human nature

2014-02-14 Fools

Ben's Blog / By

ACH Study Groups

Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders

7659 Gingerblossom Drive

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com

www.ACHStudyGroups.com

February 14, 2014

This is a letter to our friends –

Fools

A story – My guide and I saw a shepherd following his flock down the road. I asked, “Isn’t the shepherd supposed to walk in front and lead his sheep?” My guide replied, “That isn’t the shepherd, that is the butcher.”

I am in awe of any shepherd who can hold a congregation together for 20 minutes, much less a year or two. Because of the universal depravity of human nature.1 It is like herding cats! Shepherds serve a different Master, thus I want to speak carefully.2

The fact remains – Only a small percentage of Americans who attend church have been turning out to vote in recent elections. Further – Like those who do not attend church, most American citizens are woefully ignorant of their responsibilities as citizens. They have little understanding of basic political mechanics.

Suddenly, election day is upon them and they know little of the candidates or issues on their ballot. Those who choose to vote make last-minute choices based upon mailed fliers or TV commercials (Though they are aware these are usually emotional “pitches” of marginal credibility!)

Of even greater significance — Church attending citizens have limited knowledge of the Biblical principles that so influenced the founders of our “American Christian Republic.” (Note to the reader – Please do not throw stones at the messenger! You know these things are true!)

It is fair to speculate, why this situation exists. That is – Why is the American church silent, as we are forfeiting our God-given rights to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Several generations of K-12 and college students have been taught that religious responsibility is separated from civil responsibility. “In proportion as Americans let go of faith in the absolute power of God, they have accepted the belief in an all powerful State.”3

Think about it – Any law that violates the, “Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God” is to be considered, no law at all. Were that not so, man’s law would be above God’s law which the Bible calls idolatry.

Further – “… all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves…”4 Why? I speculate it is because of ignorance and apathy (“I don’t know, and I don’t care”). It is also “fear of man.” That is – “What will my –boss – wife – congregation – denomination think?”

The soul of America’s citizens is crying out for leaders who will lift the torch of God’s law above any other, and lead righteous armies of citizens in restoring what the hand of God has exhibited in North America.

The Perfect Quote
Some people have the vocabulary to sum up things in a way that you can quickly understand them. This quote came from the Czech Republic . Someone over there has it figured out. It was translated into English from an article in the Prague newspaper, Prager Zeitungon .

"The danger to America is not Barack Obama, but a citizenry capable of entrusting a man like him with the Presidency. It will be far easier to limit and undo the follies of an Obama presidency than to restore the necessary common sense and good judgment to a depraved electorate willing to have such a man for their president. The problem is much deeper and far more serious than Mr. Obama, who is a mere symptom of what ails America. Blaming the prince of fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince.

“The Republic can survive a Barack Obama, who is, after all, merely a fool. It is less likely to survive a multitude of fools, such as those who made him their President."

Please share this paper. I hope you will take the time to view this youtube link.

[youtube http://youtube.com/w/?v=dkA8JR2p_tQ]

Notes –

  1. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? [Jeremiah 17:9]
  2. “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? To his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.” [Romans 14:4]
  3. Verna M. Hall, “The Christian History of The Constitution Of The United States Of America” page II.
  4. From “The Declaration of Independence” (1776)

2014-02-14 Fools Read More »

2013-07-27 Come – Let us reason together

Ben's Blog / By

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 »

2013-06-24 Dumbing-down our children

Ben's Blog / By

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 »

On Playing God

Ben's Blog / By

[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 »

Anger

Ben's Blog / By

[xyz-ihs snippet=”ByBenGilmore”]

1. A violent passion of the mind excited by a real or supposed injury; usually accompanied with a propensity to take vengeance, or to obtain satisfaction from the offending party. This passion however varies in degrees of violence, and in ingenuous minds, may be attended only with a desire to reprove or chide the offender.

Anger is also excited by an injury offered to a relation, friend or party to which one is attached; and some degrees of it may be excited by cruelty, injustice or oppression offered to those with whom one has no immediate connection, or even to the community of which one is a member. Nor is it unusual to see something of this passion roused by gross absurdities in others, especially in controversy or discussion. Anger may be inflamed till it rises to rage and a temporary delirium. [Noah Webster’s “Dictionary …” 1828]

The word is used only once in the four gospels: Jesus was in the synagogue (church meeting), He, “looked … on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, …”

[Mark 3:5]

Anger is evidently one of the “passions” in the tool-kit we were given with our human nature. REMEMBER – Nothing exists that is not governed by God-given limits (laws). That includes our anger! “Be angry, and sin not, let not the sun go down on your wrath.”

[Ephesians 4:26]

My last column, “2013-05-03 Truth” was misnamed. It was to have been “… Fear” to go with this column “… Anger.” Fear and Anger are the major weapons your enemies will use against you. Both are paper-tigers IF you stay within the God-given limits.

God does not give you a spirit of fear. Thus you are free to rebuke it when it tries to rise up.

On the other hand, there is evidently a time for righteous anger. – BUT — Webster (above) points out the temptation to overstep the God-given limit on anger, “usually accompanied with a propensity to take vengeance, or to obtain satisfaction from the offending party.”

“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath, for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord.”

[Romans 12:19]

For example: You find yourself with a group of people supporting truth and justice. An angry individual approaches you as if to do harm. You rebuke fear and call his bluff (else use self-defense if he is not bluffing). Next he may use foul language, shouts, and other tactics, tempting you to express anger. Succumb to anger and you have lost control of the situation.

Are either of these responses easy? No, not at all. That is the purpose of these columns. I hope they prompt you to consider carefully how you will respond.

The next time fear rises. Rebuke fear. Keep your head. My dear friend Loren Cunningham, often taught, “Learn to respond in the opposite spirit.” Thus – When you are faced with anger, respond with peace.

If you contemplate and think through such things in advance, you will be better prepared to govern your reactions. Further – If you fail, use it as a learning experience to be better prepared the next time.

William Bradford, a leader of the American Pilgrim settlement in 1620 wrote, “All great and

honorable actions are accompanied with great difficulties, and must be enterprised and

overcome with answerable courages.”

I believe most Americans would do well to prepare themselves for a few “great and

honorable actions!”

[xyz-ihs snippet=”ContactBen”]

Anger 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/