Introductions.

Greetings, γειά σου, שלום, and hello! This blog presents a collaboration of canvassed assessments related to various issues that influence our way of living. It is a conservative's view towards controversial topics such as theology, politics, and occasionally Chuck Norris. I often use big words to make myself sound intelligent when in reality it took me near two hours to write this paragraph by going back and forth between thesaurus’s’ ;o) (jk) If you know me than you’re familiar with my defiant passion towards the political right, my audacious interest in contemporary issues, and when it comes to theology, well, I’m always causing problems. Not because I’m motivated to do so but merely because the traditional side of me tends to butt heads with the modern view of Christianity. I enjoy the method of discussion, the art of debate, and the consumption of Cactus Cooler but nobody seems to sell that soda anymore. In opposition to customary literature, I posses an inclination to utilize exorbitant colloquy...nah what I be talkin’ ‘bout? I do hope you enjoy your stay here and in all seriousness I take these notes to be very real to me. Please feel free to add any commentary that would support, merely contrast, or go completely against something I have to say. May everything on here be sincere and bring glory to God!

Soulja in the Cross Hairs

"F*** the FBI and the army troops ... fighting for what? Be your own man ...”

Fury still emerges from intolerant service members and patriots who’ve put rap artist, “Soulja Boy” on blast since singing the lyrics to, “Let’s Be Real” where he slanders civilian and military defense personnel. The rebellious character who hit the stage in ’07 with “Crank That” hasn’t made much of an impact in the media spotlight since then which some say prompted these extreme lyrics…really screwed the pooch there, son.

In a formal apology addressed to all US service members Soulja states, “As a young man who grew up in the post-9/11 era, I have watched our country fight two wars…I mean, damn, 48 people got shot in New York City just this past weekend ... in 3 days ... I'm not saying that it is just because of a bad economy, but at a certain point we have to take care of our own people.”

Souja, nearly 6000 fell victim to the 9/11 attacks that you’re so aware of- half of whom died. Would it be taking care of our own to do nothing about this? Should we have left Afghanistan out of this? NYC’s finest are doing a great job defending their turf. The war has nothing to do with it. His apology was so full of fallacies I didn’t want to waste my time nor my reader’s time with it.

“We're told Soulja is willing to do whatever he can to make up for the song…including free shows for the military, and meet-and-greet sessions.” -TMZ reports.

Are you kidding me? Free shows for the military? This is a perfect example of his snot-nosed arrogance being channeled in the WRONG direction. He has the nerve to sing those lyrics then justify it by putting on shows for the very audience who he slandered? I feel it would be in Soulja’s best interest to stay as far away from any military involvement for a while. Not that I support any brutal hostility towards Soulja over this matter but performing on stage at a military installation would prove whether or not Superman is in fact faster than a speeding bullet…I’m sorry, I just had to use that one haha Many have posted blog posts, written letters, and in Army Sergeant Leo Dunson’s case, written a retaliation rap of his own called, “Change Your Name" which you can look up on YouTube but be forewarned about the explicit language. Members of all branches have made claims that Soulja Boy’s lyrics were offensive, ungrateful, and ignorant. Who could argue that?

Now I understand that Soulja Boy is a young and clueless punk so I don’t take his lyrics as serious as some but I still do agree that these comments were horrendous, disrespectful, and ignorant. The very fact that he has the right to publish his womanizing lyrics is a freedom that I’m sure he relishes in. Clearly he is oblivious to the standards of social and ethical respect. This youngster hasn’t lived life. He doesn’t know the challenge of responsibility or the process of maturity but he’ll be the first to slander those who have exceeded said traits. He lacks the ability to mold to a humble approach which is clear in his “apology” to his offended audience.

I ask myself where this comes from. Where does this ignorance come from? Where does he find it at all appropriate or necessary to use these lyrics? There are so many other ways to be crude. There are so many ways to shock your audience into purchasing your material. Why during the era of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks would you do this? I must give tribute to Marine Sergeant Dakota Meyer who was awarded the Medal of Honor on September 8, 2011 at the White House for his valorous efforts in Afghanistan in 2009. To know that there is still character, sacrifice, and humility out there is a comfort. Read his citation and see how you balance out the harmony of anger towards Soulja Boy for his lyrics against men like Dakota and the peace you feel knowing that there are guardians around us willing to reach great measures to ensure the mission of peace in America as well as internationally.

God's Will is God's Word

Ever feel like God is working so tangibly in your life that you feel like he’s secretly watching you from around the corner zapping things into motion before your eyes? That was me today. Granted I understand God works every day in all of our lives but some days are more evident than others. I mean He didn’t appear to Moses in a burning bush every day either, right? Right. I hope this entry is encouraging to you. I pray that it brings clarity from confusion, comfort from pain, and courage from fear.
Since leaving active duty from the Marines last year I’ve been interning with my church while pursuing my degree at Biola. I’ve known for a while now that God has called me into full time ministry but haven’t nailed down what that looks like. My heart is with college aged students so that’s where my focus has been and will continue to be. Some of you may know that I’ve also considered returning to active duty as a Chaplain following my graduation from Biola and seminary. In the mean time I’ve been involved as much as I can be in my church’s college group, Praxis, and have truly desired to invest in the lives of the students I’ve met there. As of late the desire to become a military Chaplain has been weighing heavily on my heart.
My college pastor, Mark, gave me the privilege of filling in for him while He and his family are on vacation. This morning I spoke on Revelation 15, the lukewarm church, and how God drew parallels between Laodicea’s economic status and their spiritual obedience. I don’t know how well I did on the delivery…I’m very hard on myself. I could get 100% on an exam and still feel like I bombed it. (Clearly a dilemma, I never get 100% on exams). This did however afford me a taste of what full time ministry is about. Afterwards I went home and took a short nap. Anyone who knows me well knows that if I sleep less than two hours for a nap I’m a complete grump. I slept for twenty minutes. I had in mind to cancel coffee with my friend, Daniel, because I was so irritable. Phone in hand…I decided not to. Daniel and I haven’t been friends for long but haven’t had a conversation yet that’s been anything short of fulfilling. Today was no different. We were discussing how to identify God’s will. He mentioned a phrase our pastor used during a discussion on the will of God, "God's will is God's Word." There is so much truth to that. Our discussion affirmed my long believed stance that rarely does God have a specific calling for anyone but rather what we do end up pursuing we are to do as unto Him.
Afterwards I stopped by Berean to look at some books. I didn’t have any in mind but I felt like I needed to entertain my bookstore fix. While there I stumbled across a book on special display written by a military Chaplain. I passed by it a few times before pulling it off display to take a gander. I didn’t want to spend the money but figured I’d read a few pages on the couch they had. He has been in for just over twenty years but wasn’t always a Chaplain. Take a wild guess at his former job…a military police. For those of you who don’t know I was a military police. Interesting huh? I didn’t get three pages further than that without reading of two other Chaplains he worked with. One’s name was John Reed…the other, John Read. Suddenly $15 seemed very trivial.
Now I affirm God’s sovereignty, omniscience, and that He can do whatever he pleases by any means. However, I’m not that guy who gives all glory and honor because Pittsburg won a game. I mean that’s just silly. (maybe if it was Cleveland some rejoicing may be in order but…)
I’m not settling on Chaplaincy just yet…but rather finding my peace with God’s love, provision, and humor. Is this a sign? Is this divine intervention? I can say confidently that it is. Whether it’s a sign that Chaplaincy is in fact what I’m called for is beyond mine or anyone’s authority to tell with absolute assert. I may not be a 5-point Calvinist…but I do believe that God’s sovereignty is the final say, the final authority, and the ushering path of His children’s rightful home.
Be blessed, be encouraged.

The Art of Leadership

If one attempts to fill the position of a leader based on Webster's definition alone they quite possibly wouldn't even make it far enough to fail. A dictionary may give a definition for leader but doesn't define who a leader is just as a dictionary may define a human but cannot define how you, as a human, behave. Now in ole' Noah's defense I will say that summarizing "leader" in a sentence is unfeasible for anyone.

Can a leader even be defined?

A leader is identified by a myriad of qualities that are orchestrated strategically to guarantee absolute accomplishment regardless of the obstacles that may be introduced to them and in partnership with even the most diverse spectrum of subordinates. What are some of these qualities? Management? Judgment? Enthusiasm? Initiative? Character? Sure- I’d say that these are some traits that a leader should demonstrate however there is some ground work that must be established first. The list we just observed wouldn’t be necessary if the task of a leader wasn’t a tough one. Therefore we have to assume that there is some drive or motivation for taking on this challenge initially.

What is this drive?

Is it the craving for power? Is it the desire for an authoritarian voice that feeds off of delegating tasks for mere pleasure? I’d say this is rarely the case…right? Only a fool would affirm that. Authoritarian leadership may shape a subordinate to produce the desired results of the leader given a small area of growth but what about when the individuals have found themselves in a situation where they haven’t been authoritarian-ly lead before? They’re clueless and can’t manage to be decisive outside of the tunnel through which they’ve been led. This is often the result of the “do it because I told you so” method of development. Many military leaders tend to adopt this method of command under the umbrella of “questioning orders can get you killed!” Spare me! I heard this expression used so many times out of context…or was it? What is the context of the commander? (I use the term commander ambiguously simply to describe someone who is in charge) Is his context strictly battle ridden? Or is the context whatever the commander wants? Obviously what it should be is often inconsistent with what it realistically is.

While serving in the Marines I held positions of various capacities. As a Platoon Sergeant of over sixty Marines I had the honor of ensuring the well-being and discipline of each individual in my platoon. I use the term honor because when you consider the responsibility of leading Marines it is not a task that’s trivial in nature. We were Military Policemen. We patrolled a facility housing sensitive assets vital to national security armed with one or more weapon systems. Being able to look at them at the beginning of the day knowing that they’re working just as hard at accomplishing the mission as I was working hard to ensure the welfare of them and their families while working alongside them to ensure the mission…yea, it’s definitely an honor. I rarely raised my voice, submitted a charge sheet, or used the “shot gun” method of making everyone feel pain for one’s mistake. Despite what you may have learned in the movies or ROTC “The whole chain falls because of one weak link” is rarely a necessary means of discipline. A healthy rapport is not established by using your privileged authority as power. It takes time. It takes you as the leader to display a legitimate concern for your men and to prove that they, and their families, are in your best interest. Know your people, know their families, know their strengths, their weaknesses, their talents. Know them in and out without being overly intrusive. Once you’ve educated yourself on the capabilities of your men it’s time to be resourceful. Start delegating with their strong points in mind but without neglecting the areas where they can grow. I can make no greater promise in this area… If you show your men that you’re there for them and that the lengths you’d go for their welfare are limitless then they will respond with every ounce and more of what your demand from them.

Doesn’t a leader entail being mean?

I spend the last three years of my Marine Corps career as a Sergeant. Of all ranks to be mean I was expected to be it. Was I? Absolutely not. And the fact that I was unwilling to mold to the expectations of my superiors won the respect and performance of my subordinates. If you’re mean as a leader then you have no place wearing the title. Mean is simply cruelty or unmerited discipline. There are times where you will have to be firm. There will be times where you will have to make the unpopular decision. There will be times where your subordinates aren’t going to be your biggest fans but as long as you have their best interest in mind they will eventually come through and understand the means of your assertive action. I never found yelling to be helpful. Rather I found it counter-productive. I had leaders who thought yelling was productive. I mean it may get the job done initially but have you won the respect of butt-chewee? (butt-chewee: def. n. They whom received a butt chewing ) No, you haven’t. In fact, chances are you’ve lost some. I found it better to sit them down, lay out the discrepancies, and create a solution to ensure they don’t repeat their mistakes. If that doesn’t work and they create a patter then inform them that performance reviews are coming up. There are professional ways of snatching one up by the short n’ curlies!

How does one become a leader?

I wasn’t always a Sergeant. I was a little snot-nosed 18 year old Private who thought he was a big shot but was still wet behind the ears from boot camp. I made my share of mistakes. It took experienced leaders who took the time to examine me and correct my deficiencies so I didn’t develop patterns that would eventually cause me to fail as a leader. It went to show me that habits created early on can drastically influence who you become as a leader…positively or negatively. Oh, and if your superiors don’t observe any negative or positive behavior it’s ok- your subordinates will! Remember that. Your men are watching you like a hawk. The good and the bad will be dually noted…but chances are they’ll complain about the bad before they commend you on the good. Most leaders care less about how their subordinates feel about them as long as their superiors notice it. I always had a contrary opinion. I felt it more necessary that my subordinates cared about how I was as a leader. They were after all the ones I was really working for. Make sure you pick and choose leaders who you wish to emulate. Those who inspire you. Those who helped you grow. Those who you wish to see in higher positions then they already are. Then do what you can to reflect their image and the behavior that they displayed.

So what do I do with this?

We all have things we can learn from each other. We come from different backgrounds, upbringings, hobbies, experiences, and cultures. I have strengths and weaknesses. This is a strength that was developed through a weakness which I feel obligated to share with you. Remember what I said up a ways about patterns. Who you are today will have a major impact on who you’ll be tomorrow. What you do today may have repercussions on what you’ll do tomorrow. Oh, also remember that it’s NOT about you.

Gentlemen, the decisions you’re making now are highly indicative of the individual you will become. You are to be leaders in the church, amongst your communities, and most importantly your families. What are you doing now that will positively influence the husband you will be to your wife and the father you’ll be to your children?

Ladies, the position you’re called to of sharing wisdom and nourishing your sisters in Christ is an envious one and of great respect. You are establishing the foundation of which your ministry will reside and what you do now may have a grand impact on your future.

Examine who you are today. Realize who you’re called to be tomorrow. The time to prune is now. The time to make needed changes is now. They’re sacrifices today but they’re blessings tomorrow.

Be blessed.

Disclaimer: Some of you who read this were once my superiors. Any commentary that alludes to events which may have happened in the workplace are not subliminal but those involved will remain unidentified. Among my superiors who considered my leadership to be too soft, I hope you will recognize the value in the approach I inflexibly took despite your multiple counseling sessions castigating it. Many of those who read this were my subordinates. I hope that you set aside any events in the past that may have caused adverse relational status between us and perhaps you may now recognize, and perhaps appreciate, the concern that motivated such discipline.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Hate

Today marks an event in history that will influence the operative march of our nation’s defense. In a 65-31 vote from members of both parties the Clinton instituted policy “don’t ask, don’t tell” was repealed allowing homosexuals to join the ranks of our military. In opposition to many defense leaders’ advice to senior officials the ban was lifted along with any pending charges/investigations on GLBT service members as directed to the Pentagon by Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid.

I don’t find it necessary to further lament my audacious repugnance for this appeal. I’m sure most of you readers already know too well my thoughts on the matter. So here’s my teeth-gritting response to the cockamamie behavior that took place in Washington today.

Anyone who’s negotiated this issue with me knows that though I am opposed to the repeal of DADT I do believe that service members should be able to serve openly in the military. Again, just because I feel this way doesn’t mean I think it’s a good idea for the government to allow the floodgates open to GLBT. The adverse impact it will have on our training, morale, living conditions, recruitment, retention, and many other elements that contribute to our structure will compromise our combat readiness. This is my educated opinion supported by the thoughts and concerns of countless service members along with seven years of service completed by myself.

Personally I wouldn’t have an issue training with a homosexual. I mean I completed an advanced martial arts class with a female granted she was the only Marine in my weight class and she kicked my butt but that’s besides the point. I think it’s inaccurate to assume that because a man is gay it automatically means he will become aroused by performing hand-to-hand combat training with another. The chances of a woman and man having that issue are slim and I feel the odds will be the same. However, in the event one does get “turned on” by the other in a training event I’d hope assertive disciplinary actions would take place. DADT was established by former President Bill Clinton in response to the brutal murder of U.S. Navy Sailor Allen R. Schindler by an irate and disgruntled Airman Terry M. Helvey who quoted to hate homosexuals. Schindler is spending life in prison at Leavenworth.

A personal plea to my fellow service members:

You’ve come far, you’ve conquered obstacles that most will never know. You’ve laughed in dominance while facing the impossible. You’ve overcome difficulties introduced to few. You’ve shown strength and perseverance at times that kill. This is because of your honorary commitment. A commitment to excellence that you vowed to display. A commitment to protection that you obliged your country. A commitment to the service member to your left and right to have their back and bring them home to their loved ones. DO NOT allow this to negate or disrupt your commitment. I urge you to accept those of various orientations as fellow Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, and Sailors. To discriminate based on orientation alone is foolish. I don’t agree with the appeal of DADT but those who made the decision aren’t the ones fighting the wars. You’re bigger than them and far more honorable. Be the bigger person, accept those who will now be joining your ranks, and serve with them upholding the same pride and valor than before. Any of you who oppose this plea and act hostilely towards GLBT are showing weakness and have compromised your commitment.

It is my prayer and therefore my hope that the outcome of this law be divinely met and that the leaders of our armed forces act in a civil, assertive, humble, and just manner.


…yes, I said cockamamie

Frog Soup and Patriotism

We’re all familiar with the boiling frog theory. You put a frog in boiling water and he’ll jump out. You put a frog in room temp water over a flame and he’ll swim around till he cooks. Do we see this happening in our government? Many would say so. I think we’re ok right now personally. Some would say the Patriot Act was a hinge point and how they violated the Constitution by creating it…which is not he case but we’ll discuss that in a minute. However, this new issue caused me to raise an eyebrow. Z Backscatter Van (ZBV) are not the most recent inventions but more recently have been produced in an operative tempo far beyond their original purpose. The picture above is a ZBV. It doesn’t look much different than your standard moving van and definitely doesn’t display any indicators that there are x-ray cameras inside operated by two men. That’s right- the cameras are disguised and are engineered to see through clothes, cars, and even houses! The original purpose was to assign ZBVs in areas that merited observance in such a concealed manner i.e. borders, military installations, crime scenes etc. But now they’re going through neighborhoods at random without the consent of the citizens nor the authority of a court order. Now, does that make me mad? Not really. I have nothing to hide and anything that could be considered an embarrassment is only seen by few professionals so whatever. I’ve shown worse to doctors haha…sorry, moving on! So yes, that is in fact a violation of the Constitution which is the only thing that makes me angry. So, I’m done discussing the ZBVs. I want to discuss an issue that many have said is the reason we’re having these problems. The funnel I discussed earlier that has supposedly created a gradual increase in government control. The USAPATRIOT Act of 2001. Yes, it’s spelled that way. Contrary to common knowledge it’s an acronym! Uniting And Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism. A very effective yet controversial move made by the government to seize any propaganda that may elude to an act of terrorism. The boundaries have been broadened for law enforcement agencies to investigate personnel who are possible subjects or affiliates of a crime, or crime to be. Many citizens all the way up to the political realm have deemed such an act to be “unconstitutional” by violating our rights of privacy. I asked many who opposed the Act what the constitution says about our right to privacy and some didn’t even know. Others gave very intelligent sounding answers that were so inaccurate. “Invasion of privacy!” “My rights are being violated!” “The Constitution says they can’t come in my home!”…Ignorance! Do you know what elements of infraction must be met to constitute “invasion”? The government has every right to search ones living space given an appropriate court order such as a search warrant. Amendment 6 states that we have the right to be secure in our persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. Yea, I copied it. Did you see that thing about the warrant? Guess what folks- contrary to popular belief the Patriot Act isn’t random. It is used in conjunction with Amendment 6. If cops have reason to believe someone is an affiliate of a crime and the absence of their investigation could result in an adverse manner well then they obtain probable cause, take it to the appropriate authorities, be granted a warrant so their justified.
Here’s a line that infuriates me: “I’d rather sacrifice safety for freedom”. That doesn’t even make sense! You can’t have one without the other! Your safety is purchased with the brave men and women who are on the front lines of danger domestically and abroad. They keep you safe so you can have your blessed freedom! “Freedom isn’t free” we’ve all heard it. Without your safety you won’t be free, without surveillance and acts of intel ops such as the Patriot Act you won’t be safe. Therefore it is a poor argument. Rather sacrifice…psh! I bet people in New York City aren’t using that line! Who remembers last year (Sept ’09) when that haji and his dad planned to bomb NYC? I was assigned to the presidential protective detail (HMX-1) at the time and had fellow Marines there at the time awaiting Obama’s arrival. A rail system, sports stadium, and a building of high occupancy were the targets and its New York folks so do the math…that’s a lot of casualties. An FBI spokesman said that their primary line of defense was the Patriot Act, specifically phone line tapping. Potentially thousands of people would have been toast- but who cares, right? We want our freedom, we want our civil liberties, we want we want we want or we’re gonna kick and scream like a child at K-Mart. God forbid the government catch us picking our nose!
Instead of focusing on the government let’s take a look at ourselves and see how selfish we’ve become. The USAPATRIOT Act of 2001 was a reaction to the attacks of September 11th. The Act was published within days of the attacks. Think about if we were a bit more observant prior to. Think about how our shallow desires can cause such an influence. You can search any part of my house, car, office space whatever. If such measures cause a safer environment then so be it. Just a thought…

Irresistible Revolution

They say you can’t judge a book by its cover. For the most part I’d agree with that…but you can judge a book by its author and you can assume the content based on its affiliates. That’s why off the bat I was hesitant to read Shane Claiborne’s “Irresistible Revolution” because of those who advertised their support for this book. The foreword writer, Jim Wallis, has for years been an eye sore to the lost and has behaved in ways that aren’t necessarily consistent with Christianity. He’s been arrested over twenty times for civil disobedience, holds tight to the Christian left (which I have a hard time believing in), and is a spiritual advisor to Obama (and if you’re up to date on them you’d understand why he’s not in my “favorites” category), Rob Bell (Need I say more?), Brian McLaren, the big cheese of the emergent church etc. Plus I knew the gist of this book and from reading the foreword and other brief synopsis’ I gathered it to be another love, love, love book with a watered-down gospel and scriptural perversion. However, that wasn’t enough- I had to dig deeper and read it for myself…and by doing so it affirmed my theory that you can in fact judge a book by its author or those associated with them. Shane obviously has a zealous heart that he aims toward reaching the poor and oppressed which is highly admirable but such passion can be neutralized or worse counter productive when it conflicts with the scriptural guidance we’ve been given. One example is his actions during the Operation: Iraqi Freedom orientation AKA “Shock and Awe” when he was on the frontlines of the Baghdad bombing in March ’03 not to be confused with a service member but a claimed advocate for Jesus as he went around witnessing in a combat zone that was, in my opinion, rightfully being destroyed. Now, is this gonna me complaining about some anti-war lib and rantin’ and raving over whether or not we should be there?...not so much but more so trying to balance out this inaccurate portrait of Christ that Claiborne and his pacifist pantomimes have painted. This book is offensive to me. VERY offensive to me. I was in coffee bean merely educating myself on what Claiborne had to say and as I reached the end I read a part that made me want to throw this book across the room. Claiborne discusses his journey to Iraq and makes some comments that hurt me so badly. If you know someone who perished in a combat zone or if you have any sense of patriotism or yearning for justice…then it’ll hurt you too. I tear'd up as I read the following passage:

“I am going to Iraq to stand in the way of war. Thousands of soldiers have gone to Iraq, willing to kill people they do not know
because of a political allegiance. I go willing to die for people I do not know because of a spiritual allegiance.”

WHO DOES THIS GUY THINK HE IS!?!? A political allegiance!? Nobody was drafted to Iraq, pal! Sure they swore in but they decided to swear in as a voluntary means to establish justice among the nations and protection to our country! This guy makes me want to puke! Who is he to judge the motive of our brave service members!? Hey Claiborne- maybe, JUST maybe, our guardian troops have answered the call to duty because they know that they can make a difference in a young Iraqi kid’s life. Ever see the children on the streets of Iraq holding up signs saying, “thank you USA” “Thank you US Troops” and yes even “Thank you Mr. Bush”…how bout that? The kids of Iraq walk the streets innocently with the fear of being shot merely because a terrorist stubbed his toe. If we don’t do anything about this then they’ll continue to be killed (that’s love, right?) See the photos below before you assume the military is a bunch of animals on a mission to kill with no regard for justice or morality.

“There are Muslim and Christian extremists who are willing to kill for their gods.”

What!? I can understand the Muslim part but where do you get the Christian part? I don’t know about that…I wouldn’t call them Christians. He also states that war is a “myth of redemptive violence”. Shane, God lead men into battle. He did I promise you he did. It’s in the Bible. DO NOT tell me that just because it’s in the Old Testament that it doesn’t apply. SPARE me the argument. What part of Christ fulfilling the law negates the method of war? Oh, and I do believe Romans is still in the New Testament so why not check out chapter 13 and start from the beginning.

Friends, I encourage you all to be weary of such authors. Many of whom write sugar coated messages with concepts that are pleasing to the ear but are not accurate and are not what people need to hear. Please make sure that before you pick up any “Christian living” book that you have taken time to read your Bible, spent time in prayer, and have been silent before the Lord in obedience and acceptance to his Spirit.