Tim Sweetman is a 16-year-old journalist, blogger, and student who lives near our nation’s capital. He is better known by his “code-name,” Agent Tim, also the name of his popular blog, which has received around 500,000 visits since its debut a little over a year ago. He has risen to become the teen spokesperson and cultural critic of the blogosphere, taking on recent issues such as MySpace, alcohol, homeschooling and other topics relating to our culture today. His blog has come to the attention of people such as Albert Mohler, C.J. Mahaney, Alex and Brett Harris, and La Shawn Barber. Tim’s written work has appeared in The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, Virtue Magazine, Regenerate Our Culture Online Magazine, and on many blogs across the internet. His personal interests include the computer, writing, soccer and sports in general, as well as a new interest in speech and debate. In the future, he hopes to become involved with ministry, law, and politics. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/AgentTim/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Sun, 4 Jun 2006 18:17:00 -0500 Sun, 4 Jun 2006 18:17:00 -0500 <img src="http://www.gneil.com/images/products/1slN7113.jpg" align="left" style="float:left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0;"/>I've always wondered why we as human beings have never wanted to be told what to do. It's so innate that we just have to touch that wall that says "Do Not Touch: Wet Paint", always crossing the line. We know that something is probably wrong, yet we cross it. Always, every time, without fail. All of it comes down to one rather annoying word: pride.People hate being told what to do, whether it be what you should be wearing, how you should be speaking, or what we should or shouldn't be eating and drinking. People go absolutely "bonkers" if you tell them that modesty can be defined, that you shouldn't be cussing, or you probably shouldn't be drinking that beer.  I think it is like that anywhere -- no one ever likes being told what to do. We're free to choose what we want, not to follow a bunch of legalistic rules. Christians have rights too -- some things are left open for debate in the Bible. And it gets messy when you decide to have a position on those points. It's here that I propose to you a solution to some of these problems: get back to the basics. The gospel is the main thing, and the main thing must stay the main thing. So many of the issues within our churches could be solved if only we began to preach the pure gospel, unfiltered and without sugar. We can't continue to preach a watered down gospel, or our churches will continue in the watered down state they are in. Our churches are so bland, so empty -- and it's because of a lack of preaching the wonderful cross. <b>The Gospel Defined</b>The first step for us is to define what the gospel is. Truly, if we boil it down, the gospel would defined as the "good news." But how is it good news? Is it good news because God loves us? Is it good news Jesus died for us? Couldn't he show us love in another way? "Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man," said Paul, "I was shown mercy." The gospel starts with you and me. We are blasphemers. Liars. Thieves. Adulterers. Coveting. Murderers. Disobedient. You name it, we've done it, whether in thought or deed. And it breaks us -- it kills us. We quickly realize what God has demanded of us -- perfection -- and we've fallen so dismally short. We're so terribly sinful that we should be completely annihilated. "For all have sinned," says Paul in Romans, "and have fallen short of the glory of God." Just taking one look at the Law of God should break us into a million pieces, and lead us to understand that none of us are good, and we all deserve hell. This is essential in understanding the glorious gospel. God was not willing that any should perish. "For God so loved the world," says John, "that He gave his only Son that whoever would believe in him will not perish, but will have eternal life." God sent His Son to take our place, becoming a sacrifice for God, serving and up-keeping justice. Christ took upon Himself all our sins, allowing us to repent (turn away from our sins), believe in Him, and turn to Christ as our Savior. So simple, such a paradox, and so beautiful. If only our churches would preach repentance and faith, repentance and faith, repentance and faith! Many issues would solve themselves, and we can all agree once more on the basics, the literal Word of God and that glorious gospel.  http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/AgentTim/145567/ Sun, 4 Jun 2006 18:17:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/AgentTim/145567/ So, what is the world saying about <a href="http://agenttimonline.com/2006/04/27/exit-strategy-resolution/">that resolution</a> coming before the Southern Baptists this June?<a href="mailto:teachingpastor@hotmail.com">Jeff says</a>:<blockquote>Whatever happened to Christian liberty? Where does it say in the Bible that Christians must withdraw their children from public schools? This is EXTREME LEGALISM. I hope that messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention do not impose this legalism upon the conscience of Southern Baptists. Nothing should bind the conscience of a Christian except for what is explicitly taught in Scripture. I will be extremely EMBARRASSED if the SBC passes anything like this. And I am confident that it will not happen - our churches are full of both public school children and public school teachers. Thousands of SBC church members are teachers in public schools, and they are tired of the SLANDER that comes from the homeschooling fanatics. Parents in SBC churches want to raise normal children, not homeschooled freaks with no social skills.This is scary. The noose of legalism draws tighter and tighter around the throat of evangelical Christianity every day. Legalism is deadly. It is time for somebody to stand up to these obnoxious legalists who want to take away our Christian liberty.</blockquote><a href="mailto:familyj@hlit.net">Mother Music</a> says<blockquote>Making resolutions in Southern Baptist Conventions might NOT be the best way to begin, however. It may threaten those who are entrenched in the public school system, threaten the political hard left who already believe that the religious conservatives are out to get them and take over the world, possibly causing a backlash of panic-stricken legislation which would only make the problem worse. Further, resolutions have not been known to be effective in stimulating any action.</blockquote><a href="mailto:covenant9@runroar.com">Kirsten</a> says<blockquote>Absolutely the right way to go! It will take a long time and some hard, careful work, though. So many people need the help of the church, but such a small percentage of them will change their lifestyles that are contributing to their problems. You can't just write tuition checks and dump undisciplined and undiscipled children into Christian schools. Over the years our small church has reached out to many families and young people with love and conditional financial help and only a few of them have been willing to work with our elders to get at the root causes of their ongoing problems. We'll keep at it though, with God's blessing.</blockquote><a href="mailto:ike_99@hotmail.com">KI</a> says<blockquote>I do agree that churches should help their young parents to raise Godly children. I think there is a lot that can be done to do that. I don't think they should make a blanket statement that no children should be in public schools. I believe this will just ghetto-ize christians more. We need to be light and salt and that includes in public schools. All public schools are not alike, although I do agree that they all have problems. I know the problems christian schools have, also, and some of the negatives of homeschooling. Yes, there are problems in these types of schooling too. I've done all three at various times with my children who are now grown and doing fine. I think parents need to work deligently, pray deligently and look for God's wisdom and do what they need to do that is best for each of their children. The churches need to come alongside and help them in that.</blockquote><a href="mailto:Varecip@bellsouth.net">Anlir</a> says<blockquote>I hope the SBC resolution on Christianists removing their children from the public schools passes, and I hope their parents head the call.For the vast majority of us non-Christianists in the public school system, ya'll are nothing but trouble and a constant pain in the rear. Quite honestly, we're tired of your constant arguing over everything the public schools do and your constant lawsuits. It has reached the point where you are a negataive influence on everyone else.Please leave, so the rest of us can go back to what is supposed to be the purpose of public schools - educating our children.</blockquote><a href="http://www.sharperiron.org/member.php?u=1060">Aaron Carpenter</a> says...<blockquote>Did they miss the part where Independents did this 40 years ago?One caution if the SBC looks within its own ranks to provide the personnel for this enterprise (and why wouldn't they?):Christian education is an overriding philosophy, not merely a Bible elective, weekly chapel, and prayer before class. So, success means not merely church-operated Christian schools but training the teachers in a Biblical educational philosophy. Of course, this will not be seen as necessary if Mohler's call is merely reactive and passive, ie. he may be calling for Christian educational alternatives simply to keep the children of believers from being indoctrinated by Darwinism, sexual perversions, secular humanism. While they must keep these out of education, I hope they create alternatives that provide positive affirmations of a Biblical worldview.I hope they are successful, but it will be interesting to see how this all turns out. Secular education, sans liberal agenda, plus a Bible class does not equal Christian education.</blockquote>And, of course, the <b>"big" supporters</b>:<strong>Dr. Paige Patterson:</strong> (President-SWBTS Seminary, SBC President 1998-99) He said that if he were rearing his children today he would home school them "for the sake of relationship, academic accomplishment, safety, and Christian commitment." (Lee Weeks, "Homeschooling-SEBTS Style" Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Outlook, Vol. 48, p.7) In 2002, under his leadership at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C., over a hundred faculty, staff, and student families had chosen to home school their children.<strong>Dr. Jack Graham:</strong> (Sr. Pastor of Prestonwood Church, SBC President 2003-2004) "The world is too much with us and so, while we are not trying to cocoon our children, we don't want to put our children in a position to fail," Graham said in a Nov. 11 interview with the Florida Baptist Witness. "I think Christian schools put children in a position to succeed spiritually." Graham is pastor of Dallas-area Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano ..."That's the whole purpose. To train a new generation of leaders to make a difference. ... To develop a new generation of young dynamic leaders who understand their faith, who are able to communicate their faith and to live their faith in whatever their career or calling may be," (http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=14723)<strong>Dr. Jerry Johnson</strong>: (President-Criswell College) “We, Dr. Streett and I, have chosen to homeschool. We see it as the best way, your first option, for educating your child.“<strong>Dr. Tom Elliff:</strong> (Vice President-International Mission Board, SBC President 1997-1998) “We have a large homeschool group here at First Southern Del City. I think what you are doing with SBCHEA is wonderful, and I can think of several families right now who would be encouraged by the ministry. Everywhere Jeannie and I go we talk about homeschooling.“<strong>Dr. David Dockery:</strong> “We are to have the mind of Christ, and this certainly requires us to think and wrestle with the challenging ideas of history and the issues of our day. For to do otherwise will result in another generation of God's people ill equipped for faithful thinking and service in this new century. A Christian worldview is needed to confront an ever-changing culture. Instead of allowing our thoughts to be captive to culture, we must take every thought captive to Jesus Christ.“<strong>Dr. Albert Mohler:</strong> (President-SBTS Seminary) “Far too many Christians neglect to pay attention to what is distinctively Christian about Christian education. In Romans 12:2, Paul wrote, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." That powerful sentence represents the very heart of Christian education. Rather than conforming to the prevailing worldview of the secular culture, Christian education is to be transformative--demonstrating the power of God's truth in human lives. A true Christian education is like a light shining in the darkness. In a day when the prevailing secular culture is not even certain that truth exists, Christian education is established in the name and to the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life.“ (http://www.albertmohler.com/commentary_read.php?cdate=2006-04-05)<strong>C. H. Spurgeon:</strong> (The “Prince of Preachers” 1834-1892) “Withdraw from a child the only divine rule of life, and the result will be most lamentable. An education purely secular is the handmaiden of godless skeptics.“<strong>Martin Luther:</strong> (The “Father of the Reformation”1483-1546) “I advise no one to place his child where the Scriptures do not reign paramount. Every institution that does not unceasingly pursue the study of God's Word becomes corrupt"How about adding yours? (the resolution can be read fully <a href="http://agenttimonline.com/2006/05/05/we-hereby-resolve/">here</a>.) http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/AgentTim/142403/ Mon, 29 May 2006 15:21:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/AgentTim/142403/ I always hate to post twice in one day, but all of you will have to get used to it for the next few weeks. I was browsing the internet, in search of some quality articles and came across <a href="http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=15878">this one</a> by Nathan Finn. His article hits at the heart of the issue that is looming before all of us -- an issue that must be addressed quickly. The article hits hard, and it hits home - it entails what I am about and will be about. I'm about showing you, in the next three weeks or so, that when we look at the "<a href="http://agenttimonline.com/2006/04/27/exit-strategy-resolution/">Exit Strategy Resolution</a>" we're not talking about "leaving the schools" because of "homosexuality" or "secular humanism." It's more than that, and I've attempted to get that across in the few posts that you have read. The fact is that parents are called to raise their children in godliness - they are not to give that task to someone else! Sunday school, christian schools, extracurricular activities are all supplements, not the main course.  http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/AgentTim/142402/ Mon, 29 May 2006 15:20:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/AgentTim/142402/ I love email exchanges...the following response is quite helpful for any and all parents, anywhere. My mom did a great job in responding, but she wanted to add that it is an email and not a blog post. Enjoy!<blockquote>Hello Tim,I found your site when I was looking for resources on "Truth" and "Tolerance".  I'm assembling a CD for the high school group at our church covering truth, the reliability of the Bible, etc.I happened to check just one of your "Awsome Agents" - "Rhetorical Response" and found that not only you are still in high school, but Karen is as well.My wife and I have three sons ages 11, 7, and 4.  It could be because I work at a public high school, but I am amazed at the maturity both you and Karen show in the capability of your writing and the topics you both cover.  One of the impressive aspects of you both is that while you both write so capably on worldview topics, I would guess that most of the high school students I see every day haven't even heard of the word "worldview".Unfortunately, my wife and I are unable to homeschool our sons currently. Considering this, can you recommend materials and/or an instruction path we can take our sons on that will help start them on the road to the capability that both you and Karen demonstrate so well.Thank you and God bless you for your site, your writings, and for a future that will be impacted by you, Karen, and others like you both.HugoResponse:</blockquote><blockquote>Mr. Schraer,This is Tim's mom.  He appreciated your encouragement!  He asked me to help respond to your questions.  I will tell you some of the things "we" have done, but the older our children get, the more we are conscious that all of the work & fruit are truly by God's grace & power alone.  Tim is 16 & the oldest of 5 children.  The others are getting ready to have birthdays and will be 14-year-old boy, 12-year-old boy, 10-year-old girl, and a 6-year-old boy.  We have found (and have observed from others) that mature, responsible young adults are the result of work done when they are toddlers, preschoolers, and "grade school" age.  Number one on our list has been to keep our children immersed in God's Word.  Until recently, we have not spent time specifically discussing "worldview."  We have focused on simply knowing &  understanding the truth!  As opportunities arise, we talk about how the truth of God's Word applies to the situation...what God's perspective is based on Biblical revelation.  It is our desire to set biblical standards for our children, even if those standards seem unreasonable or unreachable to the world.  Apart from Christ, His grace, and the power of the Holy Spirit, biblical standards are impossible.  Knowing this helps us to focus daily on our need for the Gospel.We have studied the Bible at home, at church, and in additional studies.  We have used a wide variety of material to help us in family devotions & Bible study for school.  In all of our studies, we have taken the opportunity to connect God's Word to daily life.  We are kind to others, not just because it is a nice thing to do, but because each person is made in the image of God.  We treat them according to the value God has placed on them.  We pick up our toys & belongings in our house out of respect for others, but also because we recognize that everything we have has been given to us by God and He has given us stewardship responsibility.  We have memorized Scripture, prayed together in a variety of ways, sung hymns and worship songs together, acted stories out, etc.  A Bible study that has played a prominent role in our family is Bible Study Fellowship (BSF).  Our children began attending in 1st grade.  This study uses the Bible itself as the textbook, and the children and adults are studying the same lessons.  They have daily questions to answer, and then a group discussion and lesson that helps them with application.  Along the way, they also learn how to do homiletics.  We attribute much of our children's Bible knowledge and ability to apply it to their BSF studies.When our children are young we also focus quite a bit on studying character qualities.  We also read biographies of Christian heroes that help us to see how God has worked in history and in various cultures.  In our schooling, we examine God's perspective on every subject.  When our children are able to read by themselves, we begin helping them to have their own personal quiet time.  As parents, for our little ones (other than them having their needs met & feeling loved & secure which should be obvious)our goals are to instill obedience, submission to boundaries, and self-control.  Those qualities pave the way for them to be willing to receive God's instruction through us and other teachers, and for them to have the ability to stop & evaluate a decision before proceeding, hopefully choosing the way of wisdom.  As they continue to grow, we continue to fill them with the knowledge of God and practical application of that knowledge.  We transition to asking them questions and helping them draw conclusions rather than us always giving them the answers.  I believe this is one of the elements parents miss.  At the wrong seasons of our children's lives, we fall into lecture mode instead of guiding them to think through things for themselves.  Maturity is built when they learn to think biblically and take ownership of their beliefs.We give our children chores, etc. to help them develop responsibility.  We tend to avoid the passing fads & obsessions of the world.  When our sons have turned 13, my husband asked men of the church to write them letters giving them advice on becoming Godly men.  At that time we also  have begun helping them to acquire a personal library of resources that will be profitable throughout their lives.  We've given them books such as Bible study reference tools, books on apologetics, books on theology, classic Christian works, etc.  Around this time is when Tim started making the jump into communicating the truth of God's Word and a biblical worldview.  I think the world in general expects the teen years to be years that are basically wasted, survived, or spent on earthly pleasures.  We do not buy into that philosophy, because we do not see it as biblical.We are fully aware of the potential pitfalls for young men, but these are some of the standards we hold:1 Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,   "God opposes the proud      but gives grace to the humble."[a]1 John 2:14 I write to you, fathers,      because you have known him who is from the beginning.   I write to you, young men,      because you are strong,      and the word of God lives in you,      and you have overcome the evil one.Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure?       By living according to your word.Psalm 144:12 Then our sons in their youth       will be like well-nurtured plants,       and our daughters will be like pillars       carved to adorn a palace.Psalm 71:5 For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD,       my confidence since my youth.Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember your Creator       in the days of your youth,       before the days of trouble come       and the years approach when you will say,       "I find no pleasure in them"-2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.1 Timothy 4:12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.Titus 2:6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.I am sure this is more than you wanted or needed.  Here are some resources we have particularly liked.  We don't necessarily agree with everything in each book, but they all have been helpful.Blessings to you & your family,Agent Tim's Mom(Book list following)* Big Thoughts for Little People (Taylor)* The Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes (Taylor) * Big Truths for Little Kids (Hunt)--we don't actually own this, but I've heard great things about it.  It might be on my list for my 6-year-old God's Wisdom for Little Boys (George) * A Child's Book of Character Building I&II (Coriell) * What Would Jesus Do? (Mack) * A Hive of Busy Bees (Williams) * Wisdom & The Millers & other Miller books(Martin)--Amish perspective, we made some adjustments Leading Little Ones to God (Schoolland) * Day by Day Bible for Kids & Day by Day Devotional (Henley) * One Year Book of Devotions for Kids Hero Tales (Jackson) * Searching for Treasure (Elwell) * Family Night Tool Chest (Weidmann) * The Original 21 Rules of This House (Harris) * How to Study the Bible for Kids (Arthur) & other Discover 4 Yourself studies Trailblazer biographies (Jackson) * Christian Heroes Then & Now biographies (YWAM, Benge) * A Faith to Grow On (MacArthur) * Know What You Believe (Little) Know Why You Believe (Little) * Training Hearts, Teaching Minds (Meade) * Boyhood and Beyond (Schultz) * Growing Up Christian (Graustein, Jacobsen) * Parenting Today's Adolescent (Rainey) * Shepherding a Child's Heart (Tripp) * Don't Make Me Count to Three (Plowman) * For Instruction in Righteousness (Forster) * Proverbs for Parenting (Decker) * Changed Into His Image, Student Edition (Berg) * Don't Check Your Brains at the Door (McDowell) * Praying the Scriptures for your Children (Berndt) * Plants Grown Up (Forster) * What Every Child Should Know Along the Way (Martin) * Parenting with Scripture (Durbin) * Foundations of the Christian Faith (Boice) * Don't Waste Your Life (Piper)* Humility: True Greatness (Mahaney)* No Place for Truth (Wells)* Spurgeon Gold (Comfort)* The Cross Centered Life (Mahaney)* Who Made God (Zacharias & Geisler)* Essential Truths of the Christian Faith (Sproul) * Preparing Sons to Provide for a Single Income Family (Maxwell) Future Men (Wilson) * How to Bring Your Children to Christ and Keep Them There (Comfort)* http://www.albertmohler.com/commentary_read.php?cdate=2005-04-21* http://www.albertmohler.com/commentary_read.php?cdate=2005-04-22* "The Case for Kids" by Paul & David Tripp from Shepherd Press.  * "Parents, Teens, and Reasonable Expecations" by Grant Layman from Covenant Life Church (available at Sovereign Grace Ministries)</blockquote> http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/AgentTim/142401/ Mon, 29 May 2006 15:19:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/AgentTim/142401/ <img src="http://parks.cityoflansingmi.com/tdodge/School%20Bus.jpg" width="100"  style="float:left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0;"/><a href="http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/TOSPUBLISHER/131834/">Gena Suarez posted a fantastic interview with Dr. Bruce Shortt</a>, who I hope to meet down in Greensboro in June. His comments on reforming the public school system, and having children as missionaries are, quite frankly, some of the best and most well-thought out responses I've ever heard. And it is quite evident he goes beyond worldly statistics, and uses God's Word and not his own to back up what he is saying. Here's a clip:<blockquote>While there is a great deal that could be said on Biblical standards for education, let's stick to the basics. First, Christ tells us that we can't claim to be neutral with respect to him: we are either for him or against him [Matthew 12:30]. Education is no exception. In fact, in Ephesians 6:4 we are instructed to raise up our children in the training and instruction of the Lord. Are a few hours a week sufficient? The answer is quite clearly "no". As Deuteronomy 6:6-7 tells us, this training is to be going on all of the time. Why? Because as Proverbs 23:7 points out: "For as a man thinks, so he is..." Our education, in other words, determines more than any other single factor how we think. Christ makes this point forcefully in Luke 6:40: "A student is not greater than his teacher, and when he is fully trained, he will be like his teacher." Thus, when we give our children over to a K-12 educational system that is Constitutionally prohibited from being for Christ, we have made an anti-Christian institution our child's teacher. That is missing the mark - in other words, that is sin. But it is not merely a personal sin; it is also a sin that is likely to cause children to sin as well. All of us who are parents would do well to contemplate both Psalm 127:3 and Matthew 18:6 from time to time.</blockquote>What does Psalm 127:3 and Matthew 18:6 say?Psalms:<blockquote>Sons are a heritage from the LORD,       children a reward from him.</blockquote>Matthew:<blockquote>But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.</blockquote>Previous: <a href="http://agenttimonline.com/2006/05/05/we-hereby-resolve/">We Hereby Resolve</a><a href="http://agenttimonline.com/2006/04/27/exit-strategy-resolution/">Exit Strategy Resolution</a><a href="http://agenttimonline.com/2006/05/12/education-gadfly/">Education Gadfly</a> http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/AgentTim/142399/ Mon, 29 May 2006 15:18:01 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/AgentTim/142399/ The following two resolutions are, in my opinion, absolutely wonderful. Your thoughts?<blockquote>RESOLUTION ON DEVELOPING AN EXIT STRATEGY FROM THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS THAT WOULD GIVE PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THE NEEDS OF ORPHANS, SINGLE PARENTS, AND THE DISADVANTAGEDApril 24, 2006Submitted byRoger Moran,and Dr. Bruce N. ShorttWhereas, in June 2005 Dr. Albert Mohler, President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, called for responsible Southern Baptists to develop an exit strategy from the government schools, stating further that there is no reason to believe that each year will not bring even more urgent concerns related to public education1; andWhereas,  federal circuit court judges held in November 2005 in Fields v. Palmdale that "parents have no constitutional right ... to prevent a public school from providing its students with whatever information it wishes to provide, sexual, or otherwise, when and as the school determines that it is appropriate to do so"; andWhereas, in December 2005 a federal judge ruled in favor of government schools indoctrinating children with dogmatic Darwinism; and Whereas, government schools continue to adopt and implement curricula and policies teaching that the homosexual lifestyle is acceptable; andWhereas, Christian educational alternatives to government schools are desperately needed immediately by orphans, children of single parents, and the disadvantaged2 and can be an effective means for evangelistic outreach; andWhereas, the Gospel of Luke instructs us that a student is not above his teacher and, when he is fully trained, will be like his teacher; andWhereas, the government schools are required by law to be humanistic and secular in their instruction; andWhereas, children are our most important mission field, and the overwhelming majority of Christians have made the government school system their children’s teacher; and Whereas, studies by Barna Research, Dr. Christian Smith, and The Nehemiah Institute have found that a large majority of children from Christian families do not have a Christian worldview3; andWhereas, an article by Dr. Thom Ranier published in the spring 2005 issue of the Southern Baptist Journal of Theology reported, “nearly one half of all [Southern Baptist] church members may not be Christians”4; andWhereas, the Southern Baptist Council on Family Life reported to the 2002 Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention that 88 percent of the childrenraised in evangelical homes leave church at the age of 18, never to return; andWhereas, the Messengers of the Southern Baptist Convention’s 2005 Annual Meeting urged parents in Resolution No. 1, On Educating Children, to embrace their responsibility to educate their children by choosing a means of education that would “…ensure their physical, moral, emotional, and spiritual well-being, with a goal of raising godly men and women who are thoroughly equipped to live as fully devoted followers of Christ”; andWhereas, in light of government school curricula, court rulings, and the influence of the NEA, parents cannot satisfy the criteria for the education of Christian children set forth in Resolution 1 by educating Christian children in today’s government schools; andWhereas, article XII of the Baptist Faith and Message states, “the cause of education in the Kingdom of Christ is co-ordinate with the causes of missions and general benevolence, and should receive along with these the liberal support of the churches. An adequate system of Christian education is necessary to a complete spiritual program for Christ's people”; andWhereas, the next clause in article XII makes it clear that this education is to be provided through ‘Christian schools, colleges and seminaries’; andWhereas, Southern Baptist congregations can draw upon many existing buildings and other resources to provide an alternative to educating children in government schools; andWhereas, Southern Baptist congregations have many adults, including pastors, who can assist in the education of children as a ministry; andWhereas, satellite, DVD, internet-enabled multi-media computer technology, and other more traditional forms of self-paced learning are effective ways of providing Christian education and are now very affordable; andWhereas, churches can collaborate in providing alternatives to the government school system:BE IT NOW RESOLVED that the 2006 Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention encourages each church associated with the Southern Baptist Convention to heed Dr. Mohler’s call to develop an exit strategy from the government’s schools; andBE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the 2006 Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention urges that particular attention be given in the development of such exit strategies to the needs of orphans, single parents, and the disadvantaged; andBE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the 2006 Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention urges that the agencies of the Southern Baptist Convention assist churches in the development of exit strategies from the government schools and help coordinate efforts, including partnerships with churches in low income areas, to provide a Christian educational alternative to orphans, single parents, and the disadvantaged; andBE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the 2006 Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention applauds the many adult members of our congregations who teach in government schools, and this resolution should be construed to encourage adult believers who are truly called to labor as missionaries to unbelieving colleagues and students to continue their missionary work in the government school system.</blockquote>The other resolution can be found <a href="http://www.founders.org/blog/2006/04/resolution-on-integrity-in.html">here</a>. I understand many of you are not Southern Baptist, but what do you think of a group of believers passing a resolution such as this?  http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/AgentTim/142398/ Mon, 29 May 2006 15:18:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/AgentTim/142398/ <img src="http://www.everytribe.com/Storage/PageImages/116_descriptionImg.jpg" align="left"/ style="float:left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0;"/><i>WARNING: SPOILERS</i><i>"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." </i><i>“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose”.–Jim Elliot</i>First of all, let me begin by saying that <i>The End of the Spear</i> was a powerful movie. It was surprising how well done the film was technically, even with a lower budget. The story was, as I knew, incredible. The scenes were touching, and reached out to the audience, leaving a stunned audience to sit in silence at the end of the film, not moving anywhere to leave the theatre. Before going into the theatre, I knew one huge fact about this movie. It's name, or rather, his name was <a href="http://www.challies.com/archives/001602.php">Chad Allen</a>. Allen happens to be one of the nation's leading gay activists, and the actor portraying the part of Nate and Steve Saint, one of the five missionaries killed by the Waodani in the 1950s. I believed that the <a href="http://www.albertmohler.com/commentary_read.php?cdate=2006-01-20">knowledge that this was a gay man</a> would ruin my experience. But it did not. The man was just like any other actor, a sinner, who was doing his job. The acting was superb, and I was glad that this man's lifestyle had no affect on me as I watched the movie.Yet still, we have seen a lot of legitimate concern with using the "worst man for the job." This man is one who worships, as he says, the "God of my understanding. It's very powerful, and it's taken its own shape and form. And I am very much at peace in the knowledge that in my heart God created this beautiful expression of my love." It is obvious that he was not the best man for the job. In fact, he could have been the worst man for the job. World Net Daily reports Steve Saint's interesting take on the situation:<blockquote>Nate Saint's son Steve Saint, who served as a producer, a stunt pilot and had a bit part in the film, believes it was God's plan to have Allen in "End of the Spear," according to Agape Press.Saint admitted, however, he was shocked when he learned Allen was homosexual."I could feel physical pain," he recalled, "thinking [that] somebody that lives a lifestyle like that is going to depict my dad."But after further reflection, he began to see Allen's involvement might be God-ordained.Some Christians might be offended by Allen's role, Saint realized, but "I thought, 'What happens if I stand before God someday and He says to me, "Steve, I went out of my way to orchestrate an opportunity for Chad Allen to see what it would be like to live as your father did."' And then I could picture Him looking at me and saying, 'Steve, why did you mess with my plan?'" </blockquote>Also according to World Net Daily, Allen supposedly has made a "gentleman's agreement" with Every Tribe Entertainment to not use the platform given to him through this movie as a way to promote his homosexual activities. What concerned me the most was not a gay actor or a director of gay movies, but rather the power of the gospel given in this movie. For the majority of the movie, I put myself in the shoes of an unbeliever. I came to the conclusion that the power of the gospel could be received as powerful. Yet it is very possible to wonder what exactly those missionaries were willing to give up their lives for, other than to be friendly and stop the killing. Some have claimed that it is impossible to see the gospel in this film because it is so hidden, yet I will differ on that point. It will vary, as I said, from person to person, and their background. <i>Beyond the Gates of Splendor</i> did not "preach" the gospel. And really, we should be the ones proclaiming the gospel, not this movie. We need to make sure we don't get hung up on details, or problems such as these and take our eyes off of what we really need to be doing.As a Christian, the gospel was evident as the Aucas realized that these missionaries were trying to tell them something--that the God they knew was out there and had a Son, and he was the way to jump the great "boa." Of course, one would need a foreknowledge of the gospel to understand the dual meaning of these words which were used to help the Indians understand the message. Perhaps we need to go beyond the gospel even, and realize that <i>this is a story for Christians</i>. A story about the ultimate sacrifice of these men who were willing to do crazy things to give horrible sinners the hope of forgivness and eternal life. It is a challenge to us to take our Christianity seriously and to be willing to give up personal comfort to save our brothers and sisters from eternity in hell. Really, that is the essential part of this film, even above the gospel. It is a challenge to spread the gospel. The story as a whole, as I said, is absolutely powerful. The main character, Mincayani, is well-portrayed. His is a story of hatred and fear, turned into love and forgiveness as he becomes a God-follower, following the "carvings" of God's Word. We also see Nate Saint and his son. Their relationship proves to be something that affects you when you witness the horrible slaying of Nate Saint and the other missionaries on Palm Beach. There is a wonderful set of scenes, starting with Steve Saint asking his aunt the words of "We are your sincere friends" in Waodani over the radio (she was friends with Dayuma, an Auca who escaped to the white men early in the movie.) He asks his dad to promise to speak those words if he gets in a jam on the beach. Sure enough, he does.As Nate Saint lies there, gasping for breath, a spear in his chest, and Mincayani standing over him, he speaks those words to him. If you have a heart at all at this point you'll need some kleenex.Another scene is at the end, when Steve Saint is given the chance to take revenge on Mincayani, yet he responds by telling Mincayani that "no one took my father's life, he gave it away."*The true story was the key ingredient in this film, mixed with enough humorous parts to keep the audience entertained, and plenty of moments that broke your heart. These moments made the audience sit silently as the filmed closed. Many were wiping away tears, and others were pondering what had just happened as they saw horrible sin being forgiven. Overall, the movie receives a B, as the gospel is not as strong as it could be, you really didn't get to know the other missionaries and the story behind the story, and while they picked a good actor in terms of his skills, the fact that he is a gay activist is disheartening, to put it mildly.I would encourage you to see it for yourself. I do not believe it would be a sin to go see it, and I would preach day and night against anything Chad Allen says if he decides to use the platform that has been given him. I want him to know True Joy and Peace, not joy and peace run by his feelings and understandings. Finally, I am asking myself the question of whether or not Steve Saint was wrong in what he has done. And I'm really not 100% sure. <a href="http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=48422">Some are saying he's terribly wrong, and others still are saying we don't know</a>. I would give him the benefit of the doubt, believing that he wanted to witness to this man. I really would like to get in personal contact with him to ask those vital questions that really need to be asked. *Not official quote...<a href="http://technorati.com/tag/steve saint" rel="tag">Steve Saint</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/The End Of the Spear" rel="tag">The End of the Spear</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Chad Allen" rel="tag">Chad Allen</a> http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/AgentTim/73368/ Wed, 25 Jan 2006 19:59:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/AgentTim/73368/ <center><img src="http://static.flickr.com/27/87994001_47d2d7d371.jpg?v=0" align=center"/></center><i>If you hate reading long posts, skip the first part, jump to the bold subtitle, and read that part. You can skip the article "clips" as well. Enjoy!</i><b>The real comments are working now. Thanks for your patience...now get commenting!</b>It was a normal school, with the same faces, the same groans, the same teachers,  and the same sleepiness that seems to hang onto everyone in the morning. But things weren't completely the same. Little did the students, the parents, and the teachers know that a 15-year-old kid had brought a pellet gun, with the orange warning peice painted black, to his school, and was <a href="http://cbs5.com/topstories/local_story_014153359.html">completely intent on dying that day</a>.<blockquote>Penley, of Winter Springs in suburban Orlando, was accused of pulling the pellet gun in a classroom Friday and pointing it at other students before forcing one into a closet, then leading deputies and SWAT team members on a chase that ended in a school bathroom.When he raised the gun at a deputy, a SWAT team member shot him.Officers who had responded to the 1,100-student school believed the gun was a Beretta 9mm, and didn't learn until after the shooting that it was a pellet gun.The hospital had repeatedly refused to release Penley's condition to reporters or even specify the nature or extent of his injuries. Police had said Friday that the boy was on "advanced life support."Sheriff Don Eslinger said the 15-year-old boy brought the gun to Milwee Middle School in his backpack. Eslinger said two students saw it and one persuaded the other to report it, causing a scuffle.The alleged gunman ordered one of the students into a closet, dimmed the lights and ran from the classroom. He then went around the campus carrying the weapon, Eslinger said. Deputies eventually isolated him in a restroom, and the school was evacuated.Eslinger said negotiators tried unsuccessfully to start a dialogue with the boy, identified as Christopher David Penley."He did not respond," Eslinger said. "He refused to even comment. All he said was his first name. He did not drop the firearm."When the boy raised the gun at a deputy, he shot the youth, the sheriff said."He was suicidal," Eslinger said. "During this standoff, and during the chase, the student said he was going to kill himself or die." At one point, the boy held the gun to his own neck.No one else was injured. The sheriff's office confirmed later that the weapon was a pellet gun fashioned to look like a 9mm handgun. The tip of the gun had been painted black, covering brightly colored markings that would have indicated it was nonlethal.</blockquote>It is indeed a sad story, and, as usual, is full of lessons for students and parents alike. We've looked at two teen killers in the past on this blog (one of which was accidentally deleted), and all of the stories have one central similarity--<i>relationships</i>.<a href="http://agenttimonline.com/?p=411">David Ludwig killed his girlfriend's parents</a>. <a href="http://rebelution.blogspot.com/2005/12/teens-in-news-patrick-armstrong.html">Patrick Armstrong killed his "friend,"</a> who was a girl. And now, this 15-year-old gets himself killed because he's depressed about a fight over a girl. That's really warning number one when it comes to teens--watch out for the boy/girl relationship that can easily end up on the front page of <a href="http://www.agenttimonline.com">Agent Tim Online</a>. You really don't want that to happen.Almost all of these stories are about some young man deciding killing is the answer to the problems he's facing, which usually involve girls. We can see many reasons for this, such as <a href="http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content2/video.games.html">television and video games</a>, which constantly speak of death, killing, and murder, causing the teen's mind and soul to become immune to the revolting feelings that should come when you hear of a person being murdered, or watch it in  action.This is real life we're talking about kids, not a video game or television. Everyone needs to wake up and quit living in a video game world. <b>The MySpace Part</b>Another interesting factor in Ludwig and Armstrong's cases is that they both involve the word "<a href="http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=myspace&btnG=Search+News">MySpace</a>." Yes, that's right, MySpace. That really awesome website where you can get a blog and meet lots of people. That place where you can send instant messages, and invite your buddies to read your site, and share thoughts about your daily life. And, of course, it's safe...right?You can read <a href="http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051227/PULSE02/512270333/1005">article</a> after <a href="http://www.blogherald.com/2005/02/24/fbi-warns-against-teen-blogs/">article</a> on kids who thought they were safe--from parents and freaks--who ended up getting busted,  expelled from school, killed, or fired. <blockquote>Jose Aguilar, a 14-year-old freshman at Munster High School, talks about how much he loves his guitar on his Xanga.com blog and about his spot on the MHS junior varsity wrestling team. The guitar part is OK, but sharing your school puts you at risk, Willard said.Jose said he wasn't worried because he didn't think random people would check out his blog."I kinda just think that the only people who are gonna be looking at it are like my friends," he said.Wrong.Sites like Xanga, MySpace, and Friendster are accessible to everyone, which means you need to be extra careful about how you post. Any personal tidbit is an invitation for trouble. Anything that someone can use to track you down does not belong on the Net, Willard said.Even if you don't post that kind of information, there's a chance people may still try to contact you. One in five teenagers is solicited online, according to the NCMEC.If someone ever says 'LMIRL' -- let's meet in real life -- remember one word: NO. Never, ever, under any circumstances meet somebody in person that you only know through the Internet. Those situations lead to nothing but trouble.Melissa Darang, a junior at Merrillville High School who has a MySpace site filled with cheerleading photos, said she would never meet someone in person."That isn't very smart to me," she said, adding "I have seen people around though like at the fair or at the mall, and I think to myself 'that person has a MySpace.' Kind of weird."How does she know that? Pictures. When you post your picture somewhere -- anywhere -- on the Internet, there's always going to be a risk that someone you don't want to see them will find them. If you really want to put pictures of yourself out there, make sure they are not inappropriate or the kind that could get you into trouble. Use good judgment.Also use your head when it comes to what you write on e-mail, instant messaging and Web site postings. It may seem like no big deal, but they are permanent records of conversations with people. If you can't be certain the person you think you are talking to is for real or if the person could possibly use what you say in a negative way, then don't converse with him or her. Even if you write something as a joke, beware. It could be used against you.There are times when those kinds of exchanges can be used to your advantage. If you are having trouble on the Net, printing out the conversation or saving it to your hard drive is the first step you should take. Using that as evidence when approaching your parents, or any other trusted adult, can be really important.When someone you know is giving you a hard time, it's often referred to as "cyberbullying." It can be just as hurtful as bullying face to face, and often even more so. Though you might feel the need to retaliate and try to cyberbully the person back, it's best if you go to your parents first. In the most severe cases, it's best to get the school involved."Schools have to be aware it's happening. They have to educate the kids that just because it's being done online, you're still doing something that's wrong," said Bill Bond, resident practitioner for safe and orderly schools at the National Association for Secondary School Principals.If somebody approaches you in an uncomfortable way -- uninvited instant messaging, unsolicited posts -- you also should go to your parents or another trusted adult. If you don't feel comfortable going to them, go to the Web site www.cybertipline.com. The site is run by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and has links to report every kind of crime. (<a href="http://www.thetimesonline.com/articles/2005/12/27/features/ink/7777c48d0179877a862570e0006a14cf.txt">Source</a>)</blockquote>Fairfax County, Virginia, is <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10882307/">waking up to the dangers of MySpace and Facebook as well</a>:<blockquote>Fairfax County will hold seminars on the subject for parents this week, and Arlington County, at the suggestion of a parent who is a computer safety consultant, plans a similar meeting next week.Meredyth Cole, assistant head of school at Madeira, said officials there were "shocked and amazed" to see how many students use Facebook, which began for college students in 2004 and was expanded late last year to include high school students.Besides the most obvious danger -- adult stalkers enticing teenagers into face-to-face meetings -- Cole warned that personal information posted online can also be read by college admissions officers and future employers."We are trying to figure out how do our school rules relate to this type of behavior," Cole said.Some colleges have expelled teenagers for violating codes of conduct after discovering photos of underage students posing in front of kegs or writing about drinking binges, and employers often look up job candidates on the sites, said Parry Aftab, an Internet lawyer and the executive director of Wiredsafety.org.</blockquote> What is scary for many of us is this: our friends all have a MySpace, which easy to find, easy to read, and sometimes easy to hack into if you know them well enough. I decided to go in and do a little investigation. My mom has done a lot more than I have, but here's what I've found.Almost everyone...no...everyone, puts a picture of themselves on their profile. Usually fine, yet it can pose a problem, especially when you consider the fact that most of the kids post not only their pictures, but also post their city, state, and country. Others post their telephone number, their school name, their full names and their friends full names, wonderful details about themselves, and other things that just shouldn't be there. For Christians, MySpace poses a huge problem for teens. It is not only a threat to your safety, but a trash dump with bad ads and bad people.  “There is ample research to suggest that disclosing secrets or talking about strong emotions improves physical and psychological health," says James C. Hamilton, associate professor of psychology at the University of Alabama. “Teenagers are typically very concerned about appearance and reputation, and these blogs and online discussions allow teenagers and children a sort of intimacy in conversation and communication with others that preserves their anonymity in ways that face to face conversations can’t."In other words, conversations on these blogs are candid, deep, and can show the "real you." These blogs lead you to complain about your parents, share, rant, show joy, and cuss. It's a community--a community of growing teens lacking in adult experience or maturity and freaks who are trying to stalk the kids. Teens equals disaster when they gather together in one place where no one is encouraged to be the best that they can be morally. Girl/Boy relationships many times start there, and when you think back to the beginning of this post, that is not usually a good thing.The Bible tells us that "Bad company corrupts good character." We are to "flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." These blogs can be a danger to the health of teens, as we've seen, providing a teen hang out, which always equals some type of trouble. When we ignore what the Bible says--He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm--we're going to end up with serious problems. There has to be a reason for schools blocking MySpace and reasons for parents becoming alarmed. <b>Comments are working now</b>...I'm using Haloscan at the moment, but they work. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/AgentTim/70906/ Fri, 20 Jan 2006 11:42:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/AgentTim/70906/ <center><img src="http://static.flickr.com/42/88689718_34ad1bbef7.jpg?v=0"/></center><i>Homeschoolblogger readers, I apologize for not giving you my personal best by posting here. So, you now get to return and read the copied posts from my main blog. Please enjoy!</i>First off, I'm sorry. Really, I am. I'm sorry that you had to be held from commenting. Yet that's not all. I'm really sorry that you weren't able to <a href="http://agenttimonline.com/?p=441">read this essential post because of an error on my part</a>. This calls for action, and that's what's going to happen. An all-out revival of <a href="http://www.wakeupthenea.blogspot.com">Wake Up the NEA</a> even if it means missing some days blogging here.But that's not all I wanted to tell you about. The greatest thing about this post is that I am giving you an opportunity to <b>win</b> an <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/agenttimonline.36820211">Agent Tim Online T-Shirt</a>. That's right, a genuine ATO Shirt. And, I'm going to throw in an Old Schoolhouse Magazine with an article partly by me for free. Here's how to win.1. <a href="http://agenttimonline.com/?p=446">Read this post</a>.2. You can comment if you want, but, for this time, I want you to do something different. Call 206-888-4STR or 206-888-4787 and leave a message like this...<blockquote>Hello Tim, this is [First Name]. I wanted to thank you for bringing to my attention to the problems of MySpace. My question for you is [insert question here.] Thanks!</blockquote>If you really disagree with me, or have a hard hitting question, or just liked the post, call in. Really, the questions are "why pick on myspace?" and "what's wrong with myspace" as well as "don't kids have the right to privacy on myspace?" 3. If you want to ensure that you are entered into the drawing for the shirt and magazine, you can email me. We will announce the winner a few days after the show on the <a href="http://www.squaretalkradio.com">Square Talk website</a>. So, make sure you call in, ask questions, comment, or want to make a point. And don't worry, we won't have your number, you don't have to recieve the T-Shirt, and you can email <a href="http://www.albertmohler.com">Dr. Albert Mohler</a> if you want to be assured that I am a real person. Call today! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/AgentTim/70903/ Fri, 20 Jan 2006 11:33:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/AgentTim/70903/ http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/AgentTim/36123/ Fri, 21 Oct 2005 06:33:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/AgentTim/36123/