PROVOCATION

Shallow Victory
Morris Clopton

Do not be elated with the shallow hollow recent supposed victory in the senate over Senator Feinstein’s bill. The insidious devious government is pelting your mind with hot topics to blind you about the more serious problems facing our country. We are floundering in debt, rotting in righteous indignation about who is dancing or who received the last rose while “America burns”. The present government regime attacks the rights of “we the people” almost daily.

Regards guns, the price of ammo and reloading supplies has increased 48 to 70% in the last few days depending on what you purchase. It is not about guns it is about controlling our life.

Be informed about policies, procedures and laws affecting every aspect of your life. More government is not the solution it is the problem

The recent release of illegal criminal immigrants from prison because of a supposed lack of funds caused by sequestration, which has not taken place, is preposterous. This despicable act by the president of the United States demonstrates complete lack of moral integrity, unswerving belief in the ignorance of the American populous to accept blatant untruths, an arrogance unprecedented by any previous holder of this office.

You as an elected representative or senator are complacent in the propagation of untruths when you do not use every tool at your disposal to spread the truth of what is occurring. “We the People” elected you in the hope you would pursue truth, sustain conservative ideas, and adhere to the constitution of the United States not waver in the face of adversity.
Where are you newscast, emails, letters informing your constituents of the truth? That this sequestration is a farce, which may well affect federal bureaucracy, but will not affect first responders in each state, nor local support of schools in each state. Every liberal media outlet as well as every democrat in government is vilifying the fact that this x amount of billions of dollars is in fact an effective rate of 1 and ½ cents of every federal dollar. Please do what we elected you to do, serve the people of this great Republic and not your own pride and personal wealth.

The Constitution of the

United States of America

Preamble

 

We the people of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect

Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common

defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to

ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the

United States of America.

 

Article I

 

Section 1.  All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a

Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of

Representatives.

 

Section 2.   The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members

chosen ever second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors

in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most

numerous Branch of the State Legislature.

No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the

Age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States,

and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he

shall be chosen.

[Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several

States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective

Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free

Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding

Indians not taxed, three-fifths of all other Persons.][1]  The actual Enumeration

shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of

the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such

Manner as they shall by Law direct.  The Number of Representatives shall not

exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at least one

Representative; and until such Enumeration shall be made, the State of New

Hampshire shall be entitled to choose three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode Island

and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New York six, New Jersey

four, Pennsylvania eight, DelaWare one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North

Carolina five, South Carolina five, and Georgia three.

When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive

Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.

The House of Representatives shall choose their Speaker and other

Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment.

 

Section 3.   The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two

Senators from each State, [chosen by the Legislature thereof,][2] for six Years and each Senator shall have one Vote.

Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first

Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes.   The

Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of

the second Year, of the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth Year, and

of the third Class at the Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one-third may

be chosen every second Year; [and if Vacancies happen by Resignation, or

otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive

thereof may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the

Legislature, which shall then fill such Vacancies.][3]

No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of

thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who

shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be

chosen.

The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate,

but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided.

The Senate shall choose their other Officers, and also a President pro

tempore, in the Absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the

Office of President of the United States.

The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments.   When

sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation.   When the

President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside:  And

no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the

Members Present.

Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to Removal

from Office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust

or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless

be liable and Subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according

to Law.

 

Section 4.   The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for

Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the

Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter

such Regulations, except as to the Places of choosing Senators.

The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting

shall be [on the first Monday in December,][4] unless they shall by Law appoint a

different Day.

 

Section 5.  Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and

Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a

Quorum to do business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and

may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner,

and under such Penalties as each House may provide.

Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members

for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two-thirds, expel a

Member.

Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time

publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment require

Secrecy; and the Yeas and the Nays of the Members of either House on any

question shall, at the Desire of one-fifth of those Present, be entered on the

Journal.

Neither House, during the Session of Congress, shall, without the Consent

of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other Place than

that in which the two Houses shall be sitting.

 

Section 6.  The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation

for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of

the United States.  They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach

of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session

of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and

for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any

other Place.

No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was

elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United

States, which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have

been increased during such time; and no Person holding any Office under the

United States, shall be a Member of either House during his continuance in

Office.

 

Section 7.  All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of

Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on

other Bills.

Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the

Senate, shall before it becomes a Law, be presented to the President of the

United States; if he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it,

with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall

enter the Objections at large on their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it.

If after such Reconsideration two-thirds of that House shall agree to pass

the Bill, it shall be sent, together with the Objections, to the other House,

by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two-thirds of

that House, it shall become a Law.  But in all such Cases the Votes of both

Houses shall be determined by Yeas and Nays, and the names of the Persons

voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each House

respectively.   If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten

days(Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same

shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by

their Adjournment prevent its Return in which Case it shall not be a Law.

Every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which the Concurrence of the Senate

and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of

Adjournment) shall be presented to the President of the United States; and

before the same shall take Effect, shall be approved by him, or being

disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two-thirds of the Senate and House of

Representatives, according to the Rules and limitations prescribed in the Case

of a Bill.

 

Section 8.   The Congress shall have Power to lay and collect Taxes,

Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common

Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and

Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

To borrow Money on the Credit of the United States;

To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States,

and with the Indian Tribes;

To establish a uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the

Subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;

To Coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix

the Standard of Weights and Measures;

To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and

current Coin of the United States;

To establish Post Offices and post Roads;

To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for

limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective

Writings and Discoveries;

To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;

To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas,

and Offenses against the Law of Nations;

To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules

concerning Captures on Land and Water;

To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use

shall be for longer Term than two Years;

To provide and maintain a Navy;

To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the Land and naval

Forces;

To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the

Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;

To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the Militia, and for

governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United

States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers,

and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline

prescribed by Congress;

To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Case whatsoever, over such

District (not exceeding ten miles square) as may, by Cession of particular

States, and the Acceptance of Congress become the seat of the Government of

the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by

the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for

the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful

Buildings; – And

To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into

Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this

Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or

Officer thereof.

 

Section 9.  The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the

States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by

the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a Tax

or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each

Person.

The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless

when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.

No Bill of Attainder of ex post facto Law shall be passed.

No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion

to the Census of Enumeration herein before directed to be taken.

No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.

No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to

the Ports of one State over those of another: nor shall Vessels bound to, or

from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another:

No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of

Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the

Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to

time.

No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person

holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent

of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any

kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.

 

Section 10.   No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or

Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; Coin Money; emit Bills of

Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of  Debts;

pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation

of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility.

No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or

Duties on imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for

executing its inspection Laws; and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts,

laid by any State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury

of the United States; and all such Laws shall be Subject to the Revision and

Control of the Congress.

No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any Duty of Tonnage,

keep Troops, or Ships of War in Time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or

Compact with another State or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless

actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay.

 

 

 

Article II

 

Section 1.   The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the

United States of America.  He shall hold his Office during the Term of four

Years, and together with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term, be

elected as follows:

Each State, shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may

direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and

Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress; but no

Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit

under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector.

[The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot

for two Persons, of whom one at least shall not be an inhabitant of the same

State with themselves.  And they shall make a List of all the Persons voted

for, and of the Number of Votes for each; which List they shall sign and

certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the Government of the United

States, directed to the President of the Senate.  The President of the Senate

shall, in the Presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all

the Certificates, and the Votes shall then be counted.  The Person having the

greatest Number of Votes shall be the President, if such Number be a Majority

of the whole Number of Electors appointed; and if there be more than one who

have such Majority, and have an equal Number of Votes, then the House of

Representatives shall immediately choose by ballot one of them for President;

and if no Person have a Majority, then from the five highest on the List the

said House shall in like Manner choose the President.  But in choosing the

President, the Votes shall be taken by States, the Representation from each

State having one Vote; A Quorum for this purpose shall consist of a Member or

Members from two thirds of the States, and a Majority of all the States shall

be necessary to a Choice.  In every Case, after the Choice of the President,

the Person having the greatest Number of Votes of the Electors shall be the

Vice President.  But if there should remain two or more who have equal Votes,

the Senate shall choose from them by ballot the Vice President.][5]

The Congress may determine the Time of choosing the Electors, and the Day

on which they shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same throughout

the United States.

No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United

States, at the Time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to

the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office

who shall not have attained to the age of thirty-five Years, and been fourteen

Years a resident within the United States.

[In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death,

Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said

Office, the same shall devolve on the Vice President, and the Congress may by

Law provide for the Case of Removal, Death, Resignation, or Inability, both of

the President and Vice President, declaring what Officer shall then act as

President, and such Officer shall act accordingly, until the Disability be

removed, or a President shall be elected.][6]

The President shall, at stated Times, receive for his Services, a

Compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the

Period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within

that Period any other Emolument from the United States, or any one of them.

Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the

following Oath or Affirmation: -”I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will

faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to

the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the

United States.”

 

Section 2.   The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and

Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when

called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the

Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive

Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective

Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses

against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.

He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to

make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he

shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall

appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme

Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not

herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the

Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they

think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of

Departments.

The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen

during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at

the End of their next Session.

 

Section 3.  He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information

of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures

as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary Occasions,

convene both Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between

them, with respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such

Time as he shall think proper; he shall receive Ambassadors and other public

Ministers; he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall

commission all the Officers of the United States.

 

Section 4.  The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the

United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction

of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.

 

Article III

 

Section 1.  The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in

one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time

to time ordain and establish.  The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior

Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated

Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, which shall not be

diminished during their Continuance in Office.

 

Section 2.   The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and

Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority; –to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls; –to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction; –to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party; –to Controversies between two or more States; — between a State and Citizens of another State; –between Citizens of different States; –between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under  Grants  of different  States, and between a State, or the Citizens thereof,  and  foreign States, Citizens or subjects.

In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls,

and those in which a State shall be a Party, the supreme Court shall have

original Jurisdiction.  In all the other Cases before mentioned, the supreme

Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such

Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make.

The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by

Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said crimes shall

have been committed; but when not committed with in any State, the Trial shall

be at such Place or Places as the Congress may by Law have directed.

 

Section 3.   Treason against the United States, shall consist only in

levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and

Comfort.   No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of

two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.

The Congress shall have Power to Declare the Punishment of Treason, but

no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except

during the Life of the Person attainted.

 

Article IV

 

Section 1.   Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the

public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State.  And the

Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records,

and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof.

 

Section 2.   The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all

Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.

A Person charged in any State with Treason, Felony, or other Crime, who

shall flee from Justice, and be found in another State, shall on demand of the

executive Authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be

removed to the State having Jurisdiction of the Crime.

[No Person held to Service or Labour in one State, under the Laws thereof,

escaping into another, shall in Consequence of any Law or Regulation therein,

be discharged from such Service or Labour, but shall be delivered up on claim

of the Party to whom such Service or Labour may be due.][7]

 

Section 3.  New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union;

but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any

other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or

Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States

concerned as well as of the Congress.

The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules

and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the

United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to

Prejudice any Claims of the United States, or of any particular State.

Section 4.   The United States shall guarantee to every State in this

Union a Republican form of Government, and shall protect each of them against

Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the

Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence.

 

Article V

 

The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary,

shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or on the Application of the

Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for

proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and

Purposes, as part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of

three fourths of the several States, or by conventions in three fourths

thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the

Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One

thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first and

fourth clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that no State,

without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate.

 

Article VI

 

All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption of

this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this

Constitution, as under the Confederation.

This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made

in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the

Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the

Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or

Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.

The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the

several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of

the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or

Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious test shall ever be

required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United

States.

 

Article VII

 

The  ratification of the Conventions of nine States shall  be  sufficient

for the establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the

same.

Done  in  Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States  Present  the

Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred

and  Eighty seven and of the Independence of the United States of America  the

Twelfth.  In Witness whereof We have hereunto subscribed our names,

 

Go. Washington–Presid’t

and deputy from Virginia

 

 

New Hampshire

 

John Langdon

Nicholas Gilman

 

Massachusetts                          

 

Nathaniel Gorham

Rufus King

 

Connecticut

 

Wm. Saml. Johnson

Roger Sherman

 

New York

 

Alexander Hamilton

 

New Jersey

 

Wil: Livingston

David Brearley

Wm. Paterson

Jona: Dayton

 

Pennsylvania

 

B. Franklin

Thomas Mifflin

Robt Morris

Geo. Clymer

Thos. FitzSimons

Jared Ingersoll

James Wilson

Gouv Morris

 

DelaWare

 

Geo: Read

Gunning Bedfordjun

John Dickinson

Richard Bassett

Jaco: Broom

 

 

Maryland

 

James McHenry

Dan of St. Thos. Jenifer

Danl Carroll

 

Virginia

 

John Blair–

James Madison Jr.

 

North Carolina

 

Wm. Blount

Hu Williamson

Richd. Dobbs Spaight

 

South Carolina

 

J. Rutledge

Charles Cotesworth Pickney

Charles Pinckney

Pierce Butler

 

 

Georgia

 

William Few

Abr Baldwin

 

Attest William Jackson Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amendments to the

Constitution Of The

United States of Americas

 

Articles in Addition To, And Amendment Of The Constitution Of The United States Of America, Proposed By Congress, And Ratified By The Legislatures of the Several States, Pursuant To The Fifth Article Of The Original Constitution.

 

Amendment I[8]

 

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 peaceable  to  assemble,  and  to

petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

 

Amendment II

 

A  well  regulated  Militia, being necessary to the Security  of  a  free

State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

 

Amendment III

 

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the

consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed  by

law.

 

Amendment IV

 

The  right of the people to be secure in their persons,  houses,  papers,

and  effects,  against  unreasonable  searches  and  seizures,  shall  not  be

violated,  and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported  by

Oath or Affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and

the persons or things to be seized.

 

Amendment V

 

No  person shall be held to answer for a capital, or  otherwise  infamous

crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in  cases

arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual Service

in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the  same

offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in

any  criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived  of  life,

liberty,  or property, without due process of law; nor shall private  property

be taken for public use, without just compensation.

 

Amendment VI

 

In  all  criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the  right  to  a

speedy  and  public  trial, by an impartial jury of  the  State  and  district

wherein  the crime shall have been committed, which district shall  have  been

previously  ascertained by Law, and to be informed of the nature and cause  of

the  accusation;  to  be confronted with the witnesses against  him;  to  have

compulsory  process  for  obtaining witnesses in his favor, and  to  have  the

assistance of counsel for his defence.

 

Amendment VII

 

In  Suits  at  common Law, where the value in  controversy  shall  exceed

twenty  dollars,  the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and  no  fact

tried  by  a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any Court  of  the  United

States, than according to the rules of the common Law.

 

Amendment VIII

 

Excessive  bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines  imposed,  nor

cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

 

Amendment IX

 

The  enumeration  in the Constitution, of certain rights,  shall  not  be

construed to deny or disparage others retained by people.

 

Amendment X

 

The  powers not delegated to the United States by the  Constitution,  nor

prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to

the people.

 

Amendment XI[9]

 

The Judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to  extend

to  any  suit  in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against  one  of  the

United  States  by Citizens of another State, or by Citizens  of  any  foreign

State.

 

Amendment XII[10]

 

The  Electors shall meet in their respective States, and Vote  by  ballot

for  President  and  Vice President, one of whom, at least, shall  not  be  an

inhabitant of the same State with themselves; they shall name in their ballots

the  person voted for as President, and in distinct ballots the  person  voted

for as Vice President, and they shall make distinct lists of all persons voted

for  as President, and of all persons voted for as Vice President, and of  the

number  of  votes  for each, which lists they shall  sign  and   certify,  and

transmit  sealed to the seat of government of the United States,  directed  to

the  President  of  the Senate;–The President of the  Senate  shall,  in  the

presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the certificates

and the votes shall then be counted;–The person having the greatest number of

votes  for President, shall be the President, if such number be a majority  of

the whole number of Electors appointed; and if no person have such a majority,

then  from the Persons having the highest numbers not exceeding three  on  the

List  of  those voted for as President, the  House  of  Representatives  shall

choose immediately, by ballot, the President.  But in choosing the  President,

the votes shall be taken by States, the representation from each State  having

one vote; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members  from

two-thirds of the States, and a majority of all the States shall be  necessary

to a choice.  [And if the House of Representatives shall not choose a President

whenever the right of choice shall devolve upon them, before the fourth day of

March  next following, then the Vice-President shall act as President,  as  in

the  Case of the death or other constitutional disability of the President.--][11]

The  person  having the greatest number of votes as Vice-President,  shall  be

Vice-President, if such number be a majority of the whole number of  Electors

appointed, and if no person have a Majority, then from the two highest numbers

on  the  List, the Senate shall choose the Vice-President; a  quorum  for  the

purpose  shall  consist of two-thirds of the whole number of Senators,  and  a

majority  of the whole Number shall be necessary to a choice.  But  no  Person

constitutionally  ineligible to the Office of President shall be  eligible  to

that of Vice-President of the United States.

 

Amendment XIII[12]

 

Section 1.  Neither  slavery nor involuntary  servitude,  except  as  a

punishment  for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted,  shall

exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.

 

Section 2.  Congress  shall  have power  to  enforce  this  article  by

appropriate legislation.

 

Amendment XIV[13]

Section 1.   All persons born or naturalized in the United  States,  and

subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and  of

the  State wherein they reside.  No State shall make or enforce any Law  which

shall  abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United  States;

nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property,  without

due  process or Law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the  equal

protection of the Laws.

 

Section 2.  Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States

according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in

each  State, excluding Indians not taxed.  But the when the right to  vote  at

any  election for the choice of Electors for President and Vice  President  of

the  United  States, Representatives in Congress, the executive  and  judicial

officers  of a State, or the members of the Legislature thereof, is denied  to

any of the male inhabitants of such State, being twenty-one years of age,  and

citizens   of  the  United  States,  or  in  any  way  abridged,  except   for

participation  in  rebellion,  or other crime,  the  basis  of  representation

therein  shall  be  reduced in the proportion which the number  of  such  male

citizens  shall bear to the whole Number of male Citizens twenty-one years  of

age in such State.

 

Section 3.  No person shall be a Senator or Representative in  Congress,

or  elector  of  President and Vice President, or hold any  office,  civil  or

military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having  previously

taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States,

or  as  a  member of any State Legislature, or as  an  executive  or  judicial

officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States,  shall

have  engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given  aid  or

comfort  to the enemies thereof.  But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds  of

each House, remove such disability.

 

Section 4.   The  validity  of the public debt  of  the  United  States,

authorized  by  law,  including Debts incurred for  payment  of  pensions  and

bounties  for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not  be

questioned.   But neither the United States nor any State shall assume or  pay

any  debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or  rebellion  against

the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but

all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void.

 

Section 5.   The Congress shall have power to  enforce,  by  appropriate

legislation, the provisions of this article.

 

 

Amendment XV[14]

 

Section 1.  The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall  not

be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race,

color, or previous condition of servitude.

 

Section 2.  The Congress shall have power to enforce  this  article  by

appropriate legislation.

 

Amendment XVI[15]

 

The  Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes,  from

whatever  source derived, without apportionment among the several States,  and

without regard to any census or enumeration.

 

Amendment XVII[16]

 

The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote.  The electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for the electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislatures.

 

When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.

 

This amendment shall not be so construed as to affect the election or term of any Senator chosen before it becomes valid as part of the Constitution.

 

Amendment XVIII[17]

 

[Section 1.   After one year from the ratification of  this  article  the

manufacture,  sale,  or  transportation of intoxicating  liquors  within,  the

importation  thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the  United  States

and all territory Subject to the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes is

hereby prohibited.

 

Section 2.   The Congress and the several States shall  have  concurrent

power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

 

Section 3.  This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have  been

ratified  as  an  amendment to the Constitution by  the  legislatures  of  the

several  States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from  the

date of the submission hereof to the States by the Congress.]

 

Amendment XIX[18]

 

The Right of Citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on the account of sex.

 

Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

 

Amendment XX[19]

 

Section 1.  The terms of the President and Vice President shall  end  at

noon on the 20th day of January, and the terms of Senators and Representatives

at noon on the 3d day of January, of the years in which such terms would have

ended if this article had not been ratified; and the terms of their successors

shall then begin.

 

Section 2.  The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and

such meeting shall begin at noon on the 3d day of January, unless they shall

by law appoint a different day.

 

Section 3.  If, at the time fixed for the beginning of the term of the

President, the President elect shall have died, the Vice President elect shall

become  President.  If a President shall not have been chosen before the  Time

fixed for the beginning of his term, or if the President elect shall have

failed to qualify, then the Vice President elect shall act as President  until

a President shall have qualified; and the Congress may by law provide for the

case wherein neither a President elect nor a Vice President elect shall have

qualified, declaring who shall then act as President, or the manner in which

one who is to act shall be selected, and such person shall act accordingly

until a President or Vice President shall have qualified.

 

Section 4. The Congress may by law provide for the case of the death of

any of the persons from whom the House of Representatives may choose a

President whenever the right of choice shall have devolved upon them, and for

the case of the death of any of the persons from whom the Senate may choose a

Vice President whenever the right of choice shall have devolved upon them.

 

Section 5. Sections 1 and 2 shall take Effect on the 15th day of October

following the ratification of this article.

 

Section 6.  This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have  been

ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of three-

fourths of the several States within seven years from the date of its

submission.

 

Amendment XXI[20]

 

Section 1.  The eighteen article of amendment to the Constitution of the

United States is hereby repealed.

 

Section 2.  The transportation or importation into any State, Territory,

or possession of the United States for delivery or use therein of intoxication

liquors, in violation of the laws thereof is hereby prohibited.

 

Section 3.  This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have  been

ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by conventions in the several

States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of

the submission hereof to the States by the Congress.

 

Amendment XXII[21]

 

 

Section 1. No person shall be elected to the office of the President

more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted

as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was

elected President shall be elected to the office of President more than once.

But this article shall not apply to any person holding the office of President

when this Article was proposed by the Congress, and shall not prevent any

person who may be holding the office of President, or acting as President,

during the term within which this article becomes operative from holding the

office of President or acting as President during the remainder of such term.

 

Section 2. This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been

ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of its submission to the States by the Congress.

 

 

Amendment XXIII[22]

 

Section 1.   The  District constituting the seat of  Government  of  the

United States shall appoint in such manner as the Congress may direct:

A  number of electors of President and Vice President equal to the  whole

number of Senators and Representatives in Congress to which the District would

be  entitled if it were a State, but in no event more than the least  populous

State;  they shall be in addition to those appointed by the States,  but  they

shall  be considered, for the purposes of the election of President  and  Vice

President,  to  be electors appointed by a State; and they shall meet  in  the

District  and  perform  such  duties as provided by  the  twelfth  article  of

amendment.

 

Section 2.  The Congress shall have power to enforce  this  article  by

appropriate Legislation.

 

Amendment XXIV[23]

 

Section 1.  The right of citizens of the United States to vote  in  any

primary  or other election for President or Vice President, for  electors  for

President  or  Vice President, or for Senator or Representative  in  Congress,

shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State by reason of

failure to pay any poll tax or other tax.

 

Section 2.  The Congress shall have Power to enforce  this  article  by

appropriate legislation.

 

Amendment XXV[24]

 

Section 1.  In Case of the removal  of the President from office  or  of

his death or resignation, the Vice President shall become President.

 

Section 2.  Whenever  there  is a vacancy in the  office  of  the  Vice

President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office

upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress.

 

Section 3.  Whenever the President transmits to the President pro tempore

of  the  Senate and the Speaker of the House of  Representatives  his  written

declaration  that  he  is unable to discharge the powers  and  duties  of  his

office, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the  contrary,

such  powers  and duties shall be discharged by the Vice president  as  Acting

President.

 

Section 4.  Whenever the Vice President and a majority  of  either  the

principal  officers  of  the executive Departments or of such  other  body  as

Congress  may  by law provide, transmit to the President pro  tempore  of  the

Senate  and  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives  their  written

declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of

his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and  duties

of the office as Acting President.

Thereafter, when the President transmits to the President pro tempore  of

the  Senate  and  the  Speaker of the House  of  Representatives  his  written

declaration that no inability exists, he shall resume the powers and duties of

his  office unless the Vice President and a majority of either  the  principal

officers of the executive department or such other body as Congress may by law

provide, transmit within four days to the President pro tempore of the  Senate

and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that

the  President  is unable to discharge the powers and duties  of  his  office.

Thereupon Congress shall decide the issue, assembling within forty-eight hours

for  that purpose if not in Session.  If the Congress, within twenty-one  days

after  receipt  of the latter written declaration, or, if Congress is  not  in

Session,  within  twenty-one  days after Congress  is  required  to  assemble,

determines  by two-thirds vote of both Houses that the President is unable  to

discharge  the  powers  and duties of his office,  the  Vice  President  shall

continue to discharge the same as Acting President; otherwise, the President shall resume the powers and duties of his office.

 

Amendment XXVI[25]

 

Section 1.  The right of citizens of the United States who are 18  years

of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United  States

or by any State on account of age.

 

Section 2.   The Congress shall have power to enforce  this  article  by

appropriate legislation.

The War To End All Wars

Throughout recorded history, this world has endured a nearly never-ending state of one war following another war. Death and destruction growing greater and larger with each event, from the two World Wars, the Korean and Vietnam wars, the Gulf war, and the continuing war throughout the middle east and Afghanistan.
It would seem that the world is looking for and expecting two things. There is a searching and longing for some great world leader who will promise peace and have a plan to bring it about. And there is an expectation that due to all escalating problems, that there will be a great war that will destroy the entire planet.
Interestingly, those two expectations are not too far off from what the Bible tells us will actually take place. There will be a world leader come to the forefront – perhaps very soon. He will be very persuasive, and demonstrate great leadership skills, as well as a plan for peace that nearly everyone will herald as the answer the world has been waiting for. However, this leader will not be the answer – he will in reality be satan’s emissary to this world, and will bring about the most horrible conditions this planet has ever known.
How will things end up for that leader? With a war to end all wars. While many today think that somehow a great war will involve men fighting against men, the Bible paints a different picture of what that battle is all about. It involves that deceptive world leader, and his attempt to organize the world’s armies at the Megiddo Valley, to do battle with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
What is going to take place? That is the topic of our message, as we continue our “Focus on the Future” series this Sunday. Join us, as we look at “Christ’s Coming – the Battle of Armageddon.” Don’t miss it!
Just Listen

When Christians show genuine interest in others, people sometimes begin to believe that God might actually like them. The great part is that being unusually interested in people doesn’t require special expertise or hours of training. In fact, it involves nothing more than living your normal life and simply beginning to practice the art of noticing those around you.
Jesus was a master at showing interest in others. As Brian McLaren likes to say, “Jesus was long on conversations and short on sermons.” Jesus’s most common on-ramp to people’s hearts was the practice of asking great questions.
o Who do people say I am?
o Where will we find food for these people?
o What do you want me to do for you?
o Have you had breakfast?
o Do you believe I will heal you?
When it comes to connecting with people using our ears is much more effective than giving a speech. Jesus teaches us that when it comes to getting through to others, listening is not only the best first step; it’s the best second and third step as well.
Excerpted from “Evangelism Without Additives,” by Jim Henderson
Scrambled Scripture?

President Obama’s Bible quote draws scrutiny
by Jim Ray
Attending the annual National Prayer Breakfast, you would think, would be an enjoyable experience for any president, and certainly an event that wouldn’t generate much activity on the political Richter Scale. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.
President Nixon attended the 1973 Breakfast only to get an earful from Senator Mark Hatfield, who in his prayer characterized the Vietnam War as “the sin that scarred our national soul.” That prayer purportedly earned Hatfield a place on Nixon’s enemies list.
In 1994, President Clinton sat uncomfortably at the dais as Mother Teresa delivered a moving plea to halt abortion. “Please don’t kill the child,” she said. “I want the child. Please give me the child. I am willing to accept any child who would be aborted.”
And at this year’s event, President Obama created a stir by quoting Scripture in support of his plan to raise taxes on the wealthy. But did the president, as some have charged, misappropriate the words of Jesus to make a dubious political point?
President Obama has long said that America’s highest earners should be paying more taxes to help those who are less fortunate. On this occasion, he added a spiritual dimension to the argument. “If I’m willing to give something up as somebody who’s been extraordinarily blessed,” he told the crowd of over 3,000, “and give up some of the tax breaks I enjoy, I actually think that’s going to make economic sense. But for me as a Christian, it also coincides with Jesus’ teaching that ‘for unto whom much is given, much shall be required’.”
Not everyone agreed. Some observers essentially accused the president of serving up a breakfast of scrambled Scripture in his citation of Luke 12. “I’m no theologian,” columnist Charles Krauthammer responded, “but I’m fairly certain that neither Jesus nor his rabbinic forebears, when speaking of giving, meant some obligation to the state. You tithe the priest, not the tax man.”
Many people, President Obama among them, believe that the best way to help the poor is by lengthening the reach of government programs. That, of course, requires higher taxes. Others say it is the role of individuals and the private sector. That requires greater generosity in the form of voluntary giving.
But what exactly did Jesus mean when He spoke of requiring more from those who have more? It’s very difficult to support an argument that He was advocating an expansion of public welfare. In the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry, the government had no role whatsoever in helping the poor, and the parable in Luke refers to a “faithful and wise” household manager. It seems clear that the Lord was reminding His followers that they were personally responsible for what was entrusted to them and that they would be held accountable by God for their generosity, or lack thereof. That stands starkly in contrast to government taxation, which is mandatory and involves no personal decision-making, other than the decision to follow the law…if for no other reason to avoid a stint in prison for tax evasion.
President Obama’s intentions are not in question – he has a genuine desire to help those in need. But the issue was crystalized by the author Eric Metaxas, who also spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast. It is not a question of whether to help the poor, he said, but how to help the poor…and helping the poor is a distinctly biblical idea.
In truth, neither individuals nor government are doing it well. Federal programs are, on the whole, notoriously wasteful and inefficient. Moreover, it is virtually indisputable that in many cases government programs prolong, rather than prevent, poverty. At the same time, however, various surveys have found that Christians in America don’t give much to their churches or other charities, especially compared to past generations.
What can you do? Whatever your view of the president’s application of Luke 12, you can count on the fact that the Lord will hold you personally responsible for what you have done to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Ask God to show you ways – and give you divine opportunities – to help those around you.
If every Christian does that, the impetus for government to do the job of God’s people will quickly vanish.
As seen in the Presidential Prayer Team’s weekly update. View online at http://presidentialprayerteam.com/morality-in-america Jim Ray is a writer and marketing specialist who currently serves as Estate Gift Representative with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. He also serves on the advisory board for Street 2 Street, a New York-based charity ministering to inner-city youth through the vehicle of sports. Jim and his wife Stacey have two children and reside in Nashville, TN.
Where I Used To Go To Church

by Alan Smith
The story is told of a man who was stranded on a deserted Pacific island for years. Finally one day a boat comes sailing into view, and the man frantically waves and draws the skipper’s attention. The boat comes near the island and the sailor gets out and greets the stranded man.
After a while the sailor asks, “What are those three huts you have here?”
“Well, that’s my house there.”
“What’s that next hut?” asks the sailor.
“I built that hut to be my church.”
“What about the other hut?”
“Oh, that’s where I used to go to church.”
(By the way, please don’t write to remind me that the church is a group of people, not a building — I’m aware of that, but I think there’s another lesson to learn here). I understand that there are some legitimate reasons for “changing churches,” but there are also some Christians who change congregations every couple of years simply because they have trouble getting along with other folks. Someone at church said something that made them mad, or one of the songleaders didn’t pick out songs they liked, or the elders decided to change the time of services, etc. etc. The reasons go on and on, and you can just about mark on the calendar when they’ll leave to go to the next church. It makes you wonder if they would be happy in a church by themselves. Perhaps, like the man in the story above, they would move somewhere else after a while just out of habit.
Each of the New Testament epistles is filled with instructions on how to get along with others in the church (and there are no instructions or recommendations for Christians to “change churches” no matter how serious the problems!). Running away is always easier than reconciling with others, but our God is a God of reconciliation who has called us not only to reconcile with Him, but to be “ministers of reconciliation” who seek to bring about the unity that God desires in His body.
“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another… Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion… If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Rom. 12:9-10,15-16,18)
This article by Alan Smith, Senior Pastor of the Helen Street Church of Christ in Fayetteville, North Carolina. You can visit his site at http://www.TFTD-online.com
What You Will Be

As I gazed up at the mountains, I was awed by their majesty;
I bowed my head and asked myself, “Why should He care for me?
I am not great like the mountains that tower so high above,
What is there about me that God can find to love?”
“Father, I am not strong like the wind that makes your tall trees sway,
I cannot sing sweetly like your birds; will you love me anyway?
But most of all, I am simply me, and often have cause to fear,
In spite of all my weaknesses, do you promise to be near?”
With eyes closed tight against my tears, I wished He could hear me pray.
Then I felt His Spirit tell me, “Child, look up, I have something to say.
“You are simply you, the spirit I love, a part of my great plan.
I put you here to learn of life and to return to me again.”
“You are more beautiful to me than the loveliest mountain I made,
And your strength exceeds that of the wind’s, so do not be afraid.
I love you not for what you are, but for what I know you will be.
I am always beside you watching you grow, you are very special to me.”
A smile touched my lips – I knew it was true, my Father had always been there
Giving me comfort and blessings and love and my own special talents to share.
So I do my best to make Him proud. I am not afraid, for you see,
He loves me not for what I am, but for what He knows I will be.
No, Ma’am, I Won’t Ever

I saw him in the church building for the first time on Wednesday. He was in his mid-70′s, with thinning silver hair and a neat brown suit. Many times in the past I had invited him to come. Several other Christian friends had talked to him about the Lord and had tried to share the good news with him.
He was a well-respected, honest man with so many characteristics a Christian should have, but he had never put on Christ, nor entered the doors of the church.
“Have you ever been to a church service in your life?” I had asked him a few years ago. We had just finished a pleasant day of visiting and talking.
He hesitated. Then with a bitter smile he told me of his childhood experience some fifty years ago. He was one of many children in a large impoverished family. His parents had struggled to provide food, with little left for housing and clothing. When he was about ten, some neighbors invited him to worship with them.
The Sunday School class had been very exciting! He had never heard such songs and stories before!
He had never heard anyone read from the Bible! After class was over, the teacher took him aside and said, “Son, please don’t come again dressed as you are now. We want to look our best when we come into God’s house.”
He stood in his ragged, unpatched overalls. Then looking at his dirty bare feet, he answered softly, “No, ma’am, I won’t ever.”
“And I never did,” he said, abruptly ending our conversation.
There must have been other factors to have hardened him so, but this experience formed a significant part of the bitterness in his heart.
I’m sure that Sunday School teacher meant well. But did she really understand the love of Christ? Had she studied and accepted the teachings found in the second chapter of James?
What if she had put her arms around the dirty, ragged little boy and said, “Son, I am so glad you are here, and I hope you will come every chance you get to hear more about Jesus.”
I reflected on the awesome responsibility a teacher or pastor or a parent has to welcome little ones in His name. How far reaching her influence was!
I prayed that I might be ever open to the tenderness of a child’s heart, and that I might never fail to see beyond the appearance and behavior of a child to the eternal possibilities within.
Yes, I saw him in the church house for the first time on Wednesday. As I looked at that immaculately dressed old gentleman lying in his casket, I thought of the little boy of long ago. I could almost hear him say, “No, ma’am, I won’t ever.”
And I wept.
The Last Impression

A mother walks into the kitchen and sees her daughter with the whole box of animal crackers spread on the counter top.
The mother asked, “Why did you pour out the whole box?”
The little girl replied, “The box says, ‘Do not eat if the seal is broken.’ I’m looking for the seal.”
Thanks so much for reading firstIMPRESSIONS! I hope that the Lord has used this week’s issue to speak to you, and help you to draw closer to Him. My prayer for you – and for me, too – is to daily be made more like Him (Romans 8:29) so that all who see me would see the Christ that lives within me. May God continue to bless you and use you to reach your world for Him!
Yours for HIM
Pastor Tim Satryan
Senior Pastor
WILMINGTON first assembly of God
o
o Volume 12.07
o Friday, February 17, 2012
o The War To End All Wars
o Just Listen
o Scrambled Scripture?
o Where I Used To Go To Church
o What You Will Be
o No, Ma’am, I Won’t Ever
o The Last Impression
o Sign up to receive firstIMPRESSIONS

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January 4, 2011

Political Correctness a Cancer on America
by Morris L. Clopton

I am a sixty-seven year old white male retired from the US Army and a second career with a Large Defense contractor. I have a Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science, and an Associate of Arts degree. My professions allowed me to travel throughout Europe, Middle East and Far East enjoying the cultural and culinary treasures of the world.
The experiences of my life cause me to know without a doubt that America is the best place in the world to grow from birth to adulthood. These same experiences and education enable me to see the decline of the greatest nation in the world through the cancer of political correctness. I challenge each of you to look at your daily life and the life of those around you and find ways to improve our nation. We live in constant fear of offending someone through word or action. However if you profess Christianity as a follower of Jesus Christ you can be denigrated, mocked, in every form of media as well as our own president with no regard for truth or decency. Yet our elected representatives consider themselves elitist, passing laws that affect you and me but not our elected representatives. Why do we meekly accept this hideous practice and not strongly express our disgust with these policies. Your representatives have excellent health care, expensive offices, and travel freely on our military transportation and shun any real contact with the people they are elected to represent.

The terms of addressing or speaking about persons of color have evolved from derogatory terms to the apathetic term of African American. To me the term African American signifies that the individual does not consider himself or herself to be deserving of called an American. I am not suggesting that we revert to the derogatory terms of the 1700-early 1900’s however the term black, or person of color is not derogatory. My thought is that if you are so enamored with Africa then move there to live. If you choose rather to live in America and enjoy the immense opportunities and benefits of living in the greatest nation in the world then be proud to be an American and support it. You are an American first and then whatever ethnic background of your ancestors. Your live in the greatest country in the world, have more freedoms, rights and liberties than anywhere else in the world. Encompass America, not some distant land where no freedoms or liberties exist. We do not degenerate any other ethnic race except Negro with the un-American term that describes them as something less than American

Religious freedom is another of the great freedoms granted by the Article one of the constitution of the United States. The constant maligning of Christians by the media, politicians, and Hollywood is accepted and even expected, but say anything about Islam or Muslims and everyone starts apologizing. American citizens are subject to police state actions by our present government as we attempt to travel or exercise our constitutional rights. Our government violates our bodies, tramples our fourth amendment rights and we stand by like dumb sheep. Where are the Christians, why are their tongues silent, why is their letter writing non-existent, why are their phone calls to congressional representatives and senators never made? It is your responsibility to hold your congressional representative, senators and president to account for their actions. There should not be a thought of the silent majority accomplishing anything. Call, write, fax, visit your congressional representatives and senators assure that they know your thoughts on their actions.

Do you ever express your concerns with the consistent pampering of known enemies of our nation by a fearful government? Are you amazed at the voluminous diatribes aimed at our nation by radical Muslims? Our government states that they can do cavity searches of American citizens but are willing to give Muslims a pass because it might offend them. What about demeaning and offending the Americans who built this country with their sweat and money? Where is the outrage over damning Christians and our Christian nation? It is time to demand that your congressional representative and senators stand up and support the constitution of the United States and that the President of the United States protect our borders against all enemies.
Politics is becoming a four-letter word with the connotation of evil, greed, corruption, and self-effacing, self-elevating group of individuals unaware of the world outside the DC beltway. Do you question whether your congressional representative or senator has read the Declaration of Independence or Constitution of the United States since high school civics class? I think it is great that our 112th congress is going to read the U.S. Constitution aloud in the House of Representatives when they convene.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”

Do you understand and hold our government to reality of why they are elected and what their purpose in government is? Do not shun your responsibility and right as a citizen of America to stay informed and be active in the running of your nation by holding your elective representatives responsible for their actions. The label of Democrat, Republican or Libertarian you attach to yourself does not matter what matters is the saving of our rapidly dissolving Republic the United States of America.

Morris L. Clopton

Do you think President Obama is doing his job?

By Morris Clopton, 19 May 2010

The people of the United States elected President Barack Hussein Obama to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Article II, Section 1

No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the Time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the age of thirty-five Years, and been fourteen Years a resident within the United States.
Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation: -“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

Do you think President Obama is doing his job?

President Obama sworn in chooses to ignore the oath he swore as president of the United States. Instead, President Obama and his legion of Czars take actions disregarding the Constitution of the United States with the full consent of his democratic congress. No precept, law, or common decency enables the president of the United States of America take over private enterprises with dictatorial action. The sad commentary on the American people is the lack of outcry at this blatant rape of capitalism and free enterprise. The actions of President Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and the democratic congress completely disregard the will of the American people.

The openness promised by candidate Obama hides in closed-door sessions, arm-twisting of members of congress, solicitation of favors to further President Obama’s radical policies. President Obama praises Socialist world leaders and damns the people of the United States for standing up for what is right and speaking out against aggression by a corrupt government. The congress and President Obama chastises China for denying human rights while trampling on the rights Americans.

President Obama and his democratic congress sets policy allowing US companies to drill for oil a thousand miles off shore but with the stroke of the same pen allows China, Vietnam, Japan and other foreign countries to drill for oil within a hundred miles of our borders. President Obama gives Brazil a billion dollars to further oil exploration of the coast of Brazil and denies US companies the opportunity to drill for known oil sources in ANWAR, Alaska a desolate unpopulated, almost inhabitable area rich in oil. Check out this article on Anwar: http://www.warriorsfortruth.com/alaska-oil-anwar.html. Oil exists in numerous areas of the United States and in our coastal waters. The refusal by President Obama and his democratic congress to allow retrieval of our oil borders on criminal action allowing the price of gasoline, diesel to raise sucking life out of our economic society.

The recent discrediting of the gallant actions of Governor Jan Brewer in Arizona to protect the residents with degrading and comical remarks demonstrates the low levels to which President Obama will sink to promote his racial politics. Snide remarks in high political offices by individuals who admittedly have not read the law passed in Arizona by Governor Brewer seeking to enforce federal laws demonstrates the lack of real effort to make a difference.

Seek out information, become educated and aware of the world around you and VOTE!

President Obama and Eric Holder defy logic and emphasize arrogance!

By Morris L Clopton, 13 November 2009

Today Eric Holder announced that the planners of the 9/11 attack on US soil by radical Islamist will be brought to New York to be tried in a civilian court. These individuals confessed to murdering in excess of 3500 Americans and destroying property. Ask yourself how can the President of the United States and the US Attorney General so disrespect the families of the murdered and the people of the United States.

President Obama seeks to destroy the United States of America, as we know it, a place of “liberty and justice for all…” where freedom and free enterprise abounds. A cold calculating president and congress destroying the very fibers of home and family, imposing trillions of dollars of debt on our unborn descendents by assuming powers not authorized or granted by the Constitution of the United States.  How is this hope and change working out for you?

Where is the moral integrity of the American population, why are we so lackadaisical, about the destruction of our great nation?  Blinded by our greed and desire for material things rather than truth and honesty in our government we cow down rather than stand for what is right.  “False teaching is the root of ruined homes and nations.”  “We are called to rebuke false teaching and affirm the truth.”

It is imperative that we speak the truth about the terrible tragedy that occurred at Fort Hood, Texas not sweep the facts under the rug.  President Obama and congress must be held accountable by the public because it is obvious that the media is parroting the party line.  It is my hope that the few representatives and senators with integrity will speak out for an honest and through investigation. The courage of our brave men and women in the military are beyond reproach, it is through their unselfish dedication to service that enables our gutless media, entertainment industry, self-sufficing politicians and greedy businesses to pursue their selfless path.

Do not stand by and allow everything you hold dear and precious to be taken from you and destroyed by the vortex of sewage in Washington.  Hold your representatives and Senators accountable; let them know your thoughts on their actions and votes.

Living the Story of God

Connecting both the sermon and small group to God’s big story.

J. Scott Duvall | posted 5/01/2009

 

Most church leaders have a deep desire for people to experience life change. We feel the burden Dallas Willard expresses in Spirit of the Disciplines: “If the faithful devotees to our ministries are not transformed in the substance of their lives to the full range of Christlikeness, they are being failed by what we are teaching them.” But how do we serve them best? Specifically, how do we structure teaching times, select curriculum, and create an environment in which people can truly grow?

Spiritual growth is dynamic and complex, but I am convinced that six realities are essential to authentic spiritual transformation:

                               The work of the Holy Spirit

                               Life situations and experiences, especially trials

                               Time—spiritual growth is a process

                               A biblical belief system/set of convictions/worldview

                               Consistent human examples/mentors/leaders who incarnate this way of life

                               A community with whom to journey together

We have very limited control over the first three elements. However, we can influence the last three. At Fellowship Church, we do that by focusing our ministries on the grand story of Scripture and coordinating learning at the individual, corporate, and small group levels.

Connecting to the Big Story

The grand story of Scripture is vital, because if we lose touch with the biblical story, we lose touch with God. Unfortunately, most spiritual formation resources simply don’t make this connection. They typically challenge people to get God into their lives through a prescribed set of spiritual disciplines, but simply adding more of God to our lives often misses the point. We are called to link our lives to God’s life, to line up our smaller story with his grand story.

For this reason, we teach people the grand story of the Bible (believing) and help them see how what we do (behaving) and who we are (becoming) integrate into each part of the story. For example, our belief that God is both great and good draws us into praise, gratitude, and obedience—a behavior called Christian worship. Together this belief and behavior cultivate in us the character quality of purity as we realize that worship is not reserved for Sunday services but is a lifestyle.

Connecting sermon and small groups

To reinforce the connection between Sunday morning and everyday life, we use an integrated teaching approach that focuses everyone on the same passage each week, as opposed to numbing people with five or six different studies in our various mid-week programs and ministries. We encourage everyone to complete a brief interactive lesson on their own during the week. Then on Sunday we preach an inspirational sermon on the focal passage for that lesson.

We try to address the other two “controllable” elements—consistent human examples and community—through small groups. The group leaders serve as the human examples and mentors who incarnate the biblical story. There is no substitute for mature small group leaders.

Connecting with each other

The small group members become the community with whom we live out God’s story. Groups of 10–20 people gather once a week to eat a meal together, share life, pray, and encourage each other to live out God’s story. In our time together, we discuss the insights we had as we studied alone during the week, how those insights were influenced or altered by the sermon, and how we might put these lessons into action in our daily lives. Because the entire group has been engaged in the same biblical passage, has heard the same sermon, and is working through the same material during the week, the process results in a corporate, not merely individual, recalibration to the biblical story.

As we have moved beyond skimming bits and pieces of the Bible to connecting to God’s grand story in what we believe, how we behave, and who we are becoming, we have seen life change. It hasn’t been flashy or fast, but we are seeing God do a deep and powerful work among his people.

J. Scott Duvall is professor of New Testament at Ouachita Baptist University and a pastor of Fellowship Church in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. The curriculum discussed above has been published as Experiencing God’s Story of Life and Hope.

Copyright © 2009 by the author or Christianity Today International/Leadership Journal.