Secularists tell us that everyone should leave their religion at the door when we start talking politics.  Even many Christians believe their faith ought not to influence their political beliefs.  Listeners to this program know our host would beg to disagree with these assertions.  Listen in and join the conversation as we talk this about Christians and politics.

Broadcast – Understanding Our Times

Website - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/understandingourtimes

Time – Saturday, November 14, at 6:00 pm EST/5:00pm CST

Length – 30 Minutes  

Call-in Number - (347) 945-7171

You can join us live Saturday evening at 6:00 pm EST, or download the broadcast in mp3 format at a time more convenient for you.

“Understanding Our Times” is an interactive, live Internet talk-radio show that focuses on current events from a distinctly Biblical worldview. Host Kevin Thompson offers listeners timely discussion of meaningful issues with a variety of different guests each week. Callers are encouraged to call (347) 945-7171 to listen or ask questions. The stream and archives are available at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/understandingourtimes. The show is live every Saturday evening at 6:00 p.m. Eastern/ 3:00 p.m. PT. The show is hosted on BlogTalkRadio.

Because of some wierd problem with blogtalkradio, today’s scheduled broadcast will not air.  I will try to have something for you all next week if this problem is solved.  I apologize for the mix-up.

This past Saturday evening, it was my honor to speak at Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church for their Reformation Day event.  My topic was Sola Scriptura – Scripture Alone.  I was given 15 minutes, and boy does that go by very quickly!  I was also feeling very sick that day as well.  Anyway, I didn’t get to cram in everything I actually wanted to say.  So, its a good thing I’ve got a blog!  Below is the text of what I meant to say that evening:

I want to first thank Pastor Gibson for inviting me to speak today.  We first met not too long ago, back in April at a prophecy panel my systematic theology class had hosted.  I thought where in the world would I find anyone to take the post-millennial view?  But sure enough, I gave your pastor a call and he came over.  I was a little skeptical before he arrived.  After all, I had been taught for quite some time now that no one even held to this view anymore, at least not since WWII.  But I was quite impressed with your pastor’s commitment to a clear and consistent literal approach to Scripture.  That day I said to myself, I need to get to know this guy a little more.  And since then, it has been my pleasure to have fellowship with Pastor Gibson.  He has truly been a blessing and encouragement to me.

Now you will have to pray for me today as I am not feeling well at all.  For the past week I’ve been trying to overcome a strong cold.  But, I desperately wanted to be here tonight.  It’s important that I be here tonight.  You see, our topic this evening gets down to the very essence of what it means to be a Christian.  These five solas get at the very heart of true, Biblical, historic Christianity.  By the time 1517 rolled around, these precious doctrines had been hidden and replaced with the traditions of corrupt men.  Yet, praise God, the Lord raised of men like Martin Luther and John Calvin to bring these truths back to light.  This evening, we not only look back at what these men did and said, we continue the fight they began.  We pick up the torch and again contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. 

Now, as for me, I am a late comer to the doctrines of the Reformation.  I was not raised in an atmosphere that appreciated these doctrines.  Little did I realize, the doctrines I grew up with, all I had ever known, was a more recent discovery.  I remember as a senior in high school when a friend of mine named Steve went off to Bible college.  Soon after leaving, he began talking to me about these strange new doctrines.  Ideas like, salvation is a work of only God and God alone.  In fact, before the foundation of the world, God had already chosen an elect people.  This was heresy in my mind.  He went on to suggest that no where in Scripture was this idea of a secret rapture of the church.  I though he had gone off the deep end.  This guy is a heretic.  I had never heard this stuff before.  Since I was taught that if a doctrine is new it can’t be true and if it’s true is can’t be new, I knew I had to reject what he was saying.  Very little did I know that he was more in line with the historic church than I was! 

So now I had to go about to disprove what Steve was telling me.  There was only one problem.  Steve was using Scripture.  Daily, Steve would challenge me with some text I was not familiar with.  I went about trying to find proof texts for my position, but I never was able to answer the passage he brought to me.  So, for years, I found myself in the very awkward and very dangerous position of trying to explain away Scripture. 

Finally, I had to come to the point that I just could not deny that the Scripture he had been using spoke for itself and its meaning was clear.  Yet, what was I going to do with that. I could embrace the doctrines of grace and stand in the rich tradition of the Reformers.  My church would not approve.  The college I attended would not approve.  My fellow friends in ministry would not approve.  So, I simply kept these things to myself.  When other preached against them, I simply smiled and nodded.  I would even join in at times.  That is, until I had what I call my “Luther moment.”

According to some accounts, Martin Luther while struggling to gain acceptance with God in a German monastery was given a copy of the Word of God.  As he began to read through the book of Romans, he stopped at chapter 1 verse 17.  Turn there with me.  This idea that the just shall live by faith stood in complete contradiction to what the Catholic Church had been, and still is, teaching.  He was faced with a dilemma.  Would he go along with Scripture or the Church.  After “wrestling with Paul at that text” Luther finally grabbed a pen and wrote next to this verse “Sola Scriptura” – Scripture Alone.  The Reformation had just begun.

My “Luther Moment” came not in Romans 1, but in Romans 3.  Studying this book, I came to verse 4.  This one phrase stood out to me over and above the rest – “Let God be true and everyman a liar.”  This is exactly what I had not been doing.  I was allowing the fear of man and a stubborn dependence on recent tradition to embrace what God was actually trying to communicate through His Word.  I made a commitment that day to simply let God be true.  God’s Word is truth.  This is the very definition of Sola Scriptura – Scripture Alone is our ultimate authority.  We are to trust God’s Word as true and anything that contradicts it as a lie.  This means, that even if my dear old Grandmother who has taught me since birth a certain doctrine, I will count her as a liar before I ever consider contradicting the Holy Word of God.

I can say, my life has been changed ever since.  I have a wonderful freedom I never knew before.  I no longer explain away Scripture, but just allow God to be true and let Scripture speak for itself – no matter where that may lead.

That is the joy of Sola Scriptura.  Only Scripture has the power to bind the conscience and the heart.  Now, that doesn’t mean we believe in Solo Scriptura.  There are other authorities.  I believe the local church has some authority.  I believe you pastor as God’s appointed undershepherd has some authority.  Even the traditions of the church, the creeds and the councils have some authority.  Even as I the head of my home and the teacher in my classroom have some authority.  But, all of these lesser authorities must be brought under the ultimate authority of the Word of God.  As the apostles stated, it is better to obey God rather than man.

Turn with me if you will to I Timothy 3.  We see here in the first few verses a horrible description of the last days.  Now it is not my goal tonight to exegete that last phrase “last times,” but I think we can all agree that we can see some similarities to our day and age.  But look at the description of these men.  They men who resist the truth.  They have a form of godliness but in truth are ungodly.  They turn the gullible into their prey. 

But, in verse 10, we see a great switch.  Verses 1-9 speak of the ungodly, but what about those who are true believers in the faith?  We find in verses 10-13, Paul commending youth Timothy because he has followed the example given to him.  But then, in verse 14, we see a command given to Timothy.  Continue in what you have learned.  What has Timothy known and where did he learn it from.  Verse 15 gives the answer –the Holy Scriptures.  Only the Scriptures are able to make someone wise to salvation through faith in Christ.  Following Paul’s example was not enough.

And then we come to the verse the key verse concerning the idea of Sola Scriptura.  Why is Scripture to be our only authority?  First, it is breathed out, inspired by God.  Scripture is authoritative because it is the very Word of God Himself.  How dare we seek to add anything to what an omniscient God has already declared.  Second, Scripture is authoritative because it is profitable – it is worth something.  If we read it we gain something.  Look at what it is profitable for, Doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness.  Doesn’t that just sum up the Christian life?  We wish to learn doctrine to grow in our relationship to the Lord.  We need to be rebuked when we stray from the straight and narrow.  But not only do we need rebuking, but we need to know how to get back on the right path.  And of course, we need continual instruction in righteousness, who to conform to the image of Christ.  Only Scripture is sufficient for all these things.  So, the third reason why Scripture is authoritative is because it is sufficient.  How do I know this, look at the very next verse.  What is the ultimate outcome of those who continue in the Word – we are complete and mature in our faith, ready for anything that comes our way.  My friends, Scripture is sufficient for all our needs.

This is why we are commanded in chapter 4 verse 2 to preach this Word!  This is what people need to hear.  However, we know that not all will accept this.  And this is what leads us to the modern day battle over Sola Scriptura. 

Normally, when we speak of this doctrine, we place it up against the traditions of the Catholic Church.  We argue Sola Scriptura in opposition to the Pope and Rome.  But, today, another enemy has arisen that we must fight against.  You see, throughout chapter 3, we saw the contrast between the ungodly and the godly.  The ungodly resisted the truth and had a form of godliness but not the power of it.  In contrast we see Timothy who holds fast to the Holy Scriptures and preaches accordingly. 

In many churches, the Word of God, inspired, profitable and sufficient, has been placed aside.  They take these people in 3:1-9 and 4:3-4 and make them their goal.  If you are resisting the truth fine, we won’t teach it.  If you desire a form of Christianity that has no power, come and feel comfortable at our church.  We have what you are looking for.  In our desire to be seeker-sensitive, we have become scripturally inefficient.  Ears are being itched, felt-needs are being addressed, and the Scripture is all but ignored.  Perhaps, a few verses can be sprinkled in to give our powerless form of Christianity some legitimacy.  But now, in many churches, we are teaching people to be lovers of their ownselves.  We encourage it.

So, what is the answer, preach the Word.  We take up the banner of the Reformers and hold firmly to Sola Scriptura.  Why?  This is what the people need.  It may not be what they want.  Yet, as loving Christians committed to fulfilling the Great Commission, we give to them anyway because faith only comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.  Making people feel comfortable is not our mission.  Our mission is to take this authority and make it known throughout all the earth. 

Sola Scriptura is not a mere ivory tower word theologians like to argue about, but is a vital source for every Christians and the only source of hope for an non-Christian.

Due to sickness, I will not be able to do a broadcast this week.

October, 31 1517, the most important Halloween Day Ever!

Do you know what happened?

What will you do on October 31^st?  Some will celebrate darkness while others will give thanks for light? Halloween has its roots in the occult and demonic. But October 31, 1517 is the date that marks the beginning of the Reformation which brought light to millions. Come join us on Reformation Day to learn of our Christian heritage and the principles that followed from this historic event.

Guest speakers:

Sola Scriptura- Kevin Thompson
Solus Christus- Pastor Jason Crenshaw
Sola Gratia- Pastor Dan Gibson
Sola Fide- Steve Roberstad
Soli Deo Gloria- Pastor Dan Gibson

Also: activities for children, food and fellowship

October 31, 6:00 PM

Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church
303 Vernal Ave, Milton
608-322-7779 for information

Is gun ownership a God-given right that ought to be protected at all costs?  As conservative politics is often times confused for Biblical theology, an insightful examination of the Scriptures is needed to clear up many misconceptions particularly when it comes to Christians and their guns…  So, join me this week as I offer seven Biblical principles concerning this issue.  This will be a live program, so free to join the conversation by dialing in at (347) 945-7171. 

Broadcast – Understanding Our Times

Website – http://www.blogtalkradio.com/understandingourtimes

Time – Saturday, October 24, at 6:00 pm EST/5:00pm CST

Length – 30 Minutes  

Call-in Number - (347) 945-7171

You can join us live Saturday evening at 6:00 pm EST, or download the broadcast in mp3 format at a time more convenient for you.

“Understanding Our Times” is an interactive, live Internet talk-radio show that focuses on current events from a distinctly Biblical worldview. Host Kevin Thompson offers listeners timely discussion of meaningful issues with a variety of different guests each week. Callers are encouraged to call (347) 945-7171 to listen or ask questions. The stream and archives are available at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/understandingourtimes. The show is live every Saturday evening at 6:00 p.m. Eastern/ 3:00 p.m. PT. The show is hosted on BlogTalkRadio.

Chuck Baldwin

I originally published this column back in January of 2005. Since then (and especially lately), many people have called and written with requests to republish it. So, with a few minor revisions, here it is.

More than thirty years as a student of American history, constitutional government, and the Holy Bible leads me to the conviction that the two major political parties in this country (at the national level) are equally culpable in stripping America of its founding principles. In my opinion, both the Democrat and Republican parties in Washington, D.C., have zero fidelity to the U.S. Constitution and zero respect for America’s foundational precepts.

In my studied opinion, neither the Democrat nor Republican Party (at the national level) has any intention of slowing the out-of-control expansion of government. Neither party has demonstrated any loyalty to preserving and protecting our constitutional form of government.

Like National Socialists and Soviet Socialists of old, the only thing that concerns Democrats and Republicans today is who is in power. Both are equally willing to destroy the freedoms and liberties of people without conscience or regret as long as their party remains in control.

I am absolutely convinced that without a renewed allegiance to constitutional government and State sovereignty, there can be no resolution to America’s current slide into socialism and oppression. Therefore, it is critical that we cast aside our infatuation with partisan politics and steadfastly stand firm for the principles of federalism and freedom, as did America’s founders.

Might you be a modern-day Minuteman who understands the principles of freedom and federalism? I offer the following test. Read it and see if you, too, are a Constitutionalist. (Yes, Martha, this is another Jeff Foxworthy spin-off.)

1. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that every congressman, senator, President, and Supreme Court justice is required to obey the U.S. Constitution.

2. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that before the United States invades and occupies another country, Congress must first declare war.

3. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe the federal government should live within its means, like everyone else is forced to do.

4. You might be a Constitutionalist if you think that taking away people’s liberties in the name of security is not patriotic, nor does it make the country more secure.

5. You might be a Constitutionalist if you would like to see politicians be forced to abide by the same laws they make everyone else submit to.

6. You might be a Constitutionalist if you understand that we have three “separate but equal” branches of government that are supposed to hold each other in check and balance.

7. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that the federal government has no authority to be involved in education or law enforcement, or in any other issue that the Tenth Amendment reserves to the States, or to the People.

8. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that gun control laws do nothing but aid and abet criminals while trampling the rights and freedoms of law-abiding citizens.

9. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that the income tax is both unconstitutional and immoral, and, along with the I.R.S. and the Federal Reserve, should be abolished.

10. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe the federal government had no authority to tell former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore that he could not display a monument containing the Ten Commandments in the Alabama Judicial Building in Montgomery; or to tell a Pace, Florida, high school principal that he could not pray before a meal.

11. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that Congress or the White House or any sovereign State is not required to submit to unconstitutional Supreme Court rulings.

12. You might be a Constitutionalist if you understand that freedom has nothing in common with illegal immigration.

13. You might be a Constitutionalist if you understand that outsourcing American jobs overseas is not good for America.

14. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that the United States should get out of the United Nations and get the United Nations out of the United States.

15. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that it is not unconstitutional for children in public schools to pray or read the Bible.

16. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that the Boy Scouts are not a threat to America.

17. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that the federal government should honor its commitments to America’s veterans and stop using U.S. military personnel as guinea pigs for testing drugs and chemicals.

18. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that U.S. troops should never serve under foreign commanders or wear the uniform or insignia of the United Nations, and that they must never submit to illegal orders, such as turning their weapons against American citizens, or confiscating the guns of U.S. citizens.

19. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that the federal government has no business bribing churches and faith-based organizations with federal tax dollars.

20. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that federal agents who murder American citizens should be held to the same laws and punishments that any other citizen would be held to. (Can anyone say, “Waco” and “Ruby Ridge”?)

21. You might be a Constitutionalist if you understand that NAFTA, GATT, the WTO, and the FTAA (and similar agreements) are disastrous compromises of America’s national sovereignty and independence.

22. You might be a Constitutionalist if you would like to see congressmen and senators be required to actually read a bill before passing it into law.

23. You might be a Constitutionalist if you understand that it is the job of government to protect and secure God-given rights, not use its power to take those rights away.

24. You might be a Constitutionalist if you understand that there is nothing unconstitutional about the public acknowledgement of God and our Christian heritage.

25. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that government bailouts and “stimulus” expenditures defy virtually every principle of free enterprise and are a flagrant leap into socialism.

26. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that airport screeners have no business touching women’s breasts, using sophisticated machinery to look through passengers’ clothing to see their naked bodies, confiscating fingernail clippers, or denying pilots from carrying handguns.

27. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that many public schools’ “zero-tolerance” policies are just plain stupid.

28. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that parents have a right to homeschool their children.

29. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that governmental seizure of private property is plain, old-fashioned thievery.

30. You might be a Constitutionalist if you are personally determined to not submit to any kind of forced vaccination.

31. You might be a Constitutionalist if you oppose any kind of national health insurance.

32. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that U.S. troops are not the world’s policemen, that they are not “nation-builders,” and that their purpose is only to defend American lives and property, not to be the enforcement arm of international commercial interests or global elitists.

33. You might be a Constitutionalist if you understand that the county Sheriff is the highest law enforcement officer of his district and that federal law enforcement (much of which is unconstitutionally organized, anyway) is obligated to submit to his authority.

34. You might be a Constitutionalist if you are determined to oppose America’s merger with any kind of regional, hemispheric, or international government, such as the North American Union.

35. You might be a Constitutionalist if you oppose sending billions of taxpayer dollars as foreign aid; the U.S. State Department meddling into the private affairs of foreign countries; and ubiquitous foreign entanglements that require vast sums of money, create animosity and hostility towards us, and expose us to foreign wars and conflicts in which we have no national interest.

36. You might be a Constitutionalist if you would like to meet one single congressman or senator besides Ron Paul who acts as if he or she has ever read the U.S. Constitution.

Well, how did you fare? Are you a Constitutionalist? If so, your country desperately needs you to stand up and fight for freedom’s principles before they are forever taken from us. This means never again voting for anyone–from any party–who will not preserve, protect, and defend the U.S. Constitution. So, don’t just take the test; make the pledge!

*If you appreciate this column and want to help me distribute these editorial opinions to an ever-growing audience, donations may now be made by credit card, check, or Money Order. Use this link:

http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/donate.php

© Chuck Baldwin

This column is archived as http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/c2009/cbarchive_20091020.html

Chuck Baldwin is Founder-Pastor of Crossroads Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida. Dr. Baldwin is also the host of a lively, hard-hitting syndicated radio talk show  “Chuck Baldwin Live” and was the Constitution Party nominee for President in 2008. 

To learn more about his radio talk show please visit his web site at: www.chuckbaldwinlive.com. When responding, please include your name, city and state.