordinates. And we can approach others respectfully and “knock and ask permission” to criticize.

Otherwise civility may suggest we restrain ourselves. Read on:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Bible Insight – Speaking with Civility

“No one can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” – James 3:8-10

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
– Ephesians 4:29

What would the biblical writers say about communicating today via all the “social media” options? Today we talk with our fingertips, not just with our tongues. And the potential impact of our words is far greater. Words once spoken are irretrievable, but retraction is usually much easier when we speak with our voices.

So…is it too much to ask for our president and other governmental leaders to be exemplary when they communicate?

The power of their words is immense as they lead by example, for good or ill.

Here’s what happened during September: President Trump tweeted about Jonathan Karl, an ABC News reporter, calling him a “lightweight reporter.”

Or so the president intended.

Instead, by misspelling the last name as “Carl”, he actually tweeted about a Baptist pastor in Kentucky by that name. Soon after that, Pastor Carl received tweets of “intense vitriol and hatred” from supporters of the president.
With measured and reasonable words, Pastor Carl gave this advice to the president: “Please don’t make the Twitter-universe such a dark and depressing place. It shouldn’t be a place to argue, fight, or jockey for position. We can disagree and debate without childish name-calling. You can make Twitter a better place.”

In all our communications we should re-read our comments to check spelling and grammar and—more important—to be sure it says what we mean it to say and it speaks in a way that honors the dignity of persons. And when we do need to say something negative, we “sleep on it” before we hit “send” and we include in the readership no more people than necessary. How many times haven’t I re-read the next morning the comments I wrote the evening before and realized they should not be sent the way I first wrote them!

I wrote this (adopted) Resolution for my denomination’s annual meeting in July:
Civility in speech and good conduct toward others who are in God’s likeness are our duties. Our communications with one another must be consistent with loving our neighbor as ourselves.

Civility must begin at the highest levels of government—the president and the Congress in America—and continue to all other levels.

Civility must avoid the ad hominem attacks on opponents that have become so much a part of today’s charged political climate.

Civil communication must characterize all “social media” and Christians especially must not communicate with gossipy, malicious, or oppressive words in their use of social media.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Don’s Recent Ministry

Don’s message of July 28: “Jeremiah—Right Man for the Right Hour” (Jeremiah 1-20) can be heard at

www.gracesealbeach.org under “Resources”.

Lead Prayer Time at Seal Beach Prayer Breakfast on November 3. Locals can sign up for this event at:

www.sealbeachprayerbreakfast.com

Website: www.donaldshoemakerministries.com
Contact me at: donaldshoemakerministries@verizon.net[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Appendix – A Good Voice from the Past

Charles Colson comments on the impeachment processes
in 1972 (Richard Nixon) and 1998
(Bill Clinton)

[1998] If the House of Representatives passes an impeachment resolution this coming week, it does not mean the president is going to be turned out of office. It simply means that the House has made a finding that there is credible evidence …

The Senate’s job will be to decide how to dispose of the matter: Do nothing, plea bargain, censure, or conduct a trial.

In their wisdom, our Founding Fathers designed a way we could bring to trial the only man in America who cannot be tried in the courts while he sits in office: the president of the United States. They intended no man to be above the law, a concept that reflects a major Christian contribution to the founding of our nation.

The House action will not, I repeat, not, despite what the president’s defenders claim this week, overturn the election results.

Nearly 25 years ago, I sat in the witness chair facing the House Judiciary Committee during the impeachment hearings of Richard Nixon. It was hardly a happy day for me because I was there to testify under oath about all the transgressions we now know of as Watergate.

I left the hearings that night knowing I was going to prison, despondent because I knew that my friend President Nixon would soon be out of office. But, in a sense, I had a renewed confidence in the American system. Why? Because the congressmen seemed genuinely concerned about upholding the law. Even the Republicans, mostly partisan defenders of Nixon, recognized that the integrity of the presidency was on the line, and what was right had to take precedence over politics. Even though I was on the losing end, I was reassured that the American system was stronger than any man or partisan interest.

And for all of us who are Christians, regardless of how we view this process, let us remind ourselves that we serve a God who rules over the affairs of men—whether they know it or not.

[Excerpts from BreakPoint Daily, “How to Think about Impeachment”, September 27, 2019][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”949″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_custom_heading text=”“A Piece of My Mind”” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:50px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_custom_heading text=”September 2019 Newsletter” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Advancing Christian Faith and Values,
Defending Religious Liberty for All,
Supporting Civility and the Common Good
through Preaching, Teaching, Writing, Activism and Reasoned Conversations

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”687″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1255″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

El Paso & Dayton

“Do not trust in these deceptive words: ‘This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord.’”

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“For if you truly amend your ways and your deeds, if you truly execute justice one with another, if you do not oppress the sojourner, the fatherless, or the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not go after other gods to your own harm, then I will let you dwell in this place, in the land that I gave of old to your fathers forever.” – Jeremiah 7:4-7 ESV

A strong and good heritage is important but not enough. Jeremiah the Prophet declared that changed hearts that serve God and people are a must if God’s blessing on the land is to continue. The application for America is clear.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

My Opening Prayer at Church on August 11

Lord, today our hearts are grieving and we really need to hear the Book of Lamentations, because our own country has seen so much bloodshed in recent days. As Jeremiah lamented,

Joy is gone from our hearts;
our dancing has turned to mourning.

We pray your very special comfort to those who have lost loved ones and who have been wounded. We pray for justice for those who do evil. We thank you for our first responders.

We pray for our nation’s leaders as they face the question of what to do about violence. We pray they will put political ambition and posturing aside and search for real solutions. Guide them with your wisdom.

Forgive us all whenever we fail to love our neighbors as ourselves, including the foreigner in our midst.

Thank you for this beautiful day to worship you.
Fill us with your Holy Spirit so we might truly worship you.
Open our minds to hear the message [from the Book of Lamentations]. Bless our fellowship and prepare us to serve you. Make our words and lives be of special blessing to others in the week ahead.

We pray in the name of our Lord Jesus, before whom every knee shall bow. Amen.

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Back the Badge – Psalm 106:3

“Blessed are those who maintain justice.”

Remembering Two Fallen Officers

Deputy Sheriff Morris L. Taylor, 38
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon
Killed by gunfire on September 14, 2002

Deputy Taylor was shot and killed after responding to a report involving a man performing lewd acts at a motel in Curtin, Oregon. I conducted his graveside service. His sister served on the board of Grace Community Church of Seal Beach.

Deputy Sheriff Daniel Lee Archuleta, 35
Kern County Sheriff’s Department, California
Killed in a traffic accident on September 12, 2004

Deputy Archuleta grew up in the church. He had been an Explorer with the Seal Beach Police Department. My wife and I travelled to Bakersfield for his funeral, where I was privileged to sing and offer a tribute. Later, a memorial was held at our church for the benefit of our own members and locals, and for some deputies of the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, where he once served.
It was a very deep honor for me to be involved in the services for both of these fallen officers, who died doing what they were called to do.

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Message of the Month –
Government Fiscal Responsibility

“The borrower is servant to the lender.” – Proverbs 22:7

“When you run in debt; you give to another power over your liberty.”
– Benjamin Franklin

“We must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt.” – Thomas Jefferson

Being financially responsible is a clear biblical mandate. We know we have to run our personal and family budgets this way or there will be natural consequences. Do our elected officials realize this same diligence is needed in local, state and federal governments? Any more we’re not so sure.

Local governments aren’t able to provide basic services while they fund a plethora of niceties and sometimes great excesses. State governments (like California) have steep graduated income tax rates that create plush surpluses in good times but dire shortages in lean times. Still, state governments create ongoing obligations that must be funded during lean times. With both state and local governments, the sure source for funds is more taxes.

And the federal government? We’re talking $23 trillion dollars of national debt, and growing. For the first time except during World War II the national debt exceeds the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). And now there’s talk of cutting payroll taxes—needed to sustain Social Security and Medicare.

President Clinton was the last president to preside over a string of budget surpluses. In fact, when Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan testified before the Senate’s Committee on the Budget on January 25, 2001, he gave this optimistic prophecy:

The most recent projections from the OMB indicate that, if current policies remain in place, the total unified surplus will reach $800 billion in fiscal year 2011, including an on-budget surplus of $500 billion. The CBO reportedly will be showing even larger surpluses…
The most recent projections, granted their tentativeness, nonetheless make clear that the highly desirable goal of paying off the federal debt is in reach before the end of the decade.

From our vantage point in 2019, Greenspan’s words in 2001 seem so “long, long ago, far, far away.” Somewhere else in the galaxy.

Since then, under presidents Bush and Obama, it’s been deeper and deeper red ink and now Washington seems utterly unconcerned. The NY Times [July 22] says this about the careless two-year budget bill now signed into law:

But it is another sign that a Capitol once consumed by fiscal worries simply no longer cares — even as the government’s deficit approaches $1 trillion a year. Still, the accord would lift the debt ceiling high enough to allow the government to keep borrowing for two more years, punting the next showdown past the 2020 elections.

A string of presidential candidates would spend and create entitlements that will ensure massive deficits and a zooming national debt on into the ages.

Will there be a day of reckoning? Is it wise that China is the largest foreign creditor of our national debt at $1.11 trillion? Does this create leverage? Well yes, at the least it enables China to sell goods to the U.S. more cheaply.

Will enough willpower arise in Congress and in the Administration to set in motion a process to tame or even turn around the deficit spending? Is this a moral crisis as well as a fiscal one?

My denomination approved this resolution at its annual meeting in July:

Governmental Responsibility

Governments must operate with a strong sense of integrity and faithfulness to the laws of the nation. They must honor their commitments to their citizens by fulfilling their basic duties, controlling entitlements and spending, and avoiding immense deficits that will burden future generations.

We warn our government against yielding to the passion for an ever-broader expansion of rights that are popular at the moment but are not wise or good for the long-range health of the nation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

World War 2 + 75

The war hit home in September 1944 when my uncle, John K. Shoemaker, age 25, was killed in France. The 100th anniversary of his birth is September 1, 2019. I never met him—I was born after his death.

Gravestone at Workman Cemetery, Danville Ohio

Crossing the Meurthe River in France – September, 1944

One historical source gives a day-by-day account of this event. Here is September 22—the day of my uncle’s death:

“The showdown was set for 0530, 22 September and was kicked off by a 15-minute artillery barrage. K and L/Companies moved out to take the St. Clement-Moncel highway. K/Co reached the objective, but L/Co got pinned down on the west bank by machine gunners firing from the farm area stronghold. Finally, two tanks managed to wade through the marshy area to L/Company’s position. With the tanks leading the assault, they ran 27 enemy out of the barns. Another stalemate ensued as German anti-tank fire halted the infantry advance. I/Co regrouped to attack past the highway to the railroad tracks. The Company destroyed five enemy machine gun nests, clearing the highway. F/Co was sent to cover I/Company’s rear after reports of enemy tank sightings. The Regiment had achieved its objective, and the engineers were sent in to build a bridge overnight.

“At 0430, 23 September, the bridge was completed. Anti-tank units were the first to cross and the day was spent moving the troops around to further secure the area…

“Once the dust had settled, the 79th Division, 314th Regiment had lost the equivalent in casualties to one-quarter of a battalion – most occurring in the 3rd battalion’s ranks. The 3rd battalion received a Presidential Unit Citation for its part in the Meurthe River battle.”

The 79th Infantry Division entered Germany in March 1945.
During its 13 months in Europe, 2476 of the 79th were killed in action.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

First Amendment Vigilance
Religious Liberty – The “Grain” and the “Husks”

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Remembering the price paid for our freedom has been intense this year—
the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion in World War 2. But what if people don’t care or don’t even know their freedoms?”

A 2017 survey conducted by the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg Public Policy Center is alarming. Most Americans are ignorant of the rights provided by the First Amendment (in “The Bill of Rights”).

• 37% could not name a single right protected by the First Amendment.
• While 48% knew the First Amendment protected freedom of speech, the other rights it guarantees are far less known.
• Only 15% remembered the right to freedom of religion.

What is forgotten or never learned will not be cherished and defended when the challenges come, as they surely will.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Bible Insight – “The Devil? Whence Cometh He?”

To my non-Christian readers: you may question the whole notion of a spiritual being known as “Satan.” Perhaps you accept the physical realm, capable of scientific analysis, as the only true reality. But that may require faith, just as accepting the reality of the Devil and a spirit realm is an act of faith (I have no litmus paper to prove evil spirits are present). Most people, Christian or not, believe in a spiritual realm beyond the physical. Christians believe in a Supreme Being who dwells above time and space, and in the realities of angels and demonic spirits. It is a non-science issue, not an anti-science one.

To my non-Christian readers: you may question the whole notion of a spiritual being known as “Satan.” Perhaps you accept the physical realm, capable of scientific analysis, as the only true reality. But that may require faith, just as accepting the reality of the Devil and a spirit realm is an act of faith (I have no litmus paper to prove evil spirits are present). Most people, Christian or not, believe in a spiritual realm beyond the physical. Christians believe in a Supreme Being who dwells above time and space, and in the realities of angels and demonic spirits. It is a non-science issue, not an anti-science one.

Verses in the Bible always have their contexts. Many of us pull verses from their context and use them, sometimes acceptably, sometimes not. To knowingly use a verse contrary to its context is very wrong—not “spiritual” at all. A text without its context is a pretext to make it say what we wish it to say.

All that to say: some notions people have about the Devil (“Satan”) come from scriptures taken out of context.

What and where was Satan before he became, well, “Satan”?

“How you are fallen from heaven,
O Day Star [“Lucifer” * ], son of Dawn!
How you are cut down to the ground,
you who laid the nations low!
You said in your heart,
‘I will ascend to heaven;
above the stars of God
I will set my throne on high;
I will sit on the mount of assembly
in the far reaches of the north;
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.’”
(Isaiah 14:12-14 English Standard Version)

The argument goes something like this: the description here, taken literally, cannot refer to any human ruler. So it must refer to the ruler of the realm of evil—the Devil himself. Thus, these verses are describing the pre-historic fall of the Devil from his place of angelic honor, due to his prideful ambition.
Nice theory, but no cigar. Because the text has a context. And the context is a taunt against an earthly king, the King of Babylon. Now a “taunt” is an expression of scorn or ridicule or derision. And that’s exactly what these verses are. The powerful, prideful King of Babylon will be brought down to nothing. Don’t take a taunt too literally—it may be full of hyperbole and characterizations that are not to be understood with wooden literalism.

Well then, what about Ezekiel 28?

“You were the signet of perfection,
full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.
You were in Eden, the garden of God. [12b-13a]

You were an anointed guardian cherub.
I placed you; you were on the holy mountain of God;
in the midst of the stones of fire you walked.
You were blameless in your ways
from the day you were created,
till unrighteousness was found in you.” [14-15]

Similar claim with these very selective proof texts: no mere earthly ruler was “perfect in beauty” or “in Eden” or a “cherub” on the “holy mountain of God.” So they must refer to the Evil One behind an evil ruler.

Similar problem: the context makes it clear that the King of Tyre (an ancient city adjacent to Israel on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea) is the object of these words, which are a “lament”—a statement of pity over this
king’s sad fall from greatness to calamity. Again, don’t be too literal on details.

We know less about the original state of the Devil than we may have thought. Jude 6 (also 2 Peter 2:4) does speak of “the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling,” but it is not clear that this refers to Satan. We cautiously refer to Satan as a fallen angel.

Satan first appears on the scene in the Book of Job—as a sinister being who challenges God and afflicts Job terribly (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-10).

More important than where the Devil came from is where he is going. And what he is doing now.
The Devil “prowls around like a roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8), strives to frustrate the work of God, tempts Christians away from God’s will, afflicts people, spreads false doctrines, tries to bring down spiritual leaders, and much more.

For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
– “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” by Martin Luther

Don’t evade responsibility by blaming the Devil for everything! Evil in the world around us and our own sinful inclinations can tempt us to do lots of bad things (James 1:14-15).

The Devil’s doom is clear from Scripture—he will be cast into eternal fire “prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41; see Revelation 20:10).

Good riddance!

* “Lucifer” is a Latin name for the planet Venus, the “morning star.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Don’s Recent Ministry

Don’s message of July 28: “Jeremiah—Right Man for the Right Hour” (Jeremiah 1-20) can be heard at

www.gracesealbeach.org under “Resources”.
Website: www.donaldshoemakerministries.com
Contact me at: donaldshoemakerministries@verizon.net[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

“The commandment to love the stranger
is the most frequently repeated commandment in the Torah.”

—Dennis Prager, The Rational Bible: Genesis
[“Torah” = the Books of Moses, the first five books of the Bible]

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Appendix – A Resolution Responding to the Current Immigration Crisis

[Note: Since 1985 I have chaired the Social Concerns Committee in my denomination, the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches (now using the name “Charis Fellowship”). The committee’s primary task is to prepare resolutions for delegates to consider at the denomination’s annual business session. I concluded this ministry at the end of this year’s session in July. In upcoming newsletters I will be presenting some of the resolutions for you to read. I hope you find them of value.]

Immigration Reform

America has been a land of immigrants since before the nation was founded. Between the extremes of nativism and open borders, most citizens have open arms toward immigrants but also see the rule of law and secure borders as essential for a safe and civil society. Today our nation and our churches are increasingly populated by people from a multitude of cultures and lands, and many of these people are undocumented.

How can our Charis Fellowship respond?

1. We call on our churches to give prayer, thought, discussion, and action toward addressing the problem of the undocumented immigrant in a God-honoring way.

2. We recognize the divisive and controversial nature of this debate, and we encourage dialogue in the churches that is respectful, open-minded, and solution focused.

3. We further call on our churches to be the “reconciling presence of Christ” in the midst of a broken system that creates rancor, resentment, racism, selfishness, fear, exploitation, danger, and disregard for the law.

4. We call on our society and elected leaders to rise above political posturing and rancor to work toward a solution on immigration that is compassionate and realistic—a solution that accomplishes the government’s responsibility to protect its citizens and guests, while at the same time provides relief to the oppressed.

5. We recognize that meaningful solutions to this problem are not easily reached and must come through a determined will to achieve them. We deplore the present situation when our Federal Government is unable to resolve key immigration issues year after year.

6. We also recognize that the United States cannot accommodate everyone who desires to come to this country. Correcting the situations that force many to flee their home countries is one way to reduce the number attempting to gain entry into the United States.

7. We also call on the Federal Government to be wise in its use of Foreign Aid to aid in reforming situations in those foreign countries.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”949″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_custom_heading text=”“A Piece of My Mind”” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:50px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_custom_heading text=”July-August 2019 Newsletter” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Advancing Christian Faith and Values,
Defending Religious Liberty for All,
Supporting Civility and the Common Good
through Preaching, Teaching, Writing, Activism and Reasoned Conversations

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”687″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

July 4, 1776 –A Declaration of Dependence

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“…the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God…”

“…all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights…”

“…appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions…”

“…with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”

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Back the Badge – Psalm 106:3

“Blessed are those who maintain justice.”

Pictured: Officer Natalie Corona, 22, of the Davis (CA) Police Department, killed by gunfire on January 10, 2019 very close to where my granddaughter once lived while a student at U.C. Davis.

I love watching Blue Bloods. But hardly a week goes by that Danny doesn’t shoot someone. On one occasion Danny and his partner confront two gang members in an elevator. Now you have four guns pointed at adversaries in a tight space.
No surprise. The good guys win; the bad guys are taken out.

That’s not how the real world of law enforcement revolves.

In the make-believe world of television, police negotiate with villains who are pointing guns at them at close range. In the real world, law enforcement officers likely must fire to prevent death or serious injury if the villain is pointing a gun at them or at another. Twenty-six U.S. law enforcement officers have died by gunfire in 2019 as of June 29.

Most officers will complete a full career without firing a single shot. Those who do fire must make split-second decisions in pressure situations when their extensive training is put to the ultimate test. No time to review the Manual. The officer who fires his weapon will live with the consequences.

This is not at all to vindicate all occasions where lethal force is used. I’ve officiated at two funerals of civilians killed by police, and I know the arguments and grief on the other side.

Bottom line: the loss of any human life is tragic; the loss of some human life is justifiable in critical, often sudden, and very difficult circumstances. And when done to save innocent life, the use of force is a righteous act.

NOTE: California’s legislature has fiercely debated a bill that redefines the conditions for the use of deadly force. The current standard (in part) is the officer reasonably believes that there is an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury. Assembly Bill 392 tightened the criteria for use of force and was at first strongly opposed by law enforcement associations representing officers and chiefs. The bill has been extensively revised and these associations are now neutral about it. The bill has passed the Assembly (68-0) and is now before the Senate.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Bible Insight – Conservation as a Christ-like Cause

From 1962-66 I was a student at Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana. For the first two years the small student body had its meals at a nearby hotel, eating the culinary catastrophes that the hotel cook would fix. Not always, but often he had two kinds of food—what went into the garbage disposal and what should go into the garbage disposal.

The Dean of Women said not to give the food funny names, but we did—“Train Wreck “ and worse. When the new dorm and dining commons opened, it was like eating in heaven.
A health inspector once closed the hotel food operation down when he opened a food closet door and a thousand fruit flies flew out. One Thanksgiving dinner gave the student body an intestinal disorder which forever labeled that dinner “The Turkey Trot.”
Still, the couple of times I worked washing dishes I had a really hard time flushing edibles down the garbage disposal. I’m not talking about scraps off plates, but whole pieces of pie, etc.

Jesus, a much better food connoisseur than the hotel cook, once fed a whole multitude. In John 6:12, we read a startling statement about what happened after dinner—”When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, ‘Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.’”

What is this? The one by whom all things were made (John 1:3), the Lord of earth and all its processes, the one who turned water into wine (John 2:7-11), the one who had just blessed and distributed five small loaves and two small fish and miraculously fed the crowd—he is telling his disciples to conserve!

It is sad that the conservation movement is so dominated by earth worshippers, pantheists and the like. Is there not a Christian basis for care? Is there a basis from which we can work with others, whether they stand on that basis or not?

Besides our Lord’s instruction (powerful enough!), here are some points to guide us:

1. God’s creation is good and ought to be respected as such. Good things should not be haphazardly discarded when some creative legislation and social work, along with some sacrifice of time and effort, could retain them for good use and reuse. The creation should not be unnecessarily defaced or cluttered with what is ugly.

2. Only God is infinite. The earth and all it contains is finite. To treat the earth as if its resources are infinite is idolatry.

3. The Bible warns us that “a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15), “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil”, and those who are “eager for money” will “pierce themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:9-10). Therefore, our stewardship of God’s creation cannot simply revolve around how we can exploit it for economic gain. We must also heed its aesthetic value (its appeal as an object of beauty and pleasure), its ecological sensitivity, its potential for ministry to human need and its preservation for future generations.

4. We are called to love our neighbor as ourselves. The earth’s resources are for both our own enjoyment and for sharing with those less fortunate. Nehemiah, governor of Judah during the days of the Persian Empire, said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing…” (Nehemiah 8:10).

Perhaps most of all, the psalmist’s prayer rises above all human involvement with the creation with the confession, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1). And the psalmist also said (Psalm 104:24),

O Lord, how manifold are your works!
In wisdom have you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.

Should not our use of God’s creation strive to be wise as well, and to honor its Creator? After all, we are the caretakers of what God has made, and we will someday give account to the Creator.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Every
Business
Needs
a
Prophet

Biblical Values in the Workplace

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“Selective Wrath” against Incomes of CEO’s?

Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. – Ecclesiastes 5:18-19 (ESV)

While the Bible warns us not to love money and crave the things it can buy, it does not prevent those who accrue a good portion of this life’s abundance from enjoying it. To the contrary, it encourages enjoyment.

Those who have an abundance incur, with that wealth, an obligation to be generous to the needy. Still, much of what is theirs is theirs to enjoy.

A recent article highlighted the pay gap between the ten top CEO’s and their typical workers. This ranged from a 1511:1 gap (the highest paid CEO at Discovery, earning $129 million) to 381:1 gap (#10, JPMorgan Chase’s CEO, earning $30 million).

The solution in a free market is for investors to do “due diligence” and look closer at employee earnings and then, if necessary, convince the board to put more pay into employees’ pockets according to what they are worth.

The solution by many politicians and implied in many articles is for the government to get involved in “pay equity,” which would be a nightmare.

My beef is this: Why do critics always focus on CEO’s of successful companies who provide many jobs (often with good wages) and earnings for investors, many of whom are building pensions or already retirees?

When is the last time you heard criticism of how much a celebrity (actor or entertainer or sports hero) earns, and what the ratio might be between that amount and, say, what a stage hand earns?

I looked at the bottom half (#6-10) of top CEO earners in the article I read. They fell in the $30-38 million range. Then I checked the top ten salaries of baseball players. And guess what? They were comparable. At the top is Mike Scherzer at $42.1 million down to a lowly $28 million for Albert Pujols.

Without discounting the talent of these players, how does their workload and job creation compare to the top CEO’s? How much money do their jobs create for average investors (not owners)? How many CEO’s enjoy the accolades and excitement of ball players rather than having to pour over sales figures and the cost of human resources and what’s happening in international trade?

Mike Trout of the Angels ($34 million) earns 950 times what the average worker for the Angels earns. Now, Mike and Albert are really nice guys. If they and other top earners scaled back a bit, say $5 million in couch change, and the money went to the workers what a difference that would be!

Or should the government step into the world of celebrities to get pay equity?

According to Forbes, the 100 highest paid celebrities ALL earn over $35 million a year; the top ten range from $108-285 million. Only eight CEO’s are at or above $35 million.

All this to ask, (1) are critics of corporations engaging in “selective wrath”? And (2) is all this a failure of “the system” or is it simply a potential of the system, whereas coerced medicine would be worse than the “disease”?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1239″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Finally, I uphold Bernie Marcus and Ken Langone, co-founders of Home Depot, as excellent models of highly successful and wealthy businessmen who are generous toward their workers and toward charity.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1240″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Message of the Month –

“The Voyage of the Damned”

The German liner “St. Louis” sailed to the western hemisphere in 1939 with over 900 Jewish refugees. Cuba refused entrance to them, except for 28 who had US passports or who were Spanish or Cuban nationals.

The “St. Louis” then sailed to Florida, but on June 4, 1939 US authorities refused to grant the passengers entrance (Secretary of State Cordell Hull had persuaded President Roosevelt not to accept these Jews). After another futile attempt with Canada, the “St. Louis” sailed back to Europe.

Almost 300 refugees were accepted by England. The remaining Jews were accepted by France, Belgium and the Netherlands. The Nazi occupation of these nations meant these Jews were in great peril. The Holocaust would mean the death of 254 of these rejected refugees.

It was not “America’s Finest Hour.” How we treat refugees is a test of whether we have the heart of God (this does not require that we abandon diligence and security and common sense, but it does demand that we have compassion in our hearts for the refugee—compassion that motivates us to prayer and action).

This is what the LORD says: “Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of his oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the alien, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.” (Jeremiah 22:3)

“Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of wickedness,
to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him,
and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you;
the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
(Isaiah 58:6-8)

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1242″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]NOTES: The ship’s captain, Gustav Schroeder, would be awarded “The Order of Merit” by the Federal Republic of Germany in 1993 and be named “Righteous among the Nations” by Israel. The U.S. government apologized for its wrong in 2012, as did Canada in 2018. Cordell Hull would receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1945 for his role in establishing the United Nations (FDR called him “The father of the United Nations).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1243″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Don’s Upcoming Ministries

July 23-25 – Attend ACCESS Conference of the Charis Fellowship. Present Resolutions for adoption by delegates at the Business Session of the Conference.

July 28, 2019 – Speak in morning worship services at Grace Community Church of Seal Beach.

Don’s message of April 14: “The Triumphs and Failures of Israel’s Greatest King” (1 Kings 1-11) can be heard at www.gracesealbeach.org under “Resources”.

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“The famous are rarely significant,
and the significant are rarely famous.
Very few of us can or will be famous.
But all of us can be significant.”

—Dennis Prager, The Rational Bible: Genesis

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First Amendment Vigilance
Religious Liberty – The “Grain” and the “Husks”

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
– 1st Amendment

Some pronouncements on religious liberty offer empty phrases (“husks”) rather than genuine religious liberty (“grain”). Here is what I understand the difference between “empty husk” liberty and genuine liberty to be:

1. Genuine liberty is freedom of religion for all, not to be reduced to the husk of “freedom of worship.”

2. Genuine liberty is the free exercise of religion, not to be reduced to the husk of having the right to believe as you choose.

3. Genuine liberty is freedom of religion for all religious organizations, not merely the husk of “houses of worship.” Genuine liberty includes the right of a religious organization to employ people who adhere to the doctrines and morals of the church or religious organization.

4. Genuine liberty is the freedom for people to live out their religious convictions in public and in their workplaces and not be harassed and penalized by adverse governmental action, not just the husk that lets people practice their faith within the confines of the church.

My Website: www.donaldshoemakerministries.com
Contact me at: shoemaker@gracesealbeach.org[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”949″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_custom_heading text=”“A Piece of My Mind”” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:50px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_custom_heading text=”June 2019 Newsletter” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Advancing Christian Faith and Values,
Defending Religious Liberty for All,
Supporting Civility and the Common Good
through Preaching, Teaching, Writing, Activism and Reasoned Conversations

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”687″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

75 Years Since “D-Day” – June 6, 1944

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1220″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]“The eyes of the world are upon you.
The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere go with you.”
– General Eisenhower’s “Order of the Day” for allied troops as 160,000 crossed the English Channel to Normandy.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1221″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]“Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our Nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity. Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith.”
– President Roosevelt’s radio prayer on D-Day[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

God and History don’t provide the alternatives—the “What if’s.”

What if the Allies had failed in the D-Day invasion?

General Dwight Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander and planner of Operation Overlord (the D-Day invasion), had penned a message of defeat the night before (his “backup” message):

“Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that Bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone.”

He did not have to issue it. The landing was successful in spite of all the adversity and sacrifice, and by July 11 the allies were in full control of the northern coast of France and ready to move through France with the goal of invading and defeating Germany. Germany surrendered on May 8, 1945.

What if Adolf Hitler had been shot by Private Henry Tandey, a British solder who allegedly encountered him in France on September 28, 1918? Instead, Tandey let this unknown, wounded German soldier escape.

What if Adolf Hitler had been killed during the Beer Hall Putsch in Munich on November 8-9, 1923, or given a long prison sentence?

Hitler led 2000 Nazi supporters in an attempt to gain control of Munich. From there they hoped to generate an insurrection in Germany against the Weimar Republic.

The “putsch” failed. Sixteen Nazis were killed. Hitler was arrested, tried for treason and imprisoned. The putsch and trial brought his name to prominence in Germany and much of the world. While in prison he wrote Mein Kampf (“My Struggle”), with its anti-Semitism, political ideology and future goals. Just nine months into his 2-year sentence he was deemed to be no longer a threat and released. [See next page][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

– The New York Times, December 21, 1924

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Bible Insight – God’s Providence when Evil is Done

When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. – Genesis 50:15-20 ESV

God’s Providence is his activity that accomplishes his will in the world. God can use evil motives and acts to accomplish his will, but without thereby becoming the author of evil or erasing our free will. In working his providential will, God mostly works “behind the scenes” of life. While this brings much mystery, I find it a very important and comforting doctrine.

Leading to the story above, Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, who lied to their father about what happened, even convincing him Joseph was dead. Joseph endured unjust imprisonment in Egypt but ultimately became the ruler of the land, second only to Pharaoh himself, in order to save the people from famine (read Genesis 37, 39-41 for this story, another instance of the happy truth that God works through dysfunctional people and families).

When severe famine hit the region, Joseph’s brothers had to come to Egypt to buy food. Joseph recognized them and there began the long and necessary process of repentance from sin and reconciliation (Genesis 42-45). And Joseph was also reunited with his father Jacob!

When Joseph’s father died the brothers were sure Joseph would now seek his revenge. That’s the quick background to the verses above. But Joseph did not seek revenge. True reconciliation had occurred. More than that, God had accomplished his providential will through all the evil Joseph had experienced. The string of bad events had brought Joseph to lead a country and preserve it in a time of terrible famine.

“You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” We may need to say this many times throughout life. Is meaning to be found in the evil of Hitler?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

First Amendment Vigilance – California’s SB-360 Better but Not Good Enough

“I consider the government of the United States as interdicted by the Constitution from intermeddling with religious institutions, their doctrines, discipline, or exercises.”
– Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Miller, 1808

California’s Senate Bill 360, which would have made clergy into “Mandatory Reporters” if a confession was made during a “penitential communication” has been significantly modified!

SB 360 now continues to preserve the “clergy-penitent privilege.”
But the bill has details that still make it unacceptable!

In last month’s newsletter I wrote in detail against SB-360. Please review that. I think the best way to explain what this bill would now express is to give you the actual reading of the bill (as of May 20). BOLD is my emphasis.

[The mandatory reporting requirement for clergy to report suspected child abuse]
…does not apply to knowledge or reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect obtained by a clergy member during a penitential communication. For the purposes of this subdivision, “penitential communication” means a communication that meets all of the following requirements:

(A) Is communicated orally.
(B) Is made privately to a clergy member.
(C) Is intended by the communicant to be an act of contrition or a matter of conscience.
(D) Is intended by both parties to be confidential at the time the communication was made.
(E) Is made in the manner and context that places the clergy member specifically and strictly under a level of confidentiality that is considered inviolate by church doctrine.

(2) For purposes of this subdivision, “penitential communication” does not include any of the following activities, unless such activities take place as part of a penitential communication as defined in paragraph (1):

(A) Providing spiritual direction.
(B) Religious counseling.
(C) Individual or group therapy.
(D) Activity related to human resources or personnel management.
(E) Clergy assignment work.
(F) Communications between clergy, laity, or other members of the faith that occur outside of a penitential context.
(G) Activity relating to church administration or management.

(3) A written communication shall not qualify as a penitential communication.

(4) This subdivision shall not be construed to modify or limit the duty of a clergy member to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect when a clergy member receives information about abuse or neglect from any source other than a penitential communication. A clergy member is required to report any information obtained outside of a penitential communication even if the clergy member has also received information relating to abuse or neglect regarding the same person or incident during a penitential communication.

(5) The exception described in paragraph (1) does not apply to either of the following:
(A) A penitential communication between a clergy member and another person that is employed at the same site or facility as the clergy member. (B) A penitential communication between a clergy member and another clergy member.

On May 15, Catholic Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles said, “Hearings on the bill have not presented a single case—in California or elsewhere—where this kind of crime could have been prevented if a priest had disclosed information he had heard in confession. SB 360 claims to solve a crisis that does not exist.”

I concur with the concern expressed by Bishop Robert Barron [BOLD mine]:
“For some time now, the public institutions of the Church have been under attack from the secular state. The government has been seeking to determine what is taught and practiced in Catholic schools and what is carried out in Catholic hospitals, even when these practices run counter to the Church’s formal doctrine. But with SB 360, the secular authorities are reaching into the inner life of the Church, into its sacramental practice and discipline.”

“The Devil in the details” is found in (5)(1)(A) and (B). The “Seal of Confidentiality” would not be protected if the confessor works at the same site or facility as the clergy member hearing the confession, or if the confessor is a clergy member. These qualifications amount to governmental overreach—meddling into religious exercises and what, for Catholics, is a sacrament.

Ultimately this is not a “Catholic issue.” It is a religious freedom issue.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

“Absolutists” – Eight Forces in Today’s Culture that Don’t Want to Give an Inch

There are at least eight pressure groups at work in America that will not yield an inch in pursuit of their causes. It’s “their way or the highway.” Worse, these groups are TRANSFORMATIONISTS—they want to shape our society so it conforms to their goals, by compulsion if necessary.
And this should concern us all.

1. ENVIRONMENTAL EXTREMISTS who have made their cause a religion (to be distinguished from those who seek to care for God’s creation). There is no room for compromise between their goals and how others in the community wish to live or eat or develop their property or use their resources. Talk about imposing your own morality on others!

2. PRO-LIFERS who say any compromise at all shows a desire to have “just a little bit of abortion.” They don’t believe “half a cake is better than none.” Better no cake at all, which is what they will get.

3. PRO-CHOICERS who fight any restrictions on third trimester abortions or laws that protect the life of an infant that survives an abortion.

4. LGBT ACTIVISTS who would destroy a Christian’s business, for example a cake decorating business even though the owner serves gays but won’t use his artistic (free speech) talent to make a cake for a same-sex wedding because it would violate his religion-formed conscience. These activists neither recognize nor tolerate any tension between LGBT rights (put into statutory law) and religious freedom rights (also put in statutory law but, even more, enshrined in the Constitution).

5. RADICAL SECULARISTS who think that no religious organization (other than a “place of worship” that hires a minister) should have any say in the moral values, ethical conduct, or theological convictions of those who work for the religious organizations (such as parochial school teachers who instill teaching and values into children whose parents pay for a religious education). They talk about “freedom of worship” but not “freedom of religion.” They talk about “freedom to believe” but not “free exercise of religion.”

6. ANIMAL RIGHTS ZEALOTS who claim the Bible gives harmful justification for human domination of animals and who deny that killing humans is any different ethically from killing chickens.

7. “CHRISTIAN AMERICA” ENTHUSIASTS who believe God wants Christians to rule America and implement biblical law. They may even claim that the First Amendment’s protection of religious freedom only applies to Christians.

8. LEFTISTS and SOCIALISTS who would coerce redistribution of wealth, expend massive resources not their own in accordance with their ideology, do all they can to limit the free speech (and other First Amendment rights) of others, and otherwise control the lives of citizens in order to achieve their vision for a millennialist utopia.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Don’s Upcoming Ministries

May 28 & 31, 2019 – Speak to women’s Bible study groups at Grace Community Church of Seal Beach on the Book of Ezra.

July 23-25 – Attend ACCESS Conference of the Charis Fellowship. Present Resolutions for adoption by delegates at the Business Session of the Conference.

July 28, 2019 – Speak in morning worship services at Grace Community Church of Seal Beach.

Don’s message of April 14: “The Triumphs and Failures of Israel’s Greatest King” (1 Kings 1-11) can be heard at www.gracesealbeach.org under “Resources”.

My Website: www.donaldshoemakerministries.com
Temporary contact: shoemaker@gracesealbeach.org[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

APPENDIX: Text of Radio Address & Prayer by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on D-Day, June 6, 1944

“My fellow Americans: Last night, when I spoke with you about the fall of Rome, I knew at that moment that troops of the United States and our allies were crossing the Channel in another and greater operation. It has come to pass with success thus far.

And so, in this poignant hour, I ask you to join with me in prayer:

Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our Nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity.

Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith.

They will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces. Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall return again and again; and we know that by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph.

They will be sore tried, by night and by day, without rest-until the victory is won. The darkness will be rent by noise and flame. Men’s souls will be shaken with the violences of war.

For these men are lately drawn from the ways of peace. They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to liberate. They fight to let justice arise, and tolerance and good will among all Thy people. They yearn but for the end of battle, for their return to the haven of home.

Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom.

And for us at home — fathers, mothers, children, wives, sisters, and brothers of brave men overseas — whose thoughts and prayers are ever with them–help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great sacrifice.

Many people have urged that I call the Nation into a single day of special prayer. But because the road is long and the desire is great, I ask that our people devote themselves in a continuance of prayer. As we rise to each new day, and again when each day is spent, let words of prayer be on our lips, invoking Thy help to our efforts.

Give us strength, too — strength in our daily tasks, to redouble the contributions we make in the physical and the material support of our armed forces.

And let our hearts be stout, to wait out the long travail, to bear sorrows that may come, to impart our courage unto our sons wheresoever they may be.

And, O Lord, give us Faith. Give us Faith in Thee; Faith in our sons; Faith in each other; Faith in our united crusade. Let not the keenness of our spirit ever be dulled. Let not the impacts of temporary events, of temporal matters of but fleeting moment let not these deter us in our unconquerable purpose.

With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogancies. Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister Nations into a world unity that will spell a sure peace a peace invulnerable to the schemings of unworthy men. And a peace that will let all of men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil.

Thy will be done, Almighty God. Amen.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”949″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_custom_heading text=”“A Piece of My Mind”” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:50px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_custom_heading text=”May 2019 Newsletter” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Advancing Christian Faith and Values,
Defending Religious Liberty for All,
Supporting Civility and the Common Good
through Preaching, Teaching, Writing, Activism and Reasoned Conversations

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”687″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Anti-Semitism Close to Home

“France, Germany, United Kingdom, Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh…
and now home here in Southern California. Anti-Semitism is ancient and modern. A classic anti-Semitic claim is found in Esther 3:8-9 –
”

“There is a certain people [the Jews] scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom. Their laws are different from those of every other people, and they do not keep the king’s laws, so that it is not to the king’s profit to tolerate them. If it please the king, let it be decreed that they be destroyed.”

In the United States all religions must be free to worship and exercise their religious convictions in safety. The attack on the Chabad Synagogue in Poway, California is doubly bad. It’s anti-Semitic to the core and it is an attack on everyone’s religious liberty in America. A heroic Jewish woman was killed; Rabbi Yisroel Goldsmith was one of three wounded.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Back the Badge

[Note: From time to time I want to have this new item in my newsletter. Information or input you have for this would be appreciated.]
Doing law enforcement along a fast, busy interstate highway is a task that risks constant danger for the Highway Patrol.
The I-15 corridor near Lake Elsinore, California was a place of outstanding beauty this spring because of the “superbloom” of wild flowers due to abundant rainfall. The cars and crowds that came required extra CHP attention.
On April 6 this segment of the highway was a place of tragedy as CHP Sergeant Steve Licon, a 27-year veteran of the CHP, was hit by a reckless driver who drove onto the shoulder of 1-15 and struck the officer and his motorcycle.
Sergeant Licon had this sign on his desk:

Dear God, I pray that my time will be the best today.
That you watch over as I ride, and that you stay by my side.

Keeping me safe and my faith intact,
I know all will go well if you have my back.

God, it’s time to throw a leg over and give it our best.
I’ll do the riding and you do the rest.

Sergeant Licon was the 32nd Line of Duty death in the United States this year.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

First Amendment Vigilance –
Compromising the Confessional

“I consider the government of the United States
as interdicted by the Constitution from intermeddling with religious institutions,
their doctrines, discipline, or exercises.”
– Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Miller, 1808

[See endnote on the application of the Constitution to the states.]

First let me stipulate: I despise all abusers of children. When such abuse is done under the color of clergy it is all the more abhorrent. I want abusers exposed and punished to the full extent of the law. I want children protected by all reasonable means.

Now to the topic at hand: Compromising the Confessional.

Protecting children from abuse, especially from abuse by clergy, is as American as motherhood and apple pie. But what if the pie has a worm in it?

That “worm” is when the government intrudes impermissibly into matters of church governance and how a church practices its sacraments. *

In 1997 clergy were made “mandatory reporters” in California—obligated to report any instances where the clergyperson has reasonable suspicion that child abuse has occurred.

I embraced the goals of this effort, but I was against this new provision in the law at the outset for two reasons:

(1) It was the first instance to my knowledge of the state, in effect, placing something into the “job description” of clergy, thus requiring a certain kind of expertise in order to perform religious functions.
(2) I was also concerned about how this requirement (which also applied to non-clergy ministers of the church, such as a director of children’s ministry) could change the dynamics of church ministry in a negative way.
But this new requirement contained this significant exception: any confession of child abuse that arose during a “penitential communication” was exempt from the mandatory reporting requirement (CA Penal Code 11166 (d)(2)).

Now the state legislature is thinking about fixing this “loophole.” Senate Bill 360, authored by State Senator Jerry Hill (D-13th District, San Mateo and Santa Clarita south of San Francisco), would remove the penitential exemption.

So? Why should there even be a penitential exemption?

First, consider the Catholic “Sacrament of Reconciliation” (Penance). Quoting Canon 983.1 of the Code of Canon Law, the Catechism states, “The sacramental seal is inviolable, therefore it is a crime for a confessor in any way to betray a penitent by word or in any other manner or for any reason” (#2490).

“…[F]rom the time a person makes the sign of the cross and begins ‘Bless me father for I have sinned’ to the last words of absolution, the information exchanged between the priest and the penitent is protected by the sacramental seal. Even if a confession is made in a less formal atmosphere or in a less formal way, if a priest imparts absolution, what he absolves is under the sacramental seal never to be revealed by him.” – Catholic Straight Answers

A priest who hears a confession simply must not break the sacramental seal of confidentiality. To do so is to be automatically excommunicated. Priests have been martyred rather than break the seal. A law that requires a breach of this confidence will certainly be challenged in court as a violation of the First Amendment’s guarantee of the free exercise of religion. **

Second, what about the long-standing recognition of confidentiality involving Protestant clergy? I am an ordained Evangelical minister. Our context for a penitential communication is the private counseling session behind a closed door. *** Pastors are bound by ministerial ethics (many times by ordination vows) to keep confidential whatever is disclosed in confidence.

If a church’s leadership determines that a confession of wrong such as child abuse or elder abuse, or a threat to someone’s safety should be reported to authorities (whether legally required or not), it should make this clear prior to counseling by having the counselee read and sign an understanding of when confidentiality will NOT apply.
But this should be a decision of the church, not a mandate from the state.

What should be done? (1) Bills in any state’s legislature like SB-360 should be opposed throughout the legislative process. (2) Any law requiring clergy to divulge a penitential confession should be challenged in court. (3) Counseling procedures, policies and disclosures should be reviewed in light of the standards of confidentiality set forth by a church or denomination.

I will give the benefit of a doubt to supporters of SB-360 that they truly want to fight child abuse in ecclesiastical contexts. What has come to light in recent years is appalling and contrary to all that is Christian.

But I’m not naïve about the very clear anti-religion trend in our secular legislatures. There is simply insufficient regard for the “wall of separation” between church and state and for the necessary role of religion as an independent challenge against the ways of the state. And there is insufficient regard for things truly sacred.

I simply don’t trust the California legislature to do what is in the best interests of churches and religious institutions, nor do I believe it really cares.

Note on the Constitution: The “Bill of Rights” initially provided protections against the power of the federal government. But for almost a century the U.S. Supreme Court has applied most provisions of the Bill of Rights to the several states rather than limiting them to the federal government. This is based on “The Doctrine of Incorporation” through the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment.

* During Prohibition, churches that used sacramental wine for the Eucharist were exempt.

** A law forcing clergy to break the confidentiality of a penitential communication will surely be challenged in court. The Supreme Court may decide that the state has a compelling interest in requiring this—I doubt it. This conclusion would require that the statute pass a “strict scrutiny” test and the state demonstrate it has used the least intrusive means of furthering the compelling interest. The reason, in my opinion, for the high “strict scrutiny” standard is because the repeal of the confidentiality provision is not a neutral law of general applicability but one directed toward religious exercises and policies.

*** The standard is whether there is a reasonable expectation of confidentiality for the penitential communication. Private office—yes; restaurant booth—no; no one else may be present during the communication. The counselor should be licensed or ordained.

For more information: Pacific Justice Institute (www.pacificjustice.org), under “Media: Press Releases”)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”1209″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”1210″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”1212″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

[PART 2] Evangelical Christianity: Beliefs and Practices

Southern California Interfaith Council “Religion 101” Series
(February 28, 2019)

Presenter: Dr. Donald P. Shoemaker
Pastor Emeritus, Grace Community Church of Seal Beach

In the April newsletter I presented four (of ten) characteristics of Evangelicalism. Here are the remaining six:

5. “Evangelicalism” has great variation in its movement

There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to Evangelicalism! While some might see this variation as weakness, it is very much a strength. The terms below, which describe various currents and cross-currents within the movement, are not exhaustive and do overlap in places:

• Baptistic traditions
• Calvinists and Arminians
• The Holiness Movement (Wesleyan)
• Pentecostals
• Fundamentalists
• Creedal and non-creedal Protestant denominations
• Sacramentalists and non-Sacramentalists
• Charismatic Roman Catholics
• Evangelical groups within mainline denominations
• Movements (the “Jesus Movement”, the “Charismatic Movement”, Revivalists, Restorationists, Separatists, Churches of the “End Times”) home schoolers and more)
• Evangelical “para-church” organizations (Campus Crusade, Salvation Army, Prison Fellowship, Samaritan’s Purse, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, The Navigators, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, secondary education, undergraduate and graduate schools, and many more)

6. “Evangelicalism” has many leaders but no official spokesmen, many movements within the Movement and without any central authority.

This is both good and bad. Much of the movement lacks authority structures, beyond local church or denominational structures or ad hoc accountability arrangements. On the positive side, this allows for much freedom of ministry.

But the opposite problem is there too: authoritarianism. “Little popes” abound, with absolute or near-absolute authority and with little or no accountability.

There are some strong voices within the movement. From the recent past, voices like Billy Graham and Charles Colson. Present voices include Rick Warren, Robert Moeller, Russell Moore, Franklin Graham, D. A. Carson, Beth Moore, Leith Anderson, Wayne Grudem and Michael Horton. But no voice speaks today with the recognition and respect of the late Billy Graham.

7. “Evangelicalism” has had more than its share of crooks, con artists, charlatans and crackpots, along with aberrant teachings.

No examples needed. They are self-evident. When will we ever learn?

8. “Evangelicals” increasingly have a cooperative spirit, subject to its commitment to its creeds and values.

• An apocalyptic “Why bother with this world?” attitude is less prominent today than in the recent past.
• Evangelicals have typically not been “joiners in the cause”. But today cooperation with non-evangelicals, secular or religious, is increasingly likely on issues where common values are held, so long as core convictions are not compromised.
• Evangelicals are unlikely to participate in worship experiences outside their confessions. My personal conviction is there must be agreement on The Apostles Creed and The Nicene Creed for us to have a foundation for worship together. But see the next point:
• The Doctrine of “Common Grace” provides a framework for cooperative social efforts between Evangelical Christians and people of other religions or no religion at all. (See my article: “God’s Saving Grace and God’s Common Grace”)
9. “Evangelicalism” has had a long and significant tradition of Social Reform though it has sometimes “gone into hiding”.

In the past, Evangelicals had a strong sense of social conscience.

• Abolition of slavery
• Temperance Movement, Women’s Suffrage
• Revivals and revivalists (Wesley, Whitefield, Edwards, Finney, Sunday) stood for the societal implications of the Gospel.

During the early 20th Century, however, there was a strong defensive withdrawal from culture in reaction to the growth of theological liberalism and the “Fundamentalist/Modernist controversies” of that period. Of course there were exceptions. But the movement’s general failure to support the Civil Rights struggle remains a blemish on Evangelicalism to this day.

Beginning in the 1940’s a renewed social consciousness began and it has become quite strong in the 1970’s and afterward. This has been a response to many different cultural developments, chief of which is permissive abortion.

Contemporary Social Issues in Evangelicalism (not always with agreement)
• “God and Country” – Evangelicals have somewhat of a “love/hate” relationship to U.S. They sense (in some way) that America is special by God’s design but is falling short of her moral calling.
• Pro-life – Evangelicals across the political spectrum are against abortion, though they differ on responses, depending on their heritage and their view of the role of the state.
• Family and Marriage issues
• Immigration Reform – LifeWay Research found that 66% of Evangelical pastors favor a pathway to citizenship for those now in the country illegally.
• Economic and Poverty issues, Hunger – Sadly these are not large issues in Evangelicalism; they are more on the level of helping in individual situations than addressing systemic causes.
• Religious Liberty, Persecution of Religions, Political Oppression. Even in the U.S. we see the state transgressing over into matters that should be in the domain of the church and decided by the religion-formed consciences of religious adherents.
• Human Trafficking, Genocide, Racism, Anti-Semitism.
• Sexuality and Gender issues
• Political range is from “Religious Right” to “Religious Left” (such as Sojourners). Of course, realistically, many more Evangelicals are “right” than “left.”
• Care of Environment—based on God as Creator (not pantheism) and humankind as caretakers. Evangelicals are not comfortable with many aspects of secular environmentalism.

10. “Evangelicalism” sets its sights on “The Kingdom of God”

“Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (The Lord’s Prayer, Matthew 6:10)
“The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)
“[God the Father] has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.” (Colossians 1:13)
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15)

These texts refer to either the “present kingdom” or the “future kingdom” of God (The Hidden Kingdom or the Manifest Kingdom).
Evangelicals see that the Kingdom of God is both here now and yet to come. To the extent it is “here now” we have a role to play in its furtherance. Our challenge today is to live the Kingdom’s values and persuade others to enter the Kingdom by faith.
Full establishment of the kingdom awaits the Return of Christ—failure to fully appreciate this leads to overly aggressive social activism today. Michael Horton states the role of the present Kingdom masterfully in his theology The Christian Faith (2012): “The Kingdom of God is no longer identified with any geopolitical kingdom on earth. It is no longer the era of driving the nations out of God’s holy land but of living side by side with unbelievers in charity. It is the hour of grace, not judgment.”
Recommended Reading
• AN EVANGELICAL MANIFESTO: Evangelical Identity and Public Commitment (2008)
• Systematic Theology and Politics and Christian Ethics by Wayne Grudem
• The Faith by Charles Colson
• The Evangelicals: The Struggle to Shape America by Frances FitzGerald[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Message of the Month – The Cathedral Fire in Paris

You needn’t be Catholic to feel a big lump of sadness in your throat as you watched the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris burn on April 15. The loss of this 850-year-old icon is incalculable, regardless of what remains and things saved by heroic people.

Here are my thoughts as the dust settles:

1. The “coming together” of people, religious and secular, in sorrow and resolve is remarkable. It will likely not last, but it is welcome.
2. European countries are very much overdue for creation of a healthy balance between church and state.
3. The destruction is a visual symbol of the broad loss of Christian influence in Europe. Secularism, a religion of sorts in itself, has been on the ascendancy. In my lifetime, only the impact of events related to Pope John Paul II were an exception to this trend. To visit most of the symbols of Christianity in Europe is to take a journey into the past.
4. The cathedral will be rebuilt—through resolve and great generosity on the part of people of good will. But it will never be the same. The prospect of rebuilding reminds me of the destruction of Solomon’s temple by the Babylonians (586 BC) and the new temple built when the Jews returned to their land after exile in Babylon (516 BC; see Ezra 3).
5. Christians should pray for spiritual renewal throughout France and Europe. Perhaps this fire could be a catalyst for needed renewal.
6. No cathedral, be it ever so magnificent or any other structure serving the Christian faith is really the place where God dwells. God dwells, by his Spirit, in the spiritual temple—where believers, the living stones, are built on the Apostles and Prophets, with Jesus the Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-22).

Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
But the church of Jesus constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never ‘gainst the church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise, and that cannot fail.

– “Onward Christian Soldiers” by Sabine Baring-Gould (1864)

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A trip to Ohio wasn’t very taxing

My wife and I went to Ohio a month ago into “Amish Country,” which we thoroughly enjoyed. We found the price of gas to be $1.25 or so cheaper than in California. And sales tax was half what we pay in Long Beach (10.25%).

But you say, “Yes, but Ohio’s roads are not like our roads!” For this, Ohioans can be glad. Or you might add, “But our taxes go to build the ‘Bullet Train.’” We won’t see that train in my lifetime. Or, even better, perhaps not at all.
Still, a portion of gasoline tax goes to support this train to nowhere.

Here’s the load on California’s drivers, that totals about $4 billion a year:
• Federal excise tax — 18 cents
• State excise tax — 42 cents
• State and local sales tax — 29 cents @ $4/gal (minimum, varies by locality)
• State underground storage tank fee — 2 cents
• Additional costs for compliance under Cap & Trade, as well as the Low Carbon Fuels Standard — 28 cents (this funds “Bullet Train” construction)
• “Mystery Surcharge” no one can explain — 28 cents
• Total — $1.47 per gallon

Gas taxes are generally regressive—they hurt lower income people the most.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Don’s Upcoming Ministries

May 28 & 31, 2019 – Speak to women’s Bible study groups at Grace Community Church of Seal Beach on the Book of Ezra.

Don’s message of April 14: “The Triumphs and Failures of Israel’s Greatest King” (1 Kings 1-11) can be heard at www.gracesealbeach.org under “Resources”.

My Website: www.donaldshoemakerministries.com
Temporary contact: shoemaker@gracesealbeach.org[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”949″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_custom_heading text=”“A Piece of My Mind”” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:50px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_custom_heading text=”April 2019 Newsletter” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Advancing Christian Faith and Values,
Defending Religious Liberty for All,
Supporting Civility and the Common Good
through Preaching, Teaching, Writing, Activism and Reasoned Conversations

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”687″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

A Voice of Reason and Wisdom –

“I believe that the pursuit of truth and right ideas through honest debate and rigorous argument is a noble undertaking.”

– From Charles Krauthammer’s final opinion column, June 8, 2018, before his death on June 21 (from The Point of It All by Charles Krauthammer)

A Word Needed Now More Than Ever –

“Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country.”

– Inaugural speech by President John F. Kennedy (1961)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”1190″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”1191″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”1192″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

[PART 1] Evangelical Christianity: Beliefs and Practices

“Southern California Interfaith Council “Religion 101” Series
(February 28, 2019)

Presenter: Dr. Donald P. Shoemaker Pastor Emeritus, Grace Community Church of Seal Beach

Common (but WRONG!) Accusations Against Evangelicals:

• “Creating a ‘Christian America’ is the goal of Evangelicals.”
• “All Evangelicals back Donald Trump.”
• “Evangelicals want to use religion as an excuse to impose their beliefs on others.”

1 (of 10). “Evangelicalism” is all about “giving out the ‘Good Word’”.

“Evangelicalism” is a declarative, conversionist, mission-minded movement.

“euangelion” (ευαγγελιον) – “The ‘Evangel’, the ‘Good News’”
“euangelizo” (ευαγγελιζω) – “To evangelize, announce Good News”
“euangelistes” (ευαγγελιστης) – “Evangelist, preacher of Good News”

“Go and make disciples of all the nations…” (Matthew 28:19—Jesus’ command)
“I am sending you to [the Gentiles] to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light…so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” (Vision of Jesus by Saul of Tarsus, Acts 26:17-18)
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16)

Many other texts could be offered. These suffice to show the conversionist impulse of Evangelicalism and that the conversion is toward God and in faith and obedience to Jesus.
The Book of Acts and the earliest history of Christianity show how evangelism by a small band of Jesus’ followers could extend a movement to where it became a significant presence in the Roman Empire in just about 35 years.

2. “Evangelicalism” is “Christ-centered” and “cross-centered”.

“If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
“The message of the cross…is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)
“I want to remind you of the gospel [euangelion] I preached to you… By this gospel you are saved… For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins…he was buried…he was raised on the third day…”
(1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

That Jesus is the Son of God, the Word made flesh, and that Jesus died on the cross for our sin—no Evangelical can budge on these. These are central, crucial, non-negotiable.

Genuine dialogue requires openness and honesty about areas of agreement and disagreement. So any real dialogue between Christians and Muslims has to face the questions: “Who is God? Who is Jesus? Did Jesus die for our sins?”

Contrast the recent document: “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together” (February, 4, 2019), signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed el-Tayeb. The moral applications are excellent but the foundation is shaky because “God” means different things to Muslims and Christians, who teach Jesus is the Son of God. *

The first and most important aim of religions is to believe in God, to honor Him and to invite all men and women to believe that this universe depends on a God who governs it. He is the Creator who has formed us with His divine wisdom and has granted us the gift of life to protect it. It is a gift that no one has the right to take away, threaten or manipulate to suit oneself. Indeed, everyone must safeguard this gift of life from its beginning up to its natural end. We therefore condemn all those practices that are a threat to life such as genocide, acts of terrorism, forced displacement, human trafficking, abortion and euthanasia. We likewise condemn the policies that promote these practices.

Muslims do not believe Jesus died on the cross. For Evangelical Christians the cross is central, not incidental, and certainly not deniable or disposable.

This biblical confession sounds like it was written for today: “This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood.” (1 John 5:6). “Water” most likely refers to the baptism of Jesus, “blood” his death on the cross.

Through the cross, Jesus, the Lamb of God, took away the sins of the world. The benefit of his death is appropriated through faith in the message.

* While orthodox Christianity and Islam understand “God” differently, some points of agreement are to be noted: both (along with Judaism) are Abrahamic in their roots and are monotheistic, which tends to create universal ethics rather than parochial ethics, and there will often be ethical alignment between the two.

3. “Evangelicalism” holds the Scriptures (66 books of the Old and New Testaments) in the highest regard as “inspired of God”, the final authority in faith and obedience.

2 Timothy 3:16 – Scripture is “God breathed” and thus “profitable” for instruction, correction, and preparing people to serve God in the world.

The exact nature of “inspiration”, how “inspiration” affects interpretation of various biblical genres (e.g., poetry, narrative, epistle, apocalyptic), how the Bible interacts with secular disciplines—these are issues to discuss on another day.

4. “Evangelicalism” is confessional

Evangelicals recognize the need to confess certain doctrinal matters, the denial of any crucial doctrine putting one outside the pale of Evangelical Christianity. (See the Nicene Creed and the Statement of Faith of the National Association of Evangelicals in an Appendix at the end of this Newsletter.)

– Points 5-10 will be in the May Newsletter –

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Bible Insight – What is “Holy Week”?

Most Christians observe “Holy Week” (April 14-20) if not entirely at least in part. What is “Holy Week” and what significance do its features have for us?

Palm Sunday –

The grand triumphant entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem with the celebrating crowd announcing who Jesus is.

They [the disciples] brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” (Matthew 21:7-11)

Spy Wednesday –

A little-observed remembrance of the treacherous planning of Judas to betray Jesus at an opportune time.

Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
(Matthew 26:14-16)

Maundy Thursday –

Called “Maundy” after the Latin word “mandatum” (commandment).

On this day Jesus said to his disciples: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34).
Also on this day Jesus celebrated the Passover (this particular meal we call “The Last Supper”). During this Supper two important observances took place: (1) Jesus rose from the meal and washed his disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17), and (2) Jesus instituted the Communion of the Bread and the Cup (the “Eucharist,” which means the “thanksgiving”). He shared bread and wine with his disciples with the words, “This is my body” and “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many” (Mark 14:22-24).

Jesus then announced, “I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God” (Mark 14:25). Partaking of Communion, therefore, gives Christians anticipation and hope as they await the fulfillment of these words when Jesus returns (1 Corinthians 11:26).

Many churches observe Maundy Thursday in a special way. A meal is shared. Believers wash one another’s feet. Finally, all partake of the Eucharist. Perhaps the service will end with a hymn, just as The Last Supper ended.

Good Friday

Following the Supper, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives to pray. His followers failed to pray with him and missed the strength prayer will bring.
Suddenly it was too late to pray, as Judas approached with soldiers to identify Jesus with the sign of a kiss. Jesus was arrested and taken away. All his followers fled in spite of their pledges of loyalty, except Peter who followed Jesus from a distance. But even Peter would deny his Lord as events unfolded.

Throughout the night and into the day Jesus appeared before many religious and secular leaders to be accused, mocked and denounced. He was beaten, scourged and humiliated. Finally, the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, acquiesced to the crowd and delivered Jesus to be nailed to a Roman cross—one of the most shameful, hurtful, prolonged forms of capital punishment known to man. (Read Mark 14:43-15:41; John 18:1-19:16)

Jesus was on the cross for six hours, during which time he forgave his enemies and promised hope to a dying criminal who begged his mercy. After he died, he was buried in a rich man’s tomb (Luke 23:26-56; John 19:17-42).
In light of this horror, why call the day “Good Friday”? Because the death of Jesus paid the penalty for the sins of every man and woman who ever lived, and opened the pathway of faith in him, for forgiveness and eternal life.

Holy Saturday

Jesus’ body lay in the tomb that was given him. Roman guards sealed and “protected” the tomb, lest (as the religious leaders claimed) his disciples might come and steal the body. The disciples, however, were secluded in fear.

Such is our quick journey through Holy Week. Nothing can replace reading the dramatic but credible accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, beginning with the Triumphal Entry on Palm Sunday and ending with Jesus’ burial (suggested reading: Luke 19:28-48 and chapters 22-23). *

Holy Week is followed by Resurrection Day! Without this, Holy Week is without significance and our salvation is impossible.

“By this gospel you are saved…Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, …he was buried, …he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, …he appeared to Cephas [Peter], and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me…”
– The Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 15:2-8)

* The movie “The Passion of the Christ” (2004) is a very intense portrayal of Passion Week. I recommend it, with the caveat that the punishments inflicted on Jesus are too extreme. And I wish the movie had included Joseph of Arimathea entombing Jesus after gaining permission from Pilate to remove Jesus’ body from the cross. Joseph wrapped the body of Jesus in linen and put it in a new tomb hewn from rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance and left. (Matthew 27:57-61—all four Gospel accounts report this.)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

First Amendment Vigilance – H. Resolution 183

I wish to use this space to discuss House Resolution 183 of March 7, 2019, condemning anti-Semitism and “condemning anti-Muslim discrimination and bigotry against minorities…” Read this resolution at:

https://congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-resolution/183

1. Unlike some, I have no problem with a resolution that focuses on issues and leaves off names. If the House ought to call out and censure a particular member by name, it can and should do so.

2. The document is well written and its thoughts are not new. Much is from a two decades old “Working Definition of Anti-Semitism.”

3. By focusing on issues other than anti-Semitism, the rightful spotlight on anti-Semitism is diffused and the impact lessened. The 1252-word document has 430 words on anti-Semitism and 234 words on anti-Muslim discrimination. While a document on bigotry is in order, this particular document was initially compelled by concern over anti-Semitic statements by members of Congress, and its voice condemning that has therefore been diluted.

4. Only FIFTEEN words (that’s 15!) speak of anti-Christian discrimination. And they reach all the way back to 1960 and candidate John F. Kennedy’s Catholic faith and the fear he might show “dual loyalty” to the U.S. and the Vatican. Kennedy greatly disarmed this concern with his masterful speech to Baptist ministers. C’mon now! This document could easily fill a page on contemporary anti-Christian discrimination like that of Senators Feinstein, Sanders, Harris and Hirono.

5. Nothing is said of racial bigotry by clergy such as Al Sharpton, Louis Farrakhan and Jeremiah Wright.

6. In short, the document didn’t do enough because it did too much. And if its intention all along was to reach beyond anti-Semitism it fell way short in all that should be said.

7. The document properly underscores “the transcendent principles of tolerance, religious freedom, and equal protection as embodied in the Declaration of Independence and the first and 14th amendments to the Constitution.” Do these![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Good News from Grace – 75th Anniversary!

www.gracesealbeach.org[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”1197″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]

Grace Community Church of Seal Beach, where I was privileged to serve as pastor for 28 years, had a grand celebration on March 24. Our Worship Center was packed with an excited crowd to celebrate our heritage and be challenged toward Tomorrow.

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What an exciting event to participate in! All indicators point forward to a great future for a unique church in a special place—with all the joys and challenges that come from being a block from the ocean beach. Onward—to the Service and Glory of God!

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Pictures: (1) celebration hour; (2) yours truly leading the opening prayer before the choir sings “I’m in This Church!”; (3) outdoor reception; (4) Senior Pastor Bob Wriedt unveils new plaque: “Grace Community Church of Seal Beach—Established 1944—To the Glory of God.”
Credit: OC Event Photo

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Don’s Upcoming Ministries

April 14, 2019 – Speak in morning worship services at Grace Community Church of Seal Beach.

Message: “The Triumphs and Failures of Israel’s Greatest King” (1 Kings 1-11)

My Website: www.donaldshoemakerministries.com
Temporary contact: shoemaker@gracesealbeach.org[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Appendix—Evangelical Creeds

The Nicene Creed (A.D. 325; Revised A.D. 381)

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, 
the only Son of God, 
eternally begotten of the Father, 
God from God, Light from Light, 
true God from true God, 
begotten, not made, 
of one Being with the Father. 
Through him all things were made. 
For us and for our salvation 
he came down from heaven: 
by the power of the Holy Spirit 
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, 
and was made man. 
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; 
he suffered death and was buried. 
On the third day he rose again 
in accordance with the Scriptures; 
he ascended into heaven 
and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, 
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, 
who proceeds from the Father and the Son. 
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. 
He has spoken through the Prophets. 
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. 
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. 
We look for the resurrection of the dead, 
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Statement of Faith of the
National Association of Evangelicals

• We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.
• We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
• We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.
• We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful people, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.
• We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
• We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
• We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.

(The NAE was founded in 1942. It represents over 45,000 churches and ministries)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]