CALLED TO BE A PECULIAR PEOPLE

All throughout history a particular group of people have always in every generation have been called the people of God. For the past 2000 years, this group has come to be known as Christians. The Name Christian According to Easton’s Revised Bible Dictionary the word “Christian” was the name given by the Greeks or Romans, probably in reproach, to the followers of Jesus. It was first used at Antioch. The names by which the disciples were known among themselves were "brethren," "the faithful," "elect," "saints," "believers." But as distinguishing them from the multitude without, the name "Christian" came into use, and was universally accepted. This name occurs but three times in the New Testament Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1Pe 4:16. What was meant to be a derogatory term used to taunt and make a certain group of people feel ashamed and unwanted is now associated with blessing.Now, the question is why did the people of Antioch nickname the followers of Christ Christians? What was so different about them that called for them to be disdained by the community in which they lived? Could it be that the Antioch pagans simply did not like to have anything to do with godliness as exhibited by the Christians or by their way of life? There is an important difference between being a "good" person and being a Christian. Somebody can have many good attributes, he can even be a devoted helper or a generous person, but these things do not make him a Christian. Good attributes are advantageous for others on a certain level, but they can only be used in the best way after a person has repented to God. If a person wants to be "good" without repenting to God, there is a danger that his "goodness" or "greatness" will cause others to respect and honor him instead of honoring and following Jesus.The New CreatureThe bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.” A closer look at this verse reveals that first a Christian should be in Christ. The life that a Christian lives should no longer be for himself but for Christ. Next the Christian is a new creature who is supposed to exhibit a life in conformity to the new nature in him. Thirdly any previous lifestyle lived becomes an issue of the past and buried with the old nature that had passed away. The knowledge of God's own loving nature is what leads Christians to devote themselves completely to serving God and others. “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” (1 John 4:8) Following Jesus means seeking what God wants to do with our life in all points and in all moments. A Christian must be ready to give up everything because of God. Manifesting the new nature and life in Christ means a Christian must turn from pride and materialistic pursuits and be ready to let go of his/her ambitions, careers and hobbies for the sake of the Kingdom of God. This places the Christian in a situation of total obedience and submission to God. This kind of life does not appeal to the unbeliever and so leads him/her to sometimes conclude that Christians are narrow minded individuals. But that is what makes Christianity unique.
Author: Lawrence Tsimese
The Salt of The Earth1 Peter 2: 9 states “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:” In reference to the above scripture we must understand that Christians are a chosen peculiar people of priestly heritage who have specifically been called by God to show forth His praise in an unbelieving world. We are to show forth his praises as salt savors meat (Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men” Matt 5:13). Being the salt of the earth, the Christian’s life is different from all others in that his/her daily lifestyle preserves the spirits of those around them (Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltiness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another”. Mark 9:50). You can’t ignore a true Christian’s presence since it has a way of positively impacting society. If the salt should lose its saltiness it will become useless and be trampled upon. A Christian therefore can not be like anybody else. When he/she lives in conformity to worldly standards it means the salt nature is gone and therefore is as good as an unbeliever.Love for One AnotherChristianity is not always an easy walk but an eternally rewarding one. The life of a Christian is a continuous process of sanctification. God works within each Christian to conform him more and more to the image of his Son (Romans 8:29). That does not mean that a Christian is without sin for the rest of his life, but that he basically separates from sin. The result of this sanctification must be visible in the life of every Christian (John 15:1-10) because God gives him the power to strive for a holy life (2 Peter 1:3; Romans 6:12-14). For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2) The fruit of having a relationship with God is visible in the practical life of a Christian and is manifested principally in brotherly love. Jesus commanded us to be a light shining out for all to see (Matt. 5:14 – 16). We are therefore to let our light shine wherever we are. In fact, darkness should disappear from any place that a Christian goes. We can’t afford to operate in darkness of ignorance of the love of God. God is Love and we owe our allegiance to Him. Brotherly love (the love among believers) is the sign by which the disciples of Jesus are recognized (John 13:34-35). Brotherly love is based on the decision of each Christian to devote his life to his brothers and sisters. (“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” 1 John 3:16) Relationships among brothers and sisters in faith differ from other relationships because Christians have the same attitude towards life and share the same hope and aim in life. Since a Christian is not in unity with unbelievers in these points the amount of co-operation possible is limited to some extent. In closing, I will state that Christianity is not a bunch of do's and don'ts. It is love, life and liberty through Jesus Christ which is what makes a Christian different from anybody else.

REVISITING THE U.S. CONSTITUTION

Here is the complete text of the U.S. Constitution. The original spelling and capitalization have been retained.



We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Article I
Section 1. All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.
Section 2. The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature.
No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen.
Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons. The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct. The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one Representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to chuse three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New-York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five, and Georgia three.
When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.
The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment.
Section 3. The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof, for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote.
Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes. The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth Year, and the third Class at the Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year; and if Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such Vacancies.
No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen.
The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided.
The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the Absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Office of President of the United States.
The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present.
Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of Honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law.
Section 4. The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators.
The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by Law appoint a different Day.
Section 5. Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may provide.
Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member.
Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment require Secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays of the Members of either House on any question shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those Present, be entered on the Journal.
Neither House, during the Session of Congress, shall, without the Consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other Place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting.
Section 6. The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.
No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been encreased during such time: and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office.
Section 7. All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.
Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the United States; if he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If after such Reconsideration two thirds of that House shall agree to pass the Bill, it shall be sent, together with the Objections, to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of that House, it shall become a Law. But in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall be determined by Yeas and Nays, and the Names of the Persons voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each House respectively. If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its Return, in which Case it shall not be a Law.
Every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which the Concurrence of the Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of Adjournment) shall be presented to the President of the United States; and before the Same shall take Effect, shall be approved by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the Rules and Limitations prescribed in the Case of a Bill.

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Section 8. The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;
To borrow Money on the credit of the United States;
To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;
To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;
To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;
To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States;
To establish Post Offices and post Roads;
To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;
To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;
To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations;
To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;
To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;
To provide and maintain a Navy;
To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;
To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;
To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;
To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;--And
To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.
Section 9. The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person.
The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.
No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.
No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or Enumeration herein before directed to be taken.
No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.
No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another: nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear or pay Duties in another.
No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time.
No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.
Section 10. No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility.
No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it's inspection Laws: and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Controul of the Congress.
No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any Duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay.
Article II
Section 1. The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows:
Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector.
The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot for two Persons, of whom one at least shall not be an Inhabitant of the same State with themselves. And they shall make a List of all the Persons voted for, and of the Number of Votes for each; which List they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the Government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the Certificates, and the Votes shall then be counted. The Person having the greatest Number of Votes shall be the President, if such Number be a Majority of the whole Number of Electors appointed; and if there be more than one who have such Majority, and have an equal Number of Votes, then the House of Representatives shall immediately chuse by Ballot one of them for President; and if no Person have a Majority, then from the five highest on the List the said House shall in like Manner chuse the President. But in chusing the President, the Votes shall be taken by States, the Representation from each State having one Vote; A quorum for this Purpose shall consist of a Member or Members from two thirds of the States, and a Majority of all the States shall be necessary to a Choice. In every Case, after the Choice of the President, the Person having the greatest Number of Votes of the Electors shall be the Vice President. But if there should remain two or more who have equal Votes, the Senate shall chuse from them by Ballot the Vice President.
The Congress may determine the Time of chusing the Electors, and the Day on which they shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same throughout the United States.
No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.
In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, the Same shall devolve on the Vice President, and the Congress may by Law provide for the Case of Removal, Death, Resignation or Inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what Officer shall then act as President, and such Officer shall act accordingly, until the Disability be removed, or a President shall be elected.
The President shall, at stated Times, receive for his Services, a Compensation, which shall neither be encreased nor diminished during the Period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that Period any other Emolument from the United States, or any of them.
Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:--"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Section 2. The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.
He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.
The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of their next Session.
Section 3. He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper; he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall Commission all the Officers of the United States.
Section 4. The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.
Article III
Section 1. The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office.
Section 2. The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority;--to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls;--to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction;--to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party;--to Controversies between two or more States;--between a State and Citizens of another State;--between Citizens of different States;--between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under Grants of different States, and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects.
In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned, the supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make.
The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed; but when not committed within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place or Places as the Congress may by Law have directed.
Section 3. Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.
The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.
Article IV
Section 1. Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records, and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof.
Section 2. The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
A Person charged in any State with Treason, Felony, or other Crime, who shall flee from Justice, and be found in another State, shall on Demand of the executive Authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having Jurisdiction of the Crime.
No Person held to Service or Labour in one State, under the Laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in Consequence of any Law or Regulation therein, be discharged from such Service or Labour, but shall be delivered up on Claim of the Party to whom such Service or Labour may be due.
Section 3. New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new States shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.
The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to Prejudice any Claims of the United States, or of any particular State.
Section 4. The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence.
Article V
The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate.
Article VI
All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the Confederation.
This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwith-standing.
The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.
Article VII
The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same.
Done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the Twelfth
In witness whereof We have hereunto subscribed our Names,
George Washington--President and deputy from Virginia
New Hampshire: John Langdon, Nicholas Gilman
Massachusetts: Nathaniel Gorham, Rufus King
Connecticut: William Samuel Johnson, Roger Sherman
New York: Alexander Hamilton
New Jersey: William Livingston, David Brearly, William Paterson, Jonathan Dayton
Pennsylvania: Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Mifflin, Robert Morris, George Clymer, Thomas FitzSimons, Jared Ingersoll, James Wilson, Gouverneur Morris
Delaware: George Read, Gunning Bedford, Jr., John Dickinson, Richard Bassett, Jacob Broom
Maryland: James McHenry, Daniel of Saint Thomas Jenifer, Daniel Carroll
Virginia: John Blair, James Madison, Jr.
North Carolina: William Blount, Richard Dobbs Spaight, Hugh Williamson
South Carolina: John Rutledge, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Charles Pinckney, Pierce Butler
Georgia: William Few, Abraham Baldwin

Source: The Pennsylvania Packet, September 19, 1787

MARIA PADILLA JOINS GALA STAFF

Tampa-Flash-The Gala Foundation announced today, the appointment of Maria Padilla to join the Gala Staff as Senior Writer to the Gala Web-Sites. Maria Padilla, a Woman of God, recently confirmed with Gala Director,Noel Serrano that she is willing to work with both languages in the twin sites and is very eager to join in the Gala effort. Ms Padilla will also contribute articles and features that will also compliment the Gala Publication, The Family Times International. Noel has been praying intensely that God will bring faithful people that are willing to assist this beloved cause. The Gala Foundation welcomes this extraordinary Servant of the Lord.

THE FATHERS OF OUR TIMES

Father is considered a title of HONOR given to all men who establish anything important in human life, to better mankind. A man who occupies an unusual place in history is sometimes also called a Father. The title has no official standing. It is given only by tradition. However, I believe all men have to work at the title "father" for their children!Love Our Fathers!Father of America – Samuel Adams, one of the most active patriots in the cause of American Independence.Father of Angling – Izaak Walton, who wrote about the delights of fishing in “The Compleat Angler” (1653).Father of Comedy – Aristophanes, who was the greatest of the Greek writers of comedy.Father of English History – The Venerable Bede, who wrote an Ecclesiastical History of English People.Father of New France – considered to be Samuel de Champlain.Father of His Country – was George Washington, because he is the Father of His Country to the people of the United States. This title has been given to many men throughout history; however, this was for the United States. But for others it was the Romans called Cicero the Father of His Country because he saved the state from the plots of Catiline. Julius Caesar and the Emperor Augustus also received the title.Father of Medicine – Hippocrates, who was a Greek physician and the most famous one of ancient times. He changed our world as we know it.Father of the Constitution – no doubt, James MadisonFather of History – Herodotus, who wrote the first great history of Greece and other ancient countries.Father of the Faithful – Abraham, who was the ancestor of the Hebrew race.Father is sometimes applied to anything of major or chief like importance. For example, the Mississippi is often called the “Father of Waters” because of the it’s many branches.Father is also given to priests of the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches.The most important “Father” to us all is our own father. This word “Father” represents the greatest, important humans that have touched and affected our lives in a very positive way. They have given us life, hope, and belief to be the best we can be. That is what a “Father” is, a great man of many teachings. There are many fathers not mentioned in this article because they may have touched one person versus many people at one time as these father’s have above. However, Father’s are the foundation of our homes, families and lives regardless if they affect one person or many!Father’s Day is a day on which many people of the United States and Canada express gratitude and appreciation by giving their fathers presents and greeting cards. Father’s Day comes on the third Sunday in June. Mrs. John Bruce Dodd of Spokane, Washington, started Father’s Day in 1910. Later, the custom spread throughout the United States. In 1936, a national Father’s Day Committee was formed with the headquarters in New York City.This brief history lesson gives us a glimpse of the great Father’s of our times, how they have shaped our countries and our people. Let’s not forget the day to day fathers out there because we are blessed to have this day to celebrate with them or for them. Father’s are a gift nd we need to be thankful for all that they have done for us in the past, in the present and in the future. In our Mother’s Day blog, we noted our research finding that people listed their mothers as heroes more often than any other person. Fathers were a close second. Why are parents viewed as so heroic? Developmental psychologists tell us that the relationship we have with our parents is the first significant relationship of our lives. It is a relationship that indelibly shapes our values, our aspirations, and our future behavior. Thus when we experience successes in our careers and in our personal lives, it is not surprising that we attribute those triumphs, at least in part, to our parents.The origin of Father’s Day is not entirely clear, but there are several fascinating possibilities. Babylonian scholars have discovered a message carved in clay by a young man named Elmesu roughly 4,000 years ago. In the message, Elmesu wishes his father good health and a long life. Some believe this ancient message represents evidence of an established tradition of honoring fathers, but there is little evidence to support a specially designated Father’s Day until modern times.There is some debate about the origin of the Father’s Day that we celebrate today. Some claim that a West Virginian named Grace Golden Clayton deserves the credit. In 1907, Clayton was grieving the loss of her own father when a tragic mine explosion in Monongah killed 361 men, 250 of whom were fathers. Clayton requested that her church establish a day to honor these lost fathers and to help the children of the affected families heal emotionally. The date she suggested was July 8th, the anniversary of her own father’s death.Still others believe that the first Father’s Day was held on June 19, 1910 through the efforts of Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington. Inspired by the newly recognized Mother’s Day, Dodd felt strongly that fatherhood needed recognition as well. Her own father, William Smart, was a Civil War veteran who was left to raise his family alone when his wife died giving birth to their sixth child. Dodd was the only daughter, and she helped her father raise her younger brothers, including her new infant brother Marshall.Whereas Mother’s Day was met with instant enthusiasm, Father’s Day was initially met with scorn and derision. Few people believed that fathers wanted, or needed, any acknowledgement. It wasn’t until 1972 that President Richard Nixon made Father’s Day an official holiday. Today the holiday is widely celebrated in the month of June by more than 52 countries.Why are fathers heroes? The respondents in our survey listed two main reasons. First, fathers are given credit for being great teachers and mentors. They teach us how to fix a flat tire, shoot a basketball, and write a resume. Fathers are less emotional than mothers, but they lead by example and devote time demonstrating life skills to us. Former governor of New York, Mario Cuomo, once said, “I talk and talk and talk, and I haven’t taught people in 50 years what my father taught by example in one week.”Second, fathers are great providers and protectors. Our respondents told us that their fathers were heroes in their commitment to provide for their families, often at great sacrifice. Many fathers work at two or more jobs outside the home to ensure that their families have adequate food and shelter. Fathers also provide us with a sense of safety and protection. Sigmund Freud once wrote, “I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father’s protection.”On this Father’s Day, we wish all fathers, and all men who serve as father figures, all the kudos they so richly deserve. Happy Father’s Day!

DO THE WORK OF AN EVANGELIST

In II Timothy 4:5 Paul admonishes his young protégé, Timothy, to "be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."
We can see in the context of this verse several reasons why we need faithful men, young and old, to be willing to take on the privilege and responsibility of doing 'the work of an evangelist':
There is the solemn charge in II Timothy 4:1 that all men with ability and opportunity should feel the weight of.
The charge backs up the definite command in II Timothy 4:2 to 'preach the Word.'
The attitudes that many will manifest — II Timothy 4:1,4 — make it imperative that someone live up to the charge of faithfully preaching the gospel.
Then, in II Timothy 4:6-8, we see a final reason: Older preachers are passing from the scene of earthly affairs; new blood must be trained, willing and able, to take their place.
But the main point we wish to discuss is: Just what is 'the work of an evangelist'? What was Paul telling Timothy to do when he told him to 'do the work of an evangelist'? Brothers and sisters today expect many things of the man who preaches with either the stated or implied idea; "Why, that's the preacher's job!". Well, is it? Let's find out just what God expects this mysterious creature called 'the preacher' to be doing.
The Work of an Evangelist Is Threefold
Ezra 7:10, while not directly describing a preacher of the gospel today, does give an excellent summary of his work: "For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to practice it, and to teach His statues and ordinances in Israel." Thus we can itemize the three general duties of an evangelist as follows:
He is to 'study' the Law of the Lord.' This (harmonizes with Paul's instructions to Timothy: "Give attendance to reading" (I Timothy 4:13 KJV); "Diligently study to show yourself ap­proved to God as a workman that does not need to be ashamed; handling accurately the word of truth" (II Timothy 2:15, combining the NASV and KJV renderings).
Then he is to practice the Law of the Lord; applying its truths to himself and striving to live by them. This was Ezra's second determination, and again we find Paul telling Timothy to show himself 'an example of those who believe.' (I Timothy 4:12).
Only after fulfilling the above duties, Is the evangelist properly fit for his third duty: "to teach His statues and ordinances” to the spiritual house of Israel today. Once more, we are faced with Paul's simple command: "Preach the Word" (II Timothy 4:2).
This gives us a general idea of the evangelist's duties. To clarify a bit, let's get a good idea of what his work is not. As with the other aspects of preaching and preachers; 'the preacher's job' has been clouded over with human traditions and ideas. Such needs to be removed from our minds so that we can clearly focus on the God-given duties of the evangelist.
Doing The Work of an Evangelist Does Not Involve Being:
A church ‘go fer’
I'm sure we're all familiar with the idea of a 'go fer.' He is the general flunky on the job who is always being told to 'go fer' this and 'go fer' that. Sadly, this is the role many see the preacher as filling: Someone to handle all the miscellaneous details involved in 'running a church.'
Sometimes a preacher is expected to: handle all church correspondence (setting up meetings, replying to requests for support, etc.), handle all phases of bulletin production from writing and printing it to keeping up the mailing list; take care of the church property; and assorted other chores. In addition he is expected to fulfill his 'pastoral duty' by: visiting all the sick (no matter how trifling the ill) of the church or vaguely related thereto ("Oh, preacher! sister Lou's third cousin by marriage is so sick with a headache...!"); rounding up all the stray sheep of the congregation (no matter how long they've been straying, the new man is supposed to be able to wave a magic wand and 'bring them in'); and settle every personal dispute among brethren. After all that, I don't see how a man has time to breathe; much less study and preach!
We need to realize that much of the above are specific duties; not of the preacher, but of elders and deacons. When there are no elders and deacons, the preacher bears an equal responsibility with other members to see that such work is done, but not a greater one. (To the anguished cry of some: "Well, what's he getting paid for?" I reply, “Nothing!” The preacher is not being 'paid for' doing anything. He is having his livelihood provided so that he might preach the gospel (I Corinthians 9:14).
Too many churches and preachers have forgotten that it is not desirable 'to neglect the Word of God in order to serve tables' (Acts 6:2). Since the preacher is so busy tending to 'go fering' work that he has little time to truly study God's Word; the people get only a constant diet of warmed-over, rehashed first principle sermons. While some of such is profitable, a continuous diet of such never gives God's people a firm grasp of divine truth; the meat they need to 'go on to perfection.' We need men who will disregard this traditional 'preacher role' and 'devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word' (Acts 6:4); lest God's people again be destroyed 'for a lack of knowledge' (Hosea 4:6).
A church clothes horse.
Now some folks want 'their' preacher to be a real 'dressed up dude.' His tie and socks must match (and I guess his shoes and shirt as well!); he must never be so undignified as to appear in a sports coat and slacks instead of a two or three piece suit; and perish the thought of him appearing in public without his suit-coat (then he doesn't 'look like a preacher'!). And if he should dare take his tie off—that's unforgivable—that man has got to go!
Now, perhaps I'm exaggerating a trifle; but I've had experience with the undue emphasis some put on appearance. Also, I realize that a preacher should seek to be neat and respectable in appearance when he is in public. So don't take this as condoning sloppiness in clothing or 'blue-jean' casualness for all occasions. (For some events blue-jeans are fitting; I don't think anyone would recommend a suit and tie to play softball in! And if you say it isn't proper for preachers to do something so undignified as playing softball, you're hopeless anyway!) Such is another extreme to avoid. But I do not believe one has to wear a suit and tie to be respectable in appearance. In fact anyone who sets store by 'looking like a preacher' might ought to read Matthew 23:5 real carefully.
A Church Ambassador
All Christians are expected to be sociable. Paul stated in I Corinthians 5:10 that if one were to seek to avoid contact with the immoral of the world; one would have to leave the world. Such is not presented as a desirable alter­native. Rather, Christians are to be as their Lord — John 2:1,1; Matthew 9:10ff— and associate with the world.
But some expect more of a preacher than simple sociability's and friendliness. He is to be 'well-known' in the community; one who is on speaking terms with 'everybody who is somebody'. This way they feel the church can be well-known and attract the 'right' people. In addition they are ex­pected to have a regular schedule of social visits to all the members (whether they care to invite him or not!).
Now, I know of few preachers who are not friendly individuals; I know of fewer still who would not make immediate arrangements to visit a home on spiritual business: a Bible study; help with a spiritual problem, etc. But to expect a preacher to serve as a sort of walking 'good-will ambassador' for the church is to expect more of him than the Lord does. Much-needed study time can easily be frittered away with endless social visits that serve no worthwhile purpose.
A church doctor
Some may be ready to revoke my 'preaching license' for this; but I don't believe it is the preacher's job to visit and pray for the sick! But hear me, out; I'm not saying that the Christian who is a preacher has no obligations to the sick and infirm; I am saying that such is not 'the work of an evangelist.'
All Christians are charged to visit and care for those that are sick or otherwise in need (Galatians 6:20; James 1:27). If any group of Christians has a special obligation to the sick It would be the elders — James 5:14 – “Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders...” — not the preacher. I count it a privilege to visit the sick as time allows but not as part of my 'pastoral duties' or whatever. I am more than happy to pray on their behalf while I'm visiting if asked to do so; but I hope to make it clear that a preacher's visits and prayers offer no more benefit than any other faithful Christian's. Preachers have no 'hot­line to Heaven’; no more 'pull' with the Father; than any righteous man does (James 5:16).
A church coach
Oh how the pendulum swings! From one extreme we quickly jump to another. First the churches totally ignore the young people (Well, you're really too young to do anything — wait a few years!); then, when such neglect bears its natural evil fruit, they feel they must make a special case of 'our young people.' So now it's a special 'young people's program' and the preacher is expected to function as 'church coach'— to 'work well with the teenagers.'
Why not let the preacher do what he is charged of God to do: Preach the gospel without partiality to anyone? (I Timothy 5:21). Then let the young people do their part in the church's work as individual members should (Ephesians 4:16). All the church is supposed to offer the young is what she has to offer the old— the gospel and a place in 'the work of service' (Romans 1:16; 4:12). Anything beyond this is not the responsibility of either the church or the preacher; but of the parents (Ephesians 6:4). And I've found that such a program works well with a certain type of young people and older ones as well — the type that are spiritually minded!
A church boss
Many times, in relatively new congregations (and some older ones, as well) an older preacher's advice may carry much weight because of the acquired wisdom of experience and years. Even a younger preacher may find himself placed in somewhat of a leadership role because his message carries the authority of heaven with it (Titus 2:15). Such things are 'judgment calls' where it is most difficult to tell right from wrong until definite abuses take place.
But when preachers start to 'take charge'; whether they be older or younger, and distort this leadership quality so that they can 'run things the way they should be run'; they are definitely out of line. And if members allow such to happen or actively seek to place the role of 'church boss' on the preacher's shoulders; then there certainly is a violation of God's will involved. All should be reminded that the oversight of the church was given to elders not preachers; and, by implication, in the absence of elders all the men should decide the course of action to be taken by the church in fulfilling her God-given role.
The evangelist's duty in church matters is to tell the Lord's people what the Lord wants His church to do. He has the divine obligation to make this as emphatic as possible when it is a matter of a "Thus saith the Lord" (Titus 2:15) and as uncontentious as possible when it is a matter of expediency or per­sonal opinion (Titus 3:10,11). But he has no right to seek to enforce the Lord's will for Him; nor to force his way in judgment matters (however 'wise' he may judge it to be!) (cf. III John 9,10).
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THE ORIGIN OF MEMORIAL DAY

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day is a day of remembrance for military people who have died in service to the United Stated of America. People in cities and towns around the nation gather in cemeteries and hold parades and commemorations to honor fallen military. People gathers in cities and towns, at town squares and at local cemeteries around the nation to remember that freedom has come with a price to the military members and their families.
Over two dozen cities and towns claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, so many of the origins of the holiday are not clear. It is an important commemoration about the significant events that formed the U.S.
The first official observation of Memorial Day was on May 30, 1868, for the fallen soldiers of the Civil War. Flowers were placed on graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.; Memorial Day was recognized by all of the northern states by 1890. The southern states refused to participate and held their own commemoration for the southern soldiers of the Civil War.
The North and South began to have a more unified Memorial Day after the First World War, Since WWI other wars and actions have added to the roll call of the fallen soldiers, sailors and members of the military who fought for the freedoms of the citizens on the United States. The soldiers of The Civil War, WWI, WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the War in Iraq and the Afghanistan War are all remembered on somber ceremonies on Memorial Day.
Memorial Day was named a National Holiday by U.S. Congress in 1971. The holiday is celebrated on the last Monday of May.
All across the United States there are commemorations and celebrations to honors held to honor the fallen who sacrificed their lives to protect the freedoms of the citizens of the United States.
On Memorial Day, take some time to honor the fallen of our nation. Here is a guide to some of the Memorial Day events in Lake County, Illinois. Memorial Day Parades and Ceremonies in Lake County, Illinois'

QUADRO DE UN PADRE SOBRESALIENTE

Por Noel Serrano








(Traducido por Raquel Gonzalez)

La pérdida de un ser querido es uno de los momentos mas dificultuosos que podemos pasar en la vida. No hay palabras que adecuadamente puedan expresar la fuerte emoción, nuestro amor y gran aprecio para el hombre que hoy honramos y enviamos a su descanso.Mi padre, Francisco Serrano, nació el 17 de diciembre1919 en Ponce, Puerto Rico. El fue producto de una familia íntima y grande. Parece que el descubrió la fuente de juventud porque los años de aplicarse con desvelo nunca se reveló en su semblante resplandeciente. Hay muchos que muestran sus heridas de una vida larga y sufrida, desde temprana edad.Panchito, como afectuosamente era conocido por sus amistades y familia, nunca mostró una característica de un largo sufrimiento o lucha en su vida. Dios le bendijo con una vida activa y de larga duración en medio de crisis, esfuerzos en la iglesia, y tragedias en la familia.Francisco Serrano era un hombre muy amigable y saliente. El se abrazó a la vida, aún en sus momentos finales.Mi papá celebraba una historia copiosa y extravagante de cuando niño, que revela una personalidad feliz que surgió de su humilde crianza. Desde pequeñas, sus hermanas menores lo admiraban y lo emularon.Papá siempre nos contaba el cuento de cuando estaba en la finca de su abuelos, y contemplaba los cielos y miraba a los pájaros grandes, volando muy alto encima de las montañas de Adjuntas. El pensaba que sí podía enseñarle a los puerquitos a volar alto, como los pájaros. Mi papá, un niño gordito, anduvo como un patito al establo y comenzó a echar a los puerquitos hacia el aire, acompañado por su hermana menor, Mina. Ella se sonrió curiosamente mientras miraba a su hermano intentar darle una lección de navegar a los puerquitos. Pobre de ellos, fueron lanzados y caían suavecito al tacto de la grama. Al atardecer, el abuelo de mi papá caminó así al trecho de terreno cultivado y encontro a sus puerquitos por todos lados. Obviamente, algunos de los puerquitos se sentian mal. El abuelo exclamó: "Qué ha pasado aquí?" "¿Quién hizo esto?" La hermana menor, Mina corrió asi al abuelo y declaró....." pano, pano, volla, volla". Mi papá siempre recordaba este momento con risas sinceras y sencillas. Nuestra familia siempre admiraba sus ocurriencias graciosas, siendo encantador, y sus muchos cuentos de cuando niño. Francisco Serrano siempre trató de vivir su vida sin ansiedad o estrés. El tuvo muchas experiencias en su vida extendida con tragedias y más. El sobrevivió muchos fallecidos en su familia grande. Dios bendijo a nuestro padre con longevidad de vida. El vivió una vida estable y fiel al servicio de Dios. Francisco Serrano honró a su padre y madre y cuando su papá falleció, a una temprana edad, el cuidó de su madre y hermanos menores. Francisco sirvió como soldado en el ejército de Los Estados Unidos durante la guerra, WWII y los archivos indican que él le enviaba su pago militar a su mamá.El era un ejemplo y producto profundo de " la vieja guardia" igual que un miembro de la mejor generación de esta nación. Dios bendice a la persona quen piensa en los demas antes que en si mismo. Dios le da largos dias a aquellos quienes honran a sus padres, este es un mandamiento de Dios con esa promesa. Dios le dió larga vida a Francisco, sobrevivió todos los que se asombraban de su apacible y humilde persona. Era muy amigable, amor a campo, cabello de plata, exterior de carita color de cerezas, era un hombre que amaba a Dios con todo su corazón, mente y espíritu. El amo a su familia con cada respiro. Este fue un hombre que trabajo dia y noche para proveer para su familia, y todavía tomaba tiempo durante los veranos para construirnos carritos de juegos. El nos llevaba a las playas y tomó tiempo para llevar a su esposa a enseñar en sus clases de Biblia en el Instituto. El nos llevó a la Montaña del Oso, nos acariciaba y nos mostraba su amor, porque para él, éramos su tesoro. Mi papá se depertaba cada dia a orar y interceder por su familia. El comenzaba sus oraciones tempranito en la mañana, dándole gracias al Omniponente Dios por un nuevo dia de victoria. Durante las horas de la noche, Francisco, también se incaba a orar en voz alta por su familia, esa fue su costumbre.Yo deseo decirle a mi querido padre, "padre, ya sabes como me siento por ti." "Fuiste un padre sobresaliente y estoy orgulloso de ser tu hijo." "Quiero que sepas que María y yo siempre estaremos agradecidos por todos los años que compartimos contigo, por las experiencias, el honor y privilegio de cuidarte y servirte durante los últimos cinco años. Compartimos momentos especiales y nuestra apreciación para ti penetra profundamente dentro de nuestros corazones. Nuestro consuelo, en esta hora, es que peleaste la batalla buena de fe, y que ahora estás en un lugar mejor de descanso y que te veremos de nuevo en ese gran amanecer y juntos cantaremos el cántico de los redimidos y nos regocijaremos en la casa de Dios por siempre y siempre, amén.