My Blog

Post-Election Advise For All

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 13:33:34 -0600

We have come to the end of a two-year journey that has occupied way to much blog and conversation space. The election cycle for 2008 is now complete (minus a few fringe elections that are still “to close to call”). No matter which side of the aisle on which you stand, you have seen some victories and some defeats. If you are a conservative, you have probably been bombarded with people giving you “self-help tips” on how to deal with the next 4-8 years. If you are a liberal, you have had many congratulations over the last day or two. Needless to say, there are few people who are not either excited or distraught (at least none that I have seen).

If you are an American citizen, there are some things that you should be doing as we move into the next four to eight years: relax, educate yourself, and keep a watchful eye.

Relax -

Many of us (including myself) have become so uptight about all of these elections. For those whose candidate didn’t win, you will notice that the sun came up on Wednesday morning. The Earth is still spinning and will continue to do so until God decides to stop it. So relax! Take some time to consider the history of this election (and remember that every election is history). If you are nervous about Senator Obama being President, don’t be. God is ultimately in control.

If your candidate won, don’t gloat. Winning an election and actually running the country are two different things. There is a lot of work ahead and people will figure out quickly that making a campaign promise and actually having the ability to keep it are far different things.

Educate Yourself –

Take some time and educate yourself. This is incredibly important and really the purpose for me writing this blog. There are a couple of different ways that we need to educate ourselves. First, go back and read the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution (they are not that long). These are amazing documents that have held our country together through quite a bit of turbulence. If the last time you even looked at these documents was during a high school government class, PLEASE go back and read them again. And remember that the Constitution was made to limit the powers of our federal government. Anything they do outside of the bounds of our Constitution is necessarily unconstitutional (that goes for Democrats and Republicans alike).

Second, educate yourself about the platform of whatever party you support. Once you have it down, you need to ask yourself several questions: Does this party’s platform uphold Biblical ideals? Is there any part of this platform that directly contradicts the word of God? Do the leaders of this party uphold the Biblical standard? Most importantly, if you agree with the platform, does the party actually hold to it? If your party calls itself fiscally conservative yet votes to raise the debt ceiling time and time again, you might want to re-examine your party affiliation.

Also, look at the other party platforms so that you know what they believe. At least you will be walking in the world with knowledge about what is going on around you. When I say look at the other parties, I don’t just intend to communicate republican or democrat. There are other parties out there who have some great ideas and communicate truth. Find out why the Libertarian party and the Constitution party have gained ground over the past few years. Look at what is important to the Green Party, and any other you can find that may disagree (or agree) with your opinion. After doing those things, look again at your party and see if there is something you think should change.

Keep A Watchful Eye

Last, keep a watchful eye over the next few years. Pay attention to what the President, Congress, and your state and local governments are doing. When they are walking outside the bounds of the constitution (or even on the edge of it) send them an email. It does work. When they know that people are paying attention, it causes them to think just a bit before they act. There are some great websites that you can get on that will tell you when something important is happening in Congress. Find them and join them so you can be up to speed. Go introduce yourself to your local representatives. Take your family and introduce them so they know that you are aware of what they are doing.

If we don’t learn to pay attention to what is happening around us, why should they care what we think? This is supposed to be a constitutional representative republic (not a democracy). Therefore, pay attention to your representative.

The great thing for all of us is that this is going to happen again in 2 years. That’s right, just two years away there will be another election. For some, this election will be just as big with Governors, Senators, etc. being decided (many already beginning to campaign). I look forward to participating in that process and hope that at least as many people will participate in the process. Now, go do some reading…

Here Comes Reformation Day: 1

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 04:24:41 -0500

While many people, on October 31st, will be dressing up and celebrating a festival of Halloween that is nothing less than paganism [for information on the origins of Halloween, click here], another event in the history of the church will go almost completely unnoticed. Our Christian brothers and sisters, in most cases completely unaware, will have their children out at festivals or trick or treating without ever mentioning Reformation Day to those same children.

It was on October 31st of 1517 that Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. Although the actual act of nailing something to the church door was common-place in that day and time, the information Luther posted was not. It was a direct attack on the Roman Catholic practice of Indulgences (which is still practiced today). This act, along with the new invention of the printing press, led directly to the Protestant Reformation. For the next week I will be posting Luther’s 95 Theses which I plan to read to my children over the each evening building up to Reformation Day.

Out of love for the truth and the desire to bring it to light, the following propositions will be discussed at Wittenberg, under the presidency of the Reverend Father Martin Luther, Master of Arts and of Sacred Theology, and Lecturer in Ordinary on the same at that place. Wherefore he requests that those who are unable to be present and debate orally with us, may do so by letter.
In the Name our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, when He said Poenitentiam agite, willed that the whole life of believers should be repentance.
This word cannot be understood to mean sacramental penance, i.e., confession and satisfaction, which is administered by the priests.
Yet it means not inward repentance only; nay, there is no inward repentance which does not outwardly work divers mortifications of the flesh.
The penalty [of sin], therefore, continues so long as hatred of self continues; for this is the true inward repentance, and continues until our entrance into the kingdom of heaven.
The pope does not intend to remit, and cannot remit any penalties other than those which he has imposed either by his own authority or by that of the Canons.
The pope cannot remit any guilt, except by declaring that it has been remitted by God and by assenting to God's remission; though, to be sure, he may grant remission in cases reserved to his judgment. If his right to grant remission in such cases were despised, the guilt would remain entirely unforgiven.
God remits guilt to no one whom He does not, at the same time, humble in all things and bring into subjection to His vicar, the priest.
The penitential canons are imposed only on the living, and, according to them, nothing should be imposed on the dying.
Therefore the Holy Spirit in the pope is kind to us, because in his decrees he always makes exception of the article of death and of necessity.
Ignorant and wicked are the doings of those priests who, in the case of the dying, reserve canonical penances for purgatory.
This changing of the canonical penalty to the penalty of purgatory is quite evidently one of the tares that were sown while the bishops slept.
In former times the canonical penalties were imposed not after, but before absolution, as tests of true contrition.

Nikki’s Eye Update

Wed, 1 Oct 2008 19:51:04 -0500

Many of you know that for several years, we have been having problems - off and on - with Nikki’s eyes. Prior to us getting married in 1999, she was diagnosed with a disease called “Multi-Focal Choroiditis” which destroyed the central vision of her left eye. This is a disease that causes swelling of the Choroid behind the Retina and damages the surface of the retina.

Unfortunately, there is no known cause or cure for this problem. We have been using various treatments for the last several years to slow down the progression of this disease in her right eye. One of the side effects of the treatments that she has been receiving is the early formation of Cataracts which makes the the vision dim and hazy.

Two months ago there was a significant loss of vision in her right eye in which she was no longer able to read. We were hoping that the removal of the cataract from her eye would help to restore that loss.

The surgery went well and her vision became brighter and the peripheral was stronger. However, in the last few weeks, the central vision has deteriorated. We had an appointment with her doctor yesterday afternoon that revealed the growth of scar tissue on top of the retina. Unfortunately, this is a non-reversible problem.

She now only has peripheral vision in both eyes with her right eye being the strongest at 20/400. At this point, there is no treatment or way to improve that number as the damage is done directly to the retina.

That being said, we are thankful for the sight that Nikki does have and more importantly we are confident in the sovereignty of our God. We appreciate your prayers as we continue to adjust.

Post Tenebras Lux
The Brattons

Voting Strategy: Pragmatism vs. Principle

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 18:39:16 -0500

The choice for me in this election (and as I am quickly becoming aware, every election) has multiple components. I have to first examine my Worldview and, more importantly, my view of God. Second, I must determine whether I am going to vote on pragmatism or principle. Only after those two things can I begin to look at the candidates... so, here goes:

Issues On God -

I think the first thing that we as Christians must do, especially in this culture, is to acknowledge God's sovereignty. My presuppositions include that God is sovereign in everything and that he controls even the minutest details of our lives, not to mention our rulers. Prov. 21:1 states, "the king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will" (ESV). Although I would disagree with those who state that we are Christian Nation, I would say that God has used us in His providence to accomplish His plan, and He can continue to do so regardless of who is in office.

This is a very important point that I believe most "evangelical Christians" are missing. Our culture tends to say that if the wrong person is in office, the world will turn to dust and the sun will explode or something... (ha ha). The truth is that regardless of who is in office, we are called to obey Romans 13:1-2 which says, " Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment”. We must recognize that God is the one who is in control.

Because of this, I am confident that all things will work together for good for those who are called regardless of who is "President" of this nation for the next four years (after all, four years is relatively insignificant in the grand scheme of eternity).

Pragmatism or Principle -

After discussing the last issue, it really defeats the purpose of voting pragmatically. If I acknowledge that God is sovereign and in control regardless of which candidate is in office, I don't have to use my vote to keep someone else out. I can vote for the candidate that I actually believe to be the BEST candidate for the position.

Most Christians think in the realm of pragmatism. The stench of pragmatism has permeated our culture (and the church) so much that it is the only way we can think. Most Christians look at a situation and try to decide how best to get the results that they want instead of asking the question, "how does the Bible tell me to think about this?".

A vote on principle simply states, "this is the person I believe best agrees with how God would have me vote". It does not take into consideration the results but rather leaves the results in the hands of our Sovereign God.

Let's take this out of the sphere of the election briefly and discuss it in the realm of the church (a much more important sphere). We have so many churches asking how the can "achieve great results in numbers" which is purely pragmatism. Isn't God in charge of the growth of His church? Are we not simply responsible for delivering the Gospel? If so, then the numbers aren't up to us, but that is how most churches think today.

The same is true in politics. If we are completely responsible for the results, then we must think pragmatically. But - as I have already noted - we serve a Sovereign God who controls the results leaving me free to vote for the person I believe best adheres to the Biblical Standard.

Now, pragmatically speaking, will a third party candidate win this election? Probably not. Although people in 1860 probably didn't think a third party candidate would win either (i.e. Abraham Lincoln was a third party candidate from some group called Republicans.. ha ha). But I believe that a third party candidate best represents my views. This brings us to examining the Candidates themselves.

The Candidates –

Since most of debate is about the McCain/Palin pick (most people reading this blog will agree that Obama isn’t an option) that’s where I will keep the discussion. As has been outlined over and over again in this election, a pick for McCain is not necessarily a “pro-life”, “pro-family”, pick.

The pro-life debate must begin with the question of when life begins (Jeremiah 1:5). If we believe that life begins at conception, then stopping abortion is not enough. McCain has been a huge proponent of Embryonic Stem Cell research (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/95212.php). This is no different than abortion. Those who propose this are taking live embryos and killing them for the purpose of research. This is completely unacceptable to me. I am glad that he doesn’t go as far as his opponent, but I still cannot vote for someone who would kill a child. Whether it is allowing the mother to do it, or a scientist, it is still wrong. Just because a person does not endorse abortion, doesn’t mean they are “pro-life”.

As far as pro-family, I would have to agree with Pastor Voddie Baucham’s blog on McCain’s choice of Palin. This is not a pro-family pick. It is absolutely impossible for us to believe that a Woman can fulfill her Biblical roll as nurturer to her family and the keeper of her home and still work what must be a 50-60+ hour a week job. I have heard so many people argue that her husband can fill that role, but is that what scripture has lined out for him? I believe that the Father is supposed to be the prophet, priest, provider, and protector of his home. For him to relinquish any of those roles to his wife is to relinquish what God has commanded him to do. Voddie’s blog covers this better than I can, so I will just submit to his writing on this one.

However, these are not the only two problems that I have with McCain. McCain also does not support the church doctrine of Just War. The only candidate on the Republican side that I could agree with during the Primaries and vote for in good conscience was Ron Paul. Our country was never intended to police the world. Our founding fathers would be appalled at what our military is doing now and our country is less safe because of it. We cannot even protect our own borders, yet we are wasting billions of dollars on military action in other parts of the world.

This brings up another point, with the above paragraph in mind a person can’t possibly believe that McCain is a fiscal conservative. Yes, he is more conservative than Obama, but that doesn’t really say a lot.

Last point and then I am finished. Our country has moved into a Neo-Conservative mind set. As our country has become more and more debase, our standards have diminished as to what we are willing to vote for. I believe that our standards must remain high regardless of the outcome; we should let God handle that. I have hope for our future because I know that Godly people are having children and raising them in a Godly manner. Those of us who are committed to a Biblical stand continue to have children while those who are committed to secular humanism (or socialism) are not. We must continue to think multi-generationally and not simply look at the immediate future.

I pray that we will be willing to stand up in the years to come and say that, despite our “odds of winning” we made the most principled choice, depended on God’s sovereignty, and chose the candidate that best put into practice the principles that we believe to be important.

Soli Deo Gloria.

The Declaration

Mon, 7 Jul 2008 22:07:50 -0500

This last 4th of July, I had the opportunity to do something I have never done before. I read the Declaration of Independence aloud to my family. It was absolutely amazing.

I have never read the entire text of this document aloud and I was amazed at how relevant this document still is today. To be totally honest, there were several instances where I thought we could pass it around, resign it, and send it to Congress and the President.

Many of the words were stirring and I can’t help but think of the many people in our country who have never taken time to even read this document. Yes, I know it is required reading for kids in the public school, but I also know that most of those kids and adults would be hard pressed to even tell you how it starts.

Here are the first two paragraphs which I found particularly stirring in our present political situation.

--------------------------------------------------------

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

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, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

Read More Here

Psalm 127

Wed, 21 May 2008 07:02:28 -0500

Busy! That’s the only way I have been able to describe my life for the last month. Tired! That has been my response to my “busy”.. I hit a low a few days ago. I don’t have many melancholy days, but when they hit, they hit hard.

I have had very little sleep and this morning is no exception. However, in my reading this morning, I came across a familiar Psalm to those of us in the FIC and Biblical Patriarchy movement. Psalm 127. What hit me this morning however was the beginning of the Psalm.

A SONG OF ASCENTS. OF SOLOMON.
1 Unless the LORD builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
2 It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
Psalm 127 (emphasis mine)

It seems to me (just off the top of my head) that part of God granting sleep is the blessing of children... Hmmm.

I think I need to look at this a bit more.