Once again: “For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing and their eyes they have closed…” [Math.13:15a] This writer and talker is persuaded - nay, Convinced - not by flesh and blood, rather by “spirit” and words - that Joseph Stack was a patriot who wrote a declaration regarding “our” American Liberty! What do you think reader and listener?  

It was Thomas Jefferson, a former and lawful U.S. President, that once wrote: “The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time, with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.” Was Jefferson attempting to incite an act of “terrorism”; if so, when and where? Perhaps it was in Austin, Texas folks - in the year 2010? 

Now consider these words: "America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves", so stated another former and lawful U.S. President - Abraham Lincoln.  

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free”, so stated another lawful, former U.S. President - Ronald Reagan. 

Unfortunately, Ronald Reagan erred slightly, just as Thomas Jefferson did -as noted in another article by this writer. So have many other folks erred as well, especially the modern day, educated, intellectual “Christian”. Folks, “IT” is not freedom that is never more than one generation away from extinction, but/rather Liberty which is never more than one generation away from extinction! [Cf.2^nd Cor.3:17] That extinction transition started in earnest in 1963 - and now America is reaping what was sown back then - by a Court no less - a Biblical principle as found in the Bible Book of Galatians! [See Gal.6:7]  

“Friends”, we are now living in that “extinction” generation, for a combination of reasons - that time - that Biblical “reaping” season! The obvious question should be, not necessarily will be: “How long is a generation”? Some “experts” say 40 years, some say 70 years. Using a combination of practicality, reasoning, reality, and common sense, this non-expert, individual writer thinks, and thereby concludes, that a “generation” is approximately 70 years - for practical and realistic purposes!   

In recent years, many individuals (people) - including “Christians” - have become engrossed with a topic that has been labeled, tagged, known as, etc. “Bible Codes” or “Biblical codes”. Figuring out how long a “generation” is “correlates” to those biblical Codes, i.e. “numbers” that are found in, and throughout the Bible. Those “codes” are another issue and topic however. 

Here is yet another major place where such “erring” was, and still is occurring, as stated - told - by The initiator of Christianity: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” [John 5:39] That erring is directly related to these words as well: “For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing and their eyes they have closed…” [Math.13:15a]   

Exactly whose ears are dull of hearing; whose eyes are closed? If someone has “God” restrained in a “closed box” - regardless of their “religion” - there is only one basic answer: “Why non believers, of course!” That answer would also apply to anyone who is a non believer in “God”, commonly called - referred to nowadays - as an “atheist”. The atheist’s “religion” - by modern day America dictionary definition - is that of non-belief in “God”. 

However, many believers in “God” also have ears that are dull of hearing and whose eyes are closed, hence the title of this series of articles: “Close Only Counts in Horseshoes and Handgranades”. For the record, the correct American spelling of the very last word in the title of this particular article series is this: “hand grenade”.  

For this particular article series purpose, Handgranades = stones = words. [Cf. John 8:1-11]  

How can anyone proclaim liberty when they do not know the Biblical distinction between liberty and freedom - as well as the Biblical difference between a nation and a country? As Joseph Stack stated: “The simple truth is that it is complicated…” What is the “simple truth” that is complicated? Here is but one example: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other”, so stated the second U.S. President of the Nation, John Adams. 

Therefore, here is A (one) simple, Biblical, (foundational) “bottom line” Truth friends; “freedom” is external restraint, whereas “liberty” is internal restraint! The reason and purpose for the United States of America can be found in a natural premise and supernatural precept, as found in Leviticus 25:10, one of the “five books of law”. That premise [Lev.25:10 and 2^nd Cor.3:17] was - use to be in America - to “proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” But proclaiming and practicing “Liberty” are not  

Once that aforementioned basic, Biblical distinction (one in the same the same) is realized by all people - but especially by “Christians” - this will be the forthcoming result: “Lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted…” [Math.13:15b] These are the words that the vast majority of “Christians” metaphorically “trip over” however: “…and I should heal them.” Those words are another separate, yet related topic and issue folks. In other words: “The simple truth is that IT (i.e. that) is complicated”. 

To the self professing “Christian church” read these words from Joseph Stack: “I saw it written once that the definition of insanity is repeating the same process over and over and expecting the outcome to suddenly be different.” Those “words” apply to you - the members of the institutionalized, formalized, traditionalized, denominationalized, so called “evangelical” “church” body.

In other words stop practicing “Christianism” you “simple believers”, and start applying and practicing ALL of Christianity! Again, “The simple truth is that IT is complicated”.  A renowned scientist, Albert Einstein, once stated: “If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.” The more I thought about the statements by/from Stack and Einstein, the more profound both statements became to this individual.

With regards to Joseph Stack; the Bible is not an economic book, rather a book of economics. With regards to Albert Einstein; the Bible is not a science book, rather a book of science. Additionally, the Bible is not a political book rather a book of politics. Furthermore, the Bible is not a history book, rather a book of history. The simple truth about those four statements is that they are complicated, i.e. “double-edged”! 

However, how does someone take Albert Einstein’s statement of, “If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough”, and apply that to this writers statement of: “This writer and talker is persuaded - nay, Convinced, not by flesh and blood, rather by “spirit” and words - that Joseph Stack was a patriot who wrote a declaration regarding “our” American Liberty!”  

Perhaps Joseph Stack’s statement now applies again: “The simple truth is that it is complicated”? Perhaps this writer’s four previous statements, that include these words, “The Bible is not…” might also apply? Consider now the “Texas Incident of February 18, 2010” and Einstein’s statement of, “If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough”.  

Joseph Stack’s writings were simply explained by the vast majority of people as a “manifesto”. Whereas the vast majority of people accepted Joseph Stack’s writings as a “manifesto”, they too must have also understood his writings well enough to explain simply, and/or accept that Stack’s writings were a “manifesto”.   

However, Joseph Stack’s writings were simply explained by this individual as a “declaration”. Therefore, this individual - my name is Bill Clade - must have also understood his writings well enough to explain simply, and conclude, that Stack’s writings were a “declaration”. This and the preceding paragraph meet the simple criteria - according to Einstein - of: “If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough”.  

So folks, readers and listeners, how did, how will, you decide if “they” are correct, or if “this” individual -“The Bible Mechanic” - is correct? In other words, why did the vast majority of people simply accept Joseph Stack’s writings as a “manifesto”, while this peculiar person did not? Is it possible that “they” and “me” are both correct? Sure, such is possible - but not very probable; enter in “WORDOLOGY”!  

Joseph Stack’s actions were simply explained by “them” people as - what?  

Joseph Stack’s actions were simply explained by “this” person as - what? 

In other words, “they” (them) considered Mr. Stack’s “action” on February 18, 2010 as those of a madman, lunatic, terrorist, coward, etc. - and also as an act of domestic terrorism. “Technically”, only a terrorist commits -something, a method, an action, called, and referred to as - “terrorism”!  

This individual simply considered Mr. Stack’s “action” as that of a “patriot”. However, the vast majority of the American people will reject “my” simple - one word - “explanation”, but will accept “their” complex - multi word - “explanations”. Therefore this simple economic, scientific, political, and historical question - by “The Bible Mechanic” - from the scriptures: “How long, ye simple ones, (i.e. “Christians) will ye love simplicity?” [Prov.1:22] 

For example, regarding “love”: “This writer and talker “was” persuaded - nay, Convinced - not by flesh and blood, rather by “attitude” and words - that Joseph Stack was a patriot who wrote a declaration regarding “our” American Liberty!”

Folks, do you understand the difference between a “diagnostic technician”, a “mechanic” and a “parts changer”? Which one of those three “descriptive” type persons would you want to work on your “things”, especially one of your personal automobiles or perhaps someone’s “large-car”?  

Did you notice, and realize why, “a” change, the change of one word - by this writer - in the preceding paragraph folks? Perhaps you did notice - but how many others have? Perhaps you did realize - but how many others have noticed and realized as well?  What do you think now reader and listener? 

How many readers will be able to relate to - understand the phrase - the words, “large-car”? How many Americans can fix - repair their own things? Have you ever read or heard the phrase, the words of: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”? Is “our” Constitution broken people? 

Have you ever read or heard these words as well: “To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.” Those words were the assessment of Thomas Jefferson.                                                                                           

 Have you ever read or heard these words also: ^“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:63]? Are you aware of who spoke those words? Do you understand what those word mean? How about these words from the same individual: “God is a Spirit…”? [John 4:24]  

You “see” folks, “Close Only Counts in Horseshoes and Handgranades!” See - look at - read these words from Joseph Stack: “It has always been a myth that people have stopped dying for their freedom in this country, and it isn’t limited to the blacks, and poor immigrants.” What did you figure out - understand from those words too?  

Continuing, “I know there have been countless before me and there are sure to be as many after.” What did you figure out - understand - from those words? “But I also know that by not adding my body to the count, I insure nothing will change.” Once again, what did you figure out - understand - You - not what someone else figured out and understands from those words - what is YOUR understanding?  

Sometime in the mid 1880’s America had a visitor, who wrote the following:  

“In the end, the state of the Union comes down to the character of the people. I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, and it was not there. I sought for it in the fertile fields, and boundless prairies, and it was not there. I sought it in her rich mines, and vast world commerce, and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power.”

That visitor’s name - who came to America - was Alexis de Tocqueville! Over two thousand years ago the “Earth” had another “visitor” whose name was Jesus. Both of those visitors are historically documented! The latter visitor - the person - never wrote any books however!

What word is easier for people to relate to, the word spirit, attitude, or person? Additionally, what word is easier for people to understand, the word spirit, attitude, or person? The word most likely to be chosen - selected - picked - by anyone - from those three words as being the “hardest” to relate to and understand - is the word “spirit”!

Then too, what word applies to Mr. Joseph Stack, the word hero, martyr, terrorist, or patriot? The word most likely to be chosen - selected - picked - by anyone - from those four words as being the “easiest” to relate to and understand nowadays - is the word “terrorist”!

Sinclair Lewis, who in 1930 became the first American to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, once wrote: "When fascism comes to America it will be wrapped in the flag, and carrying a cross!”

Was it a coincidence or “Divine Providence” that many decades previous to Sinclair Lewis birth, Benjamin Franklin, one of this Nation’s “Founding fathers” wrote, “Whoever shall introduce into the public affairs the principles of primitive (essential) Christianity will change the face of the world."

This is what “The Bible Mechanic” is all about, introducing into the public affairs the principles of primitive (essential) Christianity. That “introducing” - into “public affairs” - starts with this phrase, these words: “It’s all about the words folks”.

However, - “the principles of essential (primitive) Christianity” - starts with this phrase, these words: “It’s about all the words folks”. For example, by combining those two aforementioned “bold type” phrases (words) and methods (systems) the following simple result is this: “God is a Spirit - not a person”. Here is another simple statement and claim as well, using those Word systems: “God is an attitude”.

Here is what the second U.S. President, John Adams, once stated: “The government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion." “Technically”, John Adams was “dead on the money”! Simply stated, Christianity is not a religion, rather a relationship! 

Abraham Lincoln once replied: “Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.” Perhaps Thomas Jefferson put it best when he stated:   “I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever.” [Cf.Rom.13:2]

Perhaps the words - the quote that you will hopefully read shortly - spoken and “recorded” decades before Jesus “visited” planet Earth - the bible’s “religious folk” regard that visit as “God with us” [Cf. Math. 1:23 and John 3:2] - might help you to understand why this writer and talker has repeatedly stated that: “You learn about God, but experience the Creator”.

“A nation can survive its fools, and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within. An enemy at the gates is less formidable, for he is known and carries his banner openly. But the traitor moves amongst those within the gate freely, his sly whispers rustling through all the alleys, heard in the very halls of government itself. For the traitor appears not a traitor; he speaks in accents familiar to his victims, and he wears their face and their arguments, he appeals to the baseness that lies deep in the hearts of all men. He rots the soul of a nation, he works secretly and unknown in the night to undermine the pillars of the city, he infects the body politic so that it can no longer resist. A murderer is less to fear. The traitor is the plague.”

Those words, the preceding quote, were the assessment of Marcus Tullius Cicero, an individual who died four decades before the birth of “Jesus”! Yet even today - especially now in “America” - that “prophetic” reality and practicality has become evident, perhaps even “self-evident”, to millions of America’s “Constitutional” lawful and legal citizens. 

It was Abraham Lincoln who once stated, perhaps once read the words of Mr. Cicero and reiterated prophetically that, "America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." However, once again it is not our freedoms that will be lost - it is our Liberty that will be lost!

Do you see - do you realize this folks: Even today - especially now in “America” - the “prophetic” aforementioned reality and practicality has become evident to millions of “Americans” - not just the “religious kooks”. If not, then you are not only deaf and blind - you are also dumb! So who, in “the good ole’ USA”, are the actual, real “nutcases” friends?

Consider these words from Albert Einstein as well: “Information is not knowledge.” Now consider thee words from the bible: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” [Prov.1:7]

And just in case you have a lack of understanding as to what biblical fear is, see - look at - these words: “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.” [Prov.8:13]

Do you and all the rest of America’s Lawful citizens, still think and believe that it’s not all about the words?  Do you - and all the rest of America’s Lawful citizens - still think and believe that it’s not about all the words? Okay folks, if it’s not about “words” then what’s it all about? YOU have to figure out the answer to that last question - for yourself!

Make no mistake about this folks - there is more than one answer to that last question if you think and believe it’s about something else. Make no mistake about this folks - there is more than one answer to that last question if you think and believe it’s about someone else. In other words, there are multiple answers to those two questions!

As Joseph Stack wrote: “Here we have a system that is, by far, too complicated for the brightest of the master scholars to understand. Yet, it mercilessly “holds accountable” its victims, claiming that they’re responsible for fully complying with laws not even the experts understand.” 

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”  {The Bible: Proverbs 14:12} 

“We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.”  {Former President: Abraham Lincoln}

 Once again: “For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing and their eyes they have closed…” [Math.13:15a]

TO BE CONTINUED