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.
PRAYER -
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and
for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life
in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight
of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto
the knowledge of the truth. I Tim 2:1-4
ENCOUNTER -
And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. Luk 19:13
Community Calendar
Jul 4 - Independence Day
Jul 8 - Dr Terry Mortenson speaking at Foothills Church (Abq)
Jul 9 - Dr Terry Mortenson speaking at Forest Meadow Baptist Church (Tijeras)
Jul 10 - Dr Terry Mortenson speaking at Calvary Chapel (Rio Rancho)
Jul 12 - UNM ID Meeting, 7pm in room 2405 of the UNM Law School
Jul 16 - Springer Boys School Party, 1-4:00 pm, 291-6412
Jul 19 - Jerry Coryell speaking at Faith Bible Church
Jul 27 - Dr David Fouts from Bryan College speaking at Foothills Church
Jul 29-30 - Scopes Trial Reenactment, Kimo Theater, 294-7876
Aug 20 - Prison Ministry Volunteer Conf, Hoffmantown Church, 898-1835
Aug 23 - Worldviews class for high school students begins at Grace Baptist Chapel
Sep 4 - Voter registration deadline
Oct 3-7 - Rudiments Course in America's Christian History using the Principle Approach, The Pilgrim Institute with Mrs. Ruth Smith, location TBD, 323-8439
Oct 4 - Abq election (Mayor, City Council, bonds)
2005 Open Space Summer Series
Summer Recreation Activities
Cibola National Forest and Santa Fe National Forest Recreation
Trail Guide Service to six aircraft wrecks in Sandia Mtns
Trinity Southwest University Lecture Schedule
Special Lectures Friday Evenings 6pm - 9pm:
(Open to the public and offered at no cost.)
6/24/05 The Biblical Worldview Dr. Collins Library
7/8/05 Biblical Battles Prof. Sparks Library
7/15/05 Knowing the Fear of Yahweh: The Bible as True Narrative Dr. Briggs Library
7/22/05 Freedoms & Restrictions of Biblical Worship Dr. Dollahite Library
7/29/05 Parenting Teenagers Dr. Encinias Library
UNDERSTANDING
- And of the children of Issachar, which were men
that had understanding of the time, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads
of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.
I Chron 12:32
Contents:
US Supreme Court Ruling on 10 Commandments
Property Seizure and the Fifth Amendment
Independence Day - Rebellion or Invasion?
Local Elections
Battle for Truth in Education
Prison Ministry Volunteer Conf
Ministry to Mexico
Ministry Resumé
Readers Talk Back
Petitions
Friends of the Family including Tsunami Status
Resources
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US Supreme Court Ruling on 10 Commandments
If you haven't heard by now, the US Supreme Court gave two decisions on public display of the 10 Commandments. There's plenty of commentary from Focus on the Family, Family Research Council, and other conservative organizations so I won't go into details here. But in summary, the decisions were opposite and ambiguous. Each decision was a 5-4 vote. Justice Stephen G. Breyer was the swing vote in both the Texas and the Kentucky cases.
In both cases Justice Breyer apparently read the minds of the people behind the displays and decided the Texas case was meant to be historical, while in Kentucky the only intent was to proselytize. By guessing the "intent" of the displayers, Justice Breyer turns displaying the Ten Commandments into a "thought crime" - where you can be punished for not what you do but what you intend to do. Just what is "proselytizing?" This ruling turns evangelism into a crime! Additionally, this oligarchy has decided that there must be NO influence on government from religion (regardless of Biblical principles founding this nation). This is not freedom of religion but freedom from religion.
There is no clear application of these decisions to future cases so look for more confusing litigation rising through the courts.
Focus on the Family commentary
Family Research Council commentary
American Family Association commentary
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Property Seizure and the Fifth Amendment
City confiscates property in New London CT. The city government of New London CT has run upon hard times, with residents leaving and its tax base eroding. Private developers offered to build a riverfront hotel, private offices and a health club in the Fort Trumbull neighborhood. But there was a bit of a problem. Owners of 15 homes in the stable middle-class Fort Trumbull neighborhood refused the city's offer to buy their homes, but no sweat. The city turned over its power of eminent domain -- its ability to take private property for public use -- to the New London Development Corporation, a private body, to take the entire neighborhood for private development. The city condemned the homeowners' properties. The homeowners sued and lost in the state court, and last week they lost in the U.S. Supreme Court (another 5-4 ruling). The framers of our Constitution gave us the Fifth Amendment in order to protect us from government property confiscation. See comments on common law below.
This US Supreme Court decision changes the Fifth Amendment from "public use" to "public purpose" without the trouble of a Constitutional Amendment and the ratification process by the States. It also contradicts the Declaration of Independence "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." The phrase "Pursuit of Happiness" originally meant the right to own property. Proving that there is a sort of cosmic humor around, Supreme Court Justice David Souter just may find out. A wit in his home state of New Hampshire has written a public letter to the town council where Souter has a home urging them to seize Souter's property so he can build a hotel that will provide jobs and tax revenues for the town.
What would be your reaction to the city confiscating your property? A property was recently condemned at the corner of Juan Tabo and Cochiti in Abq to make way for a new road. It looked humorous at first (honey look at the funny sign on our house) until you consider how the occupants were impacted. The movie Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy begins with a man's house being bulldozed to make way for a thoroughfare and the earth is shortly thereafter destroyed with the excuse of an intergalactic freeway.
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Independence Day - Rebellion or Invasion?
As we celebrate the signing of Declaration of Independence on July 4th, we reflect on Biblical principles founding this nation. Some say Colonial Americans violated Rom 13, Heb 13:17, and I Pet 2:13 by not submitting to English rule. Others say Colonial Americans had no obligation to England, were being invaded, and were submitting to Colonial Government. Respond to principles@integrity.com with your position.
Rebellion. Vine & Fig Tree is a non-profit charitable religious organization dedicated to overthrowing the Empire of the Secular Humanist "New World Order" and replacing it with a decentralized Christian culture. On "Independence Day," July 4th, the Empire honors those who volunteered to kill other human beings in order to avoid paying taxes. Were the deaths worth it?
• Our taxes are ten times what they were under Britain
• Our rulers are ten times more corrupt than the British
This web page examines the presuppositions behind America's decision to kill Christians from Britain. The War for Independence was so plainly unBiblical.
Invasion. Doug Phillips, Vision Forum, gives some fascinating insight. The American War for Independence was neither a rebellion, nor an insurrection as was the French Revolution. It was a biblical act of self-defense against a foreign invader. That foreign invader, the nation of Great Britain, acted without legal basis for its attempted conquest of the people of America. For this reason, I have long thought that a more appropriate title for the struggle would be "The War of British Aggression." While Christians may be forced to temporarily submit to others who threaten them with violence, the mere fact that a person claims authority and attempts to back up the claim with force does not validate the individual as a lawful authority. This is a fundamental difference between Rome at the time of Christ, and Great Britain at the time of the War. Rome was a wicked, but lawful authority (i.e. they lawfully could claim jurisdiction over the people of Rome). Great Britain was a wicked and unlawful usurper. In the same way that Christians do not owe Romans 13 allegiance to the hijackers of an airplane, neither did the colonials owe allegiance to the King.
Was this nation founded entirely on Biblical principles? A book recommended by Bill Redmond, On Two Wings by Michael Novak, gives a balance of humble faith and common sense at the American founding.
Faith and Freedom Tour - sign up for 2006
Active Faith America's Godly Heritage
Independence Day - Focus on the Family Resource
Just War or Holy War - 12 Tribes Commonwealth of Israel
Religion and the Founding of the American Republic - LOC
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Local Elections
Without a major national election this year, many communities will be electing mayors, city council members, and judges. Bond issues will likely be included.
The schedule for Abq is:
Jul 29 - petitions
Aug 9 - declarations
Sep 4 - deadline for voter registration
Oct 4 - election
Nov 18 - runoff if needed (40%, 45 days)
Get behind your favorite local candidate (or run yourself if the choices are not good). You can help with petitions, fundraising, and promo. Principles CIM will sponsor a candidate survey for Abq and publish results in a voter guide online. Any information on elections outside the Abq area is greatly appreciated. (One person can't do it all!)
Please provide an opportunity for your church congregation to register to vote prior to the deadline of Sep 4.
Tribune article on the election
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Battle for Truth in Education
The Scopes Trial Reenactment will be performed at the Kimo Theater on Jul 29-30.
New Mexico has two PBS affiliates. (You all remember KNME.) The PBS station KENW, in southern New Mexico, showed "Privileged Planet" on a prime time slot last Thursday June 16 at 8:00 PM. They plan to show it again. I guess that is kind of a slap in the face to KNME logic. -- Phil Robinson
The airing of the science documentary "Unlocking the Mystery of Life" on KOB TV 4 on May 22 was a great success. The phone calls and e-mails that both KOB and IDnet-NM received were truly inspiring. Many indicated that this video had an enormous impact on them and some said that it transformed the way they view life. Then there were a few that took an intensely different view.
After tax charges by KOB was $6938.75 and we had around $780 in promotional costs. Thanks to all who contributed so generously in bringing UMOL to New Mexico. KOB has offered to air "The Privileged Planet" at the same cost which includes 20 30-second promotional spots at no additional charge and we can expect around $1000 for promotion and advertising costs. We are looking at airing on a Sunday afternoon at 4 pm (same as last time) in late September. Bottom line: we need to raise $8000 by September 1. We have already had some generous contributions that total $2100 to date. We have $5900 to go. I urge you to pass word of this need around, especially to your churches. Our experience has been that when a pastor supports an event, the people respond. For promotional information which explains what this video is about, you can click on the "Privileged Planet" icon on the IDnet-NM homepage (www.nmidnet.org) and it will link to an Illustra Media site where you can get this information. We need to keep the momentum going in New Mexico. The airing of "The Privileged Planet" will contribute greatly to that end and will compliment some other important activities which will make it into the public eye in due time.
You can make checks out to "IDnet-NM" and mail to:
IDnet-NM
P.O. Box 19065
Albuquerque, NM 87119-0065
Our culture is saturated with misinformation and deceptions and none is so great or so damaging as the Darwinian deception promoted in public schools. Thanks for your help in bringing the truth about what science has to say about the nature of our origins to New Mexicans.
Joe Renick
Executive Director, IDnet-NM
cell: 505-270-8753
The Intelligent Design Network of New Mexico will hold its third scientific issues meeting on Tuesday, July 12 at 7:00 PM in room 2405 of the UNM Law School. The Law School is west of Stanford between Constitution and Mountain. Room 2405 is located off the Law School lobby. It is easiest to enter at the Law School and not the Law Clinic. The agenda will be as follows:
1. Methodological Naturalism and the Integrity of Science-Mike Kent (Research Scientist at Sandia National Laboratories)
2. Testing Naturalistic Hypotheses: DNA Polymerase and the Origin of Life-David Keller (Professor of Chemistry at the University of New Mexico)
The presentations will allow time for discussion. We hope you will be able to attend ,and please feel free to bring a friend. We plan to hold these meetings quarterly, and they are scheduled for the second Tuesdays of October and January. Please put them on your calendar. -- Mike Edenburn
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2005 Prison Ministry Volunteer Conference
August 20, 2005 - 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM, Hoffmantown Church, 8888 Harper NE Abq
Presented By: Prison Ministry Volunteers & Co-sponsored by Prison Fellowship
Objective: To inspire volunteers and offer encouragement, appreciation and a chance to interact with each other.
Featured Speaker: John Zimmerman, Regional Director - Prison FellowshipGuest Speakers: Joe Williams, Francine Garcia & Helen Carr from the NM Dept of Corrections
Chaplain Vincent Duran - CNMCF
Anthony Todisco
Contact Person: Ruth Detmer, 505-898-1835
Join us for music, fun, fellowship, encouragement, inspiration and good food!
Cost: $10.00, Scholarships available!
I've been doing consulting at three of the juvenile facilities in New Mexico - YDDC in Albuquerque, Springer Boys School at Springer, and J. Paul Taylor Center in Las Cruces. There are many youth who would like mentors. If you've ever thought about reaching out to a teenager, please do so now. Many of the kids are begging me to find them mentors. We need male and female mentors.
Women mentor girls and men mentor boys. There are not strict time requirements involved in mentoring. Some people may want to visit on a weekly basis, and others may want to visit occasionally, but may send cards and be willing to receive phone calls frequently. These youth just want and need a caring adult. YOU may be the one called to make a difference in their life.
Background checks will be done for all mentors and your church pastor may be asked to write a letter of recommendation. Anyone convicted of a crime, felony, or DWI will not be allowed to mentor a youth in the state juvenile facilities. Don't let this stop you however if you want to help troubled youth. I'll find a place for you where your gifts can be used. Please call me if you have any questions. If you are interested in mentoring youth from other cities in New Mexico, please email or call me. Youth go home from detention centers to cities all over the state and they need caring adults too. Maybe mentoring is your calling?
In His love,
Ann Edenfield
291-6412, 379-9840 cell,
AnnEdenfield@WingsMinistry.org, www.WingsMinistry.org
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Ministry to Mexico
BETTER TOGETHER NEWS RELEASE
"The Skylane has landed at Double Eagle" was the announcement Chief Pilot Ellis McMath made on Thursday, June 2nd at 3:30 pm when he exited the newly acquired Cessna 182, N91574. When asked about the purpose of the aircraft, Ellis stated, "This airplane will be used to support Christian mission work in Juarez, Chihuahua, and the Copper Canyon area of Mexico. As we train our pilots to the procedures and conditions of flying into Mexico we will be able to transport Doctors, Dentist, Evangelist and supplies in support of Christian evangelical work to some of the most needy people, who happen to be our, 'next door neighbors." The aircraft will be based in Albuquerque, New
Mexico at the Double Eagle Airport. BETTER TOGETHER is a nonprofit organization established to support Christian Mission work in Mexico.
Hoffmantown West is looking for volunteers for a trip scheduled for Sep 5-9. They're looking for a total of 20 people, 6-7 of those being adult chaperones and about a dozen students (minimum age ~15). Contact 922-9200.
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Ministry Resumé
My name is Sister Leslie Canniff. I'm 27 and live in Rio Rancho, NM. I have been saved since age 10 and feel that God has called me into full time ministry. I have done ministry in the inner-cities for nine years now. I have worked with youth, gang members, drug addicts, alcoholics, prostitutes, homeless, and prisoners. I have done outreach, bus ministry, street drama, Christian rap music, feeding/clothing the homeless, and building houses for the poor in Mexico. I have taken some basic Bible college courses, but desire to get my Doctorate degree in Theology. Do you have any jobs available? Please contact me at JCBarrio@aol.com. I am a Christian. I consider myself a non-denominational, Spirit-led Christian. I am not Catholic, but I call myself sister to clarify that I am a woman, because my name could be a man's name or a woman's name, and some people think that I am a man if I don't clarify this. I also do this for the fact that most churches do not believe that a woman should be in leadership, so this helps me see if that is the kind of church I am dealing with. Thanks for contacting me, and please do so in the future if anything becomes available in your ministry. Thanks and God bless.
Link to resumé.
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Readers Talk Back
The topic on common law courts has elicited much response and has become both fascinating and frustrating. Fascinating in that no conservative organization has heard of common law courts. Frustrating in that the issue is complex and there is little information addressing core principles. I contacted Alliance Defense Fund, Focus on the Family, Family Research Council, American Center for Law and Justice, Heritage Foundation, Christian Association of Parent Educators NM, and Christian Research Institute (Hanegraaff). None had heard of nor had a position on common law courts. This issue has significant impact on the community: (1) if true, why not be involved, (2) if false, be wise as serpents. Since the US and NM in particular appear to be breaking new ground on this issue, I am preparing an article for a future publication. Until then, the following are reader responses to the last article on common law courts.
Most people will not have the time, energy, and resources to pursue such a course and to meet all requirements. One wrong turn and someone could land in jail, affecting relationships family and otherwise far beyond the intent of the author Bob Lester who will have no liability if this should happen. Who is Bob Lester, and why should I trust what he says? (I would bet many of your readers are asking this question). To renounce/lose one's US citizenship in today's world is not something to be taken lightly (but certainly not the WORST thing that could happen; being a citizen of God's kingdom should obviously come first). It is hard to back this approach scripturally when Christ did not Himself promote sovereign citizenship in a corrupt world. Rather, He preached God's kingdom to us in the midst of Roman government. I know the arguments for and against, but still, it is hard to back up scripturally. It is always tempting to be relieved of tax burdens and such, especially when taxes are spent on such ungodly, unrighteous, heinous acts such as abortion, but we do have forums available to us to counteract this -- the problem is that the Church is not being Christ's Church as it was called to be (I could write much more, but I think you understand my point). There are no downsides discussed, and I know there are some (like expense, time involved, endless (it seems) paperwork especially if denied, etc). -- Daniel Barnette
Having looked at the Common Law Court website, I'm even more convinced it's wacko. Their legal notices' profuse use of the name of Jesus appears to me as a misuse of His name to provide legitimacy to illegitimacy. If a lawyer who successfully practices law can convince me otherwise, then I might be led to believe otherwise. There are plenty of good Christian lawyers that operate within the official courts. -- Name withheld
We must strive to "speak the truth in love" (Eph 4:15) and yet remember to be "wise as serpents and gentle as doves" (Matt 10:16). As predicted, there are false prophets afoot (Matt 24, et al). We are here for "such a time as this" (Est 4:14).
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Petitions
Marriage Protection Amendment
Eliminate no-fault divorce
Stop National ID Database
Ten Commandments in Public Places
Prayer in Public Schools
Hoax - Dr James Dobson is not involved with any petition against the FCC for prohibiting Bible reading on the air.
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Friends of the Family is a group of key supporters who invest monthly in family ministry. Their commitment is key to the ongoing effectiveness of Focus on the Family and enables us to extend the ministry to many who cannot afford the resources and services they need. They also enable our radio programs, our efforts to defend family values, and our outreaches to special groups like teens, unwed mothers, and non-Christians. For more information, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.
Tsunami status and donations - www.christianaid.org/tsunami.asp.
More from Focus on the Family - www.family.org/tsunami/givenow.cfm.
You can send tax-deductible donations to Foothills Fellowship for direct support of the Principles Community Impact Ministry in NM.
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RESOURCES
This section has been updated with a link to resource organizations. Anyone finding these organizations helpful, please consider mentioning the Principles Newsletter when contacting them. Thank you.
Principles Newsletter Archives
Roster of NM Govt Officials
Resource Organizations
Principles Community Impact News (CINews) is edited by:
Mark Burton,
Foothills Fellowship, 294-0016, Pager 971-2053
Many thanks to contributing authors and businesses.
Please forward events/articles/resources to principles@integrity.com.
Current distribution is about 1500 email addresses throughout NM.
If anyone you know would like to receive this newsletter directly
please have them send an email to principles@integrity.com.
It is also available on the web at www.rges.cc/news.htm and can
be accessed free of charge from any library internet service.
If you are reading this from outside NM, please locate and support
a Family Policy Council in your area.
