I Like Newt, But...

The Republican Presidential primary season is fast upon us and like Christmas, we must make I wishes known.  I am in a bit of a quandary.  I like Newt Gingrich.  He is the smartest one out of the bunch.  He's the guy you want when the teacher says that the class should break-up into groups of five for a team quiz for 10 bonus points on the next test.  But he's got more personal baggage than the Hilton sisters and the Olsen twins combined.  Married three times coupled with marital infidelity, including having an affair while lambasting President Bill Clinton for his indiscretion with Monica Lewinsky.  Gingrich is known for having hissy-fits when he doesn't get his way. 

I think in choosing a president one must look to 1 Tim 3:1-7:

"This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.  ²A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;  ³Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; ⁴One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; ⁵(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)  ⁶Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.  ⁷Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil."

Now you may ask, "Harry what does 1 Tim 3:1-7 have to do with politics?"  Not only do I believe in the maxim that whether it one is a Christian or not, past conduct is a guide to future performance, what one does in their personal life will filter into their public life.  This especially true in politics or religion for that matter.  In verse 2, "blameless (anepilēmptos)," is outward, meaning "he must give no grounds for accusation but must be above reproach" (Amplified Bible).  I would rather that he or she be the husband of one wife or husband, but if a candidate presents himself or herself as viable, and the circumstances of the divorce is understandable, then perhaps.  Continuing in verse 2, "vigilant (nēphalios)," Strong's defines as "sober, temperate."  I like the Amplified Bible's description of "circumspect."  When I think of the word circumspect, I think of one walking along rocks strategically placed across a creek.  As they cross, they carefully without placing their full weight upon the rock in front of them to see if it is not slippery or lose before standing on it.  I would want a president who would guard what they would say or do.  Newt is not known for his temperate speech.  When it comes to the crucial decisions, I want someone to weigh all the options before setting America down a path which is impossible to turn from.

For verses 4 & 5, I think that a person who has a good handle on his personal life will show it in his professional life.  Lastly, in verse 6, one must not be a novice, because they would most assuredly be a person of whom one will try to take advantage. 
Now, note I referred to "she" and "herself."  Does the Bible frown upon women being leaders in society today?  As far as business or public office, no!  Lydia, a seller of purple, the Apostle Paul's first convert in Philippi was a woman of means and offered hospitality to visiting missionaries in her home.
In 2008, I voted for Chuck Baldwin of the Constitution party, a Christian.  I Christian is not always the best choice; I cite Jimmy Carter in 1976.

This year, I don't know for sure.  As I mentioned before, I like Newt, but... it will probably be Rick Santorum.

Turmoil in Syria, Yemen, the ousting of Mubarak, and the death of Gadhafi: End Time Implications?

With what has been brewing in the Middle East and northern Africa and President Mahmoud Abbas seeking recognition for Palestinian statehood at the United Nations, Israel is definitely feeling the squeeze as the region falls to Islamic radicalism. The United States appears to be more and more ambiguous in its support for its long time ally. President Barak Obama's support whether wittingly or not, for the so-called Arab Spring is misplaced. As vile as Egypt's Mubarak and Libya’s Gadhafi were, they held Islamic radicalism in check. How long will it be before American will throw Israel under the bus driven by the United Nations? It stands to reason that Israel is greatly in need of a friend. Perhaps, the Antichrist?


If one has a firm grasp on End Time prophesy, Israel will be the focus of the Antichrist’s wrath as the age of the Gentiles quickly comes to an end during the Tribulation. In Daniel 9:24-27 and in particularly in verse 27a, it is written “he [the Antichrist] shall confirm the covenant with many for one week,” meaning that the antichrist will offer peace to a world on the brink of annihilation, including Israel which will be allowed rebuild the temple in Jerusalem and the resumption of the Old Testament sacrifices. The “one week” mentioned in the text is equal to seven years corresponding with the tribulation which will run for the same period of time. But, at the midpoint of the tribulation, the Antichrist will break his treaty with Israel and establish himself as God within the rebuilt temple (cp Matt. 24:15). The remainder of verse 27 reads, "and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate."

Another interesting fact to note is the debt crises both with individuals and nations.  Greece, near calapse is in need of funds from the European Union, China, and the United States.  The United States needless to say has its own problems with spending what it doesn't has.  With billions owed in student loans and taxes and banks saddled with consumers who will not pay there debts, is there a solution on the horizon?  Perhaps there is and we use it every day.  Debit cards is a means to a cashless society.  How many times has one to whip out a card to buy a Big Mac and Coke with out thinking twice.  With those complaining about others that have that are not sharing with those who are without, one can only wonder if the one world government where only those who can buy and sell has the mark of the beast (Rev 13:18) is just down the road.

These are very interesting times my friends. Thankfully before these events happen, believers will be raptured.  I think I share the sentiments of John the Apostle in Rev. 22:20b, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”