March 7, 2008 by Shane Kastler.

A California appellate court sent down a verdict today that sent shockwaves through the homeschooling community, when they ruled that parents did not have the constitutional right to educate their own children as they see fit. Justice H. Walter Croskey, in his ruling stated: “Parents do not have a constitutional right to homeschool their children. Parents who fail to comply may be subject to a criminal complaint against them, found guilty of an infraction, and subject to imposition of fines or an order to complete a parent education and counseling program.”

Obviously, as a home schooling parent, I would strongly disagree with this ruling. But the ramifications of such government intrusion run much deeper than simply education. The core issue in this case is whether or not parents or the state government will be recognized as the primary authority over a child’s life. The audacity, of the California Department of Education, and Justice Croskey is breath-taking. According to this ruling, all children in California must be educated by a “state-sanctioned” teacher who passes muster with the ultra-liberal agenda of the education community. Religious education is outlawed and atheistic evolution, pro-homosexual indoctrination, and force-fed “diversity” will be a state mandated requirement for children.

Approximately 160,000 families in California currently home school their children…and they have already begun the process of appealing this decision to the state Supreme Court. Some have also suggested moving to another state if the decision is not overturned. Is this what America has come to? Christian parents being forced out of a state in order to freely practice their religious education? Our founding fathers would be appalled at such fascism. Indeed it sounds like something we would expect to hear from Stalin’s Soviet Union, Hitler’s Germany, or Castro’s Cuba….not George Washington’s America.

In all probability, this asinine ruling will likely be overturned…if not by the state Supreme Court, then perhaps the Federal Supreme Court. But, the fact that such an invasive ruling was ever made to begin with is shuddering to say the least. And even parents who are not home school proponents should take notice on this one. After all, if the government can seize control from the parents on education…they will eventually do the same in other areas as well. We’ve already seen laws incorporated in some states that ban spanking, which is yet another example of a bully government dictating to parents how they can and can’t discipline their children. The message is clear: Government…not parents, not families, and not God….is meant to be the supreme authority….and the citizens are to kowtow to their “big brother.”

The fact is that this type of big government, anti-parent philosophy is a benchmark of the modern Democratic party. If court decisions and laws like the one stated above irritate and anger you….then you had better run as far as you can from either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama, both of whom will push an agenda…and appoint judges who will take more and more control away from parents, and give it to liberal, know-it-all, government crack pots who think they can raise your children better than you can. Let’s face it: Obama seems like a nice guy, but it’s not “personality” you should vote for…it’s “positions”—and he holds to a political philosophy that squelches independent thinkers, embraces government entitlements and intrusion, and undermines parents and families. John McCain is far from being a perfect candidate….but he represents a party that stands for freedom for it’s citizens. Freedom from tyrannical regimes abroad, AND tyrannical elements of its own country. A party that believes the government’s job is to stay as far out of people’s lives as possible. A party that believes parents….and not government officials are best qualified to make decisions for their children.

The rank and putrid sewage, otherwise known as liberalism, won a victory in California this week. Let’s commit to standing up, speaking out, and sending the message that we won’t stand idly by and watch our dear county be destroyed by such lunacy. What happens in California today, can and will happen in the heartland tomorrow…especially if liberalism has a spot in the White House. Our nation’s leftward slide has continued to the point where soon Christians may be jailed for educating their children, for speaking the truth about sin, and for worshipping as they please. Since I do all three, I expect that by the time I’m an old man I’ll find myself imprisoned. But that reality, doesn’t negate my responsibility to speak out against such atrocities. God has blessed us with a great nation, but sadly we’re losing it to an anti-God agenda that wants government to have absolute control over our lives….from the cradle to the grave. In closing, remember the famous words uttered by Sir Edmund Burke: “The only thing needed for evil to triumph, is for good men to do nothing.”

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November 28, 2007 by Shane Kastler.

“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NASB)

Every Christian is tempted to sin.  But no Christian is forced to give in to it.  In fact, God promises to give us a “way of escape” when the temptation hits.  The problem is that all too often we choose the “passing pleasure of sin” (Hebrews 11:25) rather than the disciplined endurance of holiness.           

Whatever temptation you might be facing, it is encouraging to know that you are not alone.  You might think that no one has ever experienced temptation to sin like you have, but you would be wrong.  All people are born with sin natures, and therefore are tempted in numerous ways.  Others have been tempted just as bad as you have been…and they have overcome….and they have fallen.             

Christians have the ability to refrain from sin because of God’s gracious work in their life.  If Jesus Christ is Lord of your life, then there was some point at which the Holy Spirit of God convicted you of your sin and you were spiritually “born again.” (John 3:3)  Because of this, that same Holy Spirit lives within you; guiding, strengthening, and providing the “way of escape” when temptation comes.  The question is, will you choose the escape, or will you choose the sin?           

 If Jesus Christ is not Lord of your life, then sin is your master. (Romans 6:17)  You might not like hearing that, but it’s true all the same.  In your case, liberation is needed before temptation can be overcome.  As a helpless sinner, you must throw yourself upon the mercy of Christ.  Cry out to Jesus in repentance and faith.  Ask Him to save you and be Lord of your life.  He promises forgiveness.  He promises a clean slate.  He promises eternal life.  And He promises the ability to have victory over sin.  Jesus offers this to you.  The question is: what will you choose to do? 

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