November 5, 2008 by Shane Kastler.

Tonight, as I watched the TV news people giddy over the Presidential election, I couldn’t help but think I was watching vast multitudes of suckered sheep, who had just been taken by the world’s smoothest wolf. A crowd estimated to reach 500,000 gathered in Chicago to celebrate the election of Barack Hussein Obama as the 44^th President of the United States. All the pundits fawned over the moment. They waxed eloquent about how far America has come. Just 145 years after slavery was abolished—40 years after the assassination of Martin Luther King—Just a few decades removed from segregation, America has cleansed its soul from what ABC News’ Cokie Roberts calls, our “greatest national sin of racism.” With all due respect to Ms. Roberts (who doesn’t really deserve any respect)….I would submit that the intentional slaughter of 47 million babies since 1973 trumps all “isms” as our greatest national sin. And I would further submit that racism is more rampant today in our nation than it has ever been…and in fact Obama was handed the Presidency because of the overt, shameless, and celebrated racism of Black Americans who came out in droves to vote for an ultra-liberal, socialist, radical who has shown a lifetime of contempt for America, and who has publicly spoken out AGAINST the protection of newborn babies.Somewhere between 97-99 percent of Black Americans voted for Obama. In some precincts 100 percent voted for Obama….for no other reason than the color of his skin. Which means they voted against John McCain because his skin is lighter in shade than Obama’s. For this they should be ashamed. If 99 percent of White Americans had voted for McCain we would have had a riot on our hands. Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Wolf Blitzer, Katie Couric, Diane Sawyer, Tom Brokaw and the entire leftist media would have bemoaned the travesties of how prejudiced our country is. And yet, when Black America does the very same thing…THEY ARE PRAISED for their bigotry.So pardon me, if I don’t jump on the “feel good” bandwagon of Barack Hussein Obama. For the last several months I’ve heard liberals say that any who opposed Obama were probably racist. We weren’t given the benefit of the doubt that perhaps we disagreed with his radical views for government control, increased taxation, and infanticide. I cast my vote against Obama…not because he’s Black, but because his policies are evil. In 1996 and 2000, I voted for Alan Keyes in the Republican Presidential primaries, which means I’ve voted for a Black man for President 12 years before any of the Obamaniacs ever thought of doing it. The Supreme Court Justice whom I most admire and respect is Clarence Thomas. I long to see Oklahoma’s J.C. Watts re-enter the political world. And I read Thomas Sowell’s commentaries whenever I can. But the media discards all of these admirable Black men, because it’s not enough to be Black. You must be LIBERAL and Black to be given the stamp of approval by the race police of our day.

As I watched the Obama celebrations, I was very intrigued by some words Oprah Winfrey said. Of course Oprah is the most famous woman in America. She also happens to be a new age cultist that uses the name of Jesus on occasion, even as she denies everything Jesus taught. Her following amongst duped American women is frightening. Oprah is one heartbeat away from Hell, and she’s leading scores down the path with her (but that’s a blog for another day.) Oprah told a reporter that she knew years ago that Obama would one day be President and she would do anything she could to help him. Oprah quoted a Scripture verse in EXTRMELY IRONIC fashion. She said: “There’s verse in the Bible that says, “what good is it to gain the whole world if you forfeit your soul’ and I knew that unless I helped Barrack I would be forfeiting a piece of my soul.” The irony of Oprah saying this is two-fold. First, the passage is speaking to those who reject Jesus Christ…..not Barack Obama. And second, Oprah Winfrey is the VERY EPITOME of this verse, for you see, she has rejected the gospel, and embraced fame, money, power, and influence….in exchange for her soul. That Bible verse was written to speak directly to people like Oprah…and she quotes it to praise herself and Barrack Obama.

Incidentally, this is not the first time a nation has fawned over a young, charismatic, orator who came out of nowhere. There was one other time in history, when a young man in his 40’s came on the scene and promised hope and change. He was handsome. He was immensely popular. And he could bring people to tears with his incredible oratorical gifts. Just like Obama, his “race” voted for him in massive numbers. Like Obama, he kept promising “change”—but was somewhat vague as to what he meant by that. Like Obama, he espoused massive government control over all aspects of life. Like Obama, he supported gun control and sought to take away the citizens right to bear arms. Like Obama, he publicly claimed a version of distorted Christianity as his own…but privately wanted to see religious opposition silenced. A handful of brave souls warned the nation that they were fawning over a man who wasn’t as great as they thought. But these souls were scoffed at and derided as paranoid. In fact the citizens of the nation were aghast that anyone would ever seek to criticize…or for that matter dare to question the greatness of their newly elected leader….Adolph Hitler. He was elected German Chancellor in 1933 and took the title Fuhrer (Supreme Leader) in 1934. Germany wanted “change” and they most assuredly got it. And those who opposed it were swiftly done away with. As the scoffers say in mass that such a thing could NEVER happen in America….let me just remind you that Germans SWORE the same thing in their day. But when a crisis comes and people get scared…they’ll do anything and give up everything to the leader who steps forth and promises them security. They’ll gladly sell their soul to the one who inspires and promises to protect them. Even if he truly is their biggest enemy and their worst nightmare. Americans are amazingly gullible and can sadly be exploited by a gifted politician. We witnessed such an event tonight.

In closing, to those who say I’m just bitter because my candidate didn’t win—let me just say that John McCain wasn’t my candidate. He’s an admirable man that is closer to truth than Obama…but still light years away from what our nation truly needs. McCain ran a horrible campaign and from a political viewpoint, deserved to lose. My hope is that his loss will be America’s gain in 2012. And even now, I’m intrigued by potential candidates such as Mike Huckabee, Bobby Jindal, and Tim Pawlenty…and I doubt we’ve heard the last of Sarah Palin, although I probably wouldn’t support her for President. I truly hope Obama’s wave of glory will be a one-term flash in the pan, but it’s hard to beat one who can hypnotize crowds like him. I hope he proves me wrong, and governs in a fashion pleasing to God. If that’s to happen, it will require some pretty drastic changes in his worldview. But God can change anyone, even Obama. And as a Christian, I’m commanded to pray for my leaders and so I will. We must pray for Obama. We must pray for America. We must pray for our world. Because our world and our country are very messed up places. Obama’s election proves that. But Obama’s not in control….God is. And to Him, I will look…no matter who occupies the oval office. I take great comfort in the fact that though my country is struggling, my God still reigns…..He’s still in control…..and He still “does whatever He pleases” (Psalm 115:3). Obama can’t say that. But God can. And for that I rejoice….and I will continue to rejoice. (Philippians 1:18)

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October 29, 2008 by Shane Kastler.

I believe in the separation of church and state as the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution describes it – and as it was intended by our nation’s founders.  The entire principle can be boiled down to this idea:  “The government does not have the right to tell churches what they CAN and CANNOT do.”  The full text of the amendment reads: 

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

God-haters all over America have taken this seemingly clear statement on religious freedom to ban everything from prayer in schools, Scripture reading, Ten Commandments monuments, assault on the Pledge of Allegiance, and on and on and on.  Just last week, I received a letter in the mail from Barry Lynn, Executive Director of the Americans United for Separation of Church & State, threatening me with potential legal action if I made my political views known regarding the upcoming Presidential election.  The law is very interesting.  As a Pastor, I am in violation of American law if I endorse, or SPEAK AGAINST a political candidate at any church function.  Even if I preface the statement by saying it is my PERSONAL position and not necessarily the church’s position.  When the Pastor speaks at any church gathering, the United States government considers him to be a spokesman for the church at large.  And will prosecute the church for what the Pastor says.
    When you hear this, you might be prone to say that this sounds much more like Soviet Russia, or Nazi Germany, or Fascist Italy in the 20th century.  Yet, sadly, this unconstitutional law is vigorously enforced in 21st century America.  (So much for the part about free speech!)  
    Or, perhaps you go in the other direction and are tempted to say that pastors should be concerned with spiritual/moral issues and leave political/governmental issues alone.  Therein lies the greatest misconception on the issue of Church and State relations.  Church and State CANNOT be separated because Spiritual and moral issues CAN NEVER be separated from the political and governmental entities that pass the laws.  Though some erroneously say, “you cannot legislate morality” the fact is that ALL LAWS are an attempt to legislate morality.  We have laws against murder because our society believes murder is immoral (unless it’s a baby in the womb then we mysteriously say it’s OK).  We have laws against rape because we believe rape is immoral.  We have laws against stealing because…..(you get the point). 
    Church and State cannot be separated because morality cannot be separated from the law.  Any attempt to do so will either create churches that are secular and worthless….or laws that are immoral and dangerous.  Both of these absurdities exist in our country today, espoused by liberal organizations and the Democrat party, they have pulled America further and further down the slippery slope to immorality, and the inevitable judgment of God.  You see, GOD isn’t really intimidated by the ACLU.  Their threats don’t scare Him.  He’s not afraid of losing His tax-exempt status.  God calls nations and people to follow Him and His ways.  And when they arrogantly thumb their nose at Him, He continues to show them grace….until He decides enough is enough.  And His judgment falls on the un-Godly.
    We are currently studying the book of Jeremiah in our Wednesday night Bible Study, and the similarities between Old Testament Israel/Judah….and modern day America are shocking.  Israel thought their greatest problems were political and military.  So they made alliances with the world powers of their day Assyria and Egypt.  They turned from Yahweh, the One True God with whom they had a covenantal relationship with…and they turned to pagan nations for protection.  God offered them “fountains of living water”…but they rejected it for “broken cisterns that can hold no water.” (Jeremiah 2:13)  When pagan kings ordered them to desecrate the Temple they willingly obliged.  When pagan nations worshipped idols, Yahweh’s people joined in.  Israel took money from the Temple treasury and gave it to pagan kings as a gift.  They thought they were appeasing the powerful….but in reality, they were mocking the ALL-POWERFUL.  God makes it very clear, through the prophet Jeremiah, that though they were offered blessings –  they chose worldliness — and they would receive Divine judgment.  The same is true of America today.
    Morality cannot be separated from Law.  Christians cannot be banned from the Political process.  And Church CANNOT be separated from State….NOR SHOULD IT BE!  When you eliminate the true Church, redeemed by Christ, from matters of State, you remove the influence of the One True God from the laws of the people.  And Divine Judgment always follows.  The First Amendment is supposed to protect, rather than silence, churches.
    This year, our Presidential election is the most dangerous we’ve seen in our lifetime.  Barack Hussein Obama has no interest in hearing what the Bible says about morality, in fact he openly mocks it.  Obama favors Hate Speech legislation that silences those who speak out on moral issues such as homosexuality.  Obama embraces homosexuality as a “civil right” and will ultimately push for gay marriage.  Obama opposed the Born Alive Infant Protection Act, and was the only Senator to actually give a speech opposing this bill which would have outlawed the murder of newborn children who survived a botched abortion.  Obama favors re-instituting the “Fairness Doctrine” which requires radio stations to have as many liberal shows as conservative.  Should the government have the right to monitor political and religious speech in a free society?  No.  But Obama doesn’t favor a free society.  He favors a far, left-leaning dictatorship where the Government is God…and He serves as King.  Don’t let the smooth speeches and pretty smile fool you.  His record speaks loud and clear…and he has surrounded himself with some very vicious people.  Yet, like sheep to the slaughter, the masses go after Obama.  Not realizing the danger of what they’re doing.
    America’s greatest problems ARE NOT Economic.  Nor are they Military.  Nor are they Educational.  Nor are they Health Care related.  America’s greatest problems are Spiritual and Moral.  America has repeatedly thumbed its nose at God and mocked Jesus Christ and the slide to judgment has picked up steam in the last several years.  A booming economy does no good, when it exists in a nation full of people who are slaves to the government…and are told to look to it for their survival.  God, speaking through the prophet Jeremiah, warned the nation of Judah:  “Your own wickedness will correct you, and your rebellions will rebuke you….For you forsake the LORD your God, and the fear of me is not in you…. And you will be put to shame…” (Jeremiah 2:19, 36)
    I don’t know exactly how God might choose to judge America.  But an Obama presidency could certainly bring much of it about.  I speak now, because I still can.  Obama, and others like him who may very soon be in power, will seek to silence the voice of opposition.  In the style of a dictator, all dissenters will be “tarred and feathered” and laws passed in the name of fighting “hate” will only serve to remove the true and loving voice of God and His people.  As a Pastor, I’m already banned from endorsing political candidates.  Obama will try to ban me from making other “moral” arguments as well…..but we must obey God rather than man (Acts 4:19-20).  Obama and his goons….or some future president and his goons may one day pass laws to silence, imprison, or even execute those that disagree with them.  You say it could never happen here?  That’s the same thing Germany once said, prior to Hitler.  Anything is possible…even in America.  Especially in America….where people are more concerned with their 401 K’s than they are their standing before God.  Yes, I may be one day silenced by liberal goons calling themselves the “hate crimes police”…..but if so, I plan to die happy.  I’ll be with Jesus, who died the same way…..and I’ll be in Heaven where God’s judgment won’t be necessary anymore.
    Jeremiah was aghast at what was transpiring in his nation, and as God said through the prophet:  “Be appalled O Heavens at this, and shudder….for my people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and made for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water.” (Jeremiah 2:12-13) Listen up America!  Jesus is the fountain of living waters.  Obama is a broken cistern that can hold no water.  McCain falls WAY SHORT of Christ….but is MUCH BETTER than Obama.  And on Tuesday, November 4…the ball will be in your court.  Will you choose to reject the immoral policies of Obama?  Or will you embrace Obama and reject the living waters of Almighty God?  Your judgment hangs in the balance.

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October 8, 2008 by Shane Kastler.

Since the economy is making so much news these days, I thought I would recommend a great (and easy) book on understanding how the economy works.  The book is called, Basic Economics: A Common Sense Guide to the Economy, and is written by Thomas Sowell.

As a business major in college, I was required to take several classes in Economics, Finance, Accounting, etc……but I learned a lot more about economics from Sowell’s book than I did in any college class.  In the book he explains how free markets work, how prices are affected by supply and demand, how competition controls prices, and how government intervention usually screws everything up.  When the government gets too involved in economic situations, they distort the true value of things, thus creating financial havoc.

Thomas Sowell is what you might call a "Liberal’s worst nightmare"– he’s a black conservative who frequently speaks out against Barack Obama and democratic policies.  Sowell also has a fascinating life story.  A high school dropout who joined the Marine Corps, Sowell eventually got a GED, then earned degrees from Harvard and Columbia University before earning a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Chicago.  So he knows way more than most of us ever will about the economy, but he’s able to explain it in a way that simpletons like me can understand.  His political commentary is very insightful as well and you can read it at townhall.com.

In conclusion, if you want to understand what in the world the news guys are talking about with the economy.  Or if you want to understand why Obama’s economic philosophy will be detrimental to our nation.  Get a copy of Sowell’s book.  It’s informative, well-written, and best of all, easy to understand.

Posted in Current Events, Political Issues, Book Reviews | Print | 3 Comments »

September 10, 2008 by Shane Kastler.

“If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed.” (1 Corinthians 16:22 NASB)

Newsweek columnist Lisa Miller wrote a critical column this week with a headline that reads: “The Senior Pastor of Palin’s Former Church Preaches Hellfire to Anyone Who Isn’t Saved By Jesus.” In typical, high-brow, snotty, liberal fashion, she looks down upon Christians and bemoans the fact that Palin is so narrow-minded that she is a pit bull for the “religious right” and for those who oppose abortion. While Palin’s conservative political views are well known, why is Miller, and other liberals so concerned that Palin’s church believes in Hell? Undoubtedly Miller is trying to scare her readers into thinking Palin is an extremist who should be shunned. Yet what Miller, and other liberals, fail to realize is that beliefs such as this one, in Hell for the unrepentant, is embraced and believed by all Biblical Christians. Millions of Americans believe in Hell, because Jesus spoke of it often. The Bible is full of warnings to those apart from Christ who will perish in their sins unless they turn to the Lord. That may sound “old fashioned” and “radical” to people like Lisa Miller; but that just sounds like Christianity to those who believe the Bible.

This is where I believe the Political Left and the Mainstream Media are shooting themselves in the foot with regards to Sarah Palin. Since they spend most of their time hob-knobbing with uppity, liberal, elitists they fail to realize that the majority of the country is much more like Palin than they are them. I recently heard a liberal pastor complaining that Palin didn’t win office in Alaska by courting the “religious right”—she ACTUALLY IS apart of the religious right. He said it as a put down, but I rejoiced to hear it. And many other Americans do as well.

When you listen to clips of Wasilla Assembly of God Pastor Ed Kalnins preaching on Hell, it sounds very similar to what I myself, and scores of other pastors preach every Sunday. Preachers who preach “hellfire” actually have the audacity to proclaim an eternal reality that Jesus Himself proclaimed, and commanded us to likewise preach. We have the audacity to believe that if you call yourself a “Christian” then you should actually believe what Christ taught. We have the audacity to believe that there is an eternal world that awaits all people after they leave this life. We have the audacity to believe Jesus’ words that “No one comes to the Father except by me.” (John 14:6) And we have the audacity to believe that those who do not come to Christ in repentance and faith will perish in eternal Hell, just like Jesus said they would. When I hear that Sarah Palin attends churches that proclaim these eternal truths, I rejoice that at last a politician has arrived on the national scene who shares my beliefs, and I know that she will pay a dear price for it in the media.

But it doesn’t end with Hell. Pastor Ed Kalnins also apparently opposes homosexuality. Can’t you just hear the liberals shrieking!!! Imagine, a Christian minister who actually thinks homosexuality is a sin, and that unrepentant sinners go to Hell!!! Who knew???? Why it must just be an Alaska thing right???? No, my dear liberals, this is what all Biblical Christians believe…..and there are many of us in America today.

Kalnins says that people have a conscience that tells them what is right and wrong. And that homosexuals know their sin is wrong because their conscience tells them so. But in an effort to ease their conscience they try to pass laws supporting their sin. That way they can ease their conscience by saying the government approves of their behavior, even thought their conscience condemns them. To which I give a hearty AMEN!  That is exactly what Romans 1 teaches.

I’m not sure of everything Kalnins believes. He is an ordained Assembly of God, and I am an ordained Baptist so we probably would differ on some lesser issues. But on foundational issues, he teaches salvation through Christ alone, the reality of Hell, and the truthfulness of sin’s devastating effects. I commend him, and any Pastor, who has the backbone to speak out about Hell and Homosexuality since both issues will get you maligned in our world today. Incidentally, Kalnins and his wife also have 7 children, which no doubt drives liberals crazy as well. (Don’t those people in Alaska know we’re supposed to be KILLING babies, not HAVING babies??!!??)

I got to be honest…when I hear of Sarah Palin’s associations with “radicals” like Ed Kalnins, I rejoice rather than recoil. When I hear Barack Obama’s Pastor of 20 years, Jeremiah Wright shrieking “God-D–N” America” and calling America the “US of KKKA.” Then I hear Kalnins preaching the truth of the gospel and the reality of Hell; the choice for our country is clear. While these two Pastors are not running for office, it says a lot about the candidates when you examine the spiritual company they keep. While Newsweek liberal Lisa Miller tries to scare people by writing of Kalnins belief in Hell, all she’s doing is galvanizing the millions of Americans who agree with him, and Palin; and she’s motivating us even more to get out and vote come November.

Sarah Palin has an extremely rough couple of months ahead of her. Her enemies are numerous and powerful and they will unleash all they have to try and destroy and discredit her. So far their attempts have backfired, and I hope they continue to. What our nations needs from it’s government leaders is a deeply rooted, God-fearing, love for Jesus Christ. Palin seems to fit the bill. Lisa Miller calls her the “pit bull for the religious right”…I simply call her a breath of fresh air. Continue to pray for her as the liberals, reporters, and snobs of America seek to ruin her….and in the process, further ruin our country. And pray for Kalnins and other Biblical preachers. The tendency will be to go soft on the gospel in order to avoid political fallout, but the Great Commission leaves no room for reticence in the pulpit. We must speak boldly, faithfully, and truthfully about all things Christian, including eternal Hell. Bravo to Kalnins for doing it. Let’s hope and pray he keeps up the good work; and that the gospel of Christ is proclaimed in the midst of this political election season.

Posted in Eternal Issues, Politicians, Political Issues, Homosexuality | Print | 3 Comments »

September 5, 2008 by Shane Kastler.

There’s an old expression that talks about people who: “put their money where their mouth is.” Gambling reference aside, this expression refers to people who not only make claims, but actually backup their claims with authentic action. Alaska Governor and Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin seems to be one those types of people…and she’s a breath of fresh air in the putrid world of politics.Many in the nation were stunned when John McCain picked Palin, a relative unknown, as his running mate. But her name had been mentioned as a possible candidate for quite some time. Palin is a staunchly conservative, Pro-life, Pro-gun, Pro-Christian, first term Governor who has made a name for confronting corruption in a state that is famous for it. She began her political career as a City Councilwoman in Wasilla, Alaska in 1992. She went on to become Mayor, and eventually Governor in 2006. In 2004, she was appointed by Governor Frank Murkowski to be the Ethics Commissioner for Alaska’s Oil & Gas Commission where she blew the whistle for ethical violations committed by one of her fellow commissioners, who just happened to be the head of the state’s Republican Party. She has a reputation for taking on corruption wherever she sees it, regardless of party affiliations, which is bound to make you some enemies in the political world. But perhaps her greatest crime, according to some, is that she has the audacity to be a conservative from a small town.

Posted in Politicians, Political Issues, Abortion | Print | 1 Comment »

August 14, 2008 by Shane Kastler.

As the newborn baby gasped for air, the nurse was told to toss him into a pile of soiled linens where he would die within a matter of minutes. Horrified by such a suggestion, she cradled the 10 inch long, 2 pound child in her arms as he desperately clung to life. He soon died, though not entirely of natural causes. At a “mother’s” bidding, by way of a “doctor’s” lance, this child was butchered……and yet survived…only to be left for dead by the very people who had sworn by the Hippocratic Oath to keep their patients from “harm and injustice.”

What backwoods 3^rd world village hospital would do such a thing? What society would allow such a ghastly practice to be legal? Would any decent person support such a deed? Indeed, here are the facts of this case. The place? Christ Hospital, Chicago, Illinois.  The time? 1999. The nurse who witnessed it? Jill Stanek. The law introduced that would have prevented such tragedies? The Born Alive Infant Protection Act. The Senator who opposed the Act? Barack Hussein Obama.

National Review’s David Freddoso reports that this Bill was proposed in three different versions by the Illinois State Legislature only to have it opposed every time by Obama. Make no mistake, this was not the typical division along party lines. With overwhelming bipartisan support the Bill passed with 12 senators voting “present” which in Illinois means you’re voting “no” but you haven’t got the spine to actually do it. A Federal version of this Bill was passed by the United States Senate by a vote of 98-0, with HILLARY CLINTON voting to support it. San Francisco’s famed left-wing Senator Barbara Boxer spoke publicly in favor of the Bill stating that even supporters of abortion like herself would oppose the practice of denying care to a child who had been born alive. Yet, Barack Obama opposed the practice of caring for mutilated newborn infants resulting from botched abortions. The question is, why would he oppose it?

Obama said from the Illinois Senate floor:

“Whenever we define a pre-viable fetus as a person that is protected by the equal protection clause or other elements in the Constitution, what we’re really saying is, in fact, that they are persons that are entitled to the kinds of protections that would be provided to a — a child.”

Bear in mind, we are not talking about a baby IN THE WOMB. We are talking about a baby who has been born alive and is breathing in a delivery room, OUTSIDE THE WOMB. A baby with 10 fingers, 10 toes, 2 hands, 2 feet, and a beating heart, who just survived a live birth, while a doctor was trying to stab it. BARACK OBAMA REFUSES TO ADMIT SUCH A BEING IS EVEN A PERSON! And therefore, Obama refuses to grant protection to such children as this.

To me, this begs a deeper question. What on earth could motivate Obama to support such a heinous act as this in the first place? I can only think of three reasons. 1. He is ignorant to such an astonishing degree that he can’t rationalize the personhood of a child. I choose to reject this option because he appears to be a very intelligent man. 2. He is so controlled by left-wing feminism (including his wife) that he opposes any opposition to abortion in a “knee-jerk” fashion without thinking through the ramifications of his decision. 3. The man is pure evil.

Having rejected option 1, I’m left grappling with options 2 and 3 which tell me that at least half of the country is ready to elect a man that is so controlled by liberal radicals that he will ignore common sense in order to appease his feminist masters. Or he is so evil that he cannot be counted upon to do the right thing when crisis situations arise. Either way, the thought of such a man as our Commander-in-Chief is utterly appalling.

In 2004, when Obama was running for the United States Senate, his Republican opponent Alan Keyes blasted him for supporting infanticide and famously declared that Jesus Christ would not support Obama because of his abortion views. Keyes stated that Obama’s infanticide views are a “deep-dyed; cold-blooded; ruthless ideology applied to such a degree that it bespeaks a hardness of heart.” (Click here to see the clip of Keyes discussing this on Fox’s Hannity & Colmes.)

Obama has been a long time supporter of partial-birth abortion; which is disturbing enough. But clearly, his opposition to the Born Alive Infant Protection Act goes way beyond a general support for abortion; or even the barbarous partial birth abortion procedure. Barack Obama has spoken out on record and voted to allow children born alive to be effectively murdered by the medical professionals who have sworn to protect them.

Many people simply disregard such babies as being unwanted in the first place. For some, they see this child as the unfortunate pregnancy of a poor Chicago girl who doesn’t have the ability to care for the child anyway. Yet I would implore you to replace the image of the poor, nameless baby…with the image of YOUR son or daughter. YOUR grandchild; YOUR niece or nephew. Would you be seething with rage at the thought of someone tossing YOUR newborn loved one into a pile of soiled linens to die? You would defend YOUR loved one at all costs. But who defends the unwanted babies of America? Why is the baby deemed less important because the mother is poor, confused, and unknown to you personally? All children deserve protection. Barack Obama REFUSES to grant it. Millions do not receive it and are LEGALLY killed every year in America; and Obama is the most ardent supporter of child murder our country knows. He’s worse than Hillary Clinton. He’s worse than Barbara Boxer. He’s worse than Ted Kennedy. Which means he’s worse than anyone and clearly lacks the basic moral qualities needed to govern our nation.

I’ll close with a word concerning the November election. Many are disgruntled that John McCain won the Republican nomination; and I myself did not support him in the Republican primaries. But facts are facts. The next President of the United States will be one of two people. It will either be the aforementioned Obama; or it will be John McCain. At this point in our political journey; 3^rd party candidates stand no reasonable chance of being elected. I hope that will one day change; but as of today it hasn’t. Some see the choice of McCain or Obama as being a choice between “the lesser of two evils.” Of course this is true of ALL elections and will always be true unless Jesus Christ chooses to return and run for public office. All men are fallible. All men are sinners. And all candidates hold political positions we disagree with. McCain’s campaign finance reform bill is completely unconstitutional. McCain’s stance on border security has been weak. McCain has proven himself to be far too chummy with the liberal left. But McCain’s record on abortion has been consistent. He claims to be pro-life and he has voted pro-life. He says he will appoint judges who will decide cases based upon Constitutional interpretation rather than personal, liberal opinions. Obama, on the other had, will appoint raving liberals who take the power out of the hands of the elected representatives of the people and dictate to us their warped ideologies by Federal judicial pronouncements. Obama has declared that one of his first acts as President will be to sign the Freedom of Choice Act, which eliminates any Federal barrier to any abortion under any circumstances. If John McCain is elected there’s a good chance that some babies will be saved from the abortionist’s grasp. If Barack Obama is elected, THERE IS NO CHANCE…….ZERO CHANCE…..of babies being protected from a vicious Federal government that values a woman’s “choice” (and her vote) more than a child’s right to breathe the Divinely granted oxygen of freedom. Keep that in mind if you’re planning to vote for Obama because he has a winning smile, a smooth personality, and a fresh face. Keep that in mind if you’re considering Obama because of his dreamy promises to give you universal healthcare, financial prosperity, and world peace. Jesus said “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36 NASB) Yet Americans are trading empty political promises for the nation’s collective soul on a daily basis. Mark my words: God WILL judge this nation because of it’s acceptance of abortion. The judgment has already begun; and it will increase. Though the world scoffs at such pronouncements and embraces charlatans like Obama — the Word of God still stands; the Righteousness of God still reigns; and the Judgment of God still falls on the ungodly.  And America’s blind adoration for Barack Obama declares in loud and unequivocal terms our increasing ungodliness.

Obama’s opposition to the Born Alive Infant Protection Act is more than just a political posture; it is evil beyond the comprehension of all standards of decency. Keep that in mind if you’re considering staying home from the polls and pouting on November 4 because your candidate didn’t win the Republican primary. God has granted us the blessing of living in a Nation where we are allowed to choose our leaders. Many in the world do not share this freedom we have; and many in our own country will not live to see their 18^th birthday arrive so they too can take part in our elective process. Sadly, they will be slaughtered…LEGALLY slaughtered…because of the sadistic control of men like Barack Hussein Obama. I for one, will bear no responsibility for his being elected. I hope you won’t either.

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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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February 14, 2008 by Shane Kastler.

We need more politicians like J.C. Watts.  Of course, I’m bias because Watts is a small town,  conservative Christian from Oklahoma, and a former OU Sooner quarterback, but his political analysis is sharp, his character is unquestionable, and his leadership is sorely needed.  Watts is an ordained Southern Baptist minister (like Mike Huckabee), who became a political star in the 1990’s, seving 8 years as U.S. Representative from Oklahoma’s 4th district.  Prior to that he served as a state Corporation Commissioner from 1990-1994.  As a Congressman, Watts held the title of Chairman of the Republican Conference, which made him the 4th highest ranking Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives.    

Watts is a fiscal, military, and social conservative, who also happens to be young (51) and black….making him a liberal’s worst nightmare.  Once in the 1990’s he famously took on Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton by calling them “race-hustling poverty pimps” who preyed on the inner city poor.  Watts was maligned by the left….but cheered by many common sense Americans, from both sides of the politcal spectrum.  At the apex of his political career, J.C. Watts chose NOT to run for re-election stating his desire to spend more time with his wife and 5 children.  At the time he said that his children would only be young once….and he needed to be there for them.  It took tremendous humility for Watts to step out of the limelight for the sake of his family, but my hope is that perhaps he now considers it time to step back in.

Since 2002, J.C. Watts has been running several business and consulting firms, in addition to doing political commentary in both the newspaper and TV.   A combination of his executive experience in business and as a former Corporation Commissioner, experience as a leading Congressman, and most importantly as a genuine man of God who is young, strong, conservative, and yes black make him an ideal candidate for political office….maybe even Vice-President of the United States.  If John McCain gets the nomination, which is likely—it would serve him well to pick a young conservative to stand by him against the likely candidacy of a Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton.  And speaking of Obama…..

J.C. Watts’ latest column in the Las Vegas Review Journal addresses the idea of “change” in Washington.  Of course “change” is the mantra Obama keeps spouting….though he has no real plans or ideas about how to “change” Washington, it doesn’t matter. Obama is a pretty face and a good chearleader who has Oprah and Hollywood in his hip pocket.  Obama isn’t going to change anything.  Because as Watts points out, the current system in Washington is so overburdened by entitlement programs (welfare, etc.) that a large percentage of our tax dollars are already committed to causes that no one can really stop.  Furthermore, Watts states that both Democrats and Republicans talk a pretty good game on the campaign trail, but both sides are firmly entrenched within the “Washington way” and don’t dare cross their fellow party members.  Washington is corrupt and broken in many ways, and Barack Obama isn’t going to change that, nor does he really want to since he is now apart of the establishment.  Obama won’t tell you the truth about Washington….but J.C. Watts will.  May God give us more like J.C. Watts.  Or even better…may God give us J.C. Watts back again.  The country needs him.  (To read Watts’ entire column on the problem with Washington, click here.  For more information on Watts, I enourage you to read his memoir entitled:  “What Color Is Conservative: My Life and My Politics“)

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February 10, 2008 by Shane Kastler.

With last week’s announcement by Mitt Romney that he was dropping out of the Republican presidential contest, many have crowned John McCain the winner and called on Mike Huckabee to step aside. But Huckabee has announced he has no plans of dropping out saying that the states that still haven’t voted “deserve an election, not a coronation.” Governor Huckabee is exactly right.

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January 18, 2008 by Shane Kastler.

“The word of the Lord came to me saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…’” (Jeremiah 1:4-5)

Every generation has its great moral issues to face.  In the 1700’s our founding fathers stood up to a tyrannical monarchy and won our Nation’s freedom.  In the mid 1800’s the abolitionists stood up against an oppressive system and won the slaves freedom.  Likewise, our generation faces a great moral crises that all people should unite and defeat, thus winning the unborn’s freedom. 

            January 22^nd marks the 35^th anniversary of the diabolical Supreme Court decision known as Roe vs. Wade, which effectively legalized abortion in America.  Since that time approximately 50 million children have been “legally” killed with the full blessing of the United States government.  Some recent good news reported by the Alan Guttmacher Institute was that in 2005, abortions in America reached their lowest point since 1976, with a “mere” 1.2 million children being exterminated in our country.  While its promising to see abortions decrease, it is a far cry from what we should see in a country that boasts of how “civilized” it is.           

            One of the greatest tragedies on this issue is the seeming indifference of so many people, including Christians.  The argument is that abortion is a “political” issue and should therefore not be discussed by people of faith.  But with all due respect…if seeking to protect the very lives of our most vulnerable would-be citizens isn’t a moral issue, then I don’t know what is.  It’s time for Christians, and indeed all Americans, to “step up to the plate” on abortion.  And by God’s grace, in this glorious country of ours, we have that opportunity through our political process.

            As you know, 2008 marks an election year in America.  And undoubtedly you will be inundated with political advertisements, mailings, and calls.  I would encourage you to ask those seeking your vote where they stand on this great moral issue of our day.  And if they piously praise their view of defending a “woman’s right to choose” kindly remind them of their duty before God to defend a “baby’s right to breathe.”  Manipulated women and slaughtered children are too often used as political pawns by some to gain votes, prestige, and power.  But the political games must stop.  All Americans, regardless of their party affiliation, should unite to defend children against this heinous moral calamity of our day. Will God bless a nation that murders its young?  Indeed, He will not! So stand up, speak out, vote, and pray to end abortion.  Millions and millions of future “heartbeats” hinge upon your courage, or lack thereof.

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