By Tom Suhrbur
Soon after the collapse of the economy in 2008 and the election of President Barack Obama, Fox and Friends, Rush Limbaugh, Newt Gingrich and other conservatives came up with a narrative that blamed the economic turmoil on the Democrats.
According to this narrative, the federal government forced banks and the home mortgage industry to loan money to poor people who could not afford the homes that they were buying. When these poor people started defaulting on their loans, the economy collapsed.
In particular, conservatives focused their blame on liberal Democrat Barney Frank, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, for pushing the financial services industry into making bad loans. By inference, conservatives blamed the federal government, Democrats and the poor for the Great Recession. The banks were innocent victims of liberal Democrat’s excesses. Of course, for many Americans, “poor people” are code words for African-Americans and Hispanics — a subtle but clear appeal to racist sentiments.
What is the truth? It is true that Frank and Democrats supported policies to help low income people to own home, but so did President George W. Bush and Republicans.
When Bush took office in 2001, he announced his vision of an “ownership society,” which included expanding home ownership to more Americans. Bush strongly supported the deregulation of the financial service industry to take on more risk, in part, to achieve this goal.
Even though the U.S. lost millions of manufacturing jobs to overseas investment in low wage countries, the Bush economy grew from 2001-07. The growth was fueled by deficit spending on foreign wars and, domestically, by the financial bubble that spurred the housing industry.
It makes no sense to blame Frank and Democrats for the Great Recession. Republicans controlled both houses of Congress from 1994-2006. In 2005, Frank and Republican Mike Oxley co-sponsored a bill to impose tighter regulation on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac when it became apparent that their lending practices were getting too risky.
The bill easily passed the House with bi-partisan support, but died in the Senate under a veto threat by President Bush. According to Lawrence Lindsey, a former economic adviser to President George W. Bush, Frank “is the only politician I know who has argued that we needed tighter rules that intentionally produce fewer homeowners and more renters.”
Frank did not become the chair of the House Financial Services Committee until 2007. By that time, defaults on mortgages were already increasing largely due to subprime lending practices by Countrywide and other mortgage companies. Republicans still controlled the Senate as well as the White House until 2009 after the economic collapse. Somebody other than Barney was at fault.
How about the poor? If you want to blame low-income people for the bubble, you must assume that they are much more powerful that the banks and other financial service corporations. In fact, mortgage companies and banks successfully lobbied for deregulation and the easy credit.
They believed the risks were worth the potential for profit. It was assumed that housing prices always go up, thereby, lowering the risk on loans, even if some people with low down payments defaulted. Why not take the risk? Lenders could make huge profits as the volume of mortgage transactions increased due to easy credit.
Lured by easy credit terms, many middle-class homeowners also refinanced during the housing bubble and later defaulted. When the financial bubble burst, a large number of very expensive homes went into foreclosure.
Some of the most unscrupulous lending practice actually targeted low-income people. When Countrywide — the largest U.S. mortgage company fell into bankruptcy — Bank of America purchased it.
Last December, Bank of America agreed to pay a $350 million penalty for Countrywide’s subprime lending practices that targeted African-American and Hispanics homeowners who qualified for conventional (prime) mortgages but were steered into risky, high interest sub-prime loans that they could not possibly afford. Many of these people later defaulted. Had they been given conventional loans, they most likely would not have defaulted. In these cases, minorities were victims.
Conservatives also like to blame the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) because they are Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs).
The federal government created Fannie and Freddie to help lower income citizens to purchase housing. Fannie Mae was chartered in 1938 and Freddie Mac in 1971. As deregulation of the financial services industry gained momentum since the 1980s, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are into quasi-private, for-profit corporations and, like the banks and mortgage companies, got caught up in the financial mania of the Bush years.
The fact that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac served the public interest for so many years — under federal tutelage until era of fiscal deregulation — points out the fatal flaw of unregulated, free market policies and privatization. It should be noted that the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), an agency of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that lends to low-income homeowners, did not face financial ruin like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
During the Bush years, Wall Street became a giant casino: Easy credit for all and making a fast buck became the norm in the financial services industry. Derivatives, easy credit cards, sub-prime mortgages, swaps and other “exotic” financial arrangements caused the financial bubble.
Fox and Friends and the right-wing media have tried to shift the blame for the economic meltdown away from the policies that they have championed, rather than recognize the basic fact that unregulated greed is not a virtue and, certainly, not good public policy.
Currently, Tom Suhrbur is the Vice President of the Illinois Labor History Society. He recently retired after 26 years as a union organizer for the Illinois Education Association. Prior to his work with IEA, he taught social studies for 17 years. His last teaching job was at Geneva High School. Suhrbur also co-authored the book “Union Brotherhood, Union Town: The History of the Chicago Carpenters’ Union, 1863-1987.”

Tom Suhrbur currently is the Vice President of the Illinois Labor History Society. He recently retired after 26 years as a union organizer for the Illinois Education Association. Prior to his work with IEA, he taught social studies for 17 years. His last teaching job was at Geneva High School. Suhrbur also co-authored the book “Union Brotherhood, Union Town: The History of the Chicago Carpenters’ Union, 1863-1987.”

“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height — to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 2:14-21).”

By Dan Richardson
Why is it important to learn prayers from the Bible? Doesn’t God honor every prayer? While it is true God knows our desires even before we pray, He only commits to those requests that are in accordance to His will. One sure way to pray in His will is to learn the content of the prayers found in the Bible such as the Apostle Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians.
Material blessings are peripheral when God is found as most desirable, admirable and soul satisfying. But is it natural for us to find God as most desirable? Or, do we need His help? I think we do. Let’s see how Paul’s prayer helps. Note how its overtly Trinitarian nature outlines three requests.

That God grants you strength in your inner man via His Holy Spirit
Why strength? So that Christ may dwell in your heart through faith. Notice what the strength is not for. It is not for overcoming obstacles, not for positive thinking, nor for obtaining a material blessing. It is simply for you to crown Christ as Lord and Savior in your life everyday. Such simplicity is profound. We need to hear the Gospel everyday. Everyone needs to be reminded that the punishment for our sins was laid upon Christ on the cross. He died and rose again from the dead. He sent the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to abide in us and to guide us into all truth (John 14:17, 16:13).

That you may possess the love of Christ that grounds and nourishes you
The verb comprehend is not limited to the cognitive realm because the sentence continues to say the love of Christ passes knowledge. Earlier, Paul said the riches of Christ are “unsearchable” (v. 8). The original Greek word for comprehend is katalambanō and it means to take eagerly, to seize, apprehend or possess. Now Paul identifies the Christian as being rooted and grounded in love. That is our security. We are secure and nourished by God’s love (Romans 8:35-37). Yet as we mature in God’s love, we see how it is not only for our security, but for sacrificial serving as well. Christ’s love cannot be contained. More for our enjoyment, we grasp and give His love to others as well. God’s love is not to be isolated and mastered by picky professors, but to be embraced and expended for His purposes.

That you may be filled with all the fullness of God
The final request seems impossible. How can all the fullness of God fill us? Isn’t Paul going a little overboard? I think he is referring to the Christian as a vessel, being filled with the presence of God. Other passages come to mind. “You anoint my head with oil, my cup runs over (Psalm 23:5b).” The waterpots containing the water that Jesus turned into wine were filled to the brim (John 2:7). Jesus said anyone who believes in Him, out of his heart would flow rivers of living water (John 7:38).
Practically speaking, the fullness of God is related to our time spent studying the Scripture. God uses our Scripture study as a means for Him to fill us with His love.

Do you belong to a Christ-Centered Church?
Although Paul’s prayer may be prayed alone, it is corporate in context. Paul prayed because he wanted all people to see what is the “fellowship of the mystery.” Do you know what that is? It is a community of believers who, by God’s grace, have found Jesus Christ as their Savior, Lord, and most precious possession. “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit (Ephesians 2:19-22).”
Imagine your friend saying he likes you, but hates your spouse. You wouldn’t consider him a friend, would you? Yet, that is exactly what we tell Jesus when we say we love him, but hate the Church. The Church is His Bride (Ephesians 5). Yes, there are many reasons to be frustrated with churches these days. It is important to remember no church is perfect. We are all under construction, a work in progress. A follower of Christ loves the Church. If you are looking for a church, e-mail me for a checklist to help you find a good one.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

“… The Smiles of Heaven can never be expected On a Nation that disregards the eternal rules of Order and Right, which Heaven Itself Ordained.”
—President George Washington

Dan Richardson’s e-mail address is danrichardson@foxvalleylabornews.com.

“For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in (Psalm 27:10).”

By Dan Richardson
One thing I am learning is when my desires follow after wrong things, I come up empty, unsatisfied and sometimes hurt. The enemy of my soul encamps around me everyday with ideas that tempt my weaknesses. Every day, sexual immoral images demand the affections due only to my wife. Pop culture raises my gaze to the highest performance man has accomplished and no further. The world of materialism tells me if I have more things, I can be happier.
These are the sort of enemies the Psalmist writes about. We don’t war against people. We war against corrupt desires. It seems like a hopeless battle. It goes on and on and on. How do I find pure joy and refreshment?
Remember the Lord Jesus Christ. He saved me from the kingdom of darkness. When I was a servant of sin, God gave me His life and revealed His Son to me. I saw what Jesus did to my sin. He nailed it to the cross and He died for me. He then gave me His righteousness so I can call myself God’s child. Because of His gift of righteousness, I don’t fear God’s anger. I don’t fear the enemy. The death and resurrection of Christ gives me all the confidence I need.
He is the Light that makes my dark world full of light. When I thought there was no other way to think, no other way to go, His light showed me a level path. Jesus gives me discernment so I can know right from wrong.
Faith satisfies the soul. The LORD only bids me to seek His face. Hope on His promises. Wait for His faithful servings of bread to nourish my soul. He is patient knowing I will stumble. I give in to sin. He doesn’t expect perfection. He only asks me to look to Him. When I remind myself of His love, I enjoy Him. He is my joy.
As I mature, I see the ones I learned to trust the most prove inadequate in satisfying my deepest need. Family love was never meant to replace the enduring, patient love of God the Father. Better than the best of all friends, I need to know the love of God found only in His Son, Jesus Christ.

“When I left the house of bondage, I left everything behind. I wanted to keep nothing of Egypt on me, and so I went to the Lord and asked him to give me a new name.”
—Sojourner Truth, African-American abolitionist, (1797-1883). (source: presidentialprayerteam.com)

Dan Richardson’s e-mail address is danrichardson@foxvalleylabornews.com.

“Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:15-20).”

By Dan Richardson
Since we often do not know what to pray, our Lord provides many prayers in His inspired Word. The one above, especially helpful before Bible study, can be parsed in three sections: Thanksgiving, petition and confirmation.
Politeness begins a conversation with kindness and common ground. So in talking to our Father, a likely place to start is by giving thanks for His gifts of faith and love. For it was by grace we were saved through faith. He loved us with the gift of faith, and by faith we adore Him in love.
The petitions are well understood as a three-fold request: to know Him more fully, to know the hope of our glorious inheritance, and to know the greatness of His power. Ever-satisfying, overflowing joy is contained in these three desires. The knowledge desired is not merely trivial or informational — it is detailed, deep and definite. No genuine Christian says, “I know enough therefore I need not pray that way,” because he knows food for survival is the God’s Word, even Jesus Christ, the Word incarnate.
The last petition ties to a triumphant conclusion. After requesting knowledge of the exceeding greatness of God’s power, a brief understanding of that power follows. God’s power catapulted Christ from the dead and seated Him in the heavenly places. It is further described in verses 21-23. Here Christ’s position is defined as supreme over all other powers, rulers and authority. It is triumphant because it is undisputed and decisive. Though more is said, there is more to know.
How do we use this power? When reconciled with chapter 6:12, we understand our adversaries are not people, government or big business, but “spiritual forces of evil.” Therefore, God’s power is given to overcome indwelling sin that works against us. “But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members (Romans 7:23).”
Lasting joy is found in the Lord. In heaven, it comes as a breeze. On earth, it is won in battle. Our prayer confirms confidence by declaring Christ as our Head and we as His body. Rewrite the prayer in your own words. Pray and live for His Name, and rejoice as He works in your life.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight, says the LORD (Jeremiah 9:23-24).”

Dan Richardson’s e-mail address is danrichardson@foxvalleylabornews.com.

“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people, from this day forth and forevermore (Psalm 125:1, 2).”

By Dan Richardson
What causes us to shift or snap? Our well-being depends on all being well. If stress pushes us to a brink — we can free fall into careless actions. If tapped beyond our means — we can lose everything.
Psalm 125:1 says those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion — immovable. Now trust is only meaningful when its object is significant. Therefore, if one knows that those who seek the Lord lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10b), then he doesn’t need to shift or compromise his character. Cheating to survive is foolish. In Christ, his ideas and affections are raised to a higher place, “like Mount Zion.”
As a child rests high upon the shoulders of an adult, amazed at a different view, so we see ourselves with Christ for eternity because He has set us in heavenly places (Ephesians 2). Trusting in the Lord sets our mind on things above, not on things of the earth. We can weather the storms knowing our life is hidden in God, in Christ (Colossians 3).
Verse 2 describes God’s relationship to His beloved. His constant presence is as a mountainous surrounding. With peace and joy come the humbling admonition of His Lordship and preeminence. We need a reminder because we forget Him when things are okay. Even when delivered from troubles, God remains like mountains that surround us. We are always low Jerusalem. He is always high, watchful and sovereign. We are needy and weary. He is all sufficient and mighty.
A child of God expects seasons of hardship and lack. In those times he sees how the currency of trusting in Christ never loses its value.

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him (James 1:12).”

Dan Richardson’s e-mail address is danrichardson@foxvalleylabornews.com.

By Tom Suhrbur
In my most recent column in the Fox Valley Labor News, I wrote about how important it is for unions to educate its members and the public about the role of the labor movement in creating a more than just and democratic society. Unions in Illinois are fortunate to have an organization devoted to this purpose.
Founded by a group of union activists in 1969, the Illinois Labor History Society (ILHS) is the oldest labor history organization in the nation. It is recognized internationally as one of the premier labor history societies in the United States today.
For the past 42 years, it has published numerous books and pamphlets. It has also conducted labor history tours, organized seminars, educated students, dedicated monuments and historic sites, and helped preserve the inspiring story of unionism in Illinois.
ILHS is a not-for-profit educational organization. Membership dues, contributions and the selling of books, videos and other materials support it. ILHS also raises money from fees for labor tours, training programs and other services that it offers to the public.
ILHS plays an active role in creating public appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of labor by sponsoring commemorative events, producing books and audiovisual materials, and working to preserve historic sites throughout Illinois.
Its program involves the arts as integral to the preservation and development of a labor culture. It also assists students and teachers with labor history projects by directing them to useful historical resources.
Moreover, ILHS acts as a liaison between the labor and academic communities, and it serves the media as an authoritative source for information and interpretation of union events in Illinois. It can be helpful to labor organizations and individuals with records of archival value who wish to place them in an appropriate repository.
While composed primarily of Illinois residents, its membership has become nationwide as academics, unionists, and persons interested in labor history seek a supportive network, and wish to associate themselves with an effort to produce and disseminate vitally needed materials concerning labor history.
Here is a brief summary of ILHS activities:
Historic Preservation:
ILHS has worked hard to preserve historical sites such as Mt. Olive’s ‘Coal Miners’ Cemetery and the Mother Jones Monument, Pullman and the Gate at the Chicago Union Stock Yards.
ILHS is the steward of the Haymarket Memorial in Forest Home Cemetery in Forest Park and the surrounding plot of land on which Lucy Parsons, Emma Goldman and any other labor heroes are buried. The U.S. Department of the Interior recognized the monument as a National Historic Landmark in 1997. Every year, many people from around the world come to pay tribute to the Martyrs who died in the fight for the eight-hour day.
ILHS had the Monument professionally restored — on May Day, 2011, several thousand union supporters attended the ceremony rededicating the monument.

Films:
It has supported the production and distribution of films and videos including the “Memorial Day Massacre of 1937,” “Palace Cars and Paradise” (Pullman Strike) and “Democracy at Work, Discovery of Illinois Labor History.”

Publications:
The ILHS has sponsored the research and publication of numerous books, pamphlets and other materials. The ILHS operates a mail-order service for labor books and educational materials for children as well as adults. It has funded the reprinting of many out-of-print books related to labor history.

Arts:
It has sponsored plays, murals and photo exhibits on Illinois labor history.

Tours:
It has published several tour guides and has conducted group tours of Chicago’s historic sites.

Education Programs:
ILHS has published curriculum guides for K-12 students on its website and union training programs.

Events:
It honors labor unions and leaders at its annual Union Hall of Honor, has sponsored labor history conferences and an annual May Day Celebration at the Haymarket Memorial.
It is the task of the ILHS to promote the study and appreciation of the profound contribution that unions have made for the betterment of society. For more information about ILHS, visit their website: www.illinoislaborhistorysociety.org.

Tom Suhrbur currently is the Vice President of the Illinois Labor History Society. He recently retired after 26 years as a union organizer for the Illinois Education Association. Prior to his work with IEA, he taught social studies for 17 years. His last teaching job was at Geneva High School. Suhrbur also co-authored the book “Union Brotherhood, Union Town: The History of the Chicago Carpenters’ Union, 1863-1987.”

By Dan Richardson
Building something without the Lord’s active involvement is a big waste of time. Remember Gamaliel’s advice, “If this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it — lest you even be found to fight against God (Acts 5:38b-39).” If God is with you, success is promised. Don’t fear, because God is a shield to those who find refuge in Him (Proverbs 30:5). When God’s Word and your faith intertwine in your daily activities, you share in the abundant, reviving joy of Christ Jesus.
The timetable for success takes healthy rest into account. Some people boast of living day by day with six or less hours of sleep. The Psalmist says such lifestyle is vain. Though the Bible doesn’t prescribe an amount of sleep, doctors recommend eight hours. In fact, the body is harmed in the long run by a lifestyle of inadequate rest. Our Creator and loving Father says, “go to bed and let Me take care of things.” We need rest because we are not God. (If you can’t sleep, read your Bible or write letters about Christ.)
Who are the big losers when we refuse to follow verses 1-3? Answer: Children. The word “behold” is used to wake up weary self-reliant workaholics. Wake up! Stop making work the center of your life! Spend more time with your children. They are a heritage from the Lord. A child’s love for Christ is the determining factor of success for a parent.
Some say children drive parents insane. For me, children have a preserving quality by keeping parents accountable to God. Parents are teachers and servants impressing God’s Law and the grace found in Christ into the hearts of their children.
Good parents want to leave a better life for their kids. To be successful, let us repent from worthless activities and train our kids to survive in this ever-increasing evil world. Is it important to build rock solid, Christ exalting, sin-smashing faith in your kids? Yes, because the enemies of Christ are engaging them right now. Kids equipped with God’s Word know how to say no to evil. Evil only approaches the gate of the child’s heart and no further, if resisted by faith and God’s Word.
A firm foundation is built upon hearing God’s Word and obeying it. Start reading the Book of Proverbs together with your family. Read one-half chapter per day. Discuss the verses, pick out favorites. Ask questions and learn. Pray together, out loud and often.
The heritage of your family either thrives trusting in the Lord, or dies with the rest of the world.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

“I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured, Sir, the sacred writings, that ‘except the Lord build the House they labor in vain that build it’. I firmly believe this.”
—Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father and Inventor

Dan Richardson’s e-mail address is danrichardson@foxvalleylabornews.com.

When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned. (Psalm 34:17-22)

By Dan Richardson
Some accuse Christians of using religion as a crutch. They mistake genuine Christianity as a lifestyle of do’s and don’ts. To follow the Lord Jesus Christ is to be in a personal relationship with a real personal God. If they want to call it a crutch, so be it. What is wrong with a disabled person using a crutch? The fact is, Scripture teaches we are more than disabled. We are unable to please God on our own. We need someone to stand in our place. We need someone to deliver us from the penalty of sin. We need the Son of God, Jesus Christ, to call us and say, “Rise and walk.”
Note the passages above that reads, “He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.” The Psalm continues to talk about the deliverance of God’s people. Do you know that verse prophesied on the Lord’s crucifixion? Yes, several hundred years later, an eyewitness recorded that not one of Jesus’ bones were broken in the week of His suffering and death.
“But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness — his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth — that you also may believe. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken (John 19:33-36).”
I am not sure if the Psalmist knew he was prophesying about the Cross. The beauty and mystery of inspired Scripture is that God used men to write His Word. What He had them write meant more than they could ever imagine.
But why is the prophetic verse of the Cross placed in a Psalm that talks mostly about the God’s people? It not only reminds us of our Lord Jesus; but it reminds us of our identity with Him. Yes, the LORD will allow trials and afflictions in life for our sanctification and spiritual growth. But as He watched over His Son all the way through the cross and the glorious resurrection, so will he watch over His children through the valleys and all the way to their glorification — the day when our faith shall be sight. We will see Him as He is in all His splendor and majesty.
This hope purifies and shines in our hearts. It motivates us to do His work. Other’s see our hope and are pointed to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus.

“No Book contains more truths, or is more worthy of confidence than the Bible; none brings more joy to the sorrowing, more strength to the weak, or more stimulus to the nobly ambitious; none makes life sweeter, or death easier or less sad.”
—David Josiah Brewer (1837-1910), Associate Justice of the Supreme Court (source: presidentialprayerteam.com)
Dan Richardson’s e-mail address is danrichardson@foxvalleylabornews.com.

“But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them (Hebrews 11:16).”

By Dan Richardson
As Christians work to make their communities a better place to live, they remember a better country awaits them when they die. Since death ushers them into the everlasting presence of God, they desire to make choices today that please Him. Sometimes, these choices are unpopular and lead to the shame and shunning of friends, family and coworkers.
A great role model who said unpopular things and would not deny Christ was Stephen (Acts 6, 7). He is the first martyr of the Christian faith. His life and death not only demonstrate courage in the midst of persecution; his last defense teaches about God’s redemptive work in world history into eternity.
Stephen served the common needs of the early Church. He did the nitty gritty work so the Apostles could devote more time preaching the Word. His love for Jesus irritated his opponents so much that they falsely accused him of blaspheming against the temple and the law.
In his defense, Stephen delivered a wonderful sermon spanning 2,000 years of God’s redemptive work from Abraham to Christ. Anyone can benefit reading this concise and powerful 50-verse summary of the Old Testament. In my latest reading, I discovered significant commonalties referenced to three well-known men: Joseph, son of Jacob; Moses and Jesus the Christ.

Rejected, yet returned
When Stephen mentions Joseph, he says God “delivered him out of all his troubles.” Joseph was rejected by his brothers and falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife. Yet, God was with him. He was vindicated and became a ruler. When his brothers saw him years later, they were surprised, afraid and amazed. But Joseph forgave them for mistreating him. By God’s providence, Joseph’s power and position were the means to rescue his family from famine.
Moses is the one Stephen calls “a ruler and deliverer” for God’s people. But it wasn’t always that way. Stephen recalls how Moses escaped infanticide brought on by Pharaoh. By God’s providence, Moses was “learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds.” One day Moses defended one of his people and wrongly murdered an Egyptian. The next day, his own people resisted him saying, “Who made you a ruler and judge over us?” After hearing that, Moses fled for his life and became a sojourner in Midian for 40 years.
After the Lord summoned Him in a flame of fire in a bush, Moses returned to his people. God used him to bring His children out of Egypt, “the house of bondage.” Many signs and wonders were done through Moses.
Jesus is the last person Stephen mentions. Now we know those listening knew Stephen followed Jesus. So what did Stephen say of Christ to his accusers? He sealed his fate by pronouncing them betrayers and murderers of the “Just One.” (Recall in the Gospel records, both Pilate and Herod found no charge against Jesus.)
Jesus returns when Stephen says, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” Where was Jesus? He was in heaven waiting to welcome home the one He loved. Stephen was killed soon thereafter.
One common thread in each of Stephen’s accounts of Joseph, Moses and Jesus is how each were rejected in some way, cast out and later returned to provide, judge and rule. Jesus was rejected, crucified and returned after rising from the grave. Today, the Holy Spirit, Whom Jesus said would come, continually abides, guides and helps God’s children. He is the guarantee of a better life in heaven with Christ.

The Final Return
The Apostle John prophesies of the second coming of Christ. “Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God (Revelations 19:11-15).”

Lessons from a martyr
Besides a greater understanding of God’s redemptive history, what else can we learn from the life of Stephen? We learn how a thorough understanding of the Bible causes us to love Christ more than the world’s corrupt systems. We learn how faith in Christ will cause us to live and speak boldly for truth no matter what the cost. Radical love for Jesus will bring persecution.
What do we learn from the death of Stephen? We learn that like Joseph, “God is with us.” Like Moses, the Lord who has delivered us from the slavery of sin will deliver us from the power of death. In Christ, we learn to forgive others and trust in His forgiveness secured by His precious blood.
Most of all, we learn that to die well is to live for Christ.
“This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him. If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:11-13).”
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

“Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation, to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.”
—John Jay, Original Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court

Dan Richardson’s e-mail address is danrichardson@foxvalleylabornews.com.

“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end (Hebrews 3:12-14.)”

By Dan Richardson
“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full (John 15:10-11).”
Every day offers two sources of joy: Joy in Christ and joy in things that oppose Him. Christ offers joy in His truth and His Spirit while the opposition flaunts joy in riches, pride and self-love. Choices made that honor Christ bring lasting joy. A crude joke or a sitcom that celebrates immorality offers temporary joy. Since genuine joy lasts forever, joy offered by sitcoms or crude jokes aren’t genuine because it is only temporary. If it doesn’t last, it’s not the real thing. True joy lasts forever. Fake joy is fleeting.
False religions, including secularism, may offer an earthly lifetime of joy, but can’t offer an eternal lifetime of joy. A religion is false if it opposes the Person and work of Jesus Christ.
Today, professing Christians are warned not to distrust God. So how does one trust God? Know and treasure His commandments. Stay true to His Word. Devote time in knowing Christ by reading your Bible and praying. Rest in His promises. He will never leave you or forsake you. Your joy is full when He is in the forefront of your mind. Honor your parents and those in authority.
Choose and defend life, especially the vulnerable such as unborn babies. Be faithful to your word. Honor marriage. Respect the property of others. Be a good steward of the things you own. Be truthful. Finally, find Christ more precious than anything. How is this done? By remembering that salvation comes by God’s grace through faith in Christ alone and not in good deeds. Obedience offers blessings, not salvation. Only faith in Christ rescues from the penalty of sin.
(The last two paragraphs pointed to the positive commands of the Ten Commandments. Do you see them?)
The turn to unbelief in God’s promises of joy lead down a road of deceit and misery. It is deceitful because it feels right in the beginning. It is misery because anything apart from the truth doesn’t last. It fizzles out then burns in continual regret. Don’t lose sight of God’s promises. “If once we allow ourselves to distrust God, we may soon desert him (Matthew Henry).”
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

“May the Divine Redeemer conduct us to that seat of bliss which He himself has prepared for His friends; at the approach of which every sorrow shall vanish from the human heart and endless scenes of glory open upon the enraptured eye. There our love to God and each other will grow stronger, and our pleasures never be dampened by the fear of future separation.”
—Oliver Wolcott, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Military General and Governor) of Connecticut. (source: wallbuilders.com)

Dan Richardson’s e-mail address is danrichardson@foxvalleylabornews.com.