Author Archives: Marsha West

About Marsha West

Marsha West is the owner and managing editor of Christian Research Network, Apprising Ministries (the late Ken Silva’s blog) and On Solid Rock Resources. She is also co-founder of Berean Research. For two decades Marsha was the owner and managing editor of Email Brigade website as well as the EMB News Report, a bi-weekly email report for conservative people of faith. For many years Marsha was a regular contributor to several blogs including CRN, RenewAmerica, News With Views and Web Commantary as well as popular websites she no longer endorses: American Family Association, Worldview Weekend, Stand Up For The Truth, The Christian Post and Christian Headlines. Although Marsha still blogs, her primary focus is CRN. Marsha also writes Research Papers (White Papers) on various topics that are published on CRN, Berean Research and On Solid Rock Resources. Visit Marsha’s other sites: On Solid Rock Resources https://www.onsolidrockresources.com/ Apprising Ministries http://apprising.org Marsha’s RenewAmerica Column http://renewamerica.com/columns/mwest Marsha’s Facebook Page http://facebook.com/marsha.west.77

Republican Governor Condemns Police And Mayor That Fined Churches $500: ‘You are going to have Mississippians revolt.’

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ , , , , , , ,

“While Pastor Hamilton Jr. clearly had no compunction about violating what he believed was an unconstitutional and ungodly decree, he also urged grace and kindness towards the mayor and officers, stating that he had no tolerance for any abuse of them.” 

(Pulpit & Pen)  In a tweet from earlier today, Republican Governor Tate Reeves came down hard against Greenville Mayor Errick Simmons and local law enforcement for their unconstitutional actions of shutting down all churches, breaking up services, and fining congregants $500.00 for participating in drive-in services. Continue reading →

Good Friday: Cosmic Child Abuse?

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

The account of the crucifixion of Christ is found in the New Testament:

    • Matthew 27:33-36, And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots. Then they sat down and kept watch over him there.
    • Luke 23:33, And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.
    • John 19:17-18, They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha. There they crucified Him, and with Him two other men, one on either side, and Jesus in between.

Josh Buice reminds us that “The entire scene of the cross is filled with brutality, blood, insult, shame, and death.” So, why do Christians call the day Christ was nailed to a cross Good Friday? Should we really think of His brutal crucifixion as a good day….or was it, as some say, actually “cosmic child abuse”? In his blog post over at Delivered By Grace, Pastor Buice takes on the naysayers. He writes:  

Continue reading →

Trump Pushing ‘Behind Closed Doors’ To Reopen Much Of U.S. Next Month

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ , , , ,

In an interview with Jim Cramer on CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street,” Mnuchin said he could see the country beginning to reopen in May. “I think as soon as the president feels comfortable with the medical issues.”

(James Barrett – Daily Wire)  According to The Washington Post‘s sources, President Trump has been pushing “behind closed doors” to “reopen much of the country next month,” an effort the Post notes has some health experts sounding the alarm out of fear of a possible “resurgence” of COVID-19. Continue reading →

Farage Warns Chinese Interests Lining up for ‘Fire Sale’ of UK Businesses

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“It’s not a nice regime. We know they steal intellectual property and we know they have designs to effectively become the global superpower, to take over the world in their own way.”

(Breitbart)  Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage has warned that Chinese interests are lining up to take advantage of the coronavirus crisis by buying “vast swathes of our strategic and manufacturing industries”. Continue reading →

What do Christian say as the normal foundations of our lives are dissolving like shifting sands?

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , , , , , , ,

“To see every country brought to its knees by an invisible virus is stunning. The solutions we saw above are hardly satisfying answers to this humbling event. Many feel that life will never be the same. Some hope the aftermath will produce a new world community. Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called on world leaders to form a “temporary” global government in response to the coronavirus pandemic. But global unity must be based on a commonly held and convincing truth.”

(Peter Jones – truthxchage)  SHIFTING SANDS  “Lord, what are you saying during this crisis?” That is the question on every Christian’s mind. The mighty, miniscule virus is slaying thousands every day. On March 29th, Dr. Anthony Fauci [wrongly] estimated that the US might see between 100,000 and 200,000 deaths before the crisis fades.[1] Christians must yet remain calm, asking God to give us peace. Even as the normal foundations of our lives are dissolving like shifting sands, Christians say, with the hymn: “On Christ the solid rock I stand: all other ground is sinking sand.” Continue reading →

AG William Barr on the Russia investigation: ‘There’s something far more troubling here’

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , , , , , , ,

“I think it’s very sad and the people who abused FISA have a lot to answer for because this was an important tool to protect the American people.  They abused it. They undercut public confidence in FISA but also the FBI is an institution and we have to rebuild that.”

(Laura Ingraham – Fox News)  The Russia investigation into President Trump‘s 2016 campaign was “one of the greatest travesties in American history,” Attorney General William Barr said Thursday during an appearance on “The Ingraham Angle.” Continue reading →

Defense Official Shoots Down ABC Report Alleging Trump Admin Ignored Virus Warnings

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ , , , , , , ,

“On that night’s World News Tonight, anchor David Muir hyped, “ABC news reporting tonight that American intelligence officials warned the Trump administration as far back as late November about coronavirus.” Both stories ended with each WH correspondent acknowledging that they had not received an official statement from the Pentagon yet responding to their story, but would keep viewers updated.”

(Kristine Marsh – NewsBusters) ABC is quietly sweeping under the rug their own sensational report they hyped all day Wednesday, which suggested the Trump administration ignored warnings of an impending pandemic, back in November…. Continue reading →

My Surreal Trip To The Drug Store In The American COVID-19 Epicenter

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , ,

The following is a narrative op-ed about a typically routine activity of mine that has been altered due to the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City. I believe it will shed light on the every day changes we’ve seen in our lives, especially for those who live in high-density areas such as myself. Everything that you read below occurred exactly as described.

(Frank Camp – Daily Wire)  I need my medication. Unfortunately, that means I had to leave my apartment. I have to get to the pharmacy. Two months ago, that would have been an easy proposition – no fuss, in and out. Now I’m in a different world. Continue reading →

AG Barr: ‘The Chinese Are Engaged In A Full-Court Blitzkrieg’ Against The U.S.

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , , , ,

“Laura Ingraham: This virus originated in China, we still don’t have all the data, we still don’t really know about Patient Zero in China. A lot of that data is being withheld still from the United States, and top medical people are saying that. What about the Justice Department getting involved more…”

(Daily Wire)  Attorney General William Barr told Fox News’ Laura Ingraham on Wednesday night that the Chinese government is engaged in a “full-court blitzkrieg” against the United States. Continue reading →

Fauci: ‘Looks like’ US deaths will be lower than original projection

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“Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield made similar comments on Tuesday, saying he expected the number of deaths to be “much lower” than what was predicted by the models.” 

(The Hill)  Dr. Anthony Fauci said Wednesday morning that he thinks the number of U.S. deaths from coronavirus will end up being less than the original projection of 100,000 to 200,000. Continue reading →

Why accepting even two million COVID-19 deaths may be better than a national lockdown

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , , , , ,

What if locking down the nation means causing a great depression lasting a decade or more? What if this economic disaster leads, as history teaches it can, to the rise of demagogues and loss of freedom? What if there are consequently millions more deaths from other causes due to economic malaise and descent toward tyranny? What if, in other words, we essentially destroy our civilization as we know it?

(Selwyn Duke – Renew America)  We’ve heard much during the Wuhan flu crisis about a “worst-case scenario” of two million dead Americans, a staggering number. But missing from the national conversation is something equally important. Continue reading →

Developing a vaccine for media bias

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , , , , , ,

“Our media, by and large, don’t want to solve anything. They could be on their death beds from the virus and still spew out poison toward the Commander-in-Chief. They work in conjunction with bureaucrats left over from the previous administration who also want to make Trump look bad. This problem is as bad as the virus itself.”

(Cliff Kincaid – Renew America)  H.G. Wells’ book, War of the Worlds, shows the aliens dying at the end, after almost destroying planet earth, when germs poison them. In real life, human beings are being killed by germs in the form of the coronavirus and the major media. One poisons your body, the other poisons your mind. Continue reading →

Corona Meltdowns

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , , , , , ,

“Another irony: While the current media is the logical culmination of the liberal biases of the more polite leftwing domination of network and print media of the late twentieth century, it is now also far more vulnerable to exposure and ridicule. After all, it was progressive Silicon Valley’s creation of the Internet website and social media that have allowed truth to emerge past even media filters, truth that has largely exposed the media as incompetent, meanspirited, and increasingly irrelevant.”

(Victor Davis Hanson) As the coronavirus outbreak begins to reach its zenith, it remains unclear whether the measures taken to stem its tide will prove sufficient, insufficient, or an overreaction. What is certain, however, is that a number of individuals and entities have behaved shamefully and demonstrated no capacity for leadership or usefulness in this moment. Continue reading →

An Advantaged Disease, Indeed

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , , , , , , ,

“With all the blaring chyrons and death and disease counts, has anyone tried to search for the average age of the death toll from this pathogen?  It’s very hard to do—though we are told the virus more maleficently affects those over 65, and is worse with each year of age.  Why do you think this point, this fact, is not everywhere available?  Could it be there is an investment and interest in scaring all of us?” 

(William J. Bennett & Seth Leibsohn – Real Clear Politics)  As you know, the coronavirus—if you catch it, and get very sick—is a terrible thing to go through and you may even die.  The virus and the fear of it are sorely testing our medical capacity in some places.  And the body count will get much worse this week, right before Easter…. Continue reading →

CDC Director: Coronavirus Death Toll Will Be ‘Much, Much, Much Lower’ than Projected

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“Models are only as good as their assumptions. Obviously, there was a lot unknown about this virus. The ability to actively make a lot of assumptions was much wider than if this was an Influenza B outbreak.” 

(Breitbart) Appearing Monday on AM 1030 KVOI Radio, Dr. Robert Redfield, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), predicted that the death toll from the Chinese coronavirus will be “much, much, much lower” than the models have projected due to Americans following social distancing recommendations.

Watch the video on the site… Continue reading →

Benny Hinn Teaches ‘The Anointing’ Is Responsible For Pastor’s Fornicating

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , , , , , , , ,

“The idea that a man can be up on stage, preaching powerfully, doing miracles, healing the sick and casting out demons, all the while living a hellish life of deep sin and roiling fleshly perversion is not something new to the charismatic church. In fact, by every indication it is widely accepted to be something they hold in tension.”

(Pulpit & Pen)  Benny Hinn, the virulent false teacher whom many were hopeful had smartened up and ceased his theological quackery last year when he was said to have repented of his prosperity gospel (hint, he actually didn’t), is still going at it full bore. Continue reading →

Coronavirus: The California Herd

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , , , ,

“So given the state’s unprecedented direct air access to China, and given its large expatriate and tourist Chinese communities, especially in its huge denser metropolitan corridors in Los Angeles and the Bay Area, it could be that what thousands of Californians experienced as an unusually “early” and “bad” flu season might have also reflected an early coronavirus epidemic, suggesting that many more Californians per capita than in other states may have acquired immunity to the virus.”

(Victor Davis Hanson – National Review)  The bluest state’s public officials have been warning for weeks that California will be overwhelmed, given federal-government unpreparedness and the purported inefficacy of the local, state, and federal governments. Continue reading →

The Reality of Fear

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , , , ,

“Our fears remind us that we are small and that we need Jesus. Dependence on Him is life; independence is a deadly myth. Fear is also a critical alarm that warns us of danger. Without it, we are handicapped in our growth in wisdom because wisdom must discern what is good and safe from what is evil and deadly. Yet, while acknowledging these benefits, we can all agree on this: we would like our fears to be fewer and less intense.”

(Ed Welch – Tabletalk)  Among our ever-expanding troubles, fear and anxiety have pride of place. They are quintessential human issues. They are not so much problems that occasionally seize us; they are regular features of daily life that can be either quiet in the background or loud and dominating in the foreground. In this era, they come attached to our humanity…. Continue reading →

Benham Brother Arrested at Abortion Clinic Despite Following Social Distancing Guidelines

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ , , , , , ,

“These men were well within their rights and they were providing essential services to pregnant women as part of a legally recognized 501(c)(3) charity operated by Cities4Life.”

(Jeff Maples – Reformation Charlotte)  As we’ve reported before, the North Carolina government has decided that its powers during the current coronavirus pandemic are unlimited despite the fact that the Constitution of the United States guarantees certain rights to people…. Continue reading →

How A Police State Is Born

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , , , , , ,

“Is the Coronavirus pandemic serious enough to warrant putting much of the nation’s population into house imprisonment, or wreaking the economy for an indefinite period of time, or prohibiting worshipers from attending their churches, synagogues or mosques, or outlawing freedom of assembly and travel, or destroying businesses that have taken years to build up, or saddling future generations with unfathomable debt?”

(Steve McCann – American Thinker)  The United States and much of the western world, by utilizing the most draconian of tactics, is plunging many nations into potential economic and societal chaos as they attempt to stem the tide of the Chinese Coronavirus…. Continue reading →

Rick Warren Hosting Global Prayer Event With Trinity-denying T.D. Jakes

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , , , , , , , , ,

“Rick Warren has demonstrated over a 30-year ministry that he has no discernment and should never be considered a spiritual leader. The fact that he continues to affirm Jakes as a brother in Christ and as part of a united church body is a further demonstration of that.”

(Pupit & Pen)  Pastor Rick Warren of Purpose-driven life/ Saddleback fame (who also claims he’s a monergist who believes in the doctrines of grace) will be hosting a global easter prayer gathering this coming Monday, April 6. Continue reading →

Married for 51 years, they died of Covid-19 six minutes apart

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“Baker said he hopes his family’s story can be a catalyst for change. He’s calling on people to listen to what health officials have been saying: practice social distancing, wash their hands regularly and most importantly, stay at home.”

(Harmeet Kaur – CNN)  Before just a few weeks ago, Stuart and Adrian Baker were perfectly healthy.

The inseparable couple had been married for more than 51 years and were living in Boynton Beach, Florida, in retirement. Neither of them had any serious health conditions. Then in mid-March, they started feeling ill. Continue reading →

GOP Governor Refuses To Cave, Keeps Church Doors Open As ‘Essential’

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“While dozens of states have refused to designate houses of worship as “essential,” New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has been outright hostile to the faithful, namely Christians and Jews, threatening to close down their churches and synagogues permanently if they don’t obey his shutdown order.”

(Amanda Prestigiacomo – Daily Wire)  Despite national media pressure to close down houses of worship, Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has refused to cave, overruling some counties within his state and designating churches, synagogues, and mosques as so-called “essential.” Continue reading →

Two Kinds of Obedience

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching ∙

“[Jesus] committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” 1 Peter 2:21-25

We will conclude our brief study of the atonement today with a discussion of the distinction between the passive obedience and the active obedience of Christ. The obedience of the Lord was essential for making the atonement effective, as Jesus understood His death to fulfill the will of God, to be the supreme act of obedience He rendered to the Father (Luke 22:39–46; John 19:28–30; see Phil. 2:5–11)…. Continue reading →