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2024 Olympics in Paris will use AI surveillance…. Deep South tornadoes kill 26…. Russia track and field doping ban lifted, still suspended for war in Ukraine….

By Paul Bawden What are your thoughts about the old rugged cross as we approach Good Friday and Easter? It’s certainly the emblem of suffering and shame as the song writer penned. Still, images of the cross are found on the walls and steeples of churches throughout the world. It’s also the daily attire worn…

by Merrill Olson A reprobate nation The Bible says, “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased [depraved] mind, to do those things which are not fitting” (Romans 1:28). There are Bible teachers that believe God has also turned America over to a…

MADISON, Wisc., March 6, 2023 /4 WINDS USA/ — USA Powerlifting must permit transgender athletes to compete according to a Minnesota court. In 2021, transgender powerlifter JayCee Cooper sued USA Powerlifting for banning him from competing against women. The court said USA Powerlifting violated the state’s anti-discrimination law. “The harm is in making a person…

By Paul Bawden It’s March already on the 2023 Calendar. As time slips by, here are some recent headlines that have come to the fore. **Ukraine war enters its second year.**A Yale Professor Suggested Mass Suicide for Old People in Japan. What Did He Mean?**Murdaugh’s legal team returns to ask more questions after prosecution zeroes…

MADISON, Wisc., February 15, 2023 /4 WINDS USA/ — In Texas, transgender athletes will not be allowed to compete in college sports according to Governor Abbott. Legislators are preparing bills to further this goal. “This next session, we will pass a law prohibiting biological men to compete against women in college sports,” said Governor Abbott…

by Paul Bawden These lyrics come from a 1965 popular song written by Hal David with music composed by Burt Bacharach. The lyrics continue, “It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of; what the world needs now is love, sweet love; No, not just for some, but for everyone.” How true! Times have…

by Merrill Olson In speaking of our human responsibility as far as the earth is concerned, Psalm 8:6-8 is interesting: “You have him to have dominion over the works of You hands; You have put all things under his feet, All sheep and oxen-Even the beasts of the field, The birds of the air and…

By Paul Bawden As we see the different happenings in the USA and the world, such is a very relevant question. Why so? Without truth, a person is cast out on the sea of uncertainty with no return. In fact, truth is the basis for the fulfillment and spiritual health of any individual’s life, a…

MADISON, Wisc., January 23, 2023 /4 WINDS USA/ — World Athletics (track and field) plans to allow transgenders to compete. Testosterone levels would be capped at 2.5 nanomoles per liter, half of the current level of 5 nanomoles. Also, athletes would have to stay at this level for two years instead of one. Soccer is…

MADISON, Wisc., January 19, 2023 /4 WINDS USA/ — Ivan Provorov, Philadelphia Flyers defenseman, refused to wear a gay pride jersey for gay pride night during the warm-ups. He says his Russian Orthodox religion prevents him from supporting the LGBTQ agenda. Also, hockey sticks were wrapped in gay pride tape. Flyers coach John Tortorella came…

By Paul Bawden Damar Halim’s cardiac arrest on the football field shocked not only his team and his opponent’s team, but all the NFL football teams, their owners, all sports fans, and others as well. How great to know that he is making progress even watching his team play from his hospital bed. In my…

By Merrill Olson Three years before he died, Martin Luther wrote a 13-part booklet titled On the Jews and Their Lies whereby he vented his animosity against them. He wrote, “Next to the devil, a Christian has no more bitter and galling foe than a Jew.” Here was a leader in the Protestant Reformation; and…

By Paul Bawden What is at the heart of Christmas? Certainly, there is the great Christmas music, the many decorations, and the beautifully lit Christmas trees, along with the giving of gifts and the individual and family celebrations, while helping those in need. The spirit of Christmas fills the air at Christmas time. But is…

By Merrill Olson We are in a time when a young generation of confused, desperate, and spiritually hungry people are living in this world. They are not given any absolute answers to the world’s problems and why they themselves even exist. All the ways of sin and depraved morals have not fulfilled their hunger. Yet,…

By Paul Bawden This question is very relevant as we come into the Christmas season. Why? **Transhumanism, according to Rana and Samples, is a broadly defined intellectual and cultural movement that seeks to transform the present human condition through the use of science and technology. It plans to elevate humans to an exponentially greater step…

MADISON, Wisc., November 20, 2022 /4 WINDS USA/ — A sophomore transgender cross country runner is dominating girls competition after being a mediocre runner last year as a boy. The Seattle Academy student won the conference championship this year. On Nov. 5, the transgender ran in the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association 1A State Finals and…

By Paul Bawden November is the month of Thanksgiving as Thanksgiving Day is next week. Although some may question the factual historical beginnings of Thanksgiving Day, it was eventually established in the USA the last Thursday of November. Thanksgiving Day is a time to stop as individuals, families, and a nation to give thanks for…

MADISON, Wisc., November 15, 2022 /4 WINDS USA/ — The United States men’s national soccer team redesigned their logo with the rainbow flag to promote LGBTQ+ at the World Cup in Qatar. The new logo incorporates rainbow colors instead of the usual red stripes. It will be worn at the team base, not on the…

By Paul Bawden Everyone breathes a sigh of relief. The elections are over – no more election commercials – Yeah!! As of this writing, the final election results aren’t known in the House and Senate. Georgia results won’t be known until after the runoff in December. The projection was that a red wave was coming,…

By Merrill Olson What is tragic today, as centuries before, are false teachers who claim to be believers in Christ but make false statements that are directly in opposition to God’s Word. The difference between those of another time and today is that those presently have huge followers on television, the internet, and buyers of…

By Paul Bawden One of the favorite TV programs of our children growing up was Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. Along with teaching good values to children, the program also taught children how to distinguish between the real world and the world of make-believe. That for me was most important, for children, teens, yes, for all of…

by Paul Bawden This is the word on the street in the U.S. as the mid-term date for in person voting will be here on Tuesday, November 8. The importance of this November election can’t be over emphasized. Whoever is elected to the U.S. Congress and in various state and local elections will affect the…

By Merrill Olson Looking back sixty years, America today is not what it was back then. For people living at that time, they would never have expected this country to become one manifesting “perilous times” (2 Timothy 3:1). Therefore, the “principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this age, spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly…

MADISON, Wisc., September 17, 2022 /4 WINDS USA/ — A branch of the state government, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction promotes online transgender videos and explicit reading material for preschoolers at “Resources for Gender Expansive Preschoolers”. They provide resources for three to five-year-olds. The materials talk about transitioning kids, kids wearing clothes of the…

by Paul Bawden Queen Elizabeth II left an incredible legacy of exemplary faithful service as she was Britain’s longest serving monarch. She will be remembered and honored for the many facets of her sterling character, wisdom given, and many accomplishments. The question I ask is, “Did the Queen have an eternal anchor for her life?”…

By Paul Bawden Robert B. Charles, in an AMAC article (8/24/22), wrote that since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, some 92 attacks have been made on pro-life centers (32 on churches) and no arrests. When a Planned Parenthood center in Michigan was attacked a year ago, within four days, an arrest was made. As…

By Merrill Olson The more believers stand up for biblical truth and become fervent in what they believe, the more they will receive persecution. This is not just in foreign countries but also in the United States of America. With that in mind, the words of the Apostle hold true: “If you are reproached for…

By Paul Bawden The U. S. Congress has passed the “Inflation Reduction Act.” The plan includes a record $369 billion in spending on climate and energy policies, projected to slash the country’s carbon emissions by roughly 40% by 2030. Why is this climate money so important? Is it really necessary for our survival on planet…

By Paul Bawden This was the title of an article I read recently by Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council. Here is some information from that article. The Defense of Marriage Act passed both houses of Congress with wide bipartisan support and was signed into law by President Clinton in 1996. I understand…

By Paul Bawden Did you know that our civilization depends on fossil fuels and life on Earth depends on carbon dioxide? The climate alarmists play a tricky word game here, according to David Wojick, Ph.D. who is an independent analyst working at the intersection of science, technology and policy. Here are some excerpts from a…

By Merrill Olson Satan is called many different names in Scripture. He is referred to as “the dragon who gave power to the beast [Antichrist]” (Rev. 13:4); “a great, fiery red dragon” (Rev. 12:3, 7, 9); He is the “devil” (Matt. 4:1); “Beelzebub” (Matt. 12:24}; “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11); “the…

By Paul Bawden “The End of the Gas Range and Fireplace? Local Governments Ban Natural Gas,” was the title of Rachael Wolpert’s article in the recent “The Daily Signal.” Rachael is a research assistant at the Center for Energy, Climate, and Environment at the Heritage Foundation. Below is some info from her article. California is…

By Paul Bawden A recent article in “Washington Stand” by Marjorie Jackson pointed out that In a recent survey by Gallup, less Americans than ever before believe that the Bible is God’s word. According to the poll, only 20% of American adults believe that the Bible is the inspired, literal word of God. In 2017…

By Paul Bawden In the light of the historic overturn of Roe v Wade, these words from the Declaration of Independence may seem to be saying that one’s unalienable right of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness doesn’t support the overturning of Roe v Wade. But is that true? Should those who oppose overturning…

By Merrill Olson One of the serious issues facing this country as well with others is the redefining of terms for a world takeover. Sadly, but tragically many people are unaware as to what is seriously happening. Yet as one prophetic speaker said, “Things are not falling apart. They are falling into place.” This is…

By Paul Bawden A Spanish story tells of an estranged father and son. The father searched for months for his son, who had run away. In a last desperate effort to find him, the father put the following ad in a Madrid newspaper: “Dear Paco, meet me in front of this newspaper office at noon…

By Paul Bawden Rev. Y.J. Jimenez of First Baptist Church in Bracketville was in the waiting room at the Texas Uvalde Memorial Hospital on Tuesday offering support to family members of shooting victims. I understand that he told the New York Times that two of his parishioners lost their grandchild and he had never had…

By Merrill Olson Our country has been on a moral binge, an unrestrained indulgence, for a number of years. It seems to have hit its heights in an orgy of self-importance and gratification. Every part of our society seems to be deteriorating. As people turn away from God and His morals, this orgy becomes worse…

By Paul Bawden The youngest daughter in a family is bringing her mother a mug of coffee she has made for her Mom. The son is clowning around in the room. She looks at him and spills some coffee on the floor. Immediately, before anybody can even say anything, the sister started shouting at her…

By Paul Bawden I read an article recently entitled, “This Time of War, I Propose We Give Up God” by Shalom Auslander. Due to teaching in his younger years, the author gave his view of God in the Old Testament, especially in what happened in Israel’s deliverance from Egypt based on the Passover. Admittedly, such…

By Paul Bawden “Impossible!” replies the atheist. “How can you know?” questions the agnostic. In spite of the scoffers and doubters, the God-man crucified and buried came forth from the grave bodily on Easter Sunday morning. Eye-witnesses give undeniable testimony that the God-man, Jesus Christ, conquered the grave bodily. Lee Strobel, an ardent atheist, searched…

By Merrill Olson The Bible is very clear that with God there is no gender confusion. The Word says, “So God created man in His own image; the image of God He created him; male and female He created them (Genesis 1:27). In rebuttal of what the Pharisees challenged Him regarding divorce, Jesus replied, “Have…

By Paul Bawden As I look at the happening in the United States and our world it’s like Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. You can’t make this stuff up. The USA could have given strong weapons to Ukraine ahead of Russia’s invasion. They failed to do so. Instead of implementing biting sanctions before an invasion,…

By Paul Bawden My heart is heavy as I write this article. I’m sure your heart is heavy as well as you read this article. Why? We are overwhelmed by the evil atrocities committed in Ukraine by Putin and his armed forces. At the same time, I’m sure we are inspired by the stellar courage…

By Merrill Olson As the world has viewed the attack on Ukraine by Russian forces, it was a surprise to many thinking that it would not happen. Even though the Russian troops were gathered at the borders of Ukraine, Putin was still giving the world a message that it will take place. It is like…

By Merrill Olson As America moves further and further away from God’s truth, sinful human beings even take on Christian myths that governs their thinking. As their anti-biblical views become more accepted in society, peoples’ undiscerning spirits succumb to them as being good and beneficial overall. Yet, they fail to realize that these myths will…

By Paul Bawden Russia threatens to invade Ukraine. Various country diplomats engage in a boycott of the Olympic games. Human rights abuse allegations are made against China. Putin and Xi now enjoy a “spirit of friendship and strategic partnershipn” after a meeting during the Olympics. Iran is moving toward developing a nuclear weapon. In the…

By Paul Bawden Time, like an ever-rolling stream, bears all its sons away. They fly forgotten, as a dream dies at the opening day. These words of Isaac Watts remind us of the power of time as we move into the New Year. Time appears to have the last word on our lives, but is that…

By Paul Bawden We live in world where what we possess materially eventually wears out. A case in point is our present house which was new when we bought it 19 years ago. Since that time, we have replaced the kitchen appliances, the washer and dryer, the furnace, the hot water heater, in addition to…

By Merrill Olson If you read certain articles on Christian websites and other resources, or those by George Barna, who is the senior research fellow for the Family Research Council, you will learn of a worldview crisis in America. For instance, only 22 % of Americans can retell the Biblical account of the birth of…

By Paul Bawden Would you believe? Thanksgiving season is here again, with Thanksgiving Day this week. Where has the time gone? Regardless of the quick passing of time, in this season set aside to give thanks, the only question to ask is: Why give thanks? The reason to give thanks is that as individuals none…

By Paul Bawden If we’re honest with ourselves, we all need grace. But what is grace? It’s been illustrated this way. A Christian Education Teacher of Junior High boys was teaching his class about justice, mercy, and grace. After teaching on these subjects, the teacher asked his class how his students would describe these words.…

By Paul Bawden It’s hard to believe what is happening in the USA. We just celebrated Columbus Day, which the President has now called Indigenous People Day. The history revisionists, particularly, the far-left historian, Howard Zinn, whose book, “A People’s History of the United States,” has left a major mark on American K-12 and college…

By Paul Bawden I was in conversation with some friends at a funeral luncheon recently, and the subject turned to what is happening in our world, particularly in the USA. As the conversation went along, it turned somewhat negative, as it was suggested that things are going to get worse and worse. It appeared that…

By Merrill Olson As the Scriptures describe fallen humankind, it gives an appalling thirteen-count indictment against all Jews and Gentiles (Romans 3:10-18). There are no exemptions. Everyone is guilty before God. Describing a few of the indictments, we understand how horrifying they are. For instance: “There is none righteous, no, not one…their throat is an…

By Paul Bawden Recently, I read an article from Answers In Genesis (8/30/21) entitled, “Chimeras – A Frightening Future”? I’ll share below some of the thoughts in that article. What is a chimera? In science today, chimeras refer to human-animal hybrids. It’s artificially combining human and animal cells. Then the article asked the question –…

By Merrill Olson As we look at America today, there is an evil that is returning that we thought was long past. Yet, it is very much in the forefront. What is it? It is Critical Race Theory. It is separating people into certain groups. Tragically, it has entered into many public schools and teachers…

By Paul Bawden I ask myself this question as I watched the recent tragic developments in Afghanistan, the ongoing chaos at the US southern border, and the push to cause us all to lose our true identity and value as individuals. Could the messes in our world be for lack of knowledge? The old master…

By Merrill Olson In one of my pastorates, I took an adult Sunday School class through the beginning of the church to the present in its different time frames. And one very important area was the rise of liberalism that has been around for over 100 years. This came with the attempt of European and…

By Paul Bawden My wife and I recently had our yearly eye appointments – actually two-year appointments due to the pandemic. We like to make sure we take care of our physical eyes. I’m sure you do as well. Yes, there are physical eyes but there are also spiritual eyes – how we see things…

By Paul Bawden This is a relevant question for all Americans to consider. For we are being led to believe by some that the 4th of July is not what we may think it is. Writing in a recent Daily Signal, Jarrett Stepmen informs us that the recently created National Archives and Records Administration Task…

By Merrill Olson One of the definitions of “controlling” is the “inclination to control others’ behavior.” Yet, in recent months we have seen this happening big time! It started with wearing the masks to the present push to get the vaccine. Concerned people first wondered where the science is in wearing the masks when there…

By Paul Bawden If we listen to some people today, dads or fathers aren’t a necessary part of the family. In fact, the family can be anything you want it to be. The traditional family is obsolete and is not necessary for a society to have stability. Regardless of the thinking that’s trying to influence…

By Merrill Olson It is not too difficult to understand that believers, people spiritually born again, are living in a time of upheaval both in America and other parts of the world. Without a saving relationship with Jesus Christ and the Bible as one’s authority, the present crisis would seem overwhelming. For many who are…

By Paul Bawden Memorial Day is on Monday, May 31, 2021. It’s a day set aside to honor the men and women of the U. S. military who have given the ultimate sacrifice of laying down their lives to preserve our freedoms in America. Originally called Decoration Day, it originated three years following the Civil…

By Paul Bawden That question may seem irrelevant in today’s educated world of skepticism and eclecticism. The Bible? What’s that have to do with the future? It’s interesting that Stoner in “Science Speaks” took eight prophecies in the Old Testament that refer to Jesus Christ and are fulfilled in Him in the New Testament. Stoner…

By Merrill Olson Within the last few months, we have seen a move in America toward government control as it fits into the gradual world totalitarian rule. Yet, it has been creeping up for some years. In a previous article I mentioned a book on Globalism that a man showed me when I was a…

By Paul Bawden CNN ran a report recently that it’s not possible to know a person’s gender at birth, and there’s no consensus criteria for assigning sex at birth. Then the President of the United States included this in a statement, during an “Equal Pay Day” event that there’s not a single thing a man…

by Paul Bawden In the so-called Christian world, Holy Week, is a familiar term. It’s that week from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday – this year, Sunday, March 28 to Sunday, April 4, 2021. Actually, the term was first used in in the 4th century by St. Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria, and St. Epiphanius of…

By Merrill Olson The title may seem strong and repelling to some, but it still bears the truth of what is happening in America. Can it be based on Scripture? And the answer is “Yes!” The last article was on the consequences of God abandoning America. When this happens, it is because the people have…

By Paul Bawden A lot of terms are thrown around today especially in the American culture. Some of these terms are white supremacy, white privilege, black lives matter, social justice, systemic racism, and critical race theory. Then there is the term, wokeness, which really summarizes the different terms, meaning a coming alive, coming to understand…

By Paul Bawden The US House of Representatives, as you may have heard, has passed the Equality Act, which the House passed once before. The Senate did not take it up at that time. Now the Act goes again to the Senate for consideration and a vote. Certainly, the idea of equality sounds good. We…

By Merrill Olson Many people in their sixties, seventies, eighties and beyond will say, “I am not living in the America I grew up in.” With all that is happening in this nation in politics, education, and society as a whole, that statement holds credence. Another remark that is stated over and over, especially among…

By Paul Bawden Is love sweet love ….. The words of this old hit tune came to mind as I observe all the tension, anger, hatred, accusations, and disagreement in Washington D.C. , in the news media, and in the United States. Then it’s Valentine’s Day on February 14 – the day designated to express…

By Merrill Olson As a pastor, my heart is concerned about the condition of the church in America today. Yet, I am reminded of the instruction the apostle Paul gave to Timothy in his preaching and teaching. He calls this young preacher to excellence but informs him of the opposition that he will eventually face…

By Paul Bawden Truth forever on the scaffold, Wrong forever on the throne . . . . These words from the pen of James Russell Lowell came to mind as I have watched the different events unfold in the USA over the past several months. For it appears that somewhere in the midst of all…

By Paul Bawden The year 2020 has been called the annus horribilis – “the horrible year.” Certainly, it has been a horrible year world-wide. Even though we look forward to 2021, hoping for new beginnings, we know this pandemic will take time to come to an end, even with the vaccine. At the same time,…

By Merrill Olson Tragically, there are many people who regard the recent presidential election as questionable. I say questionable because of suspicious things that have come forth. This involves election workers giving witness to it, suitcases under tables holding ballots, a trucker testifying to carrying a truckload of ballots across state lines, voting machines flipping…

By Paul Bawden As we think about the birth of Christ, it was a time when there was peace in the Roman Empire. However, when Herod, the ruler of Galilee, found out that the wisemen didn’t return to Jerusalem to tell him about the King of the Jews, the Christ-child, he immediately had all the…

By Paul Bawden This was the title of an article in the December AFA Journal written by Alex McFarland. It caught my attention for it was talking about the season of the year in which we find ourselves, the Christmas season. Certainly, all religions don’t celebrate Christmas. Regardless, Christmas is celebrated around the world. This…

By Paul Bawden My wife and I were listening to a television program recently where the hosts were talking about thanksgiving. With their special guest, they spent some time considering what one could be thankful for during this thanksgiving season. As I listened to their conversation, I begin to ask myself this question, “Why give…

By Merrill Olson Back in the early eighties when I was a young pastor, someone showed me a book on Globalism. I looked at it and made a few comments, but that was the extent of it. Amazingly, the author had insight into something that was beyond peoples’ minds. It was not even covered in…

By Paul Bawden You may be familiar with the term, the big lie. It’s the name of a propaganda technique coined by Adolf Hitler. The big lie was that a lie told over and over again, and treated as true, would eventually be believed as truth. Hitler, in his hatred of the Jewish people, used…

By Paul Bawden Both parties in the USA election are stating that the 2020 election is one of the most important in the history of America. Such is true when one considers the two different platforms that are apparent in each of the political parties. One must choose wisely. So, what will be one’s attitude…

By Merrill Olson America is truly at a precipice. It is situated on a very steep or overhanging place. This presidential election will determine whether or not it makes a sheer fall into no return. If it drops into the abyss, it will exist for a time as God allows, but it will never be…