Christian Citizenship Council (C3) of San Diego

Volume 4 Issue XI November 2011

2011-11-18T01:02:00.000-08:00

A Word from Frank

A big thanks to all who attended one or more C3 lunch meetings this year. I know for a fact that new friendships were made, many new networking contacts were started, a lot of information and wisdom was shared, and great amounts of encouragement were always present. It's time to now concentrate on family and friends during the wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas times. There'll be much to do next year in the continual effort to be salt and light in this world, but for now, it's good to reflect on God's mercy and blessings to His people.

We'll meet again beginning in January. However, if there's an opportunity for me to speak with any pastor or ministry leader on the church's cultural mandate and the Biblical, legal and practical means to pursue it - feel free to contact me at any time.

Yours in Christ,

Frank Kacer
Christian Citizenship Council (Since '02)
Proverbs 14:34

Welcome

A warm welcome to: Wayne, John, Tom, Kathy, Vern, Dan, Rod, Don, Randy, James, Gene, Michael, Dennis, Bob, Jim, Steve, Brad and Daron as new or re-subscribers to the monthly C3 Report. If you know of anyone else who could benefit from these monthlies, ask if they would like to receive them, then just let me know.

No November or December C3 Lunch Meetings!

The current plan is to begin meeting afresh in the New Year. Believe it or not, 2012 will mark the 10th year of lunch meetings. Every one of them has been different, with never the same people attending. What's striking is that people drive from as far away as Ramona, Temecula, the coast, and El Cajon. It's a level of commitment that's very energizing and rewarding. I'm already looking forward to January, and the Lord's blessing on our efforts to bring Him glory.

TBD January (Tuesday) - Escondido: Marie Callender's; 615 West 13th Avenue - Lunch from 11:30 to 1:00 (Library Room)



TBD January (Thursday) - San Diego: Marie Callender's; 6950 Alvarado Road - Lunch from 11:30 to 1:00 (Library Room)



Activities Worth Pursuing to Become Better Equipped and Engaged

Get in the Game - run for office. If you're willing to consider running for elective office, go to: http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/voters/Eng/Eindex.shtml and click on the "What are my electing districts?" option. It will help you determine in which districts you're eligible to run for election.

19 November: Election Integrity Project Training. Hosted by Ramona TEA'd at the Ramona Mainstage Theatre from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. 626 Main Street, Ramona CA 92065. The Election Integrity Project is a non-partisan, educational, research and citizen action corporation with the sole and express purpose of securing FREE and FAIR elections in the state of California.

21 November: National Bible Day. For more information, go to:
http://www.nationalbible.org/nationaldayofthebible

21-22 November: ASCI Convention in Anaheim. The Association of Christian Schools International convention will be at 800 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92802. Speakers include representatives from the Institute for Creation Research. Go to www.acsi.or for more information or call 800.367.5391.

24 November: Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for in this nation. Praise God for the abundant blessings he gives to us in myriad ways, for our religious freedoms, and for the opportunity to live out our Great Commission and Salt and Light Mandates.

27-30 December: San Diego Christian Film festival. This year's local Christian film festival will be hosted at the La Jolla Marriott. Plan to participate by going to: www.sdcff2011.com for more information, or contacting Richard Bagdazian, at richard@glassseaproductions.com

21 January 2012: 8^th Annual Walk for Life West Coast. This event is held in San Francisco each year. For information go to: www.walkforlifewc.com

22 Jan: Sanctify of Life Sunday.   Encourage your pastor to give a Pro-Life sermon and to exhort members to become engaged in Pro-Life ministry. Four Pro-Life organizations that could use your support include:
http://www.pregnancyescondido.com Alternatives Women's Center (Escondido);
http://www.ecpcc.org/events.php East County Pregnancy Care Clinic (El Cajon);
http://www.mmpregnancy.com Turning Point Pregnancy Resource Center (San Diego); http://www.ramonapregnancy.org Ramona Pregnancy Care Center (Ramona);
http://www.birthchoice.net/ BirthChoice (Oceanside, San Marcos)

22-28 Jan 2012: National School Choice Week. For information go to: www.schoolchoiceweek.com

Ministry Tip #18 (November 2011)

Mentoring The Next Generation of Politicians. We're all familiar with church discipleship training and mentoring of young men and women to be godly spouses, parents, neighbors and workers. We also mentor promising youth to equip them for full- or part-time ministry. Have we ever considered mentoring young men and women to prepare them for elective office or public service in the policy arena? For that matter, have we ever spent time to encourage our own sons and daughters to consider public office as a career? Politics and public policy, whether serving as an elected official or as staff to decision makers, can be incredibly demanding, complex, gratifying, and spiritually draining. And like any other legitimate profession, it will rot if Christian influence is not present.
It takes preparation, dedication, and good grounding in Biblical principles to undergird character development, and to understand the proper roles of individuals, families, the faith community and government in just law and policy development. Because of the far-reaching impact government has on our freedoms to worship, evangelize, preach the entire word of God, and to influence the culture around us, it's important we consider encouraging and preparing our best and brightest to serve us in the public domain. Creating a church ministry to do just that would be a challenge, but very rewarding.

If you have elected officials in your church, they can become a rich source of wisdom and experience to partner with your gifted Bible teachers and mentors. If you don't have any, seek them out from other fellowships to share their lives with those of promise in your own church. Not only will your youth be better equipped to handle the corrosive environment they'll encounter, but the foundation will be laid for prayer support and accountability as they strive to serve faithfully for the public good, under its watchful eye.

Books Recently Read

Leaders Who Last: by Dave Kraft (2010; 148 pages). Like so many books on leadership training, this one lays out a structured way to focus on what's important in a person's life in order to be an effective leader, for both pastors and church members. Mnemonics are used to remember the key points (i.e. Power; Purpose; Passion; Priorities; Pacing) which are very helpful. A no-nonsense approach to evaluating your level of commitment, giftedness, calling, character and approach to inspiring others (vision) is also included. There are lots of examples to illustrate points, and scriptural principles are scattered throughout. One major weakness I found was that the role of the family and how to balance it with what can be characterized as a driven, passionate leader was very weak, and I think shortchanged the responsibility we have to provide for our family (1 Timothy 5:8). The second weakness is a clear trivializing of a pastor's role to shepherd the flock in their needs. Counseling is presented as something that saps a pastor's energy, keeping him away from being a leader, hence he should be letting others counsel those who are hurting. This is not a good Biblical understanding of the pastor's role (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-4), and could do potential harm if not handled wisely.

Don't Let The Kids Drink the Kool-Aid - Confronting the Left's Assault on our Family, Faith, and Freedom: by Marybeth Hicks (2011; 192 pages). This book is an excellent wakeup call for those who think the government (public) school system is fine and only has our children's best interests at heart. Hicks exposes the bankrupt ideology that permeates public education and the extent to which our school system has been made into a weapon used to counter our values, and our faith, while allowing academic excellence to take a secondary role. Though the book is long on exposing, it's very short in what a parent can effectively do to counter or correct the darkness engulfing our schools. The exception is the last chapter that concentrates on the equipping of our own children in civic virtues and the importance of protecting our children's innocence. The book is an easy read, stocked with many examples of vile material and moral relativism and tolerance (tolerance for anything but Christianity), and is a great eye opener for those unaware of what is going on.

Commentary

Some Candidate Selection Criteria

Every election I'm bombarded with "family value" listings showing the position of candidates on issues I should be concerned about. Many times these lists only show responses that are opposite from each other for the competing candidates - if one answer is Yes, the other is No, and vice-versa. For me, these are only helpful if: the responses are accurate (with good source documentation to support it), the topics are what I'm most concerned about, and third - they cover a wide enough spectrum of issues to give a full picture of each candidate.

Although many of us have a mental short list of "non-negotiables," it's instructive to actually write down what our personal key decision factors are. For the Presidential race, as well as every other elective office, there's always going to be a tradeoff since it's extremely rare to have a viable candidate who fulfills all our expectations. This is almost certainly true if our "Non-negotiable" list is a long one. When that happens, and it will again this coming year, I encourage voting to prevent the election of the candidate who will do the greater harm, instead of refusing to vote at all or for a candidate who has no opportunity to win.

With those cautions my tentative short list (in roughly priority order) of issues important to me for any elective office is as follows:

1. Life. I'm strongly pro-life from conception to natural death. If a candidate doesn't get this right, why would I want to trust them with any other decisions, since their worldview and values are completely alien to mine?

2. Faith. I'm a Christian, and I would prefer to see sincere, knowledgeable, experienced, qualified and talented Christians in office. However, I'm not comfortable with on-the-job training for naive Christians trying to figure out how to apply their faith and Biblical principles to the complex problems we face. There's hope for them, but risks also. Those who claim to be Christian, yet deny the fundamentals of the faith or the authority of Scripture in their lives, are very suspect and not to be trusted. Other faiths (and particularly Atheists) are even farther removed from Biblical values and as a result even less desirable.

3. Family. I'm strongly pro-family and decry anything or anyone that: weakens parental authority or the traditional family structure; supports counterfeit marriage (same-sex); or mainstreams perversion or immorality (e.g. domestic partnerships, homosexual special rights, gender confusion, pornography, etc.

4. Role of Government. Government at all levels has become too powerful, too thirsty for tax revenue, too intrusive in our lives and the economy, too removed from accountability, too addicted to making people dependent upon entitlements, too ignorant of their proper role, and too much in debt at virtually every level. If any candidate cannot clearly see the injustice and irresponsibility that exists, then they cannot be expected to make a positive change at any level.

5. Fiscal Restraint. I believe government at virtually every level has shown itself to be incapable of being responsible, good stewards of our money. Excessive taxation and uncontrolled debt is theft, and should be treated as such. Anything less than a commitment to reduce taxes, massively reduce spending, and balance budgets is unacceptable.

6. Defense. As a sovereign nation we have the right to defend ourselves, our interests, and our allies. We weaken our ability to do this at our own peril. Our service men and women, as well as their civilian leadership, are due the honor and support they deserve. Though open and honest dialogue is needed on the extent of our military role in the world, one nation in particular deserves our protection and counsel - Israel.

7. Economy. Our country is the most prosperous in history, but this prosperity breeds greed, selfishness, and irresponsibility. Government should punish obvious evil, but it shouldn't take over the free enterprise system that has served most people well, it shouldn't redistribute wealth and incentivize dependency and de-incentivize hard work and accountability, and it shouldn't choose who will be winners and losers (through targeted taxation). In addition, government's role is not to take over the massive health care industry, which would surely doom it to becoming purely pragmatic, excessively expensive, and intolerably broken.

8. Illegal Immigration. I believe in: strong, controlled borders, a national dialogue on appropriate legal immigration criteria, enforcing laws to prevent the hiring of illegals, extending compassion to visitors in emergency situations, and removal of entitlement benefits (welfare, public school access, health benefits, etc.) from access by illegals.

But what about the chronically poor, the homeless, our foreign energy dependency, the environment and climate change, public schools, gambling, the Fairness Doctrine, corporate bailouts, and on and on? Obviously, there are endless issues that need to be addressed from the local to national levels. That's why it's important to carefully consider what, if any, your short list of "non-negotiables" is. We all want candidates whose policy positions are the same as ours and are electable. But the reality is that we may have to compromise on some matters in order to prevent the vilest option from taking office. In doing so, we need to have a clear conscience when we vote, and be as objective as possible about the consequences.

Free Meal Offer

Lately, I've had a number of outstanding conversations with ministry leaders at lunch. If you have a pastor or ministry leader that's willing to discuss the why's and how-to's in establishing a Christian Citizenship (or Salt & Light) Ministry in a legal, Christ-honoring, Biblically balanced way, let me know and I'll take them to lunch to discuss it. Obviously, there's no obligation on the pastor's part.

Frank Kacer

frankkacer@hotmail.com

Executive Director of the Christian Citizenship Council (C3) of San Diego

C3 is a 501(c)3 organization, serving the Christian community since 2004

www.christiancitizenshipcouncil.org

C3 Vision Statement

"The Christian Citizenship Council of San Diego exists to encourage and equip Churches and believers to apply biblical principles to all spheres of the culture around us, and to all of life"

(Matt 5:13-16; 16:18; 22:39; Jer 29:7)

"When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan" (Prov 29:2)

C3 Report: Volume 4 Issue X (October 2011)

2011-10-09T22:53:00.000-07:00

Contents:

October C3 Lunch Meeting!
Activities Worth Pursuing
Minute Ministry Tip #17: Petition Drives
Books Recently Read: Serfdom; Outliers
Commentary: The Battle of Presidential Worldviews
Free Meal Offer

There seems to be a lot going on for this time of the year. I suggest you scan the activities listed below and pick one or more you’re interested in to become better informed and equipped to engage in cultural and political kingdom work. Many are very faithfully laboring to make a change, but the bottom line is to become involved in a Christ-honoring manner, with a proper Biblical worldview as a foundation.

If I can be of help to you or your church in wrestling through how to establish a Christian citizenship (or Salt and Light) ministry in a balanced, legal, properly shepherded manner, just let me know.

Yours in Christ,

Frank Kacer

Christian Citizenship Council (Since ‘02)

Proverbs 14:34

Welcome:

A warm welcome to: Carl, Sue, Becky, and Daniel as new subscribers to the monthly C3 Report. If you know of anyone else that could benefit from these monthlies, ask if they would like to receive them, and then let me know.

October C3 Lunch Meetings

The meetings in September were very encouraging, challenging, and highly energetic. I think you’ll gain a lot by participating, particularly since they’re always non-threatening and have a different set of folks showing up each time. Come by, and bring a friend!

25^th of October (Tuesday) - Escondido: Marie Callenders; 615 West 13th Avenue - Lunch from 11:30 to 1:00 (Library Room)

27^th of October (Thursday) – San Diego: Marie Callenders; 6950 Alvarado Road - Lunch from 11:30 to 1:00 (Library Room)

Activities Worth Pursuing to Become Better Equipped and Engaged:

Note: My preference is to only list activities in the San Diego area. However, others are now and then listed when they’re accessible and useful in equipping us in our salt and light mandate.

Final Days!: Time for the Referendum effort to repeal SB 48 is running out. Return your petitions now so the organizers can submit pre-validated ones to the State by 12 October to qualify for next year’s ballot. For instructions, go to: www.stopsb48.com

15 September – 17 October: Hillsdale College Webcast Course “Introduction to the Constitution”. This series of six Webcasts addresses fundamental principles behind the US Constitution. To sign up for this free course go to: http://www.hillsdale.edu. Archives of past sessions are available.

28 September – 6 November: “40 Days for Life”. This year’s campaign has the largest number of prayer and fasting events, vigils, and outreach’s (301 cities) ever. To participate, go to www.40daysforlife.com.

7 October: Hillsdale College Webcast – “The Global Threat of the Muslim Brotherhood”. Andrew McCarthy will lecture from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. PDT. Go to http://www.hillsdalefirstfridays.com/Hillsdale/Microsite/may6_microsite.aspx to register for this free webcast.

7 October: Election Integrity Project - Speaker Sharron Angle. Escondido Masonic Center; 1331 South Escondido Blvd, Escondido from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. RSVP at www.electionintegrityproject.com.

7-9 October: Values Voter Summit 2011 (Washington D.C.). Sponsored by: Family Research Council Action; American Family Association Action; The Heritage Foundation; American Values; Liberty University/Liberty Counsel; and FRC; with many high profile, conservative speakers. For information call 877.372.2808 or register at www.valuesvotersummit.org. You can also watch live on this site.

8 October: Condoleezza Rice. The former Secretary of State will speak at the Vista nonprofit Solutions for Change fundraiser (combats homelessness). Event begins at 5:45 at the Rancho Bernardo Inn, 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, SD. Visit www.solutionsforchange.org/events or call 760-941-6545 (tickets $250).

Pro-Life Pregnancy Care Clinics/Centers. Please consider supporting as an individual or as a church any of the following Pro-Life organizations during these fundraisers and on an on-going basis.

27 October: Turning Point Pregnancy Resource Center’s Banquet. Guest speaker will be Dr. Marc Newman. To RSVP call Turning Point at 858.457.7800. (7-9 pm)

13 October: East County Pregnancy Care Clinic’s Fall Fundraising Banquet. 6:30 p.m.; With Mark Larson and Jennifer O’Neill, banquet begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Mission Valley Marriott Hotel. For details go to www.ecpcc.org or call 619.442.4357.

21 October: Ramona Pregnancy Care Clinic’s Annual Banquet. Featured speaker will be Pastor Ron Hubbard (Mountain View Community Church). For information call 760.789.7059

3 November: Alternatives Women’s Center Fundraising Banquet. From 7:00 – 9:00 pm in the Escondido Center for the Arts. Shawn Carney will be speaking. Call 760.741.9796 or RSVP to awcjudy@yahoo.com.

29 October: “Celebrate Freedom Gourmet American Barbecue” for National Center for Law & Policy (NCLP). Wes Bentley, President of Far Reaching Ministries is the keynote speaker for this benefit event. Please consider attending and supporting NCLP’s legal battles fighting for family, faith and freedom. Location: 38615 Calistoga Drive, Suite 100, Murrieta, CA 92563. RSVP at 760.747.4529 or e-mail dcarter@wclplaw.org.

29 October: Creation Apologetics Conference “Rebuilding the Foundation”. Presented by Institute for Creation Research from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at The Rock Church (2277 Rosecrans Street San Diego). Free event, but registration is required. For info: apologetics@therocksandiego.org or call 619.501.1800

30 October – 6 November: White Ribbon Against Pornography (WRAP) Week. Become informed, and find resources at www.moralityinmedia.org.

4 November: “Christian Environmentalism 101: Toward a Sustainable World(view)”. Public lecture by Dr. Susan Power Bratton at Bethel Seminary San Diego; 6116 Arosa Street, SD. Q&A will follow. To register, call 619.325.5227.

12 November: “One Nation Under God”. This 3 hour event lead by Jim Garlow and ReAL will take place in houses and churches across the country. Our nation’s Biblical foundation will be explored by spiritual, political, and educational leaders such as Dr. James Dobson, Bob McEwen, and David Barton. Register at: http://onenationundergodevent.com/real. A nominal fee is required

27-30 Dec: San Diego Christian Film festival. This year’s local Christian film festival will be hosted at the La Jolla Marriott. Begin planning to participate by going to: www.sdcff2011.com for more information, or contacting Richard Bagdazian, executive director of SDFF at richard@glassseaproductions.com

Minute Ministry Tip #17 (October 2011)

Note: If you would like the entire set of Minute Ministry Tips to date, just let me know and I’d be happy to send you a copy by e-mail.

Petition Drives. One of the threshold steps for a church to take in the spiritual battlefield of public policy are petition drives. Contrary to what the mainstream media and the ACLU say, every church has a legal right to weigh in on public policy, legislation, and government decisions (ones pending or already taken). To prevent unnecessary confusion or divisiveness concerning petitions, a few practical things should be kept in mind. First, make sure you‘ve thoroughly researched the purpose for the petition and understand the issue well. Next, discuss with your pastor the possibility of gathering signatures at church, and how it can be advertised and accomplished without being disruptive of worship services or other ministry efforts going on at the same time. If not approved, don’t try and do it surreptitiously at the church (Hebrews 13:17); instead, personally contact in a different venue those you know would be sympathetic to signing and have them sign. Third, if approved by church leadership, make sure you’re not pushy in gaining signatures. Have your talking points ready, but try and not argue if someone has a different opinion or is not receptive. Being gentle and patient will go a long ways to preventing any undue contention or problems for pastors to have to address later. Remember, the earlier you can gain pastor support (and equip them with information), the easier it’ll be to avoid problems later, and the higher the probability of your being successful.

Books Recently Read:

“The Road to Serfdom”: by Friedrich A. Hayek (1944, 1994 Heritage abridged edition; 48 pages). The more things change, the more they stay the same. This abridged version of the classic work by Hayek in 1944 shows very clearly how government planning slowly at first, and then with greater speed, destroys individual liberties and freedoms and turns a western nation into a democratic-socialist country. With the backdrop of the Nazi (Germany), Fascist (Italy) and Communist (USSR) experience fresh in the world’s mind, Hayek warns about the direction the United States is headed. His warnings are clear, his reasoning is sound, and he correctly predicted where we were headed as a nation. Very sobering, short pamphlet to read.

“Outliers – The Story of Success”: by Malcolm Gladwell (2008; 285 pages).

I have to admit, I’ve wanted to read this book for awhile. I found Gladwell’s writing style very clear and seductive. He makes some very profound observations about the interplay of talent, circumstances, family environment, culture and timing that are necessary for the phenomenally successful to reach the places they’ve arrived at. His main contention is that the belief that raw talent, hard work and ambition alone have created super success stories is wrong. His discussion of the 10,000 hours of effort, the birth month of hockey players, the effect of ethnic culture on plane crashes, and the like is very convincing because of the many personal life stories he uses to illustrate his contentions. The two big weaknesses from my perspective are: a lack of hardly any counter examples; and the total lack of God’s mighty hand at work in circumstances and lives. But, given that, it is a very interesting and thought provoking read.

Coming Review: “Politics – According to the Bible” by Wayne A. Gruden (2010; 601 pages). I’m still reviewing this recent addition to the dialogue on the Christians role in political realm in the October C3 Report.

Commentary (In case you missed it in the Christian Examiner)

The Battle of Presidential Worldviews

A classic battle of worldviews is shaping up for 2012. We know every election is important, but Presidential elections provide a unique opportunity to decide which of two competing worldviews will drive the major moral decisions we’ll face as a nation. One worldview sees mankind as basically good, with government an obvious tool that extends and applies that nature with unlimited potential and incredible power for benefit to all. The second worldview, based upon God’s revealed truth, sees mankind’s intrinsic nature as fundamentally evil (Jeremiah 17:9), with unbridled government an abusive and powerful reflection and expansion of that nature.

The concept of limited government implemented by our founders clearly assumed the Biblical view was the correct one. Over time, and in particular during the last generation, the worldview driving politics at the national level believes in mankind’s “goodness” and places hope in the benevolence of a government assuming control of virtually every aspect of life. However, the Congressional House of Representatives 2010 election showed the public finally willing to push back against an obvious out of control government - at least one that can’t be trusted with the economy and our health care system. This sets up the next Presidential election as nothing less than a massive showdown to determine which competing understanding of reality, and the role of government, should predominate in the years ahead.

What’s at stake, is no less than deciding whether our government will: feed more government takeover of the economy - or incentivize free market expansion; increase individual and family dependence on governmental - or encourage personal responsibility; punish wealth creation - or incentivize its creation; ignore the national debt - or show fiscal responsibility; increase - or decrease tax burdens; abolish - or strengthen traditional marriage; ration health care for the weak - or competitively improve the world’s finest health care system; continue irrational dependence on foreign energy - or responsibly use our own resources; unilaterally disarm - or counter all threats domestic and foreign; protect abortion at all costs - or defend the sanctity of life; grant citizenship to lawbreakers - or incentivize their departure; crush state’s rights - or restore and respect them; continue normalizing of repugnant sexual lifestyles - or encouraging sexual morality. The worldview that wins the next election, will determine these as well as many other moral decisions for a long time.

Clearly, the current administration embraces an ideology that believes government is benevolent and knows what’s best for the entire nation, independent of facts, reasoning, or historical evidence to the contrary. In fact, history shows that power, unrestrained by any Biblical values and morals, rapidly becomes corrupt and the enemy of all that we as Christians hold dear. It’s not surprising, therefore, that any administration criticism is seen as not just misguided but dangerous to its goals and must be stopped at all costs, by any means. But when government is restrained to its proper role of punishing evil and commending what’s good (Rom 13:1-5; 1 Peter 2:14), it can result in blessings to the exercise of our individual freedoms, an encouragement to pursue our salt and light mandate, and an openness to proclaiming the gospel and Biblical truths to all of society. Realistically, if massive governmental control begins to be dismantled next year, then moral values can once more be openly debated in the public realm, unbridled by government imposed hostility toward our values.

This is a battle worth fighting for. In this struggle we shouldn’t evaluate potential candidates on just their policy positions, or a simple claim to be a Christian, but on the worldview that they believe is true.

Most people I’ve met, and unfortunately many Christians, believe man is fundamentally good. This not only trivializes Biblical truth, but it accepts a relativistic post-modernism that denies the very need for the gospel. Is it any wonder many Christians are befuddled how our government has become so anti-Christian? When so many Christians misunderstand this battle, they become unwitting accomplices in growing the very government that reflects man’s sinful nature and wants to be man’s “savior”. No, the political battle around us is a shadow of the spiritual warfare struggling for the soul of our nation (Ephesians 6:12). We need to recognize this battle for what it is, and fight to restore to the public debate the need for understanding both the nature of unregenerate man, and the dangers of a government unbridled by Biblical truth. If we don’t engage now, the window on our ability to influence this nation’s health will rapidly close, as will our freedoms to openly proclaim God’s truths.

Free Offer:

As always, if you have a pastor or ministry leader that’s willing to discuss the why’s and how-to’s in establishing a Christian Citizenship (or Salt & Light) Ministry in a legal, Christ-honoring, Biblically balanced way, let me know and I’ll take them to lunch to discuss it. Obviously, there’s no obligation on the pastor’s part.

Contact Information:

Frank Kacer

frankkacer@hotmail.com

Executive Director of the Christian Citizenship Council (C3) of San Diego, serving the Christian community as a 501(c)3 organization since 2002.

C3 Vision Statement

“The Christian Citizenship Council of San Diego exists to encourage and equip Churches and believers to apply biblical principles to all spheres of the culture around us, and to all of life”

(Matt 5:13-16; 16:18; 22:39; Jer 29:7)

“When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;
when the wicked rule, the people groan”

(Prov 29:2)

C3 Report: Volume 4 Issue VII (August 2011)

2011-08-16T08:35:00.000-07:00

Contents:

September C3 Lunch Meeting!
Activities Worth Pursuing
Minute Ministry Tip #15: Policies
Books Recently Read: Political History & Wilberforce on Real Christianity
Commentaries: Nathan Fletcher & Libya
Free Meal Offer
Contact information

After a summer recess, we’ll be starting up our monthly lunch meetings in September. In this issue I encourage you to read my concerns about Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher, his voting record, and his fitness to represent Biblical values. As usual, there are other little tidbits throughout that I hope will be of use in your own kingdom work. If I can be of help to you in your efforts to establish a Christian Citizenship or Salt & Light Ministry, just let me know.

Once more, if there are others that could benefit from receiving these “Reports’ I’ll be happy to add them to the list.

Yours in Christ,

Frank Kacer
Christian Citizenship Council
Jude 24,25

Welcome:

A warm welcome to new subscribers to the C3 Report: Scott; Bob; Jonathan; Matt; Greg; Julie; Don; Tom; Tama; Lynn; Joan (2); Lee; Deanna; Sue; Gloria; MaryAnn; Martha (2); Ellen; Susan (2); Vickie; Gabriele; John; Betsy; Barbara; Karen; Pam; Margie (2); Mary (3); Norm; Rudy; Judie; Evie; Davenia; Pat; Marilyn; Ray; Leslie; MaryBeth; Paula; Marion; Rober; Janet; and Bob.

September C3 Lunch Meetings

Although there will be no August C3 Lunch Meetings, we will meet in September as follows:

27^th September (Tuesday) - Escondido: Marie Callenders; 615 West 13th Avenue - Lunch from 11:30 to 1:00 (Library Room)
29^th September (Thursday) – San Diego: Marie Callenders; 6950 Alvarado Road - Lunch from 11:30 to 1:00 (Library Room)

Activities Worth Pursuing:

Now: A Referendum effort to repeal SB 48 is underway by a group of California pro-family organizations. Over 500,000 valid signatures must be gathered by 12 October, 2011 to qualify for the ballot. To learn more about it, and to download petitions go to: www.stopsb48.com

13 August: Mother of Life Conference. Hosted at USD’s Jenny Craig Pavilion, this is the largest Pro-Life conference in the west. Speakers include: Dr. Jim Garlow; Dr. Alveda King, Fr. Frank Pavone and Edduardo Verastegui. For information go to: http://www.motheroflifeconference.com

20 August: Monthly Eagle Forum meeting at the Veterans Museum, 2115 Park Blvd, San Diego 92101 from 9:30-11:00 a.m. For information contact Woody 858. 652.9528 (http://www.eagleforumsandiego.com/)

24 August: “Restore Courage U.S.” event, with Glenn Beck in Israel. For information on site and times go to: http://restoringcourageus.org or contact Gabriella Hoffman ghoffman16@yahoo.com (949) 302-8266

2 October: Pulpit Freedom Sunday (Nationwide). Organized by the Alliance Defense Fund, the Pulpit Initiative is designed to allow pastors to speak freely from their pulpits without fear of censorship or control by the IRS. For information on how to participate go to: http://speakupmovement.org/church/LearnMore/details/4702

7-9 October: Values Voter Summit 2011 (Washington D.C.). Sponsored by: Family Research Council Action; American Family Association Action; The Heritage Foundation; American Values; Liberty University/Liberty Counsel; and FRC; with many high profile, conservative speakers. Go register, go to www.valuesvotersummit.org or call 1-877-372-2808 for more information.

Minute Ministry Tip #15 (August 2011)

Church Policy. Depending upon the size of your church and how long it’s been in existence, it may have written policies on different aspects of ministry, church organization, child care, what goes into the Sunday bulletin and the like. Policies tend to reflect lessons learned that are gathered time, and can remove confusion over expectations. In an area such as Christian activism (or citizenship, or salt and light) this is especially true because of the nature of the ministry itself. Writing down the ministry’s basic reason for existing, what it’s attempting to do, how it will be organized and adequately shepherded, and what general activities are encouraged and even discouraged within the church environment are all important to consider and define with care. Besides removing potential confusion, a good church policy can provide both legitimacy and a basis for freedom in the types of activities that can be pursued within agreed to bounds. If you would like an example, I can provide one for you. It addresses on one page: The purpose of the church gathered and the church scattered; what types of activities members are encouraged to participate in; and how members are to engage with each other as well as the church environment itself.

Books Recently Read:

“The Contested Public Square – The Crisis of Christianity and Politics”: by Greg Forster (2008) (249 pages). This is an interesting church and state historical survey from Greco-Roman times up to the present. In essence, Forster traces the development of the church’s relationship to government under Roman rule, the legacy of Augustine’s City of God and City of Man, the impact of recaptured Greek classical thinking, the emergence of natural law theory, the Reformation and western political thought, the formation of the United States, down to the present understanding and clash of religious freedom and Liberal Democracy. Forster also provides significant insights and side discussions on the major thinkers throughout the 2500 years he covers. This is an excellent overview of the intertwining of Biblical understanding and political thought and the implications that resulted for Christians throughout. Spoiler Alert: He doesn’t predict what lies in the future for this constant struggle and refinement.

“Real Christianity – Contrasted With the Prevailing Religious System” by William Wilberforce (based on the American edition of 1829) (131 pages). This is the same Wilberforce of English slave abortion fame. We know of Wilberforce through history classes and the recent film about him, but through this book you’ll see the inner heart of a man that sincerely loved the Lord, understood orthodox Christian faith and humility, and was deeply burdened by the shallow, weak and generally insipient Christianity professed by so many of his fellow English people. This little book is just as applicable for us as it was for those in the early 1800’s. Wilberforce identifies the myriad ways that “professing” Christians rationalize their lives, trivialize God’s truths, compromise their faith through friendship with the world, and self-delude themselves into thinking they’re fine since they were born in a country that considers itself Christian. This is a very sobering indictment on watered down “religion” and faith, and a warning to everyone who has ears to hear. I definitely recommend this book to everyone!

Commentary (In case you missed it in the Christian Examiner.)

Weighing Nathan Fletcher in the Balance

By Frank Kacer

I’ve known Nathan for over six years, and enthusiastically supported his first run for political office – the California State Assembly. Currently in his second two year term as Assemblyman from the 75^th Assembly District, Nathan recently announced his 2012 candidacy for Mayor of San Diego. Rightfully so, Nathan has earned the respect of many for his military service to our nation, the passage of Chelsea’s law, and being an articulate proponent of many policies that resonate with the conservative community. However, since early last year a disturbing, consistent legislative voting pattern has emerged that’s not just a cause for concern, but one I find deeply troubling.

Beginning with a passionate Assembly floor speech in May 2010 in support of the State Resolution urging repeal of the military’s Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy, Nathan later in the year acknowledged voting against Proposition 8 (Protect Marriage amendment). This year in the Assembly Nathan voted: to permit children as young as 12 to receive STD medical treatment without their parents knowledge (AB 499); allow transgendered people to change their official birth certificates before undergoing any major surgical alteration (AB 433); and to amend extensive California code (affects public schools) to redefine “sex” to include ones “gender expression and gender identity” (AB 887). If these weren’t problematic enough, Nathan was the only Republican to vote in support of SB 48. This measure exposes innocent children down to kindergarten age to lesbian, homosexual, bisexual and transgender sexual orientations, ignores parental opt-out authority, and legally prevents any balanced discussion of factual information concerning the destructiveness of the homosexual lifestyle.

Obviously, Nathan has become a willing accomplice in the governmental promotion and normalization of special rights and protections for homosexuals, while at the same time silencing any reasoned or fact based opposition. Whether this is for political gain, or a result of personal conviction, I don’t know. But sowing immoral values and sexual confusion amongst vulnerable children entrusted to the care of public schools is not what we want from our education system. If this assault on susceptible children can be condoned, why would we expect our freedoms of religion and speech concerning homosexuality to be left untouched in any future policy making or approving position?

I, for one, am not enthusiastic about Nathan’s seeking further elective office. If there’s already rejection of Biblical insight to guide government policy on what’s obviously immoral, why would I expect better leadership on other social issues critical to the evangelical community in the future? To be associated with the Christian community carries with it not only the duty to address moral issues from a Biblical worldview perspective, but to demonstrate public leadership consistent with submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all things (1 Corinthians 10:31). Not surprisingly, when Nathan’s voting record is brought to light amongst evangelicals, many of his active supporters are shocked - having wrongly assumed he’s conservative concerning public policy and sexual issues.

Electing someone to a powerful leadership position is serious business, and Christians must decide which San Diego Mayoral candidate most closely aligns with our values and will work hard to strengthen traditional families and promote the broader public good. However, when any candidate from the Christian community is complicit in using government power to normalize and promote sexual deviancy - at the expense of our children, families, and God’s truth – how can we provide enthusiastic support, or expect consistently good fruit from their leadership now or in the future (Matt 7:17-20)?

Is Libya a Just War?

Since 9/11 our perpetual state of “war” against global terrorism has exacted a high price in blood, treasure and world opinion. Public support for combat operations in the Mid-East has waned either because of the length of conflict (Afghanistan) or lingering concerns over the necessity of war (Iraq). The on-going Libyan conflict is even more problematic, demonstrating the inconsistency of our foreign intervention policies and the weak leadership of our President.

Expediency seems to have driven President Obama’s decision to allow NATO, lead by the French, to conduct air combat operations to remove Muammar Gaddafi. To justify combat to save “potential” Libyan lives sounds noble, but hollow, given our blindness to racial cleansings in Africa, starvation policies in North Korea, and even killing of protestors in Syria. If “potential” lives saved is a real humanitarian criteria, what of the constant Iranian (and other Arab-Muslim nations) threats to destroy Israel – isn’t that a more credible threat to life?

Let’s face it, President Obama joined the Libyan conflict in a way that prevents his receiving blame for failure (I wasn’t in charge), but kudos if it succeeds (my military was critical). Political gain seems more important than any collateral damage to civilians, not knowing who the rebels really are, or even the ethics of removing a head of state that’s not a clear and present danger to us.

Today, our military is conducting operations in at least 5 countries, and has a presence in scores of others. Obviously, isolation is not viable given a world with WMDs, but reassessing our role in warfare is. To begin, we need to revisit “Just War theory”, i.e. war limited by moral principles, and judge our current and all future combat involvement.

First, to go to war there must be “just” reasons. These include both self defense and protecting allies against obviously unjust military attacks. Next, the peace gained through armed conflict must be preferable to the “peace” if war had not been fought. In addition, war must either clearly advance the cause of justice or avoid wanton destruction by an aggressive evil. This can include taking strong pre-emptive actions, but the enemy’s intent must be clear and obviously imminent. Going to war for selfish gain, power, revenge, political correctness, or to inflict cruelty is never justified. Also, war must be conducted lawfully and by legitimate authority.

Secondly, war must be conducted using “just” means. War is the last resort after all sensible, non-violent options are exhausted (e.g. economic sanctions, incentives for peace). Next, unnecessary brutality or wanton violence is never justified.   In addition, war must discriminate between combatants and non-combatants, and strive to prevent destruction of non-war related resources needed to sustain life. Even though it’s virtually impossible to prevent innocent people from being harmed during warfare, it should be noted that the United States has consistently (though imperfectly) shown greater respect for life than our enemies ever have.

An inability to consistently articulate justification for the Iraq war helped elect a radical new administration - one that obviously struggles in identifying or confronting international evil. With any administration, however, we’re obligated to justify any use of military action. As counselors to our nation, Christians particularly need to grapple with a reasoned application of a Biblical worldview to warfare, just like with any other life and death issue. Though the human condition (Jer 17:9; James 4:1-2) virtually guarantees bloody conflict until the Lord returns (Matt 24:6) our current President’s competence to identify and confront imminent threats in a measured, just manner, is a cause for real concern. For this reason alone, we need to challenge every decision to go to war and require clear justification based upon historically proven just “reasons” and “means”.   Does the current conflict in Libya meet the criteria of a Just War? I believe it falls far short, and is a dire warning about the current administrations inability to recognize true threats, but willingness to go after expedient ones that are no direct threat to us. I encourage us all to be on guard concerning any military involvement, and ensure our elected representatives understand what we understand to be truly justifiable reasons to invest any additional blood and treasure abroad.

Free Meal Offer:

I haven’t had any takers in a while, but the offer remains. If you have a pastor or ministry leader that’s willing to discuss the why’s and how-to’s in establishing a Christian Citizenship (or Salt & Light) Ministry in a legal, Christ-honoring, Biblically balanced way, let me know and I’ll take them to lunch to discuss it.

Contact Information:

Frank Kacer
frankkacer@hotmail.com
Executive Director of the Christian Citizenship Council (C3) of

San Diego

C3 is a 501(c)3 organization, serving the Christian community since 2004

C3 Vision Statement

“The Christian Citizenship Council of San Diego exists to encourage and equip Churches and believers to apply biblical principles to all spheres of the culture around us, and to all of life”
(Matt 5:13-16; 16:18; 22:39; Jer 29:7)

“When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan” (Prov 29:2)

Kacer’s Call - November 2, 2010 General Election

2010-10-17T17:15:00.000-07:00

General Guidelines - How I approach Propositions (Do’s & Don’ts):

Do: First read the Summary, Analysis, Actual Text, then the Arguments for and against
Do: Ask yourself if this is a proper role of government
Do: Ask yourself if this is the right thing to do, who it benefits, and the consequences
Do: Determine what principles apply (Biblical, conservative, practical)
Do: Apply common sense; come to tentative conclusion – find position of those I trust
Don’t: Rely upon organizations by name only (many sound good but are deceptive)
Don’t: Wait until the last day to do your research (spread it out over time)
Don’t: Support government going into future debt (some rare exceptions)
Don’t: Allow rare circumstances to overly influence you (“rare cases make bad law”)
Don’t: Support anything that’s too complex to completely understand (obfuscation)

Note: “(C)” following Proposition Number indicates a State Constitution change; (S) a Statute change

Prop 19 (S): Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010 – Oppose (No)

Concerns: Makes tax revenue more important than what’s morally right. Opens opportunity to further

Weaken drug control in future. No other state allows this. Can’t control “personal consumption”

amounts from being sold to minors. Prevalence of activity doesn’t make it right. Gateway drug

issues are real, as is expected increase in substance abuse and medical services. Work place

drug free testing is at risk, as are federal contracts. Higher concentrations per oz. not limited.

Consider: Adult acts impact children’s decisions (Prov 22:6). Government shouldn’t legitimize casual use

of mind damaging drugs (Rom 13:4a). No “impaired” work/driving performance standards.

Zoning laws could impact church properties public access and rental property usage (Acts 5:29)

Prop 20 (C): Voters FIRST Act for Congress – Uncertain (Leaning Towards Oppose (No))

Concerns: Citizens Redistricting Commission (Prop 11 of ’08; Assembly, Senate, BOE) not tried yet;

unintended consequences not known. Does allow minor party representation. Urban/rural, etc.,

criteria allows political maneuvering. Proof of unbiased decisions impractical. Overturning result

by referendum possible but impractical. Adding Congressional seats desirable but premature.

Consider: Any redistricting or commission selection can & will be gamed (Jer 17:9). Voters ultimately

choose their leaders (Deut 1:13) & hold them accountable. Test CRC value first (Eccl 7:27).

Prop 21 (S): State Parks & Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act – Oppose (No)

Concerns: Replaces existing Park budgeting approach. Tax is inequitable: targets selected state-wide

vehicles not Park users. Some funds for “underserved urban community” recreational facilities &

“equitable access”. Tax exceeding Legislature determined adequacy level will be used elsewhere.

Other usage fees can be raised independently. Does not address State budgeting priorities.

Consider: Pay as-you-go entrance fees most equitable (Prop targets wrong group). Any excess tax

intended for other use instead of forcing State fiscal restraint/prioritization (1 Tim 6:10a)

Prop 22 (C): Local Taxpayer, Public Safety, and Transportation Protection Act of 2010 – Support (Yes)

Concerns: Property taxes: Intended for local use. Now State can redistribute to schools or during fiscal

hardship borrow for 3 yrs. Prop prevents State from shifting (for schools) or borrowing (3 yrs) to

balance State budget. Fuel taxes: Will require 2/3 legislature vote to change current 2/3:1/3

state/local tax split. Prevents State use for: bond debt-service costs; borrowing (3 yrs); or cash

flow problems. Redevelopment usage may be problematic, but is unchanged. VLF tax: Most for

local use. Prop prevents State use to offset new or improved service program State mandates.

Consider: If authority is fiscally negligent, don’t provide tax use flexibility (Rom 13:7). True rainy day fund

is needed (Prov 6:6-11; 21:20; 1 Cor 16:2). Bonds are presumption on future and limit use for

intended purposes (James 4:13-14))

Prop 23: (S) California Jobs Initiative (Suspends AB 32 Air Pollution Control Law) – Support (Yes)

Concerns: Measure halts ½ of Green-House-Gas regulation creation. AB 32 based on unproven climate

assumptions to justify new taxes & redirect private industry (Prov 14:8). Punishes creative

industry/energy competition instead of using tax breaks incentives. Prop temporarily halts open

ended expansion of massive government regulation. Only effective til 4 gtrs 5.5% unemployment.

Consider: We have stewardship duties (Gen 1:28), but much study is needed (1 Kings 4:29-34; Eccl 7:27;

Prov 18:17). Massive tax burdens on everyone for unproven good is foolish (Rom 3:8) CA

already has nation’s strongest regulations and we can choose green energy now.

Prop 24 (S): Repeal Corporate Tax Loopholes Act – Oppose (No)

Concerns: Businesses made decisions based on enactment of tax reforms by ‘11 (NOL carryback; multi-

state tax formula; tax credit sharing). Prop removes pro-business tax reform that helps both

small and large volatile businesses. Prop would retain current tax levels – continuing adverse

impact on business/jobs.

Consider: Removes business incentives to stay in or move to CA. Presumes no change in industry base

(James 4:13-14). Maintains high tax rates without corresponding reduction in State spending (1

Tim 6:10a). Deceptively claims schools & public safety at risk (State budget priority only).

Prop 25: (C) On-Time Budget Act of 2010 – Oppose (No)

Concerns: Majority party fiscally irresponsible in controlling spending or balancing budget. Fees (taxes)

not addressed (major loophole). Tax revenue changes not explicitly defined for 2/3 vote.

Punishment for poor legislator performance is elections, not salary and expense accounts.

Consider: Deceptive claim 2/3^rd vote hurts schools/services (State budgeting priority)(Prov 14:8). Unfairly

punishes those with fiscal restraint (1 Tim 5:18b). Easier vote breeds less responsibility or need

for compromise (1 Tim 6:10). Those using fiscal discipline are due double honor (1 Tim 5:17a).

Prop 26: (C) Two-thirds Vote Requirement for State and Local Fees – Support (Yes)

Concerns: Revenue-neutral tax increases now allowed by majority vote, result: higher tax rates on higher

incomes (redistribution) - Prop eliminates this. Current law (majority vote) portrayed as

pollution protector, yet all criminal laws & penalties remain intact independent of this measure.

Consider: Deceptive to use “fee” not “tax” (Prov 14:8; 26:26). If government giving direct benefit, fees are

proper (Mk 12:13-17). Partiality is generally wrong (Lev 19:15; Prov 28:21a)

Prop 27: (C & S) Financial Accountability in Redistricting Act – Oppose (No)

Concerns: Virtually impossible to guarantee +/- one person difference in like districts. Citizens

Redistricting Commission (Prop 11 of ’08) unproven – unknown benefit, consequences TBD.

Consider: Any redistricting effort can be gamed (Jer 17:9). People must ultimately choose their leaders

(Deut 1:13) and hold them accountable. Test Prop 11 value first (Eccl 7:27) then evaluate

effectiveness. Current approach by legislators known to be compromised

Information Provided by C3 of San Diego, a 501(c)3 Non-Profit

Religious Corporation. For more information contact frankkacer@hotmail.com

www.christiancitizenshipcouncil.org

C3 Report: Volume 3 Issue X (October 2010)

2010-10-16T17:12:00.000-07:00

Contents:

October C3 Lunch Meetings!
Activities or Actions Worth Pursuing (Selected)
Election Related Information
Kacer’s Call on the November Statewide Propositions
“Wrongful National Death” Good News Etc. Article for October
“The Ground Zero Mosque and Our Witness” Guest Commentary for October
Minute Ministry Tip #7 Get-Out-The-Vote
General Interest: Book Reading list for October
Information – Assistance Offer
Contact information

A warm welcome to new subscribers to the C3 Report: David, Martha, Scott, Mike, Thomas, Mack, Pat, Tamara and Kim.

October C3 Lunch Meetings!

26^th of October (Tuesday) - Escondido: Marie Callenders; 615 West 13th Avenue - Lunch from 11:30 to 1:00 (Library Room)

Tentative: 28^th of October (Thursday) - San Diego: Marie Callenders; 6950 Alvarado Road - Lunch from 11:30 to 1:00 (Library Room). There is a possible schedule conflict – more to follow

Activities or Actions Worth Pursuing (Selected)

23 October: Western Center for Law and Policy Banquet (with David Barton!) “An Evening in Florence”. I encourage all of you to attend this wonderful opportunity to: hear about WCLP’s service to us; listen to David Barton (Wallbuilders); and participate in supporting WCLP’s work to protect our faith, family and freedom rights. Cost is $75 per person, or sponsor a table for 10 for $650. Reservations will close soon.

Election Related Information:

· California State Information Sites:

o Official California Secretary of State Election & Voter Information www.sos.ca.gov/elections

o State Voter Information Guide http://voterguide.sos.ca.gov

· Nonpartisan websites (biographies, voting records, endorsements, issue positions; etc.):

o Project Vote Smart www.vote-smart.org

o Easy Voter www.easyvoter.org

o Family Voter Information Guide http://familyvoterinfo.org

· Sites with differing viewpoints & personal opinions:

o Craig Huey’s Election Forum - www.electionforum.org/ & http://judgevoterguide.com

o Robyn Nordell’s Conservative California Election Website www.robyn-nordell.com/

· To verify you’re currently registered to vote go to: www.sdvote.com. Re-register if:

o You’ve moved since you last voted

o You’ve changed your name

o You’ve changed your political affiliation

· For voter registration forms, voter pamphlets, and access to voter registration information go to:

o San Diego County Registrar of Voters 5201 Ruffin Road #1; San Diego CA 92123 www.sdvote.com (858) 565-5800

· 2010 Gubernatorial Election Voter deadlines

o 18 Oct: Last day to register to vote on 02 Nov

o 26 Oct: Last day to request for an absentee ballot

o 28 Oct: Last day to mail a ballot

o 02 Nov: Election day

· Guidelines for what your church can do at election time:

o Western Center for Law and Policy (WCLP) http://wclplaw.org/resources/PastorsGuide.pdf

o Liberty Council http://www.lc.org

Kacer’s Call on the November Statewide Propositions.

For more detailed analysis and justification, please go to the C3 web site at: www.christiancitizenshipcouncil.org. Be apprised that on Proposition 20 I differ from most conservatives in that I would prefer to see whether the new Citizens Redistricting Commission is workable or not first, before adding congressional districts to the mix.

Prop 19: Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010 – Oppose (No)
Prop 20: Voters FIRST Act for Congress – Uncertain (Leaning Towards Oppose (No))
Prop 21: State Parks & Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act – Oppose (No)
Prop 22: Local Taxpayer, Public Safety, and Transportation Protection Act of 2010 – Support (Yes)
Prop 23: California Jobs Initiative (Suspends AB 32 Air Pollution Control Law) – Support (Yes)
Prop 24: Repeal Corporate Tax Loopholes Act – Oppose (No)
Prop 25: On-Time Budget Act of 2010 – Oppose (No)
Prop 26: Two-thirds Vote Requirement for State and Local Fees – Support (Yes)
Prop 27: Financial Accountability in Redistricting Act – Oppose (No)

I will be participating in various election forums and discussing the Propositions as listed below. Feel free to contact me or the listed POC for more information.

· 16 October (Saturday): Mission Valley Christian Fellowship (6536 Estrella Avenue (Corner of Estrella & Zion Ave above Kaiser Hospital) San Diego 92120 "Election Review" from 6:00-8:30 pm. Discussion of candidates and Statewide Propositions. Contact Woody Woodrum for more information at woodyfor53@yahoo.com

· 17 October (Sunday): Grace Bible Church (655 West 11th Avenue; Escondido; 92025) "Statewide Proposition Presentation" from 7:30-8:30 pm.

· 18 October (Monday): The Escondido Republican Club is hosting a candidate’s forum and a presentation on the Statewide Propositions at the October luncheon (Cocina del Charro Restaurant; 525 N. Quince; Escondido; 92025). For details go to: http://www.escondidorepublicanclub.org/index.html

· 18 October (Monday): Horizon Christian Fellowship is hosting a "Statewide Proposition Presentation" from 7:00-9:00 pm (5331 Mt. Alifan Drive; San Diego; 92111; in the cafeteria).

· 19 October (Tuesday): At The Rock Church (2277 Rosecrans St. San Diego, CA 92106)(Room 235) "Statewide Proposition Presentation" from 7:00-9:00 pm. Contact Alana Sorensen for details and specific location at asorensen@alanascreative.com

· 24 October (Sunday): Rancho Del Rey Christian Church is hosting a "Statewide Proposition Presentation" from 7:00-9:00 pm (3132 Tiger Run Ct.; Suite G-105; Carlsbad; 92010). Contact Chris White for details at saltnlightministry.rdr@gmail.com

· 27 October (Wednesday): The Escondido Republican Women Federated luncheon meeting will include a presentatio on the Statewide Propositions (Escondido Country Club; 1800 Country Club Lane; Escondido; 92026). Contact Traci Bass for more information at traci@tracibasshomes.com

Good News Etc. Article for October:

“Wrongful National Death”

Whether we like it or not, we’re witnessing the death of a grand experiment in applied Christianity. From the very beginning of the colonial experience, through the maturing of the United States as a nation, we could be the final beneficiaries of a remarkable spiritual heritage. In its infancy this legacy understood the sinfulness of man’s heart (Jer 17:9) and the destructive consequences of an unrestrained government and took measures to control both.

The national death that’s coming is a result of negligence over a long time, most significantly in the last generation. We can attribute it to any number of causes, we can point to circumstances we had no personal control over, or we can say it’s just the natural course of events in the cruel track record of history. I’m of the opinion, however, that our squandered opportunity for Christian stewardship of this nation is the primary source of the decay we’re facing. Negligence is a key factor in any claim of wrongful death, and I believe we’ve been sufficiently negligent in our kingdom duties that the death of our unique nation is now within sight.

Don’t believe me? When was the last time revival swept our land? When do you recall sermons against ungodly politicians and legislation last thundering across our nation? What’s happened to seasons of prayer and fasting? Where’s widespread moral indignation against entrapment of families in government entitlement programs? Where are the thousands of evangelical preachers exhorting us to storm the very gates of hell (Matt 16:18) and legally do everything in our power to curb abortion, take back our schools, shame the public honoring of sexual perversion and immorality, and even demand fiscal responsibility of OUR government? Are we really apathetic, ignorant, or just not led? The very truths of God are in our hands – why aren’t all our gifted teachers and preachers equipping us for kingdom work in all these dark battlefields?

The explosion of economic prosperity and military dominance following the Depression and World War II may have left us too comfortable and complacent about the things of God outside our fellowships. This includes a loss of passion to share the gospel to an increasingly hostile culture. The extraordinary growth of government power, judicial activism, special interests, and new “rights” contrary to sound reasoning and Biblical standards has systemically infested our land and co-opted our stewardship role. When government can ignore Constitutional restraints, take over the banking, auto and health care industries, devour the fruit of our labor, and curse our descendents with unsustainable debt, why would we think our freedom to worship, preach, evangelize and conduct our business in a Christ honoring manner will somehow be beyond its reach?

Think about it, tea-Party leaders have replaced our spiritual leaders in fighting for principles we used to be care-givers for. Conservative talk shows hosts are the new preachers informing and energizing people of faith to turn back the national death rattle around us. If our nation is pulled back from the brink this November, it won’t be because of spiritual revival and action – it’ll be because common people with common sense have done what the evangelical community should have been doing all along.

Our nation, and eventually our religious freedoms are on life support. If large numbers of Christians wake up and make the difference in removing ungodly, ideologically driven politicians this November, it may help stem the slide to oblivion. Unfortunately, it won’t be because of widespread faithful preaching and teaching by fire-breathing, ordained, seminary trained pastors. It’ll be because of a grassroots understanding to do what’s right and necessary by those wanting something better for their children, and to salvage our freedoms and national resources to promote our values, love the unlovable, and freely and openly share the gospel.

Stop complaining and get involved. Once the dust settles we can begin to ask how to reclaim our rightful place as churches in outreach to the lost, the helpless, and to our godless government.

Good News Etc. Guest Commentary for October:

“The Ground Zero Mosque and Our Witness”

Rarely does a public issue highlight the complex spiritual warfare around us like the Mosque at Ground Zero. Public opinion is solidly against building an Islamic Cultural Center (with a Mosque) at 51 Park Place, just two blocks from the center of Ground Zero. However, local zoning decisions, Constitutional rights, and other legal protections (such as RLUIPA) have protected Imam Rauf’s right to pursue this project, independent of the provocation it presents to our national sensitivities.

Common sense clearly shows a massive Islamic project this close to the site of mass murder by radical Islamists is for one reason: to provoke us as a people and a nation into a lose-lose situation. On the one hand, allowing this project to continue acquiesces to an intentional, blatant insult to our cultural and traditional sympathies and values. This will only serve to energize those in the Muslim world who hate us and view us as a weak, unprincipled people incapable of honor. On the other hand, stopping this project will undoubtedly generate rhetorical hyperbola that will predictably fan fanaticism into a murderous rage. Any pushing back and strongly questioning the wisdom, purpose, or necessity of this Mosque will be used to falsely “prove” our Islamophobia, intolerance, and hatred of Muslims to the rest of the world, independent of the fact that over 100 Mosques already exist in New York city, and thousands can be found around our country.

Islamists have become adept at using the freedoms and legal rights enjoyed in the West for their own purposes. By demanding accommodation of religious practices in every possible public setting, and demonstrating extreme sensitivity for any perceived slight, our politically correct leadership and compliant media have raised Muslim issues to a protected category far above any other group, person or cause. Is it any wonder that Imam Rauf feels not the slightest embarrassment at offending millions of Americans? For him to claim he’s only trying to promote peace is laughable from one that has questionable sympathies for radical Islamists, believes we were the reason for 9-11, and gives veiled threats about consequences if his project is stopped. If his definition of peace was the same as ours, why not spend the money on promoting anti-terrorist campaigns, or a universal memorial for those lives that were destroyed by Islamists. However, if he is true to Muslim beliefs, peace can only come when Islam rules the entire earth and subjugates any and all that are not Muslim.

In effect, Imam Rauf and his financial backers are attempting to “conquer” for the world of Islam a portion of ground in the heart of what represents a quintessential victory site for radical Islam, and a deep tragedy for us as a nation. Do they have the legal right to do so? Yes. Is it a purposeful provocation with the intention to act as a staging area for more influence in the area? Yes. Is there anything we can do legally or through public opinion to affect this outcome? Realistically, probably not much. However, we can do some things.

Listen very carefully to our elected leaders to see how they handle this conundrum. If they stress the legal rights of Imam Faul while ignoring the obvious provocation and insult to the American people, then they’ve failed in their role as leaders. If they don’t do everything in their power to come up with creative alternatives, then they’re worthless as our representatives. Why can’t we create a large national monument and strictly control what business and groups can reside there? Why not condemn the property outright and use eminent domain to reserve it as a memorial, particularly since it was damaged during by 9-11? Why not pressure the acceptance of Donald Trump’s offer to buy the property at a profit for the current investors?

Also, we can use this as a teachable moment to contrast the very different natures and beliefs of Islam and Christianity - basically works & subjugation verses faith & love. Our national freedoms come from a Biblical understanding of the worth of life, property, and matters of conscience and faith. Nowhere are our freedoms found in Muslim dominated countries, and bit by bit they’ll be compromised and replaced here if we’re not watchful and resolute. In the on-going spiritual warfare around us, let’s not give unnecessary offense, but let’s also do what’s right.

Minute Ministry Tip #7 (October 2010)

Get-Out-The-Vote. It seems every election is the most important one we’ve ever had. In some respects they have become more critical over the years because of the government’s increasingly irresponsible lack of fiscal and moral restraint. Many factors are making this particular mid-term election a bellwether for correcting the destructive “changes” being imposed upon the entire nation. Grass roots involvement has rarely been as intense as this time around. To continue the momentum, I encourage each of us to perform our own little “Get-Out-The-Vote” campaign with our families, friends, and particularly our church contacts. Encourage everyone you meet (that shares your values) to register if they haven’t yet, and then to commit to vote. Don’t forget about shut-ins or the frail (family, friends, and acquaintances) that may have difficulty physically getting out to vote, or may be overlooking their absentee ballots. Make up a phone call and e-blast list to remind people to vote, particularly over the weekend before the election, and then on Election Day for final stragglers. Make yourself available to drive someone to the polls if necessary. Finally, remember to be creative, gracious, and available, but without nagging. Every vote does count, but our Christ-like behavior towards others will count even more.

General Interest - Books Read In September:

This has been a particularly busy month, so I’m tabling much of my reading until next month. The next two on my reading list are:

“The Roots of Obama’s Rage” by Dinesh D’Souza
“State of Emergency” by Patrick J. Buchanan

Information – Assistance Offer:

Is there a pastor or ministry leader that’s receptive to establishing a Christian Citizenship (or Salt & Light) Ministry in a legal, Christ-honoring, Biblically balanced way? I’ll take them to lunch to discuss how to go about it. Just let me know.

Contact Information:

Frank Kacer

frankkacer@hotmail.com

Executive Director of the Christian Citizenship Council (C3) of San Diego

C3 is a 501(c)3 organization, serving the Christian community since 2004

www.christiancitizenshipcouncil.org

As always, if you wish to be taken off the distribution list, just let me know.

C3 Vision Statement

“The Christian Citizenship Council of San Diego exists to encourage and equip Churches and believers to apply biblical principles to all spheres of the culture around us, and to all of life”

(Matt 5:13-16; 16:18; 22:39; Jer 29:7)

“When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan”

(Prov 29:2)

C3 Report: Volume 3 Issue IX (September 2010)

2010-09-09T01:47:00.000-07:00

Contents:

September C3 Lunch Meetings!
Activities or Actions Worth Pursuing (Selected)
“The Election and the Gospel” Good News Etc. Article for September
Minute Ministry Tip #6 Voter Guides
General Interest: Books Read In August (by Dallas and God)
Information – Assistance Offer
Contact information

A warm welcome to new subscribers to the C3 Report: Chris, Karen, Pat, Robert, Gino and Kevin.

September C3 Lunch Meetings!

28^th of September (Tuesday) - Escondido: Marie Callenders; 615 West 13th Avenue - Lunch from 11:30 to 1:00 (Library Room)

30^th of September (Thursday) - San Diego: Marie Callenders; 6950 Alvarado Road - Lunch from 11:30 to 1:00 (Library Room)

Activities or Actions Worth Pursuing (Selected)

11 September: Patriot Day. The day set aside by act of Congress, and signed by President Bush in 2001 to remember those that died in the 9-11 attacks. Fly the American flag at half mast to honor those lives, and the brave men and women lost since then in defense of our freedoms.

11 September: City Fest (Mission Bay Park). For information about this 12:00 to 9:00 p.m. event with Luis Palau go to http://www.sandiegocityfest.com

12^th, 18^th, 26^th of September: “CPEDG”: The “Cultural and Political Engagement Discussion Group” continues at Grace Bible Church the 1^st & 3^rd Saturdays at 0900 am, and the 2^nd & 4^th Sundays at 12:15 pm. For information contact frankkacer@hotmail.com. Current lesson: How to Communicate Effectively

17 September: Constitution Day. Surprise - this does not show up on my Daytimer, but it’s the anniversary of the signing of our national Constitution in 1787. For more information about this day and our Constitution go to: http://www.constitutionday.com

18 September: Salt and Light Training (10:00 to 5:00 pm). Contact Dran Reese at dran@saltandlightcouncil.org to sign up. For info about Salt and Light go to: http://saltandlightcouncil.org/

20 September – 30 October: A Call to Pray and Act for Life, Marriage and Religious Freedom. This call for our nation has gone out to 10’s of thousands of pastors across the nation, as well as countless others. Join the 40 days of fasting and prayer, and the remaining national conference call/webinar events by going to: www.prayandact.com

22 September – 31 October: 40 Days for Life. Around the world pro-life supporters will be meeting for prayer and fasting throughout these 40 days. Go to www.40daysforlife.com/sandiego for more information on local activities.

26 September: Gold Star Mother’s Day. This day is observed on the last Sunday of September each year for people to recognize and honor those who have lost a son or daughter while serving the United States Armed Forces.

October: Does your church have a desire to address the State-wide Propositions on the 2^nd of November ballot? For a free booklet on how to do this in a Christ honoring, legal manner contact C3 at the address below.

23 October: Western Center for Law and Policy Banquet (with David Barton!) “An Evening in Florence”. I encourage all of you to attend this wonderful opportunity to: hear about WCLP’s service to us; listen to David Barton (Wallbuilders); and participate in supporting WCLP’s work to protect our faith, family and freedom rights. Cost is $75 per person, or sponsor a table for $650 for 10 people.

Now: Voter Registration! Be sure to be registered to vote this November. Remember that the last day to register is 18 October for the 2 November election.

Now - Family Value Voter Guide Help! If you have volunteer time available, and want to help the greater Christian community there’s a lot that can be done to assist getting this important guide out to our greater Christian community. To volunteer, send an e-mail to FamilyVoterInfo@FamilyVoterInfo.org, or call 888-721-1980.

Now: Preparation for November Propositions Vote. Go to http://www.sos.ca.gov to begin reviewing the 9 state-wide Propositions we will be voting on November 2^nd.

Tea Parties in the Area:

Ramona Tea’d: http://www.ramonatead.com/.
East County: http://www.eastcountyteaparty.org.

North County Conservative Events:

http://www.northcountyconservatives.org/index.html

My Recent Good News Etc. Article (September):

“The Election and the Gospel”

Politics is in the air. Tea Party activists have rightly called government to task for unrestrained power grabs and gross fiscal irresponsibility. Everywhere, Christian conservatives are scrutinizing candidates to see if they’re true to our core Biblical principles and values. Like the last election, this November will be a bell-weather for our country’s future. Nothing less than a tipping point between our freedoms and the government’s insatiable thirst for power are at stake. Our right to openly worship, preach and live out God’s word, the prosperity of our children and grandchildren, our national security, and the control of our medical care future are all at risk because apathy and ignorance have enabled ungodly leadership to be enthroned. It’s obvious we can’t sit on the sidelines just waiting for November. What tends to be lost, however, is that this election can be a showcase for the gospel.

Because politics is a contact sport, it can quickly become very divisive. In election battles it’s easy to forget that brothers and sisters in Christ have infinitely more in common through Christ than they’ll ever have in their politics. Not that we shouldn’t strive for unity (1 Peter 3:8) in everything, including our votes, but ultimately our spiritual fellowship shouldn’t be dependent on perfect alignment in the political realm. Remember, the world will know we’re Christ’s disciples by our love, not animosity, towards each other (John 13:35). How we speak about and treat other believers, even when we may differ, will support or degrade the credibility of our gospel testimony and its transcending power over everything else in our lives.

Also, as Christians we should have a deep and abiding concern for the well-being of others. Just as God demonstrated his infinite love for us by giving his Son, shouldn’t we demonstrate our compassion for the lost, powerless, and weak by demanding government restrain itself from devaluing life and creating dependency through class warfare? Where are the sermons equipping us to actively defend truth and the common good against a power-thirsty government (Jer 29:7; Eph 5:11)? Why isn’t every church teaching us how to apply God’s word to restrain evil, how to support good candidates and legislation, and how to not depend solely on the use of political power (Matt 5:13-16)? If preaching the whole Bible doesn’t include exhorting and equipping us to engage in the dominant moral battles of our era – then our spiritual leadership is naïve, weak and possibly blind. Continuing in this state of denial will eventually lead to our comfortable church lives being turned into agony by an oppressive, ungodly government.

Our credibility with unbelievers is impacted by our understanding of the times and ability to express timeless truth in an effective way. As the world watches, if we just curse the darkness how is our credibility ever bolstered in sharing the gospel? Ultimately, it’s not who’s elected to office or which Propositions pass; it’s our personal example and concern to an unbelieving world that will have eternal influence. If we don’t capitalize on the widespread angst and anger towards the incompetent and dangerous leaders we currently have, then we’ve squandered opportunities to apply truth or demonstrate concern for what’s right, and will only reinforce the stereotypical view that the Bible, Christians and the gospel are irrelevant to our world.

Finally, whatever the outcome in November we must recognize that this deadly spiritual warfare will continue. If positive changes begin in this election, our active, gracious involvement gives us credibility with others because of our concern for them, and our love for each other. If the election doesn’t help restrain government, then the moral credibility we gained in the fight will allow us to minister to those that’ll be disillusioned and eventually hurt by government hegemony.

Minute Ministry Tip #6:

Voter Guides. The most used, most complete, local voter guide is the Family Values Voter Guide. This provides great information on many of the races from the local level to state-wide. A discouraging trend over the last several cycles, however, is that even those candidates we like are starting to not respond to the questions asked of them. There may be several reasons for that, but one is not through oversight by their political staff. Don Smith and his volunteers have a rigorous follow-up process to ensure the questionnaire was received, and tries multiple times to gain a response back from each candidate. The FVVG will be posted at http://www.familyvoterinfo.org prior to the election, or you can request copies to distribute for your church by calling 888-721-1980

General Interest - Books Read In August:

“The Bible”: by God Himself (English Standard Version, 1042 pages). I’m on track to complete reading through the entire Bible for this year. I use September 11^th as the anniversary date since it helps remind me of the uncertainties and dangers in this world, and the absolute trust I have in Almighty God (through Jesus Christ) that fashioned the universe and holds all nations in His just hands. I encourage each of you to develop a daily routine of Bible reading and prayer.

“Desires in Conflict – Hope for Men Who Struggle with Sexual Identity”: by Joe Dallas (1991, revised 2003) (237 pages). Dallas is past president of Exodus International. His insights into homosexuality from both personal life experience and extensive counseling of homosexuals provides a rich resource to anyone needing to understand this complex sin issue. He balances Biblical grace and truth very effectively, directly addresses those struggling with homosexual desires (and lust) in a compassionate and thoughtful manner, and doesn’t overlook the need for repentance. He also discusses the common attacks on Biblical passages dealing with homosexuality as well the unsupported genetic cause theory. I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to better understand this multifaceted and life-destroying orientation.

Information – Assistance Offer:

Contact Information:

Frank Kacer

frankkacer@hotmail.com

Executive Director of the Christian Citizenship Council (C3) of San Diego

C3 is a 501(c)3 organization, serving the Christian community since 2004

www.christiancitizenshipcouncil.org

As always, if you wish to be taken off the distribution list, just let me know.

C3 Vision Statement

(Matt 5:13-16; 16:18; 22:39; Jer 29:7)

“When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan”

(Prov 29:2)

C3 Report: Volume 3 Issue VIII (August 2010)

2010-08-12T08:55:00.001-07:00

Contents:

No August C3 Lunch Meetings!
Activities or Actions Worth Pursuing (Selected)
“The New Greatest Generation” Good News Etc. Article for August
Minute Ministry Tip #5 Election Pre-View Evenings
General Interest: Books Read In July (Skousen & Keller)
Information – Assistance Offer
Contact information

A warm welcome to new subscribers to the C3 Report: Michael, Josh, Jason, Spencer, Jan, Denny and Tom.

No August C3 Lunch Meetings!

There are no C3 lunch meetings in August. Summer months tend to be slow, so it’s a good time to get recharged to face the political chaos in the months leading up to November. We will begin again in September:

28^th of September (Tuesday) - Escondido: Marie Callenders; 615 West 13th Avenue - Lunch from 11:30 to 1:00 (Library Room)

30^th of September (Thursday) - San Diego: Marie Callenders; 6950 Alvarado Road - Lunch from 11:30 to 1:00 (Library Room)

Activities or Actions Worth Pursuing (Selected)

Now - Family Value Voter Guide Help! The FVVG has been a tremendous resource for voters in San Diego for many years. If you have volunteer time available, and want to help the greater Christian community there’s a lot that can be done to assist this very important work. Contact Don Smith at donsmith@cox.net or call 619.698.1872.

13 August - Exodus International. If you or your church is interested in promoting ministry in San Diego addressing the redemption and healing found in Jesus Christ regarding same-sex attraction and sexual brokenness, I encourage you to contact Paul Webster (Dir. of Ministry Advancement, Exodus Intn’l) for details concerning a meeting this Friday from 1:00 to 2:30 pm. Contact Paul at: 760.696.2445 or pwebster@exodusinternational.org

14 August: Mount Helix Park Foundation. If you would like to support the annual fundraiser (gourmet food, live music and art) for this worthy organization that maintains the site of the 30 foot cross overlooking El Cajon and the surrounding area (also hosts CYT, CCT and many other activities), contact Chris White at 760.547.4885 or go to:

http://www.mthelixpark.org/page/1oscz/Events_and_Programs.html

15 August: The Rock Salt & Light Ministry Fundraiser. This Sunday is a fund raiser by The Rock Church in conjunction with Rubios to support voter registration drives and non-partisan voter guide distribution for the fall elections. If you would like to participate, contact Alana Sorensen (Salt & Light Ministry) at rocksaltandligh@gmail.com or 619.888.4708. You will need a flyer to participate:

http://www.rocksaltandlight.org/promotions/RubiosFundraiser_Aug2010.pdf

17 August (Tuesday): Fourth night of a 6 week class entitled: “Dual Citizenship: Christ Honoring Stewardship of our American Experience” at Rancho Del Rey Christian Church, 1740 La Costa Meadows Drive, San Marcos. Contact Christopher White (saltnlightministry.rdr@gmail.com) for more information

September: “CPEDG”: After an August break, the “Cultural and Political Engagement Discussion Group” continues at Grace Bible Church the 1^st & 3^rd Saturdays at 0900 am, and the 2^nd & 4^th Sundays at 12:15 pm. For information contact frankkacer@hotmail.com. Next lesson: How to Communicate Effectively

October: Is your church planning on how to engage the State-wide Propositions on the 2^nd of November ballot? See the Minute Ministry Tip #5 below.

Mentoring Opportunity: I’ve been working on a mentoring course for young men and women to engage the political landscape from a Biblical undergirding. If you’d like more detail, or would like to participate – let me know.

Tea Parties in the Area:

Ramona Tea’d: http://www.ramonatead.com/.
East County: http://www.eastcountyteaparty.org.

North County Conservative Events:

http://www.northcountyconservatives.org/index.html

My Recent Good News Etc. Article (August):

“The New Greatest Generation”

Rightfully so, those that went through the Depression and World War II are called the Greatest Generation. Not only did an economic tragedy devastate this country, but total war against fascism was a life-death struggle that steeled us as a nation and a people. The ultimate collapse during the Cold War of atheist Communism demonstrated our continued resolve against enemy regimes that worshipped a godless, secular ideology over life itself. Many of us can look back on that generation with pride for what was accomplished through an immeasurable sacrifice of blood and treasure.

I would never purposely detract from the enormity of the threat previous generations faced, or the immense struggles they overcame to defend the liberties and freedoms we and much of the world now enjoy. But while we’ve experienced explosive prosperity since then, we’ve also watched the unprecedented moral decay of our culture and society. This corrosion is driven by widespread individual self-absorption and an increasingly complicit secular government motivated by moral relativism and a thirst for power. I believe this internal threat to our testimony is ultimately just as ominous and destructive to the soul of our nation and its citizens as any we’ve faced from the surrounding world. Obviously, every generation has its unique fight with spiritual darkness, but ours is a particularly virulent and deceptive home grown variety.

The destructive and self-feeding influence of post-modernism, multi-culturalism, and an openly anti-Christian bigotry throughout all levels of government, public education, culture, and the major entertainment and news media is too obvious to ignore. If we think we can sit on the sidelines and enjoy our lives and our Christian fellowship without being dramatically impacted we’re sadly mistaken. Think about it, when has spiritual darkness ever been satisfied with the status quo (1 Peter 5:8)? The conflict our generation is witnessing is an all out attack on every moral value and duty we hold dear: the sanctity of life and marriage; our freedom to worship, preach and share God’s truths, the offering of hope to the dying, weak and idle, and the fulfilling of both the Great Commission (Matt 20:19-20) and our Cultural Mandate (Matt 5:13-16; 22:39).

My question to all of us is: where’s the wider Body of Christ in this war? Where’s the open moral outrage for the destructive path our nation is on (Eph 5:11), and it’s not so subtle desire to silence us, capture our children, and obliterate our Christian testimony? Though we’re at war, by and large the Christian community, and much of its spiritual leadership, is in denial over the extent and imminence of the threat. Multiplied tens of millions of lives were destroyed during the Greatest Generation’s warfare, but just as many lives are being lured to destruction all around us. Satan has declared war on Christians, and we sit on the sidelines watching – not realizing how high the stakes are.

With Christ as our Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4), and God’s word as our sword (Heb 4:12), our battle isn’t just the next election, it’s for the heart and soul of this nation and all that live in spiritual blindness. We’re truly in a life-death struggle against spiritual forces of evil around us, but many still sit back and enjoy Bible studies and sermons that don’t thunder with our duty to engage darkness (the gates of hell) for the glory of God and the saving of souls. Our generation, you and I, will either example the liberties we share in Christ and the freedoms we still enjoy to convert and change the world, or we‘ll answer to the next generation for what has been squandered.

Are we like the men of Issachar (1 Chron 12:32), who understood the times and knew what to do, or will we and walk away from being the new Greatest Generation for the cause of Christ? The decision is ours. Where are you and where are our leaders? May the Lord help us to be worthy of the challenge ahead of us, and faithful to our duty to engage the darkness for God’s glory.

Minute Ministry Tip #5:

Election Pre-View Evenings. As voters, Christians have an obligation to our nation, our community and our families to vote wisely and with Biblical convictions. In California we vote to approve or disapprove ballot Propositions virtually every election. An excellent way for a church to engage these questions is to conduct what I call an Election Pre-View Evening. This is where several from a church will host an evening for all members to address each Proposition from a Biblical perspective. It takes planning, and some research, but is a rewarding experience allowing church members to sharpen each other and grapple with applying their Biblical understanding to the issues of the day. If you would like a free booklet that would help guide you through this process – just ask – I’d be pleased to send you one. The title is: “Equipping the Church to Vote – Exercising Christian Citizenship in a Church Environment”

General Interest - Books Read In July:

“The Naked Capitalist”: by W. Cleon Skousen (1970) (130 pages including Appendices). I’ve heard of this book over the years and finally got a copy to read. Basically it’s a critical analysis of a 1966 book (Tragedy and Hope – A History of the World in Our Time) by Dr. Carroll Quigley, a self-proclaimed insider of the “secret power structure” in the world. At first I tried to dismiss the material as conspiracy nonsense, but by the end of the book I found it compelling – particularly since it warned of world financial and socialist movements that are becoming more and more obvious in our day, and it answers the question of why the richest people in the world seem to actively support socialism (and before its setbacks – communism).

“The Reason for God – Belief in an Age of Skepticism”: by Timothy Keller (2008) (240 pages). Although I have not finished reading this book, I like it a lot. We can quibble over small theological nuances, but I find Keller’s writing style, thoughtful treatment, and exceptionally insightful handling of the most common challenges to our Christian faith in our time excellent. In the second half of the book he deals with the major reasons underlying and justifying our Christian beliefs – this is also exceptionally well done. As we engage the culture around us, we need to be equipped to handle the challenges posed to us - I highly recommend this book to help us in that task

Information – Assistance Offer:

Contact Information:

Frank Kacer

frankkacer@hotmail.com

Executive Director of the Christian Citizenship Council (C3) of San Diego

C3 is a 501(c)3 organization, serving the Christian community since 2004

www.christiancitizenshipcouncil.org

As always, if you wish to be taken off the distribution list, just let me know.

C3 Vision Statement

(Matt 5:13-16; 16:18; 22:39; Jer 29:7)

“When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan”

(Prov 29:2)

C3 Report: Volume 3 Issue VII (July 2010)

2010-07-20T21:48:00.001-07:00

Contents:

No July or August C3 Lunch Meetings!
Activities or Actions Worth Pursuing (Selected)
“The One-Two Punch We Need” Good News Etc. Article for July
“Patriotic Worship” Commentary for July
Minute Ministry Tip #4 Voter Registration
General Interest: Books Read In June (Hannity & Morris)
Information – Assistance Offer
Contact information

A warm welcome to new subscribers to the C3 Report: Cheri, Evie, Jeni, Matt, Don, Lynn, Paul, Melody and Ryan.

No July or August C3 Lunch Meetings!

There will be no C3 lunch meetings in either July or August. These summer months tend to be slow, and it’s a good opportunity to get refreshed as we face the politically charged months that follow.

Activities or Actions Worth Pursuing (Selected)

20 July (Tuesday): First night of a 6 week class entitled: “Dual Citizenship: Christ Honoring Stewardship of our American Experience” at Rancho Del Rey Christian Church, 1740 La Costa Meadows Drive, San Marcos. Contact Christopher White (saltnlightministry.rdr@gmail.com) for more information

24 July: Salt and Light Training. Contact Dran Reese at dran@saltandlightcouncil.org. For info about Salt and Light go to: http://saltandlightcouncil.org/

Ongoing: “CPEDG”. I conduct a small “Cultural and Political Engagement Discussion Group” at Grace Bible Church the 1^st & 3^rd Saturdays at 0900 am, and the 2^nd & 4^th Sundays at 12:15 pm. If you’d like to attend, contact me (frankkacer@hotmail.com) for information. Next lesson: Correctly Framing Issues

Tea Parties in the Area:

Ramona Tea’d: http://www.ramonatead.com/.
East County: http://www.eastcountyteaparty.org.

Escondido:

teapartypatriots.org/Group/_Escondido_TEA_Party_-_North_County_Conservatives.

Poway: teapartypatriots.org/Group/Liberty_Tree_Patriots-Poway

Mentoring Opportunity (Excerpt from Article Below): I’ve been working on a course to mentor young men and women to engage the political landscape with a Biblical undergirding. If you’d like more detail on these plans, or would like to participate – let me know (frankkacer@hotmail.com).

My Recent Good News Etc. Articles (July):

The second article below was published before the 4^th of July but it still has relevance when considering the months and years of political turmoil that are ahead of us and the reminders we need to have that our God reigns.

“The One-Two Punch We Need”

I’ve participated in many elections by: praying; donating; writing; organizing; distributing information; and even walking precincts. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I was discouraged many times at the results. Frequently, good candidates only receive microscopic numbers of votes, while deep pocket “conservatives-in-name-only” walked away with the election. Or a Proposition taking the moral high ground looses because of opponents with slick advertisements using extremely rare, emotional situations to gain sympathy. It seems the enemy uses tactics and treasures much more effectively than those who want to uphold righteousness in the public square. Don’t get me wrong, God is still glorified by our faithful labors, since He is the one that brings forth any fruit, not us. Experience, however, tells me there are at least two major tactical changes we can make to be better equipped for future battles in this long campaign.

First, we generally have a poor understanding of the need to engage the wider voting public with a compelling story. It’s one thing to operate within our own circle of networked friends. It’s quite another to develop and use the skills and resources needed to sway the greater voting public to our way of thinking. Remember, many elections are decided by a few percentage points. If the Biblical path of morality, justice, and individual character and accountability is sound (which I believe it is), why haven’t we boldly articulated these truths, and the consequences of their rejection, to the world around us? We seem to have lost the ability to take timeless Biblical truths and relate them to society in a manner they can understand. Obviously, we’re concerned about a person’s spiritual condition, but shouldn’t we also be able to effectively communicate truths that could transform both them and society? Without a compelling argument and ability to translate God’s truths and implications outside our faith circles, why would voting patterns ever shift in the right direction? It’s time to question why so few Sunday school classes educate and invigorate Christians to engage the world. Where are the sermons to exhort our involvement in the Public Square, or apologetics classes to defend truth? As long as our horizon of influence is our faith community, we can expect little change at the polls.

Secondly, we tend to have a “fire-and-forget” mentality. Christians are famous for becoming energized over an issue or candidate, then after the dust settles retreat to their own interests. If “our guy” wins, we’re excited, then forget to hold them up in prayer, meet to encourage them, give them advice, and even correct when needed. Constant attention will help them do their job and hold them accountable. If “the bad guy” wins, we also walk away instead of working to influence them to do what’s right for the entire electorate. But even more problematic, we’ve not filling the pipeline by discipling the next generation of leaders from amongst our own ranks for public leadership. Where are we targeting the bright, committed, and Biblically grounded young men and women in our churches to prepare them for public service for the common good? Church leadership tends to clone themselves and produce more pastors – this is good, but is an extremely narrow understanding of our broader salt and light mandate. Parents want their offspring to be doctors, attorneys, engineers, but a politician? By default, we’ve ceded the entire political profession to those that typically don’t hold our values. Is it any wonder the general quality of leaders we have is so low?

Even though God’s word doesn’t change, the language of sin in each generation does. Our challenge is to adapt and engage God’s truths without compromising (1 Cor 9:19-23), and grow the next generation of godly leaders (Prov 22:6). If you’re up to it, I’ve been working on a course to mentor young men and women to engage the political landscape with a Biblical undergirding. If you’d like more detail on these plans, or would like to participate – let me know.

“Patriotic Worship”

Though many churches have an aversion to combining patriotism with worship, the fact that Independence Day (July 4^th) falls on a Sunday makes this an excellent opportunity to dust off sermons relating to citizenship responsibilities, our duty to pray for those in authority and to remember the sacrifices made for this nation and our liberties. Another appropriate touch would be to include patriotic songs during worship or at church picnics celebrating the 4th.

Three of the most familiar patriotic songs all have overtones relating to our mighty God. The Star Spangled Banner, mostly known for the first stanza sung at sporting events, refers to the “Power that has made and preserved us a nation” and the motto “In God is our trust” in the fourth stanza. It culminates with powerful imagery of those serving in war. In America the Beautiful, the reframes in each of the eight stanzas is a plea for God’s mercy and grace to create in us the character of heart and soul reflective of the natural beauty and courageous heritage of our land.

My favorite, however, is The Battle Hymn of the Republic. This Civil War hymn was emblematic of the war to end slavery, and by extension the spiritual battle raging around us until the Lord returns. All six stanzas contain strong allusions to Biblical truths. For me, stanza one glories in the second coming of Christ (Matt 16:27), His wrath poured out on the ungodly (Rev 14:19), and His mighty sword of righteousness (Rev 19:15). The second stanza appears to acknowledge the Lord’s presence amongst His own (Matt 18:20) and the firm warnings contained in God’s word (Heb 4:12). Stanza three mentions the gospel in the imagery of weapons of war, but balances it with warnings against revenge (Rom 12:19-21). It also directly mentions the promise from Gen 3:15 that Jesus, born of a woman, will crush our enemy Satan.

The fourth stanza dramatically points to Christ’s triumphant return (1 Thess 4:16), the judgment that follows (2 Cor 5:10; Matt 25:31-46), and the joy we’ll have when finally with Him. In stanza five, the author remarkably threads together the glories of Christ, His death to free us from our sin (1 Peter 3:18), and our transformation into holy creatures to faithfully serve Him (Col 1:21-23; Heb 12:14). Finally, the last stanza once more looks to Christ’s triumphal return to rule over the earth as His footstool (Matt 5:35), with His perfect will being done into eternity (Rev 22:12).

These hymns are precious gifts. In the uncertain times we live in, they remind us of the Lord we serve, the nation we’re to be good stewards of, and the sacrifices that allow us freedom to openly worship and pursue our mandate to evangelize and transform this land for the glory of God. I encourage worship teams to consider including these in services on July 4^th, and to remember that our nation remains “under God.”

Minute Ministry Tip #4:

Voter Registration. Statistics after every election show a poor turnout amongst Christians. If your church hasn’t conducted a voter registration drive, this is an excellent way to motivate leadership and members to become more engaged. Registration drives are non-partisan (doesn’t favor one political party over another), easily done, and non-threatening. However, they do need to be done correctly (County Registrar of Voters has instructions and forms). Work with your pastoral leadership well in advance of the next election on how to best conduct these drives to prevent any difficulties. Some churches use service time to stress the importance of voting, some have put registration forms in the pews, some have well marked tables near entrances. There’s many ways to gain visibility and participation – so be creative. There’s also a subtle message is this:

voter registration implies a need to vote Biblically. Because Christians can be swayed by false advertising just as much as anyone else, its important to be properly equipped on how to be a good steward of our voting decisions. This is where preaching and teaching can address the real issues involved and how the simple act of voting can honor our Lord.

General Interest - Books Read In June:

“Conservative Victory – Defeating Obama’s Radical Agenda”: by Sean Hannity (2010) (231 pages). This easy to read book was actually better than I had expected. Hannity has a pleasing writing style and does an excellent job of laying out the flawed policies of the current (and preceding) administrations, while clarifying conservative principles that should be pursued. His book is essentially an action plan and appeal for the Republican Party to return to it’s roots for strength. His Victory List of important policy issues at the end is good but is a little uneven as to scope or specificity for each. In general, a good read for someone that wants to go beyond Fox News and Talk Radio and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the issues and what Conservatism stands for.

“2010 Take Back America – A Battle Plan – The Stakes, The Targets, The Strategy and What You Can Do”: by Dick Morris (2010) (308 pages). I found this latest book by Morris another screed against Obama with ponderous detail to back it up. There’s also a detailed action plan on how Republicans should run their campaigns this fall to take back at least the House of Representatives, an analysis of vulnerable Democrats, and the reasons they’re vulnerable. If your life consists of only a fascination with political tactics, information, analysis and talking points, this book is for you. For me, it rapidly became tedious (and too worldly-wisdom-wise) to the point I couldn’t finish it.

Information – Assistance Offer:

Do you have a pastor or ministry leader that’s receptive to establishing a Christian Citizenship (or Salt & Light) Ministry in a legal, Christ-honoring, Biblically balanced way? I’d love to take them to lunch to discuss how to go about it in a reasonable way. Just let me know.

Contact Information:

Frank Kacer

frankkacer@hotmail.com

Executive Director of the Christian Citizenship Council (C3) of San Diego

C3 is a 501(c)3 organization, serving the Christian community since 2004

www.christiancitizenshipcouncil.org

As always, if you wish to be taken off the distribution list, just let me know.

C3 Vision Statement

(Matt 5:13-16; 16:18; 22:39; Jer 29:7)

“When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan”

(Prov 29:2)

C3 Report: Volume 3 Issue VI (June 2010)

2010-06-10T22:53:00.000-07:00

Contents:

June C3 Lunch Meetings
Activities or Actions Worth Pursuing (Selected)
“Triaging the Candidates for Governor” Good News Etc. Article for June
Minute Ministry Tip #3
General Interest: Books Read In May
Information – Assistance Offer
Contact information

A warm welcome to new subscribers to the C3 Report: Michael, Craig, Harold, Arden, Jeanne, Dianne, Andrea, and Traci.

June C3 Lunch Meetings:

22^nd of June (Tuesday) - Escondido: Marie Callenders; 615 West 13th Avenue - Lunch from 11:30 to 1:00 (Library Room)

24^th of June (Thursday) - San Diego: Marie Callenders; 6950 Alvarado Road - Lunch from 11:30 to 1:00 (Library Room)

Activities or Actions Worth Pursuing (Selected)

Now: In many ways the election results were discouraging. I’m particularly disappointed in the Bettercourtsnow.com results. I encourage you to continue praying for those who fought the good fight, and consider donating to their campaigns even if they didn’t win – they’ll have lingering expenses that will still need to be met, and it will be an encouragement to them.

12 June – “We the People Constitution Seminar” (Escondido Charter High School)(Free): Take advantage of this excellent opportunity! This Saturday from 8:30 to 4:00. Go to http://www.echs.org/constitutionform.html for information

14 June - Flag Day: Remember the adoption of our national symbol in 1777. The USS Midway will be having its first Flag Day celebration. Go to http://www.midway.org for information.

16 June – Prop 8: Closing arguments are to be made before Judge Walker in the Proposition 8 battle. Continue to pray for a just ruling, and seriously consider donating to support the Prop 8 legal defense team by going to: www.protectmarriage.com

4 July - Independence Day: Have you talked with your church leadership about what can be done to celebrate our hard-won freedoms to worship, preach, share the gospel, and influence our nation and government for the common good and God’s glory?

Now: “CPEDG” Invite. I conduct a small “Cultural and Political Engagement Discussion Group” at Grace Bible Church the 1^st & 3^rd Saturdays at 0900 am, and the 2^nd & 4^th Sundays at 12:15 pm. If you’d like to attend, contact me (frankkacer@hotmail.com) for information on approach and content

Local Tea Parties: For East County Tea Party time and place, go to http://www.eastcountyteaparty.org. For Ramona Tea’d go to http://www.ramonatead.com/. For Escondido go to:

teapartypatriots.org/Group/_Escondido_TEA_Party_-_North_County_Conservatives. For Poway go to: teapartypatriots.org/Group/Liberty_Tree_Patriots-Poway.

My Recent Good News Etc. Article (June):

“Triaging the Candidates for Governor”

In one fell swoop, I may be alienating virtually all of my friends and fellow ministry partners. I’m going to wade into the murky waters of Christian involvement in the current Primary race for Governor. This brings back memories of the Grey Davis recall and the Schwarzenegger-Bustamante-McClintock fiasco years ago. This time we have Whitman-Poizner and far back in the pack Naritelli. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t put my faith in the Republican Party (Psalm 146:3-7), but I do find it interesting virtually every Republican running for high office is claiming to be either conservative, or “the true” conservative in the race. It’s hard for me to agree with any candidate using that label when they’ve only recently come to stand for fiscal responsibility, strong enforcement of immigration laws, or some isolated aspect of a Pro-Life position. Such new found commitment may be going in the right direction, but it speaks to an unstable foundation, one not grounded in long, self-reflection and immersion in the truth of God’s holy word (James 4:5-8). Also, Biblical “conservatism” doesn’t give quarter to denigrating and demonizing the opposition – a particularly distasteful tactic by Whitman and Poizner. So, what are we in the Christian community going to do?

Many will vote based upon a single “non-negotiable” – such as being strongly and openly Pro-Life or not. Single issue voters have an easier time, since many, if not all candidates are immediately ruled out. I can appreciate and respect the passion and reasons for these decisions. Others may include additional “non-negotiables” such as traditional marriage, parental rights, fiscal restraint, controlled borders and the like. As the litmus list grows the list of acceptable candidates becomes shorter. For the three candidates I’ve listed, only Naritelli comes closest to meeting the criteria we’d want to use. One twist is voting on “principles” in the Primary, then more “pragmatically” in the Fall.

Others will base their vote on the best balance of electability and alignment to our values. When this approach, Whitman and Poizner’s stock rises considerably above Naritelli’s. This is a brutal fact of politics – money and machine are the foundations for any successful campaign, no matter how right a candidate may be on the issues. We may think God will bring about a miracle and deliver our choice independent of reality, but there’s a very large contingent of non-Christians and Christians-in-name-only that must be swayed towards our preferred person in order to win an election, and money and machine are typically the tools of choice to win their vote – whether we like it or not.

Finally, some are pragmatists and look strategically for the Fall General Election. Basically, who has the best opportunity to beat Jerry Brown? This view says voting for Naritelli siphons off votes that would otherwise go to Poizner, who is in many ways more to the political right of Whitman, thus helping elect Whitman. Realistically, her campaign for November would lack real enthusiasm and outreach from the conservative camp, thus spelling potential disaster.

The bottom line is that we must educate ourselves as best we can, continue to grapple with what would in our understanding be the best decision, and then vote our conscience as unto the Lord (Col 3:23). What we’re not asked to do, I believe, is to vote only out of emotion, or based solely upon attack ads. More importantly, we’re not to become divisive amongst ourselves about these political decisions. This side of heaven we’re all subject to sin and imperfection, just like every candidate for office. However, we as brothers and sisters in Christ can easily forget that we have infinitely more in common through Christ than we will ever have in our political choices. This Primary, though important, will soon be over. There’ll be many more types of battles to come. Obviously, we should strive to be united in our actions and decisions, but experience tells me there’ll be many differences amongst us. May the Lord protect us from divisiveness in the face of these differences, and may the sweet fellowship we have because of Christ, not our votes, be the bond that binds us. And finally, may the Lord have mercy on us all.

Minute Ministry Tip #3:

Church Infrastructure. Generally, the larger the church, the more process, policy and decision layers you’ll find. This isn’t necessarily bad, since it serves to protect the integrity and reputation of the church, and in most cases results from difficulties encountered in the past. For members impatient with their church engaging in cultural and governmental influence ministries, these “bureaucracies” can make any decisions maddeningly slow. Always remember, however, how important it is to work within the decision structure that exists, no matter how long it takes. This will not only lead to creation of a mature ministry, but it will be institutionalized to ensure long term viability, visibility, oversight, finances, and promotion. The smaller the church, the fewer the decision layers and “bureaucracy”, but the decision oversight by your spiritual leadership is still the key component that needs to be worked with and not against.

General Interest - Book Read In May:

“Rediscovering God in America – Reflections on the Role of Faith in Our Nation’s History and Future”: by Newt Gingrich (2006) (small size; 159 pages). This short, easy to read book is a good gift for a young person to read, or an older person that only reads very little. It treats major faith symbols and words in the Washington DC Capitol region (with pertinent background), and shows how the most recent monuments are increasingly more secular in nature. For more serious treatments I would recommend David Barton’s materials (Wallbuilders), but for a casual read, stocking stuffer, this is fine.

“God Bless America – Prayers & Reflections For Our Country”: a publication of Inspirio, The Gift Group of Zondervan (1999) (pocket size; 207 pages). This little hardbound booklet is an excellent stocking-stuffer, or giveaway gift. It contains eight sections (e.g. Prayer, Freedom, Leadership, etc.) containing patriotic information, selected scriptures relevant to the topical area, and quotes from a wide range of people. We may disagree over the application of some of the verses, or the heart of some of the people quoted – but the words and scriptures used are well presented and an excellent opportunity to read at your leisure or to discuss and interpret with others.

Information – Assistance Offer:

Contact Information:

Frank Kacer

frankkacer@hotmail.com

Executive Director of the Christian Citizenship Council (C3) of San Diego

C3 is a 501(c)3 organization, serving the Christian community since 2004

www.christiancitizenshipcouncil.org

As always, if you wish to be taken off the distribution list, just let me know.

C3 Vision Statement

(Matt 5:13-16; 16:18; 22:39; Jer 29:7)

“When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan”

(Prov 29:2)

C3 Report: Volume 3 Issue V (May 2010)

2010-05-20T23:04:00.001-07:00

Contents:

May C3 Lunch Meetings
Activities or Actions Worth Pursuing (Selected)
Recommendations on the Five Statewide Propositions
“Politics and the Nature of Man” Good News Etc. Article for May
Minute Ministry Tip #2
General Interest: Book Read In April
Information – Assistance Offer
Contact information

A warm welcome to new subscribers to the C3 Report: Jonathan, Marie, Lynn, Inki, Don, Erin, Sherry, Jeff and John.

May C3 Lunch Meetings:

25^th of May (Tuesday) - Escondido: Marie Callenders; 615 West 13th Avenue - Lunch from 11:30 to 1:00 (Library Room)

27^th of May (Thursday) - San Diego: Marie Callenders; 6950 Alvarado Road - Lunch from 11:30 to 1:00 (Library Room)

Activities or Actions Worth Pursuing (Selected)

20 May: Mission Valley Christian Fellowship. All are invited to attend a “Citizens of the Book Salt & Light Ministry” review of the candidates and propositions on the June ballot. Forum begins at 6:30 p.m. at 4698 Alvarado Canyon Road, Suite A, San Diego 92120.

21 May: Christian Executive Officers (CEO) Breakfast. Pastor Brian Hendry from Zion Christian Fellowship will be speaking on "Godly justice and the current status of the Judicial system”. Go to www.christianexecutiveofficers.com or rsvp at: 619.463.2745 or e-mail rsvp@christianexecutiveofficers.com for this important presentation. Breakfast will be at the Handlery Hotel, 959 Hotel Circle North in Mission Valley beginning at 7:00 a.m.

24 May: San Diego Superior Court Judges Forum. Rancho Del Rey Church in San Marcos (1740 La Costa Meadows Drive, Suite 200) is holding a Judges Forum beginning at 7:00 p.m. This is a critical event to get to know the candidates for the four contested San Diego county Superior Court seats. Contact Christopher White for more information (760.547.4885)

24 May: Last day to register to vote in the 8 June Primary!

8 June: Election day for those that do not vote by absentee ballots. Typically only half as many vote during the Primary as vote during the General Election. Let’s change that.

16 June: Closing arguments are to be made before Judge Walker in the Proposition 8 battle. Continue to pray for a just ruling, and seriously consider donating to support the Prop 8 legal defense team by going to: www.protectmarriage.com

20-21 July; 21-22 September. WallBuilders Congressional Pastors’ Briefings in Washington D.C. For information go to: http://wallbuilders.com/PBOverview.asp

Now: Family Values Voter Guide. Available for view or printing at http://www.familyvoterinfo.org

Local Tea Parties: For East County Tea Party time and place, go to http://www.eastcountyteaparty.org. For Ramona Tea’d time, place and topics go to http://www.ramonatead.com/

Recommendations on the Five Statewide Propositions

If you would like this information to be sent separately to you, just request it.

Kacer’s Call

(8 June 2010 California Primary)

General Guidelines - How I approach Propositions (Do’s & Don’ts):

Do: First read the Summary, Analysis, Actual Text, then the Arguments for and against
Do: Ask yourself if this is a proper role of government
Do: Ask yourself if this is the right thing to do, who it benefits, and the consequences
Do: Determine what principles apply (Biblical, conservative, practical)
Do: Apply common sense; come to tentative conclusion – find position of those I trust
Don’t: Rely upon organizations by name only (many sound good but are deceptive)
Don’t: Wait until the last day to do your research (spread it out over time)
Don’t: Support government going into future debt (some rare exceptions)
Don’t: Allow rare circumstances to overly influence you (“rare cases make bad law”)
Don’t: Support anything that’s too complex to completely understand (obfuscation)

Note: “(C)” following Proposition Number indicates a State Constitution change; (S) a Statute change

Prop 13 (C): Property Tax – New Construction Exclusion: Seismic Retrofitting – Support (Yes)

Concerns: None foreseen at this time

Consider: Restrains government from arbitrarily changing earthquake retrofit requirements to allow re-assessments solely for revenue generation purposes. Safety is a valid governmental concern and should not entail penalty (taxation) when required (Rom 13:3-4)

Prop 14 (S): Top Two Candidate Open Primary Act – Oppose (No)

Concerns: Allows all voters to vote for ANY congressional and state elective office in Primary. Candidates must reach entire electorate (costly); political conventions will be needed to select, endorse & promote party favorites to membership. Special interests will still influence front runners (ads, mailings, precinct ops). No-Party (or preference) designation will obscure what candidate stands for & remove party alignment (Prov 14:8). 3^rd Party candidates & write-ins removed from General election, guarantees major party candidates unopposed (no protest vote other than not voting)

Consider: Anyone can vote for any candidate now (register with party of choice). Increased participation is doubtful. Minority voice removed from General election (Prov 18:17). No write-in candidates allowed (Prov 28:12). Primary will benefit less fragmented political party (fewer competing candidates equals less fragmentation). Who does this initiative benefit?

Prop 15: (S) California Fair Elections Act of 2008 – Oppose (No)

Concerns: Makes current campaign/election laws even more burdensome & complicated. Favors incumbents (incumbent success high already; campaign full time not fund-raise; use office visibility). Funding work-a-rounds still possible (attack issues only; massive funds at end of campaign (no time to adjust)). Will not remove influence on non-participants. Taxes legitimate lobbyists (charities). Allows legislature to apply to all elections. Removes use of donor visibility to see who candidate is beholding to (John 3:20). Purpose of the law (actual text) has very little correlation with actual content

Consider: Government (through taxes) will be pro-actively supporting incumbents, ensures continuance of existing imbalance for some time. Government regulation is restraint on the elective process, encouraging less visible activities

Prop 16 (C): The Taxpayers Right to Vote Act – Support (Yes)

Concerns: Current law allows local government “Community Choice Aggregator” approaches to take over private “Investor Owned Utilities” market without local voter approval. Expansion of government electricity service being considered in many cities/counties. Private competition should be encouraged, not government control/takeover (Rom 13:3-4). Government incapable of showing restraint – either in use of power or limiting fiscal indebtedness (presumption James 4:13-14)

Consider: Measure doesn’t limit access to green sources of power (good stewardship Gen 1:28; 2:15). Allows voters to decide if public debt is allowed for startup/expansion of government utilities (2/3 super-majority; like other tax increases) (Prov 15:22)

Prop 17: (S) Continuous Coverage Auto Insurance Discount Act – Support (Yes)

Concerns: CA Insurance Commission approves all rates & allowable discount factors (subject to Prop 103 of ’88), restricts free market principles. Current continuous coverage discount options are non-transferable. Claims of “surcharges” and discrimination not credible, without transferability increased competitiveness and consumer benefit reduced. “Optional” basis by insurer overlooked – not a mandatory discount factor.

Consider: Government should inform consumer on options/issues (public service), not restrict and manage entire industry (Rom 13:3-4); also ensure equal treatment (Lev 19:35-36) only. Measure provides option CA currently prohibits, but caveat emptor applies. Encourages personal responsibility(maintaining insurance) to gain cost savings (2 Thess 3:10)

My Recent Good News Etc. Article (May):

“Politics and the Nature of Man”

Often as I engage Christians and non-Christians, the discussion comes to the point of my asking: “Do you believe man’s nature is fundamentally good or evil?” The answer reveals any true understanding of the gospel and how a person can hold indefensible positions on important issues, such as the role of government.

If man’s nature is basically good, it follows that someone becomes corrupt through external forces. If raised properly, a child’s natural “goodness” will mature and rise above ignorance, intolerance, and bigotry. In other words, they’re perfectible. Parents are suspect if they discipline their children (harming natural goodness), or bias them towards moral standards. Ultimately, the individual becomes the judge of everything. Government then, as an extension of man’s good nature, becomes an irresistible tool to enshrine values into the next generation (moral relativism; benevolence; perfectibility). Being morally good, government knows what’s best for others and how to take care of everyone. In the extreme, “good” people and “all-powerful” government can justify any ungodly action by claiming the greater good will result. A woman’s liberty to choose; judging someone else’s quality of life; indulging in harmless pornography or sexual perversion; no fault divorce; government redistribution of wealth and rationed health care, unilateral disarmament; these all become “good” because government is good. Naturally, any criticism then becomes not just misguided but dangerous.

However, if man’s nature is basically evil, then it needs to be restrained for everyone’s wellbeing. Proper discipline in raising children becomes essential, while education should equip the next generation to be productive members of society while adhering to God-given moral standards for the benefit of everyone. Proper law, order and self-restraint become necessary in individual lives, the family, neighborhoods, and throughout government. Since history proves absolute power corrupts absolutely, government must be restrained to its proper role (Rom 13:1-5), consistent with God’s Biblical standard, not man’s fickle heart (Jer 17:9; Rom 3:10-12).

Most non-Christians I’ve met, and unfortunately many Christians, believe man is fundamentally good. This not only trivializes the truth of the gospel, it accepts a relativistic post-modernism that denies the very need for the gospel. Is it any wonder many Christians are befuddled how our government has become so anti-Christian? Without an objective understanding of the sinful nature, it’s virtually impossible to understand the irrational hatred of God’s goodness and His truth, much less see the wickedness of one’s own heart. The battle over our culture and nation is fundamentally a battle over one’s worldview and understanding of the nature and need of man. If a sinner thinks he’s basically good and undeserving of God’s wrath, he becomes self-righteous and disparages those with the truth. Everything he touches will eventually become corrupt and an enemy of God in one form or another. When so many Christians misunderstand this battle, they become unwitting accomplices’ in growing the very government that reflects man’s sinful nature and wants to be man’s “savior”.

The political battle around us is a shadow of the spiritual warfare struggling for the soul of our nation (Eph 6:12). Consider how you would answer the question I posed earlier. Did the fall of man seal our fate (Gen 2:16-17; Rom 5:15-19)? Does God’s grace give us a new, holy nature through faith in the only Savior – Jesus Christ, and Him crucified and resurrected (Rom 5:8)? Remember this as we engage the man-centered worldview that’s trying to destroy the only worldview that has eternal power and hope (Col 2:8-10). In this battle, government is only a tool, but it’s a powerful one in the hands of the self-righteous. Let us be diligent, then, in our attempts to restrain its use and make sure we do a gut check on what we think the true problem is.

Minute Ministry Tip #2:

Be Careful of Your Sources. In our fervor to keep people informed on the latest wrinkle concerning politics, radical efforts to silence Christians, egregious legislation, new revelations about our elected leaders, or whatever the issue of the day is – we need to be careful about its accuracy. I have a personal policy of not forwarding anything to a general audience unless the information is well sourced (referenced) and verifiable. Our credibility is on the line anytime we forward information, so a little care up front can keep us out of embarrassing trouble later. Snopes.com used to be helpful, but there are more and more liberal biases coming out in its treatments – caveat emptor.

General Interest - Book Read In April:

“Lord of All – Developing a Christian World-and-Life View”: by D. James Kennedy and Jerry Newcombe (2005) (299 pages). I enjoy Dr. Kennedy’s writing style – it is down to earth, clear, and easy to read. Like so many, this book does an excellent job of pointing out the contrasting messages of a Biblical world-and-life view from the world’s destructive secular/naturalistic view. He also demonstrates how far much of Christendom has fallen into the world’s way of thinking and the need to regain the truths of scripture in each of six spheres: family, church, school, nation, humanity and the world. Where it falls somewhat short is how the transformational aspect of our salt and light mandate can actually be developed and applied to the world around us.

“Pastors Pulpits & Politics – The Case For Clear Biblical Moral Teaching”: a publication of the Western Center for Law and Policy (2010) (26 page pamphlet). An excellent resource for pastors to better understand the legal freedom’s they have in equipping their church members to be cultural salt and light, and in addressing “political” issues. The Biblical undergirding for addressing the moral/political concerns of our day is very well threaded throughout. You can get copies by contacting WCLP at 760.747.4529

Information – Assistance Offer:

Contact Information:

Frank Kacer

frankkacer@hotmail.com

Executive Director of the Christian Citizenship Council (C3) of San Diego

C3 is a 501(c)3 organization, serving the Christian community since 2004

www.christiancitizenshipcouncil.org

As always, if you wish to be taken off the distribution list, just let me know.

C3 Vision Statement

(Matt 5:13-16; 16:18; 22:39; Jer 29:7)

“When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan”

(Prov 29:2)