"STAND FAST THEREFORE IN THE LIBERTY WHEREWITH CHRIST HAS MADE US FREE" (GAL 5:1)
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FREEDOM BUSINESS GROUP INC
IN THIS ISSUE PAGE 1
OBAMA'S PUSH FAITH-BASED PRISON DORM
PAGE 2 & 3
YOUR VOICE OF FREEDOM ENTER INTO HIS REST
PAGE 4
PERSONHOOD USA BILLS MUST MEET CONSTITUTIONAL STANDARDS
PAGE 5 PASTORS CORNER
BY Dr. LARRY OLLISON
PAGE 6 & 7
ABORTION NOT IN THE CONSTITUTION
MUSIC CONNECTION
PAGE 8 & 9 WALL BUILDERS
A RESPONSE TO A GODLESS CONSTITUTION
PAGE 10 & 11
PRINCIPLES OF PROSPERITY BY BRIAN BOHRAR
WOMEN OF FAITH PAGE 12 & 13
BRAIN WAVE CONTROLLED GADGETS ARE HERE
PAGE 14 & 15
TOP MODEL CONTESTANT I STOPPED MODELING EVIDENCE FOR CREATION
December Issue 2005JANUARY 2011
OBAMA’S PUSH FOR CHINA CURRENCY CHANGES
By Megan Dumpe Kenworthy
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the U.S. was more than $252 billion.
hen President Obama meets with Chinese President Hu Jintao this week, one of the top items on the agenda will be resolving a dispute over how China sets the value of its currency. If Obama gets his way, it could spur U.S. exports, but it could also mean higher prices for American consumers.
The Obama administration has made stopping China’s currency manipulation a central focus of the president’s push to increase American exports.
“China still closely manages the level of its exchange rate and restricts the ability of capital to move President Obama meets with China’s President Hu Jintao in and out of the country,” Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said is a speech last week. “As the [International Monetary For over a decade, China has held down the value Fund] has said consistently, these policies have the of its currency, the Yuan, in relation to the dollar. effect of keeping the Chinese currency substantially That helps keep the cost of the goods Americans undervalued.” buy from China low and the price of American goods sold in China high. The cheap Chinese currency has On the surface, it’s a positive for American consumers. Nearly every product-- from candy to electronics helped open a wide trade imbalance between the two countries. In 2010, China’s trade advantage with to bicycles – is cheaper in the United States if it’s Continued on Page 12 imported from China.
FAITH-BASED PRISON DORM
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SETTING WOMEN ‘FREE’
he sound of praise and worship can be the most hardened criminals into God-fearing, faithful heard behind the gates of the Dr. Layne Mur- followers of Jesus Christ. ray unit at the Gatesville Maximum Security Cindy Mendoza is serving a life sentence for the murprison. der of her fiance’s father. For the women behind bars at the prison, worship“I took a man’s life,” she explained. “I was drunk and ping God is a whole new way of life. Most of those I was high and we had an argument that turned into serving time here a fight and I killed have never known him. Yes, I’m very real love; only a life remorseful for what of drugs, violence, I did and what’s and sexual abuse. happened, but I Twenty-seven-yearcan’t bring him old LaQuita Davis back.” was sent to prison “But I didn’t want when she was only his death to go in 15 years old. She vain, and I wanted was convicted of to do any and conspiracy to comeverything I could mit murder. to be a different person,” she contin“It’s bad yeah, ued. we’re in prison, but Faith-Based Prison Dorm Graduates
you know that it’s going to be okay because God has you,” she told CBN News.
From Criminal to Faithful Volunteer missionaries who run the “Faith Dorm” at the prison have seen the program change even
Inmate Margaret Espree said the difference between being in the “Faith Dorm” and secular units at the prison is like night and day. Espree was sentenced to eight years for aggravated assault. She is also serving 20 years for a previous murder charge. Continued on Page 14
FREEDOM
From Our Heart To Yours FREEDOM is a free Newspaper Magazine produced by FREEDOM PUBLICATIONS, a member of FREEDOM BUSINESS GROUP INC, a company that Amelia and I formed in 2010. When the Lord instructed our ministry, RSMI, to be a Voice of Freedom, to inspire, to encourage, to give hope, and to strengthen people’s faith, the vision of FREEDOM was birthed shortly thereafter. John 8:32 soon became the foundation scripture for FREEDOM. “And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” We are to print and publish the truth in a way that would inspire hope and faith in the individuals who read it. FREEDOM is helping Amelia and I fulfill that vision. And so in May of 2003 through much prayer, I started out with a notebook and a pen, and began casting this vision to some local businesses here in the Northern Iowa area. In June of 2003 FREEDOM PUBLICATIONS published its first 8 page newspaper with sixteen (16) local businesses advertising in it. As a result of steadfast diligence, and through the hard working efforts of my wife Amelia, and support staff, FREEDOM is now 16 pages, and is distributed primarily to over 90 cities, between Rochester MN, and Albert Lea MN, and Clear Lake IA and Mason City IA. We are finding out that FREEDOM is read all over the world as well. We are getting calls and letters from people just like you, who have picked up the paper at one of our many free distribution points, and have enjoyed its information, and inspiration. As Amelia and I continue to pray for the mission of FREEDOM, we both believe that FREEDOM is to be a source where we take a stand for faith in Jesus Christ, and for the FREEDOM He brings as well. Galatians 5:1 tells us to: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." So FREEDOM is here to strengthen your faith, and to stand for the Christian principles of freedom on which our nation, the United States of America was founded upon. To this day FREEDOM continues to do just that. It is a reliable source of information and encouraging ministry related articles for the whole family to enjoy. Many don’t realize it, but FREEDOM is a reader supported paper. We do sell advertisement spots to local businesses, but the rates are purposely low to provide a marketing source to help local businesses grow and prosper, without those overwhelming marketing costs. Your financial support of this paper makes its possible for Amelia and I to produce, publish, and distribute this paper to thousands of homes here locally, and to thousands of homes all over the world as well. If you would like to support FREEDOM you can give your tax deductible donations to Rory Synoground Ministries International at 1207 1st Ave N.W. Austin MN 55912 or online at www.rsmifreedom.org. Thank you for your support, and God Bless you.
Rory & Amelia Synoground
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Rev. Rory Synoground Founder and President of Rory Synoground Ministries International www.rsmifreedom.org
ENTERING INTO HIS REST “Hebrews 4:2 says “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the Word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.”
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And in this place again, If they shall enter into My rest. Seeing herefore it remained that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
hen the Word of God is preached it becomes profitable when mixed with For if Jesus had given them rest, then faith. The word “profit” here means would He not afterward have spoken of to be useful, advantageous, to be a benefit. another day.
This means that when the Word of God is There remained therefore a rest to the received and believed, it becomes useful, and people of God. it benefits us. For he that is entered into His rest, he In the Old Testament we read about a time also hath ceased form his own works, after the children of Israel were delivered from as God did from His. the land of Egypt they were trying to enter a new land that God promised them. It was a Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same land where peace and prosperity would be experienced and enjoyed. Unfortunately they example of unbelief.” did not make it. Because of what Jesus did, by dying on The reason; It was because of their unbelief. the cross, we NOW have an opportunity The Word that was preached to them did not to enter into A REST! A PLACE where benefit them, because they did not believe it. we cease from our works, and receive His promises. Many Christians are struggling in much the same way today. God has given us a prom- Listen our labor is not to labor for the promised land, the Kingdom of God! Unfortunately ises of salvation, healing, unconditional many Christians today are trying to earn this love, or prosperity, by following the latest religious set of laws and rules. Promised Land through works; as a result they are not entering into and enjoying what You see the promises of God, have already God has promised. been given to us through Jesus Christ! If we go on reading here in Hebrews 4 we see No, our labor is merely choosing to BEit written in verse three; “For we which have LIEVE GODS WORD! We are to hear the believed do enter into rest…” What rest is the Word of God, and simply believe that Word Lord talking about here? over our circumstances. It’s simply the day of rest that God originally “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 entered into on the seventh day of creation. Corinthians 5:7 ) (Genesis 2:2) You see it is His Word, believed and acted Adam was created to live at rest. To live in upon, that has the ability to save our souls Gods rest is to live in the very presence of and bring us into His promised land, His God Himself. This is what Adam had. He rest. (James 1:21, Hebrews 4:12) walked with God in a place of peace, security, love, prosperity, dominion, and health. We no longer have to strive through works and law to receive Gods best for our lives. Adam was not created to live outside this All God asks us to do is to believe. We are place of rest. For it is in this place of rest to rest from own labors, take up our cross that the promises of God are received and and follow Him! (Mark 10:21) enjoyed! Sin separated Adam from this place of rest. And it is that same problem of sin, that is separating people from that place of rest today! In Hebrews 4:4-11 we read; “For He spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all His works.
Pastor Rory Synoground Speaking at the Breaking Free Conference August 2010
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PERSONHOOD USA UNVEILS PETITIONS IN ALL 50 STATES by Jennifer Mason
“Personhood USA functions as a support system, giving as little or as much help as needed, and we have truly been blessed by Jesus Christ as He is accomplishing so much through us in just the past two years. We can’t wait to see what He does, in all 50 states, in 2011.” Personhood USA, a national prolife organization dedicated to legal recognition of the personhood rights of all innocent human beings, has announced personhood efforts underway in all 50 states. Personhood USA formed two years ago with the intent to assist and empower grassroots volunteers across the USA, helping them to start and coordinate efforts in their own communities to defend the personhood of the preborn human. Exemplifying the passion that exists in America to affirm the basic rights of the preborn child and to stop abortion, Personhood USA has assisted volunteers and helped to gather over 919,000 signatures so far. In addition to the staggering number of signatures gathered primarily on legal petitions, Personhood USA is assisting volunteers in all 50 states. “Now in every state in America, prolife volunteers are engaging their communities with the truth of personhood, and are working to change the laws as citizens or lobbying the
lawmakers in their state to do their job and protect every person by love and by law,” stated Keith Mason, cofounder of Personhood USA. “We are thrilled to have met our goal to be in all 50 states in just two years, and we are so thankful to be closing in on 1 million signatures defending the personhood of the preborn child.” Personhood USA has proven itself to be a necessary component to winning the abortion battle—in every state if a personhood amendment is attempted, Personhood USA sees victory in thousands of hearts and minds changed, and babies’ lives saved. The educational efforts of Personhood USA’s undertakings are massive as they have been overseeing the largest prolife educational campaign some states have ever seen, at the lowest cost. “Personhood USA functions as a support system, giving as little or as much help as needed, and we have truly been blessed by Jesus Christ as He is accomplishing so much through us in just the past two years. We can’t wait to see what He does, in all 50 states, in 2011,” added Cal Zastrow, cofounder of Personhood USA. “We will keep working hard for the rights of preborn children, knowing that this is the best chance we’ve ever had to end abortion in America.”
BILLS MUST MEET CONSTITUTIONAL STANDARDS OneNewsNow.com
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freshman member of the 112th Congress says the recent reading of the Constitution on the House floor was more than just a symbolic move by the GOPcontrolled body.
has to cite the specific clause of the Constitution that gives the Congress the power to do whatever it is the legislation wants to do,” Nunnelee reports.
He says the One of new rule is the first significant acts of because the new it will deal Congress with seriwas a ous quespagetions about by-page whether reading Congress of the actually has Constithe contution. stitutional Members authorRepublican Alan Nunnelee of Mississippi, of both ity to force parties individuals participated, including freshman Republican to purchase health insurance, as required by Alan Nunnelee of Mississippi, who feels the ObamaCare. reading conveys that this Congress will be As OneNewsNow reported yesterday, politiwell-grounded in the Constitution. cal observer Curt Levey describes that new “As a way of moving from the symbolic to the rule as somewhere between symbolic and real, part of the rules package we adopted meaningful. for the first time in United States history says that any piece of legislation that’s introduced
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PASTORS CORNER GETTING OFFENDED HINDERS YOUR MIRACLE
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by Larry Ollison, Ph.D.
aul made an interesting stateWord. It is only for those who believe ment when writing to Titus. In that He did not lie and then they act the first sentence, Paul said on that belief. that God cannot lie. (Titus 1:2) This one statement alone is the There is much power in the Word, but most important statements in the only for those who have faith. Faith Bible. Without this one truth, every- believes God. Faith knows God does thing we believe, all our hope, all of not lie and places everything on that belief. our faith would be useless. Let me explain. Everything in the Word of God is based on belief. But belief in what? Belief in God and belief that He has not lied and will not lie.
Larry Ollison Ministries All rights reserved. Used by permission.
God expects us to believe Him. He expects us to place our entire existence, every thing we are and everything we have on the line. He wants us to have total faith in Him. In fact, He not only expects it, but He requires it. When Jesus went to His own town of Nazareth, He taught in the synagogue. Many people heard him and were astonished. Pastor Larry Ollison, Ph.D
In fact, they were so amazed at His teachings that some even wondered Featured Ministry of Dr. Larry Ollison where He got all His knowledge. Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With more than 40 years in the ministry, Dr. Ollison ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily email devotionals. As the author of five books including \”Breaking the Cycle of Offense\” and \”Life is in the Blood,\” he is a very popular When they became offended, they speaker nationally and internationally.
But then something happened. Some of the people realized that this Jesus was the same Jesus that had grown up in the town of Nazareth, and this offended them.
quit believing what He was saying Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While and as a result Jesus could not do majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist Univermany might works in that town. sity, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For Mark 6:5 says, “Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid Hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.”
many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Businessmen\’s meetings and conventions. He later earned a Master of Theology and a Ph.D. from Life Christian University.
Dr. Ollison currently serves as a Trustee of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians Did you catch that? The Bible United for Israel (CUFI), and serves on the doesn’t say He did not do many boards of several ministries. He is also the host of mighty works, it says He could not \”The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast\” and authors \”The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional,\” featured on do many might works. CFAITH.com.
How can this be? Well, it’s this way. All through history God has been moved by belief. He has always responded to faith.
Dr. Ollison also has an extensive business background. He has served as Chairman and Founder of the State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers\’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company and has also held several direcWhen man believes that God will do torships in various corporations and international His Word in their life, God moves to ministries.
perform it. God promises salvation, healing, and prosperity in His Word, but it is only for those who believe. It is only for those who have faith in His
www.faithman.org
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FREEDOM
ABORTION NOT IN THE CONSTITUTION
by John Jalsevac
n a recent interview with California Lawyer, to abortion, to suicide, and I could go on.” Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia stated The 74-year-old jurist, who was appointed that abortion is not included in the U.S. to the high court by President Ronald Constitution. Reagan in 1986, made similar remarks in Scalia, who is opposed to the notion of an November, when he told those present at “evolving” or “living” Constitution, told interview- a University of Richmond luncheon that er Calvin the idea Massey of a living that by Constitugiving tion has some allowed of the “five out “necessarof nine ily broad” hotshot provisions lawyers of the to run the Constitucountry.” tion an At the “evolving time Scameaning,” lia said these that the provisions Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia high court fail to do distorted their job, which is to put in place limitations on the meaning of “due process” (referring to what society can or cannot do. legal procedure) in the 14th Amendment Even if “the current society has come to differto invent new rights under a “made up” ent views [than the original framers],” he said, concept of “substantial due process.” That, “you do not need the Constitution to reflect the he said, has allowed the 14th Amendment wishes of the current society.” to become the gateway to legal abortion Instead, he said, when something isn’t found and other behaviors, which the constituin the Constitution, it should be taken up by tional authors never intended and viewed legislators. One of the examples that he used as criminal. to illustrate this point was abortion. There is nothing in the Constitution about “You want a right to abortion? There’s nothing abortion because it is a self-evident truth in the that one Constitucannot be tion about protecting that,” the Right he said. to Life of “But that a Human doesn’t Being mean you from the cannot moment prohibit it. that HuPersuade man Being your is crefellow citiated, while zens it’s a destroying good idea the Life and pass of that a law. same Human Being after they have been “That’s what democracy is all about. It’s not brought into being, simultaneously. If about nine superannuated judges who have our Founding Fathers believed that our been there too long, imposing these demands fundamental Right to Life is endowed to on society.” us at our birth and not at the moment of our creation, they would have stated , “We While Scalia said that sometimes Constitutional hold these Truths to be self-evident”, that interpretation can be difficult, especially when all men are born equal… the intent of the original framers isn’t clear, he said that some issues are abundantly clear, Obviously, our Founding Fathers knew that such as whether or not there is a constitutional we were created before we were brought right to abortion. forth from our mother’s womb alive. “I do not pretend that originalism is perfect,” he said. “There are some questions you have no easy answer to, and you have to take your best shot. “We don’t have the answer to everything, but by God we have an answer to a lot of stuff ... especially the most controversial: whether the death penalty is unconstitutional, whether there’s a constitutional right
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CHRISTIAN ROCK BAND BARLOWGIRL TO HEADLINE FIRST EVER NATIONAL PROLIFE YOUTH RALLY “Young people are not just the future preme Court) immediately following the annual leaders of the pro-life movement, but the Pro-Life March. current leaders of the movement.” The rally also features speakers Dr. Alveda King, David Bereit & Shawn Carney (40 Days ock for Life, Students for Life, 40 for Life), Abby Johnson (author of Unplanned), Days for Life and Human Life AlLila Rose (LiveAction), Kristan Hawkins (Stuliance are proud to host Christian dents for Life), Erik Whittington (Rock for Life) Rock and Band Barmany lowGirl as others. headliner
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of the first ever annual National Pro-Life Youth Rally. “We are so excited to play National Pro-Life Youth Rally,” said Becca Barlow, guitarist for BarlowGirl, “It is our hope and prayer that our participation and performance will encourage youth to speak out and be compassionate for LIFE and Christlike in their efforts to restore protection for all children in the womb.” The first ever National Pro-Life Youth Rally will be taking place this Monday, Jan. 24th from 2-5pm at Lower Senate Park (1st. NE & D St. NE / 2 blocks north of the US Su-
“Young people are not just the future leaders of the pro-life movement,” said Erik Whittington, Executive Director of Rock for Life, “but the current leaders of the movement. Young people can do amazing things and we will be educating, activating and uniting the youth to make a difference in their communities. Having BarlowGirl perform at our rally is going to bring such an awesome dimension. You will not want to miss this!” Rock for Life, Students for Life, 40 Days for Life and Human Life Alliance are founding sponsors of National Pro-Life Youth Rally.
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FREEDOM By Charlie Butts
A RESPONSE TO
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n their provocative polemic The Godless Constitution: The Case Against Religious Correctness (W. W. Horton, 1996), Cornell University professors Isaac Kramnick and R. Laurence Moore argue that the God-fearing framers of the U. S. Constitution “created an utterly secular state” unshackled from the intolerant chains of religion. They purportedly find evidence for this thesis in the constitutional text, which they describe as radically “godless” and distinctly secular. Their argument, while an
appealing antidote to the historical and religion because there assertions of the religious right, is was a consensus that, despite superficial and misleading. the framer’s personal beliefs, There were, indeed, anti-Federalist religion was a matter best left to the individual citizens and their critics of the Constitution who respective state governments complained bitterly that the (and most states in the founding document’s failure to invoke era retained some form of the Deity and include explicit religious establishment). The Christian references indicated, Constitution, in short, can be at best, indifference or, at worst, hostility toward Christianity. This fairly characterized as “godless” or secular only insofar as it view, however, did not prevail in the battle to ratify the Constitution. deferred to the states on all matters regarding religion and The professor’s inordinate devotion to God. reliance on the Constitution’s Relationships between most vociferous critics to describe religion and civil government and define that document results were defined in most state in misleading, if not erroneous, constitutions, and the conclusions. Furthermore, like the framers believed it would be extreme anti-Federalists of 1787, inappropriate for the federal the professors misunderstand the government to encroach upon fundamental nature of the federal or usurp state jurisdiction regime and its founding charter. in this area. State and local governments, not the federal The U. S. Constitution’s lack of a Christian designation had little to do with a radical secular agenda. Indeed, it had little to do with religion at all. The Constitution was silent on the subject of God
regime, it must be emphasized, were the basic and vital political units of the day. Thus, it was fitting that the people expressed religious preferences and affiliations through state and local charters. Professors Kramnick and Moore find further evidence for a godless Constitution in the Article VI religious test ban. Here, too, they misconstrue the historical record. Their argument rests on the false premise that, in the minds of the framers, support for the Article VI ban was a repudiation of state establishments of religion and a ringing endorsement of a radically secular polity. The numerous state constitutions written between 1776 and 1787 in which sweeping religious liberty and nonestablishment provisions coexisted with religious test oaths confirm the poverty of
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Author and historian David Barton is the Founder and President of WallBuilders, a national pro-family organization which distributes historical, legal, and statistical information; and helps citizens become active in their local schools and communities. WallBuilders is a name taken from the Bible book of Nehemiah. And just as Nehemiah led a grassroots movement in Jerusalem to rebuild the walls of that city and restore its strength and honor; so, too, WallBuilders seeks to energize the grassroots today to rebuild that which makes America strong—its constitutional, moral, and religious foundations.
GODLESS CONSTITUTION? this assumption. The founding generation, in other words, generally did not regard such measures as incompatible. The Article VI ban (applicable to federal officeholders only) was not driven by a radical secular agenda or a renunciation of religious tests as a matter of principle. The fact that religious tests accorded with popular wishes is confirmed by their inclusion in the vast majority of revolutionary era state
constitutions. Professors Kramnick and Moore also blithely ignore Article I, sec. 2 of the U. S. Constitution, which deferred to state qualifications for the electors of members of the U. S. House of Representatives. This provision is significant since the constitutional framers of 1787 knew that in some states--such as South Carolina--the requisite qualifications for suffrage included religious belief. Significantly, there were delegates at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia who endorsed the Article VI ban but had previously crafted religious tests for their respective state constitutions. The constitutional framers did not appreciate this apparent contradiction, which arises under a secular construction of
Article VI. The framers believed, as a matter of federalism, that the Constitution denied the national government all jurisdiction over religion, including the authority to administer religious tests. Many in founding generation supported a federal test ban because they valued religious tests required under state laws, and they feared that a federal test might displace existing state test oaths and religious establishments. In other words, support for the Article VI ban was driven in part by a desire to preserve and defend the instruments of “religious establishment” (specifically, religious test oaths) that remained in the states. The late-eighteenth-century view of oaths and religious test bans is illustrated in state constitutions of the era. The Tennessee Constitution of 1796 included the language of the Article VI test ban; however,
the same constitution states that “no person who denies the being of God, or a future state of rewards and punishments, shall hold any office in the civil department of this State.” Adopting a standard definition of oaths, the Kentucky Constitution of 1792, which omitted an express religious test but prescribed a basic oath of office, stated that required oaths and affirmations “shall be esteemed by the legislature [as] the most solemn appeal to God.” This understanding of oaths, which was largely unchallenged in the founding era and frequently repeated in the state ratifying conventions, suggests that the U. S. Constitution, contrary to Professors Kramnick and Moore, was not entirely devoid of religious affirmations and did not create an utterly secular polity. The argument was made in ratifying conventions that the several constitutionally required oaths implicitly countenanced an acknowledgment of God (which, in a sense, constituted a general, nondenominational religious “test”), while the Article VI test ban merely proscribed sect-specific oaths for federal officeholders. The debates in Article VI in state ratifying conventions further indicate that few, if any, delegates denied the advantage of placing devout Christians in public office. The issue warmly debated was the efficacy of a national religious test for obtaining this objective.
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PRINCIPLES OF PROSPERITY PAYCHECK TO PROSPERITY
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ow long do you want to be a servant or, for lack of a better word, a slave? How long do you want to live from paycheck to paycheck? If you are tired of being a servant to debt, then it is time for a change.
by Brian Bohrer
1. By loaning you money. 2. By charging you interest. 3. By charging you penalties, late fees, and fees for insufficient funds. 4. By making money off the money you have on deposit in their bank. The majority of people 5. By investing your that I speak to believe money, i.e. bonds. they have a money 6. By repossessions, problem, and they foreclosures, and renting think the way to cure it out lockboxes. is to get more money 7. By getting you to (more money, more save your money with money, more money). them and buying CD’s. The fact is, your Now don’t take me situation is probably wrong; banks are not the not a lack of income, enemy. They are here to but a lack of sense. perform a service, and Sense is defined as many of us would not be “intelligence, brains, Pastor Brian Bohrer able to buy a home or a intellect, wisdom, car without the help of the bank. However, common sense, logic, and good the banking system is designed with judgment.” The reality is that there is no themselves in mind; they win the majority of level of income you couldn’t outspend. the time. Your interest is secondary. The problem is not the need for more money as much as it is the need for discipline and control of the finances that Don’t ever think that because you receive an ink pen and a calendar at the beginning you have. of each year that you are good buddies with For instance, if you take a look at the the bank, because you’re not. They are here average American household, you will to make money, and the way banks make discover that they are paying $1,200.00 money is to get you to go to work for them in interest each year on without the uniform and credit cards and over without the benefits. That $7,000.00 in interest means you are paying them each year on their interest. home mortgage. The word mortgage comes From Paycheck To from the word “mort,” Prosperity which means “dead, or As a consumer, you face a dead pledge.” Most many choices on how people have their home to manage your money. financed for 30 years. Knowing how to manage As long as it takes to money can help you make pay off a home, it could smart choices. Knowledge of kill you. how money works will allow you to put your money to work for you, and you’ll be more If you would take the interest you are likely to avoid traps that can undermine your paying on your credit cards and the ability to attain your financial goals. interest you are paying on your mortgage and invest it every month (just as if you You will be in a better position to pay off debt were still paying the lenders), in less time and build financial freedom. than it would take to pay off your home, you would accumulate over one million Having knowledge about money and how dollars. money works can help you buy a house, finance higher education, or start a retirement Where Is The Money Going? fund. Here are a few steps that you can take To the bank! The banking business is the to make you money work for you biggest business in America, bigger than • Establish goals. Where do you want Wal-Mart. Why? Because everyone that to be? has a loan goes to work for the bank to • Create a plan. Determine your pay back the loan. Everybody that is in current situation. Where are you today? debt is really an employee of the bank, • Pay off your debt. Becoming debtjust without the uniform and the benefits. free is the first step to freedom. • Invest and diversify your money into What the Bank is Not Telling You Roth IRA’s, 401K’s, stocks, real estate, gold, Have you ever wondered how banks oil, hobbies and adventures such as classic make their money? Below are the seven cars, guns, and other collectables. main ways they create wealth:
• Increase your wealth to benefit the kingdom of God. • Walk in wisdom. Wisdom gives you an advantage over the world. • Keep God first. Support His work with your tithe and offerings. Deuteronomy 8:18 says, “…you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get
wealth...” By following these simple steps you can go from debt and lack to wealth and freedom. The greatest thing about becoming debt-free is having the ability to help others do the same. This article is used by permission from Pastor Brian Bohrer’s quarterly newsletter: Wi$domandmoney
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ANGELS GELS UNEDI UNEDITED TED
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t a recent bible study questions arose about angels. Whether or not they were human and how many are there, do they each have a specific purpose? Amelia Synoground
Here are some interesting facts about angels.
The word “angel” actually comes from the Greek word aggelos, which means “messenger.” The matching Hebrew word mal’ak has the same meaning.
10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
by Amelia Synoground:
“Living creatures” Cherub (Cherubim) Seraphim Sons of God Worship Book of Revelation
These names are biblical which means you can find them in the bible.
All other names of angels and meanings are theological names and their purpose are created by man to provide a temporary feeling of safety Angels are not glorified human beings. Matthew 22:30 explains that they do not marry or reproduce like humans, and reason. and Hebrews 12:22-23 says that when we get to the In a recent article I read written by Lynn Hamheavenly Jerusalem, we will be met by “myriads of angels” mond she writes about a vision she had while and “the spirits of righteous men made perfect”—two worshiping the Lord. separate groups. That day as I was worshipping God in prayer, I The Scripture speaks about the creation of angels, was caught up into a place in the spirit. The place therefore, it is clear that they have not existed from all was like a rainbow and in it were the most beautieternity (Nehemiah 9:6; Psalm 148:2,5). Colossians ful angels I’ve ever seen. They were arrayed in 1:16-17 explains: white garments, waiting to be commissioned and sent out to do certain works. They were ready to While the Scriptures give no definite figures, we are told that the number of angels is very great (Daniel 7:10; assist the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Matthew 26:53; Hebrews 12:22). I thought of Hebrews 1:14 which says about It appears that all angels were created at one time. No new angels are being added to the number. Angels are not subject to death or any form of extinction; therefore they do not decrease in number.
angels, “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”
also know the names of two notable angels: Michael (Daniel 10:13; Jude 9) and Gabriel (Daniel 9:21; Luke 1:19,26).
A woman who heard that prophecy told Billye later that she saw the room filled with angels, equipped with armor and swords, standing as tall as the ceiling. As Billye says, “We have some new assistants! They’ve been assigned to take us the rest of the way!”
Since that day, I’ve been aware of a definite angelic presence that is with me all the time. SomeAngels are essentially “ministering spirits,” (Hebrews 1:14) and do not have physical bodies like humans. Jesus times I see the angel…and sometimes I don’t. But I declared that “a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see always know he is with me. me have” (Luke 24:37-39). Some time ago during a prayer meeting in Branson, Missouri, my awareness of angels was How do angels compare to man? They are stronger than man, but not omnipotent heightened again. Brother Kenneth Copeland was there and as he began to prophesy over the (Psalm 103:20; 2 Peter 2:11). They are greater than man in knowledge, but not nation, I heard the sound of marching. Then the Lord opened my eyes and I saw two long lines of omniscient (2 Samuel 14:20; Matthew 24:36). They are more noble than man, but not omnipres- warrior angels standing along the top of the room. ent (Daniel 9:21-23, 10:10-14). They were wearing helmets unlike anything I’d seen before and they wore great armor and The Bible classifies some angels as “elect” (1 Timothy carried swords. I knew that in response to our 5:21) or “holy” (Matthew 25:31; Mark 8:38). All anprayers and Brother Copeland’s prophesy, they gels were originally holy, enjoying the presence of God (Matthew 18:10) and the environment of heaven (Mark were being dispatched to take care of our nation. 13:32). Also, the Lord spoke through Billye Brim during Other angels oppose God under the leadership of a recent meeting and said, “Everything is changSatan (Matthew 25:41; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Ephesians ing now. From this day forward, angels are being 6:12). We often call these “demons.” assigned to the Church that have never before been assigned to the Church. And they will acThe Bible does speak about classes of angelic beings company you.” like cherubim (Ezekiel 1) and seraphim (Isaiah 6). We
And these are the only biblical names of angels I could find: 1. ANGELS 2. Archangel 3. Michael 4. Gabriel 5. Abaddon 6. Apollyon 7. Destroyer 8. Satan 9. Demon
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OBAMA’S PUSH FOR CHINA's CURRENCY
Continued from Page 1
“It means the goods we import from China are cheaper than they should be,” says analyst Nicolas Consonery, an analyst with the Eurasia Group, a consulting firm that evaluates political processes in nations around the globe. But for decades the United States has been pressuring China to rebalance its economy and bring the Yuan to a level playing field with the dollar, because American exports can’t compete with the Chinese goods. “It would probably mean that a lot of those goods get more expensive,” Consonery explains. “But in the longer term, it’s an adjustment that needs to be made.”
ment hasn’t adequately designated China as a manipulator since the mid 1990s, and that negotiations through the IMF or with China directly aren’t enough. “As is painfully apparent, China’s leaders not only have rebuffed these U.S. initiatives, they have not acted upon the IMF’s urgings to revalue the [Yuan] meaningfully,” the group says on its Web site. “China’s government clearly is wedded to an export-led model of growth without regard to the damage and severe imbalances being caused to the United States and the rest of the world.”
Obama is sure to bring up the issue with President Hu, who is likely to leave his post at the end of next year or the beginning of The Obama administration has a goal of 2013. Many analysts agree this is probably doubling U.S. exports in the next five years. Hu’s last visit to the United States and he But that won’t happen if China, the world’s wants to leave on good terms. fastest-growing market, remains out of reach “You see both sides pressing for their domesto American companies because of the tic interests, and as China gets weightier and under-valued Yuan. more influential globally, they are testing the The consensus among economists is that ways they can do that more seriously and the Yuan is 20 to 25 percent undervalued, up more assertively,” Consonery said. “So I defifrom 40 percent a few years ago. Consonery nitely think this is a trend you see continue in says this is real progress. 2011 and beyond.” “It moved up nominally against the dollar In the short term, a fairer Yuan probably more than three percent last year. And in real means higher prices for American consumterms, if you look at the inflationary situation ers. But the long-term payoff could mean in China -- that wages are going up, that more jobs at home and healthier competition prices are going up – it’s becoming more for goods on the global market. expensive to produce in China anyway,” he said. “So in real terms, the real effective exchange rate of the currency is going up as well.” The Fair Currency Coalition, a group that “seeks to end the practice of currency misalignment,” says the Treasury Depart-
A RESPONSE TO A GODLESS CONSTITUTION Continued from Page 9
The Godless Constitution’s lack of clear documentation is a disappointment. In order to examine the book’s thesis more fully, I attempted to document the claims and quotations in the second chapter, which sets forth the case that the “principal architects of our national government envisioned a godless Constitution and a godless politics.” It was readily apparent why these two university professors, who live in the world of footnotes, avoided them in this tract. The book is replete with misstatements or mischaracterizations of fact and garbled quotations. For example, the professors conflate two separate sections of New York Constitution of 1777 to support the claim that it “self-consciously repudiated tests” (p. 31). Contrary to this assertion, neither constitutional section expressly mentions religious tests and, indeed, test oaths were retained in the laws of New York well into the nineteenth century. The Danbury Baptists, for another example, did not ask Jefferson to designate “a fast day for national reconciliation” (pp.97, 119). The book illustrates what is pejoratively called “law office history.” That is, the authors, imbued with the adversary ethic, selectively recount facts, emphasizing data that support their own prepossessions and minimizing significant facts that complicate or conflict with their biases. The professors
warn readers of this on the second page when they describe their book as a “polemic” that will “ lay out the case for one” side of the debate on the important “role of religion in public and political life.” The suggestion that the U. S. Constitution is godless because it makes only brief mention of the Deity and Christian custom is superficial and misguided. Professors Kramnick and Moore succumb to the temptation to impose twentieth-century values on eighteenth-century text. Their book is less an honest appraisal of history than a partisan tract written for contemporary battles. They frankly state their desire that this polemic will rebut the “Christian nation” rhetoric of the religious right. Unfortunately, their historical analysis is as specious as the rhetoric they criticize. Daniel L. Dreisbach, D. Phil. (Oxford University) and J. D. (University of Virginia), is an associate professor at American University in Washington, D. C.. He is the author of Religion and Politics in the Early Republic (University Press of Kentucky, 1996), and Real Threat and Mere Shadow: Religious Liberty and the First Amendment (Crossway Books, 1987). Copyright 1997 by Daniel L. Dreisbach. All rights reserved. Used by permission of the author.
BRAINWAVECONTROLLED GADGETS ARE HERE HERE
By Loren Grush
G
amers set aside their joysticks recently to test out a new video game. All they needed instead? The power of thought.
rope rotates.
“We’ve developed a simple sensor that sits on your forehead and reads your brainwaves,” InteraXon CEO Ariel Garten told FoxNews.com. “It’s just like a heart monitor that can read your heart rate. And the software translates your brainwave data and uses it to control your virtual world.”
can.”
If you think InteraXon is merely fun and games, Garten says think again. The company has additional BCI technology coming soon that will do more than InteraXon, a Canadian digital innovations company, was the hit of CES when it just provide entertainment. Currently unveiled the latest products incorporating in the works is a system that will help those Thought with ConAttention trolled Deficit ComputDisorder ing -- a overcome techtheir nology focusing that lets issues. users control “Kids a digital with ADD interface have a using lower simply the power of their concentration. proportion of beta brain waves and Their creations include thought-controlled a higher proportion of theta brain 3D glasses as well as an iPad game that waves,” Garten said. “So by using our tests a person’s ability to focus their mind system it teaches them to increase for an extended period of time. their beta waves as effectively as one Going one step further, InteraXon has been working with Peter Carlen, a neurologist from Toronto Western Hospital, and Berj Bardakjian, a biomedical engineering professor at the University of Toronto. They intend to develop BCI She called it a brain/computer interface, or technology that can detect seizures BCI, and InteraXon builds it into a simple, in those suffering from epilepsy -- and maybe even predict them, too. Carlen lightweight headband. “You have patterns of thought that are readable,” Garten believes that the work is merely the tip of the iceberg in what will soon explained. Enter the company’s 3D TV glasses, which can detect your mood and become an industry standard. will adjust what you’re watching according “This is just the beginning of an to how you’re feeling. enormous industry to understand brain “It gives you the ability to watch a movie or activity, to use it, and to have intelligent responses to brain-activating televised content, and it knows the state that you’re in, whether it be scared, excited, activities,” Carlen told FoxNews.com. or bored,” Garten told FoxNews.com. “This “Ultimately, we’ll have an intelligent response simulation that can modulate is not just an immersive environment because it’s 3D, it’s an immersive environment to what you are thinking. These are just the early days, but this is going to because it understands you.” be a multi-billion dollar industry.” The iPad application ZenBound 2, while Garten agrees, predicting that thoughtsimple in design, had many people “scratching their heads,” Garten said. The controlled computing will be pervasive goal of the game is to wrap a rope around in all aspects of life. a wooden form. In the game’s first version, “In the short term, we’re going to see users accomplished this task by scrolling these kinds of systems integrated in with their fingers; in the sequel, people home devices like cell phones and place the brainwave sensor around their televisions. But in the long term, it’s forehead and simply concentrate on the going to be the way we control the task. world on a regular basis.” The more they concentrate, the faster the
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FAITH-BASED PRISON PRISON DORM Continued from page 1
“When I was in the other dorms, it was kind of hard,” she recalled. “We had so much negativity there.” Mendoza agreed.
Texas since the Civil War. Her story was featured several times on The 700 Club. Strom was Tucker’s spiritual advisor and mentor.
“Coming in here is like that cherry on that icing on that Sundae ‘cause you’re learning and you’re growing,” she said.
“When Karla was waiting for her execution, she wrote a program and the program was geared to teaching women in white how to go Faithful Partnering deep with God, relationships, all that kind of Faith Dorm is the partnership between prison thing,” Strom explained. officials, the government, and ministry volunPurillo was Tucker’s best friend and prayer teers. The dorm’s director, Linda Strom, has partner on death row. ministered to thousands of female inmates “Karla had a dream that we would have during the past 34 years. areas of the prison that was dedicated just “About three-and-a-half years ago, I got a to the girls that were trying to live a Christ call from a friend that’s a good warden and a centered life,” Purillo said. chaplain,” she said, explaining how the “Faith Based” Dorm got its start. “And they said that “No way would I have ever dreamed I would they wanted to start a faith-based dorm and come to Layne Murray and live in the faithbased dorm when the dream started with would I be interested in directing it.” Karla,” she explained. Strom said she jumped at the chance to help ‘Re-Entering’ Prison Missionaries women change their lives through a course Assistant Warden Judy Scott praised the of spiritual and life lessons. dorm for the good work she has witnessed. “We take 18 months and we cover curriculum “It’s a very positive on them, as well as their that tells them how to walk out their faith, family,” she told CBN News. “I also see it how to go deeper with Jesus,” she said. during visitation that they’re trying to bond A Saving Grace better with their family members and be betParticipation in the Faith Dorm is not mandater people.” tory. Inmates who participate want to change After 18 months, the women in the faiththeir lives from the inside out. It was a based dorm graduate. They then re-enter the change Espree longed for all her life. general prison population as missionaries to “God has brought me from being bitter, other female inmates at the prison. beaten, ugly, aggravated, assaults, murders,” “I plan to go out and minister the word of she said. God, tell my testimony to those that are lost Davis said being in the Faith Dorm has out there,” Espree said. helped her to overcome the rage that once The women in the Faith Dorm say being controlled her life. there has made them free. The program is “I’ve been kicked off of every unit,” she so successful that other prisons in Texas are explained. “It got to the point where this was also using the program. my very last unit, my very last chance. I didn’t There are 22 faith dorms in the Texas prison have anywhere else to go.” system, and a growing number of them are Fifty-six women live in the Faith Dorm. They springing up across the country. share everything from bathrooms to bibles. Pulled Out of the Pit They love each other like sisters. Meanwhile, some question the motivation of Pam Purillo was serving time on death row the inmates in the program. Skeptics say it for murder. She entered a plea bargain in only offers “jailhouse religion.” order to get a life sentence - two days away Because the program has only operated for from being executed by the state of Texas. the past three years at the Gatesville prison, She never dreamed she would walk off of there is no clear evidence yet that it reduces death row. Today she lives in the the chances an offender will return to prison. Karla Faye Tucker’s Dream. Karla Faye Tucker’s Dream What’s happening at the faith-based dorm at the Murray unit of the Gatesville prison is actually a dream come true for one former death row inmate.
But the women in the program say living in the dorm has saved their lives in more ways than one.
“Call it whatever you want, but it’s Jesus and it’s Jesus or nothing and he saved me,” MenThat inmate was Karla Faye Tucker, who had doza said. “He saved me, and it’s like that Psalm 40 says when he pulls you out of that a dream and a vision to see other women BY CBNNEWS.COM pit.” fall in love with Jesus Christ and become disciples and follow His word. Tucker was convicted of murdering two people in 1984. She was housed in a unit not far from the Layne Murray Unit at Gatesville. Her 1998 execution and widely publicized conversion to Christianity drew international attention. She was the first woman to be executed in
‘TOP MODEL’ CONTESTANT:
D
I STOPPED MOD MODEL ELLIN LING G
by Kathleen Gilber
espite a successful career as a model in New York, Leah Darrow felt something was missing.
“Although not all modeling is bad, much of it is dehumanizing. The dignity of the person is of little importance,” she Darrow, the eldest daughter of a deeply explained. “You’re just a body. And Catholic Southern household, told the it’s also very important what parties National Catholic Register in a recent you go to and who you are with. A article that her epiphany came when lot of people are sad in the industry, told one day to wear a very revealing although they cover it up. You’re outfit in a photo shoot for an international just supposed to do your job, be a magazine. Despite her discomfort, she professional.” complied - telling herself that it was just a job. She says that modesty is not just a question of dressing, but also of But then came what she called a discretion in such things as speech moment of grace - just before the last and emotions. photos were snapped, she suddenly envisioned herself seeing God face-to“Modesty is more than just the length face after death, and having nothing to of a hemline,” she said. “It’s about our show for her life. conversations, how we treat people,
Leah Darrow
“I knew that the way I was living, I wasn’t being authentic to my faith,” she recalled. She went to her New York home, called up her dad, and told him: “If you don’t come and get me, I’m going to lose my soul.” He drove from St. Louis to pick her up.
and how we love others. “Modesty protects our purity and the mystery of a person. In our society, it gets a bad rap. It’s actually quite attractive.”
Darrow, who is pursuing a Master’s That was enough to propel her on a in pastoral theology at Ave Maria new path. Now the young woman, once University, says she has found her a contestant on the popular series work reaching out to young girls “America’s Next Top Model,” has given bittersweet. “When I speak, I often up a glamorous career to pursue a fullhave girls coming up to me, crying time job teaching girls her insight into the and saying, ‘I just lost my virginity.’ value of perhaps the most undervalued It breaks my heart. That’s why virtue of all: chastity. I’ve dedicated my life to being an advocate for women,” she said.
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EVIDENCE FOR CREATION A tremendous pyramid of evidence for design and recent creation is available for detailed study. Romans 1:20 states: “For the invisible things of him from the creation are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead: so that they are without excuse.”
I
“WHAT MEAN THESE MASTODONS?”
t made for some news when a researcher whimsically suggested changing the name of a Colorado mountain town from Snowmass to “Snowmastodon” in honor of the recent discovery of a treasure of fossil elephants, especially mastodons, other fossil mammals, and plant remains preserved in a peat-rich deposit. As we saw on a recent visit with our grandchildren, the Denver Museum of Natural History was celebrating the occasion with the sale of several books at different levels, cuddly stuffed mastodon toys, special mastodon dig kits for young (future) paleontologists, and of course, the inevitable mastodon-touting T-shirts. Actually, varieties of fossilized mastodons, mammoths, and other elephants are widely distributed across North America and around the world. There’s a major deposit in northern Kentucky, not far from AiG’s Creation Museum, at what is now called Big Bone Lick State Park. President Thomas Jefferson was aware of these fossils, and advised famed explorers Lewis and Clark to keep their eyes open for elephant herds as they explored the land obtained through the Louisiana Purchase. The duo didn’t miss them by much, it seems. The state museum here in Florida (where we live) tells us the native Floridians (“Indians”) were hunting live elephants for their hides and meat as recently as 4,000 years ago (i.e., about 500 years after the Flood of Noah’s day) if their reckoning is correct. Indeed, paleontologists blame the final extinction of many large mammals in Florida on overhunting by local peoples.
The average elephant, mastodon or mammoth, is actually much larger than the average dinosaur, and many other large mammals also lived recently in Florida. The giant ground sloth (Eremotherium) was larger than T. rex, a giant member of the armadillo group (the glyptodont) was as big as an SUV, and of course there is the famous saber-toothed cat (Smilodon, state fossil of both Florida and California), and several other giants, including a giant bison. The skull of a giant bison in the state museum actually has an arrowhead embedded in the bone between the eyes (but the wound appeared to have been healing, so the bones of a certain hapless human hunter might one day be found!) Sites rich in vertebrate bone are rare
and usually restricted (as the Colorado “Snowmastodon” site is now). One of the best places on earth for amateurs to hunt fossils of large vertebrates is the Peace River, which runs close behind our home and our modest “Creation Adventures Museum” in Arcadia, Florida. With just a screen and shovel to sift through the sands in the wide and shallow Peace River, a homeschool family, group of students, etc. can find fossil fragments of bones and teeth from the giants mentioned above, plus camels, llamas, horses, deer, tapirs, bears, alligators, numerous turtles and tortoises, and an occasional rhinoceros. Found along with the land vertebrates are many marine vertebrates: whales, dolphins, walruses, sea cows (dugongs and manatees), pufferfish, sturgeons, rays, gars, and abundant shark teeth of numerous kinds, including some of gigantic size. Land and sea creatures preserved in shell-rich deposits throughout the state have earned Florida fossil deposits the descriptive designation “fossil hash,” a distribution quite unlike the stacked bands of ecologically consistent fossil strata visible at Grand Canyon and (less spectacularly) in most other sedimentary units around the world. Could Florida’s “fossil hash” be a superstorm deposit following and generated by events related to Noah’s Flood? Researchers at the “Snowmastodon” site in Colorado talked about indicators of climate difference at the site (a “climate change” that could not have been caused by man’s so-called “carbon footprint”). Creationist researchers have suggested that changes initiated by the Genesis Flood would produce both ice buildup toward polar latitudes and super-storms (hypercanes) toward tropical latitudes. So, fossils from Colorado and Florida may contribute to the vital effort to separate fact from the considerable fiction surrounding global climate change. We tell participants in our museum programs that fossils are “missionaries”. Their design features proclaim God’s wondrous creation. Their death, disease, and decline point to the corruption of creation following sin, and their fossilization in globe-encircling, water-laid sediments to the catastrophe of Noah’s Flood. But—praise God—life’s deliverance from judgment encourages faith in the redeeming work of Jesus Christ!