Do We Really Have Red And Blue States?

An article in "THE ATLANTIC" by Jonathan Rauch researched and exposited on the various theories, researches, and questions concerning this issue. Rauch made one very unfortunate comment, that it is better for Christian Conservatives to be part of the political system than to be outside the system bombing abortion clinics. See this at http://www.hughhewitt.com/index.htm#postid1317.

Rauch's comment above is worse than reprehensible, it is completely off base. I know, because I am a conservative Christian. And I've never even remotely considered bombing an abortion clinic or shooting an abortionist, as was the case of a criminal in Pensacola, Florida some years ago. Of course, I am saddened by the abortion of innocent unborn children. As I believe the Father is. God, who gives life to us all, must be greived by our penchant for destruction of His children. But I am a believer, a follower of my Creator, and there is no way I could be in favor of violence to achieve the means of stopping abortion.

Since I am a Christian, a follower of Jesus, who eschewed violence in favor of love, I believe that my reaction to such people as those who murder babies in their mothers' wombs, should be love. As difficult as it is, I must pray for grace, mercy, and love to be rooted in my heart, and that I should work to stop abortion by loving those who are guilty, and convincing them by word and deed that we who love God also love them and care that their actions separate them from the love of God. Our focus, those of us who are Christians, is to bring people out of darkness and into light, through Scripture and sincere caring for the souls who are lost in the darkness of sin.

What about the assumptions that we have red states and blue states? I'm sorry, but this division of folks in the United States goes only so far. We are not a nation divided, but a nation who voted for our preferences on election day. Certainly, many Christians voted for President Bush, but many Christians also voted for John Kerry. I wasn't one of them, but I don't condemn those who so voted, as they are also my brothers and sisters. They just saw things differently, and that is the beauty of our system: you can make your personal choice and no one can fault you for following your heart. The red and blue is merged, even in local communities, as there were voters of both conventions in almost every community in the land. Some who voted for Bush are certainly not Christian, and that also is their personal choice.

So, Jonathan, that is what we Christians are about. We may have voted Republican in the election, and we certainly support the President, but we do not blindly follow him. Should he support a move that is against our convictions, we have no compunction against letting our disappointment be known, and if things were to get so bad that he abandoned our interests altogether, he would no longer have our support. And I'm sure that Kerry supporters would say the same about their champion.

Thus, wherefore the red and blue? Only, I think, in the media, and maybe in the minds of a few. We are Americans, and we all love this land. There is no difference between us so great that we cannot cross the boundary to support one another! And may the unity of our people ever be strong, may the United States of America, blessed by God, ever be the land of the free and the home of the brave!


Joe Comer

How About A Christian Blogger's Conference?

An exciting new idea surfaced today, a suggestion from Hugh Hewit( www.hughhewitt.com) that we put together a Christian Blogger's Conference. The idea took off right away, and within minutes, it seemed, a church was offered, in Mesa, AZ. Anyone wishing to attend or to help in putting on the conference can get further information from Hugh's website, or from the following: www.smartchristian.com.

What this can do for the spread of the Gospel of Christ is astronomical in scope. Those of us who blog in a Christian manner, for the furtherance of the Kingdom of God, need to be educated in how to work at this exciting new outlet. I am really excited at the prospect of really learning how to blog effectively for the Lord, as this is my only ministry outlet at present. I would just love to attend such a conference, and if it can be organized and if I can get the funds to attend, I will be there with my trusty laptop in tow, praying and listening to learn how to best use this terrific medium for God's purpose.

If you just stopped by, and if you are interested, go to Hewitt's site, sign on, and let them know that you heard it here. Also, please leave a comment with me, so I can know that you visited me here.

God has used the advances of every century since Jesus came to us, for His purposes. It is just so great that we have this method of spreading the Gospel, looking to Jesus, working on the Great Commission of the Church. I am really happy to be even a small part of such a revolutionary move forward with the Word of God.

Thank you for visiting our site, and may God bless, protect, and keep you, is our prayer!

Hang on, I'm coming!

Since I spent most of last week in ICU, I'm taking a break of a few days.

Watch for my next post on Tuesday, January 18.

Joe

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT ET,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

AND MAY GOD BLESS US.....everyone.