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Click on the above to see Brother Ritechus N. Dignation, a funny video about a preacher always looking
for greener pasture.
June 19,
2008 Mini Edition
by Joseph Harris Number 197
The Right Foundation
A good foundation is always important.
A solid foundation is essential in the construction of a building. A strong academic background is important for success in
higher education. The parable Jesus told about the wise man and the foolish man is more than just a children’s
Bible story. Rock is always preferable to sand for a foundation.
America’s "multi-cultural diverse" society is built upon the sand of man’s wisdom and not the
rock of God. Our public government education system is built on the sinking sand of humanism and relativism and
not the solid rock of absolute truth. American politics is built on the sand of public opinion instead of principles
based upon God’s wisdom. Many modern churches are built upon marketing to the consumer's needs with no regard for what
pleases God. I could go on with examples, but you get the picture.
Though it sounds too simple, the basic "why" of man’s problems is traced directly back to the
exclusion of God. Now don’t go to the illogical conclusion that the presence of God means the absence of all problems,
or you might get initiated into the "name it and claim it" club and begin your own program on TBN. "Man . . . is born unto
trouble," according to a wise man who well knew by experience.
Notice, the Bible does not begin with a plea for salvation or how to live a holy life or how to be
victorious over sin. It begins with the foundation of the existence of GOD. Genesis 1:1 does not even try to prove the
existence of God. It assumes His existence. The scripture simply says, "In the beginning, GOD . . ." Belief in
God as Creator is foundational because if you do not accept the existence of the Creator, nothing else matters. Acceptance
of God as Creator precedes acceptance of God as Savior. The foundation must precede the building. This fact explains
why Satan tries to supplant the Creator and creation with evolution. If there is no Creator, there is nothing. Zero. No beginning,
no ending and nothing in between, hence we are all animals with no purpose for existence and no destination but the grave.
Wow, what hope and comfort evolution gives!
Christianity supplies something no other religion, philosophy or world view can completely give: (1) beginning;
(2) purpose, and (3) destination. Christianity provides a perfect trinity of explanation of: (1) origin of everything (God),
(2) the meaning of life (glorify God), and (3) the conclusion of it all (eternity with or without God). Notice, God is the
center of the threefold explanation.
God is essential. Man is not capable of ultimate success apart from God because of depravity, and real
success is more than having money or things. Man, left to himself, apart from God, will always degenerate. Since Adam, every
person has entered this world with a predisposition to turn away from God and commit sin. Every society in human history
that ignored God eventually crumbled.
When it comes to your life, don’t just include God. Build your life around Him. Place
God at the center. Put Him first in your life, first in your marriage, first in your finances, and first in your work.
"For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." I Corinthians 3:11.
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This
article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
June 5, 2008 Number
196
Surprised?
An old saying tells us that life is full of surprises, but some
things should not catch us by surprise. And especially those events that give a forerunner of their happening.
When the ungodly seem to win a victory over morality and purity, some Christians seem surprised. Their surprise
almost surprises me.
Who is surprised over the news from California about "gay" marriage,
as the same sex marriage ban was overturned by that wide majority vote, 4-3? A homosexual "couple"(Ain't no such thing)
can now apply for a marriage license. We have already seen the hand writing on the wall in Massachusetts, which
is a hotbed of homosexuality, with homosexual sympathizers. Remember, this is the home of Barney Frank, the queer
representative of the fourth congressional district of Massachusetts. And don't forget their illustrious senator, Chappaquiddick
Ted, that moralizing Kennedy who left Mary Jo Kopechne to die trapped in the car submerged in water, while
he swam to safety, then waited nine hours to report the accident. With elected officials like the aforementioned
men, who could possibly be surprised at anything that might come out of Massachusetts. And now California, a state
known for it's liberalism, has a handful of judicial activists telling the dissenting majority of the population that
the will of the majority is worthless. 61 % of the people of California approved the ban on homosexual marriage.
The phrase "homosexual marriage" is a paradox that voids itself. It's kind of like talking about cold fire, dry water
or Christian adultery. It is a self canceling paradox. Is that redundant?
Was anyone surprised with the removal of Judge Roy Moore as Chief
Justice of Alabama, a few years back? Why be surprised when God and his commandments have already been removed?
The natural step of progression is to remove God's man. And remove him they did. The nine member Court of
the Judiciary, presided over by Judge William Thompson, voted to remove Judge Moore. The only surprising
thing about this event was that Thompson led the court in prayer at the beginning, asking God to bless the proceedings of
the court. This was laughable....asking God to bless the removal of the very man who has tried to keep God's blessing
on the people by honoring God's laws. Insanity rules.
Then there is the display of ungodliness, vulgarity and filth on
the airwaves. No one is surprised or shocked anymore, and I'm speaking of regular TV. X rated programming has
been on the television for 30 years, since the advent of pay TV as found on HBO, SINemax and other purveyors
of pornography. When the filth switched over to "mainstream" TV, no one was surprised.....or cared.
This is nothing more than the natural course of events. We have been de-sensitized to that which was previously
shocking. We may not be surprised, but we should be ashamed.
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern
Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and
www.miniedition.net also appear).
LESSONS FROM COMICS
I hope the kid in me never grows up. For instance, I like to read the Sunday comics. It’s amazing what
can be found in what we used to call, when I was a kid, the funny papers. Sometimes they are profound and true to life.
A few years back, I came across a series that was new to me. “Zits” was the name of the comic
series. The beginning panels showed a woman pulling out a pair of rubber gloves and attaching a face mask, kind of like a
filter. She then took a pair of tongs and pulled a tape from a VCR and dropped it in a garbage bag with a look of disgust
on her face as if she smelled a bad odor. The last panel contained the only dialogue in the strip. Two guys were sitting in
front of the TV, watching her actions, and the first one made a remark about how the woman (the other guy’s Mom) did
not like coarse language. The second guy responded with an exasperated look on his face saying the movie was only rated PG-13.
How true to life. I expect this attitude from the world, since society has become so de-sensitized. Things
are accepted today that would not have been tolerated 40 years ago. I do, however, expect something different from professing
Christians, who seldom use much discrimination in their choices of TV and film entertainment. I have been told, “Well,
it’s only rated PG or PG-13" as if the rating alone makes it acceptable. Usually, films with these “mild”
ratings contain obscene, vulgar, and profane language. When you point out the adultery and homosexuality that might be in
the film, the excuse is, “Well, this is real life. These things exist in the real world.” True, and these things
are usually not rebuked in the real world either. A film containing these themes at least has some redeeming value when it
shows the consequences, tragedy, and destruction of these and other sins, instead of presenting them in an amoral, nonjudgmental
way. Plus the world view presented and promoted by the film should be considered. And remember, the Motion Picture Association
rates films, and this group is not comprised of conservative Bible believers.
A steady diet of filth, perversity, blasphemy, nudity, hedonism, etc, etc, does have an affect on
the consumer. We as Christians believe constant exposure to the Word affects people. How can we not believe constant
exposure to the world will do the same? In the name of entertainment, professing Christians will subject themselves
to vile, lewd, anti-God behavior and language, while they as Christians abstain from the use of the same language and lifestyles
portrayed on the screen. This is inconsistency with a capital I. If you do not use profanity, then don’t pay
to hear others use it. If you don’t take God’s name in vain, then don’t promote it by endorsing it and financially
supporting the ones who profane God. If you do not believe in adultery, homosexuality, etc., then don’t laugh at the
crude humor and applaud when it is practiced by others. And any woman who bares her body for millions to see is on the
level of a harlot and should be prayed for, not exalted and adored as a sex symbol.
I’m not saying bury your head in the sand, but I am saying we should use plain common sense guided by Scripture.
“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.” Beware what you allow into
your heart, “For from the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Sadly, this simple comic strip of
few words, speak volumes.
Joseph
Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article
may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
IS
MORMONISM CHRISTIAN?
Forgetfulness is a part of human nature. The older I get, the more human I become. This tendency to forget is one
reason why we as Christians must read our Bibles regularly. We usually know truth when we see it, but tend to “forget”
when not constantly reminded.
For instance, amid the glimmering and positive image that is used to portray Mormonism, let’s not forget
that it is still a cult which denies fundamental Bible doctrines. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was established
by Joseph Smith around the mid 1800's. He was disgruntled with the divided religious denominations of his day. Smith claims
that when he asked God to show him which one of the current churches was the true church, God told him none of them . . .
they were all wrong. God then stated he wanted JS to be his true prophet and “restore” the true gospel back into
the world, since it had been lost through the corrupt churches.
Smith didn’t restore the lost truth anymore than the reformers recovered true doctrine that had been “lost”
through the Catholicism of the Dark Ages. The truths which the reformers claimed to restore were still being proclaimed and
practiced by true Bible believing churches, known throughout church history by various names, and persecuted by Catholicism.
From the time Christ started His church, to the present, true churches have perpetually existed preaching true doctrine. Bible
doctrine has been “messed with” throughout church history, but was never lost.
Joseph Smith, using a buffet line mentality, picked and chose what he wanted from Christianity, sprinkled in a
tablespoon of Freemasonry, added a dash of mysticism and created the smorgasbord of Mormonism. The problem is, God never hired
him as the chef.
Mormonism claims JS is the last prophet for mankind, but Hebrews 1:1 plainly states Jesus is God’s final
prophet, and that excludes Mohammed also. Mormonism teaches Jesus is a god, while the scriptures teach Jesus is God, and not
just divinity, but deity. Mormonism teaches salvation by righteous works and accountability before the judgment seat of a
trinity of God, Jesus and Joseph Smith. All this and more, was supposedly revealed to Joseph Smith by an angel from Heaven.
Again, lest we forget, Mormonism is not true Biblical Christianity, but a mutated corruption, sprinkled
with a fairy tale element (man may become God), which corrupts the simplicity of the Gospel (II Corinthians 11:3). “But
though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you, than that we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
Galatians 1:8
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This
article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
April 3, 2008
Mini Edition by Joseph Harris Number
193
I'm
Just Thankful
What shall I render unto the Lord for all He has done for me? How can I ever repay His goodness, gifts, and blessings.
Well, I can’t. But I can sure try. Reflecting upon the goodness of God should overwhelm and humble each recipient.
We often take for granted the "little" things in life, like life itself, good health, family, friends, and material blessings.
I have tried to list a few things below for which I am extremely grateful.
I'm thankful that, in this nation founded on Christian principles from scripture, we can still assemble
and preach the Gospel of Jesus, which is the only answer to our sin problem.
I’m thankful that with the privilege of being a US citizen, I can own property and bear arms to protect
my family, if needed.
I'm thankful that I can still make my small voice heard at the voting booth.
I’m thankful I live in America and not a country dominated by Islam.
I’m thankful that my wife loves me and supports my ministry work, and am especially thankful for our
daughter and son.
I’m thankful for the prayers of God’s people for one another in times of distress, trouble, heartache,
sickness and mourning.
I’m thankful God called me to preach and placed me in a preaching/teaching ministry twenty five years
ago.
I’m thankful for the hundreds of students in my college classes over the past 21 years, for
teaching me as I taught them.
I’m thankful for my Christian heritage from a Godly preacher father and mother who are now
in Heaven.
I’m thankful for my five brothers and sisters.
And last of all (no offence to Yankees here), I’m thankful I was born and bred in the south where I
learned to hunt and eat squirrels and rabbits, set trot lines for catfish, gather eggs from the chicken yard, pluck chickens,
eat cornbread dressing, grits, "taters," "mater" gravy and biscuits, learned to pick and shell peas and beans, raise corn
and squash, bale and haul hay, run cows, fall asleep on the porch at night, hear good old fashioned preaching and singing
in a country church, etc., etc. Now that’s living.
Folks, I’m just thankful. And I’m especially thankful for you Mini Edition subscribers and the
readers of Mini Edition in the papers that reprint it weekly and monthly, and the editors. God bless you. You have been so
encouraging. Now go tell someone you appreciate them.
Joseph
Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article
may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
March 20, 2008
Mini Edition by Joseph Harris Number
192
Why You Should Not Home School Your Children
The education debate continues. Should kids be sent to public government schools, private and/or Christian schools, or be home schooled?
The choice should belong to the parents. As I have written on this issue in the past, it seems to have generated more
response that just about any other topic I have written on in the past 7 years. And I usually lose subscribers, since
they view my pro-Christian school and home schooling views as an attack on them personally, if their kids attend government
schools. This is not an attack, but my opinion and view. Just put on your thick skin and you will be okay.
I received the tongue-in-cheek article "Why You Should Not Home School
Your Children" and liked it so much I decided to add my own thoughts. The author was anonymous, so I can't give credit.
See if you can determine which ones I added. By the way, my wife and I home school our children (as if you couldn't
guess) If you are a home schooler, send this to some of your home school buddies. jhh.
Why You Should Not Home School Your Children
Most parents were educated in the under-funded
public school system, and so
are not smart enough to home-school their own children.
Children who receive
one-on-one home-schooling will learn more than others,
giving them an unfair advantage in the marketplace. This is undemocratic.
How can children learn to defend themselves unless they have to fight off
bullies on a daily basis?
Where else will they learn true US history
and how the righteous North punished the ungodly South
in the "civil" war?
In order to learn how to cope in the real world,
they must be totally immersed in ungodliness
and gutter language at an early, impressionable
age.
Ridicule from other children is important to the socialization process.
Children in public schools can
get more practice "Just Saying No" to drugs,
cigarettes and alcohol.
It is the best option for becoming culturally
sensitized in the areas of racism, homophobia,
and gender discrimination, not to mention being taught the true "facts" of our founding fathers
Publicly asking permission to go to the
bathroom teaches young people their
place in society.
The fashion industry depends upon the peer pressure that
only public schools
can generate.
Public schools foster cultural literacy, passing on important traditions
like
the singing of "Jingle Bells, Batman smells, Robin laid an egg..."
Home-schooled children may not learn important
office career skills, like
how to sit still for six hours straight.
~Author Unknown
Joseph
Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article
may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
March 5, 2007 Mini Edition by Joseph Harris Number 191
Moses was High All Right ....On the Mountain
In case you haven't heard, Moses was on drugs. Yep, he was just some whacked out old man hallucinating about the burning
bush and about God on Mt. Sinai, because of partaking of the bark of the acacia tree. Before you think I am speaking tongue-in-cheek,
these are serious allegations from a psychology professor at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. This professor also claimed that
the Israelites used mind altering substances as a basic part of their worship. After reading these claims and other outrageous
musings from Breitbart.com, I noticed a glaring absence in the professor's statements: PROOF. No biblical, archaeological
or historical proof was ever mentioned in the article. Here are some exact words or phrases found in the article: (1) "Israeli
researcher claimed" (2) "a professor...wrote" (3) "very probable" (4) "was probably" . There was, however, one emphatic, statement
made, by the "researcher", concerning himself: he has "dabbled" with drugs. Hey, that's where I prefer to get my historical
bible truths: from a psychology professor who is also a self professed drug user.
He does give one tidbit of "proof" as to the drug use of Moses and Israel by referring to some obscure and
irrelevant example about some modern day tribe in the Amazon that uses drugs in religious ceremonies. He never bothers to
close the cultural, linguistic, geographical and time gap between the Old Testament Israelites and the modern day Amazons.
He then recounts his own spiritually based religious visions while on a similar drug used by the Amazons which, once again,
must be proof positive that Moses did drugs. This professor must be a Democrat or the Israeli equivalent, since no one in
the media has bothered to call his hand on his obvious lack of proof. You know the old liberal media philosophy: if it slams
God or Bible truth, then it must be true, and don't you dare question it. This discovery was considered "news" and most internet
search engines will give several references to this discovery.
This is great news for fornicators, adulterers, liars, thieves and all other commandment breakers. If Moses
was just some dope head, then the ten commandments would naturally be the ravings of his wild and drug influenced imagination
and therefore, not authoritative (the truth is, God authored the ten commandments, not Moses).
The woods are full of doubters, skeptics and atheists. They never seem to tire of attacking God and the Bible,
but I get weary when their opinions are treated as gospel truth with no challenge.
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS .
(This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
November 29, 2007
Mini Edition by Joseph Harris Number
189
A Thermostat
or a Thermometer?
In almost every
modern home, there is a little box on some wall called a thermostat. It controls the climate in the house. Also
contained in the box is a thermometer, which measures the temperature inside the house. The thermostat responds
to the temperature of the thermometer, based on its setting. One measures, one makes a difference.
As a Christian, are you a thermostat or a thermometer? A lot of Christians are nothing
more than a thermometer. They take on the temperature of their environment. At church, they are holy, kind, patient
and considerate. Away from the church crowd, they are rude, crude, impatient and act like their worldly environment.
They do nothing more than reflect and emulate their environment.
Thermostat Christians make a change in the temperature of their environment. When backbiting
begins, they refrain and instead use edifying words. When confronted in anger, they answer softly and not in wrath
for "The wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God", according to Brother James. They are not affected
by the cold or the heat. They walk to the beat of the Holy Spirit, since they are filled with Him and they
make a difference in their environment.
When Peter stood by the fire warming himself, as Jesus was being tried illegally, he took on
the climate of the world. When confronted with his identity and association with Jesus, he lied, then swore. Peter
reflected the temperature of the world. He was a thermometer.
When Demas forsook Paul and loved this present world, he was a thermometer and of no use to Paul
or God.
The Macedonian believers, however, became a thermostat and made a difference and along with Paul,
became "ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia" (I Thess. 1:7) and they also became a thermometer
as they took on the climate of Paul and God, "And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord..." (I Thess. 1:6).
Three well known thermostats in the Bible were the Hebrews in Daniel who would not bow to the
king. When everyone else was doing it, they absolutely refused to bow to a man made image. They were so locked
in to God that they vowed to not bow whether, God preserved them or not. The issue for them was not deliverance,
but integrity.
Oh God give us some thermostat Christians who will stop reflecting the temperature
of this world and its filth, and who are more concerned about pleasing the Holy God of the universe, as they set
the temperature of Godliness in their family, church, work place and community.
November 20, 2007
Mini Edition by Joseph Harris Number
188
Illegal Immigrant TV Spinoff Shows
Spinoffs of popular TV shows have been common over the years. Some of
the first and most popular spinoffs came from creator/producer Paul Henning, beginning with such great shows as
The Beverly Hillbillies, followed by its spinoff of Petticoat Junction, finally followed by Green
Acres. Well, I have some spinoffs from old and new popular shows, with a theme: Illegal Immigrant
Spinoffs. When my creative mind starts turning, stuff usually comes pretty fast. This is how all
the junk you get in email gets started on the internet (Remember my Muslim Southern Gospel Quartet, The Jihad Boys), but also
remember this: you got in on the ground floor with this one, cause they are straight from my hot little brain.
Three's Company with the spinoff Thirty's Company. A story about
30 illegals living in one rent house in shifts.
Chico and the Man, followed by Chico and the man, and the woman, and the children,
and the grandparents, and the cousins and.....A show about one extended family's realized dream to come to the USA.
Dora the Explorer with the spinoff, Dora the Border Explorer.
Children's show about a little Hispanic girl who finds new and exciting ways to cross the border.
Go Diego, Go with the spinoff, Go Back Diego, Go Back. Diego
is Dora's cousin who apparently has also explored along the border.
8 is Enough. This spinoff is called 8 Million is Enough, showing
how even 8 million illegals will drastically affect the US economy, notwithstanding the 12 million already here.
Mr. Roger's Neighborhood spinoff is called Senor Roger's Newly Repopulated
and Diverse Neighborhood. A minority of American citizens find themselves the only English speaking people
in their neighborhood.
Law and Order has a spinoff called No Law and Disorder, a show about
how immigration laws are not enforced and the consequences that follow.
LA Law. This spinoff, LA Immigration Law, is a daring, cutting
edge program about a law firm that dares to prosecute illegals in, of all places, Los Angeles. Caution, graphic violence
involved.
For those who get offended, get a life and a sense of humor. The truth is the truth and illegals
are illegal and no amount of spin can change the truth. We can either accept the truth or reject it, but we can
not change it.
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS.(This
article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear)
November 16, 2007
Mini Edition by Joseph Harris Number
187
WE’VE COME A LONG WAY, BABY!
According to officials in Montgomery County in Maryland, individuals can now choose their gender (Worldnetdaily.com,
November 14, 2007). If you as a male, "feel" or "perceive" you are female, you are. Same thing for females who
think they are males. This will certainly save a lot of money on "gender reassignment" surgeries, if you want to overlook
one small fact: it's absolutley insane. Sane thinking people are concerned about people of the opposite sex using the
same public facilites as the oppostie sex, such as restrooms, showers, locker rooms, etc. and their proposed law would allow
this, even though the officials deny it.
Think of the possibilities. If anyone wants to change their race, just use the power of the mind and
presto, it's done. Whites can be black, Blacks can become Asian, and so on. Never mind some absoutes that were
established at birth. Absolutes are no longer absolutes. What you think, perceive and feel is now the standard
for reality. I wonder if I can convince my bank that I really have a balance in my checking account of $300,000.00?
If this is my perception, then the bank will just have to accept it and validate all the checks I write, because I believe
I have $300,000.00 in my account. Don't argue with my reality.
On a related issue, I am reminded of a story I read a few years back. The University of California in
Los Angeles has long been known as a hotbed of liberalism, especially evident in the 60's. It’s no surprise that feminism
is strongly supported and taught at UCLA. What’s surprising is the presence of a campus group known as the Independent
Women’s Forum, a conservative organization. The IWF claims to be a counter-organization of the NOW, National Organization
for Women, or as I fondly refer to them, the National Organization of Whiners.
We are often cautioned against placing a stereotype on individuals or groups, but it’s kinda hard
not to with liberals. They are so predictable. One stereotype of a liberal group is this: THEY can downgrade, denigrate and
devil anyone they choose, but let just ONE word be said in opposition against them or their ideology, and they cry incessantly
like the thin-skinned babies they are. It’s true almost every time; the great "preachers" of tolerance suddenly become
extremely intolerant when they are on the receiving end of criticism. So if the stereotype fits . . . well, you know
the rest.
The Independent Women's Forum ran an advertisement in the student paper challenging what they called "The
Ten Most Common Feminist Myths" and the outcry began. The feminists cried "hateful" and "damaging to the UCLA community" for
starters. Now, all the IWF did was tell the truth with hard facts and statistics about some of the following feminist myths:
(1) One out of every four girls experiences rape or attempted rape by a male on college campuses; (2) Girls don’t receive
as well an education as boys; (3) Gender is a social construction, . . . and so on.
Now, the IWF did say the feminist professors at UCLA were "factually challenged" and were "male bashers,"
but hey, the truth usually hurts. Someone needs to say it. Groups like the National Organization for Women have for too long
had free reign given to them by the major liberal news media outlets and it’s refreshing to hear someone tell
the truth. Liberal groups have been unchallenged for so long, they just can’t handle it when they are confronted with
truth. Unfortunately, most have been inoculated to the truth by their own self deception.
What saith the Lord concerning male and female? The man was first formed, then the woman, Paul said,
and the order of creation establishes the authority of the man. Concerning sin, the man was in the transgression, but the
woman was deceived, therefore it was "by one man sin entered into the world", not one woman, according to Romans
5. Paul also stated that a woman was not to usurp the God-given authority of the male. There has been a rash of
women "preachers" over the past few decades, but scripture is plain on this issue, for those who will accept truth and not
be guided by feelings and emotion.
Ladies and Gentlemen, males and females are different. They have different roles, different positions in the
home, and different areas of ministry. They are just as different emotionally as they are physically. Women have no place
in the foxhole and men just can’t nurture like women can. And no one can change their gender by wishing, hoping
or having surgery. God does not make mistakes and He does not place a male in a female body or visa versa.
Departure from the Word of God can only lead to switched roles and confused, unfulfilled men, women, and children.
Hey, I have a novel idea! How about we try it God’s way for the next generation? We’ve come a long way baby. Now
let’s shift into reverse. Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern
Baptist College in Laurel, MS.(This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name
Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear)
Check out my latest product, Southern Charm Drinking Chocolate, by clicking on the cup, and request
a free sample.
September 28, 2007
Mini Edition by Joseph Harris Number
185
Stepping on Snakes
I have never stepped on a snake, but have come close a couple
of times. I have actually had something worse happen to me. One night, I went into an empty house we owned, checking
it out because of recent robberies in the area. When trying to close the back door after entering, I noticed the door
would not close all the way. I had been having trouble with the striker plate on the door and thought it just needed
an extra push. I pushed and shoved and the door still would not close. Irritated, I yanked the door open to see
if the head of a screw was sticking out. I immediately found what was keeping the door from closing. As the door
flew open, a four foot rat snake fell down on my head. He had been wedged at the top, in between the door and the casing,
keeping the door from closing. As he fell down on my head and slid down my face and on to my arms, I yelled and jumped
backwards several feet in one leap. That's a pretty good feat, when you weigh 240 pounds and stand at 5'9.
I had a pistol on me, but by the time I got it out and ready, the snake was gone and I wouldn't have been able
to hit him anyway. That was too close to a snake, for me.
Would you rather err on the side of righteousness or unrighteousness? Would
you rather get close to a snake or remain at a distance? Christian liberty may say, "I can do it, I have a right,
it's allowed", but Christian maturity says, "For me to live is Christ and I love God and want to protect my testimony."
It has always amazed me at the length to which people will go to get near sin, but won't even begin to pay the price
to get near God. If you are more interested in getting closer to sin than in getting closer to God, something is wrong.
Getting near a snake doesn't guarantee you will be bitten, but it increases your chances.
I am concerned when Christians spend more time looking for loopholes
that allow them freedom to indulge in, or partake of, or associate with that which is questionable for Christians. It
is an indictment that they are more focused on themselves than on God. Plus, there is always potential danger, for sin
can bite like a snake.
I spoke
at a church this past Summer and was grieved at what I saw. There were several women there who were not dressed modestly.
These were decent and attractive women. We sometimes use the phrase "good looking". It was more than that.
These were nice looking women who were "hot", to use a description of today. Their attire, which was
skimpy and tight, made them hot. If their dress had been decent and modest, the word "hot" would
not be appropriate and they would have just been nice looking, Godly women. I am not judging their character,
because they were probably moral women, but it was difficult to see Godliness with so much skin showing. People
who know me will say, "Well there he goes again, harping on dress, when there are more important things." There certainly
are more important things, but dress and appearance also have a place of importance. Loophole seekers are
always turning attention away to "more important" things. And even if I DO harp on certain things, it's usually
because everyone else's harp is broken, and they are silent on certain issues. There is a direct connection
between immodest dress and inflamed lust and increased sexual desire in today's society. There is also a direct
connection between going into the woods or to a lake and finding a snake. Going where snakes live increases the chance
of finding and even stepping on snakes. Staying away from snake habitations decreases the possibility of seeing and
stepping on snakes.
Hungering and thirsting after God, with a desire to please Him decreases opportunities to sin and dishonor Him. WHY
are Christians so concerned with this world, it's styles and fashions, programs and all it has to offer when they could feast
on the things of God and the genuine peace, joy and fulfillment that comes only from dedication to Him?
Legalist? Legalism? The word has to do with adhering to law. I'll take law any day over lawlessness.
And watch out for snakes.
Joseph Harris is the Chairman of Biblical Studies at
Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS.(This article may be reprinted in whole, as long
as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear)
September, 2007 Mini Edition by Joseph Harris Number
184
Family
Values
Have you ever had a tempting offer that seemed too good
to be true? One example that comes to mind would be the work at home ads that promise you will make $10,000 the first month and as much as you want after that. The old saying of "If it
sounds too good to be true, it probably is" is an axiom of truth.
Last year, I received a offer that could have been
a lucrative deal, if only that pesky Christianity stuff had not gotten in the way. The casting producer for a show
on ABC contacted me about being on their program. She said it was a hit show on ABC's Disney family hour. Since
I do not watch much TV, and never watch regular network programming, I had never heard of the show, but everyone I asked had
heard of the show. The casting producer was looking for an illusionist and his family, and came across my
web site. The appearance on the show, and the filming, which would take a couple of weeks of my life, would pay $20,000.00. I
admit, this amount caused me to raise an eyebrow, but if my family and I had appeared on the program, it would have
been the end of my ministry. The potential to corrupt my children was assured, because of the nature of the program.
I declined and asked a few friends if they were interested, but that was before I found out how corrupt the show was, otherwise,
I would have thought twice about asking them. I still have not watched an episode of the show and do not plan on it.
The offer came soon after asking God for some extra income for a specific matter.
AND it was on ABC's DISNEY FAMILY hour. I was assured it was a family show. Surely, this was God answering prayer.
I learned long ago that the world doesn't have a clue, when it comes to real family values. I remember renting
a cartoon film from a video store when my daughter was young, and asking the clerk about the film. She assured me it
was a clean, child friendly, wonderful animation. Five minutes into the film, curse words began. I turned it off,
took the film back and, with charity, told the employee the film was not a children's film. (This was not a Disney
film, but Disney dropped the ball long ago concerning family values)
But back to the "family" show. Just because a show is centered around
a family or families, this doesn't mean it is fit for family consumption. After checking into the situation, it
appeared they wanted a Christian family, but I suspect it was for the opportunity to mock Christianity and challenge
real family values. Even though I was encouraged by some to consider it, it was never a possibility from the
beginning.
The importance of a stable, Godly family cannot be overstated. No single
institution has been attacked as vehemently and viciously, as the family has been attacked. The emasculation of
the male, blurring of the roles of the sexes, and laxation of the discipline of children, have all weakened the family in
the last 100 years. Family values begin with placing value on God as the foundation of the family, led by the Father
and supported by the Mother. Discipline and standards, motivated by love, will establish the children in habits,
manners and a Christian world view philosophy of life that glorifies God, strengthens churches and produces good
citizens. Parents have only one shot with their children. That's why it's so important to guard them from that
which would steal their innocence and purity.
Joseph
Harris is the Chairman of Biblical Studies at Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted
in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear)
August 24, 2007 Mini Edition by Joseph Harris Number
183
Modeling the Love of Christ
An old song from 1965, written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David
and performed by Jackie De Shannon, has lyrics that state, "What the world needs now is love, sweet love, no
not just for some, but for everyone..." The song was popular and contains a lot of truth. The whole truth is,
the love that is needed is the love of God. Love is always powerful, but the strongest force in the universe
is the love of God. It will reach down, heal, overcome, and empower to the fullest, in every situation.
The best preaching, witnessing, singing, etc. in the world misses it mark, if not fueled by the love of God. In
service and ministry for Christ, it is the love of God overflowing in our hearts that motivates us or as Paul puts it, "...the
love of Christ constraineth us..." II Cor. 5:14.
Love cannot just be preached about or spoken
of: it must be seen. Imagine if God had only TOLD us that He loved us, instead of SHOWING it. Empty words would
not save us. God backed up his words by sending Jesus to die for us, thereby proving His love. "But God commendeth
his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8. God then raised Jesus
from the dead, completing the plan of salvation, sealing it and justifying us by the empty tomb.
Seeing the love of God in Christians profoundly influenced me
in my early Christianity. When yet lost, I was deeply influenced by a Godly woman, Mrs. Ann Lombardo, from New
Orleans, Louisiana. I was a lost heathen living in Bay St. Louis in 1980 when I first met her. She would
come to the Bay St. Louis/Waveland area and stay in a weekend home several times each year. When she walked
into my place of business, I knew something was different. As I assisted her (I was a shoe salesman)
she asked me if I knew Jesus Christ as Savior. I fumbled out some answer about being saved, then she said, "Oh
that's so good. Isn't He a wonderful Savior?" I mumbled something back and got away from her.
The love of God in this born again former Catholic was overpowering.
The next weekend, she was back. Surely she did not need
more shoes. Actually, she had targeted me and was back to talk about Jesus again. Though she had already
asked if I was saved, she asked again....and again.....and again, because she knew I didn't have a clue about salvation, even
though I professed to be saved. She was a great customer and I sold many pairs of shoes, but the love was so real and
conviction of God was so strong, I actually dodged her when I could. Her words haunted me: "Isn't He a wonderful
Savior?" She was the only complete stranger in my life who had ever asked me if I was saved. A few months
later, I did find out that HE'S A WONDERFUL SAVIOR!
I went off to Bible college for one year at Southeastern
Baptist College and the next year returned to Bay St. Louis as a summer missionary, assisting Brother Thelbert Hill,
missionary pastor of Central Baptist Church. Guess who walked into church one Wednesday evening? Mrs.
Ann Lombardo. She introduced me to a friend who was staying with her for a couple of months, Mrs. Minnie Jester.
She loved working with children and was known to kids by her nickname, Miss Boots. These two ladies had a
passion for souls and especially for children. They invited me to help in a backyard Bible school at
Mrs. Lombardo's summer home. I packed every kid I could find into my car every morning the next week and
watched these two ladies teach Bible and LOVE those kids, most of whom were thrown away and neglected by their parents.
Miss Boots talked to those kids with finger puppets, served them drink and cookies and hugged their dirty little
bodies.
I did not realize at the time how much these ladies influenced
me as Jesus radiated through them. SEEING the love of God in them strengthened me then and later, and even now
as I recount these memories. I do not know where they are today or if they are still alive. I never knew
much personally about either, except that Ann Lombardo lived in New Orleans and Minnie Jester, in her younger days,
had been the personal secretary to J. Edgar Hoover. What I do know is that they kept the first and second
great commandments and loved the Lord their God with all their heart and soul and mind and each loved her neighbor
as much as herself. God bless you ladies. Thank you for showing Jesus to me.
Joseph
Harris is the Chairman of Biblical Studies at Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted
in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear)
August 3, 2007 Mini Edition by Joseph Harris Reprint
YOUR
SUPREME COURT AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
I have never understood the decision of the Supreme Court to protect virtual child porn as free
speech. In a decision that had to do with invalidating portions of the Child Pornography Act which was passed by Congress
in 1996, the court basically said that REAL photographs of REAL children involved in REAL sexual acts are illegal and not
protected as free speech, BUT computer generated images that APPEAR to be of children, which APPEAR to be involved in sex
acts are okay. In other words, hand drawn or computer generated pictures that appear to be of minors in acts of simulated
sex, are protected as free speech.
Well, that sounds as clear as the tax code. Only two judges dissented. Hats off to Justices
Antonin Scalia and William Rehnquist. Apparently, only two judges on the highest court in this country are thinking with any
sanity and common sense. Imagine, if it has not hit you yet; the highest court in this land believes that virtual child pornography
has merit and needs protecting.
One charge by opponents was that predators can use this now legal porn to entice and lure children
into the real thing, which is exactly what they do with all kinds of porn. Now the predators can show legal pictures of children
supposedly engaged in sexual acts, to real children, to entice them and further break down barriers of inhibition. In response
to this charge, Justice Anthony Kennedy, who wrote for the majority, said that candy and video games can also be used for
immoral purposes, but are not prohibited just because they have potential for misuse. IS HE SERIOUS? This is the worst case
of comparing apples with oranges I have ever seen. Child porn compared with candy? Is anyone out there with me, or am I the
only one wondering what this guy is doing on the bench, with that kind of reasoning.
Let’s follow through with their reasoning of the pictures not being real and the sexual
acts only simulated. How would they respond to:
Hate Crimes - pictures of homos being beaten or lynched, simulated of course and computer
imaged. No actual pictures of real people.
Minority Bashing - handrawn, naturally, featuring minorities being trashed and abused
by hand drawn skin-heads and “good ole boys” (with virtual tobacco spit stains)
Animal Abuse-Lab rats being mercilessly tortured and maimed, just pretend, of course,
with only simulated torture of computer generated images, complete with fake cries for help.
I wonder if today’s judges and courts would fight for free speech protection of the above
mentioned proposals. Why not? After all, it’s only simulation.
Our high court should be concerned with protecting children, but instead has sided with those
who would hurt, misuse and abuse our children. Remember the words of Jesus. It would be better to have a millstone tied around
your neck and drowned than to hurt innocent children. God help us.
July 13, 2007 Mini Edition by Joseph
Harris Number 182
WITHOUT NATURAL AFFECTION
An accurate description of society today can be found in II Timothy 3:1-5.
This description is not some abstract of an unknown people in an unknown time. I believe it accurately and prophetically describes
the time in which we live today. Who can argue with such words and phrases describing men as “lovers of their own
selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection,
trucebreakers, false accusers” and this is only a partial list. Every one of these “qualities” can be found daily from a compilation of newspapers.
One phrase that stands out as especially true and descriptive is “without
natural affection.” The word natural is derived from the word nature which has to do with “the
inherent or essential qualities of anything,” to give a dictionary definition. To have affection for someone means
to cherish that person. The
phrase is also found in Romans 1 with reference to homosexuals who are
without natural affection for the opposite sex. Having natural affection is the norm, as in a male having natural affection
for a female, a female having natural affection for a male, and a parent having a natural affection for his or her children.
In other words, it’s just the natural thing, or that which is expected and normal.
Though the Bible never mentions the word abortion, it does speak of murder
and shedding of innocent blood. The phrase “without natural affection” in I Timothy 3:3 can also describe
the feeling of a mother toward a child she may want aborted. In the animal kingdom, most mothers have an intense desire
to protect their young, to the point of the mother putting her own life on the line. With animals, this is called instinct.
The mother doesn’t think about it or have to be taught to protect her young. She just does it, therefore it is natural.
All human mothers have a God-given desire to protect their young, whether
inside or outside the womb. To dislike, even hate a child to the point of murdering the child, is to be without natural affection.
But God places a natural affection within the heart of every parent. The same can be said of any father who might abuse or
kill his children. He is without natural affection. Simply put, it is natural for him to love and protect his children, and
unnatural to hate and abuse them. The result of any mother who rejects or denies this God-given natural affection is guilt
and frustration, which explains why so many mothers who have had their children killed, eventually need some kind of emotional
or psychological counseling. They also need forgiveness from God for committing the sin of murder.
As we “celebrate” decades of killing the innocent and helpless,
may God have mercy on America and raise the consciousness level of this current generation concerning the horrible holocaust
that has been taking place in the name of choice, because of the lack of natural affection. Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College
in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and
www.miniedition.net also appear)
June 22, 2007 Mini Edition by Joseph Harris
Number 180
Revolt or Revival?
The revolt has arrived! The coup has come! The truth is finally beginning to come out. After YEARS of enduring
a liberal dominated media (and government), the winds of change have blown in like a hurricane. Conservative talk radio continues
to grow by leaps and bounds and this phenomenon has even filtered down to television via the Fox News Network (I know they
are not as fair and balanced as they think, but it's a start). Reasonable, sane, common sense minded, conservative Americans
have had enough.
We the people are tired of being told what to think and what we should tolerate, condone and endorse.
We are tired of seeing Christianity bashed, God blasphemed, perversion praised, and prayer and religion expelled from public
and government life. We are fed up with Greenpeace, animal rights and all manner of environmental wackism. We are disgusted
with so called racism, “inequality” of rights and multi-culturalism. We are sick of government programs funded
by over taxation that reward the lazy and immoral and perpetuate misery, ignorance and crime. We have simply had it with crooked
politicians who refuse to accurately represent their constituents, but pander to lobbyists while padding their pockets. We
want the ACLU, NEA, NOW and every other liberal, God-hating, freedom destroying group to back off and realize they DO NOT
speak for the backbone of this country, but represent a liberal fringe minority. We are at the end of our patience with appointed
judges who rewrite the Constitution, then shove their distorted interpretation down the collective American throat, through
the “omnipotent power” of their federal bench. We are going broke paying through the nose to support a government
education program in public schools, that falls more behind each year, educates few, disciplines none, and frustrates the
majority.
Talk radio has led this revolution in the electronic media. Many are the voices and pundits crying aloud
day and night. Each is a voice crying in the wilderness and their success is due to the fact that there is an audience for
their message.
But let’s not lose focus of this hard truth which is bittersweet news. Their message is refreshing
for the political conservative, but morally and spiritually, there is a void. The conservative Bible believer realizes this
hard truth. There is no real national conservative, Bible-believing voice (Biblically known as a prophet) that hits at the
crux of the problem, giving the real solution. Conservatism as a philosophy can only go so far and only do so much. Morality
can contribute to the solution, but is not the solution (hey, even lost people can be moral). The real solution is the Gospel
of Jesus Christ, preached and lived by God-called preachers in true New Testament churches, backed up by church members who
are born again believers. Soul winning, intercessory prayer and holy living will do more to change culture, affect society,
empty prisons, close abortion clinics, shut down dope dealers, transform homosexuals, clean up government and kill pornography
than any other one thing or combination of things.
The conservative revolt has been welcome and refreshing, true enough, but are we as true Bible believers willing to lay
hold on the real solution as just described? Probably not, because it will cost. Jesus never said following Him would be easy.
He likened it to taking up a cross and dying. The solution requires believers to die to self, die to the world, and live for
God. Until we are willing to pay the full price, do not expect any real changes.
Here is the answer: “If my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, seek my
face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14. You
are either playing or praying. Which is it? Work for the night is coming.
Things You Cannot Say In America
Have you ever known anyone with a martyr’s complex, who enjoyed persecution and actually felt worthless in life unless
they were being maligned? These hapless individuals even manufacture persecution during slow seasons. Now if you happen to
be one of these individuals, or would like to be persecuted, boiled in oil, flayed alive and then beheaded, this article is
for you.
In the Kingdom of Political Correctness, some things are just no-no. Truth, honesty and facts are nowhere to be found in
this land of make-believe. Expediency, self promotion and personal enrichment are usually the motivations for being PC. Purveyors
of PC lie, dodge and twist the truth, re-phrasing sentences and re-defining well established definitions in order to change
thinking on issues. Residents in this fairy tale kingdom can be found in government positions, universities and colleges,
pulpits, schools, and any place of influence. They eat at the foundation of absolute truth, especially as found in Scripture
and shoot their venom at all who oppose and expose their insidious ways. They have succeeded in silencing many who might otherwise
speak the truth in boldness, having beaten them down to believe that “fairness” and “compassion” are
paramount and must reign as the standard used to judge what is spoken or printed.
To ensure you end up thrown into the torture dungeon of the Kingdom of Political Correctness, you might begin by spouting
off at the mouth with some phrases that have to do with gender roles and sexual identity. These subjects will ensure your
place on the stretching rack. To get you started, here are some things you cannot say in America:
‘Men and women are different”
“Homosexuality is a sin”
“Islam is not a religion of peace, but produces terrorists”
“Jesus” (spoken while leading in a public prayer)
“Mothers should stay at home and make motherhood their career”
“The Republican Party has betrayed conservatives”
“Illegal Aliens” (instead of undocumented immigrants)
“The South was right” (States rights trump federal legislation anyday)
“The Catholic institution persecuted Bible believers throughout church history”
“Palestinian gunmen are murdering terrorists, not freedom fighters”
“George Bush has betrayed America with his amnesty policy for illegals”
“Home educated students excel above traditional students”
“Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are racists”
“The Constitution is not a living document”
So there you have it. Things to say, just for starters, that are sure to bring reproach in today’s multi-cultural,
pluralistic, God-hating, Christ-denying society. See you in the dungeon.
“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put
bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20 Joseph
Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted
in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear)
June 8, 2007 Mini
Edition by Joseph Harris
Number 178
Absolute Absolutes, Absolutely
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