Master, which is the great commandment in the Law? Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it, You shall
love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets. (Matt 22:36-40) Remember National Neighborhood Night Out in your neighborhood on Tue, Aug 2nd.
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 26 - Dr David Fouts (Hebrew Scholar from Bryan College) speaking at Foothills Church
Jul 29-30 - Scopes Trial Reenactment, Kimo Theater, 294-7876
Jul 29 - Book signing by John Perry at Bibles Plus, 9:30-12:00
Jul 30 - Book signing by John Perry at Chronicles, 9:30-12:00
Aug 2 - National Neighborhood Night Out
Aug 8-10 - Summer Bible Conference, Foothills Church, 294-0016
Aug 20 - Prison Ministry Volunteer Conf, Hoffmantown Church, 898-1835
Aug 23 - Worldviews class for high school students begins at Grace Baptist Chapel
Sep 5 - Voter registration deadline
Oct 3-7 - Rudiments Course in America's Christian History using the Principle Approach, Mrs. Ruth Smith (The Pilgrim Institute), Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 323-8439
Oct 4 - Abq election (Mayor, City Council, bonds)
Nov 5 - 15th Annual Christian Heritage Speech Competition, Los Lunas Hospital Training School (Topics available soon)
Nov 12 - Women of Virtue Conf, Legacy Church Abq, 7201 Central NW, 9-3:30pm
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.)
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:
Monkey in the Middle
Supreme Court Nomination
National Neighborhood Night Out, Tue, Aug 2
The Price of Gasoline - What's Behind It?
Election Schedule
Aug is Voter Registration Month
Immigration - Blessing or Problem?
PBS Documentary Blasts Abstinence
The Truth Project
Fourth of July Message
Readers Talk Back
Petitions
Friends of the Family including Tsunami Status
Resources
-
Monkey in the Middle
Final announcement to see the reenactment of the 1925 Scopes Trial at the Kimo Theater on July 29-30. Actors flying in from TN to perform four showings of this "once in a lifetime" event for Albuquerque. See Mayor's welcome at www.scopes-trial.com. What's so important about an 80 year old trial held in Dayton TN? It framed the debate between Biblical Creation and Darwinian Evolution that continues today. Has science accepted the religion of naturalism by excluding truth?
Advance tickets available from:
Ticketmaster
Bibles Plus
Chronicles
Dr David Fouts (Hebrew Scholar and Actor in Scopes Trial Reenactment) speaking at Foothills Church on Tue, Jul 26, 6:30-9pm.
Monkey Business released in May 2005.
Book signings by John Perry:
Bibles Plus, Friday, July 29 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Chronicles, Saturday, July 30 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon
To mark the 80th anniversary of the Scopes Monkey Trial, the Smithsonian Institution released several unpublished photos from the trial. The photos were recently discovered by an independent historian gathering information in the Smithsonian Institution Archives. The photographs were taken by Watson Davis, Managing Editor of Science Service, while he was in Dayton, Tenn., June 4-5, 1925, and July 10-22, 1925.
More info at www.scopes-trial.com.
-
Supreme Court Nomination
After the incredible Christian response to the Senate filibusters, we have a nomination for US Supreme Court. This is an unbelievably important position for our country as the position is held for the life of the judge. Please acquaint yourself with Judge Roberts and respond accordingly to Senator Bingaman and Senator Domenici. These two senators have very different worldviews and will likely vote opposite each other during the confirmation process. Your calls, letters, and email make a difference.
Liberal interest groups such as NARAL and MoveOn.Org are committed to doing all they can to keep Judge Roberts from the bench. President Bush selected Judge Roberts after an unprecedented outreach effort, consulting with Democrats and Republicans alike. He has been thorough, thoughtful, and deliberate throughout the entire process. Judge Roberts has a record that demonstrates a commitment to faithfully applying the Constitution and not legislating from the bench.
Family Research Council
Request Vision America Special Report on Judge Roberts
Confirm Them
-
National Neighborhood Night Out, Tue, Aug 2
Good excuse to do something with the neighbors. Invite someone over for dinner you haven't seen for awhile. Organize a block party. Good neighbors make for a good neighborhood. Our neighborhood was shocked with a recent suicide and double murder of in-laws. Share the hope we have within us. 1 Pet 3:15
http://www.nationaltownwatch.org/nno/
-
The Price of Gasoline - What's Behind It?
There was a fascinating expose in the KCStar about a month ago about how oil companies closed down dozens of refineries nationwide in recent decades to 'theoretically' increase the price of gasoline. That factor plus the HUGE increase in petroleum consumption by China has created the situation we have now. Experts are predicting at least $70/barrel oil. Some experts say that Saudi Arabia, which is the major oil exporter, will soon reach its maximum output.
There is no immediate help in sight, except for Congress to finally pass a comprehensive energy policy to encourage alternative sources of energy AND to enact a drastically needed conservation policy. It seems that the whole nation thinks there is endless oil to consume. Energy policy experts say we could save 40% on fuel consumption by getting rid of huge cars and enforcing fuel consumption standards on the car manufacturers. Toyota is way ahead of the pack with their hybrid cars, although Ford does have some hybrid models. Toyota has so many of the important patents in that area that the domestic manufacturers have to license the technology from Toyota. Now, environmentalists are up in arms about the enormous production of carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels, which increases the likelihood that global warming is or will be critical. Now, even some anti-nuclear people are realizing that we should consider nuclear power plants again. France has been using them for decades with no trouble. They have made leaps in that technology in the past 40 years. You might contact your college friend that went to work for some power plant up north and see what his views are in this area. The big problem has always been "not in my back yard." - William Burton
Biblical principles - environmental stewardship, role of federal govt, international trade
-
Election Schedule
The ballot on Oct 4 will include candidates for Abq Mayor and City Council (odd districts). Also watch for bond issues and other city initiatives on the ballot. A measure to provide public funding for political candidates would put conservative (politically incorrect) candidates at a disadvantage since funding would certainly be pulled if a candidate said anything against abortion, homosexuality, "safe" sex, environmental activism, or evolution. Campaign finances are on the Abq website.
- Jul 29 - petitions due
- Aug 9 - declarations
- Sep 5 - voter registration deadline
- Oct 4 - election
- Nov 18 - runoff if needed (40%, 45 days)
How do we discern between candidates? What qualifies a candidate to serve as Mayor or City Councilor? The bias of media and a candidate's own material is deep. Prayer is a good start. Begin early to compare candidate's qualifications. Consider the type of organizations providing financial support. Watch for updates in Principles CINews and a new website in the local area www.newmexicostandard.com. Principles CIM will conduct a candidate survey and provide an online voter guide prior to the election. The character or moral fibre (worldview) of a candidate is just as important as his/her accomplishments or vision for the community but significantly harder to measure. The candidate survey will adapt questions from Vote Smart, currently used only for federal and state candidates. Vote Smart is accepted source of candidate information and is advertised in various public places (e.g., public libraries). Vote Smart offers issue positions (NPAT), interest group ratings, voting records, and public statements on participating candidates. A candidate not willing to reveal this information about him/herself should not even be considered legitimate in the eyes of the voters. A responsible voter will research the candidates or take advice from a trusted source before going to the polls.
Martin Chavez, 268-1663
http://mayormarty.com/
http://mayormarty.com/progress.asp
http://mayormarty.com/bio.asp
Judy Espinosa, 254-7870
http://www.judyformayor.org/
http://www.judyformayor.org/about/index.php
http://www.judyformayor.org/about/experience.php
Eric Griego, 259-7680
http://ericgriego.com/
http://ericgriego.com/about.php
http://ericgriego.com/experience.php
David Steele, 259-5963
http://www.steeleformayor.com/
http://www.steeleformayor.com/platform.html
Joe Williams, 804-6064
http://corrections.state.nm.us/secretary.html
http://www.lightfootsells.com/content/KellerWilliams/
Brad Winter, 797-1766
http://www.bradwintermayor.com/
biography
-
Aug is Voter Registration Month
Sep 5 is the deadline for voter registration to vote in the Oct 4 election. Please coordinate a Sunday for voter registration at your church. Voter registration does not conflict with rules for non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations. You can announce a table with voter registration forms in your bulletin. Voter registration forms are available from your local library or party office. People who have moved or just turned 18 should register. Talk to people about the importance of voting for those who do not want to.
"Always vote for a principle, though you vote alone, and you may cherish the sweet reflection that your vote is never lost." John Quincy Adams, 1821
-
Immigration - Blessing or Problem?
Immigration Law introduced in House by Tancredo and Inhoff
"Rewarding Employers that Abide by the Law and Guaranteeing Uniform Enforcement to Stop Terrorism (REAL GUEST) Act of 2005" - HR3333
Congressman Tancredo's website has a lot of info on the bill. Tancredo's website is the best I've ever seen for any member of Congress. There is more valuable information there than I'd ever hoped for. There is not a lot of mainstream coverage, yet immigration is of critical importance, especially to we who live along the border! Senator Kyl from AZ introduced legislation this week also. I believe that it is the same bill, presented on the Senate side. My impression of the bill is still forming, but so far, I think it has much good in it. We have to find something. The Luna County Watch (sort of a Minute Men project) has, in three days STOPPED the border crossing activity at their border. Now, most of them are beyond senior citizens. It's not that hard, it just takes making the effort. - Pam Wolfe
Seven Principles of True Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Biblical Principles for Immigration assembled by Deb Darby
Biblical Analysis by Center for Reclaiming America
-
PBS Documentary Blasts Abstinence
CITIZENLINK, June 16, 2005
Tax Funded PBS Airs Documentary Blasting Abstinence Education, Jun 21
SUMMARY: Playboy-funded documentary portrays comprehensive sex-ed as the better choice. The Public Broadcasting Service, in the throes of controversy over liberal bias and funding cuts, aired a blatantly left-of-center documentary blasting abstinence education and pledges -- a film funded in part by Playboy.
"The Education of Shelby Knox" follows a Lubbock, Texas, high school student through a heated battle to sink her school's abstinence-until-marriage curriculum.
http://www.family.org/cforum/feature/a0036886.cfm
CALL TO ACTION: Let PBS know what you think about this
attack on Abstinence-until-marriage education. You can
find contact information in the CitizenLink Action Center.
After reading the following article, go to this site: http://www.wanaral.org/s01takeaction/200506101.shtml
Annual Meeting Focuses on Fighting Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Programs Albuquerque, NM
At the ACLU of New Mexico, we used our annual meeting in April as a way to get members active in our Take Issue, Take Charge campaign against government funding of abstinence-only-until-marriage programs. Over 100 people came to "Abstinence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder: Faith-based Funding and the Assault on Reproductive Freedom." In addition to three lawyers who have worked with ACLU-NM on these issues, the panel featured a medical professor from the University of New Mexico who organizes medical students to teach scientifically accurate sex ed classes in local public high schools. During the question and answer period, one parent shared her story of how she is fighting to ensure that her children's school teaches responsible sex education where both abstinence and safe sex is discussed. We also heard from Julie Sternberg, an attorney at the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project who described the Project's successful lawsuit against the Louisiana Governor's Program on Abstinence. The program uses state and federal funds to proselytize, telling teens, for instance, that abstaining from sex will make them "really, truly 'cool' in God's eyes." Our members were so excited by the event, that almost all of them joined our list to get more information about our campaigns, and 30 said they wanted to attend a house party to organize against government funding of abstinence-only-until-marriage programs.
What's wrong with a worldview that despises abstinence outside of marriage and encourages children to have sex for "pleasure" as early as possible? See next article on The Truth Project by Focus on the Family.
-
The Truth Project - www.thetruthproject.org
Visit Focus on the Family's new website focusing on worldview assessment. If you haven't heard the term "worldview," now is the time to learn. You will likely see the term more frequently from various media sources. May we not forget that we are entering a critical juncture in the history of our nation, as we continue to witness the fight for life and the ultimate battle over truth, even in the highest court of our land. May we all continue to seek the strength of God Almighty as we strive to nurture and defend Truth in this most blessed of nations.
See notice for worldviews class offered in Abq for high school students at www.rges.cc/classes.htm.
-
Fourth of July Message
The following is an excerpt from Mayor Chavez' Fourth of July message.
"This Fourth of July weekend will be a time for us to join with friends and family and enjoy the many blessings and liberties this great country provides us. ... On this Independence Day weekend, I also want to reaffirm my commitment to the basic rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. ... One of the most sacred rights endowed to us by our Founders was the right to own and control private property [pursuit of happiness]. As mayor, I have worked with the City Council to narrowly focus our use of condemnation to clear drug houses out of our community and to clean up blighted properties to protect and enhance our neighborhoods. I look forward to continuing to work with the Council to make certain the city's use of condemnation remains limited in its application."
It's refreshing to hear reference to blessings and sacred rights. Remember the same document that promoted Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness also said these rights were endowed by our Creator (Whom we deny in public education). Unfortunately, due to a 1973 Supreme Court decision, America no longer extends the right to life to unborn babies. Chavez' reference to private property follows a Supreme Court decision allowing States free reign on seizure for public use.
-
Readers Talk Back
Thank you for your response. I am encouraged now that I know I'm not the only one seeing things in this way. By the media and public's reaction (or lack thereof), I was extremely doubtful and discouraged. Thank you again.
You may sign me, Linda V.
Principles writes:
I have thought about this recently also. I was watching the news a few days ago and the reporter was talking about Richardson visiting Paris. Her face lit up and she literally gushed with excitement. Maybe people feel like a rich Governor gives the appearance of wealth and influence even though we have the highest rate of poverty in NM (and the lowest academic achievement). Principles of waste and excess are certainly prevalent in Richardson's administration. To get outrage, the people must believe it's their money that's being wasted.
----- Original Message -----
Subject: There should be a public outrage
I'm not sure if this is the forum for this subject or not, but I'll try anything right now. I'm so distressed at the things our governor is doing, it has me asking why God is allowing all these injustices. I know I shouldn't doubt our great God, and I don't, I just can't seem to find a reason why... We've all heard about the governor's new 5 million dollar airplane; my question is, "Where is the public outrage over this???" This is the poorest state in the union, yet we are supplying Governor Richardson with this extravagant and unnecessary means of transportation so he can gain public favor around the country for his presidential aspirations. Why aren't we asking for his resignation over this (and many previous evidences of foolish spending, etc.)? Instead of much needed pay increases for our State Police force and for additional officers, the governor opted for an airplane.
Our state has one of, if not the lowest paid police force in the nation. City departments around the state make more than the state officers make, and are better equipped. After this latest disappointing "pay increase" scheduled to take effect in July (ONLY about three percent, with no consideration for time on the department; i.e., an officer on duty for three years and more will make the same amount as newly commissioned officers), there will probably be a mass exodus from the NM State Police; then what will the governor do without his personal "security army"? Recently in the Las Cruces Sun Newspaper, there was an article describing a speeding vehicle on the highway that would not stop for police. Two helicopters were summoned to track the vehicle, but when they learned it was the governor's vehicle, the units were called off. How can this be tolerated?? Keep in mind that this is only ONE of the many speeding incidents our governor has been involved in. Again, where is the public outrage???
Looking for encouragement and hope in NM. - Linda V.
God does not support the unjust and Britain was being unjust in their ignorance of how things really were. I doubt our rulers are more corrupt than Britain's. Looks about the same to me. Ignorance is ruling over facts. Our taxes, though high are not as much as a burden to us as Britain's are. Their health system is harming their people--ours is just beginning to do that. Britain persecuted Israel far more than we did, in the past. They put Jews in concentration camps in Germany for trying to settle the land the Balfour treaty gave them. They took land away from the Jews, they gave it to an Arab ruler and then established a country for him--trans Jordan. They gave high tech weapons to Jordan and deprived the Jews of weapons. God won all recent wars for Israel. The British are still more pro-Arab, anti-Semitic than we are.
Although as we get farther away from biblical teaching, we are now catching up with Britain. We are now tossing the Jews off their land on the Gaza Strip in favor of oil rich Arabs (yet the Jews there are living and worshiping God more than those in Jerusalem.) We are condemning their "settler's " peaceful demonstrations against their corrupt government. Their land is being taken unfairly (after being settled and built up 38+ years ago) and given to Arabs who only want to drive all Jews into the sea. Yet we praise similar peaceful demonstrations in the USA. Bush means to take Israel back to positions where they have so little land that they can't defend themselves unless God intervenes. Bush is dictating these harsh terms as if Israel were our colony. His actions are about to bring Sharon's government down. His ignorance, like Britain's years ago, is driving the Jews to allow their people to be killed or defend themselves with the strongest weapons. Is he only watching CNN pro-Arab-biased news? Is this disaster he is planning what God meant for Israel at this time? If it is true that God condemns those who attack his people, we are in for a bad time. Britain lost their colonies after they persecuted Israel. What will happen to us? - Libby Albright, ABQ
There is certainly a lot of confusion out there these days over many issues. Like who cares now if our freedom from Britain was rebellion or self-defense? We are now in a Medo-Persian type empirical relationship with that old empire just as the Scriptures foretold we would be (Rev. 13:11). The lamb inference (Christian influence) is quite nullified by its dragon-like quality. The Brits didn't care about religious principle. They were motivated by the revenue aspect and still are as indicated by their patient and subtle re-taking of America via financial craft. The Bank of England and the Federal Reserve are [deleted]. So the arguments are more or less moot. As for the common law courts and U.S. citizen renunciation ideas. It is understandable that they are perceived as "wacko". We have been using the maritime/admiralty court set up for so long it is generally considered of goodly American origin. And as long as non-discerning folks - like militiamen, libertarians and gullible type Christians are the source of information about the common law court system and the differences between being a U.S./American citizen and being purely an American/Heaven citizen, there will continue to be miscommunication leading to wrong means to unclear ends. Those who are asleep will definitely resist waking up. It is much easier to snooze on than to deal with realities of the alert life.
As for Scriptural support, Daniel Barnette needs to learn about Joseph's life in Egypt. Joe submitted to the governing authorities even to the point of becoming one himself. But he did not involve himself in the religious aspect of the Egyptian culture. As long as pharaoh submitted to God all was well. Joe even had his father, Israel, embalmed by the physicians rather than the mystic oriented embalmers of the culture. They knew the physical procedure and could do it absent of the religious ceremonial aspects of the Egyptian cultural practice. So what it comes down to is knowing where to divide the line - when it comes to what actions to take within the bounds of our govt/culture - between order producing law and a use of law or cultural practice that requires a spiritual decision in regard to dividing one's worship and loyalty and dependence betwixt God and some other object of religious belief. In practice, the common man in his ignorance may not even realize that he is so divided. - Kevin (Response continued at www.rges.cc/news/050725_kevin.htm.)
I had no idea the amount of effort put into this newsletter. What an absolute BLESSING! I have forwarded to MANY. God's continued blessings upon your tremendous work and thank you so very much! - Anne
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 1900 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.