Month: January 2019

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CLARITY – 1-31-19 Not Just a Favorite

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 1-31-19

Not Just a Favorite

What’s Happening: “Legislation that allows for public schools to offer courses on the Bible, taught as literature and that can pass First Amendment muster, have been proposed and is up for debate in six states. Trump has said previously that the Bible was his favorite book (https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-boosts-bills-teach-favorite-book-bible-public-schools-220638186.html). ‘Nothing beats the Bible…not even the Art of the Deal,’ Trump said on the 2015 campaign trail.”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “I’ll bet the ACLU has jumped on this!”

Biblical Response:  “Yep! You better believe it! But ultimately they’ll fail…I mean, who really opposes God and succeeds? My feelings? Teach all religions…Christianity will prevail. It doesn’t really matter whether Christianity, or Islam, or Hinduism, or Native American spiritism is taught….Christianity’s inherent superiority will ultimately prevail...or it’s not the truth (John 8:32)! Our Founders knew that and that’s why the First Amendment shows no governmental preference. It’s just not necessary. Besides, the fact remains that the Bible is, and has always been, the number one influence on Western Civilization (2 Tim. 3:16-17).”

“Christians? Of course we should favor these bills. We surely want the truth being taught to our kids.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us with Your favor to author and pass all attempts to teach the truth; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like; just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com/. He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent

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CLARITY – 1-30-19 No Guarantees

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 1-30-19

No Guarantees

What’s Happening: “Pakistan’s Supreme Court yesterday refused to reconsider the lower court’s acquittal of Asia Bibi who has spent 8 years on death row for blasphemy. Her alleged heinous crime? Drinking from the same water cup as a practicing Muslim. It is important to note that the court did not overturn the antiquated and religiously-biased blasphemy law, but cited conflicting witness accounts. Her attorney had to seek asylum because of death threats against him (https://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=WA19A58&f=WU19A20). She may get to relocate now…but she has to get out of the country alive first.”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Just for drinking from the same cup?! I’m glad I don’t live in Pakistan!”

Biblical Response:  “Yeah! Can you believe it?! And it’s not the only Muslim nation that has such laws. To think we are seriously contemplating Sharia Law in some states makes me tremble. That’s why I’m against any state establishment of religion…Christianity or otherwise. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of religion (not freedom from religion). Christianity needs no ‘leg up.’ It should prevail (and will – Matt. 16:18). It’s inherent superiority will win out…not the hyper-religious church that pretends their volume can make up for their lack of absolute truth; not any group that makes up with sincerity what is lacked in reality…I mean the real deal…the Church that Jesus died for.”

“Christians? We live in a ‘fallen world.’ There are no guarantees…if you live in the U.S. or Pakistan. We should pray for Asia’s safety (Rom. 12:15), but she (or you) should have no unreasonable expectations. Not pessimistic… just realistic. That’s why heaven is so anticipated!”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to be aware of others’ plights, fight for the right, and trust in Your help; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like; just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com/. He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent

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CLARITY – 1-29-19 False Franchise

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 1-29-19

False Franchise

What’s Happening: “A recent study has revealed there are 95,000  ‘non-U.S-citizens’ voters that have been fraudulently registered in Texas. This should be a source of extreme consternation as 58,000 have voted since 1996…so says Secretary of State David Whitley after a year-long evaluation. Long a concern for lawmakers, voter photo ID laws have been recently passed (http://www.gopusa.com/?p=64110?omhide=true). ‘Integrity and efficiency of elections in Texas require accuracy of our state’s voter rolls…,’ Whitley said.”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “58,000? That’s no big deal with the millions of Texas voters…and that’s since 1996!”

Biblical Response:  “Really? At 15.7 million registered voters in Texas, that’s only 2.7% if that was just one election…so, not very influential you might be thinking…except for those elections that were won by only a few votes (I’m thinking the Vermont Senate in 1996…won by 2 votes, the US Senate Democratic Primary Runoff in 1948…won by 87 votes, and the 2000 Presidential Race…won by only 537 votes…nationally!) One vote counts.”

“Christians? We believe that every single individual counts (Rev. 21:26-27). We also believe that once you’re in…YOU’RE IN (2 Tim. 1:12).  And sometimes we believe we are the only one holding up a righteous standard…but we’re wrong (1 Kings 19:14-18).”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to foster integrity within and without; and help us never to assume we fight alone; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like; just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com/. He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent

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CLARITY – 1-28-19 Missing?

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 1-28-19

Missing?

What’s Happening: “The death toll in the wake of the collapse of Dam #6 in Brumadinho, Brazil has risen to 58, with over 300 still reported as missing, Sunday. The dam held back the iron ore mining waste of a mine operated by Vale, a Brazilian company. Search for the missing has resumed after it was called off for fear of another dam collapsing. The other dam was owned by the same company…it has now been declared as safe (https://www.yahoo.com/news/latest-israeli-searchers-help-brazil-dam-collapse-092504619.html) Rescue teams as far away as Israel have come to locals’ aid.”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “That’s down in Brazil…not my problem.”

Biblical Response:  “It might not be ‘your’ problem, but you sure would be singing a different tune if it was your house being buried by mud. Like has been said before, ‘all tragedy is local.’ Let me add to the list of altruisms: ‘everyone experiences a tragedy sometime.’ If it isn’t mud, it’s a tornado (mine, in 2011). If not a tornado, it’s sickness (2 brainstem strokes in 2009). If not sickness, it’s the death of a loved one (I preached my father’s funeral in 1994). If not the death of a loved one, it’s divorce in your family…or a hurricane…or a bankruptcy or whatever (BTW, I’ve been through all the aforementioned). God is still God and I am not He.  By the way, He knows where those ‘missing’ are…so I guess they aren’t missing to Him..”

“Christians? We are called to have a different perspective…about tragedy and time. First: tragedy. We are to ‘weep with those who weep’ ((Rom. 12:15). But we are not to show our empathy in tears only. Ours must be more practical than that (James 2:16-17)

Concerning time? We must remember the following formula to put things in their proper perspective: 120 (Gen. 6:3) /eternity= life in perspective. We all are here for only the blink of an eye (Is. 40:7).”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, everyone under the age of 30 thinks they are going to live forever. Help us to view life in perspective; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like; just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com/. He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent

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CLARITY – 1-26-19 Bloody Coup

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 1-26-19

Bloody Coup

What’s Happening: “Twenty-six (so far) have been killed and more than 350 have been arrested in Venezuela in the dispute that questions the legitimacy of the Maduro administration. Nicolas Maduro was re-elected in what many call a ‘sham election’ last year…an election challenged by protesters and Juan Guaido, Venezuela’s National Assembly head, who has proclaimed himself the interim president. He has already been recognized as the legitimate leader by the U.S. and Canada and the EU has given Maduro eight days to call a new election (https://www.yahoo.com/news/tensions-rising-venezuela-ahead-rival-protests-051825945.html).  Even Spain who has over 200,000 nationals in Venezuela has said, ‘If within eight days there are no fair, free and transparent elections called in Venezuela, Spain will recognize Juan Guaido as Venezuelan president.’’  

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Yeah, but doesn’t Mexico recognize Maduro?”

Biblical Response:  “Yes, and so does Russia. So? If Maduro is allowed to remain (or arrests Guido), the coup will only get bloodier. No one can be allowed to claim legitimacy by force…which is what Maduro will be guilty of if allowed to retain leadership…especially in the Western Hemisphere.”

“Christians? We are not unfamiliar with bloody coups. The death of Christ on the cross (Rom. 5:8-11) was the beginning of a bloody coup (and His resurrection sealed our victory) that in some areas continues to this day. Thankfully, His legitimate reign does not depend on anyone’s recognition.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to be on the right side of history in Christ’s coup…and in Venezuela’s; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like; just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com/. He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent

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CLARITY – 1-25-19 Silent, But Not Inactive

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 1-25-19

Silent, But Not Inactive

What’s Happening: “You’ve seen little of Sarah Sanders lately, and that may be by design. The President told her ‘not to bother’ and she seems to have taken that to heart…only appearing twice in October, once each in November and December, and not at all since then (https://conservativebuzz.net/no-more-press-briefings-for-sanders/). Talk about ‘controlling the narrative!’In this era of Fake News, it’s hard to blame Trump or Sanders. ‘Nick Sandmann and the students of Covington have become symbols of Fake News and how evil it can be,’ Trump said. ‘They have captivated the attention of the world, and I know they will use it for the good – maybe even to bring people together. It started off unpleasant, but can end in a dream!”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Don’t we need the media’s input?”

Biblical Response:  “Yes, but only the UNVARNISHED input. It’s one thing to comment on facts, and another thing to make the facts up to fit your design. When you cannot rely on the news’ narrative being true, you arrive at false conclusions. FEAR has been acronymically defined as: ‘False Evidence Appearing Real.’ Maybe that’s why conclusions drawn (and actions taken) often are done impulsively…more of a ‘Knee-Jerk reaction’ than a carefully thought out response.”

“Christians? If the ‘truth will set you free’ (John 8:32), lies will enslave. We should not think silence, however, is lack of interest or activity (either on Sarah Sanders part or God’s). The four hundred years from Malachi (the last book of the Old Testament) to Matthew (the first book of the New Testament) were not really silent, though they are often labelled the Silent Years; it’s just that God was speaking through actions and circumstances. Equally eloquent, no doubt.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to be attentive and discerning, however You choose to speak; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like; just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com/. He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent

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CLARITY – 1-24-19 Recognized

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 1-24-19

Recognized

What’s Happening: “You may not have heard of him, but 35-year-old Juan Guaido is the newly recognized interim leader of Venezuela…at least so says the US, Canada, and dozens of other countries…(https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/statement-president-donald-j-trump-recognizing-venezuelan-national-assembly-president-juan-guaido-interim-president-venezuela/). Quoting Guaido: ‘Violence is the usurper’s weapon; we only have one clear action: to remain united and firm for a free Venezuela.’ To say ‘he has his work cut out’ may be an understatement. It has been recently reported that inflation rates have reached two million percent! To put that in terms the average person can grasp, imagine a cup of coffee going from 50 cents to $800.00!”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “I’m glad I live in the U.S.”

Biblical Response:  “True, but it’s a tragedy for the 30 Million that live there (though the recent mass exodus to neighboring Columbia may have decreased that somewhat – heck, some of them are no doubt in the next caravan). Will Gen. Maduro (‘elected’ in a highly suspicious election last May) have him arrested? It’s complicated (if it weren’t, he’d already be incarcerated). The opposition might riot worse if he is detained…though Maduro would be rid of a thorn to his socialist rule. That Maduro still has the loyalty of military leaders and their Supreme Court, only makes the tension higher.”

“Christians? In addition to the prayers that should go up (Phil. 4:6), we should be cautiously optimistic. However, unless God has transformed the heart, self-rule doesn’t go very well (2 Pet. 2:10-11). Still, the rule of law and a good Bible-based Constitution has served us well these last 232 years.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to back the right man’s play…the only thing worse than opposing God and failing, is opposing Him and succeeding…and He might just let us have our way…even when we’re wrong…Lord, help us; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like; just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com/. He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent

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CLARITY – 1-23-19 Most Quoted

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 1-23-19

Most Quoted

What’s Happening: “Judge Paul Ridgeway refused to certify that the North Carolinian Republican Representative was elected in the last contested race of 2018. Mark Harris was supposedly elected by a close 905-vote margin (though there is some dispute that third parties may have collected and submitted some Absentee Ballots – there is an investigation into this and the result is what the judge awaits). The opposition contests the results of the election (https://www.yahoo.com/news/judge-rejects-republicans-bid-certified-winner-north-carolina-181426188.html).’”Certification is not appropriate until the investigation into the protest is concluded by final decision,” Judge Ridgeway said.”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Are we still quibbling over 2018?!”

Biblical Response:  “Yes, and the North Carolina constituency deserves the person they truly selected…so getting it right IS important. Judging whether Mark Harris (or his competitor) was elected is what Judge Ridgeway has been charged to certify, though there are many who would shrink back from that task. In fact, the most quoted verse in the Bible is: “Judge not…” (from Matt. 7:1). Few people quote the rest of the verse, and the first parts’ context: “…that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. (Matt. 7:1-2 KJV). The verse is not saying we are not to judge, but to not judge HYPOCRITICALLY, In fact, we are called to judge (1 Cor. 6:3).”

“Christians? We make judgments everyday (should we buy this product or that… Let’s compare prices and ingredients… we contemplate). Justice may be blind, but every jury is asked to weigh the evidence and make a JUDGEMENT…with their eyes and ears open. Knowing this, should make us pray for our judges.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us not to judge too hastily or hypocritically…and to pray for those who judge…and not to shrink back from that job, if selected; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like; just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com/. He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent

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CLARITY – 1-22-19 Multi-generational

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 1-22-19

Multi-generational

What’s Happening: “Some estimate 126 Afghan Army forces were killed when a Taliban suicide bomber detonated a car bomb yesterday in Maidan Shahr military base in Maidan Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Trump recently announced he wanted to pull troops out of Syria and Afghanistan, but Senator Lindsey Graham thinks it might be premature (https://www.yahoo.com/news/taliban-attack-military-kills-more-135415361.html). ‘To those who believe they should do more and America should do less, that’s coming true. One thing I can tell President Trump and the American people is that we are still needed. It is in our interests to see this through,’ Senator Graham said.”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Yeah, but what if ‘seeing this through’ is too costly?”

Biblical Response:  “If it’s too costly we shouldn’t have begun in the first place. Taking your question a little more philosophically, I’m sure we started this ‘attack of the Taliban’ because they were involved in 9/11. Our goal should have had a long-term, a longer-term component, and a short-term one. The military option should have been short-term and our goal should have been to make it too costly to the Taliban to ever contemplate attacking us again (or harbor those who do – I’m thinking Osama Bin Laden). Long-term, we should have been seeking regime change…longer-term we should have been seeking ideology change. One is political, the other (the latter) is spiritual. When Gen.MacArthur became temporary president of Japan (at the close of WWII), he called the church in America to immediately send 3,000 missionaries (BTW, we sent 3). He knew what would be required long-term..”

“Christians? Are we prepared for such a task? Probably not, not that our government is wise enough – and it’s now not politically correct – to make such a request. What are we to do? Take it upon ourselves. After all, we’ve already been given the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20).”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, we need Your courage to do what may cost us plenty…but then it cost You, too: in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like; just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com/. He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent

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CLARITY – 1-21-19 Unity Amidst Disunity

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 1-21-19

Unity Amidst Disunity

What’s Happening: “Two states, North Carolina and Michigan, have extended invitations to President Trump to deliver his State of the Union Address, the Wall Street Journal reported today. Normally delivered in January at the U.S. House of Representatives at the invitation of the Speaker, Nancy Pelosi has urged Trump rather to do render it in writing, citing security concerns due to the government shutdown (https://www.westernjournal.com/trump-gets-another-offer-deliver-state-union-away-dc/?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=newsletter-WJ&utm_campaign=dailyam&utm_content=western-journal). Tim Moore, the Republican Speaker of the North Carolina legislature, said: ‘I also believe taking your message outside our nation’s gilded capital to a state government venue reflects the priorities of your administration…’”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Can’t we all just agree to disagree?”

Biblical Response:  “That’s way too mature for either Nancy or Donald…seriously, it’s a little more complicated than that… What both sides really want is victory in the 2020 elections. The Dems still can’t believe that Trump is President, and see the shutdown as further proof that he shouldn’t be; the GOP wants to have a chance at further rule and are sure the Dems are just after opening a path to more votes (giving illegal immigrants the vote/citizenship). The last time the nation was so divided was the Civil War.”

“Christians? Oh, we’re for unity alright…but not at the expense of integrity. Truly, ‘every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation’ (Matt. 12:25). At the same time, integrity cannot be sacrificed (Titus 2:7). Irreconcilable differences…an essential ingredient to any famously successful marriage.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, we need Your help to navigate these troubled waters; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like; just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com/. He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent