God has established that marriage is the first and most important building block of civilization. From the beginning of recorded history throughout all cultures, it has been understood as a union between a man and a woman without question. Just fifteen years ago same sex marriage was unfathomable. Today five justices have decided that nearly everyone on earth prior to this ruling was wrong. Furthermore, they have decided that God was wrong. If they can change the definition of marriage what’s to stop them from going through the whole dictionary and doing the same?

This ruling provides a major tool for those desiring to crush the Church. What other institution will offer resistance to this ruling with any fervor? By so doing, the Church will give opportunity to be marginalized and punished by the state and society.

The question that I’m raising is will the Sunday sermon stay the same? Will the pastors see the extreme danger that this ruling brings and remain silent? Will the congregation be lulled into an even deeper sleep with the indifference, or will the leadership spark an equal or greater reaction?

For a leader to understand this as anything other than open war against the Church should be a disqualifier at this stage of the game.   I’m not trying to beat up on pastors, but hoping to challenge old mindsets that have caused us to forget that we are supposed to be proactively extending the Kingdom of God into the institutions of men as well as to the individual. This is a direct result of being spiritually side tracked which leads to our absence in the political system. The pastors have the commissioning, they have the people, they have the message, but do they have the will?

I’m not advocating seizing political power, but I am advocating that the Christian people inject sound kingdom principles into the political arena in order to yield those results that have made us great in the past. That will also mean that Christian people with a Christian worldview run for every office from dog catcher to president. It is the truths of the Christian belief that will bring good fruit.

The Springfield, MO City Council will decide if the statement “In God We Trust” will be placed in the chamber.

As stated in The Founders’ Bible, “This is a Christian nation.  In this great country of ours has been demonstrated the fundamental unity of Christianity and democracy.’  (Harry Truman). Numerous other presidents have also affirmed that America is a Christian nation, including John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams, John Tyler, Zachery Taylor, James A. Buchanan, Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, William McKinley, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Dwight D. Eisenhower.”   Why would something that is so deeply imbedded in our history and culture be so controversial?

The word democracy simply means the people rule.  Our use of the word democracy represents the method of how we elect leaders and make laws. We in America have been reasonably successful up to this point, because we have a system of laws that govern us and our leaders are subject to those same laws listed in the Constitution.  This makes us a republic.  The democratic process is subject to the idea that we are a republic.  This form of government has the ability to take the power out of the hands of the king or oligarchy.   I know that these principles have eroded, but for the sake of argument this is our stated form of government.

Our government rests upon the principles found in the Holy Scriptures and to sever ourselves from this truth will undermine all that we stand for and all that we have accomplished.  All of the pioneers and framers of this great nation understood that God the Creator was their source of inspiration.  My fear for the republic is that if we become disconnected from the source, we disconnect from the blessings.

In God we trust is imbedded on our monuments, written in our preambles and declarations, plastered all over our state houses, sung in our anthems; so what’s the problem with reinforcing that truth for our posterity to remember and embrace?  Can not wanting this monument be construed as a statement of wanting to hide God from our children?

Francis Schaffer stated that, “When Biblical Christianity ceased to provide the conscience for German society, when political and economic chaos as well as moral permissiveness prevailed, the stage was set for the Nazi movement.”  May God forbid that we go down that path.

I’m concerned for Springfield over this matter.  More than any time in American history are we in need for reinforcing our foundations. This is a great opportunity for the Church to stand up and be relevant to the culture.  With much conviction and humility I strongly urge the pastors and congregants to call, write, and email your councilmen and women to support “In God we trust.”

Calvin Morrow

Executive Director

CUPA (Christians Uniting for Political Action)

info@cupasalt.org

Springfield you are a good people, and I salute you.

The first thing that I want to say is that this victory is bitter/sweet. We are elated that we won, but we were all damaged in the process.  What certain members of the city council did to Springfield was a dis-service to everyone, and may God help us find our way out of the chaos that was previously foreign to us.

This repeal effort started with Springfield Citizens United, with Nick Iberra, Dave Meyers, and Dr. John Lilly.  I was asked by the group to be the spokesperson regarding the media. It didn’t take us long to realize that without the Church, we couldn’t win.  And with an organization called Christians Uniting for Political Action, it seemed obvious that I should make an appeal to the Church.  Before I really got started, the churches began to step up. At that point we relabeled ourselves to appeal to the Church community.  After that I was tasked with being a spokesman for Yes on Question 1 and many people have thanked me personally, but the real work was done by many hard working and dedicated individuals who need to be thanked.

Thanks Mike Tull, our treasurer, Dr. John Lilly, deputy treasurer; Dick Hardy, Jonica Hope, Fred and Janice Ellison, Christina Tonsing, Aaron Brummitt, Wylie Comp, Dr. Timothy Houflund, Black Robe Regiment, Family Research Council, Concerned Women for America, Alliance Defending Freedom, Conservative Americans Club, Catholic Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Missouri Family Policy, thanks to all the volunteers and donors, and all the patriot citizens who supported this cause. You might not believe this, but we have some friends in the media; Bott Radio Network had lots of good interviews and commentary on the matter. The Nick Reed Show was on board with lots of conversation and interviews.  We have the Green County Baptist Association and Southern Missouri District Assemblies of God to thank.  I want to give special thanks to Dee Wampler, who’s always standing on the front line.  Last but not least, thanks to all the pastors who rose to the challenge.

This is a good day for all those who love freedom, for those who respect the Constitution, for those who are people of faith.  History was made in Springfield on April 7, 2015.  It was said that Springfield is the tipping point.  Maybe the tipping point will tip towards more repeals.  Maybe with God’s help other cities can be encouraged to follow suit.

Three years ago were the good old days.  Those were the days when this city was not divided along the lines of sex and religion.  There was a heathy relationship amongst all the people.  We interacted with each other without a second thought that we had differences.  It was never important what your sexual preference was when someone bought or sold a hamburger or a car, rented and sold a house, or waited a table.  When we crossed paths in the market place we used to be just people.

This is a great victory for what’s right, but this victory comes with a responsibility.  In the next weeks and months we have work to do.  We will have to start working towards healing and unification. I can’t speak for those who opposed the repeal, but I can speak for the Yes on repeal crowd, and I say we are committed to continue to be a loving people. The evidence is that we were good people before this ordinance, and we will be good people after the ordinance.  We will continue to extend our hand and our hearts to all people, as we always have, because that’s who we are.  I moved to southwest Missouri fourteen years ago and I found a welcoming community.  I wasn’t viewed as a black man, I was a human being.  You were welcoming then and you are welcoming now.

You are blessed to have preserved property rights for the businesses of Springfield. You have preserved privacy in gender specific bathrooms, and you have preserved religious liberty for Springfield’s largest demographic.  You not only preserved liberty for yourselves, but for others; even those who don’t understand it.

The next time someone proposes something that pits the citizens against one another, start the recall petitions immediately.  Let your elected officials know that you elected them to manage the business of the city, not to social engineer you. This is a great city and I love it because of you.

The masked man rides again.  In the name of fairness Non-Discrimination Laws are discriminatory.  This is nothing less than a weapon against Christians.  Christians are being terrorized with law suits, fines and the threat of jail for not giving up their freedom of religion.

Under these type laws, society is change externally to cause change internally.  The American society is not headed in the direction of the gay agenda fast enough on its own.  Therefore, they chose to circumvent the marketplace of ideals and nudge us with police powers; in other words a stick and a gun.  Do not be deceived with the equality and fairness rhetoric.  All this really means when you get down to the brass tacks is that they want same sex marriage, which destroys marriage.  To redefine marriage is to destroy marriage.

Churches can legally support Ballot Initiatives by giving money, encouraging voters, and preaching from the pulpit on political issues that impact the Church.  Many Pastors are unaware of the amount of legal latitude they have as it relates to being involved politically.

The Alliance Defending Freedom has approved some guidelines that should empower the pulpit to launch Christians into impacting the market place.   I strongly encourage pastors to support the ballot initiative Yes ON Question 1 on April 7. This law negatively impacts the lives and businesses of Christian people and churches in Springfield, MO. Click on link below for Church guidelines.

Legal Guide: What Can Churches Legally Do Action Points

• Donate as a church and encourage others to give
• Encourage the Yes On Question 1 vote
• Send email reminders to your congregation the day before the election and on election day, April 7th
• Call for volunteers (sign up at info@cupasalt.org) or call 417-812-6141.

Send checks to:

Yes On Question 1

610-A E.Battlefield #109

Springfield, MO 65807

Click  Donate to contribute online to Yes on Question 1

This is the link to General Ordinance # 6141, also known as the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity ordinance.  http://www1.springfieldmo.gov/bills_pdfs/ORD6141.pdf

I have highlighted certain portions that I found particularly troubling.   My comments on line 11-13, I find that the Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights is (charged with fostering mutual understanding and respect is laughable. In my research of Human Rights Commissions, I find very radical homosexual advocacy groups imbedded within them, and in most cases directing their activities.  These groups are extremely hostile towards Christians and they are in charge of making sure we all behave.   11 WHEREAS, the Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights and Community 12 Relations (“Commission”) is charged with fostering mutual understanding and respect 13 while preventing discrimination among all communities in Springfield;

In line 424 refers you to Sec.62-133 of the penalty part of the City Code, which refers you to Section 1-7, which I listed below.  A conviction for maintaining your right of conscience and property rights are fines and imprisonment.   Penalty section of General Ordinance 6141 below. (Pay close attention to section1-7) Continue reading →

Yes on Question 1 committee need volunteers.  Let’s repeal city ordinance #6141. Volunteers, call for details 417-812-6141. The Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity is a bad law.

As many of you know, Springfield will be deciding on April 7 if it will grant transgenders the right to enter the bathroom of their choosing. What comes along with that right is protection from those who take offense. If you complain, you can be cited for discrimination. The fine can be up to $1,000 per day and 180 days in jail with possible civil action, resulting in losing your property. This is not hyperbolic; it’s real!

Currently there are about twenty pastors and community leaders who publicly support this ungodly law. Since this fringe group is outspoken and mainstream pastors are reluctant to speak out, they appear to represent the Church. I have talked to many Christians who are discouraged that their position has not been challenged. This must change and this is your chance to come together as the true and mainstream Christian representatives of God on this issue.

The Family Research Council will be conducting a meeting for pastors and Christian community leaders in Springfield on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at the Double Tree Inn from 9am-2pm. There is no charge and a free lunch will be served. It is very important that you register at the following link . Click on the Springfield Regional Pastor’s Briefing.

Some confirmed and invited speakers include:

•Lt. General (Ret.) William G. “Jerry” Boykin, Executive Vice President, Family Research Council

•Joe Ortwerth, Executive Director, Missouri Family Policy Council

•Eddie Bumpers, Pastor, Crossway Baptist Church

•Mark Gonzales, Executive Director of National Black Robe Regiment

•Charles Flowers, Pastor, Faith Outreach

•David Welch, Houston Area Pastors Council

•Dee Wampler, Esq., Attorney, Law Offices of Dee Wampler & Joseph Passanise, ADF Allied Attorney

•Randy Wilson, National Field Director, Family Research Council

•Dr. Kenyn Cureton, VP of Church Ministries, Family Research Council

Monday, 02 April 2012

Written by Dave Bohon

A T-shirt company in Lexington, Kentucky, is facing the wrath of a local homosexual activist contingent after the business politely passed on producing T-shirts for the city’s “gay pride” festival. On March 26, Lexington’s Gay and Lesbian Services Organization (GLSO) filed a discrimination complaint against the family-owned company, Hands On Originals, alleging that the firm had bid on producing the shirts, but when it was selected its owners changed their minds, explaining that their Christian values made them unable to fill the order for the “gay”-themed apparel.

“This wouldn’t be acceptable to do to a black group,” Paul Brown, chairman of Lexington’s Pride Festival, told the community’s local NBC news affiliate. “This wouldn’t be acceptable to do to a Jewish group, and because of the fairness ordinance it’s unacceptable to do it to a gay group.”

The official discrimination complaint filed with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Human Rights Commission reads: “On or about March 8, 2012, members of the GLSO were told that our Pride Festival t-shirt printing quote would not be honored due Continue reading →