Simply 'a woman who fears the Lord'

By Angela Wittman Disagreement, non-conformity, and opposition to our present government and the current two-party system is not a bad thing for a Christian to do and this is why I've decided to dissent and not vote in the 2012 elections.  And while there may be some worthy third party candidates, I just can't find one to vote for at this time - sorry. Perhaps if I were more ignorant about the current candidates and political parties, I would have a clear conscience and could vote for either the lesser of the two evils (Romney/Obama) or a candidate running on a third party platform that looks great on paper, but lacks in actual practice by the party leaders and their candidates. Some critics might charge that I am seeking perfection in a candidate, but those who know me realize that I have a pragmatic streak which can sometimes serve as a thorn in my flesh; I am continually looking for practical ways to advance the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ and often have to put a halt ...

By Angela Wittman As we approach November 6 th and the 2012 elections, the Christian would do well to ask what the Biblical qualifications for leaders are and then apply these principles to those seeking public office. A good resource for those seeking to bring glory to God in the political arena and the voting booth is the book  Explicitly Christian Politics , published by Christian Statesman Press and edited by William O. Einwechter. In the Appendix of Explicitly Christian Politics on pages 256 and 257 under the heading The Scriptures Require Moral and Religious, not Ecclesiastical, Qualifications and Duties of Civil Officers is this list of qualifications with Scripture proofs that one can use to measure the Biblical qualifications of candidates seeking their vote: Civil rulers are ministers of God, deriving all just authority ultimately from Him ( Prov. 8:15-16 ; Rom. 13:4-6 ). Civil officers hold their trust from God, through the people, to protect and enforce right, and res...

By Angela Wittman (Revised and updated 9.16.2012) “ When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn .” Proverbs 29:2 KJV There has been much discussion in Christian circles about how one should vote in the upcoming 2012 Presidential elections.  And while I won’t presume to tell the reader who to cast their vote for, I will share some Christian history on how earlier followers of Jesus Christ believed and taught on this important aspect of our life: Biblical Christianity and the civil government. Much of the information I am presenting was found in “Reformed Confessions Harmonized” edited by Joel Beeke and Sinclair Ferguson, the “Historic Church Documents” page at Reformed.org (CRTA – Center for Reformed Theology and Apologetics) and the website “ A Puritan’s Mind ” created by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon. The Belgic Confession (1561) is known as one of the oldest reformed doctrinal standards and originated in the Ne...

By Angela Wittman Updated 8.14.2012 Christian Post recently featured an article on Google and its push/campaign to "Legalize Love" in countries that Google has offices " where homosexual activities are illegal or same-sex relationships are not legally recognized ." The Christian Post article goes on to quote Mark Palmer-Edgecumbe , the head of Google's Diversity and Inclusion department for Europe, Middle East and Africa regions as saying, "We want our employees who are gay or lesbian or transgender to have the same experience outside the office as they do in the office." And he then goes on to give Singapore as an example of a country where homosexuality is banned and Poland which does not legally recognize homosexual marriage. Frankly, Google isn't looking to "Legalize Love" because one cannot make a feeling or emotion legal or illegal.  It is my opinion that Google is seeking to overturn long-held political and cultural foundations of...

By Angela Wittman Last week ABC News reported that Oreo Cookies had gotten "Gay Pride" and their rainbow stuffed cookie posted on Facebook  sparked some controversy . The article went on to say that some folks are planning to boycott the cookies made by Kraft Foods. I think boycotts are an effective tool for consumers to use. And frankly, the cookies really aren't a good food choice when one investigates their nutritional value : one serving of 34 grams has 160 calories, 7 grams of fat (of which 2 grams are saturated), 14 grams of sugar and 160 milligrams of sodium. The list of ingredients used to make these cookies includes high fructose corn syrup which has been linked to obesity and the many health concerns associated with it in North America . My advice for Christian consumers is to forego the unhealthy cookie that appears to have a political agenda and eat a healthier, tasty alternative that can easily be prepared in your own kitchen.  This alternative gives you cont...

By Angela Wittman The Westminster Shorter Catechism asks and answers this question: Question 67 : Which is the sixth commandment? A: The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill . -  Exodus 20:13. Question 68 goes on to ask what is required in the sixth commandment and responds with: The sixth commandment requireth all lawful endeavours to preserve our own life, and the life of others. Francis R Beattie  (1848 - 1906) in The Presbyterian Standards , chapter 24 , section II, The Sixth Commandment, explains in greater detail what is required of God’s people concerning this command [emphasis mine]: In a general way, this command requires all lawful endeavors to preserve our own life and the life of others. This is further explained by the Larger Catechism to include resistance of all thoughts, subduing all passions, and resisting all temptations, which tend to the unjust taking away of the life of any . It also requires just defence of life against ...

By Angela Wittman ‘Remember those in prison as if you yourself were their fellow prisoners, and those who are ill-treated as if you yourself were suffering’ ~ Hebrews 13:3 The Stefanos Foundation describes itself as ‘the rising hope of the persecuted’ and bringing hope to a troubled nation while working for peace and justice.  Some of their featured projects  include widows support , care of orphans , trauma counseling , advocacy / media awareness , and rehabilitation/reconstruction  of burned and damaged homes while providing micro-funding to small businesses and helping to establish self-supporting small businesses. The foundation also provides advocacy and legal aid for those imprisoned and suffering injustice throughout the region. Their goal is to serve God’s Church by speaking as advocates for the persecuted while showing Christian love and compassion to all parties involved. Evangelism efforts include facilitating a radio program  which broadcasts God’...