This week, we’re heading to Tallahassee to meet with Florida representatives, senators, and in some cases, their aides. In today’s sermon, you will see an expanded version of the presentation we will give to these …
November 3, Floridians will vote to either add or not add six amendments to the FL Constitution. In today’s sermon, we cover Amendment 1 and 2 which deal with prohibiting non-citizens from voting as well …
Thursday, May 7, 2020, is the National Day of Prayer. In 2 Chronicles 7:13-14, we read, “When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or …
On Palm Sunday, we commemorate the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Often, we think about this as a historical event, but I want to ask you to apply these passages to our lives today. In this …
In response to Covid-19 (the Coronavirus virus), Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency on March 9 and issued Executive Order No 20-72 on March 20 which ordered all elective medical procedures in Florida to be postponed, but abortions have continued. As of March 24, the coronavirus has killed 17 individuals in Florida, but abortionist killed over 4,200 babies between the state of emergency declaration and March 24 and over 760 babies between your Executive Order No 20-72 and March 24 and have continued to kill over 190 babies every day since March 24. These babies were denied their God-given “right to enjoy and defend life” as guaranteed by the Florida Constitution!
This time of year, we celebrate the birth of Jesus. It’s common to see Christmas lights and trees. It’s common to see living nativities, but was Jesus really born on Christmas Day? While we can’t really know exactly when Jesus was born, the Bible does give clues that can help us determine when Jesus was born. This week we begin looking for those clues as we seek to answer this question.
Opening Passage — Psalm 89.
Luke 1:1-2:17
Vs. 7 – They were advanced in years and Elizabeth was barren
Clue Number 1 – Luke 1:10 – When would the whole multitude of the people be praying at the hour of incense in Jerusalem?
Clue Number 2 – Luke 1:23-25 – What was the timing of the conception of John the Baptist?
Clue Number 3 – Luke 1:26-38 – What was the timing of the conception of Jesus?
Clue Number 4 – Luke 1:56-57 – What was the timing of the birth of John the Baptist?
Clue Number 5 – Luke 2:8-16 – Would shepherds have been in the field in the latter part of December?
Even with the turmoil and confusion that surround our government these days, it would seem that the state (condition) of the Union may well be better than that of the Church. There is such disunity in the Church (the Body of Christ), that it looks nothing like what Christ prayed for, as recorded in the 17th chapter of John. Sometime back, the religious pollster George Barna reported that a slightly larger percentage of Republicans have a biblical worldview than do Evangelical Christians. It seems that more professed Christians agree with social media concepts than what the Bible has to say!
This week we will celebrate Thanksgiving. Families and friends will gather to spend time with family and give thanks to God for the blessings we have received, but did you know that God wants us to always thank Him, even when we’re going through difficult times?
I thank God for many things. I thank Him for who He is (His attributes) and for what He has done (His works). I thank Him that He is Holy and righteous, but I also thank Him that Christ’s has made me righteous. I am thankful that God placed me in a home where my parents loved me enough to take me to church and share the gospel with me and loved God enough to worship Him on Sunday mornings rather than going to the beach or having a cookout. I thank God that He allowed me to grow up in America where the gospel is freely preached and where we have received blessings as a result of the obedience of previous generations. I thank God for His word which is readily available to us in this country. I thank God for creating me and defending me, and when I thank Him, God does incredible things in me, on my behalf, and on the earth, even impacting kinds and nations.
Note: Pastor Bryan Longworth misread a part of 1 Chronicles 29:10-13. It should have read, “Therefore David blessed the LORD before all the assembly; and David said: ‘Blessed are You, LORD God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever. 11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, And You are exalted as head over all. 12 Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all. 13 “Now therefore, our God, We thank You And praise Your glorious name.’” (NKJV)
Opening Passage — Psalm 136.
I try to rejoice always
Philippians 4:4-7 – “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (NKJV)
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – “Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (NKJV)
Creation Praises God
Psalms 19:1 – “The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.” (NKJV)
If I don’t praise God, the rocks will cry out in praise!
Luke 19:40 – “But He answered and said to them, ‘I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.’” (NKJV)
I give thanks to God for who He is and what He has done
Psalms 136:1-4 – “Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. 2 Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever. 3 Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever: 4 To Him who alone does great wonders, For His mercy endures forever.” (NKJV)
I thank Him and praise His glorious name
1 Chronicles 29:10-13 – “Therefore David blessed the LORD before all the assembly; and David said: ‘Blessed are You, LORD God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever. 11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, And You are exalted as head over all. 12 Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all. 13 “Now therefore, our God, We thank You And praise Your glorious name.’” (NKJV)
I thank God for His grace toward me
Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (NKJV)
I thank God for my country
Psalms 50:5 – “‘Gather My saints together to Me, Those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.’” (NKJV)
I thank God for His word
Psalms 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” (NKJV)
I give thanks to God with everything that is in me
Psalms 150:1-6 – “Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament! 2 Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness! 3 Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! 4 Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! 5 Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with clashing cymbals! 6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!” (NKJV)
I praise God for creating me
Psalms 139:14 – “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” (NKJV)
I praise God for defending me
Psalms 18:1-4 – “<<To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David the servant of the LORD, who spoke to the LORD the words of this song on the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. And he said:>> I will love You, O LORD, my strength. 2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies. 4 The pangs of death surrounded me, And the floods of ungodliness made me afraid.” (NKJV)
My praise and worship not only changes me but it is also spiritual warfare that manifests on earth
Psalms 149:1-9 – “Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, And His praise in the assembly of saints. 2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. 3 Let them praise His name with the dance; Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp. 4 For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation. 5 Let the saints be joyful in glory; Let them sing aloud on their beds. 6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, And a two-edged sword in their hand, 7 To execute vengeance on the nations, And punishments on the peoples; 8 To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron; 9 To execute on them the written judgment-This honor have all His saints. Praise the LORD!” (NKJV)
Our nation has been rocked with natural disasters. From raging storms that swept through Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Tennessee, killing over 300, to flooding in the Midwest, to earthquakes in the West and elsewhere, to wildfires, to hurricanes, to tornadoes, to ice storms, to drought. And this year, we’ve been hit hard with four hurricanes, three of which hit as category four hurricanes and a wildfire which to date is over 100 miles wide and has killed 40 and destroyed over 5,700 homes and buildings. One of the evacuees said, “There’s nothing to sift through.” Another news report stated, “Some of (the remains) are merely ashes and bones.” It is as if creation is groaning with birth pangs, eagerly awaiting the revealing of the sons of God (Romans 8:22). It is as if creation will not willingly put up with our futility and as if God is removing His restraining hand (Romans 8:19-21). It is as if the land were vomiting out its inhabitants as God warns in Leviticus 18 and 20.
Our Response to National Disasters Part 2 – When God Allows Creation to Destroy
Opening Passage – Psalm 147.
When God Allows Creation to Destroy
Leviticus 18 & 20.
Leviticus 18:25-30.
Deuteronomy 7:20 – “Moreover the LORD your God will send the hornet among them until those who are left, who hide themselves from you, are destroyed. (NKJV)
Romans 8:19-22 – “For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.” (NKJV)
A Fat and Well Fed Nation
Deuteronomy 8:7-20.
The Blessing and the Curse
Deuteronomy 11:26-28 – “Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: “the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you today; “and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside from the way which I command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known. (NKJV)
Deuteronomy 27-28.
The Pattern of Disobedience, Judgment, Repentance, and Restoration — Judges 3:1-15. (Reference Judges 4:3, 5:28, 6:6-7, 7:21, 9:7, 10:10-12, 15:18.)
Blessed is the Nation Whose God is the Lord
Psalms 33:12‑19 – “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance. . . No king is saved by the multitude of an army; A mighty man is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a vain hope for safety; Neither shall it deliver any by its great strength. Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy, To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine.” (NKJV)
A Call to Repentance
2 Chronicles 7:13‑14 — “When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (NKJV)
A tribute to my sister, Hazel Elizabeth (Longworth) Davis, and some random thoughts on human mortality. Anecdotal incidents on my life and my sister’s as we were growing up (We were one year and four months apart). Also, information about her family after she married. This includes her final moments at Hospice, in Middletown, OH.
Covenant Tabernacle World Outreach Center, Inc. Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017
Pastor Charles (Chuck) Longworth
Title: A Tribute to my sister, Hazel Elizabeth (Longworth) Davis, and some random thoughts on Human Mortality!
Opening Passage Eccl.3:1-2, Eccl. 12, Heb.9:27-28
Supplemental Scriptures: James 4: 13-17, Psalm 8: 3 – 6, I Jn.3: 1 – 3
Important Cues: Ironton, OH, Richlands, VA, Alcony, OH, Oak Ridge, TN, New Carlisle, OH, Mom’s parents (Artz), Nazarene Church & Daily Devotions, Hazel was prone to sickness (Pneumonia, Polio, Neck Fracture, Stillborn baby boy, Parkinson’s Disease, and finally, Cancer), She was a fighter and a ‘Tom-Boy’(Baby Pigeons), Partly because our nearness in age, we were loyal to each other and looked out for one another, Hoe Incident, House in Belmont Area of Kettering, OH, outside Dayton, We both attended Fairmont High School in Kettering, where I graduated, God’s Bible School where Hazel graduated High School, Hazel meets & marries Daniel Davis, Their Children, Dan’s death in 2000,
Otterbein Home (near Cincinnati), her recent illness, Yearbook.
Slogans:
Only One Life, ‘Twill Soon be Passed, Only What’s Done for Christ Will Last !
The Old Must Die, But the Young May Die. We have no promise of Tomorrow-So Live for Jesus, Everyday!
A Friend on Facebook recently posted: “Piece of advice. If you are going to use ‘religion’ to try and tell me ‘homosexuality is wrong and unnatural’, prepare for me to totally eviscerate your religion using scripture. I’m a rabbi, I have studied this, and I am directed by the God of Israel to oppose your religion.”
I did reply to this because the God of Israel created humans as male and female and said, “‘a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24
God also specifically addresses the subject of homosexuality and heterosexuality in both the Old and New Testaments. Listen to learn what God has to say on this subject.
January 22, 2017 marks the 44th anniversary of the dreadful Roe v Wade decision that has resulted in the slaughter of over 60,000,000 preborn baby girls and boys in America. Many Floridians will take part in the annual March for Life in Washington D.C. There are several events throughout Florida though where prolifers will gather to remember the babies who have been lost and stand for life. We encourage you to make plans to attend one of these events near you in Baker, Broward, Citrus, Clay, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Lake, Miami-Dade, Osceola, Polk, Sarasota, St. Johns, and St. Lucie Counties.
Baker County
MacclennyWednesday, January 18that 7:30 am – Sanctity of Human Life Prayer Breakfast at Christian Fellowship Temple (251 W. Ohio Avenue). Sponsored by First Coast Women’s Services, the prayer breakfast is to acknowledge and pray for the Sanctity of Human Life. Please RVSP by contacting Dana Lane at (904) 259-2585 or dlane@fcwsprc.org.
Broward County
Deerfield BeachSaturday, January 22nd at 9 am – March4Life at St. Ambrose Catholic Church (380 S. Federal Hwy, 33441). Registration begins at 8:30 am. Activities are from 9 am to noon. This event is sponsored by the N. Broward Pregnancy Help Center. For questions, contact Darlene at (954) 977-7769.
Ft. LauderdaleThursday, January 19th at 12 noon – Rally for Life at the US Federal Courthouse (301 E. Broward Blvd., 33301). For further details, email mail@browardrighttolife.org.
Southwest RanchesSaturday, January 14th at 9 am – SW Ranches Respect Life Walk at Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy High School (5451 South Flamingo Road, 33330). Meet in the northside breezeway. For more information, you can contact Angela Curatalo by phone at (954) 963-2229 or email at ProgramAssistant@att.net.
Charlotte County
Port Charlotte Sunday, January 22nd 2:00 – 3:00 pm – Life Chain at the corner of Highway 776 and 41 (Tamiami Trail). Signs are provided! For more information call Bob McDuffie at 941-769-6291.
Citrus County
Inverness Thursday, January 19th at 12 noon – Roe v. Wade Memorial Service at Cornerstone Baptist Church (100 West Highland Blvd., 34452). Citrus County Right to Life will hold this memorial service to honor the millions of babies killed and the mothers, fathers, and families suffering as a result of abortion.
This is a memorial service we hold every year in honor of the millions of babies killed, and the Mothers, Fathers, and families suffering as a result of abortion. We have guest speakers from around the County, including religious leaders and representatives from the two Citrus County Pregnancy Centers.
Clay County
MiddleburgTuesday, January 17th at 7:30 am – Sanctity of Human Life Prayer Breakfast at The Salvation Army Corp Center (2795 County Road 220, 32068). The breakfast is sponsored by First Coast Women’s Services and is acknowledge and pray for the sanctity of life. Please RVSP by contacting Cheryl Gonzales at (904) 213-9374 or cgonzales@fcwsprc.org.
Duval County
JacksonvilleThursday, January 19that 7:30 am – Sanctity of Human Life Prayer Breakfast at Christian Family Chapel (10365 Old St. Augustine Road, 32257). Sponsored by First Coast Women’s Services, the prayer breakfast is to acknowledge and pray for the Sanctity of Human Life. Please RSVP by contacting Cathy Perry at (904) 262-6300 or cperry@fcwsprc.org.
JacksonvilleMonday, January 23rd at 12 noon – March & Stand for Life Jacksonville at the US Federal Courthouse (300 Hogan Street). Signs will be available for a peaceful procession around the Courthouse. Speeches by Bishop Felipe Estevez and Mary Houston with Silent No More will be given at the steps of the Courthouse on Duval Street side at 1 pm. For more information, call (904) 318-3517 or email jaxforlife@bellsouth.net.
Jacksonville Monday January 23rd at 10:30 am – Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (121 East Duval Street, 32202)
Escambia
PensacolaFriday, January 13th at 6:30 pm – Vigil Mass at St. Paul Catholic Church (3131 Hyde Park Road, 32503). Bishop Parkes will preside over the mass. Overnight Eucharist Adoration in the Adoration Chapel will follow (until 7:30 am).
PensacolaSaturday, January 14th at 9 am – Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church (140 W. Government Street, 32502). The mass will be geared towards youth.
PensacolaSaturday, January 14th at 10:30 am – Rally at Seville Square (399 Alcaniz Street, 32502). The rally will begin at 10:30 with national and local speakers, followed by a mile-long walk through downtown Pensacola at 11:45 The event is sponsored by Emerald Coast Coalition for Life. For questions or more information, contact Ernie Cyr at (850) 889-1035 or eccflife@gmail.com.
PensacolaSaturday, January 21st at 8:00 am – 3rd Annual Micah Mandate Run for Life (5k Run/Walk) at Olive Baptist 1836 Olive Road, 32514). This event is sponsored by Micah 6:8 Men’s Group in Pensacola. All the proceeds from the Run go to benefit Safe Harbor Pregnancy Medical Center in Pensacola. Registration is online at www.micahsix8.org. For questions, please contact John Stringfield at 850-393-0474 or stringfj@bellsouth.net.
Flagler County
Palm CoastSunday, January 22nd at 2 pm – Stand for Life at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church (4600 Belle Terre Parkway, 32164). Participants will line-up along Belle Terre Parkway and hold-up pro-life signs in recognition of the nearly 60 million lives lost to legalized abortion in the U.S. since 1973. Rain or shine. Signs will be provided. If you have questions, please contact Andrew Shirvell by email at shirvell@sbcglobal.net or by phone at (734) 476-3916.
Lake County
Mount DoraSunday, January 15th at 3 pm – Sanctity of Human Life Service at The Lighthouse on Lake Dora in Grantham Point Park (311 South Tremain Street, 32757). Pastor Don Feezer from Grand Island Baptist Church will speak. The service is a Memorial to the 62+ million babies that have been lost to abortion since 1973 and a Celebration of lives that have been saved through the great work of pregnancy centers in our nation. In the event of inclement weather this service will be held at New Hope Presbyterian Church (19535 Airport Rd, 32736).
Details: “We will line-up along Belle Terre Parkway and hold-up pro-life signs in recognition of the nearly 60 million lives lost to legalized abortion in the U.S. since 1973.” Rain or shine. Signs will be provided. For more information contact: Andrew Shirvell, shirvell@sbcglobal.net.
Miami-Dade County
Miami Saturday, January 14th at 10 am – 8th Annual Miami Sanctity of Human Life Celebration and Prayer Encounter at Riverside Baptist Church (10775 SW 104th Street, 33176). This will be a time to celebrate the Sanctity of Human Life and to pray specifically for the Pregnancy Care/Resource Centers and Clinics in Miami. Special guest is Attorney David Gibbs III, the President and General Counsel of the National Center for Life and Liberty. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Mary Lou Hendy at (863) 687-8811 ext. 223.
MiamiSaturday, January 28th at 9 am – Walk for Life Miami at St. John Vianney College Seminary (2900 SW 87th Ave, 33165). For more information, you can contact the Sunset Respect Life Office at (305) 273-8507.
Osceola County
Kissimmee Saturday, January 21st at 9:30 am – Roe vs. Wade Memorial (A Time to Remember, Pray & Weep) at Planned Parenthood Kissimmee (610 Oak Commons Blvd, 34741). For more information, please call Pro-Life Action Ministries Central Florida at (407) 230-2557.
Polk County
LakelandFriday, February 10th at 6 pm – 4th Annual Sanctity of Life Celebration at First Baptist Church at the Mall (1010 E Memorial Blvd, 33801). The event is sponsored by Polk County for Life. You can visit http://polkcountyforlife.com/celebrate-life-2017/ for more information.
Sarasota County
SarasotaFriday, January 24th at 8:30 am – 16th Annual Prayer/Walk for Life at St. Martha Church (200 N. Orange Ave, 34236). Mass with Bishop Frank Dewane will be held at 8:30 am. From 9 am to 2 pm, a bus will shuttle participants to Planned Parenthood (736 Central Avenue) for the Walk. Refreshments will be made available in the hall. If you have questions, please contact Jeanne Berdeaux at berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org or (941) 484-9543.
St. Johns County
St. AugustineSaturday, January 14th at 10:30 am – March for Life St. Augustine at Mission Nombre de Dios (27 Ocean Ave, 32084). Live music and info booths start at 9:45. The procession will begin at the plaza at 10:30. The event is for anyone who is pro-life and believes in the sanctity of all human life. It is a chance to be a presence for those who cannot speak for themselves, no matter what your religious affiliation. If you are coming with a group, feel free to bring a banner to represent your church! For more information, visit www.marchforlifestaugustine.com.
St. Lucie County
Fort Pierce, Saturday, January 21, 2017 – 7th Annual Treasure Coast March for Life, a peaceful March (less than 1 mile) from “A Woman’s World Medical Center” (503 S. 12th St. Fort Pierce 34952) (the only abortion clinic on Treasure Coast) to Fort Pierce City Hall (100 N. US1).Pro-Life Leaders, including Pastor Bryan Longworth, President of Personhood FL, will speak at the Rally at Fort Pierce City Hall and have information about their ministries. Participants are encouraged to bring signs that proclaim the sanctity of human life. Churches/Groups are encouraged to bring signs mentioning their organization. A limited # of loaner signs (100) will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, visit: http://sohltc.com/2017/01/13/2017-treasure-coast-march-for-life/.
If we missed any prolife events in January, please provide us the information by filling out this form.
After the Trump victory, many Hillary Clinton supporters and even many Donald Trump supporters have experienced shock and awe! The worst thing that could happen though would be for Christians and ProLifers to fall asleep and let trust Trump and the Republican party to defend innocent human life, restore liberty and justice for all, appoint constructionist justices, and defend the constitution. We must hold all of our elected officials (federal, state, and local) accountable to protect preborn children, establish justice, and follow the Bible. We must be salt and light and kick in the gates of Hell until Satan has not one inch of territory in our nation.
Listen to my sermon entitled Election 2016 – Shock and Awe.
Sermon Notes: Election 2016 – Shock and Awe
Opening Passage — Psalm 72.
God’s Sovereignty in Elections
Daniel 2:21 – “And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding. (NKJV)
Daniel 4:17 – ‘This decision is by the decree of the watchers, And the sentence by the word of the holy ones, In order that the living may know That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, Gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men.’ (NKJV)
1 Timothy 2:1-2 – “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. (NKJV)
Proverbs 14:34 – “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.” (NKJV)
Psalms 33:12‑19 – “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance… No king is saved by the multitude of an army; A mighty man is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a vain hope for safety; Neither shall it deliver any by its great strength. Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy, To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine.” (NKJV)
The Cultural War Over Moral Issues
Abortion – Their Blood Cries Out
“Then they shall answer and say, ‘Our hands have not shed this blood, nor have our eyes seen it. Provide atonement, O LORD, for Your people Israel, whom You have redeemed, and do not lay innocent blood to the charge of Your people Israel’ And atonement shall be provided on their behalf for the blood.” (Deuteronomy 21:7-8 NKJV)
Manasseh Filled Jerusalem with Innocent Blood –2 Kings 21:1-16.
The Support of the Homosexual Agenda
Leviticus 18 & 20.
The Cultural War Over Fiscal Issues
The Proper Role of Government – 1 Samuel 8 & Romans 13:1-7, Exodus 20:17.
Numbers 11:4-6 – “Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said: ‘Who will give us meat to eat? We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!’” (NKJV)
The Battle for the Courts
Deuteronomy 16:18-20 – “You shall appoint judges and officers in all your gates, which the LORD your God gives you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with just judgment. You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality, nor take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. You shall follow what is altogether just, that you may live and inherit the land which the LORD your God is giving you.” (NKJV)
A Call to Vigilance in Holding Elected Officials Accountable
Matthew 5:13 – “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” (NKJV)
1 Timothy 3:15 – “… I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” (NKJV)
Matthew 16:18 – “… on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. (NKJV)
Matthew 28:18‑20 – “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” (NKJV)
1 Corinthians 15:25‑26 – “For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. (NKJV)
Psalms 110:1 – “The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.’” (NKJV)
A Call to Continued Repentance
2 Chronicles 7:13‑14 – “When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (NKJV)
This time of year, people are decorating for Halloween, putting up graveyards, creating haunted houses, watching scary movies and television shows, etc. Jesus prayed that His disciples would be in the world but not of the world. How can we as Christians be in the world but not of the world when it comes to Halloween? We examine this question in this sermon.
Opening Passage –Psalm 96.
In the World but Not Of the World
John 17:14-16 – “‘I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.’” (NKJV)
Romans 12:1-2 – “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Deuteronomy 18:9-14 – “When you come into the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you. You shall be blameless before the LORD your God. For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the LORD your God has not appointed such for you.”
Ephesians 5:11-12 – “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.”
John 8:12 – “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’” (NKJV)
Impact the World for Christ
Matthew 5:13-15 – “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.”
Matthew 28:18-20 – “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore[a] and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.”
Preach the Gospel
Romans 1:15-16 – “So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 – “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.”
Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
As Floridians go to the polls to vote on constitutional amendments, it is important to apply Biblical principles to the proposed constitutional amendments and county referendums. It is important also to remember that The Florida Constitution is the supreme law of our state subordinate only to the US Constitution. We never want to put evil into the FL Constitution or add items that could be handled legislatively.
Below, you will find recommendations on the proposed constitutional amendments as well as a sermon by Pastor Bryan Longworth which applies biblical principles to the following amendments and proposed county referendums.
Proposed Constitutional Amendments
Proposed Amendment 1 – Rights of Electricity Consumers Regarding Solar Energy Choice – Vote No!
Proposed Amendment 2 – Use of Marijuana for Debilitating Medical Conditions – Vote No!
Proposed Amendment 3 – Tax Exemption for Totally and Permanently Disabled First Responders – Vote Yes!
Proposed Amendment 5 – Homestead Tax Exemption for Certain Senior, Low-Income, Long-Term Residents; Determination of Just Value – Vote No!
St Lucie County Proposed County Referendums
No.7 – Half-Cent Local Government Surtax – Vote No!
No.8 Slot Machines at Licensed Pari-mutuel Facilities Located in St. Lucie County – Vote No!
Opening Passage — Psalm 149.
Proposed Amendment 1 – Rights of Electricity Consumers Regarding Solar Energy Choice
This amendment establishes a right under Florida’s constitution for consumers to own or lease solar equipment installed on their property to generate electricity for their own use. State and local governments shall retain their abilities to protect consumer rights and public health, safety and welfare, and to ensure that consumers who do not choose to install solar are not required to subsidize the costs of backup power and electric grid access to those who do.
A vote “for” Amendment 1 supports adding a section in the state constitution giving residents of Florida the right to own or lease solar energy equipment for personal use while also enacting constitutional protection for any state or local law ensuring that residents who do not produce solar energy can abstain from subsidizing its production.
A vote “against” Amendment 1 opposes constitutionalizing the right to own or lease solar equipment and the protection of laws preventing subsidization of solar energy, thereby, leaving the personal use of solar power protected as a right by state statute, and not by the constitution.
Where Do Rights Come From?
God
Government
Declaration of Independence
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.
Genesis 1:27 – “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (NKJV)
Genesis 9:6 – “Whoever sheds man’s blood, By man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man.” (NKJV)
Proverbs 6:16-19 – “These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: … A false witness who speaks lies …” (NKJV)
Fourth Amendment – U.S. Constitution
Search and Seizure
“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
Proposed Amendment 2 – Use of Marijuana for Debilitating Medical Conditions
Allows medical use of marijuana for individuals with debilitating medical conditions as determined by a licensed Florida physician. Allows caregivers to assist patients’ medical use of marijuana. The Department of Health shall register and regulate centers that produce and distribute marijuana for medical purposes and shall issue identification cards to patients and caregivers. Applies only to Florida law. Does not immunize violations of federal law or any non-medical use, possession or production of marijuana.
Increased costs from this amendment to state and local governments cannot be determined. There will be additional regulatory costs and enforcement activities associated with the production, sale, use and possession of medical marijuana. Fees may offset some of the regulatory costs. Sales tax will likely apply to most purchases, resulting in a substantial increase in state and local government revenues that cannot be determined precisely. The impact on property tax revenues cannot be determined.
A “yes” vote supports legalizing medical marijuana for individuals with specific debilitating diseases or comparable debilitating conditions as determined by a licensed state physician.
A “no” vote opposes this proposal for legalization of medical marijuana, keeping the state’s current more limited medical marijuana program in place.
Biblical Law – Personal Responsibility
Proposed Amendment 3 – Tax Exemption for Totally and Permanently Disabled First Responders.
Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to authorize a first responder, who is totally and permanently disabled as a result of injuries sustained in the line of duty, to receive relief from ad valorem taxes assessed on homestead property, if authorized by general law. If approved by voters, the amendment takes effect January 1, 2017.
A “yes” vote supports providing property tax exemptions to first responders who have been permanently disabled in the line of duty.
A “no” vote opposes providing property tax exemptions for first responders disabled in the line of duty.
Property Rights — Deuteronomy 19:14 – “You shall not remove your neighbor’s landmark, which the men of old have set, in your inheritance which you will inherit in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.”
Proposed Amendment 5 – Homestead Tax Exemption for Certain Senior, Low-Income, Long-Term Residents; Determination of Just Value.
Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to revise the homestead tax exemption that may be granted by counties or municipalities for property with just value less than $250,000 owned by certain senior, low-income, long-term residents to specify that just value is determined in the first tax year the owner applies and is eligible for the exemption. The amendment takes effect January 1, 2017, and applies retroactively to exemptions granted before January 1, 2017.
A “yes” vote supports providing eligible senior citizens with certain property tax exemptions and allowing home values to remain fixed after application for the exemption, even if the value later exceeds the designated threshold.
A “no” vote opposes this proposal for providing senior citizens with certain property tax exemptions and the ability to have fixed home values, even if the value later exceeds the designated threshold.
No.7 – Half-Cent Local Government Surtax
To provide for projects exclusively in St. Lucie County to improve local roads, reduce traffic congestion, improve public safety, improve local water quality and other similar uses authorized under Florida law and to seek matching funds for these purposes, shall St. Lucie County levy a half-cent sales tax for twenty years, subject to review by a citizens advisory committee to ensure that all dollars are spent on St. Lucie County projects?
1 Samuel 8:15 & 17 – “He will take a tenth of your grain and your vintage, and give it to his officers and servants… He will take a tenth of your sheep. And you will be his servants.” (NKJV)
No.8 Slot Machines at Licensed Pari-mutuel Facilities Located in St. Lucie County
Shall slot machines be authorized within licensed pari-mutuel facilities in St. Lucie County subject to the restrictions of state law?
Exodus 20:9-10 – “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates.” (NKJV)
Proverbs 12:24 – “The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy man will be put to forced labor.” (NKJV)
Proverbs 13:22 – “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.” (NKJV)
Leviticus 19:10 – “‘And you shall not glean your vineyard, nor shall you gather every grape of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger: I am the LORD your God.’” (NKJV)
Title: A Tribute to my sister, Hazel Elizabeth (Longworth) Davis, and some random thoughts on Human Mortality!
