Ben Gilmore

Mr. Gilmore, whose papers have had nationwide distribution, is also involved in education. The Principles of America’s true history and government are incorporated into his newspaper column. He and his wife founded ACH Study Groups and Parent Educators’ Resource Center, supplementing the efforts of home educators, As a staff member of Youth With a Mission, he and his family have been around the world. He is also active in local government, having been nominated several times for legislative office.

What’s Right With America

Ben's Blog, News / By

Just 30 Days —

–By Ben Gilmore

Most of us have teens or college kids and friends we wish knew more about what is going on in America. I’m not talking about what is wrong, there is information everywhere.

Consider seriously sending someone to the American History and Government Study Seminar June 23-26, 2010. Registration and tuition is $145 for an exciting 4 days and commissioning banquet. Once here, we’ll supply housing & transportation (gratis)! You can brown bag to class.

PLEASE do not pass up this opportunity until having first read the “student comments” on our web page: www.achstudygroups.com/student-comments.

America needs people who have studied and who know what is RIGHT about America.

America needs people who have learned how to present what is RIGHT in the market place of ideas.

Ben Gilmore
ACH Co-founder

[Contact Ben]  |  [Read More About the Seminar]

What’s Right With America Read More »

American History & Government Study Seminar, June 23 – 26, 2010

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–By Ben Gilmore

The following letter just arrived from a dear friend.

To Whom This May Concern:

I am writing this to anyone who might be considering taking the ACH Seminar. I took the class as an adult several years ago and found it to be most enlightening in so many ways.

It caused me to fall in love with American History for the first time. I would so like to see this course taught in our public schools at every grade level. This is probably not going to happen although I believe that nothing is impossible with God. For this reason I would recommend that you consider taking the course for yourself and also make certain that your children have the benefit of learning the truth about our awesome American History.

What it did for me, was cause me to grow in patriotism. It gave me a great hunger to get informed concerning what was taking place in the political arena. Today I am actively supporting candidates I believe in, who share my Christian political views. I have always voted, but now I feel my votes are made with greater understanding, after having done my homework.

Now I feel that I am the very best American I can be. And that is a very good feeling.

With Fondness, Claudia Bonfante

What more is there to add! Please take this invitation seriously!
Ben & Fran Gilmore, Co-Founders, ACH Study Groups

American History & Government Study Seminar, June 23 – 26, 2010 Read More »

Self Government

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–By Ben Gilmore

I believe it is a law of nature.

As the quality if a person’s Internal Self-Government decreases External Government of Self will ALWAYS increase.

This is as true for a family, a church, or civil government as it is for an individual person.

The solution is obvious, but not easily applied:

INCREASE THE QUALITY OF INTERNAL SELF-GOVERNMENT.

Brittney Deoliveira (16) one of our ACH students was next to last of a dozen plus, speakers at a Tea Party Rally in Florida. The other speakers spoke of the problem of “Big Government”. This teen spoke of the cause of the problem and pointed to the solution: (edited for brevity)

“I had the honor to speak at the Fort Lauderdale Tax Day Tea Party. I had a three minute allotted speaking time, I was able to choose one principle of the seven that Mr. Gilmore teaches. I focused in on what I believe is the root cause of America’s “big government” – our lack of self-government.

“For generations Americans have been dumbed down and indoctrinated with lies. Unless we change it and become reeducated with the importance of this nation’s founding principles and educate others about them and reincorporate them in our daily thoughts and actions, America will no longer stand. As the people go, so goes the nation.

“Yes, in America we have rights, but as citizens we also have duties. It is our duty to stand up for these seven principles that are paramount for reclaiming America for what it once was.”

If you want YOUR teen to stand up like this one, go to ACHStudyGroups.com. NOW! Then sign up to attend with him/her!

Self Government Read More »

Earn High School Credits with Our Course!

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This should be of interest to parents and grandparents. We have made previous mention of the upcoming American History and Government Study Seminar.

ACA (see below), a major (K-12) Private School Satellite Program, is offering American Government and American History credits to those attending this 4-day 30 hour course. A survey of the material covered in this course will reassure most academic evaluators.

William Jessup University is offering Public Service Credits to those who participate.

The focus will be upon those principles that inspired our founders. Americans need to recapture the founders’ vision, largely ignored for several generations now.

ACH SEMINAR STUDENTS
EARN UP TO 10 HIGH SCHOOL CREDITS FOR
American Government and American History (5 credits each)

Students enrolled for the four-day ACH Seminar June 23-26, 2010 may earn up to ten (10) high school credits, five (5) each toward American Government and five (5) for American History, by attending all the lectures and submitting written answers to questions posed by the faculty.

Students will receive assigned questions at the start of the seminar. Each question will be addressed during the seminar from the instructors own research and expertise and from the three seminar textbooks. Students should take careful notes, ask questions, meet with each instructor as you will, then answer the short essay questions. Email your answers to Mr. Rose by August 30, 2010 or earlier. Answers will be “graded” according to the reasonableness, completeness and documentation of the supporting arguments.

Mr. James Rose, Superintendent of American Christian Academy (K-12) Private School Satellite Program, and one of the three instructors, will read and evaluate your answers, make comments, award appropriate credits and return your work by email.

Complete the enrollment form below and send with your seminar application to register for the credit-completion program.

For further information, email Mr. Rose at jbrosebud@sbcglobal.net or call him at (530) 221-1740.

_____________________________________________________________

ACH SEMINAR HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT PROGRAM

First/Last name:

City:

Age:                              Grade:

Email:                              Phone:

Earn High School Credits with Our Course! Read More »

Significant Moments in His-Story

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–By Ben Gilmore

Boston Tea Party

December 7th (Pearl Harbor) was such a moment for America. 9/11 was another. These are dates when major changes in momentum and direction took place for America. I guess you could say that all moments in His-story are significant. “Big doors swing on little hinges!”

One of the things that make tomorrow (Sunday March 21st, 2010) one of those “moments” will never show in the media. I believe there is more focused prayer being sent Heavenward from Americans, than at any time in my 80 years. Those who know Jewish history are familiar with the times when things reached a point that enough members of a society prayed for divine help – and it was granted.

At issue tomorrow, is godliness vs. ungodliness. Liberty is as evangelical as it is political. Are we to be a nation (society) governed by laws that reflect and protect our liberty? – or – Are we to be a nation (society) governed by force and manipulation?

By the time most of you read this, tomorrow’s political events in Washington D.C. will have taken place. I wish to speak to the alternatives. “Pundits” for either side will be busy putting their own “spins” to the results. My council remains unchanged. [Faith & confidence]

If the tide supports what appears to be a treasonous administration, enhanced by a significant portion of the legislature, there appears to be little to avoid chaos. The root question will be, “Do we bow to tyranny and forsake our pretense of liberty?” Apathy (inaction) and ignorance (of the principles that make our system of government work) caused this problem. There will be a danger of rushing out the other side into angry anarchy (uncontrolled rebellion).

If the tide goes against the administration, there will be a renewed sense of confidence in the system and an enhanced momentum focused upon returning our ship of state to its intended course. Following the “Boston Tea Party” Samuel Adams wrote, “You cannot imagine the height of joy that sparks in the eyes and animates the countenances as well as the hearts of all we meet on this occasion.” Those who oppose principles of American government have been doing everything they can to prevent a sense of victory. Both camps have taken Sunday’s events for a showdown.

“Success” also carries its share of dangers. After the Boston Tea Party, the colonists remained active. “Apathy” was not a problem! Those colonists were not “ignorant” of the principles that were inspiring them. I fear we are.

Should the good guys win tomorrow (I expect that to happen!), “ignorance and apathy” remain our foes. For several generations, we have not learned our history, or the fundamental principles that make us a great nation. Without those proven principles, our efforts to repair and rebuild will be futile. Further, we must be careful not to take credit for answered prayer. That belongs to heaven. We must remain actively involved, as He directs, and not drift again into inaction.

Significant Moments in His-Story Read More »

Regarding Pennsylvania

Ben's Blog / By

From Bill Federer’s American Minute:
(reposted by permission)

26-year-old William Penn received from King Charles II the charter to Pennsylvania on MARCH 10, 1681, as repayment of a debt owed to his deceased father Admiral Sir William Penn, who captured Jamaica and defeated the Dutch navy.

A student at Oxford, William Penn was expelled for having his own prayer services in his dorm room instead of attending the Anglican chapel.

Penn converted to Quakerism and was imprisoned in the Tower of London.

His colony was a “holy experiment” for persecuted Europeans, one of the few original colonies to accept Mennonites, Amish, Catholics and Jews.

Emphasizing his plan of Christian tolerance, William Penn named the city “Philadelphia,” Greek for “Brotherly Love.”

History records that since William Penn insisted on treating the Delaware Indians honestly, paying a fair sum for the land, his city of Philadelphia was spared the Indian attacks and scalpings that other colonial settlements experienced.

Before arriving, William Penn wrote to the Delaware chiefs:

“My Friends, There is one…God…and He hath made…the king of the country where I live, give…unto me a great province therein, but I desire to enjoy it with your…consent, that we may always live together as…friends.”

Regarding Pennsylvania Read More »

Signs & Times

Ben's Blog, Speaking Out / By

–By Ben Gilmore

[A]ll things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. [Rom 8:28]

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. [2 Tim 3:16-17]

What exciting times we are experiencing.  In  a short span, we have seen our American society go from prosperity, to devastation (for many), and (artificially) back again, on the heels of fiscal insanity.

We have witnessed tyrannical disregard for the wishes of “We the people”, and the coalescing of a deep seated counter movement across the nation.  Throughout these changes this column has encouraged faith and confidence.  “Faith” that everything the Lord allows to happen to and around us can be used to teach and train us about Him and his best for us.  “Confidence” in the unique foundation upon which He placed our American society.

It appears to me, we are headed for one of two alternatives.  Given: There is evidence of a firm political shift against traditional tax and spend politics:  Tea Parties;  recent Massachusetts, Virginia, New Jersey elections.

A)  The results of this shift appear to assure Republican majorities in the House and possibly the Senate next November!  All that appeared unlikely, only a year ago!  Such an event will slow, and likely reverse, our plunge into socialism, and the loss of individual and corporate liberty.

Given: Those who have taken “Liberalism” in its many forms into their bosoms as their true religion (i.e. The most significant thing in their lives.), will make any sacrifice to preserve the “advancements” they believe they have made.  They truly believe it to be for our best interests.  Among them, of course, are leaders addicted to the power they now hold.  It is a consuming addiction.

B)  The alternative result of this political shift appears to me to be equally possible.  Those in power will refuse to voluntarily relinquish it.  Uncharted territory for our American republic, at least in our past few generations.  How that refusal will manifest, is pure speculation at this point.

Our response, to either alternative should be the same:  faith & confidence.

Should liberalism lose legislative power, we have a massive re-education task at hand.  We will be tempted to pridefully take credit for the overflow of public sentiment.  Overlooking the fervent prayers for the hand of God to intervene in our behalf.  In “our success” we may fail to learn and apply the proven Principles of American Government we neglected, which allowed us to fall so low!  Without faith in God’s hand, and confidence in His principles, we will lose the opportunity He has given us and drift again.

Should those in power ignore law and seek to establish tyranny as was done in Nazi Germany, we will again be called upon for faith & confidence.  Faith that the hand of God will respond to the fervent prayers of American believers.  Confidence in the Judeo-Christian foundations of our American society.  The question is not, “Is this a Christian nation?”  The fact is, “THIS NATION HAS A CHRISTIAN FORM.”  That foundation is unique to our society.  I believe it will be the difference between European and American efforts to impose tyranny.

Thus – In either case:  We must turn to the Lord for our strength and guidance —  AND — We MUST learn again, the forgotten principles that make our American Christian Constitutional Republic function properly.

Signs & Times Read More »

When Life Goes By Too Fast

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–By Ben Gilmore

— SLOW DOWN! After all, it is YOUR life isn’t it? Take dominion of it. If you don’t, someone else will be happy to do so! ” … [C]hoose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
[Josh 24:15]

Things in our American society are changing and shifting rapidly. Political upheavals one way and then another; Jobs and the economy and all the stress that causes; Family pressures (rebellious teens, faltering husbands, frustrated wives) … Nothing is standing still, everything is rushing past and swinging us this way and that! “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth” [Psa 46:10]

I believe the world would be a far better place if every man would take just one hour and sit alone under a tree somewhere! THERE IS ONE GOD WORKING! Recognize that He really does love you! Realize that EVERYTHING He permits to happen to you is intended to draw you closer to Him! If you let that “sink in,” and pause long enough to have faith in that fact, you can relax a little and let some things pass without your involvement!

Our nation is under attack from within. There is every indication we have treason in the White House! I look around, and it appears to me, the hand of God is raising up a righteous spiritual army in defense of His plans for our nation.

There are prayer projects popping up everywhere. Never doubt it! “… The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” [James 5:16] Prayer DOES change things. Moses interceded for the Israelites, and God said, even He, would change His mind!

Activist movements are alive and growing across the nation. The well publicized “Tea Parties” are just the manifestation of far deeper shift in our “body politic.” Every day’s batch of e-mail offers endless opportunities to join this and contribute to support that. Most of these projects are good and are being effective. Our job is to discern where, and upon what, the Lord wants us involved.

In that regard, my passion is to contribute to the restoration and understanding of Biblical principles of government (family-, church-, and civil-government as well as self-government) in our society. Critical thinking and sound reason based upon reliable history and logic have been systematically drained out of our education for generations now!

Earlier this month I wrote about our “Principles of American Government” online course. Registration closed on 1/18/10. After just four interactive classes we are well into the three month course.

Please do yourself and someone else a good service and …

SET ASIDE THESE DATES:

Saturday, February 20 in Sacramento. Stephen McDowell of Providence Foundation is keynoting a one-day conference. What makes this conference so significant that I single it out? Providence Foundation (founded by McDowell) has lead the way in teaching Biblical Principles of Government for a generation! This is one of those teachers who will plant seeds in your understanding that will grow for years. If you are not in our area and have friends here, tell them about it and have them contact me. www.providencefoundation.com

Wednesday-Saturday, June 23-26, 2010 in Sacramento. ACH Study Groups present an American History & Government Study Seminar. Wife, Fran, and I founded ACH over 20 years ago. Four 12-hour days, back-to-back, under master teachers, skilled in presenting governmental principles biblically, historically and logically … We designed it to be “inconvenient!” Our purpose was to separate the world changer from the casual student! Well over a thousand world changers have taken this seminar. They are our major promoters. We arrange hospitality (gratis) for out of the area participants. www.achstudygroups.com

Unless there are enough leaders in this, and the next few generations, who have learned what our founding fathers learned, our ship of state is likely to remain in dangerous seas!

For His-story & Government, Ben Gilmore

When Life Goes By Too Fast Read More »

HAPPY NEW DECADE! – and why you should take the PAG Online Course

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–By Ben Gilmore

What a decade it promises to be!  In the next ten years, historians will have written volumes about the last ten years.  Though there is a massive effort to mold and shape accounts of historical events, truth has a nasty way of fighting its way to the surface.

Many believe this to be America’s, “Post-Christian” era.  That view I repudiate. That which the hand of God begins, it finishes.  Shortly after our high point of ratifying the US Constitution and its first ten amendments, our nation started a backslide right into a civil war.

While the rest of the world was peacefully doing away with slavery, America chose to fight a bloody war over it.  A war, one could say, was between “Pride” in the south, and “Self-righteousness” in the north.

I believe our nation has yet to blossom into that which the Lord had in mind two centuries ago.

Whether my view, or that of the cynics, turns out to have been the correct one,  I choose to focus upon what is true, honest, just, pure and lovely!

The cynic will be awed by the size and scope of the problem.  Attempting to alert others to the danger, the cynic will seek ever more sensational examples of the problem.  The result will be frustration, hopelessness , anger and (hopefully) an activist opposition effort.

On the other hand, a better approach.  Recognize that the “problem” is a “consequence“.  (The result of drifting away from the principles that served us so well during our two hundred year backslide.)  Relearn those principles.  Instill them into the next generation.  Apply them to the problems we face.

Test yourself:

  1. Build a one line sentence defining the God of the Bible.

  2. What is a “law” according to Sir William Blackstone, “father of the legal profession“.

  3. What is behind the Declaration’s wording, “…Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God.”

  4. “Family, Church, State” are all governmental.  Upon what government rests the quality of each?

  5. If you have not learned sound principle, how do you evaluate alternative choices?

  6. If God’s Principle of Individuality is violated, why does the effort fail?

  7. Why the difference?  “God’s principle of individuality” and the, “Christian principle of self-government.”

  8. What is your measure of Quality Character?

  9. Without the principle of “Private Property“, has the 10th Commandment any meaning?

  10. What three forms of government were combined into ours for the first time in human history?

  11. Why is “Local Authority” preferred over centralization?

  12. “Law without liberty is slavery.  Liberty without law is anarchy”.  What is law with liberty?

  13. Can you recognize “situation ethics”?

  14. Have you learned how to never lose a debate?

Soon (See Schedule for course dates) we begin our next “Principles of American Government” online course*.  There is still time to enroll.  Please Contact Ben for information.

*24 each, 75 minute interactive classes, offered twice (9AM & 6PM Pacific time) on Monday and Wednesday.  Participants commit themselves to one class Monday and Wednesday plus guided reading assignments requiring 5 hours a week outside class.

[Return to Online Course]

HAPPY NEW DECADE! – and why you should take the PAG Online Course Read More »

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Ben Gilmore 1929-2023

On March 30, 2023 Ben Gilmore, the co-founder of ACHStudyGroups (co-founded with his wife Fran), went to be with the Lord in Glory.

A Memorial: https://www.mykeeper.com/profile/BenGilmore/