Category: Current Events

by: Allen Domelle

Texas Republican State Rep. David Simpson, recently submitted a bill that would completely deregulate marijuana in the state of Texas. In this 24-page bill, H.R. 2165, there are over 50 times Simpson proposes to strike out marijuana being treated like any other drug.

In a phone conversation I had with Rep. Simpson, he stated to me, “Everything that God made is good.” He said that marijuana should be treated like tomatoes or coffee. His contention is that government has no business regulating what God made good. He argued that regulating marijuana is like the government trying to regulate gluttony, because people who overeat get tired and are a risk to others when they drive.

He believes that there are many good medical uses for marijuana, and that people who could be helped are not able to get help because of the regulations the state of Texas has against this plant. He continued to tell me that people will either have to move out of the state or risk becoming a criminal if they want their loved ones to get help. His defense to deregulate marijuana is that it should come down to personal responsibility. He says that you cannot and should not regulate morality.

I’m certain the Rep. Simpson is a fine Christian man, but that does not mean that he is right concerning his beliefs about marijuana. In fact, the Scriptures, medical research and crime statistics make it very clear that there are times when something should be outlawed.

Rep. Simpson is correct when he says that everything God made is good. Genesis 1:31 says, “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.” God put all things on Earth, but He also puts restrictions on things He doesn’t want us to use. When you look at God’s creation, He made all the trees and they were good; however, God commanded Adam that he was not to eat “…of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil…” (Genesis 2:17) Even though God said that the tree was good, He still prohibited them from partaking of the tree. God set the precedence that there are some things on this Earth that should never be used. Of course everything that God made is very good. The question is, good for what? Definitely not to cause us to give occasion to the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof.

He is also wrong in his contention that government shouldn’t regulate morality. The law to not kill someone is a law of morality. The law to not steal is a law of morality. All you have to do is look at the Ten Commandments and see how many of those commandments are used by our government to regulate morality. God made the human body, so why is pornography regulated? God made children, so why is pedophilia outlawed? Will Rep. Simpson introduce a bill to deregulate those? Comparing marijuana to coffee and tomatoes is just as extreme as my above example. The hole in the mentality to not regulate morality is that those who support this mentality don’t use God’s Word as their final authority. God’s Word clearly shows that there are times when morality must be regulated.

When you look at medical studies of marijuana’s effect on an individual, you clearly see that it is a drug that should never be legalized. According to a study done by the National Academy of Sciences, those who chronically used marijuana have significantly less bilateral orbitofrontal gyri volume, higher functional connectivity in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) network. (1) The orbitofrontal cortex is the front part of the brain that deals with ones ability to socially interact, reason, learn or the ability to be motivated. (2) These studies show that the volume of the brain decreases with marijuana use; however, it compensates by creating more connections to overcome this shrinkage. The study shows that after 7-9 years, the brains ability to compensate begins to disappear and permanent damage occurs. Another study shows that the progression of a long-term exposure to drugs toward the development of substance use disorders and addicted behaviors is often associated with deficits in decision making. (3)

1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” How can a person be “sober” or “vigilant” when their ability to reason and make decisions has been taken away because their brain is damaged due to drug use? When you compare medical studies and the Scriptures, you clearly see that legalizing marijuana is wrong.

Furthermore, it is common knowledge that the THC (the compound in the plant that causes the high) levels in the current hybrid marijuana plants is much higher than it has ever been. When a person is high on marijuana, they cannot be in control of their body. 1 Corinthians 9:27 says, “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” When your body is not under control, that is when a person will do things they normally would not do. The body not being under control will cause a person to commit adultery, fornication, lose their temper, etc. Plus, the dangers of driving while under its influences puts other lives at risk.

When you look at how this drug affects the crime rate, all you have to do is look at Colorado since they have legalized marijuana. According to a Huffington Post article, crime rose 7 percent in one years time since the legalization of marijuana. (4) This certainly is not a conservative publication, but when they are sounding the alarm then I would hope our representatives would pay attention.

When looking at Scriptural mandate, medical effects and crime statistics, it is not only absurd to try and legalize marijuana, but it is wrong. This is not only a state issue, but it is becoming a national issue. I encourage every reader to contact your state and federal leaders and encourage them to vote against any legalization of marijuana. All you have to do to see why they would want it legalized is to follow the money: TAXES! Let your representatives know that their vote to legalize marijuana is a vote against them the next time they run for office.

Allen Domelle is the editor of the Old Paths Journal which is more than just a Christian’s publication. It is an excellent place to learn how today’s headlines will forge tomorrow’s laws and statutes. Keep yourself in tune with what is happening around the world, as well as in your own backyard with our daily updates and devotionals.

1. http://www.pnas.org/content/111/47/16913.abstract
2. http://people.hss.caltech.edu/~steve/Kringelbach.pdf
3. http://www.nature.com/npp/journal/v39/n9/full/npp201467a.html#bib37
4. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kevin-a-sabet-phd/crime-is-up-in-colorado-w_b_5663046.html

by: Jason Williams

ISIS recently released a video and pictures of beheadings with a threat to what they called the #nationofthecross. However, Christianity is not a nation. Nations rise and fall, but God declares His followers to belong to a Kingdom without end.

Nations are composed of an isolated group in an isolated place, but Christ’s Kingdom has no boundaries. It exists in the hearts of believers in every nation, including the ones currently occupied by ISIS. All around the world today millions pray to Jesus, some silently, some loudly, in many different tongues and in many different time zones we bow to Jesus.

A nation has a king who demands obedience, but the Kingdom of the Cross has a leader Who simply asks us to accept His love. He does not demand that we do things to prove this love; instead, He simply shows us His love by reminding us all of that sacred object you included in your videos: The Cross.

The Cross is a symbol of what makes our Kingdom different from any other kingdom. You see, no other kingdom has a king who stepped down from his throne, a lord who abandoned his home, a great who became the least, a god who poured out his heart to romance a world that is torn apart, but our Kingdom does and that King is Jesus Christ.

Our King is the only King Who asks nothing from us, but on a cross gave us everything. Other kings may demand that their followers do things like force their children to kill strangers and themselves, but our King gave Himself for strangers like you and me. This is why the Kingdom of the Cross will survive any and all attempts of destruction.

The love of Christ has helped us survive Roman emperors, the Spanish Inquisition, other kings and rulers, and it will help us survive ISIS.

We are motivated by His love. We are moved my His compassion. We do not feel we must prove our love to Him by dying, but we are drawn to a God who died for us. It is His love that inspires us to serve and tell others about Him.

In fact, the attacks by ISIS have done nothing but motivate the Kingdom of the Cross to share the love of Christ even more. When we saw those pictures and videos, we were moved, but not in the way you anticipated. We were moved to tell even more people about Jesus. We realized that our faith is not focused on petty squabbles within our Kingdom, but should be wholly moved to tell everyone, yes, even ISIS, about our King who never asks that we kill for Him, but Who instead died for us.

Jason Williams
Assistant Pastor
High Street Baptist Church
Columbus, OH
churchonhigh.wordpress.com

by: Allen Domelle

Is America any closer to solving the race problem? Absolutely not! President Obama’s effort to diffuse the racial problems in America have greatly failed. He came on the national stage in the 2004 Democratic National Convention by telling the crowd that his parents’ dreams lived on through his two daughters. Later in the same speech he said, “There’s not a black America and white America and Latino America and Asian America; there’s the United States of America.”

Since this speech and Obama becoming president, racial relations in the United States have spiraled downward. I cannot remember a time in my lifetime when racial tensions have been so high. It seems the racial unrest has reared its ugly head. Sadly, President Obama and Attorney General, Eric Holder, have contributed greatly to this unrest.

Not only have these men contributed to the problem, but the news media has sown racial strife to the American public by fabricating news about race. Instead of reporting about the crime, they have made crime a race issue instead of a crime issue. This has done nothing but fuel racial strain.

Race problems are not an American problem, but race problems are a heart problem. There are many who would like us to think that America is the source of racial problems, but racial problems did not start in America. Numbers 12:1 records the first time racial problems occurred when it says, “And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.” Aaron and Miriam were not upset because of how Moses ran the country, but they were clearly upset because he married a dark skinned lady. God pointed to this because the race problem was not a skin problem but a heart problem.

Martin Luther King, Jr., in his famous 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech said, “I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.’” He continued in the speech when he said, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

Whether or not a person likes Mr. King, what he said was absolutely true. You can’t legislate race relations! The law is not the problem, the heart of mankind is the problem. You will never solve the race problem by legislating it, you will only solve it by changing the heart.

How do we solve the race problem?

First, leading people to Jesus Christ will help solve the race problem. Jesus Christ makes it clear in the Scriptures that there is no color to a soul. The Scriptures say in Revelation 22:17, “…And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” God is a “whosoever” God and not a skin color God. He says again in Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” God knows that the soul has no color. God’s offer of salvation is not to a race, creed or background, but His offer of salvation is to “whosoever.”

Salvation is what changes the heart of people. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” When a person gets saved it will change who they are and how they think. Salvation will change the way people look at people. Galatians 5:17 says, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” Notice that salvation transforms the heart of a person to the point that they don’t look at the color of the skin, a person’s race, creed or background, but they look at the soul. The race problem will only be solved through Jesus Christ.

Second, deal with the issue instead of the color of the skin. Don’t make things about skin color, but deal with the problem. God says in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death…” God makes it very clear that it’s the individual who should be judged. God says in Ezekiel 18:20, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.” Justice will never be served until we deal with the issue and not the color of the skin. It doesn’t matter whether someone is black, white, brown or any other color, the only issue that should ever be judged is if a person is innocent or guilty.

Third, don’t entitle people because of the color of the skin, but teach them to work for what they want. I love what Martin Luther King, Jr., said in his famous speech, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” As long as you enable people to use their race, creed or background to get things, then you will continue to fuel racial inequality. When a person is taught that if they want something then they need to work for it, then that completely takes the race card out of the equation. God says, “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10) The greatest equalizer is work. It’s amazing that if people are willing to work hard, then they are able to rise in society no matter what their race, creed or background may be.

Fourth, teach home values to the youth. Teach them the importance of a father and a mother staying married and being engaged in the child’s life. Parents who are engaged will train their children to not use excuses as to why they are in their present condition. Proverbs 22:1 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Children need both parents involved in their life. Children need to see the importance of staying married and only having children after they get married. When parents are engaged in what their children do, then you will find them less likely to get involved in crime or to use the system to enable their laziness.

Fifth, don’t give credence to the race industry. 1 Timothy 1:4 says, “Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.” The race industry loves to feed the fable that skin color is the issue, when the Scriptures make it clear that the heart is the issue. God makes it clear that we are not to pay attention to those who try to turn any issue into a race issue instead of a heart issue.

The race problem could be solved if we start dealing with the heart. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” When you change the heart you will change the “issues of life.”

Allen Domelle is the editor of the Old Paths Journal which is more than just a Christian’s publication. It is an excellent place to learn how today’s headlines will forge tomorrow’s laws and statutes. Keep yourself in tune with what is happening around the world, as well as in your own backyard with our daily updates and devotionals.

by: Allen Domelle

The past few weeks have been trying for police departments all across America. It seems as though we are daily hearing of a new case of police using what some would call excessive force while trying to arrest citizens. In all of the cases that we have heard, people have tragically lost their lives. This has prompted the news media’s criticism of the police.

The most prominent case was in Ferguson, Missouri, where a police officer used deadly force to stop Michael Brown from hurting him. After several weeks of investigation, the grand jury found that there were no grounds for an indictment against Officer Darren Wilson. The announcement from the police chief that Officer Darren Wilson would not be indicted led to several nights of riots and looting by those who used this tragedy as an excuse to destroy and steal property from people who had nothing to do with the decisions made in this case.

There was another story of a young man in Cleveland who was shot and killed by police when he pointed a toy gun at them when they tried to stop him. This has not had the same coverage of the Ferguson, MO case, but it is definitely tragic. Again, the police found their tactics under extreme criticism from the agenda driven news media.

To add insult to injury, the New York City police department finds themselves under extreme criticism for the death of Eric Garner. The police ordered Mr. Garner to put his hands behind his back, and when he resisted arrest, a police officer used a takedown tactic that has been criticized, which allegedly contributed to this man’s death. Again, the grand jury found no grounds to indict this officer which resulted in more protests in New York City.

This article is in no way defending unwarranted excessive force used by police officers, but I am not going to join the news media and race industry in the condemnation of police across America. According to the 2008 statistics from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, there are 461,000 sworn police officers in the United States. It is amazing how the news media have used three incidents to condemn 461,000 officers. It is amazing how US Attorney General Eric Holder, has criticized every policeman with comments of how police treat African Americans. Retired basketball player and sports commentator, Charles Barkley, had it right when he said that police officers are “the only thing in the ghetto between this place being the wild, wild west.”

Police officers put their lives on the line every day to protect people whom they don’t know. I’m sure if you searched long enough you can find corrupt police, but you will find corruption in every walk of life. Does that make them all bad? Absolutely not! The news media and the race industry are using these stories to help them get more coverage so they can fill their financial coffers.

The Scriptures make it very plain as to how we should deal with authority. Romans 13:1-4 says, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”

God commands the Christian to obey all authority. We are not to resist the power of authority as what has happened in the cases mentioned above, but we are to submit ourselves to authority. God warns us that those who are in authority don’t bear the “sword in vain.” Many lessons have been lost in all of the conversation about white policeman and their relationship with the African American community. Let me show you several lessons that we can learn from these events.

1. Listen to authority.

When an authority figure tells you to do something, you would be wise to listen. God says, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.” The news media and Hollywood have championed those who question authority for years which is a direct contradiction to God’s Word. We should not be teaching youth to question authority. We should be teaching them to listen to what authorities said, especially police officers who risk their lives daily to protect us. Whether or not you agree with what the police are telling you to do, listen and follow their instructions and the tragic events from the past few weeks won’t happen.

2. Parents need to teach children to respect authority.

When I was a boy, my parents taught me to respect all authority. My parents would discipline me and my siblings if we ever talked bad about authority. Authority may not always be right, but youth should be taught to respect them. Respect them not because of who they are, but because of the position they hold. If youth are taught to respect authority, then they will do right when a police officer gives them directives.

3. Don’t judge police actions by the media reports.

You can’t judge the actions of a police officer because you were not there. It is very easy to say that they should do something differently, but you don’t know the whole story. As was easily seen in the Ferguson, MO case, what the news media reported and what actually happened were two completely different stories. It is only the job of those who are given the evidence to determine whether a police officer is using excessive force. It is wrong to use the media’s reporting to judge the actions of a police officer.

4. Put yourself in the shoes of a police officer before judging their actions.

What is not being asked from people is what they would do if they were in the same position as these police officers. These police officers are entering a highly charged atmosphere when they go to arrest someone because of a reported crime. If the police did what many of the news pundits have said should be done, many police would be losing their lives in the line of duty. Always remember that police put their lives on the line every day for your safety, and they need to be able to do their job without the fear of constantly being charged with murder every time they must use force.

5. There are more good police officers than there are bad ones.

We should focus on the good police officers more than we do the bad. God says in Philippians 4:8, that we are to think on the things that are of “good report.” There are only a handful of the 461,000 police officers who are bad, so stop indicting all of them because of a few. You wouldn’t like it if you were condemned in your line of work because of a few bad coworkers, and neither do police appreciate it when they are condemned for the actions of a few.

6. Think about your actions before you do them.

One of the most important lessons we can learn is to think before we act. If parents taught their children not to point guns, including toy guns, at police officers, then children would not be shot when the police arrive. If people would not charge police officers or resist arrest, then there would not be those unfortunate incidents that come out of those pressure-filled situations.

Let’s not lose the opportunity to learn and teach valuable lessons from these incidents. Don’t let the news media rob you of this great opportunity to teach the youth around you the importance of respecting and obeying authority. These situations can stop future incidents if we use them as lessons for future generations.

Allen Domelle is the editor of the Old Paths Journal which is more than just a Christian’s publication. It is an excellent place to learn how today’s headlines will forge tomorrow’s laws and statutes. Keep yourself in tune with what is happening around the world, as well as in your own backyard with our daily updates and devotionals.

by: Allen Domelle

Next Tuesday, on November 4th, Americans will exercise their right to vote. This is truly an amazing right that we exercise every two years. There are many countries where the freedom and right to vote is not recognized. Sure, they have elections, but these elections are merely a formality that evil rulers and dictators use to show the world their strength. In these countries, the people had better vote for the ruling leader or suffer the severe consequences later.

Americans have had a right to vote for over two hundred years. One of the things that separates America from many other countries is the right to vote and the presence of peace during the vote. Americans do not go to the voting booth with guards looking over their shoulder to be sure they vote for the ruling dictator, but they freely go to the voting booth and vote for whomever they choose.

We hear every election season that this is the most important election of our lifetime. Well, every election is the most important election because all it takes for freedom to be suppressed is for one evil person to be elected. It only took one election for Hitler to be voted into power, and because of that election over twenty-million people were killed by firing squads, gas chambers, starvation, medical experiments, and in concentration camps and death camps. Nobody ever thought that one election could be so costly. I’m sure when Hitler ran for the first time, nobody ever considered the ramifications of their vote.

We can say that this would never happen in America, but if people don’t exercise their right to vote, then the wrong person or people can rise to power and suppress American freedoms. With rights come responsibility. Yes, you have a right to vote, but you are also responsible to use that right properly. Luke 12:48 says, “…For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.” The more privileges and rights you have, the more responsibility you have to not abuse them.

When you abuse your rights and privileges, then you will eventually lose them. In the parable of the unjust steward, the steward did not take his rights and privilege in working for the rich man seriously, and because of his lack of responsibility he lost his stewardship. Likewise, when people take for granted their right and privilege to vote, they will eventually lose the right to do so. There are several actions you should take concerning this election.

First, go vote! You have no right to complain about what is going on with your country if you don’t exercise your right to vote. The right to vote means that you have a responsibility to vote.

Second, vote with knowledge. You should never go to the voting booth without knowing the positions of each candidate. Voting blindly is irresponsible! Previous generations did not fight for our right to vote so that we could ignorantly vote for someone purely out of loyalty to party or by the recommendation you hear from another. It is your responsibility to know for whom and for what you are voting.

Third, don’t vote by party, rather vote according to Scriptures. One of the greatest problems throughout history is that people have voted for a certain party simply because they’ve always voted that way. You are a Christian first, and you should never vote for someone who’s policies are against the Scriptures. You shouldn’t vote Democrat or Republican, but you should vote the way God wants you to vote. Compare each candidates beliefs according to the Scriptures, and vote for the one whose beliefs line up with the Scriptures. Of course, you will rarely find a candidate who completely lines up with the Scriptures, but you should vote for the one who is the closest to lining up with Scripture.

Fourth, vote with the future in mind. Every vote always affects your future. Be careful that you don’t vote for what benefits you at the present, but vote by whether it will take the country in a godly direction tomorrow.

Fifth, don’t let political advertisements dictate what you believe about a candidate. Most political advertisements are hard to trust because they are coming from a biased candidate. Just because a political advertisement says something about a candidate does not make it true. Do your own research to learn where they stand.

Sixth, don’t allow unions, race or political groups to influence your vote. Most of these have an agenda, and that agenda is their own pocket book. Many people have regretted who they voted for because they allowed their union’s influence or a political group to dictate for whom they voted.

Seventh, ask God to help you choose the right candidate. This will put you more on a spiritual realm of choosing a candidate rather than a political realm. When you truly want to know the mind of Christ concerning your vote, then He will help you to learn the right information so that you can vote informatively.

The right to vote comes with great responsibility. Don’t take your responsibility lightly. What you do in this election will affect you, your children and grandchildren for many years to come.

Allen Domelle is the editor of the Old Paths Journal which is more than just a Christian’s publication. It is an excellent place to learn how today’s headlines will forge tomorrow’s laws and statutes. Keep yourself in tune with what is happening around the world, as well as in your own backyard with our daily updates and devotionals.

by: Allen Domelle

We are beginning to quickly understand how Jesus, an innocent person, was condemned and crucified. When taking into consideration the current events of the past few weeks, you can clearly see that we have been inundated with three incidents that show how mob justice quickly becomes an injustice. Justice has been determined by the mobs of people and news media giving the accused very little chance of seeing true justice.

Just a few weeks ago, a police officer shot and killed Michael Brown. Immediately, the mobs gathered and rioted, demanding the prosecution of the police officer without once hearing his side of the story. Criminals took advantage of the mobs and looted private store owners who had nothing to do with the incident. Governor Jay Nixon of Missouri foolishly said that the police officer should be indicted without once allowing the justice system to take its process, and in this writers opinion, he should have been immediately impeached for obstruction of justice.

Then, we have the running back for the Baltimore Ravens who hit his wife in the elevator. Trust me, I am not at all justifying a man hitting a woman. Any man who hits a woman is not much of a man. However, the mob media has decided already what should become of this man without allowing the justice system to take its process. Yet, the mob media, ESPN, will hypocritically allow a man who agreed to the charge of obstruction of justice in a murder trial to be one of their prime time commentators on “Monday Night Countdown,” “Sunday NFL Countdown” and “SportsCenter.”

Now, we are faced with the running back for the Minnesota Vikings, Adrian Peterson, who has been indicted for allegedly abusing his 4-year-old son by spanking him. Without hearing the case, Adrian Peterson has been tried and proven guilty by the mob media. Former wide receiver Chris Carter foolishly went off on Sunday condemning the NFL and these players without even knowing the whole case. It doesn’t matter the news source you watch, Adrian Peterson is guilty and he’s not even had a chance to have his day in court and tell his side of the story.

I’m not saying in any of these incidents whether any of these people are guilty or innocent. I’m not excusing a man hitting a woman, a parent abusing a child or a police officer abusing his power, what I am saying is that in each of these incidents these individuals stand little chance of having justice because of mob justice. If they are guilty, then they should pay for their crimes, but how can they have justice when mob justice has already tried and sentenced these men by public opinion?

Mob justice is exactly how Jesus was crucified. Yes, He had to die so that our sins could be paid, but it was mob justice that sentenced Him to die. Matthew 26:47 gives us the beginning account of the mob justice when it says, “And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.” The enemies of Christ could find nothing to condemn Him; instead, they gathered a mob to have Him arrested.

Because of their hatred of Jesus, the only thing they could do was incite mobs against Him. Notice what they did in Matthew 27:20, “But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.” They had no real reason to indict Jesus, so they persuaded the multitude that He should die without telling their true agenda.

By inciting the multitude, the chief priests and elders were able to bring mob justice into the very court system where Pilate was to try Jesus. The Scriptures say, “And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.” (Mark 15:8) They did not want justice, they wanted Jesus killed to pacify their agenda.

Pilate himself was influenced by this mob justice. He said, “…Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:” (Luke 23:14) Yet, in Mark 15:15 it says, “And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.” This was not justice, this was mob justice. Jesus was unjustly crucified because the mobs influenced him.

Americans, and especially Christians, need to be very careful about getting caught up in mob justice. Let me give you several thoughts that will help you.

    1. Mob justice always has an agenda.

Just like the chief priests had an agenda to crucify Jesus, you will always find that there is an agenda behind the scenes of mob justice. Those pushing the mob justice always have an ulterior motive that you won’t see until it’s too late.

    2. Accusations do not make someone guilty.

Accusations are not an admittance of guilt. I don’t care who it is who is making the accusations, you should never condemn someone off accusations. You wouldn’t like it if you were the one condemned by accusations, so don’t be guilty of condemning others by accusation. Furthermore, just because there is an indictment doesn’t mean someone is guilty. Indictments simply mean there is enough evidence that someone should be tried on those charges. IT DOESNT MEAN THEY ARE GUILTY!

     3. Just because the news media reports it doesn’t make it true.

The news will report what makes them money and what agenda they want to push. They are professionals at crafting a story to show their opinion so they can affect the mindset of their listeners. Every news source has their agenda, so don’t let their reporting of an incident make something true in your own mind.

     4. Always remember that people are innocent until proven guilty.

One of the most important things you must remember is that mob justice has someone guilty before they can prove their innocence. Mob justice is wrong because justice is determined by mob rule and perception. Mob justice is wrong because justice is determined by what appeases the mobs. Justice says that someone is innocent until proven guilty. Justice must always be based on principle, but mob justice is based on perception, emotions and prejudice. You would be better to fall on the side of believing one’s innocence and be wrong than to believe someone is guilty and be wrong. Always make it a practice to believe in the innocence of people until they are proven guilty.

Finally, as a Christian, you should desire to see people innocent and not guilty. If they are guilty, you should desire for them to be restored. Galatians 6:1 says, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” You should never be happy when someone has done wrong. It should break your heart. Instead of rejoicing in someone’s guilt, pray that they can be restored. One day it will be your relative, friend or it could be you who is guilty. Treat those who are guilty in the same manner that you would want to be treated if you found yourself in the same situation of those who are condemned by mob justice.

Let’s be good Christians in these areas and not become a part of the mob justice. Mob justice leads to injustice, and injustice leads to a society that does that which is right in their own eyes. Let’s not contribute to a chaotic society, but let’s contribute to a society of order by allowing the accused to have their day to prove their innocence.

Allen Domelle is the editor of the Old Paths Journal which is more than just a Christian’s publication. It is an excellent place to learn how today’s headlines will forge tomorrow’s laws and statutes. Keep yourself in tune with what is happening around the world, as well as in your own backyard with our daily updates and devotionals.

by: Allen Domelle

I was driving home from the hospital late Friday night and took that opportunity to look at a news source to see if there was any new news. On the top of the news was the indictment of Governor Rick Perry for abuse of power. Of course, an indictment does not mean that he is guilty. It’s sad when people from both sides of the aisle believe the indictment against Governor Perry is purely political. The history of this District Attorney’s office has shown an abuse of power for several years by indicting republicans only to have their cases overturned in the end. It’s sad that the office indicting the governor is guilty of the same crime of which they are charging him.

What bothers me about this is that the news media was quick to report an indictment against Governor Perry, but where have they been in the abuse of power going on in Washington D.C. Where have they been with the abuse of power by the IRS and Lois Lerner in singling out organizers of Tea Party organizations? How about IRS’ abuse of power of withholding charitable organization status when many of these organizations met the requirements to get their 501(c)(4)? Where are the front headlines on these continued investigations?

How about the NSA spying on the American people and the Senate? This has abuse of power written all over it. Innocent people have their phone data collected and the Senate has their phone calls recorded and nothing is done about it. This is absolutely an abuse of power.

We can go further and look at the Justice Department and Attorney General Eric Holder. Instead of using his constitutional power to launch an honest investigation into the previously mentioned scandals, he instead has chosen to use his power to cause racial tension among the black and white community. He would rather use his power to pressure local police departments and prosecutors to only look at incidents committed against African Americans and conveniently ignore all the black on black crimes going on in the city of Chicago whose mayor is a close friend of Holder.

I’m not for the abuse of power by anyone. I’m not for letting those who are guilty go free, but where is the news media in reporting all the abuses of power. Where is CNN’s Wolf Blitzer in reporting the abuse of power? Where is NBC’s Brian Williams, MSNBC’s Chris Matthews, CNN’s Anderson Cooper, ABC’s Diane Sawyer and George Stephanopoulos with all the abuses of power going on in Washington D.C. I’m not against them reporting an indictment of the Texas governor, but it’s time to stop showing their liberal bias and be true reporters and report all the abuses of power from the White House on down.

Abuse of power is always wrong. Using one’s power to abuse the powerless is not only wrong, but it is evil. We often look at the examples mentioned above, but I’m afraid as Christians we ignore our own abuses of power. As wrong as it is for politicians to abuse their power, it is just as wrong for Christians to do the same.

Unfortunately, I have seen a few pastors who have used their position to hurt those they lead, and this is wrong. It is also wrong for deacons to use their position in the church to wield power over the pastor and try to control him when they are simply to be a help to the church and pastor. Let’s go further and realize that school principal’s are not to use their position to pressure children to go against what their parents have taught them. No matter what your position is, you should never use it to hurt or pressure those you lead for your own gain.

The purpose of leadership is to serve. God says in Mark 10:42-44, “But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.” Leadership does not hold position to brandish their power, but to serve. They don’t hold position of leadership to be served, but they hold their position to service those they lead. Every leader should use the powers given to them to help others and not themselves. Abuse of power is when leaders choose to use their positional powers to benefit themselves and their agenda. God gave leadership their position to help those they lead. They should never use their power to wield on the powerless. When they do this, God becomes their enemy.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN POWER IS BEING ABUSED?

     1. Bring it to God and let Him handle it.

Hebrews 13:17 says, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” You will notice that leadership gives an account to God for how they lead, but you give an account to God for how you obey. You cannot take things into your own power when it is not your responsibility. Always remember, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” (Proverbs 21:1) God can influence the right people to punish those who abuse their authority.

     2. Use the proper chains of authority to deal with it.

Romans 13:1-2 says, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.” God shows that there is a chain of authority, and you must always go through the proper channels to deal with abusive powers. If you take powers into your own hands, then you are going to have to deal with God directly. Whenever an authority abuses their power, then they are no longer submitting to their Higher Authority, and God will judge them for this abuse.

     3. Do right in spite of their wrong.

Even if authority does wrong, it does not give you a right to do wrong. The Ferguson, MO, riots are a classic example of people doing wrong because they perceive authority is wrong. Nobody presently knows whether the police officer in this case was right or wrong in his actions because criminals have used this situation to commit crimes. If the police officer abused his power, it does not give people a right to loot, rob stores and destroy property.

When I was a boy, I was always taught that we are to do right even if authority doesn’t do right. My parents always taught me that my responsibility is to always do right. Likewise, you must not do wrong just because an authority does wrong. We don’t do right because authorities do right, we should do right because God’s Word commands us to do right.

     4. Don’t be guilty of abusing your own power.

Whatever you do, don’t be guilty of abusing the powers you have. As much as you hate it when authorities abuse their power, it is just as wrong for you to abuse any power you have. Always remember that God holds you accountable for how you lead those over whom you have authority.

Whether we like it or not, there are going to be authorities who abuse their power, but that never gives us a right to do wrong. Furthermore, let me say that most authorities are good. It is sad that the few authorities who abuse their power shine a bad light on the majority of authorities who are good people and use their powers to help. Don’t let the one or two bad authorities cause you to treat all authorities wrong. Do right and respect authority, and God will bless you for your actions.

Allen Domelle is the editor of the Old Paths Journal which is more than just a Christian’s publication. It is an excellent place to learn how today’s headlines will forge tomorrow’s laws and statutes. Keep yourself in tune with what is happening around the world, as well as in your own backyard with our daily updates and devotionals.

by: Allen Domelle

Last weeks world events have been events that remind us that we are in the last days. In one weeks time, a civilian plane carrying 298 souls was shot down by Russian rebels in Ukraine, Israel had to defend itself from the terrorist Hamas group who indiscriminately launched numerous missiles into Israelite territory jeopardizing the lives of 80% of Israelite population and the United States continued to deal with border issues of thousands of illegal immigrants crossing its borders. These events should cause every Christian to realize that we are in the end times.

Each of these events have shown cowardice of great proportions. The cowards who shot down the Malaysian airliner would not even show their faces when taking initial credit for downing a plane. After events began to unfold that the Ukrainian rebels shot down the airliner, President Putin had the audacity to tell both sides to lay down their arms and engage in peaceful talks. It is very easy for Mr. Putin to say this as all intelligence points to his own regime being behind the cowardice attack against this airliner. Mr. Putin, take your mask of cowardice off and show us your real agenda with these attacks.

On another front, Israel had to defend itself from the Hamas cowards who have consistently shot missiles at over 80% of Israelite population. For over a week Israel has tried to defend its citizens amidst the constant criticisms from cowards who paint Israel as the villain when they are only protecting their own citizens. Cowards such as the majority of the news media who criticized Israel for not doing a better job from hurting “innocent” civilians in the Gaza strip when they won’t tell how Hamas has places their missiles in their own civilian buildings, including a school. Israel has had to put up with cowards like Secretary of State John Kerry who reiterated to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu his concern about civilian casualties. REALLY? 80% percent of Israel’s population is under attack and he stresses this concern. Mr. Kerry, take your mask of cowardice off and show us your true disgusts for the Jewish state.

Finally, you have the border crisis where thousands of immigrants have illegally crossed the southern U.S. border and our President refuses to seriously address the real issue because of the fear of a backlash from his liberal donors. As these immigrants are housed in unhealthy situations, he wants to throw $3 billion towards the problem instead of sending them back to their country and making a clear statement that every person who crosses illegally will be sent back. Mr. Obama, take your mask of cowardice off and show us your true disdain for the American way.

Each of these situations are the results of cowards of destruction. Hamas is nothing more than a bunch of cowards who launch missiles to destroy lives even though they whine to the UN about Israel’s unwillingness to give them a seat in their government. The Ukraine rebels who shot down a civilian plane are cowards when they don’t have the backbone to show their face when taking credit. The U.S. president won’t put his foot down and address the border issue or the downing of a civilian plane because of his cowardice to do what it will take to destroy terrorists and stop the attack of American safety by closing down the borders and killing terrorists.

One thing that separates cowards from those who have courage is that cowards never reveal their true intentions. God says in Matthew 5:37, “But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” People of courage are not afraid to tell their true intentions because they have nothing to hide. The coward always conceals their actions and motives by attacking the innocent and their right to defend themselves. If these cowards truly believe what they are doing is right, then they need to tell their true motives behind their lack of transparency. They need to let their yea be yea and their nay be nay.

Moreover, when Christians act cowardly they are acting as agents of destruction towards truth. Throughout the social media world are those who attack defenders of truth but hide their names by using fake monikers. Why? Because they are cowards of destruction. Unfortunately, there are preachers who hide their true agenda of compromise by attacking those who stand for truth. Why? Because they are cowards of destruction. Preachers of change, instead of being stealth about your desire of change and where you want to take Christianity, why don’t you come out and tell your congregation where you truly stand instead of hiding your agenda so you can influence their children to compromise.

As Christians, we can learn from the cowards of destruction to always be transparent in action and beliefs. If what you are doing is right, then you have no reason to conceal your true motives. If your motives are based upon the Word of God, then you have a true authority to support your actions and beliefs. Cowards who won’t stand or reveal their motives are only agents of destruction. When Jesus came to Earth, His intentions were transparent as He said, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

THREE LESSONS WE CAN LEARN FROM THE COWARDS OF DESTRUCTION.

1. Beware of those who speak in code.

You must be careful that you don’t say one thing when you know you really mean something else. Always say what you mean and mean what you say. When you speak in code that is deceptive and that is a practice of the cowards of destruction.

2. Beware of those who won’t put their name to statements.

Never say something that you are not willing for others to repeat. Don’t ever make the statement, “I’m going to tell you something, but if you tell someone I will call you a liar.” If you don’t want it repeated, then don’t say it. That is the practice of cowards of destruction.

3. Beware of those who won’t do what they ask others to do.

Always be willing to do what you ask others to do. One of the marks of cowards of destruction is that they ask others to do something they won’t do. They ask others to strap bombs to their chests when they won’t do it. They ask others to write attack articles when they won’t personally do it. They ask others to say things that they won’t say. Cowards of destruction are easily identified by their ability to ask others to do what they will not do.

Transparency based upon the authority of the Word of God will keep you from becoming a coward of destruction. Always be wary of those who won’t reveal their true authority, stance or reasonings of actions, but will attack the method and personality of the defender of truth. In relationships, don’t be a coward of destruction to befriend someone only to get something from them that they don’t know about. As leaders, don’t be a coward of destruction and act without showing your true basis of action.

Every leader should be able to base their actions upon the Word of God. As followers, be careful to only support those who show their true beliefs are based upon the truths found in the Word of God. When you make the Word of God your basis for every action and belief, then you avoid becoming or being associated with cowards of destruction.

Allen Domelle is the editor of the Old Paths Journal which is more than just a Christian’s publication. It is an excellent place to learn how today’s headlines will forge tomorrow’s laws and statutes. Keep yourself in tune with what is happening around the world, as well as in your own backyard with our daily updates and devotionals.

by: Allen Domelle

This past week, there was a shockwave that hit the Republican Party when House Majority Leader, Eric Cantor, lost in the primary elections to a college economics professor, Dave Brat. This defeat was not even close by anyone’s admission. Congressman Cantor lost by an 11% point margin. This is a landslide victory!

This should not have even been a close race. Congressman Cantor spent $5 million to Dave Brat’s $122,000.00. Normally, when there is that much discrepancy in spending, the one outspent doesn’t stand a prayer. Moreover, Congressman Cantor was the incumbent and the House Majority Leader. It is very rare that one with this amount of clout, money and influence loses an election.

The explanations as to why Congressman Cantor lost this election have been all over the board. They have exaggerated the Tea Party’s involvement in this election as the cause, which was not true. They have reported that he lost because of his stance on immigration, which every exit poll taken has shown that this was not the case. Every explanation by political pundits has failed to touch why Dave Brat won this primary election.

When you listen to the people of the 7th Congressional District of Virginia, you find out the real reason Congressman Cantor lost this election. He lost the election because he forgot the very words that he was sworn to uphold, We the people. It was We the people who elected him in the first place, and when he forsook the people to pursue a higher position, the people showed him they wanted someone who represented them and not his agenda. Congressman Cantor got so caught up in the political world that he forgot to represent the people who elected him from the 7th Congressional District of Virginia. When he forsook We the people, they forsook him at the voting booth.

Song of Solomon 1:6 says, “Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother’s children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.” You will notice that the person being talked about in this verse was made keeper of the vineyard, but they forgot it. They kept other vineyards, but their own vineyard they did not keep. What should have been most important to this person was to make sure their own vineyard was kept before they took care of another’s vineyard.

Congressman Cantor could have learned a great lesson from this verse that would have kept him from losing this election. The lesson was to take care of We the people and they would continue to vote for him. But, when he stop caring for We the people and took them for granted, then they will stop caring about him at the voting booth.

Every leader should learn from this election that when you stop caring for We the people then they will stop following you and find someone else to follow. There are many pastors who should learn this valuable lesson. Sadly, there are too many pastors missing their pulpits on Sundays and Wednesdays to care for another people when they should be caring for their own. There is nothing wrong with a pastor OCCASIONALLY missing his pulpit, but the people of your church voted you in, and they can vote you out. Too many pastors are more invested in building a national name when they should be interested in We the people. Dear pastor, it should be a rarity that you are not in your pulpit on Sundays and Wednesdays. I’m certainly not against having people speak for you, but you need to be there so your people can see you.

Pastor, stop talking about your own selfish ambitions to your people about building a national name. Your people could care less about having a national platform, but what they care about is hearing from their pastor on how to face the heartaches and struggles they have in the coming week. They could care less that you are preaching on national platforms or flying thousands of miles when their family is in the hospital and you are not there to visit them. They could care less how many meetings you have on your books when they need a pastor to stop by their house and pray with them about personal issues. Pastor, don’t ever forget the personal touch of the ministry. Don’t ever forget We the people as you pastor your church. Remember that you took that church to pastor those people and not every other congregation around the country.

Furthermore, let me caution parents not to forget their own children for the sake of turning other children out for God. Many parents have lost their children because they forgot their own children in an attempt to make sure other children do right. I have watched adults get so wrapped up in building their bus route or Sunday school class that they completely forsook the needs of their own children. Your first responsibility is to your own children. You make sure your children have their parents before you invest your time in other children.

Finally, don’t forsake your own marriage to try to fix everyone else’s marriage. Many pastors and ministry leaders are so busy trying to fix other marriages that they forsake their own. Your marriage is the most important marriage to keep strong. Don’t try fixing the world until you make sure you have cared for your own marriage.

We the people are very strong words. Whenever a leader forgets We the people, they can be assured that the people will soon forget about them. Always remember that if you lose We the people, then you will lose your ability to serve any people. Congressman Cantor’s defeat should sound an alarm to every leader not to forget We the people.

Allen Domelle is the editor of the Old Paths Journal which is more than just a Christian’s publication. It is an excellent place to learn how today’s headlines will forge tomorrow’s laws and statutes. Keep yourself in tune with what is happening around the world, as well as in your own backyard with our daily updates and devotionals.

by: Allen Domelle

After the outrage of 200 Nigerian girls being kidnapped from Muslim terrorists, Michelle Obama had a picture taken that showed her holding a sign that read, “#BringBackOurGirls”. This seems to be President Obama’s way of showing that they are engaged in this crisis. What this administration has not said is that these girls are being held by MUSLIM terrorists. The sad part about this crisis is wondering what else is happening to these young girls.

This administration seemingly wants to appease the Muslim world and takes every effort to avoid calling them terrorists. Why haven’t they said anything about a 27 year old Christian lady who is facing death for getting pregnant by her husband who is a Christian? The President and his administration are very quick to give their opinion about the Trayvon Martin case without getting all the facts, yet a young lady’s life is going to be taken by MUSLIMS because she won’t recant her faith. Where is the voice and leadership of this President?

Mr. President, where is the hashtag for the young American Marine who is being held in Mexico? Where is the hashtag for the doctor being held in prison who helped us locate Osama Bin Laden? Where is the hashtag for the American pastor being held hostage in Iran, yes, by MUSLIMS? It’s amazing how this administration conveniently addresses anything that benefits their social agenda, but refuses to talk about the real problems in their own backyard.

My suggestion is that the President should also start these hashtags to show his leadership in these situations.

#BringBackOurAmericansKilledInBenghazi
#IRStargeting
#VAdebuncle
#FastandFuriousscandal
#GSAgonewild
#SolyndraBankruptcy
#APwiretapping
#NSAwiretappingAmericanCitizens
#RedLineSyria
#RussiaInvasion
#ObamacareDisaster
#MuslimsAreTerrorists

I know, these wouldn’t fit his political view because anyone interested in these are “Right wing extremists.” These wouldn’t fit his hashtag list because only Fox News and the right wing extremist Tea Party are the only ones interested in these. Yes, he’s supposedly addressed these by saying he would get to the bottom of these, but continues to hold back documents that are important to these investigations.

Hashtag leadership is not leadership. Putting a hashtag on a sign and holding it up for the press is not showing leadership. Hashtag leadership may show you are in touch with social networking, but it also shows the lack of strength to truly deal with crisis’.

True leadership takes control of a situation and punishes those who are doing wrong. Leadership is not just saying you are going to do something, but leadership is doing what you say you will do. Leadership is taking the blame for what goes wrong and giving the credit to your followers when you succeed. Leadership is willing to make the tough decisions to do what it takes to protect those you lead.

The greatest charge of leadership comes when Moses tells Joshua, “And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the Lord hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.” (Deuteronomy 31:7) Notice, he was to be “strong.” In other words, leadership is not only showing your power, but using it when you must. That is why he also told him to be “of a good courage.” It takes courage for a leader to have to use his strength to protect the people he serves.

It is time our President stops being a hashtag leader and become a real leader. He needs to be strong and address the scandals that have come under his watch. This world is an evil world, and hashtag leadership allows evil to prevail.

My suggestion to every Christian is to pray for those leaders who are trying to address the problems in this country. Pray for our President to stop being a hashtag leader. Call your Congressional leaders and ask them to do something about these scandals. Take action and prepare to know who is running in your state and district this fall and elect those leaders who are strong and will stand for truth.

Allen Domelle is the editor of the Old Paths Journal which is more than just a Christian’s publication. It is an excellent place to learn how today’s headlines will forge tomorrow’s laws and statutes. Keep yourself in tune with what is happening around the world, as well as in your own backyard with our daily updates and devotionals.