ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

March 13, 2016

This is a letter to our friends –

Remembering

The political situation has been on my mind. I am anxious to share my thoughts. However,

the Lord seems to want this column to be about remembering a story. The events took place in the ‘70’s in Sebastopol, a small town west of Santa Rosa, California.

I believe two groups, Agape Force and YWAM, had teamed up for a summer-long evangelical outreach there. My friends, Tony Salerno and Winkie Pratney, were leading the activities. I was not there. The story is important because of the message it sends.

The young people had been sharing Christ in street ministry, public meetings and local churches. One day, as the story goes, the leader of the tough local motorcycle crowd stopped Tony Salerno on the sidewalk. “Dude – Every time I turn a corner, one of your Jesus freaks is waving a Bible in my face. I want you to tell them to back off.”

Tony replied, “All right, dude – I will do that – and – I will pray that God uses you as an example of what happens when someone refuses to accept His lordship.”

A few days later, a bedraggled biker-leader found Tony on the sidewalk again. “Dude, what have you been doing to me? Have you been sticking pins in a voodoo doll or something? I haven’t been able to sleep in days.”

Tony smiled, “I have just been praying as I promised.” The biker responded, “OK then, you have my attention. Talk to me.” Tony escorted him to the small storefront they rented for the summer. He went to his desk and seated the biker. Winkie was over by the door reading.

Tony began explaining God’s plan of salvation. The biker interrupted, “OK, I understand. Can we pray now?” Tony replied, “Not yet, I want to be sure you understand.” He went over it again and yet again. Finally, Tony asked, have you any more questions?

The Biker paused, “Does this mean I’ll have to give up my Harley (motorcycle)?” “No” replied Tony, “not necessarily.” — — “How about my girlfriend?” Tony repeated his answer.

Winkie interrupted, “Excuse me. Because you had to ask. – Yes, you will have to give up your bike and girlfriend!” The biker stood, “Forget it – The cost is too high!” and walked out.

Tony looked over at Winkie, “You aren’t going to have many converts!”

Winkie replied, “Neither did Jesus!”

The message for today – We should not invite Christ into our life to “share” it.

Unless He is Lord of all He is not Lord at all!

Is this an accurate second-hand account? I don’t know, by now, it has become a legend. Perhaps someone reading this was in Sebastopol for that outreach and can confirm it.

These columns are archived since 12/10/09

See www.ACHStudyGroups.com

“Ben’s Blog”

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

March 2, 2016

This is a letter to our friends –

Who or what is in control?

Unless we make a conscious effort to look beyond what “the world” wants us to focus upon, we will be deceived and misled. It is easy to relax and go with the flow. Others are in the same stream and it is reassuring to be with those who agree with us.

On the other hand that stream is filled with deception and lies. A strategically planted story about Dr. Ben Carson withdrawing just before the Iowa caucus caught the Ted Cruz staff in its net. Cruz had nothing to do with it. He was blamed for a “dirty trick” and the rest is history.

The enemy often attacks the strong point. In the case of Ted Cruz, his good name. The other candidates piled on. Many church folks who should have known better, appear to have dropped their support of the strongest, most proven candidate in the race – Ted Cruz.

I say, “should have known better,” because it appears to me the American church as a whole has chosen to be ignorant of American history and the Biblical principles involved. God’s hand and His will are in charge! God is not a fatalist. The Bible is full of examples of God changing His mind! With His omniscience and omnipotence God can fulfill any prophesy whenever He chooses! Let us pray that God will choose mercy for America rather than the justice we deserve!

I almost lost hope for Ted Cruz. It appeared to me that the attack on his character had taken him out of the race. Then I saw an accounting of the delegate count. Trump has 300 and change. Cruz is only 90 delegates behind with a long way to go.

The annual CPAC conference in Washington, D.C. offers a platform for conservative speakers. Glen Beck of “The Blaze TV” network (channel #212 if you have Dish) is to be keynote speaker. Today, he put forth a proposal that rings true to me – I’ll share it with you:

Suppose Ted Cruz were to go to Marco Rubio, who has little hope of winning the nomination, and ask him to run with him NOW as Vice President. They could combine their strengths as a team. Further, suppose they could persuade Dr. Ben Carson to run for Marco’s vacant Senate seat in Florida.

I believe the whole tempo of American society would be improved dramatically. Is this just wishful thinking? Perhaps – But many of us have prayed 2nd Chronicles 7:14, asking for God to pour out healing goodness once more upon our nation. All things are possible with God.

These columns are archived since 12/10/09

See www.ACHStudyGroups.com

“Ben’s Blog”

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

February 28, 2016

This is a letter to our friends –

A man with an experience is

never at the mercy of a man with an argument

Prayer always comes before selecting the subject of these columns. Often I will “reason” that I should write about the political race(s). When I begin, it either flows or I get writer’s block and it is of no value. Other times “reason” is overshadowed by an urge to be obedient.

Commit thy works to the Lord and your thoughts will be established. [Pv 16:3]

This is such a time. I want to share a personal miracle experience with you.

It was around 1970 or 1971 in Upland (near Los Angeles). My walk with Christ was only a few years old. The Lord gave us a front row seat to observe the blossoming of the “Jesus Movement”. It is the closest thing to real “revival” I have seen. Every neighborhood seemed to have prayer meetings. Some church growth was exploding. Monthly Christian events were filling the LA Convention Center. Christian music groups were all around.

It was not unusual to get a call, “We’re having deliverance ministry and need some more prayer. Can you come now!” I met a group of high schoolers who loved walking the hippy beaches on their day off. Someone might attack, “I am a warlock. I curse you!” To which they might respond, “I’m covered by the blood of Christ. You have just cursed yourself!”

One Saturday a local Lutheran church had scheduled an all-day music festival in their parking lot. We had invited the high schooler group I mentioned above to have a potluck lunch at our house during the mid-day break in the festival. A sixty voice choir from Santa Barbara had driven over to the festival. I invited their leader to pick up some Colonel Sanders and join our pot-luck.

The high schoolers arrived, with a plate of cookies! The choir arrived without going by Colonel Sanders! My wife, Fran, called a friend who arrived with a casserole. Fran raided the fridge, part of a roast and a pot of baked beans. We had three cases of pop.

The young people were gathered in the den, enjoying fellowship and relaxation. Our table was in a smaller room to the side. Fran looked at the crowd of hungry kids and at the table and prayed, “Lord, you fed the 4,000. We need you to feed these 65 hungry kids!”

We said grace and the youngsters went to the buffet to fill their plates. We watched as they returned with plates piled high with food. Some went back for seconds! Our family ate from the leftovers for the rest of the week. We even had leftover pop!

That day the Gilmore family saw the Lord multiply food. With that experience, there is no way we will ever accept the argument that God no longer performs miracles.

These columns are archived since 12/10/09

See www.ACHStudyGroups.com

“Ben’s Blog”

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

February 17, 2016

This is a letter to our friends –

Mediterranean refugees

The following letter just in from our friend, John Dawson of YWAM. – For clarity I have added [notes] in brackets. Since he sent it broadly, I will share it with you.

Dear All,

Every [YWAM] base, ministry and school worldwide is aware of the refugee crisis unfolding in the Mediterranean. Many are responding. Can we do more? What about our ship?

Here are the facts. The [YWAM ministry ship] Next Wave is now moored in Lesvos [a Greek island near the west coast of Turkey], where thousands of refugees are still pouring in and in virtually every twenty-four-hour period some perish at sea even though it’s a short crossing. (Just recently 44 drowned, including many children.)

With the Next Wave on the island, we have about 35 beds available for those [I believe, YWAM staff, but I am not sure] who are prepared to go for at least three weeks to meet refugees on arrival and distribute help to meet immediate needs for clothing, food, etc. We don’t need food and clothing because we want to buy them locally to help the devastated local economy. We will also seek to give assistance to local residents who are exhausted and traumatized by the continuous flood of refugees and death on their beaches. In addition, we need gifts to help with the cost of running the ship, we need gifts for purchasing relief items, and we need crew. At least two qualified crew need to be on board at any given time. [redacted for security]

We would like to see YWAM everywhere engage with this, one of the world’s greatest crises. Perhaps with a plan to fast a meal or a day, there could be a “loaves and fishes” offering toward this need. Each base or ministry should pray about their response.

What about the big picture? There are many other teams working with refugees in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and in different parts of Europe [I (Ben) have written about Medair in this regard], and any such offering will not only bless the teams on the Next Wave but can also be used more widely. We are currently investigating other islands (Samos and Kos to start with) to find out whether there is housing and what is the magnitude of need there. Thank you for what you are already doing and may the Lord guide you as you consider this.

Your response can be addressed to refugees where a dedicated team is standing by.

Your brother,

John Dawson

International Ambassador, YWAM Medical Ships

These columns are archived since 12/10/09

See www.ACHStudyGroups.com

“Ben’s Blog”

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

February 16, 2016

This is a letter to our friends –

Dr. James Kilkenny

A major YWAM leader has moved to Heaven. He was known and loved around the world. It has been an honor to call him our friend.

For those on this mailing list who knew Jim and had not heard, I will attach the video of his memorial service below. We will miss Jim. Our love goes to Barbara and the kids.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfE10O3nowI&feature=youtu.be

These columns are archived since 12/10/09

See www.ACHStudyGroups.com

“Ben’s Blog”

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

February 11, 2016

This is a letter to our friends –

Defining “conservative”

The terms “conservative” and “liberal” are much used in today’s political discussions. In the online course, “Principles of American Government”, I teach the students never to use a word they are not ready to define. Conversely, I encourage them to ask their opponents to define terms they use.

During the GOP debate, the candidates were asked to define “conservative”. I like my definitions better than those offered. First – These terms are American and may have different definitions overseas. Second – The definition must be acceptable to the one wearing the label. Else you are building a strawman.

A “liberal” is one who makes decisions in an effort to achieve the best results.

That begs the question, “What is a conservative?

A “conservative” is one who makes decisions according to the best principles he can find – and lets the results take care of themselves.

The frequent reply is, “You are over-simplifying!” I reply, “It works!”

After a moment’s thought, liberals often say. “Well, I am a ‘moderate’.”

A “moderate” is a liberal who cannot define his position!

“Yes I can”, he replies. “Well?” I say with a smile. As he finishes listing his positions, I ask, “What is the difference between that and a liberal?”

Here is the point. Results cannot be manipulated. “When you choose an action, you have chosen a consequence!” Telling a lie is an attempt to manipulate results. It only gets more complicated.

For the most part, today’s young people, and often their parents, have never learned sets of principles by which to evaluate choices. That appears to me to have been illustrated in last week’s debate responses.

These columns are archived since 12/10/09

See www.ACHStudyGroups.com

“Ben’s Blog”

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

February 8, 2016

This is a letter to our friends –

Eminent Domain vs. Private Property

Eminent domain – the right of a government or its agent to expropriate (i.e seize) private property for public use, with payment of compensation.

Today there is a discussion about whether that “right” exists “for public needs” like roads and pipelines, or does it extend to use for private development. Like taking an old lady’s home for a casino parking lot. Granted: greater government income for sales and property taxes, but who determines the personal value of your home?

I believe the argument misses the fundamental point: In America, “We the people” created our government. Government has no “rights”, “We the people” did not give it.

“We the people of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

The Fifth Amendment of that Constitution states that, “private property cannot be taken without just compensation.” That would seem to grant taking power to government so long as “just compensation” is paid. Question – Who defines “just compensation”?

Human nature assures the misuse of eminent domain authority unless held in check by “We the people” and the character and principles of those “We the people” place in authority.

Further – Article I, Section 7 of that Constitution specifies that Congress may purchase land with the approval of the State, “for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards and other needful buildings.” It would appear that use of eminent domain by the feds is limited by the approval of the state involved. Question – Who defines “other needful buildings”?

Have “We the people” a God-given right to our property? If so – Does that right preempt government’s “right” of eminent domain?

Property – “The exclusive right of possessing, enjoying and disposing of a thing; ownership. In the beginning of the world, the Creator gave to man dominion over the earth, … . This is the foundation of man’s property in the earth and in all its productions.” [Noah Webster – 1828]

You may not rightly divest yourself of something God has given you.

What has God given you, “The exclusive right of possessing, enjoying and disposing of”? Your thoughts, your plans, your conscience, the work of your hands, are things in your list of God-given property. “In a word, as a man is said to have a right to his property, he may be equally said to have a property in his rights.” [James Madison, 1792]

Among the tasks “We the people” gave our government – “establish Justice”; “secure (i.e. protect) the Blessings of Liberty”. Without private property, I am not at liberty and justice is not established.”

Suppose a highway is scheduled to cross property that has belonged to my family for generations. Suppose I value that property for my great-grandchildren above any amount offered by the government. In my opinion the highway must be rerouted around my property. Individual property rights should be protected by the government “We the people” created to protect it.

If government forces the sale the “servant” has become a tyrant and liberty is lost. On the other hand, moral suasion if successful, protects liberty and respects private property. This seems to illustrate the difference between the letter of the law and the spirit of the law. If “the greater good” easily overrides personal property rights, soon there will be no private property rights!

These columns are archived since 12/10/09

See www.ACHStudyGroups.com

“Ben’s Blog”

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

February 6, 2016

This is a letter to our friends –

Shiny Objects

I am concerned that so many people that should know better, shift their attention to insignificant “shiny objects” the enemy dangles in front of them.

Learning the character and principles of those seeking your support should be the focus. All men are sinners. If he can, the enemy will maneuver you into defending a man’s sins as opposed to endorsing his character and principles.

When the dust settles and the true picture emerges – I suspect it will have been a strategic news story, planted at just the right time by a liberal reporter, for the purpose of being misunderstood. It worked just as designed! Ted Cruz was accused of dirty tricks. Congressman King, National co-chair of the Cruz campaign, failed to confirm the story with Ben Carson. Ben Carson failed to discern the liberal source and challenged Cruz’s character. I believe Carson should have known that Cruz would have nothing to do with such a lie. It is contrary to his character.

The result – A well-earned Iowa victory was tarnished by a dirty trick planted by the left. The “shiny object” distracted many supporters.

I suggest human nature will create a steady supply of such distractions. Recognize the fact in advance. Stay focused on learning the character and principles of the candidates seeking your vote. When they are elected, character and principles will count, distractions will not!

The best measure of character I have found is the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Cruz, Carson and Rubio are outspoken on the subject. Other candidates – less so.

Regarding principles – Cruz appears to have more experience applying them to the goal of smaller central government and enhancing individual liberty – like erasing the IRS.

Power is addictive. It requires great strength of character to shift authority downstream rather than gathering it to yourself so you can “govern better”! I watched the conservative movement that started with Goldwater in ’64, gather strength until we controlled the California Republican Party (CRP). Then, rather than shift the power to the CRP delegates on the floor, issues were settled in the back rooms and the liberals resumed power.

Magnify that to the national picture with several generations of power junkies. They truly believe they are to rule. I watched a you tube lecture by a rancher who understood that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) unconstitutionally controls nearly a third of American land mass. He was ambushed and murdered! He would not submit to tyranny.

Liberty is not a game! When your time comes – will you stand upon character and principle?

Liberty costs more than slavery because it is worth more!

These columns are archived since 12/10/09

See www.ACHStudyGroups.com

“Ben’s Blog”

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

January 22, 2016

This is a letter to our friends –

This is a test message – please disregard.

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

January 20, 2016

This is a letter to our friends –

Tyrany

Every human organization is run by a mixture of only three elements of government: Rule of one (monarchy); Rule of a few (aristocracy); Rule of many (democracy- “majority rule”). If you will pause to think about it – one, few, many – are the only possibilities.

Nothing exists without a set of rules to govern it. Within those “laws of nature and of nature’s God” will be peace and growth. Outside those laws – chaos!

When a monarchy goes rogue, it becomes a tyranny. When an aristocracy goes rogue it becomes an oligarchy. When a democracy goes rogue it becomes an anarchy.

Our constitution brilliantly combines all three elements of government into one. The Presidency is “rule of one.” The Supreme Court is “rule of a few.” The Congress is “Rule of many.”

On December 2nd last year this column was headed, “Handicapping the Candidates.” I suggest rereading it (below) as the actual voting is about to begin. Please give thought to the discussion of Donald Trump – I commented that we would be swapping a “treasonous tyrant” for a “patriotic tyrant” – but a tyrant nonetheless.

December 2, 2015

This is a letter to our friends –

Handicapping the candidates

With 50 years of political involvement, I am often asked about candidates. Here are my thoughts this fall.

Trump – As president, I believe he would be very good at getting things done. His following would stay with him with popular support for a time. This would make him a powerful leader. On the other hand – Nothing exists without a set of rules to govern it. Trump appears to me to lack a depth of understanding about the rules that will “make America great again”. I believe he would not respect private property, or the limits on the president by the legislature and courts. We would have exchanged a traitorous-tyrant for a patriotic-tyrant. A tyrant nonetheless. Tyranny is unstable.

Carson – A man of principle. As president, he would quickly reestablish respect for America. His clear thought and unbending devotion to sound principle would help him navigate the dangerous waters of international politics and domestic economy. His native humility makes it easy to surround himself with the right people. Carson, I believe would be a great president.

Cruz – Also a man of principle. Like Carson, an outstanding intellect with sound principles for guidance. Unlike Carson, Cruz has demonstrated great political skills. Memory is short, but the Cruz resume is full of examples where he faced down powerful opposition. There will be confusion over his Canadian birth (as an American citizen). Because of his proven background, I would vote Cruz over Carson.

Rubio – A likeable person, but nowhere near as strong in principle as Carson and Cruz. I believe Washington’s power politics would swallow him up. I note that much of that power is leaning toward Rubio. In my opinion, a weak president.

Bush – At this point an, “also ran”. Trump has successfully taken out the “establishment” candidates. It appears to me that the public’s vote will overwhelm traditional campaign financing. If elected, Bush would try hard. I believe he would fail.

Each of the others – Have their strong and weak points. I see little possibility that any of them can sustain a race to the nominating convention next summer. On the other hand, there is a possibility that some or all of the 5 above will still be campaigning at the nominating convention. That presents the public with a problem.

The Republican party has lost credibility – with the public. Grass roots activists would do well to take a page from the Pauls’ campaigns and become active locally in order to trickle-up their authority at the convention. A contested convention would be exciting, but sound principles are vulnerable to a politicized convention floor.

The ultimate decision – is in God’s hands. I believe America will not fail. Granted: America deserves the most severe justice. We have earned our place upon the ash-heap of failed nations.

Many today have lost sight of, or never discovered, the exceptionalism of this Nation. God’s hand in human history is a 6000 year story of His teaching men how to love Him and how to get along with one another. That story climaxed with the creation of the first nation in human history to establish itself upon Godly principles. If this experiment in Christian self-government fails, it will appear that God’s principles do not work. The world will be swept with hopelessness.

America, I believe, will survive. Not indeed for our sakes, but for God’s sake, and for what it means to the world He loves! I can envision God sitting on the edge of His throne, anxiously watching to see if there are enough of us in prayer and action to justify His mercy over justice.

[Note – These columns are archived in the ACH web site.]