The following was adopted as our official statement regarding Physician Assisted Suicide 2004.
Physician Assisted Suicide is one of the profound ethical issues conronting America today. With moral relativism directing a quality of life ethics, physician-assisted suicide is being advocated as a "light." And it is even being suggested that the lives of some people are not worth living, and accordingly they should be encouraged, for the sake of the themselves, family or society, to end their lives.
The primary legal issue is whether the so-called "right to die" should be considered a liberty interest protected under Section 1 of the 14th Amendment; subsidiary legal arguments supporting physician-assisted suicide revolve around alleviating severe pain and exerccising personal autonomy. But the underlying moral issue is far more profound. This matter of life and death involves our relationship with one another on the human level, and the relationship of each of us with God.
We believe that life is a gift from God, and that human life has absolute, not relative, physical value. Death is a significant transition that all human bodies come to. The physical and emotional suffering that may precede physical death can be very grievous, but it may also spiritually enrich us, and afford a last opportunity for reconciliation with freinds, famiy, and us, and afford a last opportunity for reconciliation with friends, family, and God. While we firmly believe in mercy and compassion, that belief does not give anyone license to play God. We believe there is a profound moral distiction between allowing a person to die, on the one hand, and killing on the other (Deut 5:17). We affirm the ethic "always to care, never to kill."
We pray earnestly that the Supreme Court will not attempt to interpret the constitution as giving a right to physician-assisted suicide. We also pray that the Court will not leave this matter to the States, which would mean each State woiuld be free to pass legislation permitting doctors to end the lives of their patients under cerain circumstances. As evangelicals we deny that there are any circumstances, which justify euthanasia, with or without consent. Therefore, the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), expresses its firm opposition to State legistlation, which would legalize physician-assisted suicide. And NAE and Word for the World Family Church would support federal legislation to ensure that federal tax dollars will never be used to pay for or promote physician-assisted suicide.
We recognize the pressing need to alleviate the sever pain, which may precede death. Medical experts say that ninety-nine percent of such pain can be adequately managed, yet twenty-five percent of those with pain do not benefit from medical treatment, which would statisfactorily alleviate the pain.
We appeal to the medical profession to do all in it's power to close the gap between the knowledge of how to cope with pain therapeutically and the application of that knowldege to anyone needlessly suffering pain.
While for the believing Christian - to die is gain, it is wrong to intrude upon God's prerogative by advancing that day. Rather we look to our Lord Jesus Christ to sustain us.
Copied from a Resolution Adopted by the 55th Annual Meeting of the National Association of Evangelicals.
When a person gives his or her life to Christ. No longer do they really have a choice to die. They are CHRIST'S. The believers hope is Heaven in HIS timing not in ours. Giving a person an overdoes to end his life is biblically called murder. Life starts at conception but does not end at death. Death is an entry to Everlasting Habitations. If you are a believer, your Everlasting Habitation will be a place called, "Heaven". If you are a non-believer, your Everlasting Habitation will be a place full of eternal sorrow, pain, grief, darkness and fire and brimestone. That Everlasting Habitation is called, "Hell". To end human life as we know it on earth is to open a doorway for a place in eternity.
Unity is powerful The Lord said, ‘If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.” (Tower of Babel – Genesis 11:6). Though one maybe overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Now when the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” (Acts 2:1). The power of the Holy Spirit filled each and every one.
Unity is blessed and to be desired. How good and how pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity…For there the Lord bestows his blessing…” (Psalm 133). “…that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you…so that the world may believe that you sent me.” (John 17:21). “…a spirit of unity…one heart and mouth…accept one another…” (Rom 15:5-7). Also Ephesians 2:14, 4:1-7
What is Unity? Predominately, Christian unity is mutual identity in Christ (Galatians 3:26-29), shared spiritual life, focus and direction, which transcends difference and diversity. Our fellowship is with the Father and with this Son, Jesus Christ. (I John 1:3). Unity is rooted in our common love for Christ, his Word and his mission. It manifests itself in atmosphere, attitude and actions.
How do unity and diversity interrelate? Unity is not sameness. The church is comprised of individuals distinctly different as to sex, age, race, background, temperament, preferences… (The body – 1 Corinthians 12:27). It is our common focus, not our alikeness or our perpetual agreement, which unites us. Uniformity is unrealistic, even undesirable. Unity of the Spirit is our goal. Unity of the faith will not be achieved fully until HE comes (Ephesians 4:3). We strive to be in unity and at peace with all men.
How is unity developed? Relationship with Jesus commitment to Scripture and fullness of the Holy Spirit, with fruit (Galatians 5:22, James 3:17), provide the ingredients for unity. “Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” (Romans 8:5) Unity is of the Holy Spirit. Disunity is of the flesh. “Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:26).
Practical steps to unity 1 Cultivate personal growth in the Holy Spirit (unity is of the Spirit) 2 Pray for others by name 3 Respect and appreciate the uniqueness of others who are not like you. 4 Commit yourself to the well being of others. 5 Speak well of others to others. 6 Keep no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13) 7 Hold each other accountable to the above.
How is unity maintained? Christian love (unselfish commitment to each other’s well being), with genuine respect and appreciation for each other; preserves unity. The application of grace, as the inseparable partner of peace, is essential (Romans 1:7 and every Pauline epistle) the inseparable partner of peace, is essential (Romans 1:7 and every Pauline epistle). Humility is another inseparable element, without which unity will not continue. “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10). “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2) Forgiveness is a key component. The greatest threats to unity are those subtle invasions of ego, pride, selfishness, wanting one’s own way. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interest, but also to the interests of others.” (Philipians 2:3-4). The loving practice of biblical discipline (Matthew 18, I Timothy 5…) fosters unity. “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Christian unity is essential to God’s fullest blessing. The rewards are worth the effort it takes to develop and preserve unity. May unity flourish among believers at Word for the World Family Church.
Adopted by the Executive Board of Directors in 2004, the acceptable year of our Lord.
Among the foremost problems of our time are substance abuse problems surrounding the use of drugs and alcohol. A 1986 survey shows that 70 million Americans have at some time engaged in the illicit use of a drug. Thirty-seven million said they had used illegal drugs in the previous year, and 23 million in the month prior to the survey. Sixty-five percent of 18-25 year olds have experience with illicit drugs. The survey also established a correlation between drug and alcohol use. Eighteen percent of our population will exhibit dependency problems with alcohol or other drugs during their lifetime. Traffic and safety authorities estimate that alcohol is involved in 50 percent of all fatal automobile accidents in the United States. The trend to use cocaine, heroin, marijuana, PCP, alcohol, prescription drugs and other mind altering drugs as entertainment or as an escape mechanism not only speaks of the pressures under which we live, but also indicates something of the moral and spiritual conditions of our time. Equally serious is the idea that so-called “mind expanding drugs,” such as PCP and marijuana, should be legalized for medicinal use. Above all, those engaged in the production and distribution of alchoholic beverages continues their massive and largely successful promotional efforts to make Americans a drinking people. Word for the World Family Church believes the evidence is clear that the use of drugs has become a leading factor in the soaring crime rate, and that such use increasingly results in the loss of lives and the destruction of property. The total costs to our society are astronomical ($160 billion annually) Forty percent of hospital admissions involve drug or alcohol related diseases. We deplore the evidence that at high levels and from many quarters immense pressure is exerted to encourage more people to drink, and at an earlier age. Sixty-six percent of high school seniors consume alcoholic beverages. By age 13, thirty percent of boys drink on a regular basis. Thirty percent of ten-year olds experience pressure to drink alcohol. We hereby record our firm condemnation of efforts aimed at abrogating the laws restricting the possession and use of narcotics, hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates and alcohol. We commend those who continue to consider it their duty to prosecute violators of existing laws, whether it is in regard to sale, possession or use of such drugs. Specifically, we encourage the framing and passage of new laws that will make it easier to enforcement agencies to apprehend and convict drinking drivers who are the primary cause of highway fatalities. It is our understanding that among such desirable laws are the “implied consent” laws, which facilitate the detection and identification of drinking and drunken drivers through various tests conducted by arresting officers. We also urge our church, other churches, including our own, to take seriously the problem of the use of alcohol and other drugs, educating their members to the dangers of such use and encouraging them to make abstinence a part of their personal Christian testimony. As evangelicals we affirm that even such extreme problems as those represented here are subject to the power of the Holy Spirit, and the solution through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
The executive board for Word for the World Church adopted the following statement on Leadership Authority.
Organization, leadership and authority are common threads woven throughout God's creation -- the animal kingdom, the human kingdom and the spiritual kingdom -- whether it be the human body, the nuclear fmaily, the local church, civil government or God's eternal Kingdom. Leadership authority is necessary to good order, smooth function and accomplishment. The alternative is disorder, chaos, and anarchy.
All authority begins with God. Leadership, with delegated authority, is God ordained. "Let...man...rule over the fish...the birds...the livestock, over all the earth and over all the creatures..." (Genesis 1:26). This Godly order is evident in earthly relationship: husband/wife, parent/child, leader/community, leader/church, employer/employee.
Leadership authority, especially within the church, falls, into two primary categories-positional authority and spiritual authority.
Positional Authority:
There is a parental authority within the family, which God expects children to recognize on the basis of position. "Honor your fatehr and your mother..."(Exodus 20:12). "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother..." (Ephesians 6:1-2). While there is a qualification with the word obey, there is not qualification with the word honor. You honor your parents because they are your parents -- not because they are Christians, wise or good. Full respect for your parents is a sperate consideration and one, which must be earned. HOWEVER, the latter does not negate the former.
The same is true of government position. "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is not autority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgement on themselves" (Romans 13:1-2). We are also instructed to pray for leaders (1 Timothy 2:2).
Similarly in the church: "Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account" (Hebrews 13:17).
There is an authority, although limited, which goes with leadership position. Voluntary submission to this authority "as unto the Lord" brings blessing (Colossians 3:8-15; Ephesians 6:2). Disrepect of it brings judgement (Leveticus 20:9; 1 Samuel 24:6; Numbers 12, 14, 16; Romans 13:2; 1 Samuel 15:23). Submission to God-ordained leadership honors God. Of course, there is a place for the exercise of conscience and conviction (Daniel 3, 6; Acts 5:29), but not to be used as a loophole.
Spiritual Authority:
In addition to positional authority, there is a spiritual leadership authority based upon one's spiritual gift, one's walk with God, one's anointing, integrity, faith, obedience, servant attitude. This leader has a following built upon trust, consistency, competence and results. Followers recognize the gifts of God in the servant of God and voluntarily respond. This spiritual authority is not in conflict with positional authority. Ideally, they complement each other.
Important to the progress of Word for the World Family Church is an understanding and application of the biblical principle of authority. May our response enhance God's blessing upon our movement.
Friday, January 18, 2008
This, in my opinion, is as close as it comes to a GREAT MAN! I am ever so impressed with Governor Huckabee. Homosexuality does not make sense, scientifically, morally, or any other way. In the days that the Constitution was written, there was no thought that a human being or a human government could be so vial and decrepit. Nowhere in their minds did they ever think that any think of this perverse nature could ever be even discussed openly like today.
John McCain has openly said that he, "does not believe that homosexuality is a sin". He believes in abortion or the legal killing of innocent lives.
Mittens Romney, (Pat Boone, gave money to his campaign) flip-flops on abortion and gay marriage. Yes, no, no, yes, uh, I don't know, uh, what do the polls say? He is rarely ever asked about his former position as a Bishop in the Mormon Church, but that is all they see about Huckabee; his position in the Baptist Church before he retired from that.
If you think Hillary is liberal, you should look close to Barrack HUSSEIN Obama!!! His voting record as a short term president is shot through with holes of liberalism and out right socialism.
This election has showed me what the very rich and famous, outspoken people REALLY believe.
Christians, WAKE UP! If anything less than a CHRISTIAN gets in office, we will never be able to properly deal with the war on terror. If Huckabee looses, it will show the moral rottenness and ethical DECAY that our society has become. God please help us as a nation.
Although most Americans would be offended to hear a man say the following, I was rather impressed with a REALL MAN. Someone who is not afraid to stand in the face of modern day Sodom and Gomorrah and speak the truth. This man has guts! That's the sort of MAN I believe we need in office. Look at this article and say it ain't so. What a true MAN, you don't find people who speak the truth like this anymore. I don't even think places like TBN or Joel Osteen would even have the guts to talk like this. I salute this serious patriot and true man who is tough as steel.
Huckabee links gay sex to bestiality, abortion to slavery
WASHINGTON (AFP) - Republican presidential hopeful and former Baptist pastor Mike Huckabee linked gay sex to bestiality and abortion to slavery in an interview Thursday, explaining why, if elected, he would try to amend the constitution.
"Marriage has ... as long as there's been human history, meant a man and a woman in a relationship for life. Once we change that definition, then where does it go from there?" he asked in an interview with online "Beliefnet" magazine.
"Well, I don't think that's a radical view, to say we're going to affirm marriage. I think the radical view is to say that we're going to change the definition of marriage so that it can mean two men, two women, a man and three women, a man and a child, a man and animal," he added.
"The Bible was not written to be amended. The Constitution was," he said, announcing his intention to amend the document if he were to be elected president in November to ban abortion and establish that life begins at the moment of conception.
Leaving it up to individual states to outlaw abortion within their own borders is not enough, he said.
"That's again the logic of the Civil War -- that slavery could be okay in Georgia but not okay in Massachusetts. Obviously we'd today say, 'Well, that's nonsense. Slavery is wrong, period. It can't be right somewhere and wrong somewhere else.' Same with abortion," Huckabee said.
Huckabee won the Iowa Republican caucuses earlier this month, the first contest in the race for each party's nomination to run for the White House. He is in second place behind Arizona Senator John McCain in opinion polls for Saturday's primaries in South Carolina.
The following statment is the official statement adopted in 2004 by the executive board of directors:
Whereas one of the by-products of the increasing mood of permissiveness in our society is a growing awareness of a community not previously recognized, namely, the practicing homosexuals in our midst, and
Whether the result of moral looseness, social instability or physiological change, the number of homosexuals seems to be increasing.
The Bible speaks out strongly in condemnation of sin and unrighteousness in all forms. The Scriptures explicitly pronounced judgement on sexual deviance. Old Testament law condemns a man lying with a man as a woman. It also condemns a woman lying with a woman as a man. The first chapter of Romans refers to the guilt of mankind expressed in shameful worship, perverted passions and corrupted minds.
Nevertheless, we must remember that all men regardless of their offenses need God's love as manifest in Jesus Christ. All too often we have both overtly and covertly rejected the person of the sexual deviant. All people, regardless of their sexual orientation are welcome to attend worship services. Church membership will be denied if you are currently practicing any sexual deviant behaviors outside of marriage. We define marriage as being a hold union between one man and one woman.
Therefore, we resolve as Word for the World Family Church
1) to stand firm in the belief that the Holy Scriptures condemn practicing homosexuality and give no basis for approving this as an acceptable lifestyle, and 2) to extend the healing ministry of the entire Christian community to individuals who seek forgiveness and deliverance from the sin of homosexuality.
CBN news has listed an article here that lists scriptures that deal directly with the sin of homosexuality.
It will highly amaze you when you read the following article put out by American Family Association which gives facts regaring how the United States Supreme Court has overturned sodemy laws. It will show you how morally broke our country has become.
The following statement is the official statement adopted in 2004 by the executive board of directors for Word for the World Church.
Gambling is a parasite feeding on both the individual and society. Unhealthy behavior patterns are developed by the person who gambles. The "thrill" element in gambling produces as unrealistic view of life and a distorted concept of personal responsibilities. Gambling has a destructive effect upon the moral fabric of society because of it's "something for nothing: philosophy.
The ruse of promoting gambling and lotteries for the purpose of subsidizing education is an attempt to gain respectability and acceptance as an honorable and productive business. However, this has by actual experience proven costly to the public. The contribution to the purported cause has been minimal in proportion to the cost of promotion and administration of the enterprise. In addition, the fringe dangers of graft, subterfuge, and infiltration by the criminal element, make such a program suspect.
Word for the World endorsed the principle that public programs and projects should be publicly supported and opposes legalized lotteries. We oppose the weakening of laws to permit state-sponsored gambling.
Word for the World encourages a program of education regarding the evils of gambling by both the church and other community agencies. We also encourage our law enforcement agencies on local, state and national levels in the carrying out of their responsibilities regarding the control of gambling.
This is powerful and could not be said any better. Also you may wish to look at the following link: The Morality of Gambling
Gambling Defined
Gambling is defined as taking an artificial, unnatural, unnecessary risk in hopes of excessive gain far above what an investment would pay. Gambling is taking a risk purely for the purpose of taking a risk, which will give gain at someone else’s expense.
Many seek to justify gambling by calling almost everything gambling. I have heard people say, "There is nothing wrong with gambling. After all, gambling is just taking a chance - all of life is a gamble."
There is a difference between taking an unnecessary risk (gambling) and operating with skill in the unknown. For example: the farmer is not gambling when he plants a crop. The wise investor is not gambling when he invests in the stock market. The driver is not gambling when he drives down the highway. Buying insurance is not gambling, as there is no opportunity of excessive gain. The insurance company is not gambling, but engaging in a business risk, as the farmer engages in a business risk when he plants his crop.
Casting Lots
The Bible mentions "casting lots", but this is not gambling. The casting of lots was used in certain instances to determine the will of God.
In Leviticus 16:8-10, Aaron cast lots to determine which of the two goats would be used for the sin offering, and which would become the scapegoat.
Joshua 18:1-6 records that lots were cast to determine the distribution of land between the twelve tribes of Israel.
In Jonah 1:7, the sailors cast lots to determine the course of action concerning Jonah.
The casting of lots in Acts 1:21-26 to replace Judas with Matthias was simply the casting of votes, not throwing dice
The casting of lots is not gambling because there is nothing wagered, therefore nothing is lost.
The Right/Wrong of Gambling
Gambling, now called by the politically correct term "gaming", to make it more palatable to our consciences, has overtaken our nation. Almost everybody wants something for nothing, and it is believed gambling is the way to get something for nothing. Almost everybody buys lottery tickets, in the hope of getting something at the expense of someone else.
Headlines often tell of a person winning a large sum of money in the lottery. What the headline should tell is that millions failed to win. Some have gambled and won, that is true. But has winning helped spiritually? Have families been strengthened? Has the moral fiber of our nation increased as a result of gambling?
The real issue of gambling is not about winning, or casinos making a lot of money; or people losing a lot of money; or jobs; or the supposed lowering of taxes. The issue is righteousness and trust.
The issue is righteousness because:
Proverbs 14:34, "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."
Acts 10:35, "But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him."
The issue is trust because that nation, that people who fail to trust God cannot be a Christian nation, or a Christian people.
The Bible and Gambling - Contentment
I Timothy 6:6-11 - But godliness with contentment is great gain. {7} For we brought nothing into [this] world, [and it is] certain we can carry nothing out. {8} And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. {9} But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. {10} For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. {11} But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Proverbs 15:16 - Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure with trouble.
Proverbs 15:27 - He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
These verses speak of the grief caused by greed, by putting too much thought into this world, which will soon pass away, and too little thought into the world to come, which shall never pass away.
As God’s children, we lose contentment when we seek what this world provides instead of trusting God. We are not going to take houses, land, and bank accounts to heaven. In the parable of the sower, Matthew 13:22, Jesus explains, "He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful." Here is a child of God who becomes entangled with the riches of this life and loses eternal wealth.
God’s people are supposed to trust God (not winning the lottery) for their daily provision. Matthew 6:31-33 states, "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? Or, What shall we drink? Or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 34 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 35 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
It is likely every person reading this article has dreamed of being rich, of having all the money they will ever need or want. It is not wrong to be rich, but it is wrong to trust your riches or your station in life. Some of God’s most faithful servants were rich, but they did not trust their wealth. They trusted God – everyday and every way.
God’s children are rich – even though they may not have a large bank account. We have the promise of God that he will provide what we need, when we need it. All we have to do is believe. When we believe Matthew 6:31-33, we will seek, ask and knock. Then, and only then, will we receive from God those things necessary for everyday living.
The Bible and Gambling – Working
Genesis 3:17-19 reveals a part of the curse upon man involves earning a living by the sweat of the brow. When people gamble, they are refusing to submit to the curse by attempting to gain money they have not worked for. This is a sin in the sight of God. II Thessalonians 3:10 commands, "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat."
The Bible and Gambling – Selfishness
Matthew 22:34-40 records the answer of Christ to the question, "…which is the greatest commandment in the law?" Christ replied, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment." But Christ did not stop there. He continued with an explanation of the second greatest commandment, which is to love thy neighbor as thyself.
Gambling not only breaks the first commandment, gambling breaks the second commandment as well.
The gambler desires to gain, without working, that which another must lose. The gambler is not thinking of the welfare of the other person, but only his own selfish interest. I Corinthians 13:5 states true love, "…seeketh not her own…" The gambler is showing no love for the other person as Christ declared in the second greatest commandment.
The Bible and Gambling – Secular
Not only is God against gambling, but also the secular magazine, U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT, dated March 14, 1994, carried the cover story, "How Casinos Empty Your Wallet". The magazine covered the subject from a "human viewpoint" and reports on the economic disasters that have been documented in communities that have legalized casinos. The article states that the casinos at first contribute money to the budgets of the towns but in time all other businesses in town (restaurants, clothing stores, grocery stores, drug stores, etc.) suffer loss of sales and lay off employees.
The article referred to the owner of a pawnshop in Tunica County, Mississippi (in the Memphis area), who stated, "gamblers frequently go bust and trade rings and jackets for gas money home".
A Police Chief declared, "The number of people failing to pay their rent and bills had doubled".
A county justice clerk stated, "Arrests for drunken driving has increased 500%".
The report concluded by stating the dollars that come into the community level off and the cost of police, fire protection, government, etc., increase.
Conclusion
The gambler is saying, What God has provided for me is not enough. I need more than God can provide. It is like saying being poor is bad and being rich is good. God does not need our gambling windfall for the furtherance of his kingdom. Everything is his.
Many churches are accepting offerings that come from gambling. Independence Baptist Church will not knowingly accept any funds that comes from gambling or "gaming".
