I am certain That Mitt Romney has a belief in his Mormon faith that is deeply held and sincere. It, his faith, is a mark of his character which I applaud and respect.
It appears to me that he, through his faith holds to ideals of peace, love and humanity. Indeed, I have never met a person of the Mormon faith whom I did not find anything but pleasant, especially at a number of inter-faith meetings I have attended at the Church of Latter Day Saints temples from time to time.
For me however, when it comes to choosing which candidate to vote for, especially for the highest office in the land, I am unable to separate the person from their religion when that religion is Mormonism.
I can appreciate that most, if not all religions have a degree of the fantastic about them. Much of this is clearly set out to illustrate moral precepts or is, frankly, propaganda directed at perceived enemies. However, nothing I can see in the Judeo-Christian Muslim context is divorced from historic, anthropological and archaeological reality.
Taking an undisputed source, The Book of Mormon itself we find in the introduction what is set out to be the historical setting of Mormonism. In summary the introduction advises, inter-alia, that " A glorified, resurrected being, Moroni," showed to Joseph smith in 1823 some golden plates upon which Moroni's father Mormon had inscribed the history of an ancient civilization in America and the visit of Jesus Christ to that civilization.
Again in brief " Two great civilizations came from Jerusalem ( to America) in 600 BC" namely the Nephrites and the Laminites the latter being the "Ancestors of the American Indians".There was apparently an older civilization the Jaredites which preceded them after "God confounded the languages at the Tower of Babel."
Now it is indisputable there there is not a single shred of archaeological evidence of any pre-Native American ("American Indian" ) civilization, especially one of the purported size and sophistication set out in the Book of Mormon. Not a building, boat or artifact, not a domestic utensil, article of jewelry or clothing, or grave, in fact, nothing at all.
The ancestors of the "American Indians" did not come from the Middle East, they are indisputably of Asian origin having crossed the ancient land bridge from Siberia.The idea that the language (or rather multiplicity of languages) of Native Americans' was "confounded in Babylonia" is ridiculous and is not of course supported by any regarded ethnologist.We are clearly dealing not with fable or even fantasy but with a romance.
Again, there is a lot to challenge in the history of the Christian religion but nothing on the level of the entire religion being divorced from any sort of reality grounded in time and place.
I appreciate that people of faith can compartmentalize their life views.World famous scientists can view their work in the strictest of rationality whilst being sincere Christians which religious dogmas they understand they adhere to as a matter of faith divorced from the mindset they use in their occupation.
However, as much as I respect this attitude (which I hold to myself) there is a point at which I have to question the mindset of those who have, as I see it, stretched the faith/rationality dichotomy beyond its limits.
Thus for Romney to hold,as I am sure he sincerely does, to the purported historic roots of the Mormon faith
shows that, to me at least, he has thought processes that are a significant aspect of his personality that are questionable in respect of wider views he might hold now or in the future.
These include concepts which, again to me, are are totally divorced from reality.I would not look to a candidate for president to have,again as a major aspect of his very being, this sort of mindset.Simply put, if non-rationality at this core level can be accepted and acted on then what other non-rationality can also be accepted and acted on?
It may be said that Palin might hold to a fundamentalist belief which may or may not consider e.g. evolution to be totally true and which might take the old testament to be literally correct.However those views, even if held, are well within the mainstream of acceptable religiosity and have been held by world leaders throughout the ages.I would be sure the majority of voters would be comfortable electing a person to high office who subscribed to them.
It might also be stated that the same objections to Romney/Mormonism was made in respect of John F. Kennedy (and Alfred E. Smith before him) which objections have proven to be unfounded. However, the objections to Roman Catholicism was predicated on the belief that the Pope would be put in a position of having undue influence on American politics through the mechanism of a Catholic president-not primarily to the basic beliefs of the religion itself.
Whether the majority of voters would be comfortable in voting into the White House a person who held to the Mormon faith is a matter of conjecture but for me it is a settled issue.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
The View From New York-Is This The Economy The Left Defends Against Palin?
At the end of the day a presidency must be judged,except in war time, on how the economy is doing, i.e. how many people are in work.The (true) unemployment rate is the key.It is the factor which governs the day to day life of the average American-their "happiness" index whether measured in standard of living, their children's ability to get good schooling, their access to amenities their ability to pay their mortgage or rent-in other words the foundation of a decent life.
A sixteen percent unemployment rate-the highest since 1982-which shows no sign of dropping anytime in the near future-is a sign of unmitigated failure. The Gulf oil spill,the health care situation, immigration are all important but they don't impact the entire country to the level that the unemployment rate does.They can be argued about, fixed, changed but for the most part children don't go to bed hungry because of them, marriages don't break up, families don't walk away from their homes because of them.
16% is a number-it is a sad reality to see this in human terms, to walk around towns like New Rochelle and Larchmont as I have been doing and to see empty shop after empty shop, to see shops open and then close in quick succession. These were prosperous commuter belt towns but the decline is palpable.I have only see the normally unflappable New Yorkers in such a quiet mood and that was in the year after 9/11.There is no overt anger, rather a somberness which, in what is usually a sea of positivity, is striking.
The few Obama stickers in the train station car parks are fading to match his poll ratings.This bastion of liberalism is fast learning that statism is not the solution no matter how fancily dressed up it was presented in 2008.The liberal left, so typified by the East Coast elite still struggle to defend this administration and ridicule Palin-even if they never accept the clear facts that their path is the wrong one. Frankly, their electoral votes are not needed.Hopefully however a future Republican led economy will open their eyes-lets hope that not too many more are tossed on the scrap heap in the interim.
A sixteen percent unemployment rate-the highest since 1982-which shows no sign of dropping anytime in the near future-is a sign of unmitigated failure. The Gulf oil spill,the health care situation, immigration are all important but they don't impact the entire country to the level that the unemployment rate does.They can be argued about, fixed, changed but for the most part children don't go to bed hungry because of them, marriages don't break up, families don't walk away from their homes because of them.
16% is a number-it is a sad reality to see this in human terms, to walk around towns like New Rochelle and Larchmont as I have been doing and to see empty shop after empty shop, to see shops open and then close in quick succession. These were prosperous commuter belt towns but the decline is palpable.I have only see the normally unflappable New Yorkers in such a quiet mood and that was in the year after 9/11.There is no overt anger, rather a somberness which, in what is usually a sea of positivity, is striking.
The few Obama stickers in the train station car parks are fading to match his poll ratings.This bastion of liberalism is fast learning that statism is not the solution no matter how fancily dressed up it was presented in 2008.The liberal left, so typified by the East Coast elite still struggle to defend this administration and ridicule Palin-even if they never accept the clear facts that their path is the wrong one. Frankly, their electoral votes are not needed.Hopefully however a future Republican led economy will open their eyes-lets hope that not too many more are tossed on the scrap heap in the interim.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Obama Is The Antithesis Of Palin-How's That working Out For Ya ?
The Left/MSM continue on their merry way denigrating, ridiculing and dismissing Palin. Her myriad of faults, according to them, include being-actually I'll have a go at putting the most common in one sentence-here goes. "Palin is a dumb, grifter who speaks in an incomprehensible word salad in a horrible voice, she is a quitter, causes divisions in society and doesn't have a clue about policy, especially about energy which she pretended to have some expertise about-not only that, she is badly educated going to five universities to get a nothing degree".
On the other hand Obama is "highly educated an illustrious Harvard grad,a gifted orator and has a tremendous grasp of policy, a proponent of change and a unifier".
Well if Obama's qualities as a person are so grand, if his grasp of policy has so much depth, if he is a unifier of the nation-basically everything that Palin is supposed not to be then, please explain, MSM/leftists,why has his poll rating dropped from 69% to 42%? Which must be the most precipitate drop in presidential polling history over the same time frame. If everything he is and represents is so much better than what Palin is and represents then why is the country turning against him-including the leftist pundits.
The answer is what many said was the case in the election period in 2008. Obama is an empty suit, a person with limited experience, especially as an executive and is over his head "not in the right pay grade" to answer the questions of governing.The country, receptive, because of the anti-Bush feeling at the time, to a press that created a myth was sold a bill of goods which is turning out to be very pricey for a fault item.
The time is coming when the great mass of the public will take a second look at the genuine qualities that Palin represents (if not Palin herself) and will see the real depth and value in dedication to sound money, life, low taxes, prosperity through encouraging small business to grow and employ, sensible energy policy and people who speak the truth. Let the left rail against Palin as a cover up for their frustration at their fallen idol-their day is done,they have had their chance through two election cycles and have blown it-time for them to get out of the way and let true American values reassert themselves.
On the other hand Obama is "highly educated an illustrious Harvard grad,a gifted orator and has a tremendous grasp of policy, a proponent of change and a unifier".
Well if Obama's qualities as a person are so grand, if his grasp of policy has so much depth, if he is a unifier of the nation-basically everything that Palin is supposed not to be then, please explain, MSM/leftists,why has his poll rating dropped from 69% to 42%? Which must be the most precipitate drop in presidential polling history over the same time frame. If everything he is and represents is so much better than what Palin is and represents then why is the country turning against him-including the leftist pundits.
The answer is what many said was the case in the election period in 2008. Obama is an empty suit, a person with limited experience, especially as an executive and is over his head "not in the right pay grade" to answer the questions of governing.The country, receptive, because of the anti-Bush feeling at the time, to a press that created a myth was sold a bill of goods which is turning out to be very pricey for a fault item.
The time is coming when the great mass of the public will take a second look at the genuine qualities that Palin represents (if not Palin herself) and will see the real depth and value in dedication to sound money, life, low taxes, prosperity through encouraging small business to grow and employ, sensible energy policy and people who speak the truth. Let the left rail against Palin as a cover up for their frustration at their fallen idol-their day is done,they have had their chance through two election cycles and have blown it-time for them to get out of the way and let true American values reassert themselves.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Palin's Team Follows My Advice on European Tour-Letterman Show Should Be Next
I advised in March that the next positive step for Sarah Palin, which would be a major assistance in building up her credentials for a 2012 presidential run, would be to do a world tour. I wrote inter alia (advising the need for her to get a foreign policy profile-the perceived lack of which is a point of attack against her at the moment)
"What would, I suggest, be helpful in filling this gap in her CV and removing one further impediment/MSM attack point, would be to arrange for a "grand tour" of the major European capitals in the not too distant future. There is a good base for this as Palin met with a number of world leaders at the U.N. during the 2008 campaign and some sort of follow up structure in Europe might be put in place. I have no doubt she would be received by huge crowds wherever she went and world leaders (Berlusconi particularly one would imagine) would no doubt appreciate the photo op."
It appears that the first leg of such a tour is being mooted by the Palin camp with the U.K. and Margaret Thatcher as the first "photo op". This works on so many levels-the strong woman, the Reagan connection, the principled conservatism of Thatcher and the association with a cultural icon with gravitas. This should however just be the first leg of a much longer tour taking in as many major capitals and seeing as many world leaders as possible.
Once this has been undertaken the next step should be, as I suggested back in January, an appearance on the Letterman show. This has so much potential, it keeps her profile up and shows magnanimity on her part and would blunt his criticism of her by him in later days. What I wrote then is even more valid now;
"I believe Palin has everything to gain from going on his show, if indeed Letterman has undertaken a new and balanced approach to her. It would show a magnanimous (and Christian) spirit on her part, a willingness to forgive and forget and to move on in the light of a sincere apology. It would attract, certainly, one of the largest television audiences of all time if promoted properly on both sides. That it would boost Letterman's ratings, which was, rightly of course, last year a concern to Palin, would not matter in the spirit of reconciliation."
"What would, I suggest, be helpful in filling this gap in her CV and removing one further impediment/MSM attack point, would be to arrange for a "grand tour" of the major European capitals in the not too distant future. There is a good base for this as Palin met with a number of world leaders at the U.N. during the 2008 campaign and some sort of follow up structure in Europe might be put in place. I have no doubt she would be received by huge crowds wherever she went and world leaders (Berlusconi particularly one would imagine) would no doubt appreciate the photo op."
It appears that the first leg of such a tour is being mooted by the Palin camp with the U.K. and Margaret Thatcher as the first "photo op". This works on so many levels-the strong woman, the Reagan connection, the principled conservatism of Thatcher and the association with a cultural icon with gravitas. This should however just be the first leg of a much longer tour taking in as many major capitals and seeing as many world leaders as possible.
Once this has been undertaken the next step should be, as I suggested back in January, an appearance on the Letterman show. This has so much potential, it keeps her profile up and shows magnanimity on her part and would blunt his criticism of her by him in later days. What I wrote then is even more valid now;
"I believe Palin has everything to gain from going on his show, if indeed Letterman has undertaken a new and balanced approach to her. It would show a magnanimous (and Christian) spirit on her part, a willingness to forgive and forget and to move on in the light of a sincere apology. It would attract, certainly, one of the largest television audiences of all time if promoted properly on both sides. That it would boost Letterman's ratings, which was, rightly of course, last year a concern to Palin, would not matter in the spirit of reconciliation."
Monday, June 14, 2010
Thoughts On Baptism In The Spirit
As part of a series of occasional wanderings from things political into things metaphysical here is an exposition on the workings of the Holy Spirit. This a an amalgam of various postings and my own commentary as my knowledge is far to poor to have made such a deep analysis with so many insights.The compilation speaks to me of my own experience and hopefully it is inspiring to others.
BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT
IT IS CONSIDERED ALL CHRISTIANS HAVE THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT BY THE FACT THEY ARE BAPTISED WITH WATER AND LIVING IN A STATE OF GRACE, ESPECIALLY IF THEY HAVE ACCEPTED JESUS AS THEIR PERSONAL SAVIOUR.
THIS POSITION IS, HOWEVER, ONE THAT MIXES THREE SEPARATE SPIRITUAL STATES; FIRSTLY) THAT OF A BAPTISED CHRISTIAN IN THE STATE OF GRACE (WHO IS SACRAMENTALLY A CHRISTIAN “BAPTISED INTO CHRIST”) (1)Gal.3:27
SECONDLY) THAT OF A CHRISTIAN WHO IS “BORN AGAIN” (REGENERATED). THAT IS, A CHRISTIAN WHO HAS UNDERGONE A KIND OF “CONVERSION” WHICH INVOLVES A KNOWLEDGE OF AND COMMITMENT TO JESUS AS ONE’S LORD AND PERSONAL SAVIOUR (2) Gal.2:20
AND…. THIRDLY) THAT OF A CHARISMATIC CHRISTIAN WHO HAS RECEIVED THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT AS AN EXPERIENCE SEPARATE FROM, USUALLY SUBSEQUENT TO, A “CONVERSION” EXPERIENCE (3)Titus.3:4-5
THE PENTECOST EXPERIENCE OF BECOMING CHARISMATIC BY BEING “BAPTISED IN THE SPIRIT” (4) Acts.1:5 IS SOMETHING CLEARLY DISTINCT FROM, AND BEYOND, THE EXPERIENCE OF BECOMING A CHRISTIAN BY BEING “BAPTISED INTO CHRIST” (5) Rom.6:3 BY WATER.THE TWO BAPTISMS HAVE TOTALLY DIFFERENT PURPOSES.
WATER BAPTISM MAKES ONE A CHILD OF GOD IN A SPECIAL WAY, GRAFTING ONE INTO THE BODY OF CHRIST (6 Gal.3:27/7 Rom.6:3 WHILE SPIRIT BAPTISM GIVES ONE CHARISMATIC POWER TO BE AN EFFECTIVE WITNESS OR EVANGELIZER IN BUILDING THE KINGDOM (8 Acts.1:8-9 9 Luke.24:48-49).
THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN VARIOUS BAPTISMS IS SCRIPTURAL (10 Heb.6:2)
All FOUR GOSPELS QUOTE JOHN THE BAPTIST EMPHASISING THAT DISTINCTION “I BAPTISE YOU WITH WATER, BUT HE WILL BAPTISE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT” (11 Mat.3:21/12 Mark.1:8/13 Luke 3:16/14 John.1:33)
JESUS ALSO MAKES THE DISTINCTION IN A PRE-PENTECOST DISCOURSE WITH HIS DISCIPLES IN JOHN (15 14:17,) BY USING TWO DIFFERENT PREPOSITIONS; ‘WITH’ AND ‘IN’; ‘THE SPIRIT…LIVES WITH YOU (NOW) AND WILL BE IN YOU (LATER)” JESUS THUS CLEARLY DISTINGUISHED BETWEEN TWO DIFFERENT LEVELS OF INTIMACY BY WHICH THE SPIRIT CAN RELATE TO AN INDIVIDUAL.
THE BAPTISMS MENTIONED IN HEBREWS (16 6:2 ) WERE REFERRED TO BY JESUS AT THE BEGINNING OF HIS PUBLIC LIFE; IN JOHN (17 3;5 ) HE TELLS NICODEMUS THAT A PERSON MUST BE ‘BORN OF WATER AND THE SPIRIT.’THEN, AT THE VERY END OF HIS EARTHLY EXISTENCE, JUST BEFORE HIS ASCENSION, HE AGAIN DISTINGUISHES BETWEEN THE TWO BAPTISMS “JOHN BAPTISED WITH WATER, BUT IN A “FEW DAYS” YOU WILL BE BAPTISED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT’ (18 Acts.1:5)
THE DISCIPLES WERE ALREADY CHRISTIANS, OF COURSE, AS SHOWN BY THE FACT THAT THEY HAD ALREADY RECEIVED SPIRITUAL LIFE FOR HAVING ‘HEARD HIS WORD AND BELIEVED IN THE ONE WHO SENT HIM”(19 John.5:24). JESUS HAD ASSURED THEM THEIR ‘NAMES WERE WRITTEN IN HEAVEN“(20 Luke.10:20).
FURTHERMORE, THE RESURRECTED JESUS HAD BREATHED UPON THEM, EVEN IMPARTING THE HOLY SPIRIT TO ACTIVATE A MINISTERIAL GIFT OF FORGIVING SINS (21 John.20:22-23). YET HE TOLD THEM TO PRAY FOR (22 Luke.11:13) AND TO WAIT FOR (23 Luke.24:49/ 24 Acts.1:4) A SUBSEQUENT (AND THEREFORE SEPARATE) GRACE OF THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT A “FEW DAYS “ AFTER HIS ASCENSION (25 Acts.1:5) –CLEARLY AN ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CHRISTIANITY THEY HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING.
AN EXAMPLE IS SEEN IN 26 ACTS.19:2 PAUL FOUND TWELVE DISCIPLES AT EPHESUS WHO WERE BELIEVERS AND ASKED THEM “DID YOU RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT WHEN (OR AFTER) YOU BELIEVED?”
WHEN THEY ANSWERED IN THE NEGATIVE, PAUL BAPTISED THEM. THEN , “WHEN PAUL PLACED HIS HANDS ON THEM, THE HOLY SPIRIT CAME UPON THEM AND THEY SPOKE IN TONGUES AND PROPHESISED” (27 Acts.19:6).IF BELIEVING OR BEING CONVERTED CARRIED WITH IT THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT, THEN PAUL’S QUESTION WOULD HAVE BEEN MEANINGLESS.
THE EPHESIANS’ BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS SUBSEQUENT TO (AND THEREFORE DISTINCT FROM) THEIR BELIEF IN CHRIST AND ALSO DISTINCT FROM THEIR WATER BAPTISM. WHILE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT IS ALWAYS DISTINCT FROM THE CONVERSION EXPERIENCE, IT NEED NOT NECESSARILY BE SUBSEQUENT TO IT, AS THE CASE OF CORNELIUS’ HOUSEHOLD, ALL OF WHOM RECEIVED THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT BEFORE THEY WERE BAPTISED IN WATER.(28 Acts 10:44-48 ).
IN RECOUNTING THIS EPISODE AT THE COUNCIL OF JERUSALEM (29 ACTS 15;7-9) PETER REFERRED TO TWO SEPARATE ACTS: PURIFYING THEIR HEARTS BY FAITH (CONVERSION) AND RECEIVING THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. PETER CLEARLY IDENTIFIES THE EXPERIENCE OF CORNELIUS’ HOUSEHOLDWITH THAT OF THE DISCIPLES ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST(30 ACTS.11:15-17;15:8)TO ILLUSTRATE: COMMON TERMS SUCH AS “BAPTISED IN/WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT” “POURED OUT” AND “GIFT” APPEAR IN BOTH ACCOUNTS.
PAUL’S BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT AT THE HANDS OF ANANIAS CAME THREE DAYS AFTER HIS CONVERSION ON THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS, AND JUST BEFORE HIS WATER BAPTISM (31 ACTS 9:3-18). HERE AGAIN, SPIRIT-BAPTISM IS SEEN AS DISTINCT FROM A CONVERSION EXPERIENCE AND DISTINCT FROM WATER BAPTISM.
A COMMON MISUNDERSTANDING IS TO REGARD SPIRIT BAPTISM AS A ONE-TIME ISOLATED EVENT, RATHER THAN THE BEGINNING OF A ‘GROWTH IN THE SPIRIT” WITH THE POSSIBILITY FOR FURTHER “REFILLING” PERIODICALLY WHEN PETER AND JOHN JOINED IN A PRAYER MEETING AFTER BEING RELEASED FROM PRISON, THEY WERE REFILLED BY A DEEPENED PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (32 Acts 4:31) .THE EXACT TRANSLATION OF (33 EPHESIANS ( 5:18 ) IS NOT “BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT” BUT ”BE BEING FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT” –AN ONGOING, RECEPTIVE EXPERIENCE
THUS, IT IS CLEAR THAT THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT IS AN EXPERIENCE OVER AND ABOVE EXPERIENCES OF WATER BAPTISM AND THE BORN AGAIN EXPERIENCE, AND IN GENERAL, THE CONVERSION EXPERIENCE.
IT ADDS TO THE “INDWELLING” OF THE SPIRIT A NEW KIND OF PRESENCE- AN “INFILLING” THAT CAN PRODUCE EMPOWERMENT AND GROWTH- A GROWTH IN THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT (34 GAL.5:22-23) AS WELL AS THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT (35 1TIM.4:14 ) 36 2 Tim.1:6).
ALTHOUGH PAUL FOUND MUCH TO CRITICISE AMONG THE CORINTHIAN CHRISTIANS, HE STILL CALLED THEM ‘SANCTIFIED’, AND YET “CALLED TO BE HOLY” (37 1 Cor.1:2) THAT IS, HE ATTRIBUTED TO THEM WHAT SOME THEOLOGIANS CALL ‘POSITIONAL SANCTIFICATION”, AND YET HE URGED THEM TO “PROGRESSIVE SANCTIFICATION”. THE GROWTH FACTOR IN THIS “PROGRESSIVE SANCTIFICATION” IS THE HOLY SPIRIT HIMSELF (38 1 Peter.1:2 ) ( 39 Rom.13:16 ). WHO “HELPS US IN OUR WEAKNESS AND INTERCEDES FOR US (40 Rom.8:26).
HENCE IT FOLLOWS THAT THOSE WITH A RELATIONSHIP WITH THIS “SPIRIT OF HOLINESS” ( 41 Rom.1:4) THROUGH THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT HAVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRACES INDUCING THAT GROWTH. (42 1.Th.3:13 ) (43 John 7:38-39)
IS BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT (AS AN EXPERIENCE DISTINCT FROM WATER BAPTISM) NECESSARY TO THE CHRISTIAN LIFE? THE ANSWER IS NO. BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT IS NOT NECESSARY FOR SALVATION.THE REQUIREMENTS FOR SALVATION ARE REPENTANCE, FAITH AND BAPTISM (44 Acts 2:38 ) ( 45 Mk.16:16 ).
NEITHER IS BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT NECESSARY TO EXPERIENCE POWER IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. THE TWELVE AND THE SEVENTY TWO WENT OFF ON MISSION WITH THE POWER AND AUTHORITY OF GOD (46 Lk. 9:1,6 ) 47 Lk. 10:17,19 ,EVEN PRIOR TO PENTECOST.THE REQUIREMENT FOR POWER IN MINISTRY IS SIMPLY FAITH (48 Jn.14:12).
BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT IS NOT NECESSARY TO EXPERIENCE THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT.THERE ARE MANY CHRISTIANS TODAY WHO DO NOT DISPLAY EVANGELISTIC FERVOUR BUT CERTAINLY EXHIBIT LOVE, JOY, PEACE PATIENCE, KINDNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS AND SELF CONTROL (49 Gal.5: 22:23). WE CAN EXPERIENCE FRUIT AS WE GIVE OURSELVES TO CHRIST AND LIVE IN HIS SPIRIT (50 Gal.5: 24:25)
THUS TO LIVE A GOOD AND FRUITFUL CHRISTIAN LIFE, WE CAN DO WITHOUT THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT.BUT WE CAN ALSO EXPERIENCE, THAT BEYOND CONVERSION, GENEROSITY, BEYOND EFFECTIVE SERVICE, BEYOND EXPERIENCING FRUIT, BEYOND SALVATION,THERE IS BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT. THEN WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?
IN THE FIRST CASE i.e. WATER BAPTISM, WE ARE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.WE BECOME A “WELL OF LIVING WATER’. IN THE SECOND CASE SPIRIT BAPTISM, WE ARE FILLED TO OVERFLOWING, AND BECOME “RIVERS OF LIVING WATER” THESE RIVERS OF LIVING WATER GENERATE POWER AND BOLDNESS WE NEED TO CARRY OUT GOD’S PURPOSE FOR US.
“BUT WHOSOEVER DRINKS OF THE WATER THAT I SHALL GIVE HIM SHALL NEVER THIRST: BUT THE WATER THAT I SHALL GIVE HIM SHALL BE IN HIM A WELL OF LIVING WATER SPRINGING UP TO EVERLASTING LIFE.” (51John.4:14)
IN THE LAST DAY, THAT GREAT DAY OF THE FEAST, JESUS STOOD AND CRIED, SAYING, “IF ANY MAN THIRST, LET HIM COME TO ME, AND DRINK.HE THAT BELIEVES ON ME, AS THE SCRIPTURE HAS SAID, OUT OF HIS INNERMOST BEING SHALL FLOW RIVERS OF LIVING WATER”. [BUT THIS SPOKE HE OF THE SPIRIT, WHICH THEY THAT BELIEVE ON HIM SHALL RECEIVE: FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS NOT YET GIVEN; BECAUSE JESUS WAS NOT WAS NOT YET GLORIFIED [ASCENDED TO HEAVEN] (52 John.7:37:38
LET US NOW TRY TO DEFINE WHAT IS BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT.
THE BASIC TEXT IS (53 Acts.1:8 ) “YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT COMES UPON YOU, AND YOU WILL BE MY WITNESSES IN JERUSALEM, THROUGHOUT JUDEA AND SAMARIA, AND TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH." ACCORDING TO LUKE, THESE ARE THE VERY LAST WORDS OF JESUS, AND IT IS AFTER SAYING THIS THAT JESUS ASCENDS INTO HEAVEN ( 54 Acts.1;9) THE VERY IMPORTANT LAST WORDS.THE VERY FINAL INSTRUCTIONS.THE VERY KEY TO BRINGING ABOUT WHAT JESUS HAD COME INTO THE WORLD FOR-THE SALVATION OF THE WORLD.
WHAT IS BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT? IT IS AN INFILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BY WHICH A PERSON IS EMPOWERED TO BE A LIVING WITNESS TO JESUS FOR THE PURPOSE OF GLOBAL EVANGELIZING !!
WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS THAT THERE IS A RENEWED OUTPOURING OF THE SPIRIT IN ONE’S LIFE.
THIS POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ENABLES US TO BECOME EFFECTIVE.THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS IMPARTED NOT JUST TO ENABLE US TO LIVE THE CHRISTIAN LIFE, BUT TO ENABLE US TO DO A VIBRANT AND EFFECTIVE MINISTRY .IT IS THE POWER FOR MISSION.
THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT EXPANDS OUR VISION, STIRS OUR HEARTS TO ACTION, SUSTAINS US WITH PERSEVERANCE, EMPOWERS US WITH SPIRITUAL GIFTS, AND FILLS OUR HEARTS WITH GREAT JOY AS WE DO OUR MISSION.GOD WANTS THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT FOR EVERYONE.
”FOR THE PROMISE IS MADE TO YOU AND TO YOUR CHILDREN AND TO ALL THOSE FAR OFF, WHOMEVER THE LORD OUR GOD WILL CALL” (55 Acts.2:39). ALL FOLLOWERS OF JESUS CHRIST ARE CALLED TO HOLINESS AND ALL ARE CALLED TO MISSION.
THIS INFILLING CAN BE AN ACTUAL PHYSICAL EXPERIENCE.I HAVE SEEN IT DESCRIBED MANY TIMES AS “A GENTLE BREEZE, OR LIKE A CURTAIN OF HONEY, FLOWING THROUGH THE BODY FROM OUTSIDE THE BODY FROM HEAD TO TOE”. IT MIGHT BE WHAT THE DISCIPLES EXPERIENCED WHEN JESUS “BREATHED UPON THEM IMPARTING THE HOLY SPIRIT” (56 John.20:22
THE IMPORTANT THING IS THAT IT IS A GENUINE PHYSICAL MANIFESTATION AND IMPARTS AN INCREDIBLE BLESSING.IT DOESN”T MAKE THE RECIPIENT IN ANY WAY BETTER OR DIFFERENT FROM CHRISTIANS WHO LIVE BY FAITH ALONE, IN FACT IT MAKES THEM EQUAL AS IT CAN BE SEEN AS AN AID TO THOSE WHO ARE WEAK IN THE FAITH.
RATHER, IT SIMPLY MEANS THAT THEY HAVE BEEN BAPTISED IN THE SPIRIT FOR SOMETHING THAT GOD WANTS THEM TO DO WHICH THEY WOULD BE UNABLE TO DO WITHOUT HIS GRACE AND HIS FREELY GIVEN POWER TO DO IT.
HOW CAN ONE BE BAPTISED IN THE SPIRIT? AS WITH ALL THINGS EMANATING FROM GOD’S LOVE IT IS COMPLETELY SIMPLE AND COMPLETELY FREE- JUST ASK FOR IT! YOU ONLY HAVE TO DO TWO THINGS.
FIRST, ONCE YOU HAVE ACCEPTED JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR PERSONAL LORD AND SAVIOUR YOU JUST HAVE TO ASK GOD TO BAPTISE YOU IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.THE BIBLE SAYS “ASK AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN TO YOU” (57 Luke.11:9).
SECOND, BELIEVE YOU HAVE IN FACT RECEIVED THIS GIFT FROM GOD.THE APOSTLE PAUL, WRITING TO THE GALATIANS, SAID “DID YOU RECEIVE THE SPIRIT BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW, OR BY HEARING WITH FAITH”? 58 Gal 3:2). THE OBVIOUS ANSWER IS, BY FAITH. YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE THAT IF YOU ASK, YOU WILL RECEIVE.
I PERSONALLY BELIEVE THAT, AS IN THE GOSPELS, THIS ASKING SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE LAYING ON OF HANDS- BUT I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT, AS GOD CAN DO ANYTHING, IT CAN BE RECEIVED SIMPLY BY ASKING.
HERE IS A PRAYER TO ASK BY IF YOU SINCERELY WISH TO RECEIVE THE BAPTISM IN GOD’S HOLY SPIRIT:
“HEAVENLY FATHER, AT THIS MOMENT I COME TO YOU. I THANK YOU THAT JESUS SAVED ME. I PRAY THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT MIGHT COME UPON ME. LORD JESUS BAPTISE ME NOW IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.
I RECEIVE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT RIGHT NOW BY FAITH IN YOUR WORD. MAY THE ANOINTING, THE GLORY, AND THE POWER OF GOD COME UPON ME AND INTO MY LIFE RIGHT NOW.MAY I BE EMPOWERED FOR YOUR SERVICE FROM THIS DAY FORWARD.COME INTO MY LIFE LORD JESUS.
THANK YOU, LORD JESUS FOR BAPTISING ME IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.AMEN.
BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT
IT IS CONSIDERED ALL CHRISTIANS HAVE THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT BY THE FACT THEY ARE BAPTISED WITH WATER AND LIVING IN A STATE OF GRACE, ESPECIALLY IF THEY HAVE ACCEPTED JESUS AS THEIR PERSONAL SAVIOUR.
THIS POSITION IS, HOWEVER, ONE THAT MIXES THREE SEPARATE SPIRITUAL STATES; FIRSTLY) THAT OF A BAPTISED CHRISTIAN IN THE STATE OF GRACE (WHO IS SACRAMENTALLY A CHRISTIAN “BAPTISED INTO CHRIST”) (1)Gal.3:27
SECONDLY) THAT OF A CHRISTIAN WHO IS “BORN AGAIN” (REGENERATED). THAT IS, A CHRISTIAN WHO HAS UNDERGONE A KIND OF “CONVERSION” WHICH INVOLVES A KNOWLEDGE OF AND COMMITMENT TO JESUS AS ONE’S LORD AND PERSONAL SAVIOUR (2) Gal.2:20
AND…. THIRDLY) THAT OF A CHARISMATIC CHRISTIAN WHO HAS RECEIVED THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT AS AN EXPERIENCE SEPARATE FROM, USUALLY SUBSEQUENT TO, A “CONVERSION” EXPERIENCE (3)Titus.3:4-5
THE PENTECOST EXPERIENCE OF BECOMING CHARISMATIC BY BEING “BAPTISED IN THE SPIRIT” (4) Acts.1:5 IS SOMETHING CLEARLY DISTINCT FROM, AND BEYOND, THE EXPERIENCE OF BECOMING A CHRISTIAN BY BEING “BAPTISED INTO CHRIST” (5) Rom.6:3 BY WATER.THE TWO BAPTISMS HAVE TOTALLY DIFFERENT PURPOSES.
WATER BAPTISM MAKES ONE A CHILD OF GOD IN A SPECIAL WAY, GRAFTING ONE INTO THE BODY OF CHRIST (6 Gal.3:27/7 Rom.6:3 WHILE SPIRIT BAPTISM GIVES ONE CHARISMATIC POWER TO BE AN EFFECTIVE WITNESS OR EVANGELIZER IN BUILDING THE KINGDOM (8 Acts.1:8-9 9 Luke.24:48-49).
THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN VARIOUS BAPTISMS IS SCRIPTURAL (10 Heb.6:2)
All FOUR GOSPELS QUOTE JOHN THE BAPTIST EMPHASISING THAT DISTINCTION “I BAPTISE YOU WITH WATER, BUT HE WILL BAPTISE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT” (11 Mat.3:21/12 Mark.1:8/13 Luke 3:16/14 John.1:33)
JESUS ALSO MAKES THE DISTINCTION IN A PRE-PENTECOST DISCOURSE WITH HIS DISCIPLES IN JOHN (15 14:17,) BY USING TWO DIFFERENT PREPOSITIONS; ‘WITH’ AND ‘IN’; ‘THE SPIRIT…LIVES WITH YOU (NOW) AND WILL BE IN YOU (LATER)” JESUS THUS CLEARLY DISTINGUISHED BETWEEN TWO DIFFERENT LEVELS OF INTIMACY BY WHICH THE SPIRIT CAN RELATE TO AN INDIVIDUAL.
THE BAPTISMS MENTIONED IN HEBREWS (16 6:2 ) WERE REFERRED TO BY JESUS AT THE BEGINNING OF HIS PUBLIC LIFE; IN JOHN (17 3;5 ) HE TELLS NICODEMUS THAT A PERSON MUST BE ‘BORN OF WATER AND THE SPIRIT.’THEN, AT THE VERY END OF HIS EARTHLY EXISTENCE, JUST BEFORE HIS ASCENSION, HE AGAIN DISTINGUISHES BETWEEN THE TWO BAPTISMS “JOHN BAPTISED WITH WATER, BUT IN A “FEW DAYS” YOU WILL BE BAPTISED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT’ (18 Acts.1:5)
THE DISCIPLES WERE ALREADY CHRISTIANS, OF COURSE, AS SHOWN BY THE FACT THAT THEY HAD ALREADY RECEIVED SPIRITUAL LIFE FOR HAVING ‘HEARD HIS WORD AND BELIEVED IN THE ONE WHO SENT HIM”(19 John.5:24). JESUS HAD ASSURED THEM THEIR ‘NAMES WERE WRITTEN IN HEAVEN“(20 Luke.10:20).
FURTHERMORE, THE RESURRECTED JESUS HAD BREATHED UPON THEM, EVEN IMPARTING THE HOLY SPIRIT TO ACTIVATE A MINISTERIAL GIFT OF FORGIVING SINS (21 John.20:22-23). YET HE TOLD THEM TO PRAY FOR (22 Luke.11:13) AND TO WAIT FOR (23 Luke.24:49/ 24 Acts.1:4) A SUBSEQUENT (AND THEREFORE SEPARATE) GRACE OF THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT A “FEW DAYS “ AFTER HIS ASCENSION (25 Acts.1:5) –CLEARLY AN ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CHRISTIANITY THEY HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING.
AN EXAMPLE IS SEEN IN 26 ACTS.19:2 PAUL FOUND TWELVE DISCIPLES AT EPHESUS WHO WERE BELIEVERS AND ASKED THEM “DID YOU RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT WHEN (OR AFTER) YOU BELIEVED?”
WHEN THEY ANSWERED IN THE NEGATIVE, PAUL BAPTISED THEM. THEN , “WHEN PAUL PLACED HIS HANDS ON THEM, THE HOLY SPIRIT CAME UPON THEM AND THEY SPOKE IN TONGUES AND PROPHESISED” (27 Acts.19:6).IF BELIEVING OR BEING CONVERTED CARRIED WITH IT THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT, THEN PAUL’S QUESTION WOULD HAVE BEEN MEANINGLESS.
THE EPHESIANS’ BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS SUBSEQUENT TO (AND THEREFORE DISTINCT FROM) THEIR BELIEF IN CHRIST AND ALSO DISTINCT FROM THEIR WATER BAPTISM. WHILE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT IS ALWAYS DISTINCT FROM THE CONVERSION EXPERIENCE, IT NEED NOT NECESSARILY BE SUBSEQUENT TO IT, AS THE CASE OF CORNELIUS’ HOUSEHOLD, ALL OF WHOM RECEIVED THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT BEFORE THEY WERE BAPTISED IN WATER.(28 Acts 10:44-48 ).
IN RECOUNTING THIS EPISODE AT THE COUNCIL OF JERUSALEM (29 ACTS 15;7-9) PETER REFERRED TO TWO SEPARATE ACTS: PURIFYING THEIR HEARTS BY FAITH (CONVERSION) AND RECEIVING THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. PETER CLEARLY IDENTIFIES THE EXPERIENCE OF CORNELIUS’ HOUSEHOLDWITH THAT OF THE DISCIPLES ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST(30 ACTS.11:15-17;15:8)TO ILLUSTRATE: COMMON TERMS SUCH AS “BAPTISED IN/WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT” “POURED OUT” AND “GIFT” APPEAR IN BOTH ACCOUNTS.
PAUL’S BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT AT THE HANDS OF ANANIAS CAME THREE DAYS AFTER HIS CONVERSION ON THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS, AND JUST BEFORE HIS WATER BAPTISM (31 ACTS 9:3-18). HERE AGAIN, SPIRIT-BAPTISM IS SEEN AS DISTINCT FROM A CONVERSION EXPERIENCE AND DISTINCT FROM WATER BAPTISM.
A COMMON MISUNDERSTANDING IS TO REGARD SPIRIT BAPTISM AS A ONE-TIME ISOLATED EVENT, RATHER THAN THE BEGINNING OF A ‘GROWTH IN THE SPIRIT” WITH THE POSSIBILITY FOR FURTHER “REFILLING” PERIODICALLY WHEN PETER AND JOHN JOINED IN A PRAYER MEETING AFTER BEING RELEASED FROM PRISON, THEY WERE REFILLED BY A DEEPENED PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (32 Acts 4:31) .THE EXACT TRANSLATION OF (33 EPHESIANS ( 5:18 ) IS NOT “BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT” BUT ”BE BEING FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT” –AN ONGOING, RECEPTIVE EXPERIENCE
THUS, IT IS CLEAR THAT THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT IS AN EXPERIENCE OVER AND ABOVE EXPERIENCES OF WATER BAPTISM AND THE BORN AGAIN EXPERIENCE, AND IN GENERAL, THE CONVERSION EXPERIENCE.
IT ADDS TO THE “INDWELLING” OF THE SPIRIT A NEW KIND OF PRESENCE- AN “INFILLING” THAT CAN PRODUCE EMPOWERMENT AND GROWTH- A GROWTH IN THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT (34 GAL.5:22-23) AS WELL AS THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT (35 1TIM.4:14 ) 36 2 Tim.1:6).
ALTHOUGH PAUL FOUND MUCH TO CRITICISE AMONG THE CORINTHIAN CHRISTIANS, HE STILL CALLED THEM ‘SANCTIFIED’, AND YET “CALLED TO BE HOLY” (37 1 Cor.1:2) THAT IS, HE ATTRIBUTED TO THEM WHAT SOME THEOLOGIANS CALL ‘POSITIONAL SANCTIFICATION”, AND YET HE URGED THEM TO “PROGRESSIVE SANCTIFICATION”. THE GROWTH FACTOR IN THIS “PROGRESSIVE SANCTIFICATION” IS THE HOLY SPIRIT HIMSELF (38 1 Peter.1:2 ) ( 39 Rom.13:16 ). WHO “HELPS US IN OUR WEAKNESS AND INTERCEDES FOR US (40 Rom.8:26).
HENCE IT FOLLOWS THAT THOSE WITH A RELATIONSHIP WITH THIS “SPIRIT OF HOLINESS” ( 41 Rom.1:4) THROUGH THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT HAVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRACES INDUCING THAT GROWTH. (42 1.Th.3:13 ) (43 John 7:38-39)
IS BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT (AS AN EXPERIENCE DISTINCT FROM WATER BAPTISM) NECESSARY TO THE CHRISTIAN LIFE? THE ANSWER IS NO. BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT IS NOT NECESSARY FOR SALVATION.THE REQUIREMENTS FOR SALVATION ARE REPENTANCE, FAITH AND BAPTISM (44 Acts 2:38 ) ( 45 Mk.16:16 ).
NEITHER IS BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT NECESSARY TO EXPERIENCE POWER IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. THE TWELVE AND THE SEVENTY TWO WENT OFF ON MISSION WITH THE POWER AND AUTHORITY OF GOD (46 Lk. 9:1,6 ) 47 Lk. 10:17,19 ,EVEN PRIOR TO PENTECOST.THE REQUIREMENT FOR POWER IN MINISTRY IS SIMPLY FAITH (48 Jn.14:12).
BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT IS NOT NECESSARY TO EXPERIENCE THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT.THERE ARE MANY CHRISTIANS TODAY WHO DO NOT DISPLAY EVANGELISTIC FERVOUR BUT CERTAINLY EXHIBIT LOVE, JOY, PEACE PATIENCE, KINDNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS AND SELF CONTROL (49 Gal.5: 22:23). WE CAN EXPERIENCE FRUIT AS WE GIVE OURSELVES TO CHRIST AND LIVE IN HIS SPIRIT (50 Gal.5: 24:25)
THUS TO LIVE A GOOD AND FRUITFUL CHRISTIAN LIFE, WE CAN DO WITHOUT THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT.BUT WE CAN ALSO EXPERIENCE, THAT BEYOND CONVERSION, GENEROSITY, BEYOND EFFECTIVE SERVICE, BEYOND EXPERIENCING FRUIT, BEYOND SALVATION,THERE IS BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT. THEN WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?
IN THE FIRST CASE i.e. WATER BAPTISM, WE ARE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.WE BECOME A “WELL OF LIVING WATER’. IN THE SECOND CASE SPIRIT BAPTISM, WE ARE FILLED TO OVERFLOWING, AND BECOME “RIVERS OF LIVING WATER” THESE RIVERS OF LIVING WATER GENERATE POWER AND BOLDNESS WE NEED TO CARRY OUT GOD’S PURPOSE FOR US.
“BUT WHOSOEVER DRINKS OF THE WATER THAT I SHALL GIVE HIM SHALL NEVER THIRST: BUT THE WATER THAT I SHALL GIVE HIM SHALL BE IN HIM A WELL OF LIVING WATER SPRINGING UP TO EVERLASTING LIFE.” (51John.4:14)
IN THE LAST DAY, THAT GREAT DAY OF THE FEAST, JESUS STOOD AND CRIED, SAYING, “IF ANY MAN THIRST, LET HIM COME TO ME, AND DRINK.HE THAT BELIEVES ON ME, AS THE SCRIPTURE HAS SAID, OUT OF HIS INNERMOST BEING SHALL FLOW RIVERS OF LIVING WATER”. [BUT THIS SPOKE HE OF THE SPIRIT, WHICH THEY THAT BELIEVE ON HIM SHALL RECEIVE: FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS NOT YET GIVEN; BECAUSE JESUS WAS NOT WAS NOT YET GLORIFIED [ASCENDED TO HEAVEN] (52 John.7:37:38
LET US NOW TRY TO DEFINE WHAT IS BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT.
THE BASIC TEXT IS (53 Acts.1:8 ) “YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT COMES UPON YOU, AND YOU WILL BE MY WITNESSES IN JERUSALEM, THROUGHOUT JUDEA AND SAMARIA, AND TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH." ACCORDING TO LUKE, THESE ARE THE VERY LAST WORDS OF JESUS, AND IT IS AFTER SAYING THIS THAT JESUS ASCENDS INTO HEAVEN ( 54 Acts.1;9) THE VERY IMPORTANT LAST WORDS.THE VERY FINAL INSTRUCTIONS.THE VERY KEY TO BRINGING ABOUT WHAT JESUS HAD COME INTO THE WORLD FOR-THE SALVATION OF THE WORLD.
WHAT IS BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT? IT IS AN INFILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BY WHICH A PERSON IS EMPOWERED TO BE A LIVING WITNESS TO JESUS FOR THE PURPOSE OF GLOBAL EVANGELIZING !!
WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS THAT THERE IS A RENEWED OUTPOURING OF THE SPIRIT IN ONE’S LIFE.
THIS POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ENABLES US TO BECOME EFFECTIVE.THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS IMPARTED NOT JUST TO ENABLE US TO LIVE THE CHRISTIAN LIFE, BUT TO ENABLE US TO DO A VIBRANT AND EFFECTIVE MINISTRY .IT IS THE POWER FOR MISSION.
THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT EXPANDS OUR VISION, STIRS OUR HEARTS TO ACTION, SUSTAINS US WITH PERSEVERANCE, EMPOWERS US WITH SPIRITUAL GIFTS, AND FILLS OUR HEARTS WITH GREAT JOY AS WE DO OUR MISSION.GOD WANTS THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT FOR EVERYONE.
”FOR THE PROMISE IS MADE TO YOU AND TO YOUR CHILDREN AND TO ALL THOSE FAR OFF, WHOMEVER THE LORD OUR GOD WILL CALL” (55 Acts.2:39). ALL FOLLOWERS OF JESUS CHRIST ARE CALLED TO HOLINESS AND ALL ARE CALLED TO MISSION.
THIS INFILLING CAN BE AN ACTUAL PHYSICAL EXPERIENCE.I HAVE SEEN IT DESCRIBED MANY TIMES AS “A GENTLE BREEZE, OR LIKE A CURTAIN OF HONEY, FLOWING THROUGH THE BODY FROM OUTSIDE THE BODY FROM HEAD TO TOE”. IT MIGHT BE WHAT THE DISCIPLES EXPERIENCED WHEN JESUS “BREATHED UPON THEM IMPARTING THE HOLY SPIRIT” (56 John.20:22
THE IMPORTANT THING IS THAT IT IS A GENUINE PHYSICAL MANIFESTATION AND IMPARTS AN INCREDIBLE BLESSING.IT DOESN”T MAKE THE RECIPIENT IN ANY WAY BETTER OR DIFFERENT FROM CHRISTIANS WHO LIVE BY FAITH ALONE, IN FACT IT MAKES THEM EQUAL AS IT CAN BE SEEN AS AN AID TO THOSE WHO ARE WEAK IN THE FAITH.
RATHER, IT SIMPLY MEANS THAT THEY HAVE BEEN BAPTISED IN THE SPIRIT FOR SOMETHING THAT GOD WANTS THEM TO DO WHICH THEY WOULD BE UNABLE TO DO WITHOUT HIS GRACE AND HIS FREELY GIVEN POWER TO DO IT.
HOW CAN ONE BE BAPTISED IN THE SPIRIT? AS WITH ALL THINGS EMANATING FROM GOD’S LOVE IT IS COMPLETELY SIMPLE AND COMPLETELY FREE- JUST ASK FOR IT! YOU ONLY HAVE TO DO TWO THINGS.
FIRST, ONCE YOU HAVE ACCEPTED JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR PERSONAL LORD AND SAVIOUR YOU JUST HAVE TO ASK GOD TO BAPTISE YOU IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.THE BIBLE SAYS “ASK AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN TO YOU” (57 Luke.11:9).
SECOND, BELIEVE YOU HAVE IN FACT RECEIVED THIS GIFT FROM GOD.THE APOSTLE PAUL, WRITING TO THE GALATIANS, SAID “DID YOU RECEIVE THE SPIRIT BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW, OR BY HEARING WITH FAITH”? 58 Gal 3:2). THE OBVIOUS ANSWER IS, BY FAITH. YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE THAT IF YOU ASK, YOU WILL RECEIVE.
I PERSONALLY BELIEVE THAT, AS IN THE GOSPELS, THIS ASKING SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE LAYING ON OF HANDS- BUT I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT, AS GOD CAN DO ANYTHING, IT CAN BE RECEIVED SIMPLY BY ASKING.
HERE IS A PRAYER TO ASK BY IF YOU SINCERELY WISH TO RECEIVE THE BAPTISM IN GOD’S HOLY SPIRIT:
“HEAVENLY FATHER, AT THIS MOMENT I COME TO YOU. I THANK YOU THAT JESUS SAVED ME. I PRAY THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT MIGHT COME UPON ME. LORD JESUS BAPTISE ME NOW IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.
I RECEIVE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT RIGHT NOW BY FAITH IN YOUR WORD. MAY THE ANOINTING, THE GLORY, AND THE POWER OF GOD COME UPON ME AND INTO MY LIFE RIGHT NOW.MAY I BE EMPOWERED FOR YOUR SERVICE FROM THIS DAY FORWARD.COME INTO MY LIFE LORD JESUS.
THANK YOU, LORD JESUS FOR BAPTISING ME IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.AMEN.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Pawlenty's Jon Stewart Interview-Zero Threat To Palin For 2012
Pawlenty seems a nice guy and I would be pleased to have him as my Governor I am sure (although Christie would be my first choice by far). But as a presidential candidate-frankly I just don't see it.
His interview with Jon Stewart showed nothing of the charisma or spark or fire or passion that I believe is required for a presidential run. I just don't see the bulk of voters saying-"Yes this is the person we are looking for who will, by his very dynamism, make a start on the herculean task of recovering this country from four years of terrible mismanagement and setting us once again on the path to greatness".
There is so much of Walter Mondale in Pawlenty, a capable person yes, earnest and frank, yes indeed, but a leader-frankly no.
All the qualities which I believe Pawlenty lacks,and all his positive qualities are clearly apparent in Sarah Palin. The only question remaining is-is Pawlenty suitable as Palin's Vice-President? Certainly he could mimic Palin's "We need to get back to common sense conservative policies" theme well in his Stewart interview.
His interview with Jon Stewart showed nothing of the charisma or spark or fire or passion that I believe is required for a presidential run. I just don't see the bulk of voters saying-"Yes this is the person we are looking for who will, by his very dynamism, make a start on the herculean task of recovering this country from four years of terrible mismanagement and setting us once again on the path to greatness".
There is so much of Walter Mondale in Pawlenty, a capable person yes, earnest and frank, yes indeed, but a leader-frankly no.
All the qualities which I believe Pawlenty lacks,and all his positive qualities are clearly apparent in Sarah Palin. The only question remaining is-is Pawlenty suitable as Palin's Vice-President? Certainly he could mimic Palin's "We need to get back to common sense conservative policies" theme well in his Stewart interview.
Wonkette Revealed As Hidden Face Behind Obama Administrations Attacks On Palin
The cesspool blog that is Wonkette continues its unremitting personal attacks on Sarah Palin. The fact that that blog and the people who post on it are radical left wing supporters of the Obama administration prove that, through its lack of condemnation of the gross misogyny the site purveys, they agree with and support Wonkette's fanatical lickspitle support.
Since Wonkette approves of the administrations actions and agenda then the administration must also be in agreement with the Wonkette line since they don't reject that support. Part of that line is to attack Palin at the most scurrilous level which they would not do unless she was perceived as a threat to the administration.
This goes beyond lieing down with dogs and getting fleas, it is patting the mangy dog on the head for a job well done.
The other thing that Wonkette has done well, inadvertently, is to reveal the true face of left wing radicalism which permeates the Democratic party-the face of misognynism, intolerance, hate, divisiveness and elitism.
The voters will show what they think of this administration and their cur Wonkette in November.
Since Wonkette approves of the administrations actions and agenda then the administration must also be in agreement with the Wonkette line since they don't reject that support. Part of that line is to attack Palin at the most scurrilous level which they would not do unless she was perceived as a threat to the administration.
This goes beyond lieing down with dogs and getting fleas, it is patting the mangy dog on the head for a job well done.
The other thing that Wonkette has done well, inadvertently, is to reveal the true face of left wing radicalism which permeates the Democratic party-the face of misognynism, intolerance, hate, divisiveness and elitism.
The voters will show what they think of this administration and their cur Wonkette in November.
Precognition Gone Awry-Lord Help Me I Am Channeling Olberman Again.
As a diversion from things political I posted some thoughts about what are, to me, unexplained instances of "precognition" seemingly beyond coincidence. Basically thoughts arising for not apparent reason which matched an event or comment in the public arena shortly afterwards.
One of the instances related to a a short story by a favorite author, James Thurber, which I had not thought about for decades and which just arose as a passing thought out of nowhere. Shortly afterwards the same reference was made by Keith Olberman.
I posted another of these same "coincidences", there have only been three in decades so I consider myself to be a well balanced person not given to flights of metaphysical fancy, about an even stranger episode involving Al Luplow a very obscure baseball play from decades ago.This received a comment which I am pleased to say suggested that there is something more to this sort of thing than a million to one coincidence.
I was further intrigued by this article which views time and space as basically non-existent outside of the observer. It has many comments and is worth looking at I believe for those who like this sort of thing. One comment I found particularly interesting was, and it seems to kill the general tenor of the article, is that if the universe can only exist as the result of being observed then how did it come into existence and how did it exist for so long before there were observers? The obvious answer is of course that there must be an observer i.e. God outside standing outside of time who brought the universe into being and sustains it by observation.
Anyway,back to the main premise.I was delighted to see the great start by the new Washington pitcher Stephen Strasburg, it is always grand to see an exciting new talent on the mound, especially as I am lifelong fan of great pitchers (as I mentioned in the "Al Luplow" posting.) However it came to mind that one shouldn''t get to carried away by such burstings on the scenes because of previous history. Bobby Shantz came to mind (18-10, then 24-7 then his top career over) but to me the most striking example of meteoric rise and equally fast disappearance was Karl Spooner. What incredible statistics ! Two starts for Brooklyn in 1954. Two complete games, 27 strike outs, two shutouts ! an ERA of 0.00. Then in 1955, a record of 8-6 with an ERA of 3.65 and that was that-career over.
Shantz had somewhat of a career until his arm gave out (probably as happened to Jim Bouton who put absolutely everything into every pitch) whereas Spooners arm gave out almost straight away. On reflection it is possible that regret at seeming lost greatness is misplaced if the "greatness" is the result of a superhuman effort which is unsustainable, whereas true greatness comes from an ability which flows from a more natural talent perhaps.
Anyway, shortly after musing about the ( by now obscure surely) brief career of Spooner and its possible relation to Strasburg I saw a Tweet from Olberman which said "Remember Karl Spooner" in relation to, of course the hype over Strasburg.
This one is, I truly hope, pure coincidence relating to the same thought by a couple of baseball fans with long memories.I would hate to imagine that Olbernman and I are connected by some psychic construct-but I might have to live with it. Thurber and Spooner-who would have thought such things could connect such different minds.
One of the instances related to a a short story by a favorite author, James Thurber, which I had not thought about for decades and which just arose as a passing thought out of nowhere. Shortly afterwards the same reference was made by Keith Olberman.
I posted another of these same "coincidences", there have only been three in decades so I consider myself to be a well balanced person not given to flights of metaphysical fancy, about an even stranger episode involving Al Luplow a very obscure baseball play from decades ago.This received a comment which I am pleased to say suggested that there is something more to this sort of thing than a million to one coincidence.
I was further intrigued by this article which views time and space as basically non-existent outside of the observer. It has many comments and is worth looking at I believe for those who like this sort of thing. One comment I found particularly interesting was, and it seems to kill the general tenor of the article, is that if the universe can only exist as the result of being observed then how did it come into existence and how did it exist for so long before there were observers? The obvious answer is of course that there must be an observer i.e. God outside standing outside of time who brought the universe into being and sustains it by observation.
Anyway,back to the main premise.I was delighted to see the great start by the new Washington pitcher Stephen Strasburg, it is always grand to see an exciting new talent on the mound, especially as I am lifelong fan of great pitchers (as I mentioned in the "Al Luplow" posting.) However it came to mind that one shouldn''t get to carried away by such burstings on the scenes because of previous history. Bobby Shantz came to mind (18-10, then 24-7 then his top career over) but to me the most striking example of meteoric rise and equally fast disappearance was Karl Spooner. What incredible statistics ! Two starts for Brooklyn in 1954. Two complete games, 27 strike outs, two shutouts ! an ERA of 0.00. Then in 1955, a record of 8-6 with an ERA of 3.65 and that was that-career over.
Shantz had somewhat of a career until his arm gave out (probably as happened to Jim Bouton who put absolutely everything into every pitch) whereas Spooners arm gave out almost straight away. On reflection it is possible that regret at seeming lost greatness is misplaced if the "greatness" is the result of a superhuman effort which is unsustainable, whereas true greatness comes from an ability which flows from a more natural talent perhaps.
Anyway, shortly after musing about the ( by now obscure surely) brief career of Spooner and its possible relation to Strasburg I saw a Tweet from Olberman which said "Remember Karl Spooner" in relation to, of course the hype over Strasburg.
This one is, I truly hope, pure coincidence relating to the same thought by a couple of baseball fans with long memories.I would hate to imagine that Olbernman and I are connected by some psychic construct-but I might have to live with it. Thurber and Spooner-who would have thought such things could connect such different minds.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
100th Blog Entry- An Appreciation to Passers By And To Sarah Palin For The Inspiration
I started this blog in November 2009 and in fits and starts have just passed the century mark of entries. With their being countless bloggers of every imaginable stripe I am honored that not only have some thousands of people from around the world been interested enough to have a look at an entry or two but that 7 kind souls have gone so far as to bookmark the blog.
Now and then there have been, almost entirely positive, comments about some of my writings which of course are greatly appreciated. I have one regret in that I have been removed from the list of Palin supporting blogs because, and rightly so in my view, I reflected that Palin, as things stand, is in a position where she would not advance to the Presidency.
However I felt the argument was cogent and I do not resile from it and it would be putting ourselves in the same position as our political opponents if we are not open enough about our thoughts or a broad enough not to take with us more than just the conservative right which is too narrow a base for electoral success.
I made a deliberate plan not to include adverts for teeth whitening etc (without passing any judgement on any blog which has them-good luck to them fundraising wise) as I wanted to convey that this blog is an attempt at (for the most part) serious commentary with a few excursions in to personal reflections on things metaphysical/personal. I have failed a few times in trying to be witty but in general I trust I have kept to my original aim.
The blog has centred on Sarah Palin in the main, as to me the values (not necessarily policies) she embodies reflects my journey from, as the blog indicates, liberal to conservative. I regret that so many entries have had to focus on combating the negatives that the liberal media/blogs have created about her (created, as they are mostly pure fiction) rather than an analysis/exposition of her policies.
However I think that defense is a valid program as once the field is cleared of all the falsities, innuendos and other memes the left keep coming up with then, with the mind of the public cleansed of that rubbish, the serious work of policy development and explanation can begin.
Perhaps the task is an endless one sadly as the left is like a hydra and when a head is cut off another pops up just as ugly as the previous one. However the end result to be hoped for is worthy of the journey. If on the way I am joined by the occasional viewer/commentator/bookmarker (and who knows Paypal supporter ! Of course, like any dedicated blogger I would wish to do this full time and create a, in this case, thoughtful and hopefully inspiring, magazine of the right) then I will count myself as highly privileged to have the honor of your company.
Now and then there have been, almost entirely positive, comments about some of my writings which of course are greatly appreciated. I have one regret in that I have been removed from the list of Palin supporting blogs because, and rightly so in my view, I reflected that Palin, as things stand, is in a position where she would not advance to the Presidency.
However I felt the argument was cogent and I do not resile from it and it would be putting ourselves in the same position as our political opponents if we are not open enough about our thoughts or a broad enough not to take with us more than just the conservative right which is too narrow a base for electoral success.
I made a deliberate plan not to include adverts for teeth whitening etc (without passing any judgement on any blog which has them-good luck to them fundraising wise) as I wanted to convey that this blog is an attempt at (for the most part) serious commentary with a few excursions in to personal reflections on things metaphysical/personal. I have failed a few times in trying to be witty but in general I trust I have kept to my original aim.
The blog has centred on Sarah Palin in the main, as to me the values (not necessarily policies) she embodies reflects my journey from, as the blog indicates, liberal to conservative. I regret that so many entries have had to focus on combating the negatives that the liberal media/blogs have created about her (created, as they are mostly pure fiction) rather than an analysis/exposition of her policies.
However I think that defense is a valid program as once the field is cleared of all the falsities, innuendos and other memes the left keep coming up with then, with the mind of the public cleansed of that rubbish, the serious work of policy development and explanation can begin.
Perhaps the task is an endless one sadly as the left is like a hydra and when a head is cut off another pops up just as ugly as the previous one. However the end result to be hoped for is worthy of the journey. If on the way I am joined by the occasional viewer/commentator/bookmarker (and who knows Paypal supporter ! Of course, like any dedicated blogger I would wish to do this full time and create a, in this case, thoughtful and hopefully inspiring, magazine of the right) then I will count myself as highly privileged to have the honor of your company.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
"Palin Can't Pick a Winner to Save Her Life"- Seattle Lib Blogs Epic Fail
Caleb Hannan writing in Seattle Weekly "Daily Weekly" headlined his blog "Sarah Palin Can't pick a winner to save her life". He trumpeted Tim Egan's statement in the New York Times that he makes note of the "car wrecks on the Palin highway." Meaning Palin supposedly was a poor picker of candidates to endorse and in the case of some new candidate;
"given her track record thus far, it looks as if he might actually prefer being snubbed by Palin, lest he become just another bit of wreckage worth rubbernecking."
Well how has Hannan's own predictive ability worked out today? Here's what Politico had to say
"Some of Sarah Palin’s riskiest endorsements scored major victories Tuesday for the former Alaska governor, showing off her power in Republican primaries.
"Palin had four primary endorsements in play – Carly Fiorina, Nikki Haley, Terry Branstad and Cecile Bledsoe – and three won or moved on to a runoff."
And what is her track record to date?
•Cecile Bledsoe for U.S. Congress Arkansas 06/03/10 Just missed
•Terry Branstad for governor of Iowa, 06/03/10 Won GOP race
•Joe Miller for U.S. Senate in Alaska, 06/02/10
•Clint Didier for U.S. Senate in Washington State, 05/20/10
•Susana Martinez for governor of New Mexico, 05/15/10 - (Won primary election)
•Nikki Haley for governor of South Carolina, 05/14/10 - (Leads GOP race)
•Carly Fiorina for U.S. Senate in California, 05/06/10 - (Won GOP race)
•Tom Emmer for governor of Minnesota, 04/29/10 - (Leads GOP race)
•Tim Burns for U.S. Congress in Pennsylvania, 04/26/10 - (Won GOP nomination)
•Vaughn Ward for U.S. Congress in Idaho, 03/29/10 - (Lost primary election)
Adam Kinzinger for U.S. Congress in Illinois, 03/29/10
•Allen West for U.S. Congress in Florida, 03/29/10
•Sean Duffy for U.S. Congress in Wisconsin, 02/17/10
•Rand Paul for U.S. Senate in Kentucky, 02/01/10 - (Won primary election)
•Rick Perry for governor of Texas, 01/20/10 - (Won primary election)
•Michele Bachmann for U.S. Congress in Minnesota, 01/20/10
•John McCain for U.S. Senate in Arizona, 01/20/10 - (Leads GOP race)
•Chris Christie for governor of New Jersey, 10/27/09 - (Won special election)
•Bob McDonnell for governor of Virginia, 10/27/09 - (Won special election
•Doug Hoffman for U.S. Congress in New York, 10/22/09 - (Lost special election)
•Saxby Chambliss for U.S. Senate in Georgia, 11/25/08 - (Won runoff election)
And remember-Palin didn't say that every one of her endorsements would automatically win-all she said was that she would endorse and work for those candidates she felt best represented the best interests of America-the voters of course made the ultimate decision.
What has happened today is yet another left wing anti-Palin meme "Palin's endorsements are the kiss of death" has been shot down and joins the many others littering the cesspool of radical leftist propaganda.
"given her track record thus far, it looks as if he might actually prefer being snubbed by Palin, lest he become just another bit of wreckage worth rubbernecking."
Well how has Hannan's own predictive ability worked out today? Here's what Politico had to say
"Some of Sarah Palin’s riskiest endorsements scored major victories Tuesday for the former Alaska governor, showing off her power in Republican primaries.
"Palin had four primary endorsements in play – Carly Fiorina, Nikki Haley, Terry Branstad and Cecile Bledsoe – and three won or moved on to a runoff."
And what is her track record to date?
•Cecile Bledsoe for U.S. Congress Arkansas 06/03/10 Just missed
•Terry Branstad for governor of Iowa, 06/03/10 Won GOP race
•Joe Miller for U.S. Senate in Alaska, 06/02/10
•Clint Didier for U.S. Senate in Washington State, 05/20/10
•Susana Martinez for governor of New Mexico, 05/15/10 - (Won primary election)
•Nikki Haley for governor of South Carolina, 05/14/10 - (Leads GOP race)
•Carly Fiorina for U.S. Senate in California, 05/06/10 - (Won GOP race)
•Tom Emmer for governor of Minnesota, 04/29/10 - (Leads GOP race)
•Tim Burns for U.S. Congress in Pennsylvania, 04/26/10 - (Won GOP nomination)
•Vaughn Ward for U.S. Congress in Idaho, 03/29/10 - (Lost primary election)
Adam Kinzinger for U.S. Congress in Illinois, 03/29/10
•Allen West for U.S. Congress in Florida, 03/29/10
•Sean Duffy for U.S. Congress in Wisconsin, 02/17/10
•Rand Paul for U.S. Senate in Kentucky, 02/01/10 - (Won primary election)
•Rick Perry for governor of Texas, 01/20/10 - (Won primary election)
•Michele Bachmann for U.S. Congress in Minnesota, 01/20/10
•John McCain for U.S. Senate in Arizona, 01/20/10 - (Leads GOP race)
•Chris Christie for governor of New Jersey, 10/27/09 - (Won special election)
•Bob McDonnell for governor of Virginia, 10/27/09 - (Won special election
•Doug Hoffman for U.S. Congress in New York, 10/22/09 - (Lost special election)
•Saxby Chambliss for U.S. Senate in Georgia, 11/25/08 - (Won runoff election)
And remember-Palin didn't say that every one of her endorsements would automatically win-all she said was that she would endorse and work for those candidates she felt best represented the best interests of America-the voters of course made the ultimate decision.
What has happened today is yet another left wing anti-Palin meme "Palin's endorsements are the kiss of death" has been shot down and joins the many others littering the cesspool of radical leftist propaganda.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
It's Time For Jewish Commentators To Change Their Attitude To Palin
A young man comes running into his home and shouts out breathlessly “Grandpa guess what, Babe Ruth hit two homers today”. The old man strokes his beard for a moment and replies “tell me Moishele, what this Babe Ruth did-is it good for the Jews?”
It is this ‘is it good for the Jews’ prism that subconsciously shapes the worldview of this generation of liberal Jewish media commentators, showbiz personalities and Hollywood denizens. Not so much from their own life experience but from the handed down stories of hard times from their parents or, for an older generation, Old Country trials and tribulation recollections from Grandparents.
For Palin to turn around the incessantly negative media hurricane that she, uniquely amongst politicians, has been subjected to, it is the hard core of Jewish commentators from, indeed, a non-elite family background (the bow tie wearers are a hopeless case, especially if they came from poor family situations) who need to be turned around.
No one expects Stewart and his ilk (and whomever Letterman’s gag writers are) to actually become a conservative Republican but they can recover their equilibrium and balance if they try and stand outside their inherited mental framework.
If they ask themselves “what this Sarah Palin is doing, is it good for the Jews?” in a reflective manner freed from class, social, tribal ancestral memory framework, (this is asking a lot I know but these are people who are clearly of a high intellectual level) there is food for thought. The first question in this analysis is not about Palin it is “is my liberal, Democratic party supporting point of view based on historical and personal constructs which are still valid?”.
It is beyond ironic that the Jews who in the 20th century fought for socialism and against the elites should have created a posterity who have become part of the elite (including the financial elite like Soros) but who hold to a watered down socialism.
The overarching irony is that from this elitist, opinion shaping position the “elite” they attack when attacking Palin is the vast mass of lower to middle class Americans like those who lined up in their thousands in the bitter cold for a glimpse of someone who is as non-elite as could be imagined for a conservative politician.
The Bush family-with their oil riches and country club imagery-yes most certainly a touch point for traditional Jewish liberal opposition, could anything be more New York City red rag to the Texas via Skull and Bones bull ? But Wasilla is not Dallas or New Haven. Palin’s history is taking on the oil companies not coddling up to them.
Fair minded analysis would surely allow the concept that Palin would govern with the interest of the average person foremost, not the Wall Street elite to whom she owes nothing.
If the Jewish faithed commentators on the left are to hold true to their faith which holds tolerance and brotherhood in the highest regard then they should lay down their historic, outdated prejudices. They are aimed at the wrong target and they owe it, in all fairness to their audience, to the American people, and to Palin to approach her and her supporters with an open mind.
It is this ‘is it good for the Jews’ prism that subconsciously shapes the worldview of this generation of liberal Jewish media commentators, showbiz personalities and Hollywood denizens. Not so much from their own life experience but from the handed down stories of hard times from their parents or, for an older generation, Old Country trials and tribulation recollections from Grandparents.
For Palin to turn around the incessantly negative media hurricane that she, uniquely amongst politicians, has been subjected to, it is the hard core of Jewish commentators from, indeed, a non-elite family background (the bow tie wearers are a hopeless case, especially if they came from poor family situations) who need to be turned around.
No one expects Stewart and his ilk (and whomever Letterman’s gag writers are) to actually become a conservative Republican but they can recover their equilibrium and balance if they try and stand outside their inherited mental framework.
If they ask themselves “what this Sarah Palin is doing, is it good for the Jews?” in a reflective manner freed from class, social, tribal ancestral memory framework, (this is asking a lot I know but these are people who are clearly of a high intellectual level) there is food for thought. The first question in this analysis is not about Palin it is “is my liberal, Democratic party supporting point of view based on historical and personal constructs which are still valid?”.
It is beyond ironic that the Jews who in the 20th century fought for socialism and against the elites should have created a posterity who have become part of the elite (including the financial elite like Soros) but who hold to a watered down socialism.
The overarching irony is that from this elitist, opinion shaping position the “elite” they attack when attacking Palin is the vast mass of lower to middle class Americans like those who lined up in their thousands in the bitter cold for a glimpse of someone who is as non-elite as could be imagined for a conservative politician.
The Bush family-with their oil riches and country club imagery-yes most certainly a touch point for traditional Jewish liberal opposition, could anything be more New York City red rag to the Texas via Skull and Bones bull ? But Wasilla is not Dallas or New Haven. Palin’s history is taking on the oil companies not coddling up to them.
Fair minded analysis would surely allow the concept that Palin would govern with the interest of the average person foremost, not the Wall Street elite to whom she owes nothing.
If the Jewish faithed commentators on the left are to hold true to their faith which holds tolerance and brotherhood in the highest regard then they should lay down their historic, outdated prejudices. They are aimed at the wrong target and they owe it, in all fairness to their audience, to the American people, and to Palin to approach her and her supporters with an open mind.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Jews ! Your Choice is Helen Thomas Or Sarah Palin
The issue for Jews,who have overwhelmingly supported the Democratic party (as analysed previously) now transcends, party loyalty, family history "liberalism", and economics. The choice is now between supporting Israel, and her very survival, in the face of a militant Iran,Turkey, and Hamas and supporting an equivocating Obama administration.
It is not voting against America to vote Republican in the 2010 and 2012 elections based on Israel as the over riding imperative. In fact, it is 100% American to support the political party who will support America's most faithful ally-100%.
We have seen the true face of liberalism in Helen Thomas (which has brought condemnation from Jewish Democratic stalwarts like Lanny Davis) and the all things to all parties attitude of the Obama administration-who have reached out to the unreachable.
Jews-those of you who have influence in the media, in the arts, must look to your traditional ethnic bias and look to enlightened self interest (which encompasses Jewry and the USA) and support those who support you-not those who take your vote for granted or who, underneath the mask of caring, hide a different face which would send you back to Poland and Germany.
Palin wears an Israeli flag pin and had the Israeli flag in her office-what flag does Helen Thomas and her ilk have hidden in their hearts? Palin or the possible loss of Israel-that is the choice for Jewry.Palin is your friend-reach out to her and she will respond with love and total commitment.
It is not voting against America to vote Republican in the 2010 and 2012 elections based on Israel as the over riding imperative. In fact, it is 100% American to support the political party who will support America's most faithful ally-100%.
We have seen the true face of liberalism in Helen Thomas (which has brought condemnation from Jewish Democratic stalwarts like Lanny Davis) and the all things to all parties attitude of the Obama administration-who have reached out to the unreachable.
Jews-those of you who have influence in the media, in the arts, must look to your traditional ethnic bias and look to enlightened self interest (which encompasses Jewry and the USA) and support those who support you-not those who take your vote for granted or who, underneath the mask of caring, hide a different face which would send you back to Poland and Germany.
Palin wears an Israeli flag pin and had the Israeli flag in her office-what flag does Helen Thomas and her ilk have hidden in their hearts? Palin or the possible loss of Israel-that is the choice for Jewry.Palin is your friend-reach out to her and she will respond with love and total commitment.
Leftist Mouthpiece "Gawker" Reveals Ugly Face of Liberalism With Vile Attack On Palin
Just when it appears that the radical left has sunk to the nadir of lies, misogynism and hatred they manage to find a hell lower than any that Dante or Bosch imagined in their most feverish dreams. It is no coincidence that the editor of the disgusting "Wonkette" has joined the staff of "Gawker"-a transfer from one cesspool to another.
Gawker-a juvenile gossip leftist scandal sheet has trotted out the "so Sambo beat the bitch" (which they cover their ass by putting "alleged" in front) canard which another leftist rag ran during the 2008 election in what must have been one of the worst "unattributed" comment full Palin hit pieces ever.
The left is thrashing about in frustration as their Olympian president falls further down the poll incline. The best thing about their rancid display is that the mask has slipped and the ugly face of class hatred driven leftism is revealed in the light of day-it is not a pretty sight.
Gawker-a juvenile gossip leftist scandal sheet has trotted out the "so Sambo beat the bitch" (which they cover their ass by putting "alleged" in front) canard which another leftist rag ran during the 2008 election in what must have been one of the worst "unattributed" comment full Palin hit pieces ever.
The left is thrashing about in frustration as their Olympian president falls further down the poll incline. The best thing about their rancid display is that the mask has slipped and the ugly face of class hatred driven leftism is revealed in the light of day-it is not a pretty sight.
Precognition Or Coincidence And Al Luplow's Catch For The Cleveland Indians
A diversion from things political and economic and part two of the promised excursion into things metaphysical as described previously http://recovering-liberal.blogspot.com/2010/04/coincidence-i-dont-think-so-non.html
I set out that whilst not a believer in the sort of miracles as described in the magical staircase example there have been examples of "coincidences' so extreme in their lack of probability as to perhaps be what the late Bernard Levin described as "the brief pulling back of a curtain". In my previous exposition I set out one example-to do with Keith Olberman and James Thurber and my youthful reading habits which I felt was beyond coincidence.
I did not however posit what the explanation was for my experience as I am unable to, and further, there was one more example of, to me, an experience of "precognition" which transcended coincidence even more. This was the "Al Luplow's catch" conundrum.
In my youth I was a keen Cleveland Indians fan-even though I lived in New York.This was because I was an admirer of great pitchers of which the Cleveland team abounded-Lemon/Garcia/Feller/Wynn the tragic Herb Score/Mossi/Narleski/Grant and so many more. Being in the same league as the Yankees meant that the Tribe had limited success even with these great pitchers except for the wonderful 1959 season, and of course the pennant year of 1954 (the first year I became aware of baseball).
Being a fan meant of course keeping a diary of the pitching rotations ( and planning them out) and following the fortunes of all the players-one of whom was an outfielder Al Luplow. Luplow had a promising start but never really blossomed as a hitter (lifetime average .235), although an outstanding fielder (second in the A.L. in 1963), and had a brief career, but for one moment he was the talk of baseball.
I didn't see the game and hopefully my memory serves me well about the moment that "Al Luplow's catch" gained a toehold in the collective memory of baseball. I believe it was against Boston in Fenway Park that Luplow made what was described as one of the greatest catches of all time. I remember ballplayers describing it so and one ruefully saying to the effect it was sad that Luplow was a nobody, as if he were a great, his catch would have been of historic proportions.
As a young fan this of course made an impression on me and stuck in my mind.The passage of time, parental and job responsibilities, moving to the other side of the world, meant a disassociation with baseball and the forgetting of the things of youth.
Twenty Seven years later I was sitting in the waiting room of a Doctor in a provincial town in the depths of the South Island of New Zealand- about as far away from the USA and anything to do with baseball in America as can be imagined. Whilst waiting to see the Doctor and for no reason that can be imagined the phrase,which I hadn't heard or thought in all those years "Al Luplow's catch" popped into my mind. I gave it a moments thought and reminisced about my youth and the thought passed.
Time passed and I got bored and looking around for something to read I noticed that under my chair there was a pile of magazines and grabbed a bunch and started whittling though them. There were the usual "Woman's Day" sort and about 8 layers down (where I could not possibly have seen it ) was an old issue of Sports Illustrated (how that got to rural New Zealand I have no idea) which I opened and the first article I saw was "Remembering Al Luplow's Incredible catch".
Coincidence? Frankly that is impossible.That experience, and the Thurber/Olberman one described previously are indeed "the drawing back of a curtain" or the working out of a chain of events so extreme in its randomness as to be beyond computation.
I set out that whilst not a believer in the sort of miracles as described in the magical staircase example there have been examples of "coincidences' so extreme in their lack of probability as to perhaps be what the late Bernard Levin described as "the brief pulling back of a curtain". In my previous exposition I set out one example-to do with Keith Olberman and James Thurber and my youthful reading habits which I felt was beyond coincidence.
I did not however posit what the explanation was for my experience as I am unable to, and further, there was one more example of, to me, an experience of "precognition" which transcended coincidence even more. This was the "Al Luplow's catch" conundrum.
In my youth I was a keen Cleveland Indians fan-even though I lived in New York.This was because I was an admirer of great pitchers of which the Cleveland team abounded-Lemon/Garcia/Feller/Wynn the tragic Herb Score/Mossi/Narleski/Grant and so many more. Being in the same league as the Yankees meant that the Tribe had limited success even with these great pitchers except for the wonderful 1959 season, and of course the pennant year of 1954 (the first year I became aware of baseball).
Being a fan meant of course keeping a diary of the pitching rotations ( and planning them out) and following the fortunes of all the players-one of whom was an outfielder Al Luplow. Luplow had a promising start but never really blossomed as a hitter (lifetime average .235), although an outstanding fielder (second in the A.L. in 1963), and had a brief career, but for one moment he was the talk of baseball.
I didn't see the game and hopefully my memory serves me well about the moment that "Al Luplow's catch" gained a toehold in the collective memory of baseball. I believe it was against Boston in Fenway Park that Luplow made what was described as one of the greatest catches of all time. I remember ballplayers describing it so and one ruefully saying to the effect it was sad that Luplow was a nobody, as if he were a great, his catch would have been of historic proportions.
As a young fan this of course made an impression on me and stuck in my mind.The passage of time, parental and job responsibilities, moving to the other side of the world, meant a disassociation with baseball and the forgetting of the things of youth.
Twenty Seven years later I was sitting in the waiting room of a Doctor in a provincial town in the depths of the South Island of New Zealand- about as far away from the USA and anything to do with baseball in America as can be imagined. Whilst waiting to see the Doctor and for no reason that can be imagined the phrase,which I hadn't heard or thought in all those years "Al Luplow's catch" popped into my mind. I gave it a moments thought and reminisced about my youth and the thought passed.
Time passed and I got bored and looking around for something to read I noticed that under my chair there was a pile of magazines and grabbed a bunch and started whittling though them. There were the usual "Woman's Day" sort and about 8 layers down (where I could not possibly have seen it ) was an old issue of Sports Illustrated (how that got to rural New Zealand I have no idea) which I opened and the first article I saw was "Remembering Al Luplow's Incredible catch".
Coincidence? Frankly that is impossible.That experience, and the Thurber/Olberman one described previously are indeed "the drawing back of a curtain" or the working out of a chain of events so extreme in its randomness as to be beyond computation.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
I Hear Palin-Romney And Pawlenty Are The Invisible Men
Whether you agree with Sarah Palin or not the fact is she is carrying the can for the G.O.P. (and taking the incoming flack too). Palin has commented, and been reported widely, on Helen Thomas, the oil spill, Israel's acts of self defense, immigration and Governor Brewer and various other topics of the moment.
She has publicly given her support for various candidates, some of whom may not win which risks her being tagged with the "kiss if death' meme-but she battles on anyway.When one of her endorsed candidates undergoes a vicious misogynistic attack Palin comes strongly to the defense.
Where are Romney and Pawlenty's (and for that matter Thune and all the others who have been touted as possible 2012 candidates) public statements on these issues,where are their support for candidates under attack, where are their raised voices against the Obama administration, on the oil spill, Sestak and all the other fronts?
Frankly I wouldn't get out of bed to vote for Romney or Pawlenty as a presidential candidate unless either started to show some guts and leadership. Palin has shown she can lead from the front and has survived the most vicious attacks any politician ever has had thrown at them and is still standing strong-a real leader.
She has publicly given her support for various candidates, some of whom may not win which risks her being tagged with the "kiss if death' meme-but she battles on anyway.When one of her endorsed candidates undergoes a vicious misogynistic attack Palin comes strongly to the defense.
Where are Romney and Pawlenty's (and for that matter Thune and all the others who have been touted as possible 2012 candidates) public statements on these issues,where are their support for candidates under attack, where are their raised voices against the Obama administration, on the oil spill, Sestak and all the other fronts?
Frankly I wouldn't get out of bed to vote for Romney or Pawlenty as a presidential candidate unless either started to show some guts and leadership. Palin has shown she can lead from the front and has survived the most vicious attacks any politician ever has had thrown at them and is still standing strong-a real leader.
Palin-stine or Palestine The True History And Future Prospects
We have seen the equivocal response to the "mercy flotilla" from the Obama administration (at odds with itself with Obama and Clinton taking one line and Biden another) and seen it contrasted with Palin's unequivocal 100% supportive defense of Israel.
I stated that these two responses should be the guiding principle for American Jews in voting in 2010 and 2012 as the very existence of Israel transcends traditional party loyalties and the current economy.The economy will eventually get better and if it didn't the facts are that even in the depths of the recession people who are suffering are better off than people who would be obliterated by an nuclear attack.
There those on the left, including Jews, who state that Israel is a "settler state" and thus is not truly legitimate and equates to the Christian Crusader Kingdoms.There is no question that there is a substantial immigrant population in Israel, especially from Eastern Europe. However, this is simply a return of the diaspora to the land that their ancestors, and the ancestors of the Jewish population which has been in the area of Israel for thousands of years came from.
The Jews have every right to be in, hold, govern and control the land of Israel based on historic and U.N. mandated legitimacy. There never was a country called "Palestine" before the area so designated was given the name (derived from the Philistines) as an insult to the Jews. It may be that all that stands between Israel and its destruction is a Republican government headed by Sarah Palin-American Jews can count on the support of such a government-with the Obama administration they can count on nothing except perhaps a nuclear armed Iran.
I stated that these two responses should be the guiding principle for American Jews in voting in 2010 and 2012 as the very existence of Israel transcends traditional party loyalties and the current economy.The economy will eventually get better and if it didn't the facts are that even in the depths of the recession people who are suffering are better off than people who would be obliterated by an nuclear attack.
There those on the left, including Jews, who state that Israel is a "settler state" and thus is not truly legitimate and equates to the Christian Crusader Kingdoms.There is no question that there is a substantial immigrant population in Israel, especially from Eastern Europe. However, this is simply a return of the diaspora to the land that their ancestors, and the ancestors of the Jewish population which has been in the area of Israel for thousands of years came from.
The Jews have every right to be in, hold, govern and control the land of Israel based on historic and U.N. mandated legitimacy. There never was a country called "Palestine" before the area so designated was given the name (derived from the Philistines) as an insult to the Jews. It may be that all that stands between Israel and its destruction is a Republican government headed by Sarah Palin-American Jews can count on the support of such a government-with the Obama administration they can count on nothing except perhaps a nuclear armed Iran.
Wonkette-The Ugly Face Of Liberalism, Misogynism, Class Hatred.
Liberal blogs are, in the main an incredible source of rabid class hatred, misogynism expressed in language so disgusting that all attempts of reading them in the light of rational, or even highly charged but acceptable partisanship is otiose.
The absolute heights of this foaming at the mouth juvenile behaviour is found in those leftist blogs e.g. Kos/Gawker/Wonkette/Crooks and Liars/Huffington Post which appeal to those whose age has not allowed for enough life experience to see things are not always cut and dried.They view everything through the prism of class jealousy and express this hatred in tones which would do justice to a high school locker room.
All Republicans are, to them, rich, thieving bastards who should be taxed to the hilt. Obama of course can do no wrong, and the source of all evil is Sarah Palin.
In contemplating Palin they lose all rationality and descend to the very pits of language and misogyny. The good thing about this is that the roots of the Democratic party and liberalism, i.e. class hatred and jealousy, have the fake cover of supposed caring for poor etc, removed and the true nature
of leftism is exposed.
Read the comments about Palin-could anyone honestly imagine that such a string of disgusting, salacious, pitiable oaths would be directed at Pelosi or Michelle Obama by Christian conservatives-then ask yourself which group deserves a premier role in society.
The absolute heights of this foaming at the mouth juvenile behaviour is found in those leftist blogs e.g. Kos/Gawker/Wonkette/Crooks and Liars/Huffington Post which appeal to those whose age has not allowed for enough life experience to see things are not always cut and dried.They view everything through the prism of class jealousy and express this hatred in tones which would do justice to a high school locker room.
All Republicans are, to them, rich, thieving bastards who should be taxed to the hilt. Obama of course can do no wrong, and the source of all evil is Sarah Palin.
In contemplating Palin they lose all rationality and descend to the very pits of language and misogyny. The good thing about this is that the roots of the Democratic party and liberalism, i.e. class hatred and jealousy, have the fake cover of supposed caring for poor etc, removed and the true nature
of leftism is exposed.
Read the comments about Palin-could anyone honestly imagine that such a string of disgusting, salacious, pitiable oaths would be directed at Pelosi or Michelle Obama by Christian conservatives-then ask yourself which group deserves a premier role in society.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Palin And Haley Under Attack-Where Are The Feminists To Defend them?
Nikki Haley running for the GOP nomination for Governor of South Carolina is under the most sleazy misogynist attack ever seen since...well since every day for Sarah Palin (as she well noted in a recent posting).
If Haley was running on the Democratic ticket and members of her own party had mounted a series of personal, sexual based attacks without any proof of the allegations whatsoever the shrillness from the harpies on the left would be ear splitting.
But since Palin, (accused of not only not being a feminist but even of not being a woman !) and Haley -and Brewer in Arizona as well who is getting a roasting from the liberal left-not only for her policies but for her "face that has been out in the sun for to long" are conservatives then NOW and all the usual leftist women are deathly silent. The hypocrisy and blatant partisanship has exposed the radical leftist women for what they are in reality as any pretence of supporting all women has gone with their credibility.
If Haley was running on the Democratic ticket and members of her own party had mounted a series of personal, sexual based attacks without any proof of the allegations whatsoever the shrillness from the harpies on the left would be ear splitting.
But since Palin, (accused of not only not being a feminist but even of not being a woman !) and Haley -and Brewer in Arizona as well who is getting a roasting from the liberal left-not only for her policies but for her "face that has been out in the sun for to long" are conservatives then NOW and all the usual leftist women are deathly silent. The hypocrisy and blatant partisanship has exposed the radical leftist women for what they are in reality as any pretence of supporting all women has gone with their credibility.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Jews ! Obama or Palin 2012.On Your Choice Rests The Survival Of Israel
Once again when a crisis envelopes Israel Sarah Palin comes out forcefully, unequivocally and quickly in 100% defense of Israel.
There is no waiting on "subsequent analysis before we make a statement" no acceptance of the distorted reports in the media, no ignoring of inconvenient images of Israeli troops being attacked.
Palin takes the sadly now old fashioned view of "My country right or wrong but my country" and applies it to Israel "Our ally, right or wrong but our ally". Israel is right in this case (loss of life is sad but the reasons for those casualties were not created by Israel) but that is not the main point.
The main point is that Israel is, every day, in a battle for its very existence. Opponents are constantly plotting ways to destroy Israel including the nuclear option-this is beyond dispute. When Israel takes action to defend herself it is not an action to attend to some incident or other it is always part of an aspect of her very survival.
Given the increasing danger of nuclear devastation against Israel, and the end of God's country for the Jew's, American Jewry must see beyond their traditional alliance with the Democratic party (which alliance is based on an old economic tie which has more to do with history and the Tsar than any modern reality) and consider this one, overarching question.
If , (or more probably when under the Obama administration) Iran announces it has nuclear weapons, which person as president-Obama or Palin would be the best to ensure Israel's very survival at that point?
When going to the polls in 2012 (or 2010) for that matter Jews must put aside historical electoral leanings and vote for the person (and in 2010 that persons preferred candidates) who will ensure the very survival of Israel. To do anything less is to vote against their race, America's ally, and thus America itself.
There is no waiting on "subsequent analysis before we make a statement" no acceptance of the distorted reports in the media, no ignoring of inconvenient images of Israeli troops being attacked.
Palin takes the sadly now old fashioned view of "My country right or wrong but my country" and applies it to Israel "Our ally, right or wrong but our ally". Israel is right in this case (loss of life is sad but the reasons for those casualties were not created by Israel) but that is not the main point.
The main point is that Israel is, every day, in a battle for its very existence. Opponents are constantly plotting ways to destroy Israel including the nuclear option-this is beyond dispute. When Israel takes action to defend herself it is not an action to attend to some incident or other it is always part of an aspect of her very survival.
Given the increasing danger of nuclear devastation against Israel, and the end of God's country for the Jew's, American Jewry must see beyond their traditional alliance with the Democratic party (which alliance is based on an old economic tie which has more to do with history and the Tsar than any modern reality) and consider this one, overarching question.
If , (or more probably when under the Obama administration) Iran announces it has nuclear weapons, which person as president-Obama or Palin would be the best to ensure Israel's very survival at that point?
When going to the polls in 2012 (or 2010) for that matter Jews must put aside historical electoral leanings and vote for the person (and in 2010 that persons preferred candidates) who will ensure the very survival of Israel. To do anything less is to vote against their race, America's ally, and thus America itself.