Dear Friend, Today's Early Edition of InfoQuest* is a potpourri of items; poetry, news, and action items! CONTENTS: (1) New Poem by Joan Morrone (2) Support Your Local Police - Reminder (3) Self Defense Alerts (A) Founding Fathers on Self-defense (B) Are You A Member of the US Constitutional Militia? (C) Letter Text for You - Send to White House Today! (D) WND.com URL on Shocker Article (E) WND.com URL on Biblical Self-defense (4) Resurrection Sunday (Easter) - Archaeology Scores! (5) Concerned Women for America URLs (6) Creation and Homeschool/Education Resource Updates (7) Are you a Jew who does not believe in Jesus Christ as God? ==================== ==================== (1) New Poem by Joan Morrone Joan is an InfoQuest* family member! You can read her poetry here: http://users.netreach.net/InfoQuest/Poetry.htm and http://onlinearchive.org/article.php?sid=530 Do you write poetry? Would you like it published, free, online? Send it to InfoQuest* at InfoQuest@SafePlace.net Jesus, Why Did You Die For Me? by Joan Morrone Jesus, why did you die for me? A worthless, mis-shapen hunk of clay? I am not worthy of the blood you shed Nor the thorns that were pushed in your head. I crucified you when I went my rebellious way. Jesus, why did you let them nail you to the cross? Why did you leave your home from above? I had no care that it was all for me. I was too blind; I could not see The pain, the shame, you bore for me out of love. I can't blame the soldiers who flogged your back raw. "Father, forgive them: they know not what they do." The words Jesus spoke as he hung on the cross. Not to believe why this was so would be my great loss. Hell, my fate unless I repent; the same for you and you. Jesus, why did you die for me; such a sinner as I? I am not worthy; nothing worthy in me. I shed bitter tears as I bow down in shame. I am the one who crucified you; I take the blame. I am the one who should be hung on the cross; only me. Thank you, dear Lord, for loving me so. I am never alone; you stay by my side. The price you paid is one I can not repay. I'll take up my cross and follow you each day. I'll love you forever. In you I will abide. Jesus, why did you die for me? I thank you for loving me. I love you because you first loved me. ==================== ==================== (2) Support Your Local Police - Reminder Dear Friend, Police officers throughout the U.S.A. were given a bad reputation by the secular mass media over the Rodney King incident in California. Did you see the *entire* video tape of what happened. If the only sections of the video that you saw were shown to you via TV news, then I can tell you, the answer is a big NO. I know that you're interested in Truth because you're an InfoQuest* family member. Help to redeem the good reputation of our police officers by seeing the truth for yourself in this Fantastic new video, "Behind The Big News." http://users.netreach.net/InfoQuest/Todays_News.htm#Behind_The_Big_News You'll quickly see how certain organizations are trying to paint our police officers in a negative light, to try to convince us that all police should be put under federal control. Sound familiar? Gestapo. When police are under local control, they represent local citizens (you!) and the protection and interests of local citizens. When police are under federal control, they represent the protection and interests of those who are in federal power. What can you do, in your local town, to support your local police? The answer is here: http://users.netreach.net/InfoQuest/Support_Police.htm If you know of any other ways to support local police, please reply to this edition of InfoQuest* and let me know! ==================== ==================== (3) Self-defense Alerts (A) Founding Fathers on Self-defense (B) Are You A Member of the US Constitutional Militia? (C) Letter Text for You - Send to White House Today! (D) WND.com URL on Shocker Article (E) WND.com URL on Biblical Self-defense +++ 3 (A) Founding Fathers on Self-defense Why did the Christian Founding Fathers of the U.S.A. write more about the importance of the 2nd Amendment than on any other topic of the U.S.A. Constitution? These quotes will help us learn why! "The said constitution shall never be construed to authorize congress to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms." Samuel Adams "No free man shall ever be de-barred the use of arms. The strongest reason for the people to retain their right to keep and bear arms is as a last resort to protect themselves against tyranny in government." Thomas Jefferson "The General orders this day to be religiously observed by the forces under his Command, exactly in manner directed by the Continental Congress. It is therefore strictly enjoined on all officers and soldiers to attend Divine service, And it is expected that all those who go to worship do take their arms, ammunition and accoutrements, and are prepared for immediate action, if called upon." George Washington [being armed in church when we are at war] +++ 3 (B) Are You A Member of the US Constitutional Militia? The word "militia" has been slandered by the secular mass media. Militias of non-military-enlisted citizens like you and me were a major component in winning our freedom in the Revolutionary War. "The Patriot," starring Mel Gibson, shows this. I've dedicated a page of the InfoQuest* website to cover this in detail at: http://users.netreach.net/InfoQuest/Civil_Defense.htm Here's just a snip: The Reserve (Citizen) Militia of The United States of America The "unorganized" or reserve militia is a legal and lawful part of the armed forces of this nation. It is a military organization recognized by the Second Amendment of the Constitution; Title 10, Section 311 USC; the Dick Act of 1903; the National Defense Act of 1916; and affirmed by numerous court decisions. There is no ambiguity. The "unorganized" citizens militia is not the National Guard or the state "select" militia under the governor, or part of the "organized" armed forces of the federal government. It is literally the entire body of armed citizenry. Although the "unorganized" militia can be called up for lawful (Constitutional) purposes, it is not under the direct control of any state or political jurisdiction. It represents the authority and power of the People over the government and stands as the last defense of the citizens of this country against a domestic tyrant. Learn more about this at: http://users.netreach.net/InfoQuest/Civil_Defense.htm +++ 3 (C) Letter Text for You - Send to White House Today! http://www.gunowners.org/a041403.htm Bad News for Gun Owners White House says it favors keeping unconstitutional gun ban Gun Owners of America 8001 Forbes Place, Suite 102 Springfield, VA 22151 (703) 321-8585 Dear Friend, If you care about your right to self-defense, please send/mail/call this message to the White House. Dear President Bush: I oppose the Clinton-Feinstein ban on common household firearms. And that is why I was surprised to hear White House spokesman Scott McClellan say that you support the current ban, along with its reauthorization (Knight Ridder newspapers, April 12, 2003). I am taken aback for a few reasons. First, you clearly ran on a pro-gun platform in your race for the White House in 2000. As a result, you were elected President because gun owners all over the country went to the polls and voted for you. Most notably, pro-gun voters delivered three key Democratic states into your column -- Tennessee, West Virginia and Arkansas. Without these three states, Florida would never have been an issue. Second, former President Bill Clinton has repeatedly stated that passage of the 1994 semi-auto ban cost him control of the Congress. In other words, many Democrats lost their jobs because they voted for this ban. Gun control is a losing issue politically. Third, the Clinton-Feinstein gun ban is clearly unconstitutional and outlaws the very guns and magazines that millions of people have relied upon to defend their homes and families. The website of Gun Owners of America gives the statistics showing that these banned firearms are rarely used to commit crimes or murders -- in fact, more Americans are killed by knives. I hope that Scott McClellan was in error and that his statement does not represent your views. And so I trust you will be open and honest with me. Will you OPPOSE the Clinton-Feinstein semi-auto ban and OPPOSE its reauthorization? Please let me know. Sincerely, [Enter your name and address here.] Find contact information here: http://www.gunowners.org/activism.htm +++ 3 (D) WND.com URL on Shocker Article Gun supporters baffled by Bush stance http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=32074 +++ 3 (E) WND.com URL on Biblical Self-defense The Bible and self-defense http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=25442 ==================== ==================== (4) Resurrection Sunday (Easter) - Archaeology Scores! Thinking Outside the Box BreakPoint with Charles Colson http://www.BreakPoint.org April 16, 2003 An Archaeological Find Meets Open Minds Archaeology made headlines around the world last fall when an ossuary, or burial box, surfaced in Israel that bore the inscription, "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus." Now, a book is picking up where the headlines left off. It is called The Brother of Jesus: The Dramatic Story and Meaning of the First Archaeological Link to Jesus and His Family. The book is co-authored by Hershel Shanks, publisher of the Biblical Archaeological Review, and Ben Witherington III, a noted New Testament scholar. Shanks is the man who first broke the news of the ossuary. In the book he details the scientific tests and scholarly examinations that preceded the announcement and the academic furor that followed it. Witherington describes the life and beliefs of James, who was a leader of the early Church. James brokered the famous compromise in Acts 15 that allowed Gentile believers to join the early Church. Now that the dust is settling and the critics have had their say, it appears that the early consensus is left intact. Although the burial box will always be controversial, because it surfaced through an antiquities market, rather than a controlled dig, leading experts agree that it is authentic. And it represents hard evidence to corroborate ancient Christian manuscripts. It's refreshing to see objectivity at work through the story of the ossuary's discovery. André Lemaire, a specialist in ancient inscriptions and a former priest, was the first to authenticate the ossuary's inscription even though the word brother challenges the Catholic doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary. Israeli experts confirmed the artifact's authenticity even though it backs up Christian, rather than Jewish, tradition. And Hershel Shanks broke the story, not because he believes in Christianity, but because he believes in good scholarship. While I'm thrilled by the new evidence that demonstrates the Bible's historical accuracy, there is reason for some caution. Some Christians want to base their beliefs entirely on extra-biblical evidence, but the fact is that we must never downplay the Bible's inherent credibility. We need to remember which witnesses are primary and which are secondary. Moses, the prophets, and others were "carried along by the Holy Spirit" to write holy Scripture. Some were eyewitnesses of the events they reported; through them the Scriptures were "God-breathed" to record every thought faultlessly. If an ossuary or an ark corroborates a point the Bible has declared for thousands of years, we are thrilled. But that does not make the biblical facts more factual. It simply confirms, and as historian Paul Johnson says, the confirming evidence is mounting - so much so that the skeptics, not the Christians, must fear the further course of scientific discovery. But always remember the Bible stands on its own credible witness, regardless of whether secondary sources confirm or contradict it. It is the veracity of the Bible that forms the basis on which a Christian worldview is built. That said, the James ossuary does give us a wonderful opening to share with our neighbors and to remind them that our faith holds up under scientific scrutiny - thanks, in this case, to scientists and scholars who champion the free marketplace of ideas rather than their own private agendas. ==================== ==================== (5) Concerned Women for America URLs Note: if because of e-mail formatting, these links are broken, please copy/paste the entire link into your Internet browser URL bar to view these articles. CURRENT ISSUES Child Porn Bill DOA http://www.cwfa.org/articledisplay.asp?id=3764&department=CWA&categoryid=por nography The Scourge of Sexual Trafficking http://www.cwfa.org/articledisplay.asp?id=3737&department=BLI&categoryid=dot commentary When a Picture Means Life or Death http://www.cwfa.org/articledisplay.asp?id=3735&department=BLI&categoryid=fem facts Turning Women Into Cannon Fodder http://www.cwfa.org/articledisplay.asp?id=3708&department=CFI&categoryid=cfr eport RNC Leader Racicot Meets with Homosexual Lobby Group http://www.cwfa.org/articledisplay.asp?id=3713&department=CFI&categoryid=cfr eport ==================== ==================== (6) Creation and Homeschool/Education Resource Updates Creation Science Evangelism (CSE) http://www.drdino.com Dinosaur Adventure Land (DAL) http://www.dinosauradventureland.com New Materials In addition to scores of good creation books, we have added lots of new top quality fossil castings. Placing these on your desk or wall is sure to start a conversation about creation. They also make great gifts. See our web site for details. We are excited to offer William Gibbons new book, Missionaries and Monsters ($9 +S&H) as a sequel to Claws, Jaws & Dinosaurs authored by William Gibbons and Kent Hovind. William has made four trips to Africa in search of living dinosaurs. Both books deal with modern sightings of dinosaurs. During April or May, get both together for only $11 + S&H. http://www.drdino.com Homeschools We often get asked questions about homeschooling. We offer several video courses for homeschools and now are pleased to offer a new book called Simply Homeschooling by Melinda Lewis. This very practical 160-page book will explain the basics for those considering homeschool and give great tips for those who have been doing it for years. This book is only $9.50 +S&H. http://www.drdino.com IQ* Note: If you have children/grandchildren in public/private school, don't forget that homeschool materials make a fantastic supplement to what your loved ones are/aren't being taught! Make time with your loved ones today. Ask them what they are being taught. Build a good schoolwork-related communication link with your loved ones. ==================== ==================== (7) Are you a Jew who does not believe in Jesus Christ as God? Your own Holy book, the Tanakh, shows, through prophecies, that Jesus Christ is the true Messiah. --- * Ministry Would Include Miraculous Healings Isaiah 29:18 In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see. 700 B.C. Isaiah 35:5-6a [5] Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. [6a] Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. 700 B.C. Luke 7:20-22 [20] When the men came to Jesus, they said, "John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, `Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?' " [21] At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. [22] So he replied to the messengers, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor." --- * Given Vinegar and Gall to Drink Psalm 69:21 They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst. 1000 B.C. Matthew 27:34 There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. --- * The Messiah Would Return From The Dead Isaiah 53:8, 11 [8] By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. [11] After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. 700 B.C. Matthew 28:2, 5-7, 9 [2] There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. [5] The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. [6] He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. [7] Then go quickly and tell his disciples: `He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." [9] Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. --- These are just a small numbers of proofs, from the Tanakh itself, showing that Jesus Christ is the true Messiah! I beg you to visit these websites for answers to your questions! http://www.jewsforjesus.org/ http://users.netreach.net/InfoQuest/apologetics.htm Feel free to reply to this e-mail if you'd like to ask me anything! Erich <><