On Thu, 18 Mar 2004 14:34:31 GMT BL writes:

Hi again, I read your article with Zech 4:6 at the end. Interesting. I don't have total peace about GWB. I think he is a Christian but not a mature one, and swayed by many voices some of which represent trendiness or tradition over Scripture. Two things though: the Bible says it is GOD who sets up rulers and takes them down. Despite GWB's shortcomings and people's deception, hasn't God used this to allow GWB in office to accomplish His ultimate sovereign purposes, even though as one fallen his execution has its flaws? God raised up the leaders after David, including Solomon, most of whom made policies which took the nation away from God. Secondly, I have a friend in politics here who is Jewish and whose brother is in politics in the Knesset in Israel. He tells me that GWB has been the best president to support Israel since Nixon. In light of God's ultimate plan and His goodness to fulfill His promises concerning Israel, which is His time clock, and in the absence of few better choices doesn't this indicate His sovereignty in allowing Bush to lead? Interested in your opinion.

Also, why does a nation have to be small in order to be biblical? Israel was given a vast territory from the Nile to the Euphrates but were incomplete in their obedience to conquer it.

BL

1) You are right not to have total peace about GWB.

2) I am not one to judge what God will do with GWB any more than I am to judge WJC. I comment on their actions -- as Scripture instructs (Matthew 7:20) -- not their spiritual status. What fffrustrates me is how so many Christians were -- rightfully -- so harsh on WJC, but so ffforgiving of GWB.  www.thefot.us/picture.html and www.thefot.us/dumbo.html. Bush's party affiliation appears to exempt him from all biblical or constitutional scrutiny.

3) "Two things though: the Bible says it is GOD who sets up rulers and takes them down. Despite GWB's shortcomings and people's deception, hasn't God used this to allow GWB in office to accomplish His ultimate sovereign purposes, even though as one fallen his execution has its flaws?" Were Christians talking this way about the president when Clinton occupied the Oval Office? Was Clinton "an instrument of God's Plan"? Were they talking of his "flaws" and "shortcomings", or were they properly talking of him as a dope-smoking, draft dodging, skirt-chasing, socialist, treasonous scumbag? Their rhetoric may differ, but their policies are almost identical. Bush is an elected official just like Clinton -- nothing more, nothing less. www.newswithviews.com/baldwin/baldwin161.htm My criticisms of GWB are not merely out of some partisan dislike for him. I despise tyrants and hypocrites no matter what their partisan label. Yes, I am supposed to pray for them. My prayer is that everyone in Washington emulate Congressman Ron Paul and read their job description, i.e. the Constitution.

4) "God raised up the leaders after David, including Solomon, most of whom made policies which took the nation away from God."  A perfect description of what has been happening in America since 1913, no matter who is president. We are far more infatuated with the kingdoms of man (I Samuel 8:4-20) rather than the Kingdom of God (John 18:36). The Founders wanted a nation without a king. This was the biblical basis of our Founding. This is why we have 3 branches of government (Isaiah 33:22), federalism, etc. Only in a free country can Christians live their lives as Christians without having to kiss the feet of the secular authorities for permission (Exodus 20:2-3).

5) Concerning Israel, our intentions in supporting Israel are right, but our government involvement is the source of much trouble. Our government's support of Israel -- and using it as a reason to meddle in the affairs of every nation in the Middle East -- has led to hatred for America all over the world. This culminated in the 9/11 attacks. This can hardly be considered a blessing. We need to rethink our current methods of "blessing" Israel. If 9/11 is the price we pay, then the price is too high.

Government effects to transform biblical principles into public policy are bad ideas. Witness the failure of socialism, which is always justified under the principle of "love thy neighbor." Should we pray for Israel? Absolutely. Should churches and synagogues pass the hat so that Christians and Jews in America may voluntarily aid Israel financially? Yes.

6) "Also, why does a nation have to be small in order to be biblical? Israel was given a vast territory from the Nile to the Euphrates but were incomplete in their obedience to conquer it." The size of a nation does not matter. The size of its government does. Please see point 4.

Anyway, Bush is a tyrant, a socialist, a warmonger, and a globalist who has no regard whatsoever for your freedom or mine. Christians by the millions have allowed themselves to be deceived by GWB. It is a sign of the apostate church and the end times. (II Timothy 4:2-4) I cannot force anyone to think anything. All I can do is scrutinize events in light of Scripture and report on what I see. I leave the results to God.

I hope this answers your questions.

No King But Jesus,

Doug Newman