College Football Bowl Games - Comparing Roster Rankings And Outcomes

There was a time in the not so distant past that I was oblivious to the importance of football recruiting. For most of my early life, SMU was a member of the Southwest Conference (SWC), what would easily be a Power conference by the standards of today. SMU played and recruited against Arkansas, Baylor, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, TCU, Houston, and Rice. Getting top players to come play in the SWC, in Dallas, and get an outstanding education was pretty simple. And if you were willing to "play the game" that other big schools were playing, you could dominate recruiting - and SMU did.

But something changed in the 80s. The NCAA wanted to make an example of a school in an attempt to reduce the rampant cheating throughout college football, and SMU was the perfect target. It was a private school, smaller fanbase, and less likely to fight back against the selective nature of the investigation and penalty. The NCAA lowered the boom on SMU, shutting down the program for a year. SMU was allowed to play 6 away games in 1988, but opted not to play at all. We would start from scratch in 1989 with a whole new staff and recruit a team from the ground up. I watched coaches/recruiters from every college land on our campus like vultures picking at a carcass, recruiting our players who the NCAA graciously allowed to transfer without penalty. Many of these same programs routinely offered money, cars, prostitutes - whatever it took on the recruiting trail. It was a disgusting day to be a Mustang.

Many people look to the events surrounding the Death Penalty (DP) as the primary reason SMU underperformed for almost 40 years. Certainly it played a major part. But it was truly just the spark that led to the program being put in a position where it could not compete. The real damage came from three key events. 

#1 - The End of the SWC - Had the "merger" with the Big 8 occurred in the early 80s, there is no doubt SMU would have been included - as the best team outside the major state schools. Had it not been for Texas politics, Baylor and possibly Texas Tech might have been left behind. When the dust settled, Houston, Rice, SMU, and TCU had no conference home. Houston chose wisely to look East, and joined with schools who would become Conference USA. The other 3 went West and created the first SUPER conference the WAC 16 - which included teams like BYU, Utah, Air Force etc. On paper, it actually looked like a promising group. But these were teams nobody in Texas followed. The games were late at night, and some programs quite literally could not keep their lights on! Within a couple of years, there was a split, followed by additions and subtractions. And for the next few decades, SMU would wander from one lousy conference to another. 

During this time recruiting hit rock bottom. Nobody wanted to play in some no name conference against some crappy state university. The travel was far and inconvenient for fans. The dates and times sucked. There was little television coverage, and even less national media coverage. And then out of nowhere, the college football experts declared that some universities were more special than others. The special ones were declared morally and physically superior, received more media dollars, better bowls, and were almost guaranteed that one among this anointed few would be DECLARED - NOT EARN, National Champions. So roughly half of FBS, including some schools like SMU who had National Championships, Heisman winners, and 70+ years of playing in a top conference were effectively left behind. And there was little that could be done. Why?

If You Haven't Won A Conference Championship Since The 70s - Maybe You Don't Belong In A Power Conference?

#2 The Pye Penalty - After the DP, SMUs leadership overreacted to the situation. There was NEVER any academic scandal at SMU. Players went to class, made their grades, and graduated with legitimate degrees. In their zealousness to "clean" SMU, administrators first attempted to cancel football, thinking a focus on academics was what the doctor ordered. This was quickly shut down. Athletics are the front door for a university, and every study has confirmed that a successful athletic department keeps alumni engaged and supportive. Plus, a successful and visible program increases applications and quality of applicants. My first real exposure to SMU came from a church youth group watching a game in the Cotton Bowl.

So the "hate athletics" types decided they would "castrate" SMU sports to make sure it would never get out of control, or be nationally competitive. What did that mean? The standards for admittance were raised above any FBS school. Players had to be admitted before they could visit, or even be offered by coaches. For those unfamiliar with college acceptance, getting admitted to a school can be an arduous ordeal - especially before computers. A high school student might be on the edge and dependent on grades in the final semester to pass. Plus, every decent athlete had already accepted an offer elsewhere before SMU got around to accepting and inviting them to visit. It KILLED recruiting, probably as much as our crappy conferences.

The few athletes who were willing to wait, often were rejected in very public and disastrous ways. In football, we were fighting against FCS and JUCO for recruits, and getting excited when we stole a recruit from North Texas. In the early days of recruiting services, our classes were rated among the worst of FBS schools, behind all our natural and historical rivals. And then people wondered why we couldn't win the crappy conference where we were currently stuck.

In the meantime, long time rivals like TCU, a team that I never saw SMU lose to growing up, 15 straight years until after my graduation and the DP, were now out recruiting SMU, and winning. They switched conferences to further separate themselves from SMUs mediocrity - who could blame them? The trend switched, and they were now winning the Iron Skillet much more frequently. 

Apparently, Arthritis Is Contagious At TCU.

#3 Power Conferences - The genesis of this was mentioned above. Suddenly, a select handful of universities were anointed as Power schools for absolutely no reason at all. For every Alabama - that probably deserves special recognition, there was a Vanderbilt, who had NO business being in a Power conference. Teams like Iowa State, who haven't accomplished anything since before the First World War, were arbitrarily determined to be better than all non-Power schools.  As BAD as SMU has been for these few decades, they still have substantially more accomplishments than ISU and many so-called Power schools. And then there are schools just happy to be along for the ride - like Texas Tech, our favorite school in dusty Lubbock, Texas. They have averaged 3.9 conference wins over the last 27 years. Is that Power worthy? Who knows?

If you were a top athlete choosing between any Power school and even the very best "G5" school, which one will you pick? Nine times out of ten, that player is going to pick a Power school. This was something that became obvious observing recruiting for the last few decades. And it was one of the primary drivers for getting SMU back to playing Big Boy football. And since we were effectively blocked by our "friends" in the Big 12, who also assisted in destroying the PAC12 - another possible pathway for SMU, the ACC became our best option. And we will start playing in the fall of 2024.

I must admit there was a time I did not trust recruiting rankings. I believed that the system was rigged, players were rated higher based on picking certain schools. There may be a little of that still happening, but competition between the services has forced them to get better. Plus, in the digital age, its far easier to confirm offers and find out which schools are recruiting certain players. There was a time when player ratings were quite arbitrary. There are areas - small town and private school players that may fly under the radar. But that is quite rare. If you are a decent player with a chance at the next level, you will get evaluated. And if not, players can easily promote themselves and get noticed. And as you go up in quality, from an unknown to a can't miss player, they will be accurate more times than not. There will always be injuries, players not making grades, transfers etc. And there will always be that kid that gets discovered playing 6-man football who comes to town and is All Conference as a walk on. It happens. But those are exceptions.

The services now have composite rankings of rosters, which make it quite easy to compare teams, and as I have played with it, noted that its rather accurate. Take the first few bowls and consider the chart below.

Each bowl game is two lines, winner on top, loser on bottom. I've included a few rankings for reference - although some of those may be post-game. The focus should be on the number of 5-4-3* players, average per player, and total points as well. Comparing those is quite interesting. Take the New Mexico Bowl. I had folks on social media continually tell me how tough CUSA was this year, especially NMSU, who I've heard upset Auburn. But I have watched football for more than a year, and understand there is a definite tiered system of talent. One "exception" does not change the rules. NMSU did have a few highly talented players, but Fresno is loaded and has much more QUALITY depth. The Total Points is a key indicator, but the difference in rated players 3* or better 64 > 27 is HUGE. That means at almost every position, including special teams, Fresno likely had a player that was a little bigger, faster, smarter, or just plain better than NMSU. And the score reflected that.

And Now, We Dance!

As the talent gap narrows, as in the first two bowls listed above, then individual performances, game conditions, preparation, coaching, player transfers or opt outs come into the equation. Georgia Southern had a slight talent advantage, but Ohio won easily. There was an even bigger gap between JSU and Louisiana, yet JSU managed to win in OT. And then take a look at UCLA and Boise - a Power team against one of the better "G" teams. Look at the ranked players - 23 4* to Boise with 1. Boise does have a ton of 3*, but not enough to overcome the talent gap. And of course the score reflects this.

So what does this mean looking forward? Here are a few upcoming games. These are mostly "G5" contests, and other games that caught my eye. It is NOT a comprehensive list.

 

Again, I just want to point out a few and see if they turn out as expected. I will start with SMU, who has done quite well building their team through recruiting, portal, and NIL. We do not yet have a true Power roster - which explains the losses to OU and TCU this year, which both had more or better rated talent, but we are competitive with the ACC. For our game with Boston College, look at the numbers. SMU should have a very slight edge in talent. The one hiccup is the very best player, QB Preston Stone, is out with a broken leg. But there still should be enough talent to win this game. At the very least, we should be competitive. It is a home game for BC, and that far North, weather could play a factor.

Another interesting game to consider is UTSA and Marshall. The latter has a history of giant killing, although it comes and goes. Looking at the numbers, I am inclined to believe UTSA will win big. They have a multi year starter in SR QB Frank Harris - assuming he plays. And if HC Traylor does not get hired away, I think this game goes to UTSA. Talent and depth should overwhelm Marshall, and playing in Frisco - while not a home game, should favor the team from San Antonio.

And now we come to the most perplexing bowl placement of the season. FSU was booted out of the top 4 even though they were unbeaten because of SOS. Liberty was kept in the NYD bowls because they were unbeaten, screw SOS. The consistently inconsistent NCAA strikes again. In some ways, it feels like just another SMU screw job - we've had our share. But the more I think about it there may have been a diabolical reason for their inclusion. It helps the committee justify the absolutely horrible exclusion of FSU. AND, when Liberty gets beaten senseless, it will give college experts another chance to say - "See, G teams do not belong!" I've always believed Hawaii was set up this way in 2007. They were unbeaten, but played a ridiculously easy schedule, not as bad as Liberty - but close. They had no business playing Georgia, and there was little chance the game would be competitive. Hawaii had a GOOD team, but not anywhere close to the talent level of Georgia. Something similar happened last year with TCU. They managed to make it to the championship - I suspect Sonny D made a pact with the father of lies. And in one of the saddest games ever broadcast, TCU was quite thoroughly humiliated in front of the whole world. Georgia was just far more talented than the Lizards that day.

The Flames had a great season. I read that every day on social media. I will never disagree. But when your SOS is 133, you need to, at least mentally, place a little asterisk next to that season. If Liberty played in District 11-6A in Texas, one of the toughest high school districts in the country, including the state champions for both division 1 and 2 this year, they would be undefeated. And that's great. But who did they play? And then all sorts of ridiculous arguments are thrown out, we beat this team, who beat this team. CUSA is at the bottom of the food chain. Its like beating high school teams, just ever so slightly better. Whether you beat SHSU by 4 or 40, its still a team wearing FBS diapers. Its like 1989 when SMU restarted our program - everyone beat the crap out of us. It was shocking when we won! Yet we managed two wins that year - UCONN and North Texas.

There was a time I used to believe that if SMU just had the right coach, he could take whatever roster we had and win the national championship. That only works in Hollywood. The reality is it takes GOOD players, a lot of them. It takes senior leadership, playmakers, depth, solid coaching and good game plans, and then, the players have to execute. More times than not, the team with the better athletes, those more highly recruited and prized, will win. Good players make coaches look much better. Is Nick Saban an awesome coach, or is it because he is 3-4 deep in 4 and 5 star athletes at every position? I guess its sort of a chicken or egg type question. Alabama is going to get top players no matter who wears the whistle. And for reference, this year's Alabama has 74 4 or 5* players on their roster. Their starting teams could almost be ALL 5* players. That amount of talent can make any coach look legendary. And someone who really knows what they are doing will get the most out of them. But if it were easy, everyone would be Alabama or Georgia.

Now consider Liberty's Fiesta opponent - Oregon. By every objective measure, Liberty has no business in this game. They are like Hawaii in the 2008 Sugar Bowl. If they manage to make it a competitive game, I will be happy for them. If they win, I will be thrilled. But the odds are not in their favor.

Assuming most starters play and don't opt out, Oregon will trot out a team with 5 5* and 48 4* players. Meaning that the 2-deep will likely be filled with 4* or better players at every position. Oh, and they have 32 3* players as well. What will Liberty counter with for the game? 2 4* and 19 3* players will get their Flame on at the Fiesta Bowl. Will that be enough? Maybe they will get lucky, a turnover or two? Maybe a key Duck will miss the game? Maybe the Duck's charter flight is late? Anything can happen, right? All they need is a really rousing pep talk, that fires up the players and leads them to certain victory.

Is it impossible? No. In sports, there is always a chance - that is why you play the game. But I suspect Oregon will be playing their 3* players at the start of the 3rd quarter, and will have likely covered the 65 over by then. Maybe the Flames can prove me and the college football world wrong.

Rhett Lashlee - College Football's Coach Of The Year

Its rare that among the nominees for college football coach of the year, that the winner is so obvious. Only NCAA politics could keep SMUs Head Coach Rhett Lashlee from the award he clearly earned. But let's take a look at the evidence and see if I can convince you of this truth.

There are several Coach of the Year awards, here is a quick summary of those.

AFCA COY - Picks their national winner from 5 regional winners. Coach Lashlee was not among those 5. Some folks just don't follow college football.

AP COY - I cannot find a list of finalists. But like the clowns above, they took pity on Sonny Dykes of TCU and gave him the award last year. Remember Sonny, he was the coach who set the record for the most humiliating defeat in a national championship game, losing 65-7? Then he followed that up with a brilliant 5-7 campaign in 2023. Wait a tic, I think Georgia just scored again!

Sonny's Last Days At SMU

Eddie Robinson COY - Voted on by the Football Writers Association of America, this one has released its finalists and it does include Coach Lashlee. The finalists are David Braun of Northwestern; Jamey Chadwell of Liberty; Kalen DeBoer of Washington; Eliah Drinkwitz of Missouri; Jedd Fisch of Arizona; Rhett Lashlee of SMU; Chuck Martin of Miami (Ohio); Mike Norvell of Florida State; Barry Odom of UNLV; Nick Saban of Alabama; Steve Sarkisian of Texas; and Jon Sumrall of Troy.

I will be using the above list of finalists for some of my comparisons, as it seems to be one of the better collections of coaches. This same group also selected Sonny Dykes last year as COY, but they can atone for this horrible mistake by supporting a truly gifted coach, SMUs Rhett Lashlee.

SMU Heisman Winner Doak Walker 

George Munger COY - Another one that includes Coach Lashlee as a finalist. Many of the same coaches above are finalists here. Willie Fritz of Tulane won last year. I give kudos to this organization because when news of Joe "Pa" Paterno came out that he protected a rapist on his team, and enabled a pedophile to roam the campus for decades, they rightly rescinded their three awards to him. It is also why the Joe Paterno award no longer exists. Pedophile enablers, even if they win football games, should NEVER be celebrated.

Home Depot COY - Already made their decision. They selected Kalen Deboer of Washington. So make sure you shop at Lowes or Ace from now on. They also picked TCUs Sonny Dykes last year, so not real sharp when it comes to understanding the game.

Paul "Bear" Bryant COY - Yet another that picked Sonny D last year - I do not understand how this man fooled so many otherwise intelligent folks. They did include Coach Lashlee in their finalists, so they can also atone for their mistake.

Bobby Dodd COY - Focused on teams that meet Academic Progress Rates that exceed 965, and coach must be in their 2nd year or longer to be eligible. Lashlee qualifies on both counts (2nd year; APR 977 T53rd). Willie Fritz of Tulane won it last year - making you think that Lashlee would be in a good position to win this year. The Mid-season watch list did NOT include Lashlee, and I have not seen a finalist list as of yet.

SMU WINS!

There are a few others, but you get the idea.

Let's first look at some of the other finalists. Remember, in most cases, this award is based on performance to date, not what might happen in the bowl games.

POWER CONFERENCE COACHES

I am not opposed to a Power Conference coach winning the award. But what I want to see is a coach who overcame significant hurdles, losing season in 2022, injuries to key players, tragic events like a death in the program family - major obstacles to achieve greatness. Why? If you are in a Power conference you already have NUMEROUS advantages over your peers. Texas, Washington, Alabama, Florida State, Missouri can literally choose who they want to sign. They are major state schools with HUGE budgets, filled stadiums, numerous boosters, best facilities, and play on major networks at the best times. Even Northwestern still benefits GREATLY in the Big10, even though the results may not be as good as their peers.

I also want to see a significant change from the prior year, and achievement WAY BEYOND expectations. Four mentioned above were picked either 1st or 2nd in their conference preseason polls. Improvement from 11 wins to 13 as a Texas or Alabama is not impressive. In the case of Texas, they routinely out recruit all their peers, and load up on talent. Winning in double digits is EXPECTED. Same goes for Alabama, FSU, and Washington. You could make a case for Northwestern or MAYBE Missouri, a big turnaround, but not even a conference championship game? Again, with all their resources, I would expect so much more, even playing in the Big 10 or SEC.

G5 COACHES

I truly despise that term, and HATE that college football is segregated. Thankfully, SMU returns to Big Boy football next year, playing in the ACC. As much as I hate the label, it is a reality of college football today. G5 teams are playing at a SIGNIFICANT disadvantage compared to the POWER teams. Talk to any recruit with any talent, they are far more likely to sign with a Power team than any G5. The reasons - the prestige factor, more likely to play on the biggest stage and against the best opponents. They are far more likely to get a chance to play for a national championship. Facilities are generally better, in fact most everything is bigger and better at a Power school. Even if you leave home, your family is far more likely to see you play at a Power school - carried on major networks, rather than a G5 team on streaming services - if at all.

With that said, consider the coaches who had an impact this year. Did any of these earn coach of the year - even with the limitations of G5 status? I'm working backwards from last to first.

Jon Sumrall, Troy - SOS 95

- '22 12-2 (7-1) SBC; '23 11-2 (8-1) Bowl: Birmingham Duke (7-5) FPI 32

- UNRANKED: CFP, AP, Coaches 

- FPI 45; Sagarin 45; Massey 39*

Troy was picked 1st in West and led all teams with 92 points and 10 1st place votes. Very little change from last year, met expectations and yet unranked. A solid bowl win over a Power team would be a great cherry on top. Solid play earned Sumrall a new coaching gig. But coach of the year?

Chuck Martin, Miami (Ohio) - SOS 114

 

- '22 6-7 (4-4) MAC; '23 11-2 (8-1) Bowl: Cure App St (8-5) FPI 68

- UNRANKED: CFP, AP, Coaches 

- FPI 71; Sagarin 75; Massey 61*

Miami (OH) was picked 3rd with just 2 1st place votes. Nice jump from 6-7 to 11-2 and winning the MAC championship. Team was unranked, a terrible SOS and landed in the high 60s, low 70s for most rating services. A bowl win would be a nice reward for a good season. But what did the coach do to deserve COY?

Barry Odom, UNLV - SOS 68

- '22 5-7 (3-5) MWC; '23 9-4 (6-3) Bowl: Guaranteed Rate Kansas (8-4) FPI 29

- UNRANKED: CFP. AP, Coaches, 

- FPI 74; Sagarin 74; Massey 77*

UNLV was picked 9th with 1 1st place vote. This coach should be worthy of some serious consideration. Took a 5-7 team to 9-4 and won the MWC when nobody thought they stood a chance. SOS is average at 68, not ranked, and ratings in the 70s holds them back IMHO.

Jamey Chadwell, Liberty - SOS 133

- 22 8-5 Ind; '23 CUSA13-0 Bowl Fiesta Oregon (11-2) FPI 4

- CUSA champs - New conference with two teams transitioning to FBS.

- Tot Off #3; Tot Def #47

- Score Off #5; Score Def #40

- Tackles for Loss #54; Team Sacks #80

- Def Tds #25 33-Way TIE;

- CFP #23; AP #18; Coaches #18 

- FPI 49; Sagarin 47; Massey 35* 

Liberty was new to CUSA this year, so somewhat of an unknown. They were selected 2nd of 9 teams, with 4 of 22 1st place votes. I've added some statistical information for additional scrutiny. The biggest downside simply cannot be overlooked - SOS 133. The absolute worst of FBS. Any FBS school would look good statistically and would stack up wins playing Liberty's schedule this year. Just based on roster rankings, half of SMUs schedule would go undefeated playing that schedule. And the offense SHOULD put up huge numbers, and be very stingy on defense, yet they didn't rank so well on D. They managed to get ranked in all the polls, but the ranking services looked at them far more objectively with a 35 - 49 range - which is probably a bit high, but fair. The college football fairies gave them the Golden Ticket to face Oregon in the playoff. This appears like a repeat of the 2008 Sugar Bowl, where an undefeated Hawaii, who played a dreadfully weak schedule, got humiliated by Georgia on national TV - much to the delight of the TV execs and folks who make money off this segregated football crap. If they keep the game within two TDs, I will be pleasantly surprised.

Rhett Lashlee, SMU - SOS 76

- '22 7-6 (5-3) AAC; '23 11-2 (9-0) Bowl: Fenway Boston College (6-6) FPI 86

- AAC Champs - 1st SOLO Conference Title since 1982 (84 shared)

- AAC CCG win over '22 champ Tulane, SMU w/o starting QB

- Tot Off #14; Tot Def #12

- Score Off #6; Score Def #12

- Tackles for Loss #13; Team Sacks #2

- Def TDs #1 5-Way TIE 

- CFP #24; AP #17; Coaches #19

- FPI 20; Sagarin 21; Massey 26*

In the new AAC, SMU was disrespected in a number of ways. Players were overlooked for all conference teams, and most importantly the media voted SMU 3rd of 14 teams in 2023, with only 3 of 34 1st place votes. This is AFTER the departure of Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF to the Big 12. To the credit of this staff, they went to work recruiting and in the portal to add depth and quality, especially on defense, and it showed. This was the best defense by any measure going back to the 80s. And they accomplished something else that has not been done since that decade - a conference championship and undefeated in conference play. In every category that matters, offense and defense, SMU was a top 15 team. And they played a schedule that included two ranked teams, and last year's national runner-up, TCU. I mock TCU and Sonny Dykes, but that team is still LOADED with talent and played a very tough schedule. That team would have easily been undefeated playing LUs schedule.

The point being that SMU maintained the high rankings on both sides of the ball, even against some pretty good teams. Last year, SMU stumbled into their bowl game with a number of key starters either out, or playing injured. This year, the depth was such that SMU was able to prevail even when key starters were hurt. The best example was the dominant performance against Tulane in New Orleans. QB Preston Stone went down in the last regular season game with a broken leg. Kevin Jennings RF stepped in and was able to play well enough for the win. They say defense wins championships, it certainly applied to that game. 

And one final note, Action Network announced their All American Team and SMU had one player on the 1st Team - DL Elijah Roberts. The American conference, in a moment of pettiness, did not think he did enough to earn a spot on the All Conference first team. They even chose Tulane coach Willie Fritz as coach of the year!

Fenway is a nice reward, but SMU deserved better. And Coach Rhett Lashlee, for all that he has done for the team, and the SMU community, has earned the Coach of the Year award.

*Massey Ratings. I did not use the Massey Composite because some of the ratings are downright ridiculous. For instance, Liberty is rated as high as 3 and as low as 89. If you believe either is remotely true, you are delusional. SMU is equally mishandled, with ratings as high as 11 and as low as 78. Clearly, a case of too many cooks in the kitchen who know little about college football. For grins, LUs composite is 20, SMUs 22. 

Links to all the ranking service pages under the Lashlee profile.

Mustangs Stampede To Victory!

SMU At Tulane - AAC Championship Game 2023

SMU In Locker Room

Computer Generated Interpretations of G5 Mascots - Blame AI, Not Me.

Miami (OH) Redhawk

Troy (Modern) Trojan

Liberty Flames? Did Not Compute. 

Vegas Rebel



And finally....

The College Football Playoff Committee Hard At Work

You Know They Take The CFP Super Serious

Its all in good fun. I miss college football without all the politics and BS. Just give me a 16-game postseason tournament where every team has a legitimate shot to earn a bid as conference champions, no loopholes for "special" teams like Notre Dame, no spots given because of ratings or enrollment, simply let the 16 best teams line up and play to see who wins it all. That is my dream. I hate that any computer geeks, sportswriters, or secret committees have ANYTHING to do with postseason.

Let Them Settle It on The Field!

Then the SOS really doesn't matter. FSU, SMU, and Liberty all get their chance to prove they belong and play for a national Championship. That would be swell!

The United Methodist Church Under Assault

The United Methodist Church (UMC) is literally falling apart. The media likes to make this all about homosexuality and accuse half of Methodism as being evil hypocrites who are unwilling to follow the most basic commandment - Love Thy Neighbor. You can see the typical media spin in a recent Texas Monthly article, which was about as balanced as you will see from the mainstream press. This latest kerfuffle is just one more step in a long march away from God's Truth. But its not as simple as secular people would believe. So let's take a closer look at Methodism, and how it reached this point.

Years ago people claimed the UMC logo was a secret nod to the KKK. The terrorist arm of the Democrat party was fond of setting crosses on fire at their hoedowns, and as a means of intimidating their enemies - minorities, Jews, Republicans, and anyone who supported Republican candidates, or opposed their reign of terror.

There is absolutely no truth to this. The Cross, OBVIOUSLY, refers to what Jesus Christ accomplished at Calvary. He set aside His Divine Glory and became the Son of Man. Then, He was subjected to unspeakable cruelty and violence, ultimately paying the wages of sin for all. His identification with us, allows us to identify with His sacrifice. And when we BELIEVE in HIM, we are made Alive in Christ, no longer spiritually dead, set FREE from slavery to sin. This is the core message of Christianity. When you see the cross, you should remember what Jesus did for you! (Ephesians 2:1-10)

16 For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.

John 3:16 AMP

The flames represent the Holy Spirit, reminiscent of the tongues of fire that were observed when the disciples were Baptized by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The two flames have a dual meaning. First, the merging of two denominations to form the UMC. Second, the individual anointing God gives each Believer to perform their service in the Body of Christ. I would suggest a third as well, the transformative power of the Holy Spirit that changes folks from the inside out. A Believer will no longer desire to sin. They will want to be a Blessing, and not a curse to others. They will seek to please God, not their selfish interests. It really is amazing to see someone change after truly KNOWING God. (Acts 2:1-47)

4 And my language and my message were not set forth in persuasive (enticing and plausible) words of wisdom, but they were in demonstration of the [Holy] Spirit and power [a proof by the Spirit and power of God, operating on me and stirring in the minds of my hearers the most holy emotions and thus persuading them], 

5 So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men (human philosophy), but in the power of God.

1 Corinthians 2:4-5 AMP

My Grandfather was a circuit riding pastor for the UMC. Both my parents, Spirit-filled Believers, were at their Methodist church whenever the doors were open - serving, volunteering, learning, praying, evangelizing, singing, teaching, whatever. I grew up in the UMC, graduated from two UMC universities, including SMU - which has now distanced itself officially from the UMC. I share all that merely for context. I have much love for the UMC, but it has radically changed even in my lifetime. 

At my last UMC church, a large congregation in the DFW area, I was shocked one Sunday when the main service featured a "sermon" that was based on a Disney film, including scenes from the film to reinforce the message. And I wish that was an isolated incident. However, while searching for a UMC congregation to call my home for a year long stay in Southern New Jersey, I continued to find congregations that had social messages on Sunday, and seemingly were quite happy with that. When did the UMC stop preaching the Word? I'm certain it varies from church to church, but in several decades of attending/visiting UMC churches, you start to notice a pattern. (2 Timothy 4:8)

Before I go any further, let me throw in a disclaimer. I grew up in what some would dismiss as a charismatic home. Both parents actively used their Spiritual Gifts, Believed the Word, and lived by Faith. I witnessed many miracles - more than I could ever share in a blog. My Mother would often, by the Gift of Knowledge, know what I was doing - for better or worse. And at times, prayed me out of harm's way without knowing the nature of the danger I was facing. She prayed in the Spirit until she had peace, and then confirmed events with me the next day. I was a baby Christian then, so it seemed mostly "spooky" to me - the same way most religious folks view anyone who experiences anything supernatural. The religious dismiss it as coincidence. Yet when nobody prays or believes, those coincidences get quite rare. And when Faith is present, and miracles are expected, there seems to be much more coincidences in my favor. If you still can't believe in God, call it a self-fulfilling prophecy if that makes you feel better.

After my Parents departed to be with the Lord, my faith waned for a time. I endured some difficulty and started questioning everything. But just when I could not go any lower, there was God lifting me up. With a new zeal I studied the Word, sought out evangelists and ministers who truly BELIEVED God's Word, and read every book and listened to every sermon available. I was miraculously healed in one day from a condition that came on quite suddenly, causing me to gag and vomit every few minutes. I did not want to go to the hospital, and could not miss work. So instead, I confessed the Word, listened to it, and praised God. By the morning all the symptoms were gone, and I have never had any further trouble. Praise God!

So when I am hungry for the Word, I want MEAT. I want to hear teaching/preaching under the Anointing of God. Imagine going out to eat and being fed cupcakes and Twinkies. Your body can do little with that except store fat, get sick, and grow weaker. You need a healthy diet of organic meat, fish, or poultry, and of course vegetables and fruits. The body needs a plethora of nutrients that come from a variety of natural sources to thrive and be healthy. And you need exercise, water, and sunlight for maximum health. In spiritual terms, that means the Light of God's Truth, the cleansing of the Word, and expanding (or exercising) your faith.

If you are a babe in Christ, waddling around in your spiritual diapers, a simple sermon about being nice may be quite meaningful. But Believers need to grow UP in the Lord so they can transition from milk to the meat of the Word. The Good News - God will provide water for thirsty ground. So get what you can from wherever you go. But there may be a time when you need to find a more spiritually mature congregation, or teaching that helps you grow. Or you may have to do what I did and find additional food sources beyond your local church. Let the Lord lead you. (Isaiah 44:1-3, 1 Corinthians 3:1-11, 1 Peter 2:1-3)

The UMC was at one time known as a "fiery" denomination, one that got people saved and filled with the Spirit. Allowing the Holy Spirit to lead is where TRUE unity comes from - it is what brought the early Jewish and Gentile Believers together. (Acts 10) Those led by the Spirit are truly children of God! (Romans 8) The Body of Christ has different parts, BUT only ONE HEAD - Jesus. And He knows what the Body needs! God is Spirit. And those who worship Him MUST worship in a truly spiritual manner. (John 4 -  Note the Figure Hendiadys in the key verse)

In the comments of the Texas Monthly article referenced above, folks commented that it was balanced. Yet it still implies that homosexuality is the primary reason for the split. That makes for a good story. It generates clicks, enrages the agitators, but its not fair, nor is it completely true. Jesus came to SAVE sinners, not make them feel comfortable in their sins. And that goes for ALL sin. The world, and even many denominations, have normalized a bunch of sins - for instance adultery and fornication, and religion keeps expanding the list! But when you choose Jesus, you are MADE ALIVE, transformed into a New Creation in Christ. Spiritually dead people see no problem with sexual sin, or any sins for that matter. New Creations In Christ lose those desires, often immediately. When was the last time this was taught in a UMC congregation? Or most denominations for that matter?

Jesus, and TRUE Believers, still love everyone - nothing has changed. We love them so much we want them set FREE. Sin is bondage. Spiritual death is separation from your Heavenly Father, your Creator who knows you better than you know yourself. When you reject His Word, you reject Him. And no amount of "good works" will allow you to "earn" your way to Him. There is only ONE WAY - and His Name is Jesus. You choose Him, and reject satan, sin, and death. Instead, you CHOOSE LIFE! (John 14:5-7) No true followers of Jesus have any desire to persecute or hurt anyone.

Jesus told the woman caught in adultery to "go and sin no more." He did not say, "I love you, continue to commit adultery." This is the critical issue in the UMC. Should we welcome sinners and show them the path to Salvation? Yes. Obviously! Should we embrace them and make them feel welcome to continue living in sin? What did Jesus do? (John 8:1-11) He said, "Go, and sin no more."

Both sides of the UMC split I believe are acting in good faith. Both want desperately to at least be seen to keep the Law of Love. They are doing their best to follow Jesus, who did dine with sinners. Jesus also allowed a thief to remain in his employ - Judas. All the time applying Mercy, wanting him to repent. God knows who we are and what we do in the darkness. No sinful thought or action occurs without His knowledge. As Believers, we can ask for forgiveness through Jesus and its like that sin never happened. That is the power of faith in Jesus, and what He accomplished. God also KNEW you before you were formed in the womb. Your entire life was mapped out, and you were given the Grace to accomplish all that He has planned for you. And its a GOOD plan! But far too often we stray from His plan, causing all sorts of challenges. Your purpose may be saving just one person. But imagine what happens if you are a no show? You may be the only Jesus they ever meet!

From God's perspective, He created Adam, both male and female. So there are only two physical options on Earth. In the Body of Christ, there is NEITHER male or female - from God's perspective, we are equal in the Body - living, speaking spirits. There are no adulterers, fornicators, homosexuals, transgenders etc. There are only men and women - all created for His Divine Will. You may be attracted to the same sex, but that is not WHO YOU ARE in the eyes of God. That is a manifestation of the sinful nature, demonic influence leading you away from your Heavenly Father and Divine Purpose. Same goes for folks who have sex outside of marriage for fun or sport. Some now call it Body Count, as if it is competition! God's plan was for a man and woman to be One Flesh for life, a Covenant of Love, which only makes sex that much more enjoyable, and it is quite helpful for raising happy and healthy children. When folks stray from God's ideal, things go catawampus. You cannot be committed without LOVE, nor can you have LOVE without commitment. And I am talking about the God-kind of LOVE - Agape. That cannot exist outside of God's Will. You might experience EROS - erotic feelings/lust, or maybe even PHILEO - a brotherly affection, but without God's Blessing, those relationships outside of God's Plan will never completely satisfy. 

Assume you live an "alternative lifestyle" and do not KNOW God as Lord or Savior. When you go to a CHURCH, it is to worship your Heavenly Father. But if you have no connection to Him, how is that possible? Its really quite easy. You go to the alter, the front of the church, and confess your sins before God. You quite literally leave your old self there. That is what Jesus did on the cross. He became sin, and then destroyed it. That was ALL SIN, FOR ALL TIME. Imagine that! So by giving your sin to Jesus, renouncing your old spiritual daddy - satan, you are SET FREE. You are spiritually reborn with a NEW LORD over your life. And in Jesus, there is LIBERTY, not the bondage of sin, or even religious bondage.

Church members should help you with this journey, encourage you, pray for you, and of course Love you. If instead they tell you that you are perfect just the way you are - they do not love you. They are in fact saying you are better off a slave to sin. And that is NOT the TRUTH, nor is it Love.

If someone was swimming in a shark-invested body of water, would you try to save them? I would hope so. That means sharing the Gospel - God's Truth. And it just might be uncomfortable. What would you do if you found someone committing adultery within the congregation? Or what if someone is molesting children? Would you attempt to minister to these folks quietly at first, maybe two or three Believers sharing the Good News or correcting them quietly in person? And of course if they were breaking the law or harming folks, remove them quickly. This is where Spiritual leadership is most helpful - knowing how to minister to those who are lost, as well as protect the flock.

Would you want people who are committed to a sinful lifestyle in positions of authority? Not without a DIRECT Word/Command from the Lord. It is possible someone could change. Jesus transformed a "heretic hunting" Saul into the greatest evangelist in history. But Saul spent much time with the Lord before he stepped fully into his calling. A rebellious sinner has no business in a leadership position, or as a shepherd over Believers. Commonsense should make that obvious. Yet there are churches with people in leadership positions living sexually perverse lifestyles. And even worse, teaching that it is acceptable to God! (1 Timothy 1:1-11, Titus 1:10-16)

8 We know that the law is good when used correctly. 9 For the law was not intended for people who do what is right. It is for people who are lawless and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy, who kill their father or mother or commit other murders. 10 The law is for people who are sexually immoral, or who practice homosexuality, or are slave traders, liars, promise breakers, or who do anything else that contradicts the wholesome teaching 11 that comes from the glorious Good News entrusted to me by our blessed God. 

1 Timothy 1:8-11) NLT

It has been proven to be a truly slippery slope in churches. They follow the path of Eve, "Did God really say..." The moment you attempt to reimagine, embellish, or doubt God's Word, you end up in a religious ditch. The religious fret over the decline of the world and its attacks on Christianity, yet the greatest threat to the Body of Christ is often from within, specifically pastors and teachers. 

Satan started the downfall of mankind by questioning the veracity of God's Word. Consider that for just a moment. God, Creator of the Universe, who cannot lie, is being questioned by a created servant, and one who had already been cast down for rebellion. Its doubtful Eve knew satan's backstory, or else she would have not entertained him. But her curiosity, considering satan's words, led to her misquoting, and embellishing God's Word, and then doubting His warning. Why does this matter? Jesus defeated satan by quoting the Word - "It is written..." (Genesis 3) 

Everything God has spoken is for our benefit. Its not to restrict freedom, but to keep us safe. The forbidden fruit led to spiritual death IMMEDIATELY, physical death would follow, made easier by a world now controlled by satan. Our primary weapon to oppose the enemy is the Word of God. Which becomes quite useless if you do not know it, or even worse, do not believe it.

The Word must be rightly divided. It MUST be understood SPIRITUALLY. All of Scripture is FOR us, but not everything is written TO or ABOUT us. This is quite important when studying the Word. For instance, almost 1500 years slipped by with people believing that they must WORK for their Salvation. Religion came up with all sorts of religious hooey - ceremonies, rituals, practices, that they demanded must be done in order to be saved, and even then it was doubtful. But just to be certain, once you were gone, religion would gladly take payments from your family to make sure you arrived in Heaven. This CLEARLY contradicts God's Word. But it took Reformers digging in the Word and praying for Spiritual insight to see and forcefully reject it. 

Same goes for women in the ministry. This sacred cow still persists among today's religious folks in spite of numerous verses and examples in the Word. There were MANY women in the early church - they flocked to The Way for the LIBERTY promised in Christ. Paul names several women he calls fellow workers in Christ in Romans 16. Yet women are to remain quiet? Even the strictest, most misogynistic denomination does not follow this completely. But just like for the men, this is GOD's choice, not the men, women, or religion. He places folks in the Body, calls people into the ministry, as it pleases HIM. If that were universally true in the UMC, I would not be writing this blog. Anointed men and women should not allow this strife and division to take place.

The minute you allow envy, strife, or division into the congregation, satan takes advantage of the opening. He seeks to divide and destroy Believers, and he will take the smallest crack and exploit it. His folks have been agitating within denominations for years in an attempt to reimagine Scripture and normalize all sexual sin and perversion. He has been successful in splitting two denominations, and now a third - the UMC. Resist him. (John 8:31-47, Romans 16:17-20, 1 Corinthians 13:33-34, Ephesians 6:10-20, Galatians 5:13-26, James 3:13-18, 4:1-12, 1 Peter 5:1-8)

To sum it all up - Don't be religious. Overcome evil by doing Good. Let God be God. Paul makes this clear in Romans 12.

14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! 

17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. 

19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, 

“I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD. 

20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” 

21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. 

Romans 12:14-21 NLT

The religious leaders dragged a woman caught in adultery before Jesus, eager to stone her, but mostly to "test" Jesus. They did not bother to bring the man - as it takes two to commit adultery. Why? Were they really concerned with upholding the Law? Why the mercy for the man? Misogyny? Was it simply bloodlust, the desire to "legally" stone a woman to death? Jesus obviously knew their thoughts, and pointed out their hypocrisy by saying, "He who is WITHOUT sin cast the first stone." None could honestly claim that. They were not saved - Jesus had not yet died. And the Law only provided a temporary "cover" for their sins. They had to leave in shame. Jesus asked the woman, "Where are your accusers?" (John 8:1-11)

UMC congregations will have to consider their votes carefully. There are no winners or losers. The accuser of the brethren takes this round. Moving forward, you would assume each side will have much less division, for what that is worth.  

So now we will have two denominations. Some congregations will fail. Others will thrive. Hopefully most will move forward more united than before. In discussions with folks from both camps its clear that there are sincere Believers on both sides. One makes LOVE a priority and insists they will be a positive influence on the lost - who are often not welcome in churches. There is some merit to this - assuming leadership and the majority of members are spiritually mature. In practice what often happens is sinful behavior becomes more prevalent and accepted when it is allowed into a congregation. Again, the goal SHOULD BE to get people saved. What has happened to other denominations that have gone down this path is they simply accept all sins, and within a short time there are sermons praising abortions, sexual perversion, and any other extreme demonic position.

On the other side, there is a danger of a spirit of self-righteousness taking over the congregation. Similar to what Jesus faced with the religious leaders of his time, they simply wanted NOTHING to do with those dirty, rotten sinners. And were shocked Jesus would even have dinner with them! But how do you help people meet Jesus if you refuse to interact with them? You may be the only Jesus they ever meet. Many have grown up in religious homes who rejected them. They assume all Christians hate them, and want nothing to do with Jesus. And can you blame them?

Sadly, I expect some congregations will simply fade away. Others will merge to survive. This is not unexpected. Other denominations have faced similar division. What is interesting is that in the 70s there was a prophecy from Charles Capps that seems to apply to these times.

“For the day is at hand when the ministry of the Word of God shall come alive in the Church. Those who have been dead to the things of God shall rise to their feet and walk in the wisdom and in the power of God!

 

“The strength of Almighty God shall flow in the midst of them! So shall they walk in the avenue of life until the wisdom that flows from their lips shall astound the world.

 

“For they’ll speak of the Spirit of God. The anointing of God will arise within them. The angels and ministering spirits shall become very much involved in the lives of the believers who will stand to their feet in this day and walk in the principles of the Word.

 

“So shall the anointing of God flow in the earth. And so shall the Church of Almighty God be built! It will come as an explosion, as it were, by the power of the Spirit of God.

 

“And so shall they rise here and rise there. They’ll rise from obscurity. You will see churches rising from one to three thousand in three months’ time.

 

“You will see the mighty anointing of God work in the earth. You shall see the restoration of the children of God. They shall be restored to their rightful place, and the power of the Living Christ shall be shed abroad throughout the land. You’ll see it in your generation.

 

“Because, you see, there are people who have turned themselves from the Word and are preaching a social gospel. It’ll be so that these churches shall dry up; they will wither and fade away. Some will decline from thousands and in months will be gone and the property sold, because they’re dead. They’ll not exist in days to come.

 

“Oh, they have existed in the days past, because it’s not been so, what will be so in the latter end. The anointing of God shall flow in the earth, and darkness shall prevail over those who are in darkness. The gross darkness shall cover those who are in darkness, but the light shall grow lighter to those who walk in the light.

 

“My Church shall be built, and it will be as though it were in a day. For I’ll make a short work of righteousness in the earth.” 

        Charles Capps, Authority In Three Worlds © 1980 Pages 188-190

That is happening before our eyes in this present time. Churches that boldly teach the Word under God's anointing are popping up and growing fast. While many traditional churches of all sizes and flavors are fading away - sometimes overnight.

As I end this post, I hope you have noted that I take no joy in the demise of the denomination that nourished me. I know my parents and grandparents would be heartbroken at what is happening. The Good News is that God is in control. It may look like everything is falling apart, but that is just satan. He knows his time is short. He is defeated, but yet wants to create as much trouble as he can. His end is near. And Jesus is building HIS Church. It will be a GLORIOUS Body that will depart this planet TRIUMPHANTLY. Discover your place and do your part. Start Believing that the Body of Christ is expanding every day. Don't listen to satan's reports, stay focused on what God Promises. 

God Bless You!

Immigration Or Invasion - What Would Jesus Do?

Earlier this year some self-identified Christian leaders signed a letter denouncing President Trump's executive order that selectively barred immigrants from several failed states. It has always amazed me how many Christian leaders leap forward when it comes to progressive political activity. Last I checked, there is only one HEAD of THE BODY - Jesus Christ. I would rather know and follow HIS Word, and not the human reasoning of religious leaders with questionable motives. Even Jesus obeyed the secular authority of His time, Caesar/Rome, and submitted to its judgment. (Matthew 22:21, Mark 12:17, Luke 20:25, John 19:10-11) Why is it so hard for these 100 religious folks to follow His example?


The earthly powers are ordained by God. They are NOT a terror to good works, but to evil. (Romans 13:1-5) One of the primary purposes of the President and Executive branch is defending the Constitution from enemies both foreign and domestic. They do not "bear the sword in vain" in this pursuit. With almost 1400 years of evidence of the violent nature of Islam, immigrants/refugees, especially in large numbers of single, military-aged men from failed states, represent a clear threat to the Liberty of American citizens. It would be foolish to fling open the doors to a group whose primary pastimes are building IEDs and chanting "Death to America!"


So one must ask, why the zeal to attack a policy that is temporary, very pragmatic, evolved from the previous administration's actions, and has proven an important deterrent in the war on Islamic terrorism? Is it not prudent to avoid importing enemy combatants into your own backyard? And if they are not easily identified, do you just throw up your hands and let everyone in? Or perhaps, you keep trying until you devise a better way to screen for militant jihadis?

Why Go Political Now?

1. Where were these leaders when Obama was bombing Libya and Yemen, arming ISIS in Syria, and encouraging violent uprisings throughout the Middle East? Where were these good Christian men and women when ISIS was burning Christians and Yazidis alive, and selling off young girls as sex slaves? Where were the letters of protest against Obama's attempts to force regime change on Egypt? The last administration was instrumental in creating the chaos, and yet these concerned religious folks never gave it a second thought until Trump was elected. Obviously, they cared little for the plight of the people, until they saw their refugee revenue stream threatened.


2. Did any of these so-called evangelical leaders even bother to read the executive order? Trump's ban only targets the countries that are openly hostile towards the US (Iran), or are dumpster fires with little to no functioning government/security (Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, Syria). The latter category largely exists thanks to the previous administration arming terrorists, and/or forcing regime change on them. IT IS NOT A MUSLIM BAN. The largest exporter of RoP terrorists to the US since 9/11 (terrorists and/or those convicted on terror related charges), is Pakistan at 62, and they are not on the list. Other exporters of terrorists like Lebanon (28), that mythical land called Palestine (22), Egypt (17), or even Saudi Arabia (9) failed to make the list. Neither did the largest Muslim nation in the world (Indonesia), or the largest Arab nation in the world (Egypt) make the list! The hyperventilating from the extreme left, and the misinformation on what Trump has actually done, proves once again that the traditional media continues to be nothing more than dangerous propaganda.


3. How many of these leaders and their religious organizations profit from taxpayer funds being funneled to their organization to care for refugees. I sure would like to know. Because from what I have found thus far, this is BIG BUSINESS for many religious groups. We're talking over $2 BILLION in funding going into the pockets of large organizations like World Relief, and filtering down to the local level. This is for a reported 200,000 arrivals in the same year. That is a whole lot of money, and likely lots of fraud, waste, and abuse. Its no wonder they are so eager for more refugees, even if that means more violence and/or terrorism.


4. No nation imports more LEGAL immigrants (approximately 1 million annually), than the US. Since 2003, the refugee quantity has been capped between 70-80,000. While George W. Bush was in office, the numbers admitted fell way short of the cap. Since 2008, the numbers have grown dramatically, leading to the Obama administration planning for 250,000 for 2017. That is not a refugee program, that is an invasion.


5. When Obama entered office there were 80,529,000 people NOT participating in the workforce. Eight years later and that number is now 94,708,000! So we have a shrinking workforce, less tax revenue, and these Christian leaders advocate bringing in even more people to be dependent on government? And this is after Obama doubled the national debt to almost $20 TRILLION in just eight years. This is not the time to be flooding the country with unskilled wards of the state.


6. No matter how many immigrants or refugees the United States admits, it will do little to change the world's conditions. In fact, immigration is often detrimental to the exporting country. The folks that immigrate, or who are accepted as refugees, are often the educated, the healthy, and the industrious - the very folks who could make necessary changes to the political or economic situation. Left behind are the poor, uneducated, sick, and elderly, leaving the country far worse than before. It would be far better to take a portion of those funds being laundered through religious groups and help the people "bloom where they are" instead of risking their lives for the unknown. To drag them away from their homes, their families, tribes, clans, culture, language etc., and place them in a foreign land, forcing them to be dependent on handouts, is not compassionate, it is cruel, both to them and those left behind. It seems horribly backwards for Christian organizations, who instead of teaching people to look to God as their source, instead teaches people to be dependent on the state.



7. If you closed your eyes and someone said "refugee" what would you imagine? It is likely you would picture women, maybe some small children, possibly a few elderly folks, and even a wounded soldier or two.

Historically, refugees have been noncombatants fleeing the battle. The men would often stay behind and remain in the fight. So why does virtually every picture of Muslim refugees, include only healthy, military-aged men? Where are the women and children?


These are not refugees in any traditional sense. Although many are economic migrants, there are far too many who bring with them a desire to undermine and destabilize their new home. The experience in many European cities proves this, as things often get ugly when hundreds of Islamic men come together and don't get their way. Crime increases, especially rape and sexual harassment. Protests are frequent and often violent. Areas become no-go zones for citizens for fear of persecution or something far worse. Often government and police refuse to employ force to stop the violence, so its left to fester and grow. Is this the future these evangelical leaders imagine?


8. The forces who champion open borders and mass migration, are the same ones who for over 100 years have been pushing for one world government. This New World Order in no way includes the Creator or King in the ruling hierarchy. It is the same people who have worked diligently to remove God and the Bible from schools, government, and now even society itself. And yet somehow, Islam is allowed in the classroom and embraced by large segments of society. Are these folks the allies these Christian leaders seek? It seems more aligned with the god of this world rather than the king of Kings, Lord of Lords. It often seems like all the unsavory characters of the left - authoritarians, collectivists, progressives, atheists, global elite, and now these hundred religious folks all seem to embrace Islam. Why not stand up for Christianity, the Rule of Law, and Liberty?


9. If the Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. And in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.  And He is the Head of the Body, the church; He is the beginning and the Firstborn from among the dead, so that in EVERYTHING He might have the supremacy. And if even God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross. And if Jesus Himself said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Why aren't these religious leaders teaching this Truth to the refugees? (John 14:6, Colossians 1:15-20)

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. -- 1 Timothy 2:1-6 KJV

10. Paul's letter is especially relevant to this discussion. Note the role of the Believer  - pray for those in authority. Why? So that Believers can live a quiet and peaceful life. Why would this be important? Because it is quite difficult to share the Good News when government has banned Christianity, as in the case of many Muslim majority nations. They often murder apostates and Christian missionaries. Is America ready for hundreds of thousands of folks who reject Liberty, and most every Western value? Is American ready for those who at even the slightest perceived offense would turn to violence?

God's Will is that all be saved. Are these organizations preaching the Word to these immigrants, explaining Liberty and setting them free from the 7th century barbarism they left in their old country? Or will we see balkanized ghettos, teaming with angry jihadis yearning not to be free, but to violently earn their way into their demonic notion of paradise, killing as many folks along the way as they can.



It Is Written.

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. -- Romans 13:1-5 KJV

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.

For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. -- 1 Peter 2:11-17 KJV

People who claim to follow Christ, should follow His Word. They should be led by the Spirit, not by how much money they can take from taxpayers to support the globalist agenda.