Faith

Jim Wallis & Richard Land Join 140 Christian Leaders in Mass Push for Immigration Reform

It’s rare that progressive and conservative Christians agree to come together to address policy issues. That being said, Sojourners’ Jim Wallis, a far-left faith leader, and Richard Land, president of the conservative Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), have a history of joining forces to tackle — and debate — tough topics. Now, the two are, once again, coalescing to confront a complicated and contentious national policy issue — immigration reform.

Jim Wallis, Richard Land & Other Faith Leaders Draft Immigration Reform Plan

Progressive pastor Jim Wallis

Joining a sum total of about 140 faith leaders, Wallis and Land are part of a plan — one that seems to appease some liberals and conservatives, alike, called the “Evangelical Immigration Table.” Rather than continuing the highly-partisan meandering and arguing that is so common when it comes to addressing the subject, the evangelical Christian plan calls for a two-party solution. In the end, Land, Wallis and the others who are joining them on the council, seek a framework that respects “the God-given dignity of every person.”

In addition to this premise, the plan seeks secure boders, a respect for the rule of law, unity for immediate families and fairness to taxpayers. The final element that liberal and conservative Christians seek is a path toward legalization and permanent residency. It is this latter element that is certainly the most controversial, with the others preceding it serving as more general sentiments.

On Tuesday, the coalition held a press conference during which they discussed their “Biblical vision”:

“Our national immigration laws have created a moral, economic and political crisis in America,” the group proclaims on its web site. “Initiatives to remedy this crisis have led to polarization and name calling in which opponents have misrepresented each other’s positions as open borders and amnesty versus deportations of millions.”

The group has already released a radio spot addressing these very issues. Listen to it, below:

The USA Today has more regarding the diverse voices who are coming together in an effort to see a more Biblical national approach to addressing immigration:

Tom Minnery of Focus on the Family said Congress should allow illegal immigrants a way to become legalized, as long as they pay adequate “restitution” in an “atmosphere of human dignity.”

Jim Wallis, president of Sojourners, a Christian social justice organization, said overhauling the immigration system was a “moral and biblical imperative” that requires a critical mass of Americans supporting it to sway a gridlocked Washington.

“Big things don’t change in Washington first. Big things change in Washington last,” Wallis said.

Jim Wallis, Richard Land & Other Faith Leaders Draft Immigration Reform Plan

Richard Land, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention (AP)

 

 

 

The Washington Post continues, describing Land’s comments about how evangelicals in America should respond to the immigration issue this election cycle:

When asked how evangelical voters might square immigration with other hot-button issues such as abortion and gay marriage, Land, who heads the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, said it’s a matter of individual conscience.

“That’s a decision that each individual person has to make,” he said. “We tell people they need to vote their values, their beliefs, and their convictions. When they’re faced with a choice where they agree on some and not on others, they need to prayerfully decide for themselves what their hierarchy of issues are.”

The group’s announcement — and the general statement that all sides signed onto — is only the beginning. The next step, leaders say, will be convincing politicians to come alongside them. This will be a difficult task, but one that conservative and progressive Christians seem more than willing to take on. You can find out more about the “Evangelical Immigration Table” here.

Comments (48)

  • azghost
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 7:10am

    The Devillation of America is here and many are allowing themselves to be deceived. These people should read the letters to the 7 churches in Revelation. Many will learn at the White Throne Judgement seat, that they didn’t follow Jesus, but satan him self. The true Body of Christ are to follow Jesus not satan. God hasn‘t changed He’s the same yesterday, today and forever, but He causes change in the lives of them that take God at His word. Satan‘s going down he knows it and he’s not going down alone!

    Report Post »  
    • Bronco II
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 8:39am

      AMEN there were onlly two churches GOD was pleased with the Church of Philidelphia and the Church of Schmurna they taught GODS WORD the way it was suppose to be taught line on line and precept on precept.

      Report Post » Bronco II  
    • Amos37
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 12:22pm

      Just like Jesus said, they would try to go around the gate, over the gate, under the gate trying to get into the kingdom. LAWLESSNESS
      God also tells us to take care of our own countrymen before helping others, so why aren’t we doing that?

      Report Post »  
    • Anamah
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 12:41pm

      The insidious Jim Wallis is able to turn upside down the innocent with his malicious hypnotic indoctrination. Without noticed he will trap all Christian spirits in his net of Communist ideology to kill America, Christianity and all the goodness of our freedom culture. Be aware!!! Under his holy appearance its true nature is that of the the scorpion.

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  • ObserverOnTheHill
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 6:05am

    A great book on how the communists have taken over our institutions – churches, schools, businesses, government and Military is – The Naked Truth: The Naked Communist – Revisited
    by James C. Bowers

    http://www.amazon.com/The-Naked-Truth-Communist-Revisited/dp/093616316X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339153878&sr=8-1

    He discusses how W. Cleon Skousen ( author of the 5000 Year Leap ) was an FBI agent for 16 years and was concerned about the implementation of what he felt were the top 45 stated goals of the communists at that time. You will be shocked how successfully their plans have been completed. A MUST READ book for any freedom loving American. Please pass on to others when done reading – SPREAD THE WORD

    Also – A MUST SEE – watch the youtube video of Yuri Bezmenov, from the 80′s with G. Edward Griffin ( Jekyll Island author ). A Soviet KGB defector, he tells how it was his job to infiltrate these institutions and place communist supporters in positions of leadership and power. He was successful in doing so. Mind boggling stuff.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3qkf3bajd4

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  • TurboCat
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 4:14am

    These people speaking about this are manipulative. They are using Bible quotes to inflict guilt. I do have compassion for the people. When I saw at my Church that illegals were coming there to get food help, I decided to start a free class for teaching English. I fell in love with the individuals who came to learn; however, I am for a very secure border and for the rule of law. I do not appreciate these people speaking on the video trying to manipulate me with their agenda.

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  • Meyvn
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 10:51pm

    The wannabe immigrants are the ones that need to be reformed. Oh and our gubement too.

    Report Post » Meyvn  
  • bren5102
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 10:08pm

    I agree with, Tears for America”,the Southern Baptist are falling into place with The New World Order, or whatever its called. Why do we sell out our beliefs, is beyond me. Are there other countries with wide open borders such as ours? P.S. The more liberal a church organization becomes you cannot tell the difference.

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  • giga
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 9:47pm

    These people have broken into our country and broken our laws. I wonder if a thief broke into the homes of any of the evangelical leaders homes would they offer the thief their belongings and allow them to live in their homes? I have not seen such fervor and a banding together of these people on such issues as ABORTION. They obviously are not as concerned about “the God-given dignity of every person” when it comes to the murdering of innocent children.
    If you don’t agree with them, when you receive an envelope from any of these organizations and it has a return stamp on it, send a message back to them that you would have sent them money but you will need it to support the illegal immigrants that they want to stay in this country.

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  • hialtitude
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 3:34pm

    Excuse me gentlemen, I’m not a biblical scholar or some big-name PoMo evangelical leader, but I know scripture. Jesus was never about running around Israel righting all the wrongs, making everyone equal in wealth nor did he make sure the surrounding nations had free access to all the goodies in the spirit of “fairness”. What he was about was coming to “seek and save the lost”. These guys would do well to take off their heavy clerical robes, get away from microphones and get back to the message of Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20. I have no time for these faux-Christians but I do pray for them.

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    • jwt
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 12:22am

      thank you. people of the way are here to preach the good news, not work using the world’s methods to change hearts and minds. Most pastors fail the second temptation and think they can change the world as Jesus declined to do, when offered control by the ruler of this world. Become as wise as the serpent and harmless as the dove

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  • Elena2010
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 3:30pm

    How abt this:
    1. Really secure the borders…for real, not for show.
    2. “Normalize” those illegals here who are infraction-free, save their jumping the border.
    3. “Normalized” persons shall forever be banned fm citizenship and the vote.
    4. Children born after “normalization” are US citizens. Those born prior to are not and must be “normalized.”
    5. Determine actual needs for unskilled and semi-skilled workers. Allow that many workers to compete for visas for specified work.
    6. Work to assimilate the newly immigrated and recently “normalized” into the mainstream of American culture.
    7. Abhor multiculturalism as a national security threat. There must be ONE America not more.

    Report Post » Elena2010  
    • Elena2010
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 3:54pm

      8. Deport to the capital city of country of origin illegal migrants who have criminal records.
      9. Bill country of origin for medical services, deportation costs, etc.
      10. No further “normalization” following this one-shot process, giving illegal migrants 6 months to start “normalization” for themselves and their offspring.
      11. “Normalize” real spouses of US nationals who may have overstayed visas or jumped the border w/o sending them back to country of origin.

      Report Post » Elena2010  
    • brother_ed
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 4:35pm

      @ELENA2010

      I vote yes.

      Secure the border first.

      Report Post » brother_ed  
  • kdshell1
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 3:30pm

    Contrary to what the group proclaims, “Our national immigration laws have“ NOT ”created a moral, economic and political crisis in America.” The moral, economic, and political crisis is the result of NOT enforcing our long-established immigration laws and of the growing cancer of socialism within this nation. These laws and procedures are no doubt in need of evaluation and possible modification, but there is no way that an amnesty plan would guarantee “secure boders, a respect for the rule of law (that it itself violates), … and fairness to taxpayers.” Finally, with respect to “innocent children,” people fail to realize or accept that a child’s nationality or citizenship is that bestowed by the parents, not place of birth.

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  • dennisS
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 3:14pm

    I have searched the internet in order to find a contact e-mail to respond to this new organization without success. The NEA (National Evangelical Association) website has no contact information. Anybody out there have the ability to find some contact point so that we can start voicing our displeasure directly to these religious ‘leaders’? I’m sure none of them visit The Blaze!

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  • mcsledge
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 2:38pm

    Progressive/liberal/leftist views are contradictions to Christ’s teachings. If Christ is not their master, that only leaves one other.

    Report Post » mcsledge  
    • Detroit paperboy
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 3:04pm

      Just for kicks, let’s enact border reform first…. Do that and immigration reform will take care of itself,,,,,

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  • krispy01
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 2:08pm

    Very disappointed that Focus on the Family has joined this unholy alliance.

    Report Post » krispy01  
  • maranamom10
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 2:01pm

    Oh no religious leaders falling prey to big government! ohh the shame,oh wait, no…. same ole.. same ole!!! Im sticking to my beliefs, my bible & my gun! Ya’ll can keep the illegal immigrants & if they keep coming here, were moving to Mexico to escape all the taxes, the laws that no one but legal citizens are forced to follow & maybe live a little more free!!!

    Report Post » maranamom10  
  • AGarryF
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 1:16pm

    Jim Wallis was a leader of the Marxist organization, Students for a Democratic Society. He has never renounced that association, which produced people like Bernadine Dohrn and Bill Ayers. He simply disguised his Marxism with clerical garb, a true wolf in sheep’s clothing. His organization, Sojourners is a Trojan Horse in the evangelical community. I am stunned that these other leaders are being manipulated by this enemy of the real Gospel. Where is the discernment?

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  • SquidVetOhio
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 12:30pm

    This is EXACTLY why churches should remain autonomous and independant of these “groups”. There should be a church ran by the dictates of the Bible with a church constitution that binds the clergy and members. Christ is the head of the church and He and His Book decides what is right and what is wrong. The Souther Baptist Council is a fairly liberal organization and becoming more liberal by the minute. These guys get some national attention and gain some influence and then they are easy targets for Satan to corrupt.

    We don’t need a few “christian leaders” to fix our country. We need thousands of small churches doing the right thing.

    Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
  • NHwinter
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 11:52am

    Doesn’t being “moral” mean doing the right thing, the right way. Respecting the laws of the country you want to become a part of? If America and becoming American is your goal, then work for it just like many have for centuries. Then we will respect you and welcome you. Please don’t write that Wallis is a Christian leader. He is primarily a tool for this administration and greatly lacking in the area of Christianity.

    Report Post » NHwinter  
    • Balpit
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 12:06pm

      Jim Wallis is a wolf in shepherd’s clothing.

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    • TEARS FOR AMERICA
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 1:07pm

      Some of these groups are horribly rabid organizations. It is very sad that Southern Baptists would lend credibility to these who forward the New World Order and the coming antichrist, especially James Merritt of Crosspoint Church in Atlanta. We know Richard Land is with the CFR and his leanings with Jim Wallis but James Merritt? Oh dear…very disheartening. You are known by your friends.

      Report Post » TEARS FOR AMERICA  
  • Warpspeedpetey
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 11:08am

    WHAT IS THE FOUNDATION OF OUR CONSERVATIVE VALUES?

    For our values to be more than expressions of self interest they must be founded on G-d. They must arise from those divine commands which we are obligated to follow as creations of the Most High. In short, our ideals are not justified apart from G-d.

    The dignity of man is a reflection of the dignity of G-d. Thus we abhor assaults to that dignity as they are assaults on our Father. This means that our conservative values are founded on love. Never let anyone tell you different.

    It is that love that demands a man be taught to fish rather than given a fish. It is that love that demands we respect the right to life. It is that love that demands justice for the wrongfully oppressed. It is that love that assaults the beaches on D-Day. It is that love for which we fight. It is that love which Paul tells us we are nothing without.

    I recognize that there are issues of fairness, legality, sovereignty, and economic equity in regards to immigration issues. I know that there are many stakeholders in the debate. There are many people who are rightly owed consideration because of their economic, legal or national interests.

    Maybe we shouldn’t see immigration as a matter of our interests, maybe it shouldn’t be about receiving the just due of our interests. Maybe it should be about love. Maybe our policies on immigrations should first reflect our obligations to G-d.

    My $.02

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    • edcoil
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 11:35am

      Is the church going to pay to have them educated, provide medical and housing and food or just burden taxpayers with more takers?

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    • DesertRose7
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 3:17pm

      “It is that love that demands a man be taught to fish rather than given a fish.”

      If we are to teach men to fish themselves, why are we allowing people to enter our borders without legally doing so? All we are teaching them is that doing something wrong against our country is acceptable? Why not teach those that come illegally that they must go by the rules, and enter legally like everyone else. There was a time long ago when the citizens of Mexico would enter the United States to work short term, and then go back home. Doing nothing to stop the flow at the border is insane.

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    • Warpspeedpetey
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 4:15pm

      My point is that our values demand that we respect the dignity of man as the image of G-d. I think that our interests, as important as they are, should take a back seat to how we treat the alien in our country. Of course not everyone feels the same way about it. To that I would point out that the Irish, Italians, Germans and other immigrants became taxpayers. Every wave of immigrants has increased our prosperity. Nothing bad can come from welcoming hard working, G-d fearing people to take part in our society. There is nothing to fear and everything to gain.

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    • Warpspeedpetey
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 4:41pm

      @Rose

      I didn’t advocate any of those things. The fish reference about men being better served by a meritocracy than a welfare state.

      What I am saying is that those interests of law, economics and sovereignty are less important than our primary obligation to G-d. While we can and should enact real immigration and border reform, doing so without regard to the dignity of man is unacceptable. The family should be more important than the dollar. The poor should be more important than the law. If a person suffers harm because we are concerned with those secondary principles more than the first principles that come from G-d, then we are morally culpable for that suffering. Most immigrants don’t come here for fun, they come here for the same reasons we all did.

      I am trying to say that legal, economic and sovereign principles should be secondary to the first principles, the foundational principle of our beliefs. The dignity of man is a reflection of G-d. When we legislate the necessary reforms our goal should be to fulfill the ideals of those second principles in accordance with the First, not in violation of it.

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    • DesertRose7
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 9:02pm

      The Irish, German’s, Italian’s, and other immigrants had papers to come to this country. As they came off of the ship, they registered with someone from the United States, and gave their name(s). That is my point, they did it legally, not illegally, sneaking through the borders.

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    • Warpspeedpetey
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 10:08pm

      @Rose

      Are you just clarifying the point you were making or are you saying that the legal situation abrogates our responsibility to the dignity of man as the first principle? If it was the latter I cannot agree. Without that first principle, the love of G-d as reflected by man we would be liberals. Humanists even. People whose values are nothing but expressions of self interest. In order to have justified values, in order to seize the moral high ground from the murderous baby killing perverts of the Left we must stand on principle greater than ourselves or we are nothing. That principle which justifies our fight demands primacy over all others. So let us meet first principles first and then with a clear eye and conscious we can reform immigration and border security in such a way as to meet all the secondary principles. We can only be correct in the legal, economic and sovereign senses if we are first postured correctly in relation to G-d.

      From your screen name I guess that you may live in an area that sees a lot of illegal immigrants. I cannot imagine how difficult the situation is for those who live in close proximity to the ranchers being killed, the drug mules breaking into wells, being scared just to go outside. I’m a Kansan. It’s safe here. It‘s easy to philosophize when the wolves aren’t at your door. I just hope if I were in that situation my values would still be about something greater than my fear. I know yours are. Good night. :-)

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  • sensibleadult
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 9:59am

    If Wallis is involved, the solution will be liberal.

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  • lukerw
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 9:03am

    The agreement of Nicaea… when the Roman Emperor Constantine made Christianity the State Religion was: The State was responisble for Earthly Matters… and the Church was responsible for Heavenly Matters. And, this was reaffirmed in the Holy Roman Empire… between Charlemagne and Pope Leo!

    Of Course… without Legal or Divine Authority… they can do whatever the Fluke they want!

    Report Post » lukerw  
    • KICKILLEGALSOUT
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 9:22am

      I don’t know who these people think they are to have the audacity to say they “represent” evangelicals. How can you dare say that it is Christian to reward people for breaking the law. Illegal immigrants already have a path to citizenship! We already have laws on the books and a process in place to become a legal American citizen but no, they want to illegally invade our country and violate our sovereignty and on top of that say they are more important than others that are waiting in line and then want to be rewarded on top of that and we are supposed to say that is the Christian way? To help people cheat and reward criminals? Whoever thinks this way is insane and they are just as guilty as these illegal foreign criminals by aiding and encouraging them. Well I guess the Bible is right when it talks about those evil men that will creep into the church unaware, wolves in sheep’s clothing, false teachers and false prophets, well here they are people! The Bible says we will know them by their fruits, and their fruit is rotten, making the American people pay and suffer to reward illegal foreign criminal invaders. May God judge them all swiftly for their crimes.

      Report Post » KICKILLEGALSOUT  
  • Popp40
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 8:57am

    “Our national immigration laws have created a moral, economic and political crisis in America,” …..sorry but if they would actually enforce the immigration laws that are on record then there would not be any issues. The government has failed to enforce these laws putting us in the position we are currently in.

    As for these 140 faith leaders….this is why a lot of people have lost faith in religion and are leaving the church. They are pushing to get illegals citizenship, however, these illegals have broken the law. Now I don‘t know the bible word for word but doesn’t it say something about following the law of the land…and even if it doesn‘t the bible does talk about following God’s laws. However, if these individuals cannot follow the laws of man, then how are they going to follow laws that have been established by God? Honestly, I think the only reason these 140 “faith” leaders are pushing for this is because they know this means more money coming into their church. Sorry but at that point these “faith” leaders are showing that they are hypocrites.

    Report Post »  
    • flaboater1
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 9:08am

      I agree with you. As a concervative Bible beliving Christian, I can say, with firm conviction, that RELIGION is DEAD or DYING in America. I looked at the list of signers and it it sad to see that all these “religious leaders” are engaged in falsehood. They should just read the statement!

      Illegal is Illegal…pretty basic stuff. Why can’t that be understood? I am all for immigration, it helps the country…just do not let it be illegal

      Report Post »  
    • TEARS FOR AMERICA
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 12:51pm

      Richard Land is on the Council of Foreign Relations-he may call himself a Southern Baptist (and I am a Southern Baptist) but he is working with the New World Order advocates to destabilize the United States of America and rush in the collapse our system. Jim Wallis, the Soros/Obama tool, is the red light to anyone wanting to know the whys of this immigration policy which is quickly steering us from the laws we aleady have. The love of Christ does not support a system that will usher in the antichrist.

      Report Post » TEARS FOR AMERICA  
  • momrules
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 8:52am

    Christians should keep a close eye on their mortal *leaders*. You do no compromise with people like Jim Wallis and Barack Obama.

    God gave us common sense for a reason. Church leaders would do well to remember that.

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    • RamonPreston
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 12:03pm

      “God gave us common sense?” Genesis 3:22 – “knowing good AND evil”; not “knowing good FROM evil.” We can’t tell the difference.

      Rev 12:9 Satan has deceived all societies. 2 Corinthians 4:4 Satan is the god of this world. ‘Nuff said?

      Report Post » RamonPreston  
    • mcsledge
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 2:45pm

      RamonPreston – If you know good and you know evil, then you know the difference. That is if you are competent.

      And Christ told Peter ‘get thee behind me, Satan’ (Matt 16:23). Does this mean that Peter was Satan? Your rational is weak at best.

      Report Post » mcsledge  
  • sawbuck
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 8:44am

    A Marxist gets in office and all of a sudden everything is broke .

    How in the hell this country lasted over two hundred years without him is beyond me..!

    Report Post » sawbuck  
  • G man
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 8:39am

    Commie.

    Report Post » G man  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 8:36am

    jim wallis is no CHRISTIAN.

    The church in AMERICA has been corrupted, obviously, and for a long, long time.

    Forget church doctrines. They were never meant to be worshiped.

    Back to JESUS, people.

    Report Post »  
    • rickc34
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 9:24am

      Doctrines are imperfect man trying to add his two cents to Gods perfect word .

      Report Post »  
    • sensibleadult
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 10:00am

      Those who have no doctrine really don’t believe much of anything.

      Report Post »  
    • Bronco II
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 8:57am

      Thank you many unfortunetly don’t know what that term means.GOD gave us power over satan and our enemies that satan will use many to decieve even GODS children if they don’t know they can rebuke satan in Jeus Name and satan has to comply that is what the shield of FAITH is to protect us against the fiery darts ( not weapons ) but the flood of lies and character assinations that come our way you can either be afraid or use the GOD given power he gave us but always ask it in Jesus name for the power comes from him through us.Paul was not satan he was being used by him and Jesus knew it so Jesus told satan where to go and satan has to obey but if you don‘t study GODS WORD you wouldn’t know that.If anyone has weaknesses in their lives espeacially christians that is where satan will work his way in if we don’t keep the GOSPEL ARMOR ON AT ALL TIMES.

      Report Post » Bronco II  
  • dennisS
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 8:27am

    Just goes to show that the left has completely infiltrated the ‘church’. Anytime you compromise with evil, evil ALWAYS wins. Wallis is the poster child for evil, a wicked man that is leading many to perdition. All of these idiots are wolves in sheep’s clothing, run from them as fast as you can!

    Report Post »  

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