The Watchman

The Marriage Debate Resolved

2008-11-06T13:19:00.001-05:00

I start thus: I am an Orthodox Christian who believes that marriage is a religious sacrament ordained by God, as a bond between a man and a woman. But, to those who support gay rights, don't be turned off yet. And, to those who are against this initiative, don't rest easy. I will not say what you think.

In Christianity the bond of marriage is between one man and one woman. For other faiths, there may be an allowance for multiple wives. Yet, that bond is still between male and female.

So, where does an Orthodox (and thus, conservative) Christian fall in this debate? On the side of religion of course. But, what does that mean?

Many are up in arms about Proposition 8 in California. This ballot item was dubbed as an effort to "protect marriage." The so-called "defense of marriage has been a heated debate. Here's a clip of the protests:

There is no reason for this argument. Marriage is a Sacrament of Religion...not of the State. If we truly want to "protect" marriage we would keep it out of the State and leave it in religion where it belongs. It is not homosexuality that is destroying marriage. It is the State, and the fact that we have abdicated that right to the State, that destroys marriage.

What is the solution? Abolish all marriage in the eyes of the State. Change everything to Civil Unions. There is the equality: heterosexuals would have Civil Unions and homosexuals would have Civil Unions. Transgenders would be entitled to Civil Unions.

Then leave marriage to the respective faiths. Let the individual religious sects and/or denominations decide who will and will not be granted a marriage. This way, everyone can enjoy Liberty - which is the promise of America, without violating any religious doctrine.

We do not need to be divided by this issue - regardless of our religious (or a religious) beliefs. We must allow people to respect religion, but we must also allow people to have no religion. If we disagree with their stance, we should pray for their hearts to be changed - not force them. But, that's my opinion...what's yours?

I'm keeping my eyes open. May the Lord keep the city, that my watching be not in vain.

Proposition 8

3 Years After Katrina...Already a Distant Memory

2008-08-30T15:31:00.003-05:00

On Aug. 29, 2005, the Gulf Coast - and New Orleans in particular - was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. The low death toll estimate is 1800 people. The high estimate is 4081. It may not be that high...but, I doubt it is as low as the government states. Why would they want us to know how many people perished because of their neglect and ineptitude?

The Jewish Mantra has been - "Never Forget." But, for some reason we (Black people) are quick to forget those atrocities inflicted upon our people. How many TV specials have you seen this week, remembering Hurricane Katrina and her victims? If not for Hurricane Gustav, do you think they would be any talk about Katrina?
Every September 11th, we are reminded of the atrocities of that day. We remember those whose lives were taken on that day. We are encouraged to remain vigilant against those things that led to (and caused) that day.

How many people died on that day? 2752.

2752 is only 952 more than the 1800 low estimate of Katrina deaths. And, 2752 is 1329 less than the 4081 high estimate of Katrina deaths.

The deaths caused by September 11th seemingly came from without. The deaths caused by Katrina - majority of them anyway - seemingly came from within. Against what should we be most vigilant?

Many have said: every great society is destroyed from the inside. Christ said: "it's not that which goes into the body which defileth a man, but that which flows out of the body." In other words, it's not that which attacks us that will destroy us. It's that which we do to ourselves.

And, because of our forgetfulness the Lord has sent Gustav as a reminder. 3 years after Katrina, we are still focused on the speck in our brothers' eye - ignoring the log in our own. Our infrastructure still crumbles, yet we're arguing over how best to strengthen the infrastructure of others. Will it take another 4000 lives?

Wake up - America - before it's too late. I'm keeping my eyes open. May the Lord keep the city, that my watching be not in vain.

Americans: Where are Your Priorities?

2007-09-29T13:59:00.000-05:00

After six months of fundraising, the candidates for president in 2008 have already raised more than $265 million. No presidential money chase has ever started so quickly. By some predictions, the eventual nominees will need to raise $500 million apiece to compete--a record sum. To find out where all this money is coming from, explore the options to the left. The next campaign finance reports are due to the Federal Election Commission by October 15, covering July through September. (See Here)

It's funny that we can raise hundreds of millions - and billions - of dollars for the presidential elections, and cannot find the money to provide healthcare, defeat poverty, end homelessness or solve any of the other social ills plaguing this Country and the world at large. What would really be impressive is if these candidates would accept public funding for their election and turn over all of their private funding to community based organizations.

It begs the question: what are our priorities? Will we feed the hungry, care for the orphans, and shelter the homeless? Or, will we give our money to politicians so they can be elected and ignore the needs of the needy?

I - myself - have given to elections before, but I have to question whether I should be giving in the future. I am compelled to remind you of the words of our Lord:

"...the King will turn to those on the left and say, 'Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his demons! For I was hungry, and you didn't feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn't give me anything to drink. I was a stranger, and you didn't invite me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me no clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn't visit me.'" (Matt. 25:41-43)

We are the cursed ones, focused on supporting a political system that denies access to those who cannot afford to participate, while we ignore the needs of the needy. $265 million is an outrageous sum of money! We could have done much good with that money. Every homeless person in the Country could have at least one weeks worth of clothing and food for the week. We could have provided healthcare for countless numbers of the uninsured.

We must reset our priorities before it is too late! I'm keeping my eyes open. May the Lord keep the city, that my watching be not in vain.

The Log in Our Own Eye - Pt. II

2007-09-25T16:41:00.000-05:00

We - Americans - are so busy trying to vilify Iran that we fail to see how we suffer from the same and/or similar ills.

For instance, we debate the issue of homosexuality in Iran - and the persecution of homosexuals. Do we not persecute them here, in America? We accuse Iran of having an environment where homosexuals are forced to live lives of secrecy, or face abuse. Are not homosexuals in America abused? Do they not face a "don't ask, don't tell" policy, which forces those in the military to live lives of secrecy? Did we not just have to extend hate crime protections to cover crimes against homosexuals?

At the U.N. General Assembly today, President Bush spoke of the need of other countries to honor the U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Yet, the same declaration requires all nations to promote self-government in its non self-governing territories. In the U.S., non self-governing territories would include the District of Columbia (where the vote was just denied), the U.S. Virgin Islands (where a federal case to assert the full U.S. citizenship rights of Virgin Islanders is being blocked by the Federal Government), Puerto Rico (where numerous assertions for equity have been suppressed), the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and Guam. So, how can we insist that other nations honor the Universal Declaration of Human Rights when we - ourselves - do no honor that declaration?

My brothers and sisters, the Word of God says "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, tells us to first remove the log from our own eye, then we will see clear to remove the speck from our brother. In other words, we are not without fault. When the Jews accused Mary Magdeline of sin, Christ stepped in an admonished them: "he who is without sin, let him cast the first stone." The adage of old still holds true: if you live in a glass house, you should not throw stones.

America, my beloved Country, we are in danger of toppling. It may be disguised as terror or epidemic, yet we will come to learn - as did the ancient Egyptians - that the hand of our Almighty God is against us. It pains me so, to see my Country blinded by such selfishness, disrespect and hate - May the Lord have mercy upon us!

I'm keeping my eyes open. May the Lord keep the city, that my watching be not in vain.

Are True Christians Filled with Hatred?

2007-09-24T14:06:00.000-05:00

I watched and listened to the speech by President Ahmadenejad today. This posting has nothing to do with the content of his speech at Columbia University. It deals with us - Americans - and our character.

I saw with horror, the "angry crowds" (CNN description) of protesters. And, was terrified to see the the association of people who claim to be Christians so charged with anger. Is it the Christian way to be judgmental, or angry, or hateful? Does Christ command us to be full of pride, to be arrogant? Does the Gospel permit us to be rude?

We are the bearers of God's peace. We are the new Israel, the new Jerusalem. We are the Lord's chosen people. What kind of example do we set? Christ said, in Matthew 5:43-48:

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

We must be tax collectors, because we only love those who we know love us. We hate those who we think hate us. We say it is fine to disrespect the President of Iran because of allegations and/or facts about the Iranian regime. As we were told as children, "two wrongs do not make a right."

We must be careful. I'm reading a book by Dr. R.C. Sproul: The Holiness of God. Dr. Sproul speaks of divine justice. In our arrogance, we forget that God demands that we be humble. We are absorbed in our way of life and flirt with danger. We are so arrogant that we forget God's justice. When God shows forth His justice and we reap His wrath, Dr. Sproul reminds us: "It is as if He (God) were saying, 'Be careful. While you enjoy the benefits of my grace, don't forget my justice."

In dealing with the speech of President Ahmadenejad, we must regard it through the lens of Christ; we must first remove the log from our own eye. We reprimand him because of various alleged abuses, yet our Nation has also committed such abuses. We debate over whether the President says that the Holocaust does not exist, yet President Bush could not - and will not - call the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade a crime against humanity. We accuse Iran of preventing all of its citizens from enjoying the benefits of freedom and democracy, yet Washington, D.C., the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and other U.S. Colonies do not enjoy those benefits.

So, I ask: are we pure enough to judge another?

The media asks: what did his speech today accomplish? I ask: what does our hate accomplish? Where does our tone lead us - if not to war? With the stance we take, do we really expect another result?

The Lord is not smiling at us. We misrepresent the cause of Christ, and He will not tolerate being vilified. We are attempting to pull His Holy Name down to our level, when we should be striving to climb up the ladder of divine ascent. Repent, for the days are short.

I'm keeping my eyes open. May the Lord keep the city, that my watching be not in vain.

President Bush: I agree - "to Destroy Human Life, in order to Preserve Human Life is Unethical"

2007-06-20T13:45:00.001-05:00

In your speech Mr. President, explaining your veto of the stem cell research enhancement bill, you stated that "to destroy human life, in order to preserve human life is unethical." You further stated that it was in fact "immoral." I agree with that statement, and applaud your stance in the face of such opposition.

I hope that in prayer you will see the merits of your statement. For, we destroy human life in Iraq - justifying it by stating that we must do so in order to preserve our lives - our freedom - here in America and in the land of our allies. As you said, "to destroy human life, in order to preserve human life is unethical." Indeed, it is immoral. Your own words convict you and compel you to change course.

I'm keeping my eyes open. May the Lord keep the city, that my watching be not in vain.

President Bush: Do Not Pardon Scooter Libby; Accept Responsibility for Your Actions

2007-06-19T10:36:00.000-05:00

Anyone with reason knows that Scooter Libby is the fall guy in this whole Valarie Plame scandal. And, we know where the buck stops. True, there is nothing we can do if President Bush and Vice President Cheney decide to shift the blame. Yet, we know that they will be held accountable by the Lord. For the sake of their souls, the President should confront his Vice President and direct him to hold himself accountable.

If indeed we are Christian, we must strive to lead by example. Yes, we will fall and do wrong things. Yet, we must confess our sins and change our ways. Mr. President, Mr. Vice President, the Lord has mercy enough for you. Even if the people are upset when you reveal the truth, God will be pleased. In the Grand Scheme, that's all that should matter.

Should Scooter Libby be pardoned? That depends. Does he realize that he was wrong? Is the sentence "too excessive?" That depends. Only God knows how long it will take him to repent. The important thing is that he repent. If Libby is released too early, he may miss his chance to repent and thus miss his blessing. I am more concerned that we all have a chance to enjoy our lives in eternity than enjoyment in this temporal life.

I'm keeping my eyes open. May the Lord keep the city, that my watching be not in vain.

Honor Your Mother and Your Father

2007-06-15T15:39:00.000-05:00

Your mother and your father are not simply the ones who gave you birth.

Today, I hear news of another elder care facility here in Washington, DC that is applying to close its doors. With that closure, the City's capacity to take care of its elderly residents would be less than 8%. "They" will cite many reasons to explain and justify this. But, it's quite telling and fits with the theme of gentrification...out with the old, in with the new.

I see the plans to change the demographic of this City. It has been majority Black for too long. So, now the push is to bring in younger and Whiter residents. If we cannot tend to our elders, we'll have to move out to PG County, Maryland (Montgomery County, MD and Northern Virginia are already too expensive). Once that move has occurred, it will make the City more attractive for White folks. The crime will be in PG County.

But, the Lord said to "honor your mother and your father, and it will go well for you." City leadership - whichever ones of you this applies to - your plans are deceptive, and you may profit in the short run, but it will not go well for you. He sees and knows, and He will hold you accountable...if not today, then at the day of your judgment. I'm keeping my eyes open. May the Lord keep the city, that my watching be not in vain.

Faith and Politics Forum: Is it really sincere?

2007-06-13T12:52:00.000-05:00

Now, faith is indeed an important thing. And, I do believe that our leaders should - themselves - be led by God, Who is superior to them. Yet, I cannot help but ask: is it sincere if you have to plan a forum where your spirituality is discussed?

Recently, the Democratic front-runners (Clinton, Obama & Edwards) participated in a forum where there were asked about their prayer life, Bible reading, Church going, other matters of faith and how those played into their political decisions. To me it appears a bit contrived. If my faith is sincere, it should speak to you without a special forum. Wherever I am, about whatever I speak, you should be able to conclude that I am a man of faith.

People - do not be deceived - the Democrats have a strategy to demonstrate that the Republicans are not the only Party that goes to Church. Because President Bush wore his faith on his sleeve and that appealed to Bible Belt voters, the Democrats are now working to expose their faith. Many people can say many things, but we shall know them by their fruits. I'm keeping my eyes open. May the Lord keep the city, that my watching be not in vain.

Are we strong enough to be Christians?

2006-03-17T23:59:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 16:13 & 14 (NLT) states: "Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love."

Fellow Americans, are we strong enough to be Christians? Many of us profess that we are, but how many of us really are? The Word of the Lord says: "Who can command things to happen without the Lord's permission? Does not the Most High send both calamity and good? Then why should we, mere humans, complain when we are punished for our sins? Instead let us examine our ways. Let us turn back to the Lord."

Indeed, "all our enemies have spoken out against us. We are filled with fear, for we are trapped, devasteated and ruined."

So we ask ourselves, are we strong enough to be Christians? As we face "global terrorism" and we try to understand "why they hate us," the more important question is how have we offended Thee, our Lord and our God."

Could it be our strategy of preemptive strike that has caused offense? Oh that man would remember the Word of God. For it is written: "I will take revenge; I will pay them back. In due time their feet will slip. Their day of disaster will arrive, and their destiny will overtake them."

Is there even one amongst you who will repent, that America might be saved? Is there anyone amongst you who is strong enough to be Christian?

Where are the ones who will "wait CONFIDENTLY for God to save" them? Who will trust that our God will certainly hear our prayers?

Mr. President, as St. Paul states in Romans 13:1, you are indeed placed in your capacity by God. And you, Sir carry a great responsibility. And while opinion polls may appear to matter, the greater approval is that of our Lord. You will face judgment not only for your personal life, but also for how you led the lives of His people. As the leader of the "free world" that entails not only America, but all people who aspire to freedom.

What is freedom? Freedom is not democracy. But, "He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins." It is with the blood of Christ - it is with His love and self-sacrifice that we won our freedom. It is with the self-sacrifice of those who follow Him, that others will be brought to freedom.

May the Holy Spirit touch your heart that you conform to the likeness of Christ. For how do you dare profane the Name of Christ, by stating your love for preemption. Are we Christians or are we Jews?

It is the Jew who believes in "An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth." But since Love came to the world, revealed to us by our Lord Jesus Christ, this is not so. For He has commanded that we "do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also." We ought to "make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace."

Our Lord did not command us to make preemptive stikes and to take matters into our own hands! Rather He said, "love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that?...If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect."

So, are we strong enough to be Christians? Or will all remain in darkness? We who proclaim the name of Christ know that our God is love, and that He commands love. We are not like the world who loves only those who love them first. We are like our God, Who "showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."

He with Whom we were at war, first love us. And, it is because of that, that we love Him. Likewise, whomever be at war with us, will come to love us only if we first love them. My heart pours out for you, America to the God of our fathers, the saints and the martyrs who gladly shed their blood for the faith. May He continue to be gracious unto us. May He continue to spare us from His wrath. May He come speadily unto us and save us from our sin. Amen.

The Log in our own eye...

2006-03-15T00:46:00.000-05:00

The Gospel of St. Matthew Chapter 7, vs 1-5 read: 1 "Do not judge, so that you won't be judged. 2 For with the judgment you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but don't notice the log in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and look, there's a log in your eye? 5 Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

What is the message here for our country, and for us as Americans? This is the question we must ask. This is the question we will study in this blog. In our endeavor to live His Word, and perform His will, this must be our purpose. Brothers and Sisters, we cannot be decieved by the devil to believe that this principles only apply to church, or some "spiritual realm" that is separate from this world in which we live everyday. I say to you that these worlds are entertwined. Each has an affect on the other. God has indeed blessed our country. Yet, to whom much is given, much shall be required.

What is it that's required? Our thanksgiving to God...our service to Him, and to mankind. We are right to believe that God demands much from us. I believe we are right to believe we have a duty to those less fortunate. Yet, Christ explicitly forbids us from judging.

You call yourselves Christian, yet you call others lunatics. The Lord tells us that "Vengence is (His)," yet you feel justified to take matters into our own hands. Christ tells us to "do unto others as you would have them do unto you," yet you disrespect other nations in arrogance.

Time and again, the Lord has rebuked you to stop. Yet, you continue down your path of destruction. When will you repent? God is waiting. God is watching. And His Watchman is on guard.