President Biden has the lowest worst poll numbers for a sitting president running for a second term. Even his own party is questioning his leadership. Do you think he’ll make it to November? Let me know in the comments. And be sure to click the like button. It expands my reach.
VIDEO - Wendy Bell invited me on her show to talk about the Toronto Sun cancelling me over one of my cartoons. She starts talking about my cartoon around the 1:22:00 mark. Enjoy.
THE LAW + THE LAW-GIVER
Years ago I was heading to an editorial board meeting. We were going to discuss the newspaper’s stance on same sex marriage. A friend advised that I not bring up the Bible. “Look,” he said, “They won’t take you seriously if you mention God’s word.”
So when it was my time to speak, I relied on arguments for tradition and how our older readers would cancel subscriptions if we supported anything other than traditional marriage.
Looking back, had I quoted Jesus, they wouldn’t have heard me because 2 Corinthians 4:4 says, “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
Do you see the problem? Spiritual blindness.
A long time after that meeting, I realized that I had fallen for the devil’s greatest deception which is: “you can teach moral values without referencing God. Oh, it’s ok to stand for moral values as long as you don’t mention Jesus Christ or the Bible.
In 1963, the U.S. Supreme Court decision Abington v Schempp, found that mandatory daily Bible readings and prayer in Pennsylvania public schools violated the First Amendment. It reversed a tradition that started in 1647.
How has that worked out for us? Teaching moral law without the authority of the law-Giver is like posting a speed limit sign on the moon. If there is no God, then there is no absolute truth and no reason to obey any moral standard.
I remember the I Love Lucy and the Dick Van Dyke shows. Back in the 60s, TV shows had censors. There was no foul language and no sex. But as our culture tried to teach morals without Jesus, our culture became immoral.
The second President of the United States, John Adams wrote, “[I]t is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free constitution is pure virtue.” So what would happen if Americans weren’t virtuous?
What would happen if Americans weren’t virtuous? We have witnessed the answer to that question and it’s ugly.
Our First President George Washington wrote in his farewell address that religion and morality were “indispensable supports” for good government. “[R]eason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.”
The Founders were right about the importance of religious principles found in the Bible.
Which brings me to a 2002 film called, Time Changer, written and directed by my friend, Rich Christiano. (see below) Rich directed my son Brett Varvel in Play the Flute but long before that movie, Rich told the story of what happened to America if we separated moral teaching from Jesus Christ. Time Changer is thought-provoking and I believe you’ll be blessed by it.
FEATURE FILM - Rich Christiano’s Time Changer.
“When a person’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, He causes even his enemies to make peace with him.” - Proverbs 16:7
RIGHT VIEWS
Townhall - Byron York: Biden and the polls: He's fallen and can't get up.
Townhall - Todd Starnes: If Republicans follow THIS advice, they win in a landslide.
My latest essay series:
Part 1 - The War Within America
Part 2 - The War Within America - Baal
Part 3 - The War Within America - Ishtar
Part 4 - The War Within America - Molech
Part 5 - The War Within America - Fundamental change
HUMOR ME
HUMOR ME: Fix my cartoon with a snarky remark. Email your entries to gary@garyvarvel.com. Winners announced in Friday’s newsletter for paid subscribers.
My Series of Essays on God’s Timeline
Part 1 — God’s 7000-year timeline: Mount Sinai, Transfiguration, Jericho and Sabbath Prophecies
Part 3 — God’s 7000-year timeline: Hosea and Woman at the Well Prophecy
Part 4 — God’s 7000-year timeline: The Lazarus Prophecy
Part 5 — God’s 7000-year timeline: The Job Prophecy
Part 6 — God’s 7000-year timeline: The Jubilee Prophecy
Part 7 — God’s 7000-year timeline: The Good Samaritan Prophecy
Part 8 — God’s 7000-year timeline: The Creation Prophecy
Part 9 — God’s 7000-year timeline: The Wedding in Cana Prophecy
Part 10 — God’s 7000-year timeline: The Esther Prophecy
Great article, Gary, with content that I have often thought about. Thanks.
Good interview! On the quote: “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
Has the god of this age also blinded the minds of those that may have once thought they were believers? Indicators of the declining belief is identified in surveys conducted by Barna, Pew, and Gallup.
I keep plugging away on offering an additional perspective. The aim of our Constitution is to work towards “a more perfect Union.” The Bible provides the context and descriptions for “perfect.” Garden of Eden being an example.
The secular quality profession, with members located throughout the world, agree that the closer a product/service gets to “more perfect” (target), the higher the quality and the lower the cost to the individual and society. This conclusion is supported by the Taguchi Loss Function that validates that reducing the variation from the ideal or target is the key to excellent quality. Excellent quality is the result of doing the right things, right. On a personal level, a kind word or deed can also be considered a “service.”
Variability is included in God’s design. Working to deliver a product/service that meets people needs can be considered in the “Good Works” category. But, salvation requires a belief in Jesus Christ that provides the motivation for the Good Works.
Variation either gets better (more needs being met, more perfect outcomes) or it gets worse (people being harmed by unmet needs). Example: Law and order is a need and less crime results in fewer victims. Mental health is a need and fewer suicides and deaths caused by drug overdoses result in healthier people and less harm.
Soooo, an additional argument in the “Case for Christ” is a discussion on variation. When should it be reduced and why? What is the source for the motivation? Is the motivation intrinsic or extrinsic? What is the quality plan for America?