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How Individual Liberty is Taken Away: Death by Degrees (Part II)

Few people who have not studied the history of the USA on a continual basis or observed the government slide over many years… few can fully realize how much freedom has already been taken away from us.

I want to brutally frank here, but also fair in my assessments.

Since I am a WWII Navy Veteran (soon to be 95 years of age), I have witnessed a lot, and been through a lot. I honestly believe I have important insight to add to this conversation – in hopes there will be willing ears to listen before it is too late.

The 3 Major Forms of Government

  1. A Type of Democracy – Usually in the form of a Republic. (Note: NOT referring to the Democrat party)
  2. Communism (China is one example. Typically run by an authoritarian dictator, king, or similar title)
  3. Socialism (which has been gaining a foothold in our country for many years)

Communism and Socialism are both dictatorships once they are established. Socialism has traditionally infiltrated society slowly – seeking to convince by persuasion rather than by force. But, as we have recently witnessed, character assassination, inciting violence, lies and even murder are being employed as an attempt to overthrow the USA into a socialistic regime.

The USA is in a State of Crisis

Our beloved USA is in a crisis today, because the current Democrat party for the most part, is pushing headlong into socialism, and this party (along with plenty of corrupt Republicans and judges) have seemingly succeeded in stealing the 2020 election from the vast majority of Americans who expected their votes to count.

Understanding the Socialist Playbook

It’s important to understand the methods employed to swing a freedom-loving country into a socialist cesspool. We need to understand their playbook – as they have memorized their game plan and use the same tactics repeatedly.

Exactly what methods are used by socialists to gain power in government, or to take power from the people?

It would be a disservice to simply gloss over the tactics used, because the great import of what they are attempting to do to our “land of the free and home of the brave” must not be downplayed.

  1. Socialists lie – repeatedly – even about matters that have already been completely proven false.
  2. Reporters (Main Stream Media) cheat the listeners by reporting incorrectly or, in many cases, refusing to report at all concerning crucial matters in government that directly affect the American people.
  3. They steal votes and elections (this has been occurring for decades) in concert with destroying votes for their opponents – in order to promote themselves to power.
  4. They invent stories about their opponents that are patently false – narratives that paint their opponents as the corrupt ones (this is called “projection”) and often put lives and careers of their opponents in legal and / or physical jeopardy because of the oft-repeated falsehoods.
  5. They feel no need to back up their statements with provable visual or physical evidence of their accusations. In other words, they lie with abandon if it suits their purposes.
  6. They repeat false narratives and lies so often and so long that many decent people begin to believe them.
  7. Their “pie in the sky” promises are absolutely bogus – they have no intention whatsoever of fulfilling them. (Watch how often they “move the goalposts” of their promises to see this in action)
  8. The socialist establishment goes to great pains to brag about their transparency – while in fact, clouding their actions and REFUSING transparency (for example, refusing to go to the border for weeks while innocent children suffer and are prey for traffickers).
  9. Socialists refuse to admit any mistake they have made politically.
  10.  They employ “projection” with great skill – accusing their opponents and anyone who disagrees with their opinions as WRONG, and from which they must save society. (Current widespread censoring is a huge red flag highlighting this tactic)
  11.  Socialists insist that they are very caring people, but, in TRUTH, they care for nothing but political power and lining their own pockets.
  12. They hate the very idea of individual liberty.

Have you heard the famous quote: “Absolute power corrupts absolutely”?  (Lord Acton – 1887)  it is absolute truth! This is why socialism must NEVER be permitted to rule this nation.

It is for this reason that we MUST FIGHT to expose corruption and to return the power to we, the people.

Our Founding Fathers saw this day…and fought, bled and died that we might remain free as God intended.

Let’s make them proud.

Part I: The Constitution of the USA

Part III: Classic Examples of Socialists’ Follies

Part IV: Middle Class Vs. Socialist Agenda

Classic Examples of Socialists’ Follies (Part III)

While touting so-called “benefits” to the way the socialists view the world, is there any true evidence that their opponents are so dangerously misled, as they claim?

I propose that socialism is not to be trusted. Here, I’ll provide a few examples of socialism at work, using the family as the first, and moving on from there.

  1. A family, in this illustration, consists of a husband, wife and 3 children. Is it right for the parents to deny one of their minor children – who disagrees with them on some point – food, opinions, or living options?  Is it right for parents to discriminate against one child because of honest differences in thought?  Is not censoring opposing opinions doing exactly that to freedom-loving Americans?
  2. Now let’s visit our border with Mexico. Thousands upon thousands of people are being encouraged to enter our country…we don’t know who they are, what their intentions are..what illegal drugs some may be smuggling, how many are infected with Covid19 or other illnesses.  Where are the masks and social distancing requirements at the border (put upon the actual citizens of the USA)? Where are the accompanying parents with the flood of children? What laws and safety protocols are being broken and ignored?

The Preamble of the Constitution says: “We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.”

What blessings have been secured in the above situation? Justice?

For WHICH citizens?

Promote the general welfare (by creating more competition for our jobs, inviting in more disease, allowing potential terrorists and human and drug traffickers across the border)?

Provide for the common defense (It doesn’t say against ARMIES)?

What about the peace and safety of law enforcement and border safety agents?

What about the health hazards to those crossing our borders, and to our own USA citizens?

Is it now truly “compassionate” to throw peace and safety, law and order all out the window?

ALL of these actions ARE VIOLATIONS OF THE CONSTITUTION…AND INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY OF MILLIONS OF LAWFUL USA CITIZENS is being destroyed.

3. Let’s go deeper yet… how would a family of 4, with a 3 bedroom home – how would they fare being forced to take care of 50 -100 other unknown persons being forced onto their property and into their home?  Their tax dollars, loss of freedoms and economic loss all contributes to additional financial strain – in which they are being FORCED to comply – by the unlawful actions at the border. The southern border ALONE presents violation after violation of the Constitution designed to protect our own lawful citizens!  There are not nearly enough border safety officers to stem the massive influx of people entering illegally over our borders.

4. Look at any country where socialism has gained a foothold (Venezuela, for example). After the socialists gain power (by any means necessary), they rapidly move to ignore the needs of the Middle Class (the backbone of the country), cause manufacturing jobs to rapidly vanish, cause economic downturn in the form of income plummeting…until much of the Middle Class become part of the poorer class.  This is their plan.

5. What about the military? They are so badly needed in our current world situation, and yet they become a target under a socialist regime. Look back at the Obama years for a clear picture. The military was downplayed and downgraded to a frightening degree.  Is this also a part of their “plan”?

You cannot raise taxes on the Middle Class and create masses of poorer people without crippling the entire economy… loss of jobs, illegals competing for jobs, lower take-home pay, etc. Is this by design? Think about it.

And did you know that the public cost for each and every person who illegally enters our country will cost the taxpayer (each USA citizen) $80,000 per year? Can you afford that?

How’s that for personal safety, sanity, law and order, common sense, job security, and overall individual liberty?

They are hoping you won’t know what socialism does to the people under its rule. They are hoping you don’t know about countries like Venezuela (which used to be one of the most free and prosperous countries in the world before the socialists took over). They expect their rewriting of history in the public schools to have kept the masses in ignorance so that they      can continue to offer sweet platitudes while stealing your bed from under you. 

                     And stealing the future and hope of your children and grandchildren.

Perhaps, worst of all about the socialist agenda, is that the small, ruling group care NOTHING about the Constitution, jobs, decent living conditions, or order, peace and protection for any lawful USA citizen. Individual rights under such an administration (as we are seeing) may be all gone within 6 months or so, and we, as law-abiding citizens are simply supposed to submit and act like we like it??

CITIZENS OF THE United States of America – it is time to WAKE UP!!

It’s time to take whatever lawful and legal measures we have and RISE UP against the criminal takeover of the socialists… Our Founding Fathers fought and died to give us our freedom and we must now stand up to ensure this freedom for our children, grandchildren and future generations!

I can assure you – I will be a part of this freedom movement!

Can I count on you to join me and so many others?

The time is NOW. God bless our efforts, and God Bless America!

Part I: What is the Constitution of the USA? 

Part II: Individual Liberty

Part IV: Middle Class Vs. Socialist Agenda

The Middle Class Vs.The Socialist Agenda – Honor Vs. Horrors (Part IV)

I know – who wants to hear about horrors? But here’s a tip – if we want to AVOID these horrors, we need to know what we are looking for, right?

For this reason, let’s lay out the  facts here.

Nearly all of the middle class people of America (along with most other social classes) desire and require peace and safety. This means that our country must provide law and order to meet this need. All USA citizens, regardless of economic class, were given individual liberty by God, which is written out in our Constitution (which has been increasingly eroded through many years).

We focus this article primarily on the middle class, because the middle class is the economic backbone of any society. Here is what the middle class wants (do you find yourself in this list?):

  • Opportunity, in choice of labor, jobs, how to spend free time… in all of life.
  • Clear opportunities to better themselves financially and socially
  • Trustworthy leaders who are transparent, have their best interests at heart, and appreciate the common person
  • They want a single system of justice – not justice for a few, but justice for all!
  • They thrive under capitalism, which gives choices and variety in life (this must be ongoing).
  • They seek ways to improve income, climb the financial ladder honestly, and want to be respected for their hard work and expertise.
  • Perhaps, most importantly, they value dignity and self-worth in their jobs, careers and callings, whatever they may be.  These items are achievable if the Constitution of the USA is followed.
  • The middle class seeks fairness and common sense in governing.

Now Let’s Consider Socialism and How it Works

The truth is, socialism does not and cannot give the middle class ANY of the above reasonable values and opportunities. Why not?

Well, simply because history shows us repeatedly that the tenets of socialism despise the middle class of any county.  And why is that, you ask?

It is because socialism despises individual liberty and cannot allow it… because they CANNOT CONTROL a group of people who value individual liberty, honor God, honor their country. Socialism is about control of your life under their leadership… socialism hates God, and does not honor what God has done with the USA and its people. Socialists hate a booming economy, because people are not inclined to buy into their lies nearly as much if things are progressing well economically as well as in their personal lives.

Socialism is About Power and Control of all classes of people, but especially of the middle class (the backbone of most countries).

Socialism hates (and censors whenever possible) everyone who disagrees with any premise of theirs, whatsoever. Personal freedom is a threat, and cannot be allowed under socialism.

They also hate the idea that the common man should have any benefits not “granted” to them by socialist leaders or lawmakers who act as if they are tossing them an occasional bone, so to speak – as if the perks of freedom can only be granted in minor instances with their “permission”.

* Illustrating socialism and its methods can be likened to feeding a dog…Never give him (the dog) enough to eat. The dog keeps coming back, because he either accepts semi-starvation or he runs away. But where can he go? Those entrapped in socialism have few options left.

Fortunately, we were created as humans, not dogs, yet getting out of bad circumstances is never easy. We were lied to – deceptively and repeatedly for many, many years, or we would not be in the mess we are in now. Daily on the news the exposure of the radical left doctrines seeps out – even with the heavy censorship going on in big tech.

But… we have God on our side, and if we unite and stand up together, the freedom-stealing minority of power-hungry elites won’t stand a chance!!

Are you willing and brash enough to fight and win? I am!

Where we go one, we go all.

Part I: The Constitution of the USA

Part II: Individual Liberty

Part III: Classic Examples of Socialists’ Follies

Wake Up, America!

wake up america, socialism, racismI will touch on a number of areas in this article in which a wake-up call is sorely needed and long overdue. I encourage you to read it all, resolve to make a difference while you can, and share your resolve with others!

Wake Up To Individual Responsibility

Let’s talk first about you as an individual. The 8 years under Barack Obama saw a drastic decline in jobs and a plummeting economy. Many even gave up the search for jobs and struggled to survive on government welfare. But our country is changing now. It’s a new day!

So why worry about what someone else has? You can now choose to use your time and energy to help yourself. If you need a job, try to qualify for some available job, or learn where you can get the training you need for that job as well as any job you might be considering. There are vocational schools, and job training schools, and some companies may even offer on-the-job training. Do what you have to do to become a productive citizen and job holder. Your self-worth and human dignity will have a chance to skyrocket! And above all, quit thinking of yourself as a victim!

Now, welfare is often needed for a time. But don’t depend upon welfare any longer than necessary. Your achievement level, and your self-worth suffer if you are jobless. A lack of self-worth (dignity) for a long period of time can lead to big trouble and poor judgement.

What is Racism?

Our country and its people are being bombarded too many cries of racism from too many people!  We need to define racism and define it correctly.

True racism should be defined as prejudiced or actions against a person based entirely on their race, color, ethnicity, or religion. This is wrong. Our Constitution declares this.

But there is a huge difference when the opinions and actions of any person violates the guaranteed rights and freedoms of another. Then it is not a matter of race, but of the violation of the human rights of another.

I am hearing loudly from too many people who falsely accuse others of racism, when the person being accused simply holds a different opinion from someone else. A difference of opinion does not constitute racism. And yet the Democrats Socialists, in an illegal and immoral manner, accuse those who politically disagree with them as being racist. This can never be acceptable in our country.

Any person who falsely accuses another of racism had better have proof – and the radical cries of racism I’ve heard all over the news lately are lacking that proof, in my opinion.

What is True Freedom?

Part of our American system is freedom within the law – freedom to think differently… But always to guarantee individual rights of others… staying within the nation’s Freedom Clause. Our laws, our Constitution, is the means by which all can have freedom, not just some.

Our Constitution guarantees freedom for all. When our country’s laws are broken by unfair cries of racism, then no one has any freedom of speech. Is our system perfect? No… But it isn’t perfect because people aren’t perfect. There has been only one perfect man who walked on earth… Jesus Christ… And they crucified him!!

When have we ever heard of a country with a dictator or King who guaranteed to each of its citizens peace and safety, the right to promote themselves, to raise their position financially, to have free speech, to have opportunity, to pass on to their children their possessions? We will come, full circle, back to the United States of America. Even the so-called democracies, as few as they are, are not the USA.

How did our country arrive at greatness? By promoting freedom within the laws!

Where Do Communism and Socialism Lead?

Socialism and Communism (Russian type) arrive at the same destination, once established. Big government, a ruling Elite, and a massive number of people in poverty, without most freedoms and without much hope.

I have a message for the Socialists of this country: the common people have finally figured out that the purpose of Socialism is to establish a ruling Elite, with a power structure that the common people cannot be a part of… Such a power structure promotes big government, very limited accountability, and the lowest level of freedom possible without an outright rebellion.

During the Obama years, job losses and manufacturing losses were very costly. This is what Socialism does, although there can be other factors as well. With Socialism at its peak, the common man has little hope. Just look at Venezuela today. Hyperinflation continues to run rampant, people are literally starving, and there are open, violent rebellions throughout the country.  Many are trying to escape the borders to another country where they hope to discover less horror than the reality they are facing in their homeland. This, my friend, is a snapshot of where Socialism will lead us.

President Trump may have caught the downturn in time. With Socialism, the common man can have no real hope. Socialism will never abandon big government and the return to the principles that made our country great.

Voters, Awake!

Lovers of freedom and opportunity for all; don’t vote for those whose party has specialized in empty and broken promises for decades. Find out exactly what candidates for office believe and why… And be aware that Socialism cannot possibly solve any government problem.

Scandal in High Places

We are uncovering perhaps the biggest government scandal of all times, wrongdoing by high government officials in the FBI and Department of Justice. Socialism has long tried to trash democracy and fair play, and election of Socialists can only lead to an absolute dictatorship.

After all, if you can’t trust your justice department to be impartial, then who can you trust?

The Left (liberals, Socialists and others) have also embraced violence in civil matters and have turned a blind eye to anarchism when it has served their selfish purposes. And the terms that Socialists have called honest citizens… racists, hate mongers, xenophobes, islamophobes, etc. do not befit honest members of society.

Don’t be fooled by their “new” name – Progressives – which sounds so forward thinking and benign. This is the current Democratic party – radical in their leanings and intent on regaining power and putting us back under poverty and dependence on big government.  My friends, the end result will be nothing short of disaster and loss of your freedoms, higher taxes, fewer jobs and severely restricted freedom of speech.

What is really happening is this… The Trump haters, Socialists, and the lawbreakers throw accusation with these false and hateful names, towards anyone who disagrees with the Socialist’s position. And they will attempt to demonize anyone who disagrees.

I have never been one to state an idea without a complete picture of my belief and why I feel the way I do! The Socialists I have observed avoid all such reason. They will deny, blame, lie, cheat and steal to deceive, instead of simply giving an honest answer.

Let Me Be Clear

I do not say that all who have a liberal point of view on any number of issues agree with the Socialistic position. What I AM saying is that the current Democratic party has moved radically Left, all the while cloaking their agenda with code words that “sound good”, and are engaging in outright deception to regain control of this country. In case you want to study further, just look up Hillary Clinton’s mentor, Saul Alinsky, and his “Rules for Radicals”. It’s true folks – this is the trail we’ve been going down, and the destination is nothing short of utter chaos and loss of freedoms for the American people.

You Are Never Too Old to Be a Student

I happen to be a student of the Bible. It helps me to explain and understand many things. There are particular phrases in the Bible that are really comparisons and not literal facts. Much of this comes from language interpretation.

Just like in the Bible, one must interpret the true meaning of the statement. Following is an very old truism, not from the Bible, but true nonetheless…  

“He who steals my purse steals trash… But he who steals my good name steals that which not enriches him, but makes me poor, indeed.”

The Left, the Socialists, steal the good name, (or at least attempt to) from all who disagree with them on anything, and give them no chance to explain their position.

In the Bible, Jesus calls out the Scribes and Pharisees for their behavior. Jesus said also, that the Jewish religious leaders washed the outside of the cup and left the inside dirty and filthy. Can you not see, dear reader, a definite resemblance to the behavior of the Socialists, individually and as a group?

Can you also see that calling a particular party (in this case, the Socialist Democrats) out on wrong behavior does not make one worthy of hatred and violence?

Demonize, Discredit and Deny

And now back to the Socialists… Every vile trick known to man has been tried by the Left to discredit and to demonize their enemies – good Americans. I personally saw what Socialism was doing many years ago. Many are just now realizing it. It’s just that too many good, honest people weren’t necessarily students of government back through the years.

It is now time for those who love liberty to see what I see. Socialism is opposed to law and order, to personal freedom, to common sense, and to national security. Socialists do not care about freedom for all. They care about protecting a form of government by an Elite ruling class, that is essentially no better than a third-world dictatorship!! We see, especially of late, the half-truths, lies, made up stories, interconnected wrongdoings, and a swamp-ridden, out-of-control government at the top of some of our agencies. The liberal-left is determined to defy law & order, responsibility and transparency even at the top level of our law enforcement.

I am hoping that we will be seeing the demise of the present Democratic party, with their greedy paws, trying to trash our country’s values. No one’s reputation is safe, no one’s gains in life are applauded, no one can begin to fathom the damage to the American way of life when Socialists are in control. Let me repeat what I have written in prior articles… If you are not safe and secure… You are not free! You can have freedom if you have law and order. If you have no freedom, you have no opportunity, and you have no safety, either.

It’s All About Liberty

A citizen of the USA has a life that is all about liberty. The Revolutionary War won our freedom and loosed us from the shackles of the King of England. You cannot have liberty for all and trash the liberty of some. You cannot have liberty for anyone without laws that cherish liberty for all.

Socialism is not about freedom for all. It is about freedom for self-appointed leaders, and little or nothing but dependence for the rest of us.

As I view TV today and listen to the liberal guests on many programs, the Socialistic response is completely true to form. Socialistic liberals will never answer direct questions. They bring up a whale to hide the hidden deeds of a rat.

The Socialists have taken a wonderful country to the brink of the cliff, ready to be pushed over the edge. Can we forgive them? Yes!! But the laws of our land must stand!! Liberals are guilty of trashing our Constitution and stealing our liberties. Their actions must be punished, regardless of who they are, and what their position is or has been. This includes Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and all other guilty parties. If they are not punished and severely punished, then we will have sent a message to everyone that there is no justice!!

The Ploy to Drop the Hammer

I never realized that the constant hammering of words could perhaps change the meaning of such words in public perception. The Socialist believes that you are racist if in any way you disagree with him. You are the subject to many scandalous names if you dare disagree with a Socialist. They hope by such repetitive hammering to convince others to agree with them on their narcissistic views.

So the Socialists of today are the absolute enemy of truth, freedom, safety, opportunity and well-being. It has become all about freedom for the Socialists and not for anyone else.

You Still Have a Voice – You Still Have a Vote!

The plain truth is that unless the voters of today understand the Socialist agenda and fight against it, our country is lost! And unless the truth and the freedoms of our country are once again taught at an early age, we will be fighting in our streets for our survival and for our national truth.

Dear readers… What truths are you willing to fight for??

Government and Freedom

Folks, I’ve said it many times before and it is an absolute tenet of truth: You cannot have the wrong view of government and the correct view of individual liberty.

You see, a government and its leaders must understand and support the facts and the foundations of a government that promotes the rights of individual freedom within the law. Yes, the law must protect everyone.

You cannot have a free country under a system of socialism, where the government is so large and promotes dependency for so many people. Why not?

Because socialism is not sustainable in the long run without taking away much individual liberty from so many.  Oh yes, some may get a free ride from government handouts, but at the loss of much individual freedom.  

There is a great loss of initiative also.

Initiative is defined by a desire and a striving to do better, accomplish more, and to elevate one’s loss of self-worth when depending on a government whose only source of income is punishing taxation and whose only means of survival is lowering the standard of living of everyone to pay for the giveaways.

We, in the USA, have never won a battle with such a system, and we never will.

Show me a poor man who hires thousands of people!! You know it isn’t possible. Then why punish the rich, (or at least the richer people) – who can provide jobs, and in addition to that, dignity and self-fulfillment- and yes, a desire to help others?

Why worry about someone becoming rich, or at least richer than they were, when they, through the taking of risks, can provide decent jobs?

And let me state again – if you have the wrong idea of government, you will automatically have the wrong idea of individual liberty.

If you believe, as you should believe, that our fundamental human rights come from God, you can begin to form a successful form of government and allow people to at least pursue success and happiness.

Our Bill of Rights states this – and this started out to be the correct basis for government and for the human rights of citizens…

“We hold these truths to be self-evident…that all men are created equal…that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unaliaenable rights…that among these rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

Now, I ask you – has this premise been used and promoted under recent US Governments?

NO!!

And unless and until it is, the ideas of men and not of God will prevail in our society, causing pressure, and lies, and unnatural decisions to be made, and so will cause the loss of freedoms, opportunity, dignity and self-worth for most of us.

For, you see, socialists and worse never intend to live under the same laws they put upon you and me.

Unfortunately, some voters do not trust anyone and they think that nothing can ever change in our government.  I understand that, but I am talking about a system of government that restores freedom, opportunity and hope.  Such a system succeeded under the two-term presidency of Ronald Reagan, which provided smaller government, more jobs, and more freedom for all.  

This system can certainly work again.

It is common sense, or should be, to do certain things.  Yes, within the law, we can do certain things and then expect certain results.  It will happen again if we elect people with the right concept of human government.  

If we don’t, our survival time as a free nation will be very short.

—- Written by William W. Figley, (mid-summer, 2015)

WWII Veteran of the US Navy

 

 

BIG GOVERNMENT: Good or Bad?

I’ve written many articles on Big Government. But here, I want to try to put the most pertinent facts about big government in one place, so that there can be no misunderstandings.

Many people are distrustful of government, of both major political parties. And yet, there are definite distinctions between these parties as to their beliefs and actions.

To me, it is unfair to brand both major parties alike. Since the days of the New Deal and the days of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Democratic party has developed great movements toward Socialism, and strong tendencies to change or destroy Constitutional rules that would benefit all people. Folks, this is a fact, based upon real historical events of record in our society. For a moment, please, try to view these government tendencies by the facts, rather than by merely believing smooth talking rhetoric or emotion.

The Republican party has definitely tended toward government according to the Founding Fathers and our Constitution, even though far from perfectly at all times (and we see of late that there are also Republicans who will fight to sustain big government and keep the status quo).

Now, the factual difference is simply this: bigger government, Socialism, and veering away from our country’s founding principles is wrong and has never worked. A wise person can surely see that policies which fail should no longer be followed. So that really should, for the time being, send us, as citizens, way beyond just Republican and Democrat.

It will be impossible for me or anyone to cover all the circumstances in one piece of dialogue – but allow me to proceed.

The middle class of the U.S.A. has been profoundly affected (negatively) by the advent of Socialistic and big government tendencies; and, we see today, that lack of good jobs (and good-paying jobs) is one of the sad results. However, all that the public heard from our Socialistic government (under Obama) is that ‘progress is being made’. The Feds even took credit for job creation that their own rules had discouraged; this job creation only came about because of the proactive legislation of a few states.

Let’s define the middle class. Most might say that earnings should define them; however, there are other factors that should be considered. Tops in earnings for a middle class person could be $250,000. That, in my view, would be much higher than a norm or medium income. In addition to income, I would add that most of the middle class has similar characteristics such as the willingness to work hard, risk-taking, and responsibility, and knowing when to take advantage of opportunities, if so presented.

The U.S. Constitution provides (Section 8) that the Congress shall have power to collect taxes, duties, imports and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the U.S. citizens.

Furthermore, the Declaration of Independence, long considered to have equal authority with the Constitution of the United States, says this:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident – that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these rights are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destruction of these ends, it is the RIGHT of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its power in such form as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.”

Now, let recollect what has happened under Democratic party government whenever the House and Senate had the majority. The Constitutional clause – The General Welfare – has been fundamentally enlarged to the breaking point – by enlarging the central government, and so promoting the monstrosity of big bloated government at the cost of the loss of individual freedom.

big government,2018 midterm electionsLet’s break this down. The bigger your government becomes, the more money is spent, the more government intrudes into your individual life, the more social programs the government creates, and the fewer freedoms each person really has. Why? Because the more government giveaways, the less freedom you have. You are caught up in a vote-buying system which promotes the government giveaways at the expense of individual choice, a direct premise of our Constitution. And be assured – these are not truly “giveaways” – every penny will be sucked from our wallets through increased taxes! All of us ought to cherish individual choice, and the pride and dignity that goes with it.

Now let me just list for you the most, but not all, of the problems of bigger government so that we can clearly see them:

(1) Big government has a definite tendency to become bigger. Those in power have, and certainly enjoy, more and more control over your lives.

(2) Big government must, of necessity, become even larger (and more intrusive into our lives) because it must perpetuate itself, promising more benefits and thus controlling more of your life.

(3) The bigger the government, the more rulers must be in place to manage the affairs of government over your personal life. Obama calls them Czars (a Russian concept), ruling over your affairs – UNELECTED BUREAUCRATS who will do the bidding of big government. Now these UNelected bureaucrats are unknown, unelected, nameless, faceless, unavailable to the public, and unaccountable to the people at large. You cannot know them – you will not know them – because they are part of the bigger government, not the people.

(4) Big government always results in fewer freedoms for the common man, and fewer choices within the few freedoms that remain. Why? Because you, the voter, the common man, are NOT running things any longer.

(5) Big government has to intrude into people’s personal lives – they have no other place to go in order to expand. People may realize some day what has happened and what should be done about it, but such realization often comes too late.

(6) Deficit spending promotes bigger and bigger government, since government giveaways and choosing winners is their strategy- in order to become bigger in influence.

(7) Bigger government denies individual dignity and working towards new accomplishments and a better life. Instead, we have had a middle class that is restricted, downgraded, and literally dared to attempt to rise above – in money, in influence, and in any other way. And furthermore, many of the previously labeled “middle class” are now in the poor class in terms of money and income.

(8) Big government always ends up in involving itself in areas of life where it has no business. The size alone of big government makes such government inefficient in handling such matters.

(9) Big governmenet involves itself in matters which the Constitution proves belong to the states. The people have a much louder voice in matters decided on the state level. States will listen. Big government hasn’t and won’t.

(10) Big government teaches people to be dependent who need not be so. “Oh, dear, good ol’ Uncle Sam will bail us out.” I hear that a lot. Very dependent citizens cannot then individually rise to to the occasion when bad things happen: economic woes, terrorism, overly zealous schemes that go wrong, etc. They sadly put their own well-being in the greedy paws of the government.

(11) Bigger and bigger government will, the long run, collapse under its own weight. Borrowing from China and other nations, puts the person loaning the money (or the country) in a position to demand more in repayment, or to take over parts of our economy.

Now, let us briefly discuss what things central government should be involved in and why, and some of the things that central (Federal Government) should NOT be involved in and why.

Tall order, you say? Not really.

In my considered opinion, government must be responsible for things that people and states should not be involved in. 

Of necessity, Declaration of War or martial law, or any kind of political action involving other countries, and the carrying out of war, if necessary, are jobs belonging to the Federal Government through proper channels provided in our Founding documents.

Protection of our borders – all of our borders – from all enemies and illegal people seeking to enter.

The government must be responsible for laws and regulations that promote the general welfare in this precise fashion: providing for a level playing field for people and businesses, and equal chance to succeed. There can be no exceptions, special favors, or cronyism here.

Government must provide for the most opportunity for individual freedom, an individual pursuit of happiness and gain, and in so doing, employ, employ the fewest regulations possible to ensure safety and fairness.

Keep Out, Big Government!

An example of things the government should stay out of would be education, health services, etc. There are no doubt other areas as well.

The only thing government should do concerning education should be to advocate that the states require the teaching of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence – in all schools.

This latter would insure that our Constitution is upheld, and our country would become and would maintain itself as the finest form of government known to man.

And now, to wind up our message – any type of government that teaches and preaches government dependency beyond that of necessity to help to the sick and disabled is opening the gates of disaster for the individual and the trashing of his God-given rights.

If we elect or allow law-makers, holders of positions of trust, including Senators, Congressmen and Presidents, to practice liberal policies (big government policies), we will have allowed our beloved country to disintegrate and to eventually disappear.

America, the U.S.A., as it was originally, was Constituted to be the best form of government on earth. It can be restored to that again, but time is running out. Will you be part of this great, important, revival – at whatever the cost?

I hope so!! I don’t like saying: “Too late!!”

– Written by Bill Figley,
Professional Musician, Student of Government and of Politics
Navy Veteran W.W. II

SOCIALISM AND ITS DANGERS

hope-for-america-path-back-to-freedom

Socialism used to be defined as a form of government where everyone’s needs are met and the earned wealth of all is somehow distributed to all. It still is that—but now, in more modern times, it is so much more.

 

  1. First of all, Socialism attempts to re-distribute wealth. What does this actually result in? Why, some of your hard-earned money is given to someone else—and not to anyone of your choice—NO—the government will decide. (And some, if not most of those who decide who gets your money, are unelected people.)
  2. Socialism destroys initiative (the drive to be better, to succeed, maybe to excel) and limits how far you can rise socially, economically, etc. But you say, “I’ll earn a lot of money, perhaps ” – even if you do, your rise on the economic ladder will be severely limited because government will take from you as much as they want and give to others.
  3. Socialism puts a heavy limit on success, so that its goal can be achieved. Everybody will be pretty much the same, economically, and you cannot rise very high.
    The middle class, then will be pretty much dependent on government promises, some of which may be fulfilled, most will not. But you say, “The middle class is the very foundation of our society.” Not with Socialism. The more dependence the middle class will soon come to expect, the more the middle class will be grounded as to what government will give them, and will allow them to have and to do.
  4. Who gets the money that is jerked away from you and given to others? Those who are poorer and less fortunate. Why, I hear some people say, “That’s Good!” NO, it can’t be because we need everyone to do their share and to have as many opportunities as possible. What happens when too many people are dependent on government for their living? A Dependent State is created, and there are fewer and fewer who are paying more and more taxes.
  5. Then what happens? Why, look around you! There is too much dependence on central government now, let alone in the future. Government will borrow more and more money—and fewer and fewer people will be able to fund the BIG BLOATED GOVERNMENT. Eventually, this kind of government will collapse and go bankrupt.
  6. Now let’s consider something else. Those in power and control of the central government cannot and will not live under the same set of rules as the rest of us.
    How do I know that? Because not only has it been proven by every Socialistic nation on earth, it is already being practiced by this government of ours—and I can prove it. You see, that’s one of Socialiam’s goals—two sets of rules: one for those in charge; and another for the wage-earner and tax payer.
  7. Now let’s go further down this road! The following statement is terrible, but true. And it is up to those who disagree to prove that these observations are wrong. “Oh, such and such a law, or action, is for the greater good!!” What a blatant lie! It is never correct to sacrifice one person to benefit another except in war—and then, there is usually some agreement on the part of the one making the sacrifice, that he or she is risking life and limb for others. There is a a distinct difference here.
  8. Now let’s move onward still. There is mounting evidence, and damning evidence that Obamacare is gutting the rights of people to make their own health decisions, and causing many to give up trying to get decent health coverage. And I mean millions—not just a few. Who are the architects of this monstrous, disastrous law? The Democratic Party and the left-wing Socialists, who have perhaps, up to this time, not really impressed people with their real goals. But now they are apparent. (I could readily have predicted this kind of power play.
  9. An individual doing anything like this would be prosecuted, convicted and tossed into prison forever and ever. Amen!! Is there any real hope of converting these Socialists and left-wing liberals to a more sane type of government? Sadly—NO!!! This has been shown by the answers and deviousness of so many, on the talk and informational shows on TV. Any person who will not give a direct answer to a political, judicial, legal, or moral question, when asked, is not to be trusted nor followed. And this would include any government official or spokesperson who repeatedly begins to answer your direct question with a slam against someone else, a former official, a former leader or President, or an excuse that the question you asked is too complex to give an answer about, and that those in charge are “working on the problem”.
    Also, all such left-wingers and officials who try to get by on their name or position instead of their actions, should be condemned publicly for what they are.
  10. Now to sum up, I will ask a question of any reader or seeking person—is this the kind of government you want?Is this the form of government our Founding Fathers gave us? A government of Socialism and middle class destruction?

    What kinds of government did our Founding Fathers come from in Europe? Governments of Socialism and dictatorship? Or of freedom within reasonable laws?They came from tyranny! Why on earth would they establish tyranny here? They already came out of that!

    No, Dear Reader—put aside your dreams of a better tomorrow. Forget that our country has a Constitution from way back, whose principles, when followed, created the best country on the face of the earth. Oh, we still have our Constitution—yes, but it is being modified, vilified and ignored by the people we elected. By your vote, brand the Socialists and left-wingers’ actions as Un-AMERICAN and VOTE them OUT—then invite them to leave our country for a Socialistic nation like they are trying to establish here!!

Comparisons in History – Hints to Resolving Current Problems?

As I look back on my very early life, I can now see that I was able to make comparisons between events of the past and of the present – even at a tender age. My ability to do this is much more advanced now than in my earlier life.

There are a few cautions, however, for those who attempt to make historical comparisons.

If anyone dares to make comparisons about people and movements throughout history, he should be aware that any comparison, if carried too far, will usually break down. This does not mean that comparison should not be made – it means only that comparison should be thought of as general and sweeping, even if not exact in every detail.

As we look today at our country and its problems, and look for solutions to these problems, there are hundreds of ideas, and fusions of ideas, that must warrant a closer look. First of all, we need to focus our attention on the founding of our country and on the foresight and brilliance of our Founding Fathers. For this is our country and this is our time, the present.

Ours is the arguably the greatest country in the world – our country is unique in all of world history. When you look at other nations, some with brutal leaders, high-and-mighty dictators, kings and potentates… we cringe at the thought of such a homeland. But  where, oh where are the values we hold dear as a country today? Ours is a country where there are laws to protect the innocent, laws of decency, individual liberty and common sense. Yes, and there are even laws and precepts designed to encourage a better life, a peaceful life, and a life that is safe from harm and danger.

I wonder if I could encourage you, my reader, to explore what is happening in our country today? I wonder if I might take you back to Bible days, to days of the Old Testament and the New Testament? In my opinion, Bible events should be viewed as well-established fact. The evidence for the accuracy of Bible history and events cannot be disputed, because history corroborates them.

Here is the question regarding Biblical events – can they be compared to the events in our country today? Are these current events planned by God, or just playing out in mankind’s history – a history which is often repeated?  In either situation, if any good or any understanding can come by comparing old Bible days with the present time in our country, it would be good to review and acknowledge these comparisons.

I will, therefore, dear readers, come to the heart of this whole matter…

There is, in my mind, a very definite comparison between our country and the assault on its founding principles and the words and actions of the old Jewish leaders of Bible times against the teachings and the truths which Jesus Christ, the Son of God, taught when he became an adult on this earth.

Today, after 8 miserable years of President Barack Obama and the Democratic political party… there is a movement afoot to discredit the newly elected president, one Donald J. Trump.

I am equating the old Jewish establishment to the Democratic minority, whipped in the 2016 election, but using every possible means to derail, delegitimize the President, and keep the duly elected leader and his administration from restoring to our country its truth, its pledges, and its greatness.

I am not attempting to equate Donald Trump with Jesus Christ, and I will take on anyone in the debate who proposes this. I am saying that it is his message – finally giving to the working people and to the poor and disadvantaged that which their country’s Constitution promises to  them.

What exactly does our Constitution say is the complete and sole purpose of our central government? Simply this – and I quote from the Constitution: the duties of the Federal Government:

  1. Provide for the common defense.
  2. Promote the general welfare.
  3. And secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.

So, as in the old Bible days, the Jewish leaders (the establishment of the Jewish religion) tried every way they could imagine to discredit and condemn Jesus Christ and his message.

Today we have the Democratic party and its members, losers in the election of 2016, using their same failed, Socialistic methods to discredit and destroy the message of Donald Trump – whose message, if followed, would restore the blessings of peace and safety to a badly treated middle class as well as all other citizens.

In no way am I comparing Donald Trump to Jesus Christ or his person. But there can be no question about Mr.Trump’s message; restore that which the Democratic Socialist Party has taken from the American people.

Let me emphasize some of the content of Mr. Trump’s message to the forgotten voters: restore lost opportunities and compassion, yes and increased safety, and security.  This elected President is making every effort to gain back these lost ideals.

During the eight years of Barack Obama, our former president acted toward the American people as if we were deserving of no better than terrorism and violence demonstrating a true lack of compassion and and concern for the safety of America’s citizens. According to Barack Obama, misplaced compassion toward people of unknown origin and, even more importantly, unknown intentions was more important than the safety of American citizens, especially the elderly and the disabled. Both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama said that closing our southern border was not “who we are as a nation”.  What an utter lie!! Who we are as a nation is certainly the protection of our citizens from harm and danger from the southern border, and from those who would enter our country illegally.

Jesus Christ focused on the obedience of people to God, while the Jewish leaders elevated their own traditions and interpretations and reacted angrily to anyone who would threaten the status quo.

Mr. Trump’s message… To restore the country to one of freedom, opportunity and compassion. This high regard for our own citizens has been met with a fierce opposition from Socialistic anti-Americans, who have tried and are trying to do everything on earth to destroy the American way of life, as outlined by the message of Donald Trump. I hope you readers can see the connection in the comparison – I do!

To further establish the comparison which I have made: the Jewish leaders were angered by anyone who would try who would dare to challenge or to question their authority. And the Socialists of today would do anything (legal or illegal) to stop any person or any message they hate.

The message of Jesus Christ went against the establishment – the Jewish leaders .

The message of Donald Trump goes against the Socialists – the big-government advocates, who have to lie to make their case.

Now the question today is – do we, the people of the USA want those in charge who have an idiotic philosophy, who deal in fantasy, who have dreams of grandeur and who are childish and irresponsible?  Do we want these people to interpret our laws – those who outright lie to us and seize power from the people? Do we want this kind of people to rule over us? Or do we want the principles that this country was founded upon, which are just and fair, to be our guide?

The Socialists (the left) are guilty of treason against our country. They have the right to disagree, of course, but they deny the very principles that have made this country great and would thus subject our citizens to a lower (and by far a less-safe) form of life.

But wait – there is more!

Have not the Jewish leaders throughout history resisted the calls of God, resisted His prophets, resisted His will? In any time period, there have been righteous people who have believed the truth – even though their leaders didn’t believe and didn’t obey God’s call, or heed God’s plan. Were there not many prophets of God through the years whose messages from God were ignored and downgraded? Were there not also some, if not many, political leaders of our nation who were elected, but failed to promote the principles that made our country great?

So, maybe it should not be surprising if there should be a Donald J. Trump, wth a message for the common people, with principles promoted which have slipped away from our grasp in recent decades.

Perhaps Donald Trump was raised up by God, and perhaps not. But how can anyone truly argue with the message he brought and the conclusion (changing American lives for the better) that could be realized if these principles were followed?

Students of government, people of common sense and high ideals – listen up!!

You will not find in the Trump message anything that lessens America from what it was intended to be. We can’t allow Socialist anti-Americans, big government advocates and vile freedom haters to prevail – let us go on with freedom within the law, citizen safety, common sense, opportunity and an unbelievable chance to make America great again.

We dare not allow this chance to slip through our fingers. Down with anti-American views and activities – down with lawlessness, down with governmental lies… and up with protection of citizens, promotion of opportunity, and restoration of common sense. Then let’s wait for the blessings to break through.

Right actions will bring right results!!

 

Who Will Be Saved and Who Will Be Lost?

Perhaps this isn’t the best title for this writing. But here is the argument concerning the correct interpretation of Scripture:One group of believers declares that God decides before each person is ever born, whether that person will be saved or lost, regardless of any merit on the part of that person. And that this decision of God cannot be changed. This is oftentimes called the hyper-Calvinistic position.
The other group, associated to some degree with Armenianism, declares that the above belief is not correct and cannot be confirmed by Scripture.

Let us look at Bible evidence, as well as other evidence, that indicates that hyper-Calvinism is not correct.
(1) The Free Will of Man
I firmly believe that the Bible strongly bears out that man has Free Will, freedom of choice. I don’t think we need even belabor the Scriptures to establish that. As we look around us, see people, read the paper, or watch TV, it is obvious that people act out Free Will constantly.

Throughout the Bible there is a glaring record of God’s presenting choices to believers and unbelievers alike, and Jews and Gentiles alike, as to their direction and behavior. How can anyone turn his back upon God and His choices without declaring that he, man, is his own guide and savior?

As we look back upon the lives of the Jewish people (the children of Israel), as we ponder the choices of Cain and Abel, from Earth’s first family; as we consider the choice of Adam and Eve in the beautiful garden of Eden, to eat of the forbidden fruit; and as we remember the choices of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Peter, the Apostle Paul, King Saul, King David, and on and on, we know ABSOLUTELY that man, all men, had choices to make – and obedience to God or disobedience to God, was high on the list.

Let us look at Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. God had told them they could not eat of that one tree in the garden, and they did. Now as we look at Cain and Abel, sons of Adam and Eve, both had been instructed to bring an offering to God. You know the story. Abel brought a lamb from the flock and Cain brought some of the fruit of the ground. Cain’s offering was not accepted, and God told him to bring the correct offering, and it would be accepted. Did Cain not know the type of offering that would be accepted? How did Abel know then of the acceptable offering?

What about Abram (later called Abraham)? He had a choice to make: to leave his father and his homeland and follow God, or not?
And many, many more choices for man, different men concerning the life designed by God or another type of life–the Bible is full of them.

There is much fallout if one does not believe in the Free Will of man.
Here is a little bit of the fallout if one does not believe in the Free Will of man.

It seems to me that the entire system of animal sacrifices would be unnecessary because they all pointed to the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. If each person were already programmed by God to be saved or lost, arbitrarily, and he had no choice in the matter, why have sacrifices? And oh, dear friends, there is more–why should Christ have come to Earth and shed His blood for our sins if no one was to have a choice about Him? Why should He have suffered pain, rejection, and human suffering? That makes no sense.

I have heard it suggested that since no one really had a choice about choosing salvation, that those who agreed with God would go through the motions of receiving Christ anyway. They would automatically do that anyway.
And I could add to this–why should God The Father have sent Christ on a mission that was already settled because there was no free Will for man?
Now it seems obvious to me, that if man has no Free Will, how does God get any glory from a person’s life and choices? He obviously can’t. Neither could a human leader, if everyone were programmed in advance.

(2) God’s Foreknowledge
I would trust that most of us know what foreknowledge is, but in case not, let me explain.
One would expect God to have foreknowledge. After all, He is God, The Creator, who knows all things. Foreknowledge simply means that God knows ahead of time and from the very beginning what will happen and what choices people and countries and entities will make.

It should be a given that our God has foreknowledge. Now how can it be used for His glory? But if man has no Free Will by the hand of God, how can foreknowledge be used for much of anything?

Now, as far as foreknowledge is concerned, God would automatically know who would choose Jesus Christ, (if there were free choice), and by the same token, those who would reject Christ. Therefore, foreknowledge would be of little use to God if He had automatically chosen these for salvation, and those to be lost. If there would be any way to involve foreknowledge in the matter of choosing Christ, pre-selection by God would eliminate any role of foreknowledge.

But since I and many, many more believe in the Free Will of man, and especially in the matter of receiving Christ as Savior and forgiver of sins, foreknowledge would tell God who, in his own Free Will, would choose Jesus Christ and the salvation He offers.

Now, I want to caution all readers. There is nothing in Scripture that specifically states what foreknowledge may be used for, but I will submit to you that it seems apparent to me that God’s foreknowledge would lead Him to select those who would be saved. Yes, those, who, of their own Free Will, will choose Christ as Savior.
This act, if true, would mesh the Free Will of man with God’s foreknowledge perfectly.
And let me further clarify–if man has no Free Will concerning Christ and His free gift of salvation, he really has no Free Will at all!!

(3) God’s Authority
Now let’s be absolutely clear–both sides of this issue of Free Will would have to admit to the authority of God The Father. He is The Absolute Creator and sustainer of all human life.
There are things that can be easily proven and shown from Scripture that deal with God’s authority. And all of these things have to do with the fact that Jesus Christ The son is also God. Because all three persons of God have equal authority, does not mean that they have the same office/work to do.

John 1:1-3 – “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.”
(Jesus Christ is the Word and the worlds were made by and with the authority of Christ.)

John 1:14 – “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (God’s purpose for man.)

John 3:18 and John 3:36 both tell us who will be saved (not condemned) and who will be subject to God’s wrath.

John 5:22 – “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.”

John 5:26-27 – “For as the Father hath life in Himself; so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself; and hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the son of man.”

John 10:30 – (Jesus is speaking) “I and My Father are one.”

Romans 10:9-10 – “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

(4) God’s Attributes
God The Father has many attributes (things that are true about Him, His powers). We will need to discuss judgment, love, mercy and grace.
God committed to Jesus Christ the judgment of this world and its people (John 5:32).

There could be questions, then, concerning the use of God’s attributes and their interactions, if any. We have seen judgment committed by God The Father to the authority of the Son, Jesus Christ.

We see God’s love found or expressed in John 3:16 and in Romans 5:8, which states, “But God commended (showed, demonstrated) His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
We understand God’s mercy, which means that God withholds from us the punishment we deserve because of our sin.
We also understand God’s grace, which gives to us what we do not deserve, and have not earned, and cannot earn.
Now the question arises, how, why, and if any of these attributes of God interact or modify judgment, which is the carrying out of God’s justice.
If justice were done, all sinners would die. But God, because of His love, has modified His justice, or tempered His justice with mercy and grace–the result of His love for us.

It seems to be man, or some men, who say that justice is above love and trumps love. But in God’s offer of forgiveness and salvation through Christ, justice is tempered by mercy and grace, to those who believe.
Now love brings to pass God’s mercy and grace – but that love must be obtained through Christ’s offer of forgiveness.
Now another point of order seems to be that salvation must be all about God and nothing about man.
Allow me to explain this by a discussion of God’s gifts to man:

(5) Gifts
We should all realize the many gifts God has given man, whether that man is a believer in Jesus Christ or not. I will deal here only with the free gift of forgiveness and salvation.
Our good believer friends have complicated the situation, those who have difficulty with God’s gift, they say, salvation must be all of God, nothing of man. So far, so good. But they seem to have forgotten what a gift is.

A gift is something given to one person by another, no strings attached. Well and good…but with a gift, there must be a giver and a receiver of that gift. This is where our good hyper-Calvinistic friends run into trouble, as well as in other areas of reasoning. Christ offered and still offers Himself as THE FREE GIFT. Salvation is about Christ, in Christ, and through Christ. But that is where God must stop. Free Will, which cannot be disproven, must be exercised to receive that gift. Technically, a gift is not a gift without a receiver. But God will never force anyone to take what he doesn’t want. So, as viewed by God, here is THE GIFT, even though it may not be received.

So I believe that God has done all He can to offer THE GIFT. Of course, many of this persuasion do not believe that man has a Free Will. But I ask you, or anyone, it seems that God says you have Free Will, or such a marvelous gift would not be offered. There can be no “whosoever” according to those who deny Free Will. But the Scripture offers THE GIFT to “whosoever believeth in Christ Jesus.” (John 3:16)

(6) God’s Glory
God’s glory is a very important subject, which must be considered. According to my dictionary, “glory” is defined as “praise, honor, or distinction, accorded by common consent; renown.”

How is God’s glory promoted or served by a belief system that turns people into robots, programmed to do one thing over and against another? God can receive glory from man only by man’s obedience to God. And since man cannot be fully obedient to God in the flesh (“…for all have sinned….”), he can be obedient to God by choosing Christ, THE GIFT that is offered to all men and women.

There is no proof in Scripture that what God does has no purpose. The purpose of the animal sacrifices was a lesson to Israel (the Jewish people), pointing to Christ at a later time. The purpose of Christ’s coming to Earth was to offer a pathway to God The Father. Jesus Christ said, “…I and My Father are one.” “He who has seen Me has seen the Father.”

Robots–People who are pre-programmed do not choose anything or anyone. The Bible is filled to the brim with choices for man–obedience or disobedience– throughout all of the Scriptures.

The thousands of times in the Bible that choices are in front of people and choices must be made are too numerous to mention. God receives no glory from disobedience or rejection, but from willful obedience to the Word and to His commands.

If God wanted glory to Himself, He did what was required to get it–not from creating the heavens and the Earth alone, but by creating man and woman. Please don’t cloud God’s glory with people who have no choices, people who are unable to choose. The offer to receive Christ as Savior and sin-bearer is a Free Will choice. It has never been otherwise.

-Composed by Bill Figley
Professional Musician, Student of Government
and of Politics, Navy Veteran W.W.II

HOW DO I GET TO HEAVEN?

In history, heaven is often taken to mean the air. The God of heaven is associated not only with the Hebrews, but also with the heathen and strange people. Actually, the Hebrew people acknowledged three heavens.

!. The Aerial Heavens where the birds fly and the winds blow.

2. The Heaven or Firmament where the stars are located.

3. Heaven of Heavens, the place of God’s residence, the dwelling of angels and the blessed.

Each heaven named goes higher into the sky. In the true palace of God is a place immune from impurities and imperfections. The word, idea, and some description of heaven is to be found in many places in the Scripture.

I’m afraid that for many folk, the idea of heaven is a concept that is not clear, and in many cases, there is no clear belief that there IS a heaven.

Why would anyone want to do to heaven? It is a concept that is associated with our life after death, if it is considered at all. I believe the thought of an afterlife began long before the Jewish people existed as a race. The ancient people of Egypt certainly had this belief of life after death and somewhere along the way, the afterlife was believed to be better and more secure than our earthly life.

The further away man’s distance from the Bible and its teachings, the more uncertain the concept and details become. The further away that man deviates from the Bible, the Scriptures—the more theories there are about any afterlife, and the more bizarre such theories are.

I am certainly not expert in expounding all the theories about heaven, its reality or absence, but many people have come up with many ideas about an afterlife. We will have to concern ourselves with only the most prevailing beliefs.

  1. Some believe there is no afterlife. When you die, you, or your soul, ceases to exist anywhere. Perhaps this belief is not as popular as it once was. Many folks believe that no afterlife is a very crass and stupid belief, conceived in ignorance. The big problem with this belief is just this—what is the purpose of life, then? What reason have we then for our existence?
  2. Then there are people who believe that everyone will go to heaven when they die on earth. This view is a blow to the average intelligence. Why should anyone who is bad, or whom society labels as bad, go to a place of peace and rest, and maybe rewards?
  3. Then there is the idea of purgatory—a holding place for those who die, and may not qualify for heaven because of a life that hasn’t been so good. Again, who is to make that judgment? Now, according to the prevailing theory, it is possible to get out of purgatory and enter heaven. Good deeds and/or money must be paid or done in the name of that person. It could even be possible for that person (in purgatory) to prove his worthiness. But the idea of purgatory is nowhere to be found in Scripture or anywhere else. It is a piece of man-made fiction.
  4. And I believe most all of us, when we were young children, heard and may have believed this notion. After you die, St. Peter, up in heaven will get out his balancing scales and weigh your good earthly deeds against your bad deeds. You know, balances. Now, according to this story—IF, and I say, IF—your good deeds outweigh your bad deeds, you will be admitted to heaven. If the scale is tipped the right way, you are safe. I cannot imagine a more humanistic notion than this. If there could be anything to this man-made nonsense, what about the severity of each good deed and bad deed? How would that affect the balance? One cold not win an election or a war with such a fantasy—how could one get to heaven with such a belief??
  5. Now, brace yourself, folks—you haven’t heard it all yet. Why, man is the MOST IMPORTANT BEING in the universe!—He is his OWN guide, and his OWN god. There is no mythical God, somewhere up in heaven, telling you what to do and who to believe.

Now, everyone has a free will. Everyone ought to know that. These people may be well-meaning, and all that, but there is no REAL God up there, who tells you what to do and stands watch continually over what you do.

Why, the way some people have pictured God is utterly unreasonable. This is the day of MAN—we are past those “old” days of an unreasonable, so-called God; we have gone past those days of fables, those old ways are unreasonable. Why, this is the age of Intelligence, the era of promise, the era of accomplishments—why the Bible itself is old and out-dated, and so is our country’s Constitution. Why the era of man should be glorified, the accomplishments of man need to be glorified. Getting ahead and getting glory for oneself is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing!

And another thing—don’t criticize a belief that is different from yours—as long as that belief is sincere, let it alone. Homosexuality and lesbianism are o.k. They may not suit your style, but they should be honored as alternative lifestyles. And if someone has his own god, one who doesn’t conform to your ideas, let it alone! His so-called guide will be a comfort to him, perhaps. In the end, it is man on the throne of life that is to be honored and embraced. And cling to this truth, ALWAYS—As long as what YOU believe is “true for YOU”, in YOUR mind, it is “Truth.”

Dear Friends, item number 5 here is secular humanism at its best! You see, if absolute truth can be manipulated and changed, and challenged to suit the need, any principle of life can be broadened to suit any need and any belief system. Thus, REAL truth, then has no basis, no usefulness, and man has just become his OWN god, with the great seal of approval from anyone agreeing with this horrible idea.

It becomes obvious then, that a man-centered system of belief, does not need, nor welcome any other system of belief.

Now, my question to you is this, Dear Friend—many folk just can’t buy into the systems of belief I have outlined here in my little talk—people with real compassion and sensitivity can’t see these beliefs as rational.

Suppose it IS true, after all, that there IS a God in heaven, who created man and woman, and who will have the final say about your life, once it is over for you on earth. Suppose that the Bible is TRUE—that God must judge sin—that man REALLY does have a responsibility to God. In what condition will you find yourself, Friend, at the end of your earthly life? What will your present belief system do for you at the end of your life? You had best realize what a young man realized as I counseled him—“I guess I’m driving down the road without any insurance.” [GOING THE WRONG WAY]

This young man came to Jesus Christ, as God The Father has throughout the ages urged men to do. Here’s how it unfolded.

He prayed a prayer to God that went something like this:

Dear Lord Jesus, I realize that I am a sinner, that I have not obeyed You, and have never sought Your forgiveness. I need You to forgive my sins and come into my life and direct my life. I thank You for dying on the cross in my place. Receive me and forgive me now. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Those who pray this type of prayer in sincerity are born again and become TRUE children of God. Ask any true born-again Christian to explain how he or she became a child of God. It is your passport to heaven!!

Friend, have you been born again??