What do I want for Christmas?
I want the State and Federal governments get out of the business of telling people how to run their own homes, children, and businesses; and telling businesses who they can do business with; by taking away our freedom of speech and religion.
Part of what I refer to is Missouri SJR 39 The link is an article about it on Facebook, by Joe Ortworth.
What do I want for Christmas?
I want GOD to show Himself strong in and through me that others may see what is going on in me is GOD. In this I also desire that it be so of my family, friends, neighbors, my community, State, Nation, and the world.
Help me, O LORD my God! Oh, save me according to Your mercy, That they may know that this is Your hand—That You, LORD, have done it!” Psalm 109:26-27 (NKJV)
“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him…” 2 Chronicles 16:9a
The freedoms which the United States of America revere and cherish are due to the hearts and minds of godly forefathers who came to this land seeking freedom from government which had become unfriendly to religion. The Constitution of the United States was written and signed by many men who believed in freedom of religion. That is “Freedom of religion” not ‘freedom from religion’.
It is written, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof”. The government of the USA is never to tell any church what they can do, and it is never to recognize any one denomination over another. There is to be no State sanctioned religion.
This freedom which we have is endorsed and espoused by Baptists. We love freedom. Maybe because it comes from our Creator, and He is the One who gives the true freedom from sin, which is available through His Son Jesus Christ.
Our Statement of Faith on Religious Liberty:
“XVII. Religious Liberty
God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.
Genesis 1:27; 2:7; Matthew 6:6-7,24; 16:26; 22:21; John 8:36; Acts 4:19-20; Romans 6:1-2; 13:1-7; Galatians 5:1,13; Philippians 3:20; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; James 4:12; 1 Peter 2:12-17; 3:11-17; 4:12-19.”
Baptist churches are dependent upon the Lord for our support. We receive tithes and offerings from members of our congregation, and believe that is how the church and its ministries are to be funded. We are not, nor will not be dependent upon the government for our support.
We believe each Christian is responsible to our government to pay taxes, for the support of law enforcement, and maintaining services available for the benefit of our Nations people. We are to obey our government when the things required of us do not violate our conscience or God’s Word, which should coincide with one another. One of our responsibilities as citizens of the United States of America is to go and vote at every opportunity. In our vote we have a voice, and can change the course of a Nation which is drifting away from God.
We also believe that prayer is the greatest means of changing the way our government operates. The change of heart in our leaders is the only thing that will turn our Nation back to God.
-T.A.
The title above is correct. The team pulled off the win against Kansas City Ohara with a 23-7 victory. The Ohara team fought hard and it was a great game.
At half time the score was 10 – 7 with Cassville only taking the lead moments before the half. Ohara was putting up a vicious defense; and the Cassville boys were struggling hard to get toward the Ohara goal. I believe the field goal attempt and success was made from near the 35 yard line.
In the second half the game the Wildcats passed for a touchdown, it was caught but ruled out and incomplete, to the disappointment of many Wildcat fans. I think many adult fans at High School and other sports events need to learn to be better sportsmen about rulings by the officials. The language practically made me not want to be there. It was like I had fallen into the language sewer or something. Can we not be passionate about the sport, whatever sport it is, without the bad language?
Cassville did pull off the win with two more touchdowns in the second half of the game, missing one extra point attempt, then continuing to hold the Ohara Celtics from any more touchdowns.
The Ohara Celtics have nothing to be ashamed of. They played hard, and gave Cassville great competition. They had the fans of Cassville somewhat worried; especially at the end of that first half.
Next week the team will be going to State Championship game in the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, MO. and will play Bowling Green for the 3A State Championship.
It has been another great football season for the Cassville Wildcats Football team. Keep up the good work.
GO WILDCATS GO!!!
-Tim A. Blankenship
I make no claims to being a writer of any kind; little lone a sports writer.
On Saturday November 14 Cassville’s Football team played Rogersville team and defeated them 21 – 20. Rogersville was a great team to play, and put up a good fight as you can tell by the score.
Now Cassville goes on the the simi finals, and then God willing to State championships in St. Louis.
I am thrilled to see the Cassville Wildcats doing so well.
Go Wildcats. All the way to State Championship for 2009.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Fire and Hammer 