My prayer for this Christmas is that all who view this blog will come to know, not only the babe in the manger, but the amazing sacrifice of Him who hung on the cross that all of us could be forgiven for our sins; that all will repent and receive the Holy Spirit into our hearts, to guide us and comfort us; that all will be reconciled to our holy God and live, henceforth, for Him.
That would make a “Merry Christmas” indeed.
About the Manhattan Declaration
It’s been endorsed by Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox leaders, united in defending life and the family. With the White House in the crosshairs. Sandro Magister
It is essentially an expression of what Christians believe put together and signed by over 60 religious leaders from all backgrounds. Orthodox, Catholic, and Evangelical Christians agreed that the Church has to stand up and declare what it holds to be the truth. The Manhattan Declaration expresses the Biblical viewpoint on the sanctity of life, marrriage, and religious liberty. It is very well written and calls out many of the liberal policies our current administration is pushing on us. Ryan A. Brown
The unprecedented pro-life, pro-marriage and pro-religious freedom Manhattan Declaration, unveiled in a press conference last Friday, has already been signed by over 150,000 individuals in less than a week, and the numbers are continuing to rise by the second. John Jalsevac
Most Christians have by now heard of the Manhattan Declaration, maybe even are among the 307,000+ who have signed it to date. After all, who could be opposed to a “pro-life, pro-marriage and pro-religious freedom” document? Well, I am, for one, and here are a few reasons.
Dominionism
While I will not question the motives of it’s human authors, spiritually this document has been designed to deceive Christians into believing that changing the laws of our land to reflect “Christian” values will advance the kingdom of Christ. This is not true, as church history has amply demonstrated. This belief comes from the heresy of dominionism, which Al Dager defined in Vengeance is Ours:
1) Satan usurped man’s dominion over the earth through the temptation of Adam and Eve;
2) The Church is God’s instrument to take dominion back from Satan;
3) Jesus cannot or will not return until the Church has taken dominion by gaining control of the earth’s governmental and social institutions.
This is in no way backed up by scripture, but has been accepted as gospel in many circles. This false doctrine leads to many other errors, and I’d encourage you to take the time to read this overview of the three main dominionist movements in the church.
Perhaps we are witnessing the dawning of Christian Atheism. What term better describes self-proclaimed Christians whose world view is primarily political and self-serving, and exists independent of scripture and Christ? Bruce Gourley
In truth, Jesus never told us to take control of governments and social institutions. He told us to preach the gospel.
“My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” (John 18:36)
Oaths
Another problem is that signing this or any such document is contrary to scripture. Jesus told us to make no oath at all, but to “let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil.” (Matt 5:37) Be wary when someone wants you to sign something, as this is a classical form of manipulating your support.
Separation
In addition, this document presumes a very broad definition of “Christian” which can only further satan’s kingdom.
Can any civic gains that this document achieves for the issues of abortion or marriage offset the spiritual damage it causes in blurring the line between a true, Biblical, saving Gospel, and a false, un-Biblical, damning distortion? Dan Phillips
It assumes from the start that all signatories are fellow Christians whose only differences have to do with the fact that they represent distinct “communities.” Points of disagreement are tacitly acknowledged but are described as “historic lines of ecclesial differences” rather than fundamental conflicts of doctrine and conviction with regard to the gospel and the question of which teachings are essential to authentic Christianity.
That seriously muddles the lines of demarcation between authentic biblical Christianity and various apostate traditions. John MacArthur
Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE,” says the Lord. “AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you. And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” Says the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God,
be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
(1 Timothy 1:17)
When they’re not leaping and bounding, they’re sleeping … here, there, and everywhere. So that’s what this compilation video is about: leaping and bounding, alternating with sleeping, like the cats they will become, all set to the Nutcracker March. I have to give much of the credit to my granddaughter, who has diligently been taking photos and videos since the trio arrived on the scene.
