The Miracle of Easter, Not “Happy” Easter

The Miracle of Easter, Not “Happy” Easter

As I wrote on Good Friday, I’m given, or more accurately, TAKE some liberties with blogging on rare occasions here at IFC.  If you author a few hundred blogs, the single-issue advocates within IFC will give you an occasional pass when you depart, for good reason, from the core mission.  Similar to what I wrote on Friday, nothing is more central to our cause than a right understanding of the nature of good and evil.  Those foundational concepts come from only one place.  In case you haven’t considered it, they don’t come from the natural world.  Good and evil are not represented in nature.

In keeping with Easter, let’s drop the “happy” part of our address to others.  The word “happy” really doesn’t quite do it, does it?  What happy thoughts do we have about having enthusiastically murdered the Messiah?  None.  Can we have happy thoughts about Him having risen from the dead?  Yup.  But I hope our emotion and energy surpass the word “happy” when we reflect.  😉

To think thoroughly and with devotion could nearly be indescribable.  But Charles Spurgeon offers a glimpse into my contemplation with this:

This, then, is the doctrine of the resurrection. We do not believe–at least I do not–that law has been rudely violated in one extraordinary and unparalleled episode. We believe that a universal law of life, overmastering death, and always superior to it, has had once a visible witness.

-Charles Spurgeon

Let that sink in, and then find a suitable replacement for the “happy” part of Easter my friends…  <3

In Libertatem,

Michael Ware – IFC Board Member

Good Friday

Good Friday

Good Friday!  As a board member, writer, and general antagonist to my fellow IFC volunteers, I’m given latitude to blog about things not specifically part of our mission and a single issue advocacy group.  However, I find nothing more central to our mission, as Christians, than the proper understanding of the Gospel.  With that premise, I offer you this short excerpt from Spurgeon:

“I slew him—this right hand struck the dagger to his heart. My deeds slew Christ. Alas! I slew my best beloved; I killed him who loved me with an everlasting love. Oh eyes, why do you refuse to weep when you see Jesus’ body mangled and torn? Give vent to your sorrow, Christians, for you have good reason to do so.”

adapted from “The Tomb of Jesus” by Charles Spurgeon

We were all part of the destruction of the Messiah regardless of being physically present.  The weight associated with the freely offered gift of salvation ought to stir thought and emotion from each of us.  May we all ponder and reflect, for we all inhabit an afterlife – each of us lives forever.  …Somewhere.  Think about that.

In Libertatem,

Michael Ware – IFC Board

Why is the Gadsden Flag Plate Important in Iowa?

Why is the Gadsden Flag Plate Important in Iowa?

The Gadsden Flag Plate is important in Iowa for two simple reasons.  1, Iowans want it.  2, As designed it’ll fund vital local 2A programs.

HF2639sailed through the Iowa House with a great deal of enthusiasm.  Even during floor debate, Democrats came to offer the rich history of the “join us” mantra the Gadsden flag represented in the formation and keeping of this fledgling nation.

What we want and need:

  • A Gadsden plate, much like the other dozen+ in America that adequately relays over to an oppressive government, “DON’T TREAD ON ME”
  • The funding stream should be left as the original content and context and can be used for 2A education, scholarships, grants, information, action, etc.

What we DO NOT want and need:

  • A change to a sticker away from the full plate design is silly.  Nobody wants that.  Nobody will buy that.  The LSA predicted 3000+ plates in circulation in just the first year.  IFC hears a ton of enthusiasm for this plate.  Why?  Because we explained the bill content and it goes to the heart of the matter, not something else.
  • Those who value the historical symbolism of “Don’t Tread On Me” are unlikely to be eager to see their $50 upcharge go to some ill-defined GOVERNMENT program.  Not only did the Iowa House pass this bill, but the public has been told all along what the funding would do and how it would be used.  They’re clamoring to spend the money on them.  Let them do it.

Additional thoughts: