Podcasts about Ten Commandments

It's Witness Wednesday! Join Todd Friel on campus at Georgia Tech as he engages students in conversations about faith, where we come from, and the creation of the universe. Through several conversations, listen along as the truth of God's word is brought to bear on the worldview of several real-life students. Segment 1 • Todd Friel stops an architecture student and uses a building's design to argue for a Creator. • The student insists the universe isn't really “organized,” pushing Todd to press the bigger question: How much evidence is enough? • The conversation turns into a blunt reality check about what people ignore every day, even when it's right in front of their nose. Segment 2 • Todd talks with a biomedical engineering student who says that some “impossible” events are totally plausible. • The student claims morality is subjective and shrugs off guilt—until Todd uses the Ten Commandments to test the “good person” claim. • The exchange ends with the student frankly admitting he doesn't care about judgment. Segment 3 • Todd meets Junior from Jamaica, who calls himself a Christian… but can't explain the gospel clearly. • Todd walks Junior through God's law, exposing how “good person” confidence collapses under honest self-examination. • Junior admits he's still “searching,” and Todd urges him not to confuse religious familiarity with true saving faith. Segment 4 • Todd speaks with Dan, a Catholic civil engineering student, and presses the logic of salvation-by-good-works until it breaks. • The courtroom analogy lands hard: being “sorry” or doing “extra good” doesn't erase real guilt, or satisfy justice. • Todd lays out the “great exchange” and calls listeners to stop striving, repent, and trust Christ alone before it's too late. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!

Read Online“The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath” Mark 2:27–28Today's Gospel should console those who struggle with a legalistic and scrupulous mindset. This is an easy trap to fall into for those who desire to keep God's commandments and remain faithful to His holy will. Despite the best intentions, it's easy for those who are deeply sincere in their fidelity to God to misunderstand how best to please and glorify Him. One common trap is to think that meticulous observance of the external Law is sufficient. While obedience to God's Law is essential, it is equally important to understand the authentic requirements of His Law—what it truly demands and what it does not.Today's Gospel takes place toward the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, after He had named His Twelve Apostles and begun preaching and healing. As they walked to another town on the Sabbath so Jesus could continue His mission, they passed through a field. The Apostles, being hungry, forged a path through the grain and picked some of it to eat. When the Pharisees saw them doing this, they seized the opportunity to condemn them, saying, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” (Mark 2:24).Without getting too philosophical, it's important to understand what we call God's Eternal Law. The Eternal Law encompasses reality—physical, moral, and spiritual truths. All that God has established as true must be our guide through life. The goal of the evil one is to deceive us by leading us into a false understanding of that reality.Traditionally, the Eternal Law has been divided into two distinct aspects: the Natural and Divine Laws. The Divine Law is all that is known only through divine revelation—all that the Scriptures reveal, especially through Christ's humanity and mission. The Natural Law, on the other hand, is written upon creation itself, including our own human nature. Natural Law is written on our consciences and discerned through reason. For example, we instinctively know it is wrong to lie, steal, and murder. Though God's Divine Law confirms this through the Ten Commandments, these basic moral truths are already evident to us when we reflect clearly.In today's Gospel, the Apostles' actions were perfectly aligned with right reason—the Natural Law—showing how their choices reflected God's design for human flourishing. They were eating grain as they journeyed with Jesus so He could continue His mission. Their need for sustenance, especially while in service to Christ, took precedence over rigid legalistic interpretations of the Sabbath. The Pharisees, however, mistook the Sabbath for an end in itself. They focused solely on external observance and failed to understand that the Sabbath was instituted as a gift for humanity—a day for rest, worship, and renewal in communion with God.What's freeing and beautiful to note is that the Natural Law, written on our human reason, and the Divine Law, revealed through the Scriptures, are in perfect harmony. Both flow from God. Through His mission, Jesus shows us how the Divine Law elevates and perfects the Natural Law, orienting both toward love and mercy. The Pharisees' legalism obscured this harmony, reducing the Law to a burdensome set of rules rather than as a pathway to life and freedom.Reflect today on your own approach to God's Law. If you find it burdensome, reevaluate your thinking. Properly understood and embraced, God's Law is not a weight; it's the source of freedom. The Sabbath, in particular, invites us to rest and trust in God's providence. When we live according to the Eternal Law—both Natural and Divine—we discover harmony within our souls that refreshes and elevates us. Resolve to follow God's Law with love, avoiding both scrupulosity and laxity, and you will find the freedom and joy for which you were created.Divine Law-Giver, all that You have spoken and established is Truth. You are the Source of Truth and Truth Itself. Please free me from both laxity and scrupulosity as I strive to live in accord with Your will. May I find in Your Law the pathway to freedom and joy. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Sunday, January 18, 2025 

This week Pastor Jesse speaks on why we follow the Ten Commandments.   Main Scripture & Sermon Points: Exodus 20:1-17 2 Timothy 3:16 Deuteronomy 22:89   *This episode was recorded on 01/18/26

The first commandment says, “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.” If this was just about swearing, it might make us wonder why God would include it in the Ten Commandments. Pastor Colin talks about what it means and why it's so important.

By Jorge de Campos - The importance of self-control to develop patience. As we try to please God we wil have more and more trials to try our patience. We need to use our time now to develop patience.

By Bart Bornhorst - Why is it important to have a youth day? We dive into the importance of including our youth in weekly Sabbath services and other service opportunities, and the confidence and relationship it allows them to build with our heavenly Father.

By Brian Shaw - How do we keep clear our vision of the world tomorrow amidst the chaos that we see in the world today?

By Richard Schultz - As God's people, during our lifetime, God's involvement in our lives can be compared to a building project. During His building project, as with our forefathers, we all need to put on our spiritual hard hats, work through the setbacks, detours and multiple delays and keep the vision of finishing the

By Scott G Thouvenin - Do you ever get angry? Do you ever get extremely angry? Have you ever been filled with rage, wrath or fury? What do the Scriptures state about these in our life?

By Stephen Hanson - When we rely on God's word and what it says in the truth, it will keep us on the path to God's kingdom.

By Gary Petty - What does the bible say about grace?

By Frank Dunkle - There are somethings in prophecy that we want to know, but just don't. We can be comfortable with that, especially if we think of all that we do know for sure.

By Clint Porter - Christ warned His disciples not to be deceived by false religion before His return. Given how obviously evil the Beast is, how could any of the elect be taken in? Let's consider some of this evil power's potentially admirable traits, and whether they align with those of the Lamb.

By Tim Martens - Sometimes a child will be drawn to the advice of an uncle, instead of that of a father, largely stemming from more familiarity with the parent, while the uncle's kindly advice seems new or different, even if it is not. It's our function and purpose in life to discern good decisions, so we must be

By Kelly M Irvin - Many things in God's instructive word are easy to understand, yet having a lack of commitment, people familiar with the Scripture can twist obvious truths to their own spiritual destruction. In pursuing a relationship with God, it is easy, because of the influence of society, to disregard the

By Robin S Webber - 2 Peter 3:18 implores us to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. How may we as members of the Body of Christ not only know, but grow in worshipping God not only "in the truth", but in the spirit" (John 4:24). As we move into a new calendar year, here are 7 signs to

By Aaron Creech - In part three of the sermon series on the seven churches, we will examine the letter to the church of Pergamos. This church is known as the compromising church, and the city was considered the center of pagan worship.

By Ken Loucks - God doesn't just tell us what is true—He shows us how truth works. This message looks at how the Bible uses analogies to help us understand things like the Kingdom of God, salvation, sin, and repentance. By comparing spiritual truths to everyday experiences—like planting seeds, owing a debt, or

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (01/16/26), Hank answers the following questions:Are the Ten Commandments still binding? If they were fulfilled in Christ, why should we practice them? Damon - Signal Hill, CA (0:57)Jesus used the Law to convict sinners. Why don't people today use conviction to reach sinners? Tim - Leavenworth, KS (3:51)What do you think about the family integrated church movement? Should children be part of the congregation instead of being in Sunday school? John - Blackwood, NJ (6:57)Is the parable of the unrighteous steward in Luke 16 similar to the Islamic principle of deceiving others for the advancement of a cause? Christian - Stroud, OK (9:01)Can Satan be forgiven by God? Todd - St. James, MO (15:11)What are the differences between Jehovah's Witnesses and Christianity? Jamele - Winston-Salem, NC (17:21)

In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Caleb Keith and Dr. Stephen Paulson continue their discussion on Moses and Mysticsm. They explore the significance of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments and the deeper implications of his encounter with God, especially the moment when Moses asks to see God's glory. The conversation transitions into how this narrative has influenced both Christian and philosophical thought, particularly in relation to the law and its interpretation. Paulson emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between the law and the gospel, suggesting that many interpretations mistakenly equate God's glory with the law itself, rather than recognizing it as a manifestation of grace and favor. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation Philip Melanchthon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Steven Paulson  

Join us on Texas Values Report with special guest Gene Mills, President of Louisiana Family Forum, and host Jonathan Saenz, President & Attorney for Texas Values, as they discuss the Texas Ten Commandments case at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans happening next week. Learn more about the Texas Ten Commandments Law https://tencommandmentstexas.com/ Amicus Brief filed in Hecox v. Little, Save Women's Sports case out of Idaho https://www.supremecourt.gov/.../20240814155054142... Spoiler alert: men cannot get pregnant (Sen. Josh Hawley) https://x.com/hawleymo/status/2011480384467349892?s=46 Help us build our channel so we can maintain a culture of Faith, Family, & Freedom in Texas by interacting with us; like, comment, share, subscribe! For more about Texas Values see: Txvalues.org To support our work, go to donate.txvalues.org/GivetoTexasValues

In this installment of the "OCIA: The Bridge to Rome" series, Greg explores Catholic moral teaching, starting with the shared love of the Ten Commandments across Christian traditions. He then unpacks what sets Catholicism apart: natural law as God's design knowable by reason, rejecting total depravity for a wounded-yet-redeemable human nature, distinctions in sin (mortal vs. venial, temptation vs. consent), the telos of acts, absolute moral norms, and virtue empowered by grace. Perfect for OCIA participants supplementing classes, curious non-Catholics previewing the faith, or Catholics equipping for evangelization. Discover why this vision often becomes the "aha" for Protestants investigating the Church. Listen to Greg's series on the Seven Deadly Sins: The Seven Deadly Sins SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who's curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

The fifth commandment is talking particularly to adult children. It says, “Honor thy father and thy mother.” What's intriguing about the Ten Commandments is they are a summary of everything human beings ought to be. Yet in all of the Ten Commandments, there's no place that talks about how people should relate to the government or to the people above them. It doesn't talk about authority except right here.  So let's look a little bit deeper and ask the commandment three questions: 1) what does this commandment tell us to do? 2) why should we do it? and 3) how can we do it? This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on November 12, 1989. Series: Ten Commandments 1989. Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-4. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.

By Jorge de Campos - Introduction to the pastoral epistles. Paul's possible journeys after he left prison in Rome until he was later imprisoned and martyred. Information about Timothy. Paul's brief salutation.

Barry altered the wording of this maxim from previous presentations because he realized it was too easy on himself! What used to be “brutal honesty” with others has changed to “brutal honesty” with self and this in fact, makes it easier for us to offer kindness to others. This altered mindset places us square on […]

Greetings children of God!! We are back!!! I am so excited to continue our Bible study series as we dive into the 4th book of Moses, the book of Numbers. Before we begin, let's do a quick recap of the last three episodes! Genesis - The Beginning, revealed to us the beginning of creation, the fall of man, the first murder, human corruption, and the lives of faithful men like Joseph who were appointed by God to carry out His will. Exodus - The Exit, takes us to through the journey of Moses a prophet called by God to lead His people to freedom out of Egypt. Moses was blessed to be in the tangible presence of God where he received downloads for the time they were in. It was on Mount Sinai that Moses received the Ten Commandments. God also asked Moses and Aaron to build the Ark of Covenant and the tabernacle of testimony where the children of Israel go to worship God. In Leviticus - The Law, God gave Moses several laws that the Israelites were expected to keep in accordance with holiness and righteousness expectations. The priestly garments were designed per the Lord's precise directive. The Israelites had to offer about 5 different sacrifices for the atonement of their sins. Moses was also given the laws governing these various sacrifices and holy convocations. Now that you are all caught up!!! We dive into the book of Numbers where the events in this book took place over a 38 year period. We start get deeper into the different tribes, families and nations and so much more! You don't want to miss this!Please have your bible ready to read along and take notes! Feel free to send me questions or prayer requests! Thank you for your support always! God bless you!

i. Constitution We Believe 1. We believe the First Amendment's Establishment Clause was intended to prevent a federal government-sponsored or preferred religion, not to separate God from our government or to remove religion from public life; therefore, we affirm our right under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution to exercise our freedom of speech including religious speech. 2. We believe the Second Amendment is an individual right of the citizens of the United States to keep and bear arms; therefore, we oppose any attempts, whether by law or regulation at any level of government, to restrict any citizen's right to keep and bear arms (open or concealed), to restrict access to ammunition, or to record the purchase thereof. 3. We believe the United States Constitution directs the judiciary to interpret law, not make law or create law through judicial activism. 4. We believe in the concept that Congress shall make no law that applies to citizens of the United States that does not apply to the Senators and Representatives. 5. We believe in the concept of nullification as a legitimate tool for adjudicating disputes between the states and the federal government when the federal government enacts a law clearly not in pursuance of the constitution and powers delegated in Art. I, Sec. 8. 6. We believe in the Tenth Amendment that provides "the powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people," and we oppose any attempt by the federal government to intrude on state's rights. 7. We believe the Constitution provides for a clear and distinct separation of powers among the three branches of government. Any governmental action that tends to promote or allow one branch of government to practice the power or powers of the other branches of government is a violation of the limits placed on government by the people. 8. We believe in the duty and obligation of the federal government and the State of Oklahoma to adhere to and respect treaties between the federal government and the Indian tribes. We Support 1. We support the display of Judeo-Christian religious symbols, including the Ten Commandments in public places. 2. We support legislation that will protect gun and ammunition manufacturers or resellers from lawsuits attempting to hold the manufacturers or resellers liable for misuse of guns. 3. We support requiring that candidates for president present public proof of qualification in accordance with the Constitution at the time of filing, through the election board of each state. 4. We support a US Constitutional Amendment requiring a balanced budget. 18 5. We support a US Constitutional Amendment instituting term limits for all elected members of Congress. 6. We support a U.S. Constitutional Amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. 7. We support a requirement that each piece of legislation only address one issue. 8. We support the review and minimization of the Endangered Species Act. 9. We support the abolishment, or reduction and restructuring, of the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, IRS, CIA, ATF, FBI, FEMA, NSA, DHS, CDC, and the Department of Labor and their powers and responsibilities distributed to state authority. 10. We support the protection of public and private sector whistleblowers who have firsthand information. 11. We support union's refunding dues used for partisan political activity. 12. We support the right of private associations to admit or deny membership based on what each association's conscience dictates. 13. We support an English Language Act, which would make English our official language in the United States. 14. We support the idea that when U.S. Conference Committees meet, they should consider only those terms submitted from the House and Senate, with no additional expenditures and items added. 15. We support the preservation of the National Day of Prayer. 16. We support legislation to limit the power of federal regulatory agencies. 17. We support the identification of persons as citizens or non-citizens in the census. We Oppose 1. We oppose any federal taxation on firearms, ammunition, or accessories and/or confiscation of firearms, ammunition, or accessories. 2. We oppose universal background checks and red flag laws for firearm purchases. 3. We oppose any legislation that would require the use of trigger or other locking devices on firearms. 4. We oppose any so-called "assault" weapons ban and any effort to register or restrict firearms, ammunition, or magazines. 5. We oppose legislation that would require gun owners to purchase insurance policies covering the misuse of their firearms. 6. We oppose the Patriot Act and the NDAA' s Sections 1021 and 1022, which allow American citizens, 19 except for enemy combatants, to be held indefinitely without due process, and call for its repeal. 7. We oppose court decisions based on any foreign law, such as Sharia Law, U.N. regulations and other international organizations, instead of U.S. law and Constitutional doctrine. 8. We oppose the creation of a new federal internal security force. 9. We oppose federal wage caps. 10. We oppose Statehood for the District of Columbia and allowing its representative a vote in Congress. 11. We oppose the appointment and funding of presidential "czars." 12. We oppose any attempts by the Federal Government to reinstitute the "Fairness Doctrine" or institute "Net Neutrality." 13. We oppose the construct of "Free Speech or Safe Zones." 14. We oppose national injunctions by federal district courts. 15. We oppose the use and sharing of data from Automated License Plate Readers as an infringement on our 4th amendment protected rights. ii. Criminal Justice We Believe 1. The rights of victims and their families must be protected in criminal proceedings, with notice and opportunity to attend all proceedings related to the crime(s) against them. 2. Restitution by the convicted criminal should be ordered to be made to the victim (or his estate) to compensate for losses and damages incurred as a result of the crime(s) committed. 3. The death penalty must be retained as an available punishment in appropriate cases. 4. Inmates who abuse the legal system by filing repeated frivolous claims should receive appropriate punishments for their misconduct. 5. Decisions on prison reform should be made by the Legislature after consultation with district attorneys, prison officials, and other interested parties, with the view towards stopping criminal behavior early, rather than adopting permissive treatment of low-level crimes which may deceive or encourage a young adult to continue on the wrong path under the mistaken assumption that there will be no consequences for criminal behavior. Consideration of incentives for first-time or youthful offenders who refrain from further misconduct may be a useful option to be considered in designing such reforms. 6. We believe in due process and that no one should be deprived of life, liberty, or property by the government or its agents without either being found guilty by a jury or pleading guilty of a crime. We therefore oppose the practice of civil asset forfeiture. 20 We Support 1. We support the repeal of The Oklahoma Uninsured Vehicle Enforcement Diversion Program as it is unconstitutional at the state and federal level. We Oppose 1. We oppose the monitoring, surveillance and tracking of United States citizens without a lawfully obtained warrant. iii. Federal & State Elections Preamble: The foundation of our representative-republic is honest elections. The Oklahoma Republican Party is committed to preserving every legally eligible Oklahoman's right to vote. We support only day of in-person voting as written in the Constitutions with limited exceptions to protect voting rights for the elderly, the disabled, military members, and all other eligible voters. We urge all elected officials around our state to take all necessary steps to ensure that voters may cast their ballots in a timely and secure manner. Security and transparency shall take precedence over convenience to ensure honest and fair, local, state, and federal elections. We Believe 1. We believe in fair and honest election procedures. 2. We believe equal suffrage for all United States citizens of voting age. 3. We believe in the constitutional authority of state legislatures to regulate voting. We Support 1. We support a bit-by-bit forensic audit of all electronic devices, including but not limited to servers, ballot machines, and paper ballots throughout the state immediately before and after each election. 2. We support vigorous enforcement of all our election laws as written and oppose any laws, lawsuits, and judicial decisions that make voter fraud difficult to deter, detect, or prosecute. 3. We support full enforcement of all voter ID laws currently enacted. 4. We support felony status for willful violations of the election code and increasing penalty for voter fraud from a misdemeanor back to a felony. 5. We support consolidating elections to primary, runoff, special, and general election. 6. We support sequentially numbered and signed ballots to deter counterfeiting. 7. We support expanding the Attorney General's staff for investigating election crimes and restoring the ability of the Attorney General to prosecute any election crimes. 8. We support the ability for civil lawsuits to be filed for election fraud or officials' failure to follow the Oklahoma Election Code. 21 9. We support allowing trained poll watchers from anywhere in Oklahoma with local party or candidate approval. 10. We support creating processes that will allow rapid adjudication of election law violations. 11. We support requiring voters to re-register if they have not voted in a five-year period. 12. We support requiring proof of residency, citizenship, and voter registration via photo ID for each voter. 13. We support retaining the 25-day registration deadline. 14. We support requiring a list of certified deaths be provided to the Secretary of State for the names of deceased voters to be removed from the list of registered voters, with checks every third year of the voter rolls to ensure all currently registered voters are eligible. 15. We support giving the Secretary of State enforcement authority to ensure county registrar compliance with Secretary of State directives. 16. We support protecting the integrity of the Republican Primary Election by requiring a closed primary system in Oklahoma. 17. We support drawing districts based on eligible voters, not pure population. Districts should be geographically compact when possible 18. We support hand counting of ballots. 19. We support recalls, audits, recounts, and irregularity and fraud investigations requested within 45 days of an election. 20. We support verification of United States citizenship for voting or registering to vote. 21. We support elections run by United States citizens. 22. We support counts to be posted on Precinct doors. We Oppose 1. We oppose internet voting, the use of tabulation machines and electronic voting machines of any kind for public office and any ballot measure. 2. We oppose all motor voter laws, automatic voter registration (AVR), and all forms of electronic databases, such as ERIC (Electronic Registration Information Center) and all third-party registration vendors. 3. We oppose all federal legislation, including but not limited to the Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022, which nullifies the 10th Amendment of the Bill of Rights. 22 4. We oppose unlawful voting, illegal assistance, or ineligible people voting in our national, state, and local elections. 5. We oppose ranked choice voting. 6. We oppose any identification of citizens by race, origin, creed, sexuality, or lifestyle choices and oppose the use of any such identification for the purposes of creating voting districts. We urge that the Voting Rights Act of 1965 be repealed. 7. We oppose any redistricting map that is unfair to conservative candidates in the Primary or the General Election. 8. We oppose the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact and any other scheme to abolish or distort the procedures of the Electoral College. 9. We oppose after-hours voting C. Natural Resources We Believe 1. We believe dependence on foreign energy sources is a national security issue. 2. We believe governments should ease restrictions in the search for energy and other natural resources. 3. We believe the federal agricultural appropriations should accurately show the percentage of money set aside for non-agricultural programs such as school lunch programs and food stamps. 4. We believe the responsible use of natural resources is essential for the benefit of future generations. We Support 1. We support the creation and enactment of a national energy policy to reduce dependence on foreign sources. 2. We support the private expansion of oil and gas exploration and refining capacity. 3. We support the exportation of U.S. petroleum products. 4. We support labeling of all food and fiber with country-of-origin labeling. Further, only products born, raised, slaughtered, and processed or sprouted, harvested, grown, and processed in this country should receive a U.S. label. 5. We support energy policy based on private development, efficient use and expansion of current resources such as fossil fuels, clean coal, and nuclear energy; and exploration and efficient use of other resources such as biofuels, wind, solar and water energy. 6. We support ending all federal and state subsidies, including tax credits, for industrial renewable 23 energy, including but not limited to, wind and solar. 7. We support the rights of individuals and businesses to refuse the installation of smart meters without penalties. 8. We support the right of states to provide water for present and future use within their borders by state residents before they can be designated for use to other states. 9. We support environmental recommendations that are based on sound science, that respect and protect the rights of property owners, and that do not impose unreasonable burdens on Oklahoma citizens or businesses. 10. We support more use of coal and natural gas to be used in the production of electricity. 11. We support the use of modular nuclear, or small natural gas fired generation facilities to be built close to high demand facilities to greatly reduce the need for long and expensive transmission lines. 12. We support mandatory country-of-origin labeling of meat products and that a country-of-origin label that states in any way that it is a product of the USA must be of the following requirements: Born, raised, harvested, packaged & processed in the USA. 13. We support The Packers and Stockyards Act and the enforcement of anti-trust laws. 14. We support private property rights and call for appropriate legislation to prohibit the use of eminent domain by private companies. 15. We stand with Oklahoma and her property owners against the Green Agenda. We Oppose 1. We oppose government curbs, moratoriums, punitive taxes and fees on our domestic oil and gas industry. 2. We oppose states selling water rights to out-of-state buyers. 3. We oppose the use of eminent domain for any water sale. 4. We oppose human rights for animals. 5. We oppose livestock taxation. 6. We oppose legislation that restricts or regulates family farms or farmers' markets. 7. We oppose restrictive regulation of carbon and particulate matter emissions in agriculture. 8. We oppose the "Cap and Trade" system for carbon dioxide. 9. We oppose the UN's Agenda 21, aka UN 2030, as a coordinated effort to relinquish the sovereignty of the United States to foreign powers. 24 10. We oppose the purchase or ownership of land by a foreign government or entity. 11. We oppose the production, selling, and labeling of a product that is an alternative protein source claiming to be meat, otherwise known as or referred to as fake meat, and labeling such product as meat, beef, burger, steak, or any other name given to an actual meat protein source derived from the production and slaughter of livestock. 12. We oppose current regulations that allow foreign beef to enter the U.S. and be packaged, repackaged, or commingled with domestic product and then labeled a product of the USA. 13. We oppose the theory that cow flatulence, belching, or any process of enteric fermentation that is said to emit methane or a greenhouse gas that some link to the theory of global warming is some sort of detriment threat to the environment. 14. We oppose any form of carbon tracking solutions imposed on farmers and ranchers that will ultimately lead to more costly and burdensome regulations. 15. We oppose NACs (natural asset companies) or similar companies derived by investors, the SEC, or any other entity that wishes to monetize, trade natural outputs, or otherwise maximize ecological performance in such a way that any company can control the management of public or private lands quantifying outputs of natural resources such as air and water. 16. We oppose any effort of the federal government to have any role in animal care or husbandry. 17. We oppose mandates or restrictions on the use of antibiotics for farm or veterinary use. 18. We oppose mandatory Electronic Identification device (EID) tags on livestock, birds, and animals. D. National Issues i. Defense We Believe 1. We believe that a strong national defense should be fully funded, provide sufficient compensation, educational opportunities, quality training, and the best equipment for our armed forces. 2. We believe any educational institution that inhibits the normal operations of ROTC or military recruiters should be ineligible for government funding. 3. We believe foreign enemies who have committed or planned acts of aggression against the U.S. are unlawful enemy combatants and are not entitled to citizenship rights under the U.S. Constitution. We believe they should be held in detention facilities such as Guantanamo Bay, not the U.S. Prisons Systems, and their cases adjudicated by military tribunals, not by U.S. Criminal Courts. 4. We believe Congress and the President should refrain from weakening the military through changes to the Uniform Coe of Military Justice. The military should be allowed to maintain its high level of honesty, integrity, morality, and operational capabilities. 25 5. We believe in the complete accounting of all MIAs and POWs that were engaged in military actions by the United States. We Support 1. We support maintaining a strong national defense and advocate "peace through strength", with a combat ready and capable force. 2. We support the right of the military's internal determination of who is qualified to perform the various roles and functions of each branch of the uniformed armed services. 3. We support veterans' and survivors' benefits, and to receive top quality health care. We support the reform of the Veteran's Administration and the use of private facilities when appropriate. 4. We support helping our veterans to succeed in their return to civilian life in medical care, mental health care, education, housing, and employment assistance. 5. We support the freedom of military chaplains to provide religious services including freedom of worship according to their faith. 6. We support and encourage continued public and privately funded exploration of space. 7. We support returning to "Don't Ask Don't Tell" for the military of the United States. We Oppose 1. We oppose re-instituting the draft except in time of war as declared by Congress. 2. We oppose drafting females into U.S. military service. 3. We oppose the military use of U.S. troops under foreign command except joint operations. 4. We oppose the erosion of our military's readiness through "gender norming" for training and promotion. 5. We oppose the further reduction of benefits and entitlements to service members, former service members, and their families. 6. We oppose halting military pay during US government shutdowns. ii. Foreign Relations We Support 1. We support economic stability be it in the U.S. or Internationally 2. We support the dollar as the principal currency of the world. 3. We support equal access of U.S. products to global markets and the elimination of trade barriers. 26 4. We support withdrawing from treaties and agreements, such as the Kyoto Treaty, and the Paris Climate Accord, that hamper the U.S. economy and compromises freedoms We Oppose 1. We oppose the Chinese Communist Party and any other governments that are manipulators of the U.S. dollar and exchange rates at the expense of U.S. National Security as well as economic stability. 2. We oppose paying into UN programs that are against American principles and freedoms. 3. We oppose any doctrines that infringe upon U.S. Sovereignty and the Sovereignty of U.S. allies such as Israel, the Ukraine, and Taiwan. 4. We oppose terrorism and any nations that sponsor terroristic organizations and groups that are anti-U.S. such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS. 5. We oppose the sale of technology by U.S. Corporations to terrorist and enemy nations. 6. We oppose the transfer of U.S. taxpayer wealth to any foreign governments under the umbrella of foreign, humanitarian aid, scientific research, and military assistance for non-U.S. interests. 7. We oppose the principles of the World Economic Forum to devalue the U.S. dollar and do not accept them as a body of global governance. 8. We oppose the creation of the Transatlantic Common Market 9. We oppose any United Nations Programs that seek a "world order" over the Earth's population and U.N. policies that are forced over the world's nations. 10. We oppose the World Health Organization's policies over U.S. citizens and setting precedent for the U.S. medical community. 11. We oppose foreign control over any ports or bases within the jurisdiction of the United States. 12. We oppose any actions taken by previous administrations that relinquish U.S. sovereignty and control over U.S. data and private communications. iii. Immigration We Support 1. We support limited legal immigration and embrace legal immigrants who choose to assimilate to our American culture, language, and values. 2. We support securing our borders against illegal immigrants and potential enemies of the United States including building a wall or barrier on our southern border. 3. We support legal requirements for citizenship, excluding provisions for birthright citizenship to children of illegal residents. 27 4. We support a strictly regulated and enforced guest worker program. Legal guest workers should assume social costs, such as education and health care for themselves and their dependents. 5. We support the method for determining the number of immigrants and temporary visa holders allowed in the United States should be revised to prevent an adverse effect on our national security, wages, housing, environment, medical care, or schools. 6. We support that the U.S. government should vigorously enforce and demand that all local law enforcement agencies uphold and enforce all federal laws concerning illegal immigration. We particularly support the work of the men and women of Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) and US Border Patrol and Protection. 7. We support the elimination of sanctuary cities for illegal aliens and the defunding of any government entity which declares itself a sanctuary city. 8. We support strong enforcement of state and federal laws dealing with illegal aliens. 9. We support substantial state fines for employers who knowingly hire illegal aliens. 10. We support issuing driver's license only to citizens and others who reside here legally, and not to illegal aliens. We Oppose 1. We oppose illegal aliens being given the same privileges as U.S. citizens or legal aliens, including entitlements such as Social Security, health care (excepting trauma care), education, and earned income tax credits. State government social programs should be available only to citizens and legal residents of the United States. 2. We oppose any form of blanket amnesty. 3. We oppose legal immigrants overstaying their visas. 4. We oppose a "path to citizenship" that would grant citizenship to illegal aliens faster than to immigrants who have come to the United States through legal means. E. State Issues i. State Legislature We Believe 1. We believe all bills should be limited to one issue. 2. We believe that it is the responsibility of individual legislators to read and to be knowledgeable of all pieces of legislation prior to voting. 3. We believe that all state-tribal compacts and agreements should require the approval of both houses of the legislature in addition to the ten-member Joint Committee on State-Tribal Relations. 28 4. We believe Oklahoma shall participate only in programs or plans that protect private property rights and encourage citizens to develop their property in a manner that does not harm others. 5. We believe Oklahoma should not participate in any global ID initiatives and should prohibit the introduction of a radio frequency identification device (RFID) in any state-issued identification card. 6. We believe the Oklahoma Lottery should be repealed. 7. We believe a fee shall be defined as funds collected for voluntary use of government service, be used exclusively for that service, and not to exceed the cost of that service. We Support 1. We support any legislation that protects our rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. 2. We support an explanation of the specific Oklahoma and U.S. Constitutional authority when filing a bill. 3. We support full funding of all state retirement systems. 4. We support legislation rescinding Oklahoma's previous calls for a U.S. Constitutional Convention. 5. We support the state and any county, municipality, city, town, school or any other political subdivision to display, in its public buildings and on its grounds, replicas of United States historical documents including, but not limited to, the Ten Commandments, Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, Oklahoma Constitution and other historically significant documents in the form of statues, monuments, memorials, tablets or any other display that respects the dignity and solemnity of such documents. Such documents shall be displayed in a manner consistent with the context of other documents contained in such display. 6. We support full protection of U.S. Second Amendment rights in Oklahoma by amending the Oklahoma Constitution to mirror the Second Amendment of the US Constitution. 7. We support maintaining the Constitutional Carry law in Oklahoma statute. 8. We support the ability of state law enforcement to restore the peace and protect Oklahoma citizens through the arrest and prosecution of any persons/agents attempting to inflict unconstitutional laws/mandates on its citizens. 9. We support the fundamental right to own and to enjoy our private property and we oppose restrictions or losses of that right. 10. We support fair, just, and timely compensation for property owners when governmental regulations limit property use. 11. We support driver's license photos of a lower resolution that is perfectly adequate for visual identification, but not for biometric tracking. 12. We support the repeal of mandatory fingerprinting or other traceable biometric information, and 29 we oppose the maintenance of a biometric database, in connection with an application for a driver's license or government ID. 13. We support lawsuit reform including but not limited to "loser pays". 14. We support amending the current Right to Farm law to explicitly allow for expansion, production, technological changes, and measures to protect these activities. 15. We support the Unmanned Surveillance Act which prohibits the use of a drone when no warrant has been issued. 16. We support a state constitutional amendment requiring judges to inform jurors of their duty to judge the law (nullification); and prohibiting judges and district attorneys from infringing on the rights of the defense to inform the jury of this duty. 17. We support amending the Oklahoma Constitution to remove the unelected Judicial Nominating Commission and adopt the federal model authorizing the Governor to appoint Oklahoma appellate judges with confirmation by the Oklahoma State Senate. 18. We support the oversight and regulation of the medical marijuana industry for medical purposes only. 19. We support the state and its citizens maintaining control of all transportation instead of selling or leasing control of that right to foreign entities, corporations, private/public partnerships, or other states. 20. We support efficient and necessary spending on our state, county, and local roads and bridges because they are essential for economic growth and development. 21. We support a moratorium on creation of additional turnpikes in Oklahoma until existing turnpikes in Oklahoma have generated enough toll revenue based upon an independent audit to repay their original costs, are conveyed to state ownership, and converted to toll-free roads. 22. We support the elimination of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and all tolls. We Oppose 1. We oppose the final passage of any legislation before the full text has been read. 2. We oppose the concept of claiming property as "blighted" as a reason for taking land. 3. We oppose allowing state agencies to hire lobbyists to lobby other state agencies or the legislature. 4. We oppose animal ID programs by the government, leaving it up to the free market. 5. We oppose the expansion of gambling in any form in Oklahoma. 30 ii. State Agencies, State, County, and Local Government We Believe 1. We believe in transparent and honest government in the Oklahoma Legislature, all legislative committees, and in state and county agencies. 2. We believe all state agencies should be made accountable for maintenance of their records and accurate enforcement of rules, policies, and regulations. 3. We believe all government officials, including judges, who act in violation of the U.S. or Oklahoma Constitution should be impeached and removed from office in a timely manner. 4. We believe the Attorney General should be removed from the District Attorney's Council so that locally elected officials have the proper degree of autonomy. 5. We believe that no governmental agency or private business should require from any citizen any information that is not essential to the direct performance of the agency's/ business's operation or mandate. We Support 1. We support reducing the size of state government to allow citizens to do those things that people can do best for themselves. 2. We support legislative efforts to repeal outdated and irrelevant statutes in keeping with the philosophy of smaller government and support the elimination or consolidation of redundant authorities, boards, commissions, and agencies. 3. We support providing an enforcement mechanism to ensure compliance with the Open Meetings and Records Act and with audit findings. 4. We support external annual performance and financial audits. The auditor shall not be selected by the audited agencies. 5. We support public disclosure of all financial records of public institutions including trusts, authorities, libraries, community foundations, all state retirement funds, and teacher retirement funds. 6. We support the Whistleblower Act which protects all public employees, including higher education employees. 7. We support all elected and appointed officials to aggressively uncover, remedy, and prosecute all waste, fraud, and abuse in government including the elimination of all unnecessary state agencies. 8. We support the repeal of Title 11, Section 22-104.1 of the OK Statutes, which enables a municipal corporation to engage in any business it is authorized to license. 9. We support mandatory random drug testing for all employees of the State of Oklahoma and recipients of public assistance with sanctions for positive test results. 31 10. We support and call on the Attorney General to vigorously enforce Article XXII, Section 1 of the Oklahoma Constitution which prohibits foreign governments from owning businesses or real estate in Oklahoma. 11. We support that the state of Oklahoma shall not exercise any eminent domain action until at least 90% of affected property holders/interests has been acquired without the threat of eminent domain. 12. We support enforcement of state and federal Anti-Trust laws regulating the mergers of domestic and foreign corporations that create monopolies resulting in a loss of competition, and detrimental to Oklahoma entities. We Oppose 1. We oppose any exemptions to the current Open Meetings and Open Records Act. 2. We oppose unfunded mandates by the State Legislature and state agencies. 3. We oppose the declaration of a United Nations Day in Oklahoma. 4. We oppose legislative actions that would alter current county government structures (i.e. Home Rule). 5. We oppose self-serving legislation and conflict of interest legislation. 32   2025 Oklahoma Republican Party Platform Committee Casey Wooley, Chair Lori Gracey , Vice-Chair Patricia Pope – Blaine Bryan Morris – Canadian Rachel Ruiz – Canadian John Spencer – Canadian LeRoss Apple – Cimarron Bruce Fleming – Cleveland Sherrie Hamilton – Haskell Gary Voelkers – Kay Julie Collier – McClain Leslie Mahan – Oklahoma Ruth Foote – Oklahoma Mark Harris – Oklahoma Robert Scott – Okmulgee Jason Shilling – Payne Mishela DeBoer – Rogers Patricia Lyle – Rogers John Doak – Tulsa April Dawn Brown – Garvin Amanda Bergerson – Logan Michelle Wax – Carter Jana Belcher – Grady

The 2025 Oklahoma Republican Party Platform - Part 2 II. EDUCATION Preamble: We acknowledge our dependence upon Almighty God and ask His blessings upon our students and their parents, teachers, and nation. It is the right and responsibility of parents (hereafter to mean parents and/ or legal guardians) to direct their children's upbringing and education whether public, private, charter, or education by other means without interference, regulation, or penalty from the government. The primary goal of public schools should be to teach proficiency in the basic subjects of phonics-based reading, written and oral communication, mathematics, sciences, history, founding documents, Godly heritage of our nation, critical thinking skills, basic morals, and civics. Locally elected school boards should have the authority to determine and implement all public-school curricula, policies, and procedures for their districts. We demand open accountability from all tax-funded education in Oklahoma. The federal government has no constitutional role in education. A. Philosophy We Believe 1. We believe the traditional family unit, consisting of a (husband) man, (wife) woman, and child(ren) is the foundation of our social structure. The Oklahoma Department of Education and the various 7 Boards of Regents should uphold and teach this definition of traditional family at all levels of public education. 2. We believe individuals should have the right to choose their own education and career tracks. 3. We believe to comply with the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, we favor elimination and complete defunding of the Federal Department of Education. 4. We believe in and affirm the right of students and school employees to the free exercise of religion as guaranteed by the First Amendment, including the right to wear and display religious symbols, voluntary vocal prayer, optional Bible and religious study, religious expression including holidays, and equal access to use of school facilities for these activities. 5. We believe the only flags to be displayed at, or in, any Oklahoma school are the flags of the United States of America and the State of Oklahoma. Students should start the day by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, including "one nation under God", and be taught the history of and respect for our United States flag. 6. We believe the K-12 public-school system is for the benefit of children of legal residents of the United States. 7. We believe the responsibility to teach children the philosophy, values, and theology to live by belongs to a child's parents. We Support 1. We support all parents fulfilling their God-given responsibility to educate and raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, free from government control. 2. We support parental access to examine and evaluate all educational and assessment, records pertaining to their children. 3. We support notification to parents that should be clear, simple, and descriptive when any alternative school programs are offered. Active parental consent to opt in must be obtained without repercussion. 4. We support The Ten Commandments being displayed in public schools as a means of moral guidance along with our national motto "In God We Trust" and the Bill of Rights. Public schools shall not prohibit the teaching of the Judeo-Christian worldview upon which our country was founded. 5. We support the recognition of, instruction in, and honor given to men motivated by Judeo-Christian ethics who made great contributions to the development of traditional Western Civilization. 8 6. We support proficiency in math, reading, writing, and other basic skills before computer technology and calculators are used. 7. We support notification of parents of medical treatment sought by students including dispensing of any pharmaceuticals. We oppose mandatory healthcare in public schools, vaccinations for students, and any forced mental health evaluations or prescriptions. We Oppose 1. We oppose the imposition of national curricula, testing, data collection and teacher certification, Common Core State Standards and associated assessments, and federally mandated programs such as "No Child Left Behind", "Race to the Top," Early Learning Guidelines and Core Competencies. 2. We oppose any government required community service condition for graduation. 3. We oppose overt racism by schools in the name of thinly disguised faux efforts to "eliminate racism" which seek to achieve atheist, Marxist, or Socialist political outcomes. 4. We oppose government expansion and control by the use of public tax dollars to fund and interfere with private forms of education. 5. We oppose the teaching of humanist character education programs, such as Social Emotional Learning (SEL). B. Curriculum We Believe 1. We believe that curricula should include the basics: phonics-based reading, grammar, composition, mathematics, government, history, science, spelling, penmanship, geography, and economics. We encourage the teaching of art, music, foreign languages, and sports/physical fitness. 2. We believe parents must maintain their right and responsibility to educate their children regarding sexuality and sexual conduct. We believe sexual abstinence is the only safe way to avoid sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS, and pregnancy. 3. We believe local school boards should exercise their right to choose curriculum and textbooks, including the Bible as a literature or history text, without state limitations. 4. We believe Biblical creation and intelligent design must be taught and must receive equal funding, class time, and materials as other theories such as evolution. 5. We believe the heritage of the United States of America should be taught in public schools and include representative limited government, the lives and beliefs of the Founders, influence of the Bible and religion on our laws and principles, and the concept of free enterprise. We believe students should study directly from the primary founding documents, which teach that the distribution of power is among three branches of federal government and the difference between federal and state government teaching that our nation is a constitutional republic. 6. We believe English, the dominant language of our nation, should be the primary language taught in 9 public schools with other languages only offered as electives. We Support 1. We support curricula that promotes the U.S. national sovereignty and the singing of traditional songs and teaching of patriotic literature in all grades. We respect different cultures, but support prioritizing our commonalities as U.S. Citizens. 2. We support the right of parents to personally observe all classroom instruction, activities, and curriculum choices. 3. We strongly support the teaching of the scientific biologically verifiable X and Y chromosomal definition of male and female at birth. 4. We support teaching the basic rules of finance, such as economics, saving, investing, borrowing, balancing a checkbook, and living within a budget. We Oppose 1. We oppose the portrayal of homosexual, promiscuous, or fornication behaviors in a positive light in public schools. 2. We oppose the teaching of non-chromosomal gender and LGBTQ+ lifestyle, history, and demonstration. 3. We oppose one-world government and global citizenship. 4. We oppose teaching multiculturalism that promotes cultural segregation. We are created in God's image. There is one race: the human race. 5. We oppose the implementation of all revisionist U.S. history in education. 6. We oppose the teaching of the theory of anthropogenic global warming without providing equal time for instruction in the complex systems of geo-physics that cause observable climate change, such as solar variations, plate tectonics, and volcanic eruptions. C. Administration and Management We Believe 1. We believe that all education and management decisions should be returned to the control of parents, elected school boards, teachers, and administration at the local level. 2. We believe schools should protect the privacy of any personal information or data collected on a student or their family. 3. School elections should be on the same date as general elections. 4. We believe security options should be pursued, including but not limited to officers and school 10 employees who are qualified to be armed. 5. We believe teachers, school administrators, and the local school board should work together to set and implement policies that give teachers the freedom and authority to lawfully maintain order, discipline, and safety. 6. We believe teachers should not be coerced to adjust standards for any failing students, including athletes. 7. We believe the Teachers Retirement Fund should be actuarially funded with full public disclosure. We Support 1. We support the freedom of local school boards to hire, direct, train, retain, or terminate any teacher who fails to provide the highest quality of instruction based on merit, not years of service. The evaluation criteria should be determined by local school boards for their school districts. 2. We support extensive background checks of prospective school employees, with the right of local school boards to refuse employment to anyone. 3. We support public independent auditing of all public schools and institutions of higher education in Oklahoma. 4. We support the enforcement of Oklahoma statutes that prohibit teachers from strikes, walkouts, or semblance thereof during the school year by penalizing any district that closes its schools with a funding cut equivalent to the daily payroll and expenses of the district. 5. We support professional development for teachers; however, we believe classes should not be canceled in order for public school employees to attend political conventions, electioneering, campaigning, voting, or union meetings. 6. We support right-to-work laws, which provide all public-school administrators, teachers, and staff the choice to refuse to join or financially support any union, political party, or any other organization. All options are to be made available to teachers, staff, and parents. 7. We support requiring public schools to provide parents the platforms of all educational organizations for which a teacher or staff member is eligible to join. 8. We support local school districts placing year-end excess monies into an interest-bearing account to encourage fiscal responsibility, and they should not be penalized by the State Department of Education for doing so. 9. We support the consolidation of the technical, operational, and administrative resources of school districts, but do not support the closing of individual schools. 10. We support local school board appointed textbook committees to select the state/district funded textbooks and the elimination of the Oklahoma State Textbook Committee. 11. We support the right of parents to determine and guide their children's medical needs including vaccination. Schools must disclose all legal exemptions when making requests. 11 12. We support the independent testing of radiation levels in all public schools with full disclosure of the proven hazards and impacts of radio frequency, electromagnetic, and microwave radiation upon children and youth (e.g.: mitochondrial and DNA damage and destruction). We Oppose 1. We oppose Public School Districts receiving any state funding to pay or collect any employee's organizational and/or union dues by using the payroll deduction system or any other accounting/collection system of the school district to provide centralized dues collection. 2. We oppose the collection by the government of personal information or data on students or their families, aka: data mining. 3. We oppose the designation of public schools as "gun free zones". 4. We oppose the issuance of bonds by school districts to fund operational expenses. 5. We oppose any non-chromosomal sex/gender use of locker rooms, sports team qualifications, or public restrooms. While we support a positive, competitive spirit in all activities, we oppose student athletes competing as anything other than their genetically determined sex/gender. 6. We oppose automatic teacher tenure. 7. We oppose schools requiring access to medical documents, including vaccination/immunization records, for enrollment. All medical determinations should be decided by the parents. 8. We oppose mandatory year-round schooling. 9. We oppose mandatory expansion of public school from birth on; aka: universal childcare 10. We oppose the teaching or presence of any inappropriate, harmful, or perverse content such as sexualized information, pornography, illustrations, or books with this material. 11. We oppose any increased state funding for the government schools. D. Higher Education We Believe 1. We believe higher education is a privilege, not a right. There are many options for education to be explored and determined by each individual. 2. We believe the Constitutional rights of college/university students, including their right to due process, must be protected. 3. We believe the Constitutional right to carry shall not be infringed upon at any college/university in Oklahoma. 4. We believe all publicly funded institutions of higher education should offer curriculum designed to train a student for a viable career path upon graduation. Responsibility for the market need for a specific degree should rest with the institution. 12 5. We believe there should be a required course in phonics for elementary teacher certification, as well as for certification at all levels of reading and language arts. We Support 1. We support the freedom of each individual college/university to hire, direct, train, retain, or terminate any teacher who fails to provide the highest quality of instruction based on merit, not years of service. 2. We support the freedom of each individual college/university to develop its own standards, course curriculum, scholarships, tuition, and fees. 3. We support budgeting tied to comprehensive planning processes with increases in funding directly related to specific goals and objectives listing expected improvements. 4. We support any student being able to use all scholarships, grants, or other financial aid to obtain a degree in the field of their choice, including religious studies. 5. We support strict adherence to the law that requires the majority of the nine-member Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College ("OSU") to be actively engaged in farming or ranching. We Oppose 1. We oppose all Marxist ideology such as Critical Race Theory (CRT), Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and all other critical theories. 2. We oppose the enactment of any compelled speech policies forcing students, staff, or faculty at public colleges/universities to use other people's preferred or gender-neutral pronouns. 3. We oppose public higher education funding of one-sided studies intended to prove anthropogenic global warming for the purpose of justifying wealth redistribution 4. We oppose higher education funding and teaching of all aspects of gender reassignment: research, surgery, mental health, and "affirming care". 5. We oppose non-U.S. citizens being able to take advantage of taxpayer-funded scholarships, grants, or other financial aid to obtain a degree. 6. We oppose the requirement of completing and submitting a FAFSA form for enrollment in Oklahoma colleges and universities. III. Government Preamble: The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the land and should be interpreted according to the original intent of the founding fathers as explained in the federalist papers. We call for reaffirmation of our God-given rights enumerated in the first ten amendments, the Bill of Rights. The Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, Ordinance of 1787: The Northwest Territorial Government, and the Constitution of the United States together establish the exclusive basis 13 of the rule of law for our nation. These Organic Documents supersede all subsequent legislation, judicial decisions, and declared emergencies. Our founding fathers based these first laws on traditional Judeo- Christian ethics and values. We believe these documents are the basis for law, order, and behavior, allowing individuals, including government officials, the freedom to involve God in all activities according to their consciences. We believe all persons are responsible and should be held accountable for their actions. We believe in transparent and honest government with minimal intrusion, providing protection for all its citizens with fair and equitable treatment, enforcement, and justice. We realize without economic freedom there is no political freedom. We believe the greatest incentive for the creation of wealth lies in the respect for private property rights and the free enterprise system as the best and most efficient distribution of resources. A. Financial & Tax Issues i. Budget We Believe 1. We believe all governmental budgets should be balanced by decreasing spending, eliminating fraud, and eliminating duplication of services. 2. We support transparency and audits in government spending. 3. We believe the US Congress should ban earmarks. 4. We believe individuals, families, churches, and private organizations should take responsibility in meeting the needs of the citizens of the community. 5. We believe in a welfare policy that promotes the traditional American family unity, a strong work ethic, and individual responsibility. Those who repeatedly misuse the system, or fraudulently represent themselves shall forfeit further assistance. 6. We believe all able-bodied recipients of welfare and other federal entitlements should be required to work. 7. We believe in the implementation of "sunset laws," "zero-based budgeting," and performance audits to require justification for government programs. 8. We believe designated funds should be spent only for the stated purpose and not placed in the general fund. We Support 1. We support a full and complete public audit of the Federal Reserve System. 2. We support the elimination of barriers to purchase insurance across state lines. 3. We support total state control of Medicaid programs. 4. We support requiring a balanced federal budget, except in times of congressionally declared war. 14 5. We support the repeal or consolidation of federal, state, and local programs found to be non- performing, duplicative, or not authorized by the constitution. 6. We support the elimination of government funding for the Public Broadcasting System, the National Endowment for the Arts and National Public Radio. 7. We support making the Congressional Pension and health care benefits the same as the benefits the citizens use such as private savings, Social Security, and Medicare. 8. We support a requirement that all bills presented in Congress identify the specific Constitutional authorization (Article I, Section 8). 9. We support lowering the national debt by cutting non-defense spending. 10. We support abolishment of the federal minimum wage. 11. We support repeal of federal legislation that requires paying prevailing union wages on government contracts. 12. We support the elimination of funding for Planned Parenthood and other programs promoting or providing preborn baby murder. 13. We support a free market-based public transportation system as opposed to government funding. 14. We support abolishing the Federal Reserve. We Oppose 1. We oppose raising the debt limit. 2. We oppose the use of continuing resolutions to fund the federal government in lieu of passing an annual federal budget. 3. We oppose paying congressional members during any government shutdown. 4. We oppose simply 'printing money' to allow increased spending. 5. We oppose the nationalization of private businesses and enterprises, and efforts to support or subsidize in return for partial or complete control of private enterprises. 6. We oppose federal programs that enlarge the number of US citizens dependent upon government for their basic subsistence. 7. We oppose all congressional pay increases until the federal budget is balanced. 8. We oppose socialized medicine, the Affordable Care Act, or any other nationalized health care system. 15 ii. Taxation We Support 1. We support the repeal of the 16th Amendment, the elimination of the Internal Revenue Service, and replacement of the current tax system based on income with a simple system such as the Fair Tax. 2. We support eliminating taxation on income and property. 3. We support that any tax or fee set up for a particular purpose should be used solely for that purpose or should be repealed. 4. We support lowering or removing the state sales tax on groceries. 5. We support legislation requiring that state lottery funds be applied in addition to, not as a replacement for, state funding of schools. 6. We support requiring all initiative petitions to define the funding mechanisms. 7. We support tax policies that promote personal savings and capital formation. 8. We support the elimination of the marriage penalty, capital gains taxes, the earned income tax credit, the alternative minimum tax, double taxation of dividends, and inheritance tax. 9. We support requiring a two-thirds majority vote by Congress to increase taxes. 10. We support legislation requiring that all state fuel and vehicle taxes and tag fees go to state, county, and local transportation infrastructure. 11. We support reducing fuel taxes, both federal and state for agricultural use. 12. We support abolishing the income tax entirely. We Oppose 1. We oppose the creation of a tax on services as this will negatively impact working families and individuals. 2. We oppose the use of sales tax and use tax revenue bonds for advance local capital improvements. City and county improvements should be authorized only on a pay-as-you-go basis, and should not incur new taxes or bonds. 3. We oppose taxes or other incentives for businesses that encourage the exportation of jobs from the United States to foreign nations. 4. We oppose the use of restrictive fuel taxes for regulation of carbon or particulate matter emissions. 16 iii. Economic Development We Believe 1. We believe in free, open, and fair markets. 2. We believe that Oklahoma's efforts to attract industry should be grounded upon the establishment of a favorable and friendly "economic climate" rather than upon tax and other governmental subsidies to individual businesses. We Support 1. We support the revision of corporate laws and regulations to encourage business and economic development while reflecting free market principles. We Oppose 1. We oppose and discourage government competition with the private sector. 2. We oppose market interference by the government in setting insurance premiums. 3. We oppose public-private partnerships and the use of eminent domain. 4. We oppose governmental efforts to stimulate the economy or bail out troubled entities through massive increases in governmental spending, crushing debt, or massive tax increases. 5. We oppose a temporary assistance package for lenders or borrowers in mortgage foreclosures. The free market should be allowed to work. 6. We oppose the existence of a minimum wage. iv. Social Security We Believe 1. We believe Social Security is a contract with the United States workers and not an entitlement. Taxpayers should have the option of ownership and control over individual Social Security funds, including allowing a percentage of their Social Security tax to be placed in private investments of their choosing. We Support 1. We support repealing the 1993 Clinton tax on Social Security benefits.

Send us a textIf you want to understand Scripture, there are certain passages you simply must know. Foundational passages. Pillars. Anchors. If you were building a list of essential Old Testament texts, I'd suggest you'd probably start with:Genesis 1 — God created everything.Genesis 3 — humanity fell.Genesis 12 — God made a covenant with Abraham.Exodus 14 — the Exodus, the defining moment for Israel.Exodus 20 — the Ten Commandments.Isaiah 53 — the suffering Messiah.Psalm 16 — the resurrection foretold.Psalm 23 — the Shepherd who walks with us.But there's another passage — one many Christians overlook — that you must understand if you want to understand the Bible as a whole.I believe it is this passage is 2 Samuel chapter 7.So, let's step into it together.Support the showFollow and Support All my Creative endeavours on Patreon. Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon Check out my other Podcasts. The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast). https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891 The Classic Literature Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906

This Sunday we will continue in our sermon series in Exodus studying how God invites Israel into relationship with Him through the giving of the Ten Commandments. As thunder, fire, and smoke surround the mountain, the people respond with awe and fear, recognizing the seriousness of standing before a holy God. This passage shows us both God's righteous standards and His gracious invitation to draw near to Him through reverent obedience. Exodus 20:1-21

Did God speak Hebrew or did He speak Egyptian when he addressed the Jews at the Ten Commandments?

Sunday, January 11, 2025 

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260111dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:13-17 How’s Your Approval Rating? Whether it’s at work, school, or home, we are constantly graded, compared to others, and rated. The boss gives us our annual review. The teacher hands out report cards. The son informs mom that her Mac & Cheese isn't as good as what Dylan’s mom makes. It is strange how these “ratings” can affect our day. If they’re good, we feel good. If they’re lousy, we feel lousy. If they’re nothing special, then we are tempted to feel that we’re nothing special. How's your approval rating with God? How have you been keeping up with those Ten Commandments? Remember, they’re not God’s suggestions; they are his commands. How’s it going between you and your neighbor, all your neighbors? Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If we’re going to talk comparisons, why not go all the way and, as God says, compare ourselves to him. “Be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” Yikes! Will I ever meet with God’s approval? Will God ever say of me, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased”? This is what makes the Baptism of Jesus, as well as our own baptisms so special. God, in his grace, has connected me to Jesus. God has given me faith in Jesus as my Savior. Jesus has taken away all my sins. Jesus gives me his perfection and holiness. When God looks at me, he sees Jesus and he says, “This is my son, my daughter, whom I love! With him, with her, I am well pleased.” Approval ratings don’t get any higher than this. God be praised! Prayer: Dear Jesus, when doubts of my worth come, drown them in the waters of Baptism and remind me of your love for me in Jesus. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Have you ever noticed that Jesus talks about the "unforgivable sin" with religious leaders? What does "only Israel have I known" mean in Amos 3? Why did Jesus say He wasn't going to the feast in John 14 if later He went? What are your thoughts on the Ten Commandments in the life of a believer?

By Matthew Miller - What does it actually mean to quench the Spirit? How would you even know if you're doing it? It's easy to imagine some dramatic definitive rebellion is required, but Scripture paints a different picture. In this message, we'll look at how God's Spirit is often quenched through ordinary, easy

By Troy Phelps - Speaker: Troy Phelps Date: 1/10/26 In this sermon, we will explore the important question of whether we are under law or under grace? What did the terms mean to those who heard those phrases? Thankfully, the Bible provides clear answers for us as Christians.

By Andrew C Lee - Let's consider the meanings and implications of this three word phrase used in both the Old and New Testaments. Christ used this phrase very often about Himself and we see from other scriptures as well that He did indeed come in the flesh. Let's explore what this meant in His ministry, what it

By Jorge de Campos - Patience is part of a growing process in Godly Character. When ever we encounter adversities and difficulties, it opens up the opportunity to develop God Like grace.

By Mark Skapura - Through Christ's sacrifice, we now have direct access to God, who wants to be both our Father and Friend. As we manage risk in our life, in dealing with this world and the deception of Satan, let's ensure we neither neglect prayer to God nor take for granted our relationship with Him. Do we have a

By Caleb Kinsella - Our world discards the unwanted. Life is so easily thrown away. But that is not what God has planned- true restoration awaits Christ's return. Drawing from the inspiring true story of Possum Trot, we explore God's eternal plan of adoption. How we, once spiritual orphans shattered by sin, are freely

By Kurt Hoyer - Jesus was betrayed in various ways by many around Him in His last days. Can we see ourselves in some of these actions? If so what should our response be?

By Bob Orosz - One of the oldest and most profound notions in humanity is that there is a battle for our mind. It is as if there is a bird on each shoulder telling us one thing or to do the other, right or wrong? So what is our best course of action and why should we follow it? Join us today as we discuss the

By Matt King - Is peace simply the absence of conflict, or is it something deeper? Explore the contrast between the world's fragile, situational peace with the enduring peace offered by Jesus Christ. True peace isn't an escape from hardship; it is a foundational reality that remains intact through pain and

By Elias Vazquez - The sermonette draws a parallel between Connecticut's historical identity as the “Constitution State” and the spiritual foundation needed in a believer's life, emphasizing that just as the state's founders relied on a written constitution for guidance and stability, Christians should let God's Word

By Tim Martens - Five Biblical examples of people who exercised persistence to accomplish a goal.

By Andy Wagner - The tongue is small, yet powerful — like a rudder, that can steer the entire direction of our lives. Through God's Spirit, we must learn self-control in our words.

By Bart Bornhorst - Fulfilling our various duties in life is very important. Even of more importance is fulfilling our God given duties, and God clearly defines his duty for His people in Micah 6. Let's see what God is looking for from us.

By Stephen Bouchette - Love is something we can wrestle with communicating to others. How can love be effectively given and received? God is love. How do we effectively express love to God? Gary Chapman wrote a book named the “Five Love Languages.” Does God speak these languages, and conversely, how do we express our love

The book of Deuteronomy is a series of sermons Moses preached just before he died. In it, he lays out, in the most comprehensive and practical way, how you should live if you experience the grace and salvation of God. If you experience God, how should that actually affect the way in which you live your life? It's a very, very practical book and an incredibly comprehensive book. Today, we get to the Ten Commandments. This is one of the most influential texts in the entire history of the world. Let's take a look and see what we're taught about it. It's awfully basic, but it's awfully basic because it's awfully important. There are four things we're going to learn here about God's Law: 1) the origin of the Law; 2) the substance of the Law; 3) the problem of the Law, and 4) the solution to that problem. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on May 27, 2007. Series: Deuteronomy – Doing Justice, Preaching Grace. Scripture: Deuteronomy 5:6-21, 24-29. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.