Letter to the National Reform Association
By P. Andrew Sandlin
Published May 2008
October 31, 1994
Dear Board Members:
The temporary tailspin occasioned by Jerry Bowyer’s resignation as executive director last winter is over. Jerry did yeomanly service for the NRA, as did Tony Cowley in the office of president during the late period of transition. At Tony’s kind suggestion, I was elected president at the October 28 Association meeting. First, a biographical summary: I have pastored Church of the WORD (independent Reformed congregation [confessionally WCF]) for the last ten years; am American editor of Christianity and Society; co-founder and moderator of the Reconstructionist Society of Ohio; hold academic specializations in English, history, and political science, with Ph. D. studies in English. I have been happily married 11 years and have five children. I am committed to advancing the cause of Christ and his kingdom by advancing the cause of the NRA.
Now, in fact, is the time for a revival of the aims and influence of the NRA. It is needed today more than ever. We fought slavery and the liquor traffic in the past. The enemies today are incomparably more formidable. Our NRA forebears perceived clearly the destructive effects of the secularization of society and politics. We have lived to see the culmination of those effects. That is the bad news. The good news is that this secularization has shown itself a miserable failure: it has eroded the very fabric of humanity. There is one solution to this problem. It is the same solution proposed by the NRA founders in 1863 and 1864-the recognition and implementation of the authority of Christ and the moral law of God in the nation without compromise.
My immediate vision of the NRA begins with the Statesman. We will use it not only to generate interest in and funds for the NRA, but also to locate like-minded individuals throughout the country, those who share the convictions and goals of the Association. And, believe me, there are many such people, and their number is growing. Weary of pop evangelicalism and its impotence in the face of the tide of secularism, they are craving a more profound understanding of the Faith and its possible application to all areas of life-including society and politics. This is where the NRA comes in. We must employ the adage: “If you have no world view, we will be happy to provide you with one.” As the NRA attracts more supporters, we expect a snowball effect; this may take time, but we have the time to take. Christ is Lord over the nations. He will not desist till all his enemies are made his footstool.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the publishing schedule of the Christian Statesman has been in arrears for some time. We intend to remedy that situation by the new year, or at the latest by next spring. Upcoming issues include “Voting,” “Is Christian Coalition Christian?”, “Romanism,” and “Slavery.” Our new editor, Steve Campbell, a bright, experienced, and energetic individual, is formulating an editorial calendar for next year. Our goal is to generate the revenue to begin monthly publication. Believe me, there will be no lack of material-the problem heretofore has been lack of funds.
We are delighted to welcome sorts physician and former PA gubernatorial candidate Jack Perry as our new vice president. Too, we are reviving the Publications Committee (new attractive brochures soon) as well as the Speakers Bureau. Moreover, we are working on expanding our local chapters.
As board members, I urge you to continue doing your part to support the NRA. Ask others to send monthly contributions to the NRA. Advertise the Statesman widely.
Tentative date for our spring board meeting is April 29 in State College, PA. Soon we will be distributing copies of the charter with recommendations from the Revision committee for rendering certain procedural-not ideological- changes in the by-laws that would allow smoother operation. We will vote on these changes at next fall’s Association meeting.
The NRA is unique. For 130 years it has stressed the Lordship of Christ over the nations. It has a noble history. By God’s grace, it will have an even more noble future.
Yours for Christ’s Imperial Reign,
Andrew Sandlin
President-elect
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The Real Jesus: A Defense of the Historicity and Divinity of Christ (DVD)
Who is the Real Jesus?
Ever since the dawn of modern rationalism, skeptics have sought to use textual criticism, archeology and historical reconstructions to uncover the “historical Jesus” — a wise teacher who said many wonderful things, but fulfilled no prophecies, performed no miracles and certainly did not rise from the dead in triumph over sin.
Over the past 100 years, however, startling discoveries in biblical archeology and scholarship have all but vanquished the faulty assumptions of these doubting modernists. Regrettably, these discoveries have often been ignored by the skeptics as well as by the popular media. As a result, the liberal view still holds sway in universities and impacts the culture and even much of the church.
The Real Jesus explodes the myths of these critics and the movies, books and television programs that have popularized their views. Presented in ten parts — perfect for individual, family and classroom study — viewers will be challenged to go deeper in their knowledge of Christ in order to be able to defend their faith and present the truth to a skeptical modern world – that the Jesus of the Gospels is the Jesus of history — “the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). He is the real Jesus.
Speakers include: George Grant, Ted Baehr, Stephen Mansfield, Raymond Ortlund, Phil Kayser, David Lutzweiler, Jay Grimstead, J.P. Holding, and Eric Holmberg.
Ten parts, over two hours of instruction!
Running Time: 130 minutes
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God's Law and Society (DVD)
Download the Free on-line Study Guide!
God’s Law and Society powerfully presents a comprehensive worldview based upon the ethical system found in the Law of God.
Speakers include: R.J. Rushdoony, George Grant, Howard Phillips, R.C. Sproul Jr., Ken Gentry, Gary DeMar, Jay Grimstead, Steven Schlissel, Andrew Sandlin, Eric Holmberg, and more!
Sixteen Christian leaders and scholars answer some of the most common questions and misconceptions related to this volatile issue:
1. Are we under Law or under Grace?
2. Does the Old Testament Law apply today?
3. Can we legislate morality?
4. What are the biblical foundations of government?
5. Was America founded as a Christian nation?
6. What about the separation of Church and State?
7. Is neutrality a myth?
8. What about non-Christians and the Law of God?
9. Would there be “freedom” in a Christian republic?
10. What would a “Christian America” look like?
Perfect for group instruction as well as personal Bible study.
Ten parts, over four hours of instruction!
Running Time: 240 minutes
Watch over 60 on-line video interviews from God’s Law and Society.
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Dr. Francis Schaeffer - A Christian Manifesto (DVD)
That Swiss Hermit Strikes Again!
Dr. Schaeffer, who was one of the most influential Christian thinkers in the twentieth century, shows that secular humanism has displaced the Judeo-Christian consensus that once defined our nation’s moral boundaries. Law, education, and medicine have all been reshaped for the worse as a consequence. America’s dominant worldview changed, Schaeffer charges, when Christians weren’t looking.
Schaeffer lists two reasons for evangelical indifference: a false concept of spirituality and fear. He calls on believers to stand against the tyranny and moral chaos that come when humanism reigns-and warns that believers may, at some point, be forced to make the hard choice between obeying God or Caesar. A Christian Manifesto is a thought-provoking and bracing Christian analysis of American culture and the obligation Christians have to engage the culture with the claims of Christ.
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Massacre of Innocence (DVD)
Exposing The Occult Roots of Abortion
This presentation looks at the spiritual roots of abortion and exposes the myths surrounding child killing. Little known historical facts about abortion and how they relate to modern feminism are presented logically and accurately. Has been effective in converting many to a pro-life position.
Massacre of Innocence goes where no pro-life presentation has gone before in “tearing the lid off abortion” to reveal the spiritual realities we must battle if we will bring an end to this crime. The presentation is absorbing, fast-paced, informative and incredibly devastating to any attempt to justify abortion.
“… an extraordinary statement … a powerfully articulate presentation about what abortion really means, and why a great and moral nation like the United States must not allow the slaughter to continue.”
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Running time: 85 minutes
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The Beast of Revelation: Identified (DVD)
Who is the dreaded beast of Revelation?
Now at last, a plausible candidate for this personification of evil incarnate has been identified (or re-identified). Ken Gentry’s insightful analysis of scripture and history is likely to revolutionize your understanding of the book of Revelation — and even more importantly — amplify and energize your entire Christian worldview!
Historical footage and other graphics are used to illustrate the lecture Dr. Gentry presented at the 1999 Ligonier Conference in Orlando, Florida. It is followed by a one-hour question and answer session addressing the key concerns and objections typically raised in response to his position. This presentation also features an introduction that touches on not only the confusion and controversy surrounding this issue — but just why it may well be one of the most significant issues facing the Church today.
Ideal for group meetings, personal Bible study — for anyone who wants to understand the historical context of John’s famous letter “… to the seven churches which are in Asia.” (Revelation 1:4)
Running Time: 145 minutes
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