California Senator Richardson Report
By Editorial Staff
Published April 1988
When a president is sworn into office, he places his hand on the Bible and swears before Almighty God to uphold the duties of that office.
It is reported that when the first four presidents of the United States were sworn into office, the Bible was opened to Deuteronomy 28. Very significant. The first 14 verses tell of the blessings that will accrue to a nation that honors God’s laws. Then, from verse 15 to 68, we are told, in no uncertain terms, of the punishment that will befall nations that ignore God’s commandments; 14 verses of good tidings, then 54 verses of pain!
It is quite obvious that the vast majority of American politicians give nothing but lip service to the laws which governed our forefathers’ actions. God, for all practical political purposes, is extinct. Reference to Scripture is literally nonexistent, and when someone does broach the subject of religious morals, their comments are politely or humorously ignored.
During a recent discussion with my colleagues regarding billions of dollars of bonded indebtedness the California Legislature intends to offer the public, I asked if someone would comment on the moral justification for saddling future generations with a debt of such monstrous proportions. One of my colleagues jocularly responded, “I can’t give you a moral reason, but I can give you an immoral one.”
Everyone laughed and that ended the subject. No one felt an obligation to address the moral implications of spending borrowed money now and placing the cost upon our children and grandchildren.
Morals are laughed at, not only by those in office but by those who elect them. We are a nation that has turned away from God, and it is manifested in our every action from the office of the President on down. We cavort with our deadly enemies while we ridicule our friends. We treat Gorbachev, one of the world’s great criminals, as a respected leader and fawn over brutal Marxist dictators, while ignoring the blood that drips from their hands.
Proverbs 17:15 states, “He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.”
Scripture also tells us that God is “slow to anger,” but, to paraphrase, when pushed too far, His wrath is awesome. Also, those who He has favored He holds especially accountable, and to them His anger should be terrifying. America, take note!
Why is this politician sounding like a preacher delivering a sermon? Because I believe in the Lord and I’m trying to do what Scripture commands me to do. Ezekiel 33 instructs me to warn the people even though the warning may fall on deaf ears. My duty is to obey the Lord, and to the best of my limited ability, I intend to do so.
America is in for terrible judgment … and nothing less than national repentance can save this nation from the trouble that is just over the horizon. We are destined to wallow in our foolishness and pay the price for our stupidity. We have been given signs, but the warnings have gone unheeded. Sackcloth and ashes most assuredly are not a part of our national policy agenda!
Forerunner - Home » The Forerunner Newspaper »
Discuss this article
The Real Jesus: A Defense of the Historicity and Divinity of Christ (DVD)
Who is the Real Jesus?
Ever since the dawn of modern rationalism, skeptics have sought to use textual criticism, archeology and historical reconstructions to uncover the “historical Jesus” — a wise teacher who said many wonderful things, but fulfilled no prophecies, performed no miracles and certainly did not rise from the dead in triumph over sin.
Over the past 100 years, however, startling discoveries in biblical archeology and scholarship have all but vanquished the faulty assumptions of these doubting modernists. Regrettably, these discoveries have often been ignored by the skeptics as well as by the popular media. As a result, the liberal view still holds sway in universities and impacts the culture and even much of the church.
This presentation explodes the myths of these critics and the movies, books and television programs that have popularized their views.
Presented in ten parts — perfect for individual, family and classroom study — viewers will be challenged to go deeper in their knowledge of Christ in order to be able to defend their faith and present the truth to a skeptical modern world – that the Jesus of the Gospels is the Jesus of history — “the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). He is the real Jesus.
Speakers include: George Grant, Ted Baehr, Stephen Mansfield, Raymond Ortlund, Phil Kayser, David Lutzweiler, Jay Grimstead, J.P. Holding, and Eric Holmberg.
Ten parts, over two hours of instruction!
Running Time: 130 minutes
$19.95 — ORDER NOW!
Click here for more information
God's Law and Society (DVD)
Download the Free on-line Study Guide.
God’s Law and Society powerfully presents a comprehensive worldview based upon the ethical system found in the Law of God.
Speakers include: R.J. Rushdoony, George Grant, Howard Phillips, R.C. Sproul Jr., Ken Gentry, Gary DeMar, Jay Grimstead, Steven Schlissel, Andrew Sandlin, Eric Holmberg, and more!
Sixteen Christian leaders and scholars answer some of the most common questions and misconceptions related to this volatile issue:
1. Are we under Law or under Grace?
2. Does the Old Testament Law apply today?
3. Can we legislate morality?
4. What are the biblical foundations of government?
5. Was America founded as a Christian nation?
6. What about the separation of Church and State?
7. Is neutrality a myth?
8. What about non-Christians and the Law of God?
9. Would there be “freedom” in a Christian republic?
10. What would a “Christian America” look like?
Perfect for group instruction as well as personal Bible study.
Ten parts, over four hours of instruction!
Running Time: 240 minutes
Watch over 60 streaming videos from God’s Law and Society at:
The Second American Revolution.
$19.95 — ORDER NOW!
Click here for more information
Amazing Grace: The History and Theology of Calvinism (DVD)
Over four hours of instruction!
Just what is “Calvinism?” Does this teaching make man a deterministic robot and God the author of sin? What about free will? If the church accepts Calvinism, won’t evangelism be stifled, perhaps even extinguished? How can we balance God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility? What are the differences between historic Calvinism and hyper-Calvinism? Why did men like Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Spurgeon, Whitefield, Edwards and a host of renowned Protestant evangelists embrace the teaching of predestination and election and deny free will theology?
This is the first video documentary that answers these and other related questions. Hosted by Eric Holmberg, this fascinating three-part, four-hour presentation is detailed enough so as to not gloss over the controversy. At the same time, it is broken up into ten “Sunday-school-sized” sections to make the rich content manageable and accessible for the average viewer.
$19.95 — ORDER NOW!
Click here for more information
The Beast of Revelation: Identified (DVD)
Who is the dreaded beast of Revelation? Now at last, a plausible candidate for this personification of evil incarnate has been identified (or re-identified). Ken Gentry’s insightful analysis of scripture and history is likely to revolutionize your understanding of the book of Revelation — and even more importantly — amplify and energize your entire Christian worldview!
Historical footage and other graphics are used to illustrate the lecture Dr. Gentry presented at the 1999 Ligonier Conference in Orlando, Florida. It is followed by a one-hour question and answer session addressing the key concerns and objections typically raised in response to his position. This presentation also features an introduction that touches on not only the confusion and controversy surrounding this issue — but just why it may well be one of the most significant issues facing the Church today.
Ideal for group meetings, personal Bible study — for anyone who wants to understand the historical context of John’s famous letter “… to the seven churches which are in Asia.” (Revelation 1:4)
$17.95 — ORDER NOW!



