Commentaries of Paul Jackson,
Senior Pastor of The Highlands Church

"Oval Office" Activities

According to Washington D.C. press reports "It's happening again"...Right in the White House...and in the Oval office no less. In spite of the best efforts of White House aides to keep it a secret...somehow it leaked out. The press know a good story when they hear one and they were quick to jump on this one. "USA Today" reported that when the President of Macedonia recently visited our nations capitol that He and President Bush entered Bush's private study and "knelt side by side" and spent several minutes in prayer together. That's right...they actually PRAYED...TO GOD... on there knees. According to the article...President Bush "starts every day on his knees praying. He reads the Bible each morning and studies a daily Bible lesson. He often asks a cabinet secretary to lead a prayer at the beginning of cabinet meetings. He says he frequently prays in the oval office. Bush told Fox news..."I find great comfort in my faith. It helps me realize that although I have a lot of responsibility I am just a person,...nothing more than a human being who seeks redemption and strength from something greater than me." I am neither Republican or Democrat... but I think it's great that we have a praying President. I think it's a great example for all of us...especially for our children. Jesus said "Men ought always to pray". I think that's all men...everywhere. Even Presidents!

I'm Paul Jackson and "I STILL BELIEVE!"

He Is Risen!

A great story is told of world famous Evangelist Dr. Billy Graham. While visiting one of America's great cities he sought the relaxation of a walk in a public park near his hotel. Though partially disguised he was still quickly recognized by a boisterous man who exclaimed "Hey, your Billy Graham. Can I ask you a question?". Dr. Graham quietly consented and the man loudly asked "Do you believe that Jesus Christ rose from the dead?". Rev. Graham aptly replied "of course I do". The man fired back "you believe Jesus was dead and came back to life?". "Yes I do" replied Mr. Graham. Pressing him again the man said "You honestly believe that Jesus was literally dead and buried for 3 days and then rose from the grave to live for ever more?". "That's exactly what I believe" declared Dr. Graham. "Well so do I" declared the man. "Because Billy if Jesus isn't raised from the dead then life is as Shakespeare said "A tale told by an idiot", but if Jesus is raised then all the answers to all life's questions are found in Him!!!". I like that story! This Sunday and every Sunday Christians around the world will gather to declare their faith in a Risen Christ. The Apostle Paul said that "Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead according to the scriptures." I'm not Billy Graham or the Apostle Paul but I believe that Jesus' resurrection proves that He is the Son of God, the Saviour of the World. Jesus said "I am the resurrection and the life. He that believes on me though he were dead yet shall he live". Jesus promised eternal life to all who truly believe in Him as their Lord and Saviour. Do you believe? I'd like to know what you think.

I'm Paul Jackson and "I STILL BELIEVE!"

FREE SPEECH

Perhaps there is no liberty more valued by our citizens then our first amendment right of "Free Speech". Our visionary forefathers were willing to risk their lives to establish a nation "conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal" and endowed by their creator with certain rights that should not be denied. The framers of our treasured Constitution made it clear that one of those rights is the right to freely speak one's beliefs, convictions and values. Every American is free to declare their faith in God or their lack of faith. Every American is free to speak in favor of the political party or candidate of their choice. All Americans are free to openly exchange ideas of philosophy, commerce or religion; and to do so without fear of governmental interference or retribution. But many among us have chosen to use the First Amendment as a license instead of a liberty, a license to do what's wrong instead of a liberty to do what's right. I don't believe that the First Amendment gives anyone the "right" to deceive, defraud, defame or degrade a fellow citizen. I don't believe it gives anyone the right to subject others to unwanted vulgarities or obscenities. This grand, old Amendment was intended to protect our right to do what is honorable, moral and fair. It was not intended to propagate indecency, immorality and inequity. Through the years brave men and women have died to preserve our liberty. Let's live to do no less. I'm Paul Jackson and "I STILL BELIEVE".

VERBAL POLLUTION

I’m a member of the “generation” that discovered pollution. Over the years we’ve cleaned up a lot of environmental messes . . .asbestos . . . leaded gasoline . . . even “Love canal”. But, there is one big mess that just seems to get bigger and bigger. It’s the kind of pollution that comes out of people’s mouths. You guessed it! I’m talking about WORDS! It seems that everywhere we go and everywhere we turn, profane words abound. You can hardly attend a sporting event without being exposed to the filthiest of talk. Words that were once considered obscene now grace t-shirts and “bumper stickers” for all to see. Television and radio were once the haven of decent speech. Not long ago government, parents and community leaders understood the importance of keeping the airwaves wholesome and healthy for even the youngest of ears. Well, not any more. Too much of today’s radio and television has degenerated into verbal pollution. And it seems to be getting worse. Oh, I know the standard excuse. They say that, “tv, movies and radio just reflect the culture”. Well, that’s my point. The whole culture is polluted with inappropriate speech that contributes nothing to the common good of society. I grew up in a home where people didn’t curse. They certainly didn’t take God’s name in vain. Some might say, “Well, you were sheltered.” No, I was parented. Not only in word . . .but by example. The media are certainly responsible for their poor example . . . but the real problem is in our hearts. Jesus said that our words reveal our spirit. Judging by your words, how’s your spirit doing? We are each responsible for who we are and what we say. I'm Paul Jackson and "I STILL BELIEVE!"

Creator God

Do you believe that there’s a God? I mean an all knowing, all- powerful God, you know the Creator of the Universe. Opinion polls indicate that more than 95% of Americans believe in just such a Supreme Being. That’s quite remarkable when you consider that the idea of the existence of God has been under constant attack for (more than half a century). In the 60’s we were told that “God is Dead”. Later, praying to God was made illegal in our public schools. In the last 40 years the idea of a Creator God has been virtually eliminated from our children’s school books. Instead of telling our children there is a big God we tell them that there was a big bang. Radical Darwinism has replaced common sense. You heard me right. It only takes common sense to believe in the existence of God. You don’t need a church or a preacher to reach this conclusion. Just look around. Tonight, before you go to bed look up into the heavens and count the stars. Tomorrow before you leave for work gaze intently into the eyes of your child. You’ll be observing the undeniable handiwork of a Master Designer. We call Him God Some people doubt because of all the suffering in the world. These thoughts may be sincere but they’re irrelevant. The issue is not human comfort it’s human existence.

How could we or anything else exist without a God to create us? The Old Testament says, “The fool has said in his heart there is no God” and that “reverence for God is the beginning of wisdom”.

I'm Paul Jackson and "I STILL BELIEVE!"

Final Horn

There's nothing quite like the sound of that horn at the end of a game. This past week I was able to attend the SEC basketball tournament. It was exciting to see our Razorbacks compete in such an incredible venue. In two good games, . . .a win, . . .and a loss. But they both ended with that same horn blasting away! In the first game we came from behind to take a late lead. As the Hogs nursed this small lead it seemed like the "game clock" was moving in slow motion. I could hardly wait to hear the sound of that "horn" because it meant an expected, but satisfying victory. In the game we lost, we built a big lead, then fell behind late. As our team struggled to regain the advantage it seemed as though that same game clock was "racing out of control". Our "Fighting Razorbacks" desperately kept firing up 3 pointers and I kept my eye on that infernal clock. I dreaded hearing blasted horn because this time it meant defeat. GAME OVER. FINAL SCORE. WE LOSE. It's funny how the same horn can sound so sweet and so bitter kind of like real life. When's the last time you thought about how fast your life is passing away? Oh you can be sure it's going to end, but Jesus said "I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE. HE THAT BELIEVES IN ME THOUGH HE WERE DEAD, YET SHALL HE LIVE!" I'm glad I believe that.

I'd like to know what you think. I'm Paul Jackson and "I STILL BELIEVE".

The Jesus Card

It's nice to see that Jesus Christ is back in the news. At the recent Inauguration of President Bush, two Christian ministers offered passionate prayers in JESUS NAME. This open and respectful use of the name JESUS sparked a firestorm of criticism. A number of political and religious leaders. . . . a few members of the media, protested the public use of such a sectarian phrase as "In the name of Jesus". On the pages of USA Today one writer questioned out loud if President Bush might be playing the "JESUS CARD". Sorry guys, but Jesus is more than a political issue. As Christians we believe that He is the Saviour of mankind and the Revelation of God to the world.

I'm one citizen that appreciates the appropriate use of Jesus' name. We are constantly bombarded by comedians, actors, athletes, and "talk show" guests who use this most revered of all names as mere slang and sometimes a rank blasphemy.

As long as there are Christians in the world they can and will pray in JESUS name. However, is also a Christian belief that every person has the right to pray in whatever name they desire. . . or to not pray at all. As an American I believe in the free and open exercise of our religious beliefs. I believe that all of our citizens have the right to determine what they believe or if they believe. As a Christian I believe that we answer to an authority that is even higher than the United States Government.

I'm Paul Jackson and "I STILL BELIEVE!"