2013-07-30 More – Reasoning together

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

July 30, 2013

This is a letter to our friends –

More – Reasoning together

Christ was asked, “What is the greatest commandment?”

He replied, “Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and all thy mind.

He added – The second greatest commandment, “Love thy neighbor as thyself.

He said everything else hangs upon these two commandments – Love God / Love others.

[MT 22:35-40; MK 12:18-31; LK 10:25-28]

I define “love” = Wanting the very best for the loved one. [John 3:16]

All the rest of the rules for life are wrapped up in these two simple commandments. Each of us, in our own special ways, has managed to make it seem a lot more complicated!

God created three human organizations to help us understand these rules of life: family, church and state. Example: Aaron was the high priest during the exodus. Moses was the civil leader. The society was organized upon families. (family, church, state). I find no other form of human organization, created and ordained by the God of the Bible.

Everything God creates has a purpose. His primary goal is to teach each of us how to love Him and to love one another. That is not an easy task (evidently!!). It took 1620 years to make a Pilgrim! Then it took another century and a half to build the Constitution!

Each of us has a free will. Each of us have different experiences and relate to the same things differently! Did you ever try to herd cats?

All that to say this – God is big enough and loving enough to deal with each of us as an individual. He will certainly use family, church and even state to help us learn – BUT – His primary goal for you is to help you learn to love Him and others.

When I was young, I thought I was right with God because I was American and went to church every week. That hardly qualifies for, “all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and all thy mind!

God ordained family, church and state and works through them – but – reason tells me that membership in these groups, though useful, is not a substitute for an individual, personal, loving, relationship with Him.

I can joyously testify that such a living relationship is life changing!

2013-07-30 More – Reasoning together Read More »

2013-07-27 Come – Let us reason together

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

July 27, 2013

This is a letter to our friends –

“Come – Let us reason together”

The Prophet Isaiah [eighth century B.C.] was speaking what he believed were God’s words. (See Isaiah 1:18).

All creation SHOUTS of the being and personality of a Creator-God. If you do not choose to listen – choosing to deny His existence – His inspired word says you are a fool! [Psalm 14:1]

Everything that exists has a set of laws to govern it: humans, animals, plants, even dirt and atoms. Rules also exist for intangible things: thoughts, desires, lusts, words, even your conscience. James Madison [1792] said, “Conscience is the most sacred of all property.”

Why are such governing limits needed? Reason tells us there is peace and harmony within those “laws of Nature and of Nature’s God”, while outside those limits is chaos!

Truth is always fighting to come to the surface. If you deny God exists, you are holding under the truth. A struggle you will ultimately lose!

There are many reasons our human nature is prone to hold under the truth. (Read the first chapter of Romans carefully.) Let us reason together about a few of them.

We have a comfort zone. Applying reason to that with which we are comfortable may take us out of that zone.

We enjoy sinning! (i.e. Doing something that is legal in an illegal or excessive way.) Observation and reason tells us it is addictive. We will never be satisfied outside the limits.

We draw our identity from a relationship. — “I am Baptist.”, “I am Jewish”, “I am Catholic.” Thus, we fear losing our identity by applying reason to the relationship.

Reason tells us it is unwise to release something without replacing it with something better.

The Old Testament focuses upon the Messiah. We should never tell a Jew we want him to be a “Christian.” Most Jews believe that anyone not Jewish is either Moslem or Christian. Rather, encourage him to be the Jew God wants him to be! If he truly seeks his Messiah, he will discover He has come. Accepting the Lordship of Christ makes him no less Jewish!

Some Catholics identify with the Roman Catholic Church. They accept church doctrine as true, without confirming it with reason. Tradition and family relationships might be challenged. They fear losing their identity. Applying observation, reason and Revealed Law to church doctrine will make them no less a Catholic.

In the 17th century, the Puritans were the “Bible thumpers.” They compared the structure of the Church of England with what they discovered in the newly available Bible in the common language, and began seeking to improve the church structure.

In the same era, the Pilgrims were also discovering Biblical truths. They chose to form home-churches with the motto, “Reform now without tarrying for any.” They exchanged their various identities for an identity with Christ. Ultimately their Christ-centered lifestyle permeated New England and became the cornerstone of our nation.

All that to say this — God is real! He created you to have a wonderful, loving relationship with Him by staying within “the laws of Nature and of Nature’s God.” Your human nature does not want to stay within the lines! He is doing all He can do to help you understand His “Law of Liberty” and forsake your stubborn pride and seek truth where ever it leads!

It is an INDIVIDUAL quest, each of us must make. None of us has all truth. I encourage each reader to submit his will and appetite to his reason, and his reason to God.

2013-07-27 Come – Let us reason together Read More »

2013-07-12 Rejoice with us

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

July 12, 2013

This is a letter to our friends –

Rejoice with us

The Lord has provided the means for Fran and I to enjoy our first vacation road-trip in decades. We will be driving a new Prius hybrid to see if the mileage claims are true. We plan being away from home for two weeks and have few “hard” date commitments!

Several thoughts come to mind as Teryn, our guest / home-sitter prepares breakfast before we leave.

I have dabbled in the social network apps and always seem to get lost. Thus – I avoid them as much as I can. This should explain why I have not responded to the many comments and invitations from our friends. E-Mail works for me – please.

I am concerned for our friends around the world, in America and for our neighborhood. Many of you appear to have decided to ignore the news, because it is so discouraging. Isn’t that exactly what your enemy would want you to do? Evil does not want righteousness to have any awareness or influence in public affairs! He wants it for himself! (POWER CORRUPTS)

The result – We hear nothing about the wonderful things God is doing around the world and nation. I see only two alternatives. – One is pretty dark – as evil divides our society to fight against ourselves and bring this experiment in civil-self-government crashing down around our ears. The other is encouraging – As the humble prayers of God-fearing people, confessing our personal and national sins, ask for mercy rather than the justice we deserve for having turned God out of our society.

Human history is full of examples of national redemption in response to prayer. I choose to pray for it!! — Prius is here – Bye…..

2013-07-12 Rejoice with us Read More »

2013-07-09 Law and Liberty

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

July 9, 2013

This is a letter to our friends –

Law … a rule of action

“… And it is that rule of action, which is prescribed by some superior, and which the inferior is bound to obey.” [Sir William Blackstone, 1723 – 1780, “Commentaries”]

Blackstone is known as, “The father of the legal profession”. He speaks of “Natural Law” and “Revealed Law”.

Natural law is discovered by observation and reason. “Man, considered as a creature, must necessarily be subject to the laws of his Creator, for he is entirely a dependent being. … And consequently, as man depends absolutely upon his Maker for everything, it is necessary that he should in all points conform to his Maker’s will.”

Revealed law is given by direct revelation. “The doctrines thus discovered are to be found only in the Holy Scriptures. …

“These precepts, when revealed, are found upon comparison to be really a part of the original law of nature. … Yet undoubtedly the revealed law is of infinitely more authenticity than [natural law].” The one being direct divine revelation. The other being discovered by observation and human reason.

There is power in the simplicity and truth of these words.

For the one who is choosing to deny that, “man depends absolutely upon his Maker for everything,” – revealed law (the Holy Bible) says you are a fool.

Natural law, discovered by your own observation and reason, will lead you to the same conclusions – IF you will be honest with yourself. “Intelligent design” all around you shouts the existence of something greater than time and chance! Your dependence upon such a “First Cause” obliges you to submit. Likewise, your relationship with others, obliges you to treat them as you would be treated – IF you hope to enjoy peace and prosperity.

I know of nothing that does not have a set of laws (rules of action) to govern (i.e. direct, regulate, control, restrain). “The laws of nature and of nature’s God” will reveal them.

Just laws come with blessings and penalties. Live within them and prosper. Step outside them into chaos! “Even a dumb dog don’t kiss a hot stove twice!

American society has become so passive about their God endowed liberty that the great majority are unaware we are on the brink of chaos and totalitarianism. I will agree in advance to accept a better set of laws than those set forth in “Revealed Law”. Not to do so would be foolish.

Today we have set aside the Bible as a law standard. What have we to measure right and wrong, if it is not “the laws of nature and of nature’s God”? You, like everything that exists, will be governed by something.

Live under God’s law of liberty – or – You will be a slave under another man’s law.

CHOOSE YOU THIS DAY WHOM YOU WILL SERVE!

[Joshua 24:15]

2013-07-09 Law and Liberty Read More »

2013-06-27 Come – Let us reason together

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

June 27, 2013

This is a letter to our friends –

Come – Let us reason together, saith the Lord …[Isaiah 1:8]

Earlier this month this column asked, “Is there a flag in your sanctuary?” Several answered, “Yes, there is.” Only one responded, “The [American] flag was removed.” I have observed many American sanctuaries that fail to honor our nation’s flag.

Our flag represents one nation under God. It represents an idea –

· God created and intends for men to live free. That liberty is “unalienable” (i.e. it cannot be legally or justly transferred to another).

· God created only three human organizations: family, church, civil-government. Christ summed up all of God’s law with, “Love God (vertical) and Love your neighbor (horizontal). [Mt 22:36-40 & Mk 12:29-31]

· Such men (We the people) chose to design a civil government under God for the purpose of protecting and preserving that God-granted liberty. The first in himan history!

That idea displayed in a sanctuary represents the civil-government under God that protects our liberty from tyrants. Do American pulpits and pews need desperately to understand that idea? Indeed they do! Freedom is NOT free!

By abandoning the third leg of human relationships (civil-government) the pulpit is tacitly telling the pew it not important. Thus – Offering the enemy a base from which to dominate all three!

By tacitly accepting that situation, the pew is accepting the approaching tyranny.

Remember – God said, “There is the promised land. I give it to you. – Now go fight for it!” A responsibility is attached to being “endowed by our Creator.

Many have never read through the Declaration of Independence. It is among the outstanding documents ever penned by man. I have attached a copy for someone to stand and read aloud during your 4th of July celebration next week.

2013-06-27 Come – Let us reason together Read More »

2013-06-24 Dumbing-down our children

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

June 24, 2013

This is a letter to our friends –

Dumbing-down our children

“When human-nature does not like the message it throws rocks at the messenger!”

[Ben Gilmore]

The video link referenced below crossed my desk just now. I know nothing of the authors, nor have I documented their facts – outside of my own observations and reason. How universal is the problem? No doubt education “professionals” will scoff and deny – some may throw rocks.

The dumbing-down however; is very clear and correct for any viewer who is honest with himself. With understanding comes responsibility! Thus, human-nature often chooses ignorance and apathy (“I don’t know & I don’t care!”), rather than understanding and concern.

ACH 3-month online course – “Principles of American Government” begins on September 9th, 2013.

This course teaches adults and teens –

· What is right – NOT – what is wrong.

· We will focus upon what has inspired liberty under God.

· Learning again the science of critical thinking.

· The truth of American and Providential history.

Please view the video link below.

The deliberate dumbing-down of children!

Here is why today’s children cannot spell, write grammatically correct material, or answer
fairly simple questions. They are intentionally, strategically dumbed-down by ‘the Elitists.’
It’s a part of the “ME” Generations that say “to hell with others, I’m looking out for ME!”

<[youtube http://youtube.com/w/?v=eZJoCfgAEuE]>

We MUST, “Train up our children in the way that they should go … .” [Proverbs 22:6]

2013-06-24 Dumbing-down our children Read More »

2013-06-18 Free at last!

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

June 18, 2013

This is a letter to our friends –

Free at last!

“Louisiana State Sen. Elbert Guillory, formerly a Democrat, recently — and enthusiastically — joined the Republican party. Weeks after announcing his bold move, Guillory has released a video explaining why he is now with the GOP. The powerful video is titled, "Why I Am A Republican." Watch the powerful clip.”

[Quoted from “TheBlaze.com]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=n_YQ8560E1w

No – I am not giving the current GOP leadership my blanket endorsement – but – What this fine gentleman has to say should be heard across the nation!

Ben Gilmore – American Patriot

2013-06-18 Free at last! Read More »

2013-06-19 Is there a flag in your sanctuary?

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

June 18, 2013

This is a letter to our friends –

Is there a flag in your sanctuary?

O ye that love mankind! Ye that dare oppose, not only the tyranny, but the tyrant, stand forth! Every spot of the old world is overrun with oppression. Freedom hath been hunted round the globe. Asia, and Africa, have long expelled her. – Europe regards her like a stranger, and England hath given her warning to depart. O! receive the fugitive, and prepare in time an asylum for mankind.

[Thomas Paine 1737 – 1809]

Thomas Paine wrote those words when it was an easy thing for the monarch to order his arrest. His security rested in his presence in America, surrounded by others also, “daring to stand forth.” Something unique in human history was taking place!

Wars, oppression, evil darkness, was shrouding the globe. Men who understood that they were placed on earth to live free, were recapturing their individual sovereignty and preparing to create a society that would “stand forth” in unity to preserve and protect their individual God-granted “life, liberty & property”.

Today, our globe is again shrouded with wars, oppression and evil darkness! Again, freedom is being driven out wherever it raises its head. In America, our individual sovereignty has been eroding from within for several generations.

Today, our hearts yearn for those who will “stand forth” upon their God-granted sovereignty and refuse to comply with further erosion. Our corporate society’s vertical relationship with God will, and always has, determined our horizontal relationship with one another, civil-government. All over the world, people are praying that the American torch of liberty will again burn bright.

Will our churches once again honor that flame which once led them to inspire the creation of a nation of free men? Is there an American flag in your sanctuary to honor the God-given civil authority that protects the sovereignty of your church under God?

2013-06-19 Is there a flag in your sanctuary? Read More »

On Playing God

[xyz-ihs snippet=”ByBenGilmore”]

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit, … , and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

[Hebrews 4:12-13]

When a storm or a hurricane causes damage it is called “an act of God.” Civil-government rushes in to pay for the damage. What does that say about government’s self-image? It is human nature to want more power in order to “govern” better. How much more power? “Just a little bit more!”

With technology, we have discovered that it is possible to collect limitless information about every American, from the cradle to the grave – and store / recall that information indefinitely.

We have discovered that every phone call, text, online picture, even the face of every envelope are subjects for that giant database in Utah. All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him who has the proper governmental credentials – or connections.

“Choose you this day – whom you will serve!”

[Joshua 24:15]

With increasing boldness, the last three generations have been fed a steady diet of the “irrelevance of God.” No longer are we aware that He is watching, even when we are alone. Is it any wonder that our classrooms lack discipline and respect?

It is a law of nature: As self-government weakens, external government grows. If a society will not govern itself – it WILL BE governed by a tyranny (rule of one), or an oligarchy (rule of a few). (Anarchy, the third alternative, is unstable.)

American society has chosen to separate its collective soul, its daily choices, from its spirit, its life. We are sleep-walking, wandering in a virtual dream world.

Those safeguards which have protected and preserved us for two centuries are now in the corrupt hands of men apparently addicted to ever more power, with an open disregard of those safeguards of our individual and corporate liberty under God.

Both God and “big brother” are watching. Which will you serve?

Each of them wants your obedience. One will lead you to slavery. The other will lead you to liberty. One will intimidate, extort, destroy you with his knowledge of your sins, all men are sinners. The other offers peace and forgiveness in exchange for repentance and submission to His law of liberty.

It is time for every American, each of us, to consider carefully –

· Am I a free man, humble before God and sovereign over my government?

· Am I giving lip-service to God and surrendering my sovereignty to government?

I hope this paper is circulated

P.S. This just arrived in our inbox. Interested? Call me –

[xyz-ihs snippet=”ContactBen”]

Regarding the ACH Study Groups online Course, “Principals of American Government

This course has elevated my understanding of what it means to be an American Christian in the 21st century like nothing else I have ever encountered. I am utterly ashamed of wasting so much time seeking to satisfy my own passions and appetites prior to taking this course–in fact, being ruled by a tyrant within. Today my heart yearns to intercede for this country; that the Lord would fan the flame as He raises up beacons of light in His people; to find individuals who are willing to take a stand for Jesus Christ at this time in America’s Christian history that He has placed us in for His purposes… If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).

The Lord showed me glimpses of His glory in the beginning of this course, while learning the principles, I met some incredible role models from our past who lived in an age when the nation was being formed on Godly principles, and now, in the last phase, the lessons learned are becoming my own, as I learn how to communicate and apply this wealth of information. (Today’s assignment is to read through the Declaration of Independence and relate each point in the body of the Declaration to the 7 principles learned.) I am eternally grateful for the Lord’s hand in guiding me to Mr. Gilmore and the Principles of America’s Government course as I have acquired a clearer understanding of my purpose in His plan for our country as I have come to know my savior’s ways and acts more intimately.

God bless you,

Cindy S.

A homeschooling mom

On Playing God Read More »

The 4th Amendment

[xyz-ihs snippet=”ByBenGilmore”]

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.

Further – “effects” as used above, is defined by Webster in 1828 (i.e. contemporary with the drafting of the amendment) –

“… … 8. In the plural, effects are goods; movables, personal estate. The people escaped from the town with their effects,” (emphasis is mine)

The wisdom of the founders is shown here. They knew nothing of e-mail, cell phones, online pictures and the like. All that is included in “effects”.

Now we are beginning to hear of secret court rulings that the Administration has violated the 4th Amendment with its sweep of all the electronic data available on virtually every American citizen!

We are being told, “Nothing to see here.”, “This is done for your protection.”, “Trust us, we are working for you.” This view I repudiate. Either we are a nation of laws, or we are not. Either we are free men who have created a civil-government to protect and preserve our individual liberty, operating WITHIN THE LIMITS we have designated in OUR CONSTITUTION, or we have become “subjects” of that Administration.

Some say, we are experiencing a “silent coup”.

A coup d’état …, also known as a coup, a putsch, or an overthrow, is the sudden deposition of a government, … usually by a small group of the existing state establishment—typically the military—to depose the extant government and replace it with another body, civil or military. A coup d’état is considered successful when the usurpers establish their dominance. When the coup neither fails completely nor succeeds, a civil war is a likely consequence. [Wikipedia]

It would not appear (today) that the U.S. Military force is actively involved. – but – Recent news stories about the addition of thousands of employees within government agencies (i.e. bureaucrats) DHS, IRS, EPA, etc., coupled with vast purchases of arms and ammunition for them, is disturbing!

Should such events be occurring, it is reasonable to expect the Administration to move to stifle citizen communication (radio talk shows, internet communication e-mail and the like) in an effort to prevent unified push back. Our money will be useless. Our focus will shift to personal survival. Our state National Guard (originally called “state militias”) will be overwhelmed by armed bureaucrats and anarchical mobs. Lawlessness will prevail for a time.

Not a pretty picture! Patrick Henry (1736 – 1799) has some advice for us —

They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. Three millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. [2nd Virginia Convention, March 20, 1775, at Richmond–in what is now called St. John’s Church]

The present danger to our peace and security is NOT from overseas. It is within. “Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power.

What are “those means”? England had dissolved all contracts between the colonists in North America and the “mother country”. American colonists were now without a government, standing firm upon their understanding that men were to be free and independent under their Creator. True: There were differences and objectors, as there must always be. Those who unified around Biblical principles of government prevailed. They went on to create a civil structure that stunned and encouraged the rest of the world.

Those principles are still valid and available to each of us. Acting within those principles – in humble submission to the God of heaven’s armies, we have nothing to fear but ignorance and apathy!

My passion is to share “Principles of American Government”. The next online course begins on September 9th. If several wish to make a summer class, please phone right away.

Let us join one of our “founding fathers” – Patrick Henry

“Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”

[xyz-ihs snippet=”ContactBen”]

The 4th Amendment 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/