Rodney John Tombleson – Rodney John Tombleson Blog

Repeal the 17th Amendment!

Constitutional Minute, 3/19/2024, 17th Amendment, 1913

I. Assumptions on Nature of Mankind
Mankind is sinful, cannot be trusted to lead others.
Mankind is sinful, can be persuaded to vote for us in large mass numbers.
There are differences in the way we think about these ideas.

II. Founders Refuted Direct Democracy
The smaller states would not vote for the constitution proposed unless the Senators were selected by the states and received equal number of Senators. Larger states wanted the people to elect Senators and Representatives, because they had an advantage by doing that. It was a very great compromise for both to do it the way they did.

III. What’s the Real Question? (Control the Masses)
In 1913, Democrats pointed 1) to corruption in the selection of Senators. But now I ask, did they solve the problems of corruption? 2) They said choosing Senators in the state legislators resulted in deadlock. Oh they fixed that didn’t they? NO. It is typical of politicians to lie about what they are really trying to accomplish. This is because they believe it’s ok to treat adults as children.

Mike Huckabee, Ted Cruz, and Jody Hice (GA), have urged the repeal of the 17th Amendment.

My sense of the matter is that the Senate and House do have different purposes and therefore it follows that they should have different means of coming into being. 3 points: 1) The “bicameral” system reduces the impact of special interests. 2) The 17th has brought more corruption in fund raising. 3) Expansionist federal activity has increased.

If the two are the same and empowered in the same way, one of them is not necessary.

Sources: https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/404337-is-it-time-to-repeal-the-17th-amendment/
http://historydr.com/17th-amendment/ ; https://www.britannica.com/topic/Seventeenth-Amendment

Crime Reduction or Not, Oregon SB1503

Senate Bill 1503. What follows is my testimony submitted to the Oregon Senate in the 2024 legislative session:

“Thank you for your service to the free state of Oregon. Thank you for taking vows and oaths to uphold and defend the National constitution and the Oregon constitution. Since you said you would do that, you really must know that attacking the law abiding will not solve crime. Punishing criminals does. We do not need a money grubbing bureaucracy we need law enforcement especially of habitual career criminals. Gang members commit crimes. Repeat offenders make up most of the criminal numbers. This task force is worse than a band aid.
This bill locks guns to health. WRONG! This is not a health crisis. It is an accountability crises. Hold criminals accountable for their actions. Guns don’t commit crimes. People do that. These bad souls don’t need a doctor, they need to be held accountable for their own actions.
No task force will help this reality.
Follow the constitution(s). Support the police. Remove lenient judges. End restorative justice. Restore freedom for good citizens. Stop; wasting money.
Please?”

Email Is The Strangest Thing!

Recently I failed to update my payment option in GoDaddy’s account management in a timely way. My fault. My bad. By the time I realized what the problem was, and tried to act on it, GoDaddy dropped my email account (apparently). So I am trying to “regain access” through the changeupdate.com feature.

Wish me luck, huh? I like my email. It is basically a reminder for new friends what my name is. And hundreds of people contact me through this very address.

I tried to pay over the phone, but GoDaddy doesn’t allow that apparently. Right, I know it may not be a “best practice” for either side of such a transaction, but when necessary, it solves a host of difficulties.

I hope this can be resolved in a timely manner. The tool they use for regaining access to your email offers a 72 hour response time. Hmmmm. My life moves along much faster than that. I’ve already missed a lot of important info from associates. I may have to resort to a can and a long string soon…a very long string!

Thanks for reading along here and have a wonderful day….oh and check your email, not for content, but just to see if it’s still working!

UPDATE: I was finally successful in accessing my account with GoDaddy. The critical “Stuff” is now updated. May be getting some of this off my chest helped a little. LOL

John T.

On Complaining, Freedom and Activism

A SERMON

9/25/2022

DO WE HAVE GROUNDS TO COMPLAIN? (or, MY POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT)

Word Count: 1945

Presented to ASCENT CHRISTIAN CHURCH

PRINEVILLE, OR

INTRODUCTION

Quoting, J.A. Thompson, New International Commentary, The Book of Jeremiah, pp 9-10. Section II. Jeremiah in his historical setting
“The prophets were not merely religious teachers or philosophers in the abstract but saw themselves as the messengers of God commissioned to convey to the people of their own day the word that God had given them. They had a specific message to a specific people at a specific point in history. It was a message which would interpret the events through which their people were passing, or would pass, in the light of the demands and promises which God had given to their people. Clearly, this dimension of a prophet’s ministry cannot be understood unless the historical background of his times is known.
The book of Jeremiah makes contact with historical events at many points. In many cases precise dates and otherwise known events are referred to. It was Jeremiah’s responsibility to proclaim a message about nations and kingdoms, ‘to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant’ (1:10). It was an age of crises. As Jeremiah began to preach, the Assyrian empire was in decay. At the collapse of Assyria, Egypt and then Babylon, the kingdom of the Medes stood waiting to pick the spoils of war. Judah herself was caught up in the drama. To begin she was nominally a vassal of Assyria, then for a brief period independent, then a vassal of Egypt, and finally a vassal of Babylon, under whom Judah lost even her identity as a nation when Nebuchadnezzar took her king into exile and destroyed her city and temple. Jeremiah lived through all this, and much of the drama of those years is reflected in his book. It was a time of agony for Jeremiah himself and for his people. Anyone who attempts to read the book without knowing something of the times will be more bewildered than ever. The arrangement of the book is complex and the variety of materials is considerable. If one lacks any sort of historical anchorage as well, the book is a bewildering one.”

Therefore, Jeremiah’s ministry was from about 627bc to 582bc. 45 years, starting about age 18. It was near the end of his ministry when a Hebrew named Ishmael assassinated the Babylonian appointed governor. He also murdered the entire garrison of Babylonian troops. He hen fled to Egypt, taking many people with him, including Jeremiah. Judah remained desolate for at least 40 more years when the Medo/Persian empire destroyed Babylon. Then the people began to return to Judah around 540bc.

I come now to our own time. In so doing, I’m reminded of Jeremiah’s later comment in his book of Lamentations, “Why should any living mortal, or any man, Offer complaint in view of his sins?”

We too live in a chaotic period of tumult. There is the big news of war, human trafficking, border crisis, on and on. Statewide there is an important election looming. There is the local community with conflicts about school curriculum. There is my own personal microcosm of conflict within myself as I try to cope with friends, family, and my inner self. How am I to understand my inner struggles as I also cope with what’s happening in my immediate world, let alone that outer world that seems to impose itself on my world? How is it that I might complain?

We are commanded to go into all the world and as we go, to make disciples for Christ. Yet, how do we deserve to assume that responsibility? We ourselves are flawed. How do I deserve to preach today? Who among us does deserve to do so? The very presumption in preaching is that we have all sinned and are therefore of what we say to others. Is this why Paul referred to preaching as “foolishness?” And yet, we the church are tasked with the mission of Christ. That mission includes suffering, preaching, teaching, serving, fellowshipping, breaking bread together, prayers and more.

If we suffer in our lives, we should realize it is just an understandable waste of time to complain. I’m not saying an honest conversation with God is bad. But let’s not waste the time with friends and family whining about our lot in life. This takes away from the responsible stewardship of our time, and of God’s love.

HOW DEEP
How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He would give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One
Bring many sons to glory”

God has set us free. Free from sin. Free to do what? Paul writes in Galatians 5:1 these words, “ It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”

The “yoke of slavery” was of course, the law. Who makes the laws? Politicians. The tend horribly “to organizations, combinations and arrangements.” (Bastiat) They subvert the real purpose of law to turn law into charity, education, and the like, some of which plunder the population. They take from one group and give to another. Some is legal and some apparently legal (Bastiat). Nearly every law enacted… amounts to a means of legalized plunder. They make laws to solve problems created by the very laws they previously created. Will this find utopia? Will it find salvation?

You know what Mark Twain said about government?
“Loyalty to country ALWAYS. Loyalty to government, when it deserves it.”
― Mark Twain

During the time of Jesus’ ministry, we remember he drove out the money changers from the temple (Matthew 21:12). He declared, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a robbers’ den!”

Then he proceeded to heal the blind and the lame who came to him (v 14). This was during the Passover when, every year, Hebrews from all over the world would return for the big feast. So travelers from far away needed to exchange their currency to buy the required animal sacrifices. That’s why these money changes were located in and near the temple. Jesus called them robbers because they not only exchanged currencies, but they would also charge the visitors exorbitant and excessive amounts for this service. With language barriers, and misunderstandings, this is easy to see the opportunity to cheat for extra money.

Why should anyone complain? Jesus’ words here were not a complaint. He was speaking the truth to his generation. Just like the prophet Jeremiah had done in his generation.

You and I are not Jeremiah. Not Jesus. Can we complain? “Why should any living mortal, or any man, Offer complaint in view of his sin?”

Having been forgiven our sin, by Jesus himself, it makes us free. Free to share that feeling, that liberating thought with others. Why then, should we make or suffer with a world full of rules and more laws?
The only good law is one that seeks justice before God. Those are the natural laws that God himself set in at the creation. But we now are to be free from unnatural laws, created by man to enslave one another.

SOCIAL JUSTICE. Have you heard that phrase? What is it? Never well defined, it has to do with the distribution of wealth, opportunities and privileges of society. It postulates equity, by way of government actions like taxation, social insurance, public health, public school, public services labor laws and regulation of markets. It often conflates and confuses the messages of the Old Testament prophets.

But social justice is not Biblical justice. Social justice today is a product of progressive legal scholars from the early 1800’s into the 1900’s. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice) . Government by definition, is the aggressive use of force. I am not advocating an end to philanthropy. Biblical justice on the other hand, involves individuals acting out their beliefs without the encumbrance or force of government. Isaiah said, “Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow.” (Isaiah1:17) Micah said, “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 5:8)

Therefore, I’m somewhat politically active. You know what Mark Twain said about politicians? “Politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason.” ― Mark Twain

There were some good politicians early in our country.
Thomas Jefferson, who emphasized Jesus moral teachings over his miracles and resurrection, wrote this to some Baptist supporters:

“Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between Church & State.” (https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/godinamerica-early-america-formation/)

Notice his emphasis on the constitutional restriction of congress.
James Madison himself was outraged to discover that a number of Baptist ministers had been thrown into a Virginia jail for preaching without licenses. He committed himself to fighting for liberty of conscience, which he equated with religious liberty. (https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/godinamerica-early-america-formation/)

We could go on and on…I’ll mention William Wilberforce, strongly influenced by John Newton who wrote Amazing Grace. Wilberforce was the driving citizen behind England’s abolition of he slave trade.

Yes, I believe we must confront unnatural laws wherever we find them. Unless we do so we find ourselves subject to that same “yoke of slavery” written about by Paul. It doesn’t really matter to me whether it’s Jewish law or any other. Yet, I really am repulsed by politics! But how can I complain? Especially if I fail to vote!???

Jeremiah. Driven by the winds of people’s sin and competing nations. His own nation’s government in disarray and filled with evil politicians, malcontents and even assassins! He could have complained! Yet he spoke the truth, with or without success. Will we do the same in our time?

What should we do with our freedom in Christ? Next week, we will hear from Ephesians 5:1, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”

We are offering up our lives daily. Are we making good use of our freedom as we go toward the end of our lives? In Galatians 5, Paul encourages us to be led by the Spirit, and this will help us avoid the natural tendency to sin against God. It will lead to fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.

May I ask again, “Why should any living mortal, or any man, Offer complaint in view of his sins?”

We should rather express the freedom in knowing Christ. So much nicer than complaining! After all, His love for us is very deep.

Well friends and fellow travelers, on Friday I was asked to speak today. As Mark Twain said,
“It usually takes me more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.“

— Mark Twain
But here we are in two days.

A Sermon

Text: John 8:12-20

Title: An Impasse Made Possible, Where is God?

By: Rodney John Tombleson

Some corrections require exceptional, beyond conventional approaches, not because the problem is dire, but because reality is bigger than the experience of our best thinkers. Jesus could have been crazy, but if you can do it, it’s not bragging! “God is my witness?” Yeah sure. But in this situation, it was true.

Number of words: _1929__

Delivered: Ascent Christian Church

Prineville, OR

Date: 3/7/2021

^Introduction

^{—–Here we are again in the wilderness with the ancient Israelites. Well, sort of. As was mentioned last week this was one of the 3 main festivals of the Jews at the time of Jesus, the Feast of Tabernacles, Booths, Shelters or Ingathering. I say one of 3 because these 3 involved pilgrimages to the Jerusalem temple. Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. This feast was celebrating the successful survival of the people during their desert on the way from Exodus to the promised land. The camped in tents or booths. No Winnebagos! Water was a luxury. Light was also cherished. Lights were a huge part of this festival! When I’m camping, I’ve always wanted to put up one of those big, long strings of lights around my camps! But every time I see one in a store I get sticker shock and don’t purchase! God’s presence was in the pillar of fire at night, and candles were lit in the tent of the ark of the covenant. Even God resided in a tent during this period and did so even for a long time until Solomon built the temple.}

^{—–The Jewish Festivals all in their own way point to Jesus. That is a whole study in and of itself.}

^{Here in this passage, we find Jesus just at the end of or just after the feast. The 7 candles of the large candelabra had all been lit day by day of the weeklong event but there is no 8th light to light. It is at this point that Jesus makes this daring declaration, “I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness but shall have the light of life.” So just as the people of God walked often late at night, they had the pillar of fire to lead them, so too will God’s people in the New Covenant have a light to lead them, Jesus himself. The story starts with light so often, Genesis 1:3 and again, John’s Gospel starts in 1:5 with light.}

^{—–Note here, “the crowd” is not mentioned from chapter 8:1 until chapter 11:42. At this point, Jesus confronts His adversaries, the Jewish leadership. This he does in the temple, the public area of the treasury. This was also where anyone could enter to bring offerings. And it was right next to the Sanhedrin Hall, where judgements were deliberated and delivered. It would have been convenient for the Pharisees to arrest and put Jesus on trial right there and then.}

¹²Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” ¹³So the Pharisees said to Him, “You are testifying about Yourself; Your testimony is not ^[^a^]true.”

—–Jesus makes this daring and grandiose claim. And what do the Pharisees do? They start a lawyerly knit-picking party! They do not focus on truth or falsehood. They focus on legality (Deut. 17:6, Deut. 19:15), of the claim. Are legal value and truth always the same? My Dad used to say, “It may be so, but it isn’t right!” Or, “It may be right, but it isn’t so!”

Lexie is on jury duty. I remember when I was on jury duty. I only sat on one case which had numerous associated charges against the defendant. We the jury knew he was guilty of all of them. But because of legal technicalities, we could not offer a finding on 3 or 4 of the lesser charges. It was so frustrating.

¹⁴Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I am testifying about Myself, My testimony is ^[^b^]true, because I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. ¹⁵You judge ^[^c^]according to the flesh; I am not judging anyone. ¹⁶But even if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone in it, but I and the Father who sent Me. ¹⁷Even in your Law it has been written that the testimony of two people is ^[^d^]true. ¹⁸I am He who testifies about Myself, and the Father who sent Me testifies about Me.”

—–Jesus and the Pharisees were talking past each other. One of them, however, was telling the truth. Jesus lowers the boom on them by overruling the objection that he needed 2 witnesses. You’re right he said, even the law says so, I am one witness, my Father is the other! Furthermore, He didn’t need to judge anyone in this, merely to identify His purpose in coming. He was sent by the Father. God has sent His Son, that is the operating model. Jesus is not going to be bogged down in legal niceties.

—–Verse 15: Jesus accuses them of judging according to the flesh. What? This means “weak and incomplete” (Morris, Leon, p. 440). Human desires fall far short of eternal purposes. It was impossible for the Pharisees to understand where He came from or where He was going. And they were the best thinkers of their time…?

—–Jesus does not back away from judging, but it is clear he isn’t there for judging at that time. There will be a time for that. But that judgement is not the fleshly, “weak and incomplete” kind of the Pharisees.

Now contrast verse 15 with 9:39. “And Jesus said, For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see; and that those who see may become blind.” (John 9:39). The purpose for which Jesus came into the world will have deep, eternal, consequences. Rejecting him will produce judgement.

—–Verse 17 I notice he refers to Himself and God as 2 people or 2 men (“anthropos” generic sense). Both are persons, and not esoteric concepts, far away notions, made up idols. And they also qualify as credible witnesses.

Again, the Pharisees, having been proven wrong, and being more politicians than faith leaders, try to shift the narrative.

¹⁹So they were saying to Him, “Where is Your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father; if you knew Me, you would know My Father also.” ²⁰These words He spoke ^[^e^]in the treasury, as He taught in the temple area; and no one arrested Him, because His hour had not yet come.

Isn’t that a funny question? It is something like asking where is air? Who would even dare to ask where is air? Air is everywhere! I can feel it blow through my hair! It’s almost more than I can bear! There is so much air, we have plenty to spare. But without air, how would we fair?

—–Jesus stays on message. It is only in the Son and in the Son alone that the Father is revealed. That is John’s key message throughout the book. Jesus was not to be sidetracked and neither was John as he wrote his Gospel. He wrote, “Many other signs therefore Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:30-31)

WHAT DOES THIS PASSAGE, 8:12-20, MEAN?

—–Have you ever felt that God is just too far away? Do you wonder, when I pray, can He really hear me?

Think of it this way. If the sun were any closer to earth, could we survive? Would the light from it be too bright for our eyes? Wouldn’t God’s light be overwhelming if we were as close to Him as we might want to be?

There is sufficient light to show us the way. Do we put in the necessary time and effort to see the way?

—–Try an experiment on your own time. Go 24 hours without any man-made light. I mean lights at home, including TV, electronic devices, phones, candles, car lights, flashlights, oil lamps, even reflected light and all of that. No lights. Create a brief culture for yourself without any light.

—–I see a culture we live in right now that is gradually trying to turn out the spiritual light that Jesus has provided us. But it won’t work. Light overcomes darkness, every time.

—–Light exposes both bad news and good news. What we do with that, the choices we make is how we live.

—–Light and law are very different. We don’t lawyerly knit pick our way through life. What an unhappy existence that would be!

—–Having the light doesn’t mean we can solve every problem, but we see so much better! I would not want to live without my understanding of Western civilization! And especially without the knowledge of Jesus! What unique changes He has made!

—–What does light do? It exposes things unseen in the darkness. Contours. Details. Threat or foe. Guilt or innocence!

—–Look a little closer at this grand claim that Jesus makes, “I am the light of the world…” there is a catch. “…he who follows me…” I missed that the first time through, and the second time…Wait! What!?? To see the light, I must follow Him???

Ah but there is good news. Ask Jesus, tell Him you not only want to but will follow Him, and you’ll experience His promise, that you “shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

Just like ancient Israel, we will never be alone, as we have the pillar of fire lighting the way.

Look, there are always resources we have!

Choices. Enlightened by His presence in our lives!

Other believers with whom to share and encourage us!

Holy Spirit, living in us, bearing witness!

Light from the Word of God!

Light of Jesus Himself!

CONCLUSION:

—–Jesus could have just been a crazy person with a bold claim. “God is my witness!” Yeah sure. However, in Jesus’ situation, it turned out to be true. If you can do it, it’s not bragging. Jesus came to correct the condition of man. Man is sinful. The problem was and is dire! A correction was brought and still is needed by those who haven’t heard.

—–Some corrections require exceptional, beyond conventional approaches, not because the problem is dire, but because reality is bigger than the experience of our best thinkers. Was Jesus crazy? Could He do it? Well then, it’s not bragging! “God is my witness?” Yeah sure. But in this situation, it was true. Jesus and the Jewish leaders were at an impasse. But it turns out that this impasse was made possible because Jesus could deliver on his claims!

^{—–Also, note the greater context of the claim Jesus makes. Chapter 8 stands just before what? Chapter 9! LOL. What is chapter 9? The subject there is a blind man who sees only darkness, but Jesus brings him light. Jesus says what he will do and does what He} says.

Against Man-Made Gun Control

In 2021, Democrats in the Oregon legislature declared all out war on freedom in Oregon. Here is one of my responses to but one of the many ridiculous proposals they have foisted upon unsuspecting citizens of Oregon.

Greetings and thanks for your service to the people of Oregon;

HB2543: Thank you for this opportunity. This bill violates Section 1 (Rights are Natural to people), of the Oregon Constitution and Section 27 (right to bear arms). It places a natural right below the man-made restrictions pertinent thereto. HB2543 enacted, would allow the individual(s) in the Oregon State Police to process, or choose to fail to process applications for firearms transfer. That subjugates rule of law to rule of men. This is a terrible idea. In practice, it has caused death or serious injury to vulnerable persons who could have protected themselves had they been able to procure a firearm in a more timely manner. https://www.foxnews.com/us/no-one-helped-her-nj-woman-murdered-by-ex-while-awaiting-gun-permit

HB2543 would result in unnecessary delays in firearms transfers. The Oregon State Police must never be allowed to impose their will on citizens because of their individual beliefs about firearms ownership or the right to bear individually carried arms. Yes they can enforce laws and apprehend criminals. But this law makes criminals out of the law abiding. Within it is the assumption that good citizens are guilty of something just because they enjoy a natural right (Section 1, Oregon Constitution, “Rights”).

You must never coerce a citizen out of a natural right under color of man-made laws! See https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/42/3617

In short, a citizen in good standing should not have to prove their worthiness to own or bear arms. They each have that natural right! This is foundational to the freedom we claim to enjoy. To do otherwise is to succumb to the idea that individuals are not sovereign as created, but only have rights conferred by government. This is not so. Nor is it right. Individuals are sovereign as created, meaning they have rights that cannot and must not be violated nor infringed. That is, these rights are inalienable! Please join me in opposing this Marxist proposal.

I am a natural born citizen in good standing in Oregon.

One side of my family was here before Oregon was a state. The other side came in 1927. This bill is not in keeping with the spirit of responsible freedom the state began with…stop the bill, enjoy the freedom.

And go after criminal behavior, not law-abiding citizens. Please.

Respectfully, Rodney John Tombleson, life time Oregon citizen.

Sincerely,

Rodney John Tombleson Oregon Citizen, Prineville 97754

“Aim small, miss small.”

“Beware False idee utilita.”

“Be humble, with a touch of class.”

“What will I leave behind?”

1619 Project Has No Credibility

How can the 1619 project be taken seriously?

History is what happened. Sometimes, most of the time, people write what happened, or rather their version of events. Ignoring previous recorders and observers on the formation of the USA is simply creating a new version of events to the liking of one ignorant of real events.

The New York Times (NYT), has little credibility when it comes to fidelity to actual events. The paper hid the Holocaust. They hid the Katyn massacre. Now they promote what are clearly racist lies about the nature and character and even the beginnings of the USA. The NYT has a never ending record of distortion of modern events. They are clearly biased to some liberal view of nearly every matter under the sun. Yet we are supposed to believe their commentary and support for the 1619 Project.

The author of the project, NIcole Hannah-Jones, has little credibility either. She clear has made racist statements to the effect that white people are racists.

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/author-of-new-york-times-1619-project-called-white-race-barbaric-devils-in-unearthed-letter

Yeah, ok. Some people being racist does not mean all people are racist. That applies to all people and people groups. While she offers the disclaimer that she herself is not racist, her comments in the article above give up her lie about that.

“the white race is the biggest murderer, rapist, pillager, and thief of the modern world,”

Wow. You can’t make this stuff up. With such a gross and broad generalization, it is clear that her mind is not that of a real thinker, and certainly unqualified to evaluate the events of North American history from 1492 to present. Not, at least, in my opinion.

The founders of the USA were caught in the ugly realities of their day, just as we are. Opportunity was found, however, against great odds I think. That opportunity led to the authoring of truly inspired documents. And those documents have led to the development of the most tolerant, creative, powerful, economically viable, exceptional nation, country and culture in the history of the world.

The real question is, how long can it last, especially when some people are trying so very hard to distort it and destroy it.

God Bless America!

Letter to Oregon Legislators, 2/1/2021

(This is the gist of my recent email to Oregon legislators)

Greetings and thank you for serving our pioneer state!

There is another spate of hate…for gun owners in the proposals before you in the Oregon Legislature for 2021. SB396, 554, 585, 492, 604, and HB2510, 2543, and 2872. As though 941 in the past wasn’t bad enough, these are just more attempts to destroy the freedoms espoused in our constitution. You took an oath.

I ask you to look up “Project Exile,” Project Exile | PAVE | Programs | Camp Good Days, in Virginia of a few years ago. Under that project, spiraling violent crime was vastly reduced. Look it up. How? By enforcing existing laws. Criminals caught in crimes, possessing firearms, were charged locally, and with federal crimes, then punished according to the law. Mandatory sentences if convicted. Most crime is committed by repeat offenders.

I urge you to reject the socialist agenda in Oregon, of infringing natural rights we citizens were born with. I urge you to uphold your oath of office and enforce existing laws. That is how we reduce violent crime in Oregon.

This Is My Father’s World

Sermon: This Is My Father’s World

Word Count: 2192

PURPOSE: Inductive style. To highlight that despite recent violent events in our culture, God is in control of His creation, His world is still subject to Him. His love is satisfactory of our needs. It is man who seeks to dominate one another. God sets us free to be free. This is our Father’s world.

Prineville, Oregon

Father’s Day

June 21, 2020

This Is My Father’s World

1In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. 3Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. 5God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.

So much seems off kilter in the world right now. People don’t seem to have common sense anymore. The world seems to have gone mad…but I would say this, Don’t worry, it happens all the time!

It’s caused by rejection of certain premises. 1. God’s very existence. 2. God’s character.

What you believe about God affects every other matter in your life.

There are laws, both spiritual and physical that govern our lives. They are not man-made laws. First, they are “natural laws.” They are irresistible, and immovable. These laws operate whether man made laws contradict them or not. Some will say other things are true, but time is not on their side, becausethis is my Father’s world.

I want to discuss some political history. What happened during the 1960’s? Was there turmoil in this country? There was, and it was as bad or worse than we have right now. Many of the same issues were in play then as now. We had a President assassinated. We had a 1968 Presidential candidate assassinated. We had a civil rights leader assassinated. We were fighting the post-World War II advance of Communism in Vietnam and other countries. There was unrest all across America. The 1968 Democratic Convention was a disaster with many protests and riots going on in Chicago. Much of this was organized out of the University of Chicago.

There was the “MOBE,” and the “NEW MOBE.” (National Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam, and New Mobilization Committee see Kengor, Dupes, page 286ff)

The CPUSA (Communist Party USA), Trotskyist Socialist Workers Party, Dubois Clubs of America, Progressive Labor Party, Young Social Alliance

And somewhere in the mix was the SDS or Students for a Democratic Society, Anarchists and the Black Panthers.

There was even a group call “RESIST,” whose goal was to teach young Americans how to “resist” the draft. (p 290, Kengor, Dupes)

Communists in America organized all these groups to peacefully “protest.” Their goal was to provide a “loss” in Vietnam to the United States. Does anything sound familiar here? Communists were behind much of the dissent, while disavowing involvement. “Russia did it.” The truth was they were telling Americans, get out of Vietnam, so “you can live in peace.”

Therefore, these things we are seeing in our country currently are not new and even some of the players are not new. You are seeing the same playbook not only from the 1960’s, but literally from the 1920’s. Today, please gain perspective and context. On surface, “racism.” On the surface, “police brutality.” But under the surface? Agitators who hate this country. Various agitators, communists, anarchists, common criminals, people holding grudges, you name it. Please look on the bright side, for this is my Father’s world.

I want to tell you about my Dad. Born in 1916, he was the oldest of 6 boys, with 2 sisters. His dad, my grandfather, Roscoe John Tombleson, had the 1919 flu. In 1928, my grandfather died from complications arising from that flu. At the funeral, my then 12-year-old dad was informed that now he was the “man of the household,” because he was the oldest boy. He raised all his siblings but one, his older sister.

What happened just after 1928? The great depression. You may remember certain politicians referring to the 2008 economic slowdown as a great depression. That’s nonsense. The depression of 1929 saw people starving and they did not have big screen video games at home to play while they were unemployed. Dad would scarcely eat chicken for much of his life, because that was the only meat he had as a kid. My grandmother would butcher a chicken, boil the chicken to broth, and then that was all the meat they had until it was gone, soup, bones, and all. They were dirt poor.

Then, socialists in Europe fought among themselves, WWII broke out and Dad was drafted. He was used to bossing brainless young men around, so during combat he was quickly promoted to sergeant. Dad knew how to battle. From an early age, he knew how to do his duty. Doing your duty, your assignment in life is how you earn your way to the end. It means survival and accomplishment, one day at a time.

Though Dad was not overtly religious, his mother was, and she prayed heartily for her 6 sons and 2 daughters. Given what they went through, they sorely needed those prayers. The boys all served in active military and they all returned home alive from World War II. That was amazing, given the all-encompassing violence of a truly world war.

What’s amazing to me though, is that Dad came home from the war, found a sweetheart, married her, and raised 3 boys. He was in some ways an incomplete father, but he had strong character, loyalty, duty, and the conviction of a job well done.

He was not perfect, but what human father is. I’m grateful for his role in my life.

Without good fathers, children are far more likely to grow into immature adults. They experience less income, lower levels of education, greater moral challenges, more jail time, less marital success.

If your father was incomplete in some way, find another man who can mentor you, be your father in those areas where you have gaps in maturity.

No, my dad wasn’t flawless, but he gave me glimpse of what could be, and safe place from which to start. Finally, I realized that there was more to Fatherhood even than what my earthly father offered. I realized that:

This is my Father’s world
and to my listening ears,
all nature sings and ‘round me rings
the music of the spheres.

This is my Father’s world,
I rest me in the thought
of rocks and trees, of skies and seas,
His hand, the wonders wrought.

I realized that the natural order of things goes all the way from creation and beyond everything a human can invent. There are laws set forth from God at creation that precede any law thought up by man. God set things in motion that are compelling, and unbending, even though people think they are so smart they can keep improving on what God has done. Because we are tolerant and peaceful, we endure man made laws unless they become oppressive and troublesome. Essential and absolute truths are so embedded in our world, as to seem unnoticed. Even the doves in my neighborhood sing it every morning and throughout the day: Whoo Hoo, Whoo Hoo Hoo. Maybe you hear them too?

When will we realize that:

This is our Father’s world,
the birds, their carols raise,
the morning light, the lily white
declare their maker’s praise.

This is our Father’s world,
He shines in all that’s fair.
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.

We see the weakness and imperfections in people. Do we see them in ourselves? Some do. The wrongs we have committed are so grievous. Until I realize my sin, it’s hard to see my need for God.

But if I confess with my mouth and believe in my heart that Jesus is Lord, if I confess my sin, he is faithful and just and will forgive my sin, if I obey him in baptism into Him, I will enjoy his promises of forgiveness, the abundant spirit filled life, and eternal life.

Therefore, if you’re here today and wonder about your place in God’s plan, please approach Jim or Bob or me or Tollie or someone you trust. We will do our best to answer your questions.

When we see wrongs in the world, when I see the wrongs in my life, it is distracting from what and whom I should remember, and that is:

This is my Father’s world,
oh let me ne’er forget
that though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.

We in our culture have many hard-earned luxuries. These are not privileges of one class of people over another. I reject class warfare. I reject envy, jealousy and desiring what others have. Especially if you won’t work for it yourself. In most cases, they are duly earned necessities or comforts. Do you have a nice home or vehicle? Can you afford things someone else can’t? That’s ok. Let no one put a guilt trip on you because of who you happen to be.

Are you unable to afford the things you want?

Set goals and work toward them. My father taught me to earn my way. He taught me the merit system where you get what you work for, not what someone gives you because you want to advance yourself. These days, too many want to be promoted and co-opt someone who has been working toward that goal by merit. Co-opt means to take something that was originally meant for someone else. Do what God has gifted you to do, and then work to sharpen your skills in that. Let God lead you into where He makes you effective.

If you’re over 33, the age of Jesus at His death, you’re on borrowed time! You should appreciate what He has done for you. I mean he died for everyone, and he died for YOU!

Ephesians 5:14b-17

“Awake, sleeper,

And arise from the dead,

And Christ will shine on you.”

15Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17So then do not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is.

The battle is not done. More people are to come to Jesus as His children. John 1:12 “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,”

God is sovereign, not me nor you. Someone stands on a street corner with a sign, telling me what to do? They state that what I enjoy in life is undeserved and not of my own efforts? That I am privileged? That somehow, I should bow to them? The day must never come when we bow to any man! To God yes, to man, NO! I was so offended and angry when I saw on television, an American president bow to a foreign king. In America, we recognize that every person has individual sovereignty under God who is sovereign over all. So I say to you, do not disengage from the political process. That battle is spiritual. The battle is worked out in our homes, schools, elections, literally every minute of our lives. Never disengage. Never, never give up. Never surrender to evil, for that would say, “Christ died in vain.”

We are still in a battle, even though you and I know “Victory was won on the cross.”

That day will come when every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Natural law says that I am a free moral agent to make my decisions and bear my own consequences. Let me tell you:

This is my Father’s world,
the battle is not done.
Jesus, who died, shall be satisfied
and earth and heaven be one.

Revelation 22:16-17
16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

17The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.

I know who wins in the end, there is no need for hate and discontent. I also know that God is near us right now, today, the doves singing outside my window in the morning tell me in their song God is with us! Those birds singing are saying, “Why should my heart be sad?!” Let us be glad.

So, I say to you today,

Why should our hearts be sad?
The Lord is king, let the heavens ring
God reigns, let the earth be glad!

This is our father’s world!

Covid-19, Thoughts

COVID-19, THOUGHTS

(April 1, 2020)

Yes, we are all “shut down” and “quarantined” in our respective homes. Only jobs deemed “essential” have employees showing up to work. Healthcare people, law enforcement personnel, transportation staff, sanitation employees, and a few more. Some may be tempted to despair during this season of challenge, illness and death.

Current models show that as many as a million or many more will die without taking preventive measures. With preventive measures (mitigation), there could still be 100,000 or more deaths. This dynamic situation is just what models show us as of 3/31/2020 (Presidential briefing). That will likely change daily as more data is fed into the models. Models are what is or is not fed into them, and must be given value accordingly.

“In all the world around me I see His loving care.” (He Lives, www.hymnal.net/hymn)

There are so many predictable reactions to something like this. “It’s nothing!”

“It’s the apocalypse!”

“It was deliberate by China!”

“It was the US Army!”

I must observe that despite all the wearying troubles facing humans, war and pestilence, a wide variety of reactions are predicable. Which reaction is best? Yes, in even the best-case scenario, we will grow weary and experience trouble, fatigue and even death, we can overcome despair! We must see victory over despair!

“And though my heart grows weary I never will despair.” (He Lives, www.hymnal.net/hymn)

In listening to Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York State, at first, I thought he was making more sense than usual. Then I noticed he complained a lot that the Federal government wasn’t performing to his expectation, all the while asking the Feds to do more and more. But lately, on 3/31/2020, I notice he is making noises about doing away with private health care. I think or wonder if I see his modus operandi. He has been angling all along for more central planning and provisioning of society. Human leaders are prone to this temptation, understandably. They will want to be more effective at everything the are responsible for.

But I think once duty has been done, we must trust the leading of the divine. Faith has its place. While we think we are wise, we are even then using the gifts we received at birth and developed from experience after birth. We follow the path God has laid for us. “It’s not the gale, but the set of the sail that determines the way our ship will go.” As we follow Him, we ought to say humbly,

“I know that He is leading, through all the stormy blast. ((He Lives, www.hymnal.net/hymn)

History holds claim to hope! We have dealt with Polio, Tuberculosis, Measles and much more.

What permanent changes will result for our society? Will the handshake go away? Will vote by mail become more attractive? Will hugs as a form of greeting or parting be less practiced? Will families see togetherness as a value or will the experience be a negative for them? Will work from home be even more widely practiced? Will Telehealth doctor visits be more highly used? Will “social distancing” be universally practiced even in the absence of a pandemic? Will governments increase surveillance of citizens in order to utilize contact tracking? (Contract tracking is used to detail the movement of a virus victim in order to see where his infection was caught.)

What I do believe is this: God lives and will bring His lessons to people who are willing to listen and see what He has done among us all.

“The day of His appearing will come at last.” ((He Lives, www.hymnal.net/hymn)

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