Ben Gilmore

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

November 26, 2013

This is a mail-merge letter to our friends –

Pastors & False Concepts

The following was written by a pastor in response to a political activist.

“A pastor’s call from God has nothing to do with fighting for any liberty guaranteed by any human government or document. I will fight and die for our Constitution, but that has nothing to do with my call as a pastor, that is my responsibility as an American, not a pastor. Nor is it the responsibility of any pastor in that calling” [The name of the pastor who wrote this is withheld.]

I do not question how our lord is leading him. I have differing thoughts about separating duties as citizens and duties as Christians. Everything we do, we do as Christians.

This pastor’s view appears to me to be shared by perhaps, a large majority of American pastors. I have highlighted the first sentence as a good example of a false presupposition. No “human government or document” can guarantee liberty. Our liberty was endowed by God, we are stewards of it.

Our civil government was created NOT to guarantee, but to protect our God-given liberty. Unlike Colonial congregations shepherded by pastors who understood that – Today’s congregations are notoriously ignorant of the hand of God in history and government. They are exchanging their heritage for a mess of pottage.

Our declaration rightly notes that human nature is slow to change. Those who should understand the blessings from God, for which they are stewards, are asleep in their sheep pens! I believe the Heavenly trumpets are blasting. Where are the Shepherds who will learn and teach the Biblical principles of government found in the “laws of Nature and of Nature’s God”?

Where are the descendants of the Colonial “Black Regiment” who lead a mighty movement in behalf of liberty under God. They lit a torch that shed glorious light and hope into hearts around the world. Those men fought, bled and died to pass to their flocks a love and appreciation for the Liberty our Lord wants for all men.

Our individual, family, church, and civil liberty is protected by our civil government. If Christians remain asleep in their pews, who will rise to save what God has given us?

This pastor rightly states, “The liberty we are called to proclaim is the liberty that was purchased by the shed blood of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus, at Calvary, the only liberty which can never be taken nor infringed.” I believe we are to enjoy and use that liberty as free men, not as slaves.

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

November 23, 2013

This is a mail-merge letter to our friends –

Thoughts about God –

& our relationship with Him

“The fool hath said in his heart, ‘There is no God ‘.” [Psalm 14:1] These thoughts are not for fools. I will be pleased to demonstrate God’s existence and personality from simple observation and reason, at another time.

During the 17th & 18TH centuries the Christian church in England was in turmoil. The “official“ state church was changed from Roman Catholic to Church of England. – depending upon who was on the British throne! Both were episcopal in form. The arch Bishop amounted to an English Pope.

A more fundamental source of the turmoil was the publishing of the Bible in the common English language. Men and women wanted to learn to read, so that they could read God’s word for themselves! There was an explosion of literacy! One could well claim that the Bible in English was the seed of the industrial revolution!

As people read the Bible for themselves they developed a concept of individual self-worth through a personal relationship with the God of the Bible. As those concepts grew stronger, they compared the existing episcopal (top down) church structure with what they learned about the church in Scripture. This developed a dilemma – either stay in the church and push for change – or follow your conscience — “Reform now without tarrying for any.” (The motto of the Pilgrims.) Either stay in the church and work to improve it, or leave the church and form your own. Sound familiar?

The top down (rule of one) form was morphing into rule of a few, because those who stayed were pulling the top down to them. Those who left the church (Pilgrims were not the only such group) and formed their own, developed the concept of rule by many.

Think about it. – Reason tells us that there are only three possible elements for government of an organization (including church denominations): rule-of-one, -few, -many.

I find all three forms; rule of one, rule of few, rule of many – playing a role in Biblical as well as American history. At issue is not the form, but the relationship.

Membership in a human organization cannot substitute for a personal, one-on-one relationship with Christ, the Messiah of the Bible. Granted: corporate relationship with God (i.e. church) will enhance that relationship – but – it cannot be a substitute for personal belief.

If you say you have never violated God’s law, your present relationship with God is secure. However – His word says, “all have sinned” and, “The punishment for sin is death”. Thus, you may not be as secure as you thought!

“[I]f thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus (i.e. that He is the Messiah foretold in the Bible – the Son of God), and believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” [Romans 10:9-10]

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

November 18, 2013

This is a mail-merge letter to our friends –

Time is growing short

We are entering the last phase of the “Principles of American Government” (PAG) 3-month, online course which began last September.

The next course begins on Monday, January 6.

I am passionate about this course. It is NOT a course on the Constitution. Rather, you will learn to understand the principles that inspired the Declaration and the Constitution.

It is NOT a course in American nationalism. Rather, you will discover than North America happens to be the place God chose to illustrate these principles. Principles that may be applied universally.

We are stewards of these principles. If they are to be preserved there must be those who have learned and can pass them along to future generations.

Men and women of whom the world was not worthy, suffered, bled and gave their lives that we might have that opportunity and responsibility!

Please phone, or e-mail me about joining the January class.

Ben Gilmore

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

November 16, 2013

This is a mail-merge letter to our friends –

What if – –

What if we did what is right, because it is right, and left the results to take care of themselves?

Over three years ago, Obamacare became law under a previous Congress with Democrat majorities in both houses. Not a single Republican lawmaker voted for it. Since then the Republicans won a majority in the House, but not the Senate. Republican Representatives have voted again and again to repeal this disastrous law. Most of that has been “theater” . Republican leadership has said one thing, but (behind the scenes) done something else.

A stark illustration is in the actions of Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who is Senate Minority Leader. After three years of “kicking the can down the road” the final opportunity to stop the disaster was to defund it. The effort was led by the maverick Senator, Ted Cruz (R-TX). His plan would have prevented all the chaos we see today. McConnell and most other GOP Senators opposed Cruz’ effort and it failed.

Then McConnell et all could go home and say truthfully, “We voted against funding Obamacare, but the Democrat majority won!” McConnell’s web site brags that he has always opposed Obamacare! When power trumps individual liberty, politicians lie!

OK – Now we have a giant economic mess on our hands. Millions of people are being hurt. The insurance industry is in chaos. Nothing is stable. No one knows what is going on.

I suggest this basic truth – Civil-government is incapable of solving the problem – Socialized medicine violates the laws of nature which are intrinsic in the free market system.

What if the Legislature and the President were to recognize this truth and not only repeal Obamacare, but go all the way and withdraw national civil-government involvement in every aspect of health care save its obligations to American’s wounded in service. I find no authority in our Constitution for such involvement.

Before responding with all the problems and law suites such action would cause – Let us speculate about the positive results of doing what is right because it is right!

“COLD TURKEY” Overnight every American would be without government subsidy (redistributed wealth). Every hospital and health clinic would be without federal government regulations and grants. Every insurance company would be free from federal regulations and the expense of lobbies to influence laws.

Individual Americans would be responsible for their health decisions, hospitals would compete for their place in the healthcare market and Insurance companies would be free to compete by designing plans the customer wants.

In short order, the whole industry would stabilize. Those who cheat and scam would quickly be exposed in a free market without corrupt government to protect them. The artificially explosive bloat of healthcare expense would be replaced with economy and efficiency. The savings would return to the economy.

What about the truly poor and needy? American charity is in our national DNA. That is NOT a question for civil-government. There is NO constructive way for taxpayer funds, lifted by compulsion of law, to be used for charity. Unless we rise to that need, our character is flawed and we will lose the unalienable, God-given right to Liberty.

Consider – If Joe has a need and John has the means and helps – Both are blessed. John has a vested interest in solving Joe’s need so he doesn’t have to keep on helping.

. – BUT –

If Joe has a need and “Uncle Sam” sees that John has the means to help and takes from John and gives to Jue – Then John is a victim, Sam is a thief, and Joe is thanking Sam for John’s goods! Note Further – Sam has a vested interest in Joe’s need. No need – No need for Sam! Sam would like Joe’s need to continue and even grow greater!

“We the people” created “Uncle Sam” to preserve and protect John’s property and protect John’s liberty choose to help Joe, NOT to be compelled to do so.

Without choice there is no virtue.

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

November 15, 2013

This is a mail-merge letter to our friends –

Why separation of powers?

You write a recipe. You take it to the kitchen, follow the directions and make the dish. That evening you serve the dish. How did it turn out?

When you wrote the recipe, you were making the rules. That is legislating.

When you made the dish, you were executing the directions (recipe, rules).

When you decided how you liked the dish, you were judging the dish.

Think about it. In just about everything you do, these three functions are in play. You wake up and plan your day. You do the things you have planned. At day’s end you consider how the plan worked out. Legislative, Executive, Judicial functions are almost always involved.

That is true in self-government, family government, church government, civil-government.

Our Constitution creates America’s civil-government – no Constitution – no American government.

The Constitution creates three branches. Everything going on in our national government is in one of these branches: Executive, Congress, Supreme Court. The “separation of powers”, “checks and balances”.

Our wise founding fathers wanted each of these branches to be independent of one another and to be protective of their own turf.

Think of it this way, “executive”, “lawmaker”, “judge”. Just one guy in each branch. Each guy has his specific responsibilities.

The “lawmaker” (legislator) is supposed to make the laws (rules of action).

The “executive” has the task of enacting those laws.

The “judge” has the task of evaluating the laws of the lawmaker, and the actions of the executive, according to some agreed upon standard. (In our case – Our Constitution.)

On a piece of note paper, please sketch an equilateral triangle – only – do not join the corners. Label each leg, executive, legislative, judicial. Notice that if any two legs are in the hands of one person, the authority of the third leg is eliminated.

All the tools for getting things done are in the hands of the “executive” (law enforcement, bureaucracies, leadership authority). However, the “executive” is not free to use those tools as he pleases. He is supposed to use them to carry out the laws the “lawmaker” writes. If the “executive” steps outside those laws, the “judge” steps in and rules his actions illegal, then joins the “lawmaker” to impeach the “executive”.

The checks and balances work the same way – any two legs can overrule the third.

Today, in America, all three branches are failing. The president is using his authority independent of what the law says. He is acting outside his presidential authority. The congress (lawmaker) is writing laws that violate the Constitution. The Supreme Court is neither evaluating the laws, nor the president’s actions, according to the Constitution.

We the people created the Constitution, which created the government, which is divided into three branches, which are failing to conform to our Constitution. In turn, by our collective votes, “We the people” authorized the president, the legislators, and through them, the Supreme Court to exercise authority over us within the limits set by our Constitution.

We the people have the God-given authority to consider any law outside of our Constitutional limits as no law at all. Further We the people have the duty, using our collective votes, to replace those who misuse the authority we gave them.

If we tacitly submit to this misuse of authority, we are submitting to authority we did not authorize.

“For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king, he will save us.” [Isaiah 33:22]

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

November 5, 2013

This is a letter to our friends –

“For the greater good!”

CAUTION – when you hear that phrase, “For the greater good”. Built into it is a violation of individual God-given liberty.

In the beginning humans (you and I) were placed upon this earth by God for a purpose – to love God and love others. By doing so, we bring honor to God and peace and prosperity to earth. By the way – “love” = Unselfishly wanting the very best for the loved one.

Consider – nothing exists without a set of laws (rules of action) to govern (direct, regulate, control, restrain) it. Outside those laws is chaos.

It is self-evident that God gave you life. God also gave you the liberty to obtain the things needed to sustain your life. True pursuit of happiness is found in loving God and others.

“Laws of Nature” are discovered by God-given reason and human observation. It is self-evident that God makes no duplicates. He deals in individuality. Each of us (you and I) are individuals with God-given unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Our nation was created by, “We the people” for the express purpose of protecting those individual rights. YOU are at LIBERTY under God. American civil government exists to protect your individual liberty.

American civil-government cannot give you liberty. – It only has authority to protect it.

American civil-government has no authority over your individual liberty, except that portion you exchange for protection.. Any governance beyond those limits will cause chaos and is to be considered as no law at all. If you choose to submit to unlawful governance, you have submitted to tyranny.

Let us NOT tacitly surrender our God-given life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness for a mess of pottage!

Rather – Let us rise to the challenge to use these God-given rights as they were intended –

Love God and love others!

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

November 3, 2013

This is a letter to our friends –

Gilmores’ 20th Annual Bonfire & Christmas Carol Sing-along

Below is an invitation for those in our area. Every year, our son and daughter, Guy & Linda Gilmore, build a cheery bonfire in the pasture beside their home and host a Christmas Carol Sing-along. Lots of fun and good cheer. Fran and I hope you will join us.

Please Join Us

For: The Gilmores’ 20th Annual Bonfire & Christmas Carol Sing-along

Where: 389 Gold Hill Rd. Newcastle Ca 95658

When: Sat Dec 7th at 7:00 P.M.

What to bring: A snack to share, chairs, a flashlight, warm clothes, and a friend or neighbor.

RSVP for directions (916) 663-4257

Hope you can join us as we celebrate Jesus’ birth.

(The true meaning of Christmas)

For any of you that haven’t seen it yet, we will be showing

the Billy Graham video “The Cross” at 6:00 sharp.

Feel free to come early

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

November 1, 2013

This is a letter to our friends –

For your Thanksgiving tradition

It has become something of a family tradition, as the Gilmore clan gathers for our Thanksgiving dinner – Someone reads the following lyrics, written by our good Friend Larry Wagner.

We need to use every opportunity to restore and enhance the true history of America.

Pilgrim Fathers

By Larry Wagner November 1984

The second harvest gathered since they crossed Atlantic waters,

A feast of thankfulness was set by grateful Pilgrim Fathers:

So great the providence of God, so blest with fruit their labors,

So sweet the bond among their band, such peace with Indian neighbors.

But most among the feasting crowd could count harsh years of toil.

Of wandering for their faith in God, of want on alien soil,

Of flagging hopes and faith, bad health, of chills that hell could send.

Of half their number that had died before first winter’s end.

Of hunger pangs that second year in their New Plymouth home,

Of weeks when all they ate a day was five small grains of corn.

A few remembered treasures lost, titles cast aside,

But all could measure conscience cost in tears and trampled pride.

Oh, at this feast could they foresee their blessed future years?

That nevermore would they now want, nor run from any fears!

Then after prayers of gratitude, before the feast was set,

Each plate was served five grains of corn, lest anyone forget!

A noble band in hardship born, rejected by their own,

A rock flung o’re the ocean, they were laid a corner stone.

By them God stamped His pattern for a nation on the land,

And seeds for freedom under God were planted by their hand.

Oh, pray their heirs would ever know how dear was freedom’s cost,

And know to hold their faith and freedom dear, or see them lost,

And praise the Providence that brought those Pilgrims to this shore,

And eat the grains of memory, or pay the price once more.

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

October 31, 2013

This is a letter to our friends –

NOTE – The previous attempt to send this post included an attachment that was erroneously far to large. It resulted in most posts being returned unsent. Apologies if this is your 2nd message.

Should you take this course?

“I am an 81 year old grandma in the midst of taking the Principle Approach to Government course using Skype, with Mr. Ben Gilmore. My 16 year old grandson is taking the same course. If you are into homeschooling, or interested in the history of the Constitution, this is what you need to know about the course.

“You will need two large books with which many homeschoolers are familiar: THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; CHRISTIAN SELF-GOVERNMENT, Compiled by Verna M. Hall; and TEACHING AND LEARNING AMERICA’S CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Developed by Rosalie J. Slater. This course is strong in character development, and gets to the very basic foundation of understanding God’s Hand in Human History.

“The course consists of twenty-four 75 minute classes (mine is twice a week) and about 4 hours a week study. I found I put in much more time because of interest.

“I would like to see this course as a pre-requisite for all who want to be involved in homeschooling. But why stop there? It would do wonders for our Public School System, character building for all our youth, and in our Higher Education System for any person who desires to be a teacher.” [Cora R.]

And another – –

“This course will challenge your intellect and touch your heart as you explore principles of American government–both civil and self (personal). You will acquire a Biblical world view as Ben Gilmore, a world-class Master Teacher, guides you through America’s Christian history. Meet some of our country’s founding fathers and those who influenced them, like Montesquieu, Locke, Blackstone, Bradford and Adams). Learn the truth about what it means to be an American Christian before it is too late. Then ask the Lord to show you His role for you in His story.” [Cindy S. a home school mom]

Principles of American Government – A three month online course – Tuition $195.

The next course begins Monday, January 6, 2014. Prospective students should discuss the course with me and locate text books well before that date.

American Christian Academy (ACA) will gladly acknowledge five high school credits toward American Government earned by ACA students who receive no less than a C grade. Be sure to state on the Report Card that “Mr. Gilmore of ACH Study Groups was the teacher / tutor for this course & include a copy of the ACH report card.”

For His-story & Government

Ben Gilmore

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

October 19, 2013

This is a letter to our friends –

What makes YWAM different?

Thirty years ago, a business man asked a friend, “What makes Youth With A Mission (YWAM) different?”

The friend replied, “The other evangelical youth groups focus upon teaching how to ‘witness.’ YWAM focuses upon knowing God and making Him known.

“The result – YWAMers are so motivated, they can’t help but ‘witness’.”

Attached is a flier my friend, Eric Samuelson, asked me to circulate. Would you believe! – A Golf DTS (Discipleship Training School).

Warning – YWAM involvement is NOT FOR WIMPS! Back around the mid ‘60s and early ‘70s when the “hippy” drug trail was leading through Afghanistan and Pakistan, Eric Samuelson was on the 2nd evangelistic team to travel Afghanistan.^ I understand it was (then) a federal death penalty to evangelize. Now, Eric and his wife are in Phoenix organizing a Golf DTS!

My family and I spent all 12 months of ’77 traveling overseas for YWAM, sharing Christ in 37 nations. We founded YWAM’s Small Town Outreach ministries. Our years with YWAM were life changing. I recommend it to “youth” of any age!

Ben Gilmore

*Find a book about that Afghan ministry – “Just Off Chicken Street” by Floyd McClung