America Decides: Trump vs Biden and the War of Two Worldviews

 America Decides: Trump vs Biden and the War of Two Worldviews

by Pastor Doug Stauffer

Surely, we can all agree on this: None of us is always right. I know I’m not. However, it seems that in today’s climate—especially regarding President Trump—the rules for judgment have been rewritten, and not for the better.

I’ve noticed something troubling taking root, even among Christians. It’s the notion that merely questioning a narrative warrants condemnation. If someone voices concerns about the Biden administration, that’s acceptable. But dare to defend President Trump or suggest he’s right about something? You’re instantly labeled, judged, and sometimes even cast aside.

I don’t pretend President Trump has never made a mistake—he’s human. But let’s be honest: He’s been boldly right about a lot of things that truly matter—like defending life in the womb, standing up to the globalist agenda, closing the southern border to protect Americans, and affirming there are two genders—male and female.

Meanwhile, President Biden and the radical left have led our nation down a dangerous path. Boys in girls’ locker rooms, irreversible surgeries on children, the erasure of biblical marriage, unchecked profanity and perversion in the public square—all normalized under the guise of “tolerance.” That’s not tolerance. That’s rebellion against God. Yes, I believe there is an Almighty God.

So yes, we should speak up. Not in hate—but in truth and love.

No politician is above accountability, not even Donald Trump. But when a man is relentlessly attacked by the media, the political establishment, and even foreign powers—precisely because he stands in the way of their agenda—it makes you wonder: Are people aware of the manipulation, and do they see the whole picture?

We must be wise. Scripture warns us not to judge “according to appearance,” but to “judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). That means we examine fruit. Look at the fruit of President Trump’s policies—economic growth, lower taxes, religious liberty, strength abroad, and energy independence. Then look at the fruit of those who oppose him—chaos, division, lawlessness, and decay. Burning down cities was a First Amendment right where prosecutors turned a blind eye to the lawlessness.  

Some will say, “But Trump’s brash,” or “He tweets too much.” Okay—but are we more concerned with tone than truth? God used rough men in scripture to accomplish His will—men like Peter, Elijah, and yes, even King David, a man after God’s own heart, and none were without faults.

As Christians, we’re not called to blind allegiance to any man. But we are called to discern good from evil, right from wrong. That means standing for life, truth, and freedom—no matter who’s in office. And when a leader boldly stands for those things during great moral collapse, he deserves our support, not silence.

Disagree with policies? Fine. Raise questions respectfully? Absolutely. But don’t fall into the trap of treating boldness as evil and accepting cowardice as a virtue. We are in a spiritual war, and neutrality is not an option.

So, to my friends who are still undecided: don’t let media headlines, peer pressure, or fear of backlash keep you from speaking the truth. Our nation needs moral clarity, our churches need courage, and our children need us to stop wavering.

Let’s be loving. Let’s be respectful. But let’s also be unapologetically bold for what’s right.

God is watching, and America has always been worth fighting for, and many have died for your right to disagree.

 

Pastor's Ponderings: Do You Have Resurrection Contentment?"

 

Pastor's Ponderings: Do You Have Resurrection Contentment?"

By Pastor Doug Stauffer

Faith Independent Baptist Church

Journalist for Bay Life Newspaper

April 2023--Article 47 (2023-04-047)

During this time of year, Christians celebrate Christ’s resurrection (called Easter). Upon dying, the soul of the Lord Jesus Christ left His dead body and spent three days and nights in the heart of the earth. On Sunday morning, His soul was resurrected and reunited with His body in the tomb. Christians are promised a future day when the departed souls will again gloriously reunite with their bodies. The Bible calls this the Blessed Hope. But I want to focus on the here and now—another topic in light of God’s promises—contentment. The Apostle Paul tells us that we should be content no matter our state.

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11).

The words content and contentment infer that one is satisfied with life's conditions. Living contently is the opposite of wanting and covetousness and is strongly associated with godliness (1 Timothy 6:6). No one is born into the world content. Contentment is a learned behavior that believers must practice consistently throughout life. Yet, once learned and regularly practiced, Christians will experience contentment despite their circumstance. Unfortunately, far too often, Christians exhibit no more contentment than non-Christians, coveting the things of the world more and more with each passing year. Imagine a world where everyone emulates Job.

Seemingly, Job possessed many of man's most treasured possessions: health, wealth, and a strong family unit. Suddenly, he lost them all. Job lost his health, his possessions, and his children. He also lost the esteem and approbation of his wife and friends. These events very quickly could have devastated and embittered him. Yet, rather than expressions of doom and gloom, Job's words offer a profound glimpse into the depths of his contentment.

Amid his heartache, Job exhibited an essential truth. A Christian's material and physical blessings are entirely within the Lord's control and should never influence one's relationship with the Lord or others. Job also pointed out that man will depart this world in the same condition he entered: without one shred of material wealth. Ultimately, a Christian's possessions or the lack thereof reflect God's provisions; therefore, a lack of contentment demonstrates an unwillingness to trust the Lord.

Since God is responsible for man’s possessions or the lack thereof, some Christians question why God gives some things while He withholds from others. Romans 8:28 contains one of the answers as it points out that “all things work together for good.” This truth does not imply that everything in the believer’s life is enjoyable or good. It means that the summation of all things combined is good! God works in every segment of a believer’s life. He merges every aspect so that even the supposed bad things result in what is “good” according to the will of God. So long as God is in control, contentment teaches satisfaction. A person’s conditions, circumstances, and possessions are appropriate because God has worked everything together for that individual’s good.

The Lord expressed His care for Israel during the forty years of their wilderness wanderings. Few people would consider the wilderness a place of plenty. Yet, the wilderness was the place where God furnished Israel “a table” (Psalm 78:19), “brought streams also out of the rock” (Psalm 78:16), and kept their shoes and clothes from deteriorating (Deuteronomy 29:5). God could honestly say to His people that their wandered in a barren but “lacked nothing” (Deuteronomy 2:7).

Why not renew your commitment to serve the Lord even more in the coming days? Things are changing fast, but God is unchanging. God is still in control, and prayer changes things. The Bible says to look up because your redemption draweth nigh (Luke 21:28). 

Go to BayLife April 2023 paper

  Go to BayLife Article

OpEd: Florida Abortion Amendment 4 Not What it Seems

   Op Ed: "Florida Abortion Amendment 4 Not What it Seems"

By Pastor Doug Stauffer

Faith Independent Baptist Church

Journalist for Bay Life Newspaper

October 2024

The most controversial issue on the November ballot is Amendment 4, titled the “Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion.” Abortion is, unfortunately, divisive, but this amendment is deceptive. This change to the state’s Constitution would forever alter Florida. While Amendment 4 is being marketed as a means to "restore reproductive rights," in reality, it allows unlimited abortion, strips away parental consent laws, and removes doctors from the equation.

The Deceptive Language of Amendment 4

Amendment 4 does not define one term used in the amendment. All constitutional amendments are carefully crafted with specific terms and detailed language, leaving less room for misinterpretation. Amendment 4, however, has no such clarity. Words like "viability," "health," and "healthcare provider" are undefined. This opens the door to extreme interpretations that will be exploited by lawyers, making abortion in Florida a legal quagmire.

For instance, the term "viability" typically refers to the point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb, around 22-24 weeks. However, Amendment 4 leaves this term up for interpretation. This ambiguity creates one of the many dangerous loopholes.

The phrase “patient’s health” is equally concerning, which could be defined as physical, mental, emotional, and even financial well-being. By using vague and undefined language, Amendment 4 will allow abortion at any stage during the nine months if the “health” of the mother is deemed at risk. That “risk” could include emotional stress or financial strain. The life of the mother is already covered.

Parental Consent Stripped Away

Amendment 4 attacks the family because it obscures its impact on parental consent laws. While its proponents argue that “parental notification” remains intact, the reality is that this amendment, if passed, would repeal Florida’s parental consent laws. Think about it! Every other medical procedure performed on a minor requires parental consent—why should abortion be the ONLY exception?

Who’s Behind the Amendment?

Florida voters should ask themselves: Who stands to benefit from this radical amendment? Groups like Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and the Open Society Fund, led by George Soros, have poured millions of dollars into this initiative. These are not grassroots organizations, but well-funded, out-of-state interests determined to make an example of Florida by creating an abortion destination state.

In 2022, Michigan passed a similar state constitutional amendment. What has followed are taxpayer-funded abortions and the removal of all restrictions, including late-term abortions. If Amendment 4 passes, Florida will follow the same path, forcing taxpayers to pay the bill and allowing abortion throughout all nine months of pregnancy. Even most proponents of abortion do not believe in third-trimester abortions.  

Why This Amendment is Too Extreme for Florida

Amendment 4, as an amendment to the Constitution, will result in an almost irreversible outcome. Once enshrined in the state Constitution, our elected representatives will be powerless to fix any problems. If passed, this amendment would turn Florida into a haven for limitless abortions, drawing individuals from states with more common-sense abortion guidelines. The lack of definitions and legal loopholes would enrich attorneys, sparking years of costly litigation. The taxpayers will be adversely affected and have no hope of finding a solution.

A Call for Informed Voting

The supporters of Amendment 4 want to deceive voters into thinking that the amendment's real outcomes are unknown. Floridians deserve to be fully informed, not misled by deceptive language and hidden agendas. If parents no longer must give permission for a juvenile to have an abortion, be honest!

During all the heated rhetoric surrounding Amendment 4, one crucial element is often overlooked: love and understanding for the women who have experienced abortion. While some may be satisfied with their decision, others carry a lifetime of regret, and every time this issue ignites another firestorm, those emotions are stirred anew. As we engage in this important debate, let us not forget that compassion must remain at the heart of our conversations. Regardless of our views, every person, including those who have walked this difficult path, deserves our love, respect, and empathy.

 

Hit "Home" to watch Amendment 4 video

Op Ed: Amendment 4 Not What it Seems

  Op Ed: "Florida Abortion Amendment 4 Not What it Seems"

By Pastor Doug Stauffer

Faith Independent Baptist Church

Journalist for Bay Life Newspaper

October 2024

The most controversial issue on the November ballot is Amendment 4, titled the “Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion.” Abortion is, unfortunately, divisive, but this amendment is deceptive. This change to the state’s Constitution would forever alter Florida. While Amendment 4 is being marketed as a means to "restore reproductive rights," in reality, it allows unlimited abortion, strips away parental consent laws, and removes doctors from the equation.

The Deceptive Language of Amendment 4

Amendment 4 does not define one term used in the amendment. All constitutional amendments are carefully crafted with specific terms and detailed language, leaving less room for misinterpretation. Amendment 4, however, has no such clarity. Words like "viability," "health," and "healthcare provider" are undefined. This opens the door to extreme interpretations that will be exploited by lawyers, making abortion in Florida a legal quagmire.

For instance, the term "viability" typically refers to the point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb, around 22-24 weeks. However, Amendment 4 leaves this term up for interpretation. This ambiguity creates one of the many dangerous loopholes.

The phrase “patient’s health” is equally concerning, which could be defined as physical, mental, emotional, and even financial well-being. By using vague and undefined language, Amendment 4 will allow abortion at any stage during the nine months if the “health” of the mother is deemed at risk. That “risk” could include emotional stress or financial strain. The life of the mother is already covered.

Parental Consent Stripped Away

Amendment 4 attacks the family because it obscures its impact on parental consent laws. While its proponents argue that “parental notification” remains intact, the reality is that this amendment, if passed, would repeal Florida’s parental consent laws. Think about it! Every other medical procedure performed on a minor requires parental consent—why should abortion be the ONLY exception?

Who’s Behind the Amendment?

Florida voters should ask themselves: Who stands to benefit from this radical amendment? Groups like Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and the Open Society Fund, led by George Soros, have poured millions of dollars into this initiative. These are not grassroots organizations, but well-funded, out-of-state interests determined to make an example of Florida by creating an abortion destination state.

In 2022, Michigan passed a similar state constitutional amendment. What has followed are taxpayer-funded abortions and the removal of all restrictions, including late-term abortions. If Amendment 4 passes, Florida will follow the same path, forcing taxpayers to pay the bill and allowing abortion throughout all nine months of pregnancy. Even most proponents of abortion do not believe in third-trimester abortions.  

Why This Amendment is Too Extreme for Florida

Amendment 4, as an amendment to the Constitution, will result in an almost irreversible outcome. Once enshrined in the state Constitution, our elected representatives will be powerless to fix any problems. If passed, this amendment would turn Florida into a haven for limitless abortions, drawing individuals from states with more common-sense abortion guidelines. The lack of definitions and legal loopholes would enrich attorneys, sparking years of costly litigation. The taxpayers will be adversely affected and have no hope of finding a solution.

A Call for Informed Voting

The supporters of Amendment 4 want to deceive voters into thinking that the amendment's real outcomes are unknown. Floridians deserve to be fully informed, not misled by deceptive language and hidden agendas. If parents no longer must give permission for a juvenile to have an abortion, be honest!

During all the heated rhetoric surrounding Amendment 4, one crucial element is often overlooked: love and understanding for the women who have experienced abortion. While some may be satisfied with their decision, others carry a lifetime of regret, and every time this issue ignites another firestorm, those emotions are stirred anew. As we engage in this important debate, let us not forget that compassion must remain at the heart of our conversations. Regardless of our views, every person, including those who have walked this difficult path, deserves our love, respect, and empathy.

 

Hit "Home" to watch Amendment 4 video

The Media's Attempted Assassination of President Trump

The corporate media has spent ten years singling out one man for an unprecedented hate campaign. That hate campaign on Saturday, June 13th, almost paid off.

Here are a few of the falsehoods propagated about Donald Trump:

1. They LIED about him colluding with Russia to steal a presidential election.

2. They LIED about him being a unique threat to democracy.

3. They LIED about him being a rapist.

4. They LIED about him, describing Nazis as “very fine people.”

5. They LIED about him being a racist.

6. They LIED about him trashing WWII troops.

7. They LIED about him launching an insurrection.

8. They LIED about him wanting to inject bleach into the sick.

9. They LIED about him putting kids in cages.

10. They LIED about him assaulting Secret Service agents.

11. They LIED about him being the second coming of Adolf Hitler.

How does Biden calm down the media in one day? The only way is if you have a plan to defeat your opponent. If President Trump had not turned his head at the last second, causing the shooter to pull the trigger in haste, it would not have been an assassination ATTEMPT.

 Trump is an imperfect man, but the Trump derangement syndrome must be derailed. 

The Deficit: A Ticking Time Bomb for America by Doug Stauffer, PhD, CPA (retired)

 The Deficit: A Ticking Time Bomb for America

(Pictured above is a ONE MILLION MARK bill from Germany that I received upon my dad's death). 

The deficit has potentially catastrophic effects on our nation. We can draw chilling parallels between our current financial trajectory and historical examples of economic collapse, such as Germany in the 1920s. The hyperinflation that plagued Germany before Hitler's rise to power serves as a stark warning of what unchecked fiscal irresponsibility can lead to. Politicians do not even talk about the national deficit except to point to the other party's spending. Both are guilty!

The Historical Lessons of Germany

In the aftermath of World War I, Germany faced immense economic strain. The Treaty of Versailles imposed heavy reparations, and to pay these debts, the Weimar Republic resorted to printing more money. Initially, the exchange rate was relatively stable, with nine marks equaling $1.00US. However, hyperinflation set in as the government continued to print money without backing it with real economic value. By 1923, the exchange rate had skyrocketed to 4.2 million marks to $1.00. The once-stable economy was plunged into chaos, leading to widespread poverty, social unrest, and the eventual rise of totalitarianism. Add open borders to the equation, and you will see the future of the United States without drastic and unpopular actions.

America’s Debt Crisis: A Modern-Day Warning

Fast forward to today, and we see the United States grappling with a similar yet distinct problem: a staggering national debt. It has been estimated that governments worldwide owe a combined $91 trillion, a figure nearly equivalent to the global economy's total value. This level of debt is unsustainable and poses a significant threat to living standards, even in wealthy nations like the U.S.

The Consequences of Inaction

If the United States fails to address its growing deficit, the consequences could be dire:

• Inflation: Just as in Weimar Germany, printing more money to cover debt can lead to hyperinflation, eroding the value of savings and incomes.
• Economic Instability: A high national debt can lead to decreased investor confidence, higher interest rates, and reduced economic growth.
• Social Unrest: Economic hardship often leads to social and political unrest, as historical examples show.

The Need for Fiscal Discipline

Addressing the deficit requires a commitment to fiscal discipline. This means making hard choices about spending cuts and tax increases, which stifle the economy. It also necessitates honest communication from our leaders about our finances and the sacrifices needed to stabilize them. Unfortunately, political leaders often shy away from these difficult conversations, especially during election years.

Conclusion

The United States stands at a critical juncture. Without decisive action to address our national debt, we risk following in the footsteps of Germany in the 1920s, facing economic collapse and the accompanying social turmoil. We must learn from history and take proactive measures to secure our financial future. The time for responsible fiscal policy is now before it’s too late, but it may already be too late? 

www.BibleDoug.com 

Pastor's Ponderings: "Studying the Book of Revelation"

  Pastor's Ponderings: "Studying the Book of Revelation"

By Pastor Doug Stauffer

Faith Independent Baptist Church

Journalist for Bay Life Newspaper

March 2023--Article 44 (2023-03-044)

I have taught Revelation several times and written several books on the subject. Starting in March, we will study the Book of Revelation verse-by-verse at 7 PM every Wednesday. Everyone is welcome to attend or watch online.

High-Level Overview of Revelation                                                           

Revelation 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;    

Verse 19 offers an overview of the book of Revelation from John’s first-century perspective. It is a high-level—past, present, and future—viewpoint.              

1.         PAST: The things which thou HAST SEEN

2.         PRESENT: The things WHICH ARE 

3.         FUTURE: The things which SHALL BE HEREAFTER 

The simplified outline: Verse 19 first points to the things which “thou (John) hast seen,” with verse 20 pointing to what John already SAW. Revelation chapters 2 and 3 chronicle what John SAW.

Revelation 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

I.       THE PAST: John writes in verse 20 that he already SAW the seven stars and seven golden candlesticks. He records what he saw in chapters 2 and 3, making these chapters already PAST. Verse 20 defines the CANDLESTICKS as the seven churches. It designates the seven STARS. These stars are the seven angels of each of those seven churches. The first verse of each church epistle addresses the angel of each of the seven churches.

·            “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus” (Revelation 2:1-2:7)

·            “And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna” (Revelation 2:8-2:11)

·            “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos” (Revelation 2:12-2:17)

·            “And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira” (Revelation 2:18-2:28)

·            “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis” (Revelation 3:1-3:6)

·            “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia” (Revelation 3:7-3:13)

·            “And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans” (Revelation 3:14-3:22)

The two words following chapter 3 in Revelation 4:1 reveal the passage of time: “After this.” After what John SAW (the churches of chapters 2 and 3, the last one mentioned in Revelation 3:22), John is now revealed as being in the PRESENT as he is transported to Heaven (Revelation 4:1). It is essential not to miss this point: John moved from speaking of the PAST to writing concerning the PRESENT!

II.    The PRESENT: the book of Revelation reveals the PRESENT as John appears in heaven. The timing indicates he has been transported thousands of years into the future. A door in heaven opens. God transports (or raptures) John from the earth. John shows up in the present, where God reveals the “hereafter”—the future.

Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

III. The FUTURE: Notice the keyword at the end of Revelation 4:1—“hereafter.” This word links the event to the outline delineated in Revelation 1:19—the “hereafter” ending that verse. One might view HEREAFTER as AFTER HERE since John PICTURES the Rapture of the New Testament Church AFTER revealing the entire 2,000-year Church Age in chapters 2 and 3.

The “hereafter” divides further into three sections: These divisions run from:

·            2^nd Viewpoint—God transports John TO heaven (from Revelation 4:2 to Revelation 17:2)

Revelation 4:2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

>>From heaven, John views the 21 judgments on earth during Daniel’s Seventieth Week.

·            3^rd Viewpoint—God transports John TO the wilderness (from Revelation 17:3 to Revelation 21:9)

Revelation 17:3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

>>From the wilderness, John views God’s destruction of the world powers and the end of all that offends God.

·            4^th Viewpoint—God transports John TO a great and high mountain (from Revelation 21:10 to Revelation 22:21)

Revelation 21:10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

>>From the mountain, John views Eternity.

·            Note: The 1^st Viewpoint was skipped but it was from Patmos (Revelation 1:9), where John views the Church Age. He describes what these seven churches are doing right and wrong and God’s expectations of each. The Spirit speaking to the churches happens before God transports John to the other three locations.

 

You can also tune in live or archived: 

Facebook.com/douglasstauffer1611

Youtube.com/@FaithIndependentBaptistChurch/streams

www.FaithNiceville.com

Sermonaudio.com/docdoug45

Let’s study to show ourselves approved unto God!