Political Mantra
(Just Preach the Gospel – Don’t Get Involved in Politics!)
In our October prayer letter, I exposed and challenged some of the moral mantras of the corrupted “new morality.” This month I choose to challenge and expose a “politically correct” mantra that even some Christian leaders are promoting. Have you heard that Christians – especially leaders – should not be involved in politics? The fact is that as Americans living in this republic given to us by our founding fathers, we are already involved in politics! Have you never heard that our republic is “government of the people, by the people, for the people”? My dictionary says that the root meaning of the word “politic” is “of a citizen” and that “political liberty” means “the right to participate in determining the form, choosing the officials, making the laws, and carrying on the functions of one’s government.” Does the fact that I am a Christian reduce or increase my responsibility to be a good husband? Isn’t the answer obvious from the Word of God? So, does being a Christian reduce or increase my responsibility to be a good citizen? Isn’t the answer obvious?
I have heard and read repeatedly that a huge portion of the “evangelical voting block” in USA does not vote. Why not? Because many believers don’t want to get involved since “politics is a dirty business” – (and let’s be honest) partially because of lazy neglect. Concerning the “dirty business” excuse: mucking out stalls is also dirty business (it stinks!), but when I was a kid visiting one of my uncles’ farms, I helped clean out stalls. Why? Because it needed to be done – that’s why!
If you are a Christian and a non-voter – Wake up! Realize that our founding fathers, who built this country on Biblical principles, risked their lives, and pledged their lives, their property, and their sacred honor to give us the privilege to vote. Since then, thousands of dedicated Americans have sacrificed their lives to preserve this right and privilege for us. Don’t we care? Are we going to fiddle while our country burns? If you want more input on this subject, please see our October 2020 issue on our website. Also, you may want to check iVoter Guide at ivoterguide.com or afa.net.
Eric Metaxas’ radio broadcast follows “Breakpoint” at 2:00 p.m. weekdays on AM 790 in Boise, and he says repeatedly that if we do not speak up now against the evil of this Marxist takeover of America – then we are as guilty as the Germans (including pastors) who cowered in fear and kept silent as the Marxist Nazis took over their country and exterminated millions of Jews, Gypsies, and others. I urge you to get his newest book, Letter to the American Church, read it and share it! Here are some of the reviews: “I personally think this is Eric Metaxas’s most important book for us today.” – Erwin Lutzer, pastor emeritus, The Moody Church, Chicago. “Even though Dietrich Bonhoeffer is dead, like Abel, he still speaks. In Letter to the American Church, Eric Metaxas has given him a megaphone. We would do well to heed this five-bell alarm.” – Anne Graham Lotz, author of eleven books, including Just Give Me Jesus. “Letter to the American Church is historically informed, biblically sound, and-I believe – ‘Spirit-directed.’” Allen Jackson, senior pastor of World Outreach Church, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
The Rainbow
The rainbow flag has become the symbol of parading perversity down main streets. The rainbow itself is God’s symbol! It was and is the sign of His covenant with Noah – and all his descendants that He will never again destroy the earth with a world-wide flood. So, God’s symbol is a reminder of God’s judgment on corrupted culture that was saturated with violence and “the thoughts of men’s hearts were only evil continually.” Jesus said: “As the days of Noah were, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be.” Another world-wide Judgment is coming – and the next time it will be with fire! Are you ready?
“The Devil Made Me Do It!”
A naughty boy cursed his little sister, hit her with a stick, and then spit in her face. His mom took away the stick, scolded him severely, and told him he was acting like the devil. The boy responded: “The devil made me do it when I cursed her and hit her with the stick, but spitting in her face was my own idea!” (I can’t take any credit for this story – I heard it on a Greg Laurie broadcast.)
What are we to learn from this? It’s easy to make excuses and blame someone else for our own sins – even if it is the devil, but sometimes we even want to parade our sins and crow about them! Isn’t it time to give careful, prayerful attention to this portion of God’s inspired Word? “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.” James 1:13-16 (NKJV)
Calling Public Servants to Accountability
This month I’m sharing with you a copy of the letter I’ve sent to Senator Mike Crapo and other Republican leaders here in Idaho. Also, to remind all of us to vote for those who will best uphold the Biblical standards this nation was built upon. This amazing privilege we have to vote was purchased for us by the blood, sweat, and tears of our founding fathers and U.S. military!
Good morning, Senator Crapo,
Did you listen to Kevin Miller’s program Friday a.m.? I hope so! It was vitally important, especially in view of the looming “Pride Parade” in Boise. If you heard it, do you agree with “Liberal Steve” and “Roan the Satanist” – or much more with Chairwoman Dorothy Moon of the Idaho GOP and the caller who wants Idaho to remain a Red State and Americans to remain Americans?
Now I have a few questions for you to ponder and reply to:
- Do you fully agree with the founders of our former great nation that our inalienable rights come from our Creator – not from government? If so – what are you doing to prevent government from continuing to destroy our constitutional rights?
- Why should any state under the Constitution of USA tolerate the promotion of perversion – especially taking pride in perversion? Adrian Rogers so pertinently said that sin that formerly slinked hidden in back alleys now proudly parades down our main streets. And back in the 1980’s, Billy Graham said that if God does not judge America, He would need to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah!
- Since our founding fathers never attempted to separate God from government – and founded our nation on Biblical principles, I am wondering if you know what the Word of God says about – 1st – Pride. Here it is: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18; “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.”1 John 2:16 (NKJV) 2nd – Perversion. Here it is: “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination. Nor shall you mate with any animal, to defile yourself with it. Nor shall any woman stand before an animal to mate with it. It is perversion. ‘Do not defile yourselves with any of these things; for by all these the nations are defiled, which I am casting out before you.’” Leviticus 18:22-24; “The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand. A man will be commended according to his wisdom, but he who is of a perverse heart will be despised.” Proverbs 12:7-8; “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (NKJV) Our God is able!
- Do you realize that the LGBTQ agenda is the strongest branch of Marxism? What are you doing to stop the “Pride Parades”? Are you courageous enough to stand up and speak out for truth and righteousness? Or are you willing to slink behind lame excuses like the theologians, pastors and politicians who refused and neglected to stop Hitler and the Nazis when they still could have?
- Do we have anyone in Idaho besides Ammon Bundy and Russ Fulcher who have the perception and courage of a Dietrich Bonhoeffer?
- Isn’t it high time to weed out the RINOs from the Idaho Republican Party by demanding that anyone who campaigns under the GOP flag must adhere to the Republican Party platform? When can we expect to see the GOP actually once again be the Grand Old Party?
- Do you recognize that the Marxist takeover of America is already in the final stages? We are now in the last days of our republic if we do not have the guts to stand against all her enemies – both foreign and domestic! What are you doing about it? Please RSVP!
Respectfully (I hope), Rick Deighton
Reflections on the 9/11 Attacks and War in Ukraine
Our God of All Comfort Transforms Tragedy to Triumph and Builds Bonds of Brotherhood
“Good morning, Vlad (Devakov),
I’ve been listening to the repeat broadcasts of the tragic events of the 9/11 attacks 21 years ago – and they remind me of you. Why? Because you sent us an email soon after the original reports as your consolation to us (and other American friends) – and you shared with us that your tears were dropping on the keyboard as you typed. Your heart of compassion touched our hearts deeply – something we will never forget (and don’t want to forget). Thank you! (As I was writing this, my nose was about to drip, and I didn’t have a handkerchief handy – so now my sleeve is wet! 😊).
Vlad, you are in our hearts and our prayers – as are so many other special friends from Ukraine. Your heart must be continually broken over all the bloodshed and heartache in your home country.
Tolerate the Intolerable?
Here is a straightforward question to our crooked culture: Do Christians become intolerable to you when we refuse to tolerate the intolerable? Do you understand – or do you need examples – such as men pretending to be women and demanding access to women’s restrooms and shower rooms, as well as demanding the right to participate in women’s sports in order to steal their trophies? The Word of God says: “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil, hold fast to what is good.” Romans 12:9 (ESV) Our corrupted culture trumpets toleration of evil – but God tells us to abhor what is evil! What does abhor mean? My dictionary says: “to shrink from in fear, disgust, or hatred” – and the word abhorrent means “something repugnant.” So, if you want to glorify “something repugnant” – that is up to you, but God’s Word says, “We ought to obey God rather than men!”
Here is another question: How can the “woke” crowd be the champions of women’s rights, yet not be able to define what a woman is? And in case your brain has gone to sleep and you have been subtly convinced by corrupted culture that intolerance is a terrible evil – here is another question: Do you want your bank to be tolerant or intolerant of counterfeit money?
From Our Mailbox
An Excerpt from Samaritan’s Purse Report:
“Someday, when this war is over, we want people to remember that it was the church that cared for them and helped meet their needs in the Name of Jesus. This is already evident in one of Ukraine’s larger cities, which bore the brunt of Russia’s initial siege but was liberated in May. Churches are busy in the war-scarred streets, delivering food from Samaritan’s Purse to demonstrate the love of God.
‘There is a great awakening in Ukraine right now,’ a local pastor told our team. ‘God can turn evil into good. People are turning to God now. Where there is trouble and pain, there is now divine love and care. God is here. No war in the world and no circumstances in life can affect God’s love for us.’”
Franklin Graham, Update/September
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“Rick, while I was thankful to receive your printed materials that you sent – and I thank you for them – and especially thankful to receive your note – yet at the same time I was saddened to learn of Della’s increased pain level – I had truly hoped that the natural remedies that she had begun to take would be used by my Dear Lord to give her some much needed relief. And I do pray for you both each day – and especially for my Lord’s grace and healing for her neuropathy.
And I thank you so very much for the sermon CDs – and so, so much for the book, God’s Global Grace Movement. It is certainly encouraging to read of how our Great God is moving and working in hearts and lives even in these dark days in which we live.
And I am thankful for you, my brother – for your bold and articulate stance and writings – whether concerning the Ukraine or our government and 21st century culture or the truthfulness of the creation-flood accounts in the first 11 chapters of Genesis. May my Beloved Lord continue to bless you and Della.
Ken Morris”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Good morning, Bruce (Malone)! (My message to him.)
I just finished reading your book, Brilliant, this morning (by reading a few pages a day during my quiet time alone with our Creator). Your book itself is brilliant – and your evidence is ’beyond a reasonable doubt’ – therefore undeniable! Thank you! Also, thank you for refusing to ‘dogmatically predict the timing of future events’! I still have extra copies on hand, and I hope to pass one of them on to Christopher Mansayon, who is the son of our friend, Adrian. Please pray!
May the resurrected Lord Jesus be always your joy, your hope, your comfort, your strength and victory! May you come to know Him deeper, love Him dearer and follow Him nearer!
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all peace and joy as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
Respectfully yours & His, Rick
Reply from Bruce: “Rick, thank you for your constant encouragement. I turned 65 this year with lots of minor but increasing aches and pains. Fallen nature of creation is slowly falling on me. Only the Lord knows but realistically I have maybe 10 to 15 years, at best, of high energy ministry. Pray I am able to use it wisely in the way the Lord wills. He has opened so many doors in the last 30 years and our ministry is the busiest it’s ever been. Thank you for your friendship and may the Lord bless you in amazing ways.
Bruce and Robin”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“Seems I spend most of my time praying anymore!! However I’m so VERY crippled & unable to do much anymore in regard to physical activity. Thus, I have PLENTY of time to pray!! Which I definitely DO!!! I praise my Heavenly Father that he’s still blessing me with a clear mind & memory! My kids & grandkids keep telling me I have a sharper mind & memory than THEY do!!
I CONSTANTLY am praying for ALL of you, your friends who need prayers as well AND precious Ukraine friends!! Sharon (Gwin, my cousin)”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“Beloved brothers and sisters,
Thank you so much for all your fraternal care, your sacrificial help, and your unceasing prayers! We experience its power all the time! With great joy, I present you the Christian Center for Science and Apologetics 2022 September newsletter.
Recent weeks were a great time of praises and elation in the Lord. After half a year of online communication only, everyone was missing personal fellowship and interaction! And now, despite the regular air raid alerts and other inconveniences related to the war, we can see our friends and coworkers face to face.
We had extremely joyful retreat with our content development team in the city of Rivne. They continue to do a great job despite all the troubles. All the resources are uploaded online immediately. Our audience across the globe use them for missions, adult and children Bible studies, reading and sharing. It is actually a miracle, but against all the odds, we have got two new books off the press! The target date was in March. All the logistics, plans and opportunities changed drastically after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Nevertheless, slowly but surely, the work continued and came to the completion. May the Lord be praised!
The date planned for the Reliable Foundations online apologetics club was February 26th. On that date, however, the invader’s troops were just 10 miles away from Kyiv and sabotage units in the city already. Now we have started the main project of the year! May the Lord be praised! The situation changed a lot compared to the pre-war times. The questions people ask shifted considerably. Therefore we have changed the topic of the first meeting. It was “The good Creator of the evil world.” We discussed the burning question: why the Lord allows the issues we face to happen, and how can we see His love and care even during the worst times?
The meeting was a hybrid format. Some were involved in class (twice more than we expected to come to the location outside the city!), and some followed online. We have later uploaded the YouTube version for those who are not able to join in time. The event went above all our expectations! May the Lord be praised! The next meeting, “Does God exist?” is scheduled for November 5th, DV. Please keep it in your prayers!
A breath of fresh air was also “The Book of Joyful Hope” seminar at the New Life church (one of the biggest in Kyiv) about the book of Revelation, as well as the first in a while actual Master level class of the Joint School of Apologetics. The course “Practical Christian Ethics” was also planned in the same hybrid format. Though only four students were in class, a lot of the audience joined the streaming across Europe – from Ukraine to Portugal. May the Lord be praised! Please pray with us for those faithful students of Him who continue to learn despite the troubles. May they be good teachers in accordance with our 2 Timothy 2:2 major strategy!
We are in the final stages of the most urgent part of our facilities’ outdoor renovation – the water resistance and the supporting pillars fixing and reinforcement (another winter would be quite challenging for them otherwise). In the hope of the facilities’ safety, we decided to go ahead with the rest of the renovation to finish it by the winter. Please pray for it.
We are thankful for the care of the humanitarian needs at the country. Due to the targeted help we were able to provide to a nursing home that could not evacuate during times of danger, our partner church at the area is able to do regular worship services there. May the Lord be praised!
Please continue to pray for our teammates who defend our land. They are at the hottest spot in the Northeast of the country. May the Lord protect them!
Please pray for Ukraine, for the Lord’s intervention in the midst of troubles, for many people in other countries who care and help, for the lives of soldiers and civilians, and for the peace in our country! Most of all, please pray for the Lord’s guidance to us in these difficult times.
Yours by the grace of Jesus, Sergei”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“Dear Rick: October 6, 2022
Greetings from the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute! It was good to hear from you again, as always. Thank you for sending your October newsletter along with the enclosed September and October issues of The Knowlesletter. You are a resource source, without a doubt! 🙂 In the opening section of your letter, that you addressed the topic of moral relativity (illogical as it is) brought to mind an article titled “The Myth of Moral Neutrality” (a very similar notion) that I thought you might appreciate seeing.
On another note (as you are all too aware), there is so much going on in the world these days that warrants an obvious need for prayer – in America, Israel, Ukraine, Afghanistan, just to name a few (and, of course, there are more!). The commitment to prayer that you have demonstrated is not unlike the perspective that Dr. Dobson holds – the two of you are kindred spirits in that regard. Along related lines, this past Sunday a guest preacher at our church had 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 as his text:
‘For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us, you also joining in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many.’ (NASB)
Ideas that he surfaced included the occurrence of afflictions as highlighting our need for depending on God and the value of praying in community (“helping us through your prayers”). For anyone who may wonder if prayer really is effective, here is one instance where we find an explicit statement to that effect. Being reminded of what we already know (as Peter put it) is an encouragement.
Again, thanks for keeping in touch and for your faithful friendship. If we ever can assist you in any way, please let us know. May the Lord continue to bless you and Della, and may He work in your lives in tangible ways for His glory and your good in the days ahead!
Sincerely, David Harleyson, Office of the President
The Power of Redemption
How could God use people who were guilty of terrible, flagrant sins? David is an example–the Psalmist, the sweet singer of Israel and hero of Israel, when he became king he also became lax, proud, and lustful – so much so that he became a polygamist, a liar, an adulterer, and a murderer! But when God sent Nathan to use a touching story to confront him – David repented – deep, genuine repentance – as evidenced by Psalm 32 and Psalm 51. Saul of Tarsus is another potent example. Can God actually use corrupted, sinful people? Yes! If they truly, deeply repent and turn their lives over to Him. By the way – what other kind of people are there? Yes – Almighty God can draw straight lines with crooked sticks! “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:12-17 (NKJV) However, the fact that God can and does use formerly sinful people gives us no excuse to continue harboring our pet sin and shrug it off thinking, Oh, well, He will forgive me! “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” Colossians 3:1-14 (NKJV) Education, news reports, philosophy, psychology, etc. can inform us (or deform us by misinformation), but only the Spirit of God through the Word of God can transform us! “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Colossians 2:8-10 (NKJV) It was the astounding power of redemption that inspired John Newton to write: “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me”!
THANK GOD For FREEDOM
I am exercising my God-given freedom of speech (and my right as a citizen of these United States) to express deep convictions. If you are offended – you have the right to publicly voice your opinion – on your own dime! I am under no obligation to publish what you write to me at our expense!
We Can Still Turn Back! – by Franklin Graham
“I believe that with God’s help, we can see our nation turn to Him once again in repentance and faith…. On Nov. 8, tens of millions of voters will head to polls across America in the most crucial midterm elections in recent history.
To say that much is at stake is a gross understatement. It isn’t just control of Congress; it may be our last chance to stop the immoral and ungodly policies that have brought our great nation to the moral brink of disaster.
The floodgates of Sodom and Gomorrah have seemingly swung wide open in the past two years. The spirit of antichrist is pervading our nation, hating the things of God. Many of our leaders now advocate for and defend such abominable behavior as same-sex marriage and gay rights. They are staunch supporters of transgenderism, which is nothing but a lie from hell. Those who flaunt this ungodly lifestyle are sold out and devoted to taking this lie as far as it can go, and reaching our children, the next generation, through our education system…” (©2022 Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Used with permission. All rights reserved.)
Note: If you want to read all of Franklin’s two-page article, you can receive a free copy from B.G.E.A, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201, or you can read it on their website.
“Dear Eagle Friend:
Many Americans are despondent about the direction of the United States and they just wring their hands, because they think that they are powerless. You are NOT powerless. More Americans agree with us; they just need to be encouraged and activated. We are the silent majority, but we should be the vocal majority. One job title in the new economy is “influencer’, which usually describes someone with a social media platform and lots of followers. Each and everyone of us is an influencer in our community. We have family, friends, colleagues, and casual acquaintances, even including the regular supermarket checker. Speak up and talk to the people you know—because they are craving leadership. The first step to leadership is to articulate ideas. Each of us knows hundreds of people who value and respect our ideas. It is time to use YOUR influence for the good of our country…” (Eagle Forum, October 2022)
Prayer Requests
1. Let’s pray for a massive turnout of godly voters with Biblical principles to turn out to vote in this crucial mid-term election.
2. Let’s earnestly pray for the war in Ukraine to end, for protection of Taiwan and for protection from another World War!
3. Let’s earnestly pray for wisdom, boldness, and protection of believers worldwide.
4. Let’s earnestly pray for Sergei Golovin to recover from serious illness (also for Della).
5. Senator Mike Crapo did send me a form letter with some good material about related issues, but he did not answer a single one of my questions, and I got no reply from the others. Let’s keep praying for him – and the other Republican leaders I wrote to.
6. Zhenya and his parents have arrived safely in Austria and are enjoying a wonderful reunion time with Natasha and their kids (Masha, Yan, and Jacob). Praise God!
7. Stephen has shared with us that the second huge shipping container of humanitarian aid for Ukraine is on the way, and they are working on a third container, which they hope will have lots of medical supplies (including first aid kits). Would you like to help? Please let us know!
8. Please pray with us that Americans will realize that we cannot make America great again – because we did not make her great in the first place – God did! Our only hope is in Jesus! Let’s pray for a massive spiritual awakening to that vital truth!
