Edward VI: A Hero of the Reformation

Recently, I bought a book on king Edward VI of Britain by N. A. Woychuck, entitled "The British Josiah: Edward VI, the Most Godly King of England." While one reason I got it may be obvious ;-), the main reason is that I didn't know of anywhere else I could get a complete biography of this fabulous character of 450 years ago.

Edward VI has been more or less one of my heros since I learned of him. He became king in 1547 when he was nine years old, but unfortunately, died just before he turned sixteen (supposedly of tuberculosis; but perhaps by poisoning). He was one of the main movers involved in circulating the Bible to the common people. He is also known as one of the most just and compassionate kings in history!

His father, Henry VIII, had appointed a Privy Council to help Edward govern. Most of the book is in relation to this body, addressing the almost-continuous power struggles between its members. Dealing with the power struggles was perhaps Edward's greatest challenge.

Much of the book also describes Edward's education and family relations. He had two sisters, Mary and Elizabeth, both of whom would become queens. One was very bad, the other very good, respectively.

Edward loved to write, and what is even more worth the while than the main book is a short booklet written by Edward himself, included as an appendix. This article is absolutely outstanding! It is entitled Against the Primacy of the Pope, and was intended to be distributed through England. Apparently, the public was rather adverse to the idea of the Reformation, even though Edward was extremely popular as a personality. Thus, Edward realized the only way to bring them to fully reject the Catholic persausion was to produce a thought-out, understandable booklet with his name physically attached. He completed this work when he was twelve. However, it was not published until shortly before his death, after which the infamous Bloody Mary came to the monarchy and restored Catholicism.

Edward's booklet is full of common sense and truth. It sounds to me like Ron Paul with a regal twist. In it, he addresses such subjects as, "Is Rome the Mother of All Churches?," "Contrast Between Jesus and Pope," and "Can a Lawful Council be Called by a Pope Seeking Election?," which shows the logical fallacy of stating that the Pope is superior to other bishops by the decree of a Council. Here is a passage from it:

"But to the matter in hand. I will ask, whether a lawful council can be called but by the pope? To which, I am sure, the papists will answer negatively. Then I ask, if the pope can call a Council before his election? To which I know they will reply, he cannot. If then no council is lawful without a pope, and that none who is laboring to be elected pope can assemble a council, then the council which confirms the pope as superior over the church, is not lawful, because it was not convocated by a pope, there being none elected."

Edward's escatological position is predictably Historicist. For example, he states near the end of the work he believes that the two eyes of the "little horn" of Daniel represent "the pope and Mahomet." His interpretation is unique in that he recognized that the Papal and Islamic systems, even though they often disagree, are of the same essential substance and origination.

Edward's greatest acheivements in England were to create schools and hospitals for the poor, to end officially-sanctioned idol worship, Mass, and other Catholic rituals, to reform the monetary system and end silver debasement (inflation), and to work to end the practice of executing religious "heretics," whether Protestant or Catholic. This last effort was almost unheard of in Europe at the time. Edward was a true champion of Biblical supremacy.

I am definitely grateful that God has raised up such people as king Edward VI in history to inspire us. Let us pray that we will be more like them, and continue to fulfill their vision and legacy! Let us also, like Edward, remember to consistently cry to God: "O Lord, save Thy people!"


-R. Josiah Magnuson

YCLA Constitution DONE

Hi everyone! I am happy to inform you that we have completed the very final (amended) YCLA Constitution. Hooray! We're even about done with the brochure.

Please note our following websites:

http://www.YoungChristianLeaders.org; Our main site.

http://www.yclajournal.blogspot.com/; The official journal of proceedings.

And be sure to look up this site, which has our full Constitution as amended: http://www.yclaconstitution.blogspot.com/

Thanks a lot! From Josiah

Official Report

The signing of our Constitution went superbly.

The meeting began at about 12:35 on this past Saturday, September 8, 2007. The President, Mr. R. Josiah Magnuson, and Vice-President, Mr. David Michael Aguilar, arrived to shouts, cheers, and a majestic violin/electric organ version of "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God."

After a prayer of thanks and a short welcome, the group began by singing "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus." Mr. Magnuson then gave out a series of useful door prizes.

Mr. Aguilar read Proverbs 3:1-10, regarding proper trust in God and His commands.

After the Scripture reading, Mr. Magnuson and Mr. Aguilar unveiled the new YCLA Shield of Arms on a two-foot by four-foot white wood background, which had been covered in a blue plastic cloth. The Shield consists of a white cross on a blue field with a white five-pointed star in the top-left corner, two olive branches with four olives each, and a yellow crown of Christ at the top with a large diamond in the center.

After another song, Miss Rahab Hackett read Isaiah 58:6-14. This scripture passage speaks of God's appreciation for works of good in society, keeping His Law, delighting in Him, and so forth. These are all-important to being a "repairer of the breach, a restorer of paths to dwell in."

The Constitution was signed by each member, with the President signing following the challenging theme song, "He Who Would Valiant Be."

In the President's address he stressed three objectives as key to the YCLA's mission: 1. Demolishing Deceit, 2. Attacking Apathy, and 3. Dispelling Disunity. The point was made in each case that the best way to lead is by example. The YCLA will, more than anything, act as a beacon of truth, liberty, and order for others. The reason this day is important is because it marks the beginning of a new standard of Biblical worldview implementation.

After picture-taking and cleanup, the group went downstairs for pizza and refreshments. For pictures of the event, please click here.

Our new web journal is located here. Thanks!

Shield of Arms

I created a Shield of Arms for the YCLA. This is just the outline. The real version is more artistic, of course.

From Jos

Official Completion

The YCLA Constitution was officially completed last night, September 5th. I can hardly believe this is actually working... Wow

Here is an e-mail sent out by Rahab (who is now our Secretary btw):

Dear YCLA friends,

Congratulations on the completion of the YCLA constution!

Last night we read and discussed David's final printed version
with Pastor -------, who really appreciated our efforts.

The only changes made since the last final edition was sent
were the words "We the YCLA" to "We the founders of the
YCLA" in the doctrinal statement, so not to impose doctrines
on anyone. Also, we decided to delete the part about the
"Lord's supper." Because of the many seemingly rational
interpretations for that term, we considered it wise not to be
dogmatic about it.

Additionally, Josiah told me that he composed a one-page summary of the
constitution. Great!

Let us all be sure to voice our ideas - not doing so leads to mis-
understanding and unnecessary contention.

Thanks, everyone, for your diligent work, encouragement, and
ideas. May God bless this YCLA as we strive to preach the Gospel,
share the Biblical worldview, and discuss as a group more effective
ways to do these things!

"And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth
boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I
ought to speak." -Ephesians 6:19-20


Your friend in Christ,
Rahab

Signing Date

Our signing for the YCLA Constitution is set for September 8th.

Hurray! From Jos

YCLA Constitution, Sections 1-5

Summarized and Compiled

Purpose: Serving pro-freedom movements by encouraging the Biblical worldview and proclaiming the Good News

Goals: 1. Hold frequent meetings and projects. 2. Learn leadership and Christ-likeness. 3. Distribute relevant resources. 4. Be guided by God. 5. Build a nerve-center for an alliance of pro-freedom groups.

Vision: 1. A network of young people which can mobilize and act together for righteous causes. 2. A network of pro-freedom groups for the same.

Doctrines: 1. God’s Words are pure; KJV is the most accurate version. 2. The Members of the Trinity are distinct but act totally harmoniously. 3. Creation was by direct act of God. 4. Man is equal in humanity, responsibility, and rights. 5. Authorities are to be respected; must be obeyed when commands do not violate Scripture. 6. Individuals are naturally free to make decisions over their own consciences. 7. Death and suffering came by sin. 8. Man must have faith in Christ and His atonement to be saved from sin. 9. Baptism is correct and is by immersion. 10. Heaven and Hell are literal. 11. Christ will bodily return to Earth.

Philosophy: God the Creator has established unchangeable Laws for the universe. The Law for man is found in the Bible. Disobedience of God’s Law is sin. Because the first man, Adam, sinned, everyone has inherited the same disposition. The only way to be freed, and escape sin’s punishment (death), is to trust in Christ who died in place of us. Christ also rose again, went to Heaven, and will one day return to decimate His enemies. Until then, believers should continue to grow in their faith, and endeavor to maintain health and fitness so they can best serve God and proclaim His Truth. They should also strive to be humble, merciful, just, and loving towards those around them. Finally, they should work against the evil schemes of Satan, especially those perpetrated by apostate “churches” such as that of Catholicism, and ideas of secular Evolutionary society such as that of socialism.

YCLA Constitution, Section 6

Summarized and Compiled

Legislative Power– Board of five members, elected for one year; Council of indefinite number of adults, appointed for life

Board: 1. Finances and fundraising. 2. Awards. 3. Delegation of tasks. 4. Requests for outside contributors. 5. Events. 6. Insignia. 7. Division into teams. 8. New chapters. 9. Maintenance of a Centre. 10. Introduction of Amendments. 11. Certification of new members. 12. Determination of election times. 13. Approval of Participation Director.

Council: 1. Veto power over Amendments. 2. Advice

Executive Power– President and Vice-President, elected for two years; Chairman of the Board, appointed for one year

President: 1. Approval of non-unanimous Board decisions. 2. Enforcement of Constitution and Board decisions. 3. Vote on Board in case of tie. 4. Scheduling and convening meetings. 5. Coordinating transportation for members. 6. Veto power over new members. 7. Approval of Amendments. 8. Approval of Board members. 9. Removing suspension of members. 10. Matters of immediate concern. 11. Appointment of Council. 12. Appointment of Participation Director. 13. Approval of Chairman.

Vice-President: 1. Succession after President. 2. Powers of President when President is absent. 3. Approval of Board members. 4. Appointment of Chairman. 5. Approval of Council.

Chairman of the Board: 1. Powers of Chairman under parliamentary procedure. 2. Full membership on Board. 3. Appointment of Board members in rare cases.

Judicial Power – Constitutional Court appointed for life

1. Interpretation of Constitution. 2. Review of Board decisions’ legality.

YCLA Constitution, Section 7

7.0 - The Pledge and Creed, which the members of the YCLA shall from time to time quote and review for remembrance, shall be as follows:

7.1 - As a member of the YCLA, I shall ultimately strive to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to promote the Biblical worldview, to restore liberty by the keeping of the just laws of God, to actively support those groups which have the aforementioned goals, and to lead not only fellow members of the YCLA, but also others I influence, to pursue the same objects.

7.2 - The philosophy I espouse shall be based on the absolute truths that the Bible is the verbally inspired, infallible Words of God; that God created man and all things ex nihilo according to the Scriptures; that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, became incarnate and was born of a virgin for the purpose of atoning for fallen man’s sins with His blood on the cross; that He rose bodily the third day; and that He has power to save men from sin, that thereby all who believe on Him should have eternal life.

YCLA Constitution almost ready!

I sent out a Lord-willing very completely improved copy of the YCLA Constitution draft today. This is the e-mail I sent with it.

Here's a well-polished new version of the Final Edition. In fact, this will be the completed version if there are no objections to it. Thus, I encourage each of you to print it out and sit down and simply read through it. I have chipped away very thoroughly at what I hope were rough edges... :-D

You will wish to pay special attention to Sections 3.5, 3.6 B to E, 6.4B, 6.8, 6.10, and 7.0. Section 6.8 is probably the most important addition so far to the original writing, as it provides for the power to convene meetings. Hmmm :-P That's the kind of stuff we need to catch now.

Regarding web addresses, the best I could find were:

YCLAonline.com and .org
YCLA.us
TheYCLA.org
YoungChristianLeaders.com and .org
YCLAlliance.com and .org

Unfortunately, YCLA.org and a whole bunch of others (e.g. YoungChristians.com) are not availible.

Please tell me which of these you like best, or if you prefer to just stay with our current www.LibertyInLaw.com which name is the motto on our logo (Liberty In Law).

We also need to figure when to have our next meeting. I believe we should be ready to sign our Constitution by the first week of September - or maybe we should do it Sept. 16 for Constitution Day? In either case, we need to have at least one meeting before that time. As you may realize, we must adopt the Constitution and sign it in two separate events, in order for David to get the adopted copy printed out for its final form. Thus, we should come together the middle of next week if we can work that.

Thanks!


Your friend in Christ,

R. Josiah Magnuson

Update on YCLA

Wow! We're almost done with the Constitution. It has taken more than a month so far!

I sent a list of suggestions off yesterday, and some more today. If we adopt them, the Purpose statement for one will be like the following:

The Young Christian Leaders’ Alliance serves pro-freedom movements by encouraging the Biblical worldview and proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ. The Young Christian Leaders' Alliance - hereinafter "the YCLA" - energizes, educates, mobilizes and equips the members for the same purpose. In addition, the YCLA endeavors to give support, leadership and aid to all persons, but especially those of our age group, who may be disillusioned or needy. All these efforts are a part of our supreme principle. This principle is to stand for God's Words as absolute Truth, which will truly free one who acts upon them.

Our meeting Friday went quite well. The main thing we did was have me talk about what's next. The basic plan right now is:

First month (Sept.-Oct.) - Website, basic propagation stuff

Second month (Oct.-Nov.) - Membership handbook, database, cards

Third month (Nov.-Dec.) - First publication

One year - 100 members or participants


Thanks! From Josiah

New Logo

Yes! We can finally see pictures here again! Praise God!

From Josiah

Section 3: Vision

3.1 We the Founders of the YCLA wish for a network of young people, as large as possible, but organized according to location and ability. This network or its chapters will be able to meet, talk, and think together, and then mobilize for short-term productions and plans.

3.2 The YCLA should continue to exist and self-propagate after we have left the organization, growing in size and influence. This Constitution, as appropriately amended, shall be the supreme Law for the YCLA always.

3.3 We desire that the Council be used ultimately as a tool to bring together leaders in other organizations, as described in Section 2.5.

3.4 In the process of development, the officers and members of the YCLA shall follow the direction of God for all decisions. They shall endeavor to maintain a rational and sober mind at the meetings. Finally, they shall regard the end of all their ideas before any be put into practice.

It's taking some time (again)

I have been waiting now since Friday to be sent David's newest updates to the YCLA Constitution draft. Hopefully I will at least be able to review them by the time we meet next, which will probably be near the the end of this week.

Part of being a leader is being patient... :-) From Jos

Everything Update

I've not been able to be online much recently so of course could not post anything. I will thus give you a brief update of how stuff has been going.

1. YCLA: The Constitution is almost finished! We had a meeting last night at which we resolved a bunch of final issues and so forth. We also have a great new logo as well; I just wish it would show up here! It's got Roy Moore's Ten Commandments monument and lettering in blue and yellow. If you want, e-mail me and I'll send it to you. Rjmpilgrim@aol.com

2. AiG contest: I won fifth out of over 600! I received a Toshiba laptop and a bunch of other great stuff for my "Survival of the Functional" paper. To read my paper, please go here.

3. Paul Lamicela finally contacted me! I would very much appreciate his input on the YCLA and my other projects. Hopefully he will continue to stay in touch.

4. LibertyInLaw.com: It's working as I informed you, but it still has all the same stuff as the old SC Liberty Alliance site had before I changed it over. I may Lord-willing be able to adjust it yet this afternoon.

5. Presidential race: Our hero Dr. Paul came here to Greenville a couple weeks ago and he signed my Constitution copy! His campaign seems to be doing better than ever. He finally released a statement of faith, so I suppose the Christian community will warm to him better now.

http://www.covenantnews.com/ronpaul070721.htm "I have never been one who is comfortable talking about my faith in the political arena. In fact, the pandering that typically occurs in the election season I find to be distasteful. But for those who have asked, I freely confess that Jesus Christ is my personal Savior, and that I seek His guidance in all that I do. I know, as you do, that our freedoms come not from man, but from God. My record of public service reflects my reverence for the Natural Rights with which we have been endowed by a loving Creator."
Ron Paul http://www.ronpaul2008.com/

Thanks! From Jos

A Community Emerges

We had a very good meeting for the YCLA at Furman yesterday. The first four Sections of the Constitution (Purpose, Goals, Doctrines, and Philosophy) are more or less completed. Section 5 (Governance), as well as the Creed, Theme Song, and finished logo are on the way. The membership requirements are still coming too, even though we already had the first election! Funny how these things work...

I really appreciate the joyful, informal air at the YCLA meeting. We are actually creating an organism of believers who can in a real sense be church together - a community of people who can learn, exemplify, and teach the Biblical worldview of life.

The YCLA is not just about us being "Young." It is about being "Christian" and "Leaders." And it is about being "Allied" in work and play and school and home. It is about Living; not just right now, but tommorrow and always - on a higher, freer ground.

My new title is that of President... woh woh. I will strive to make the real job that of Presiding Servant.


Yours in Christ,
R. Josiah Magnuson

YCLA Constitution

The Sections of the YCLA Constitution which can be completed are past the first draft stage. For the governance/direction part, however, we are going to need to do a little more thinking and praying. We also will of course have to consult with Moses.

I think we should have an Organizing Meeting this week sometime. Maybe we could have it if our families pick blueberries on Wednesday.

Here is my current version of the Purpose and Goals:

"Section 1. Purpose

The Young Christian Leaders' Alliance - hereinafter "the YCLA" - shall exist to energize, mobilize, and equip the members and other pro-freedom groups and causes, for the proclamation of the Biblicist worldview and the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Section 2. Goals

The goals of the YCLA shall be as follows:

1. To organize frequent meetings, projects, and creative events for the members, providing accountability and momentum.

2. To exhibit leadership and a Christ-like attitude and character, advancing morale and courage among our families and other spheres of influence.

3. To produce and distribute materials relevant to the principles of the YCLA, for the information and activation of young people outside our group.

4. To be guided as individuals by the direction of God, through prayer, fasting, and reading of His Word.

5. To ultimately create a nerve-center or base to bring together pro-freedom organizations under the common banner of Liberty In Law and the Biblicist worldview."

Thanks!


-R. Josiah Magnuson

From Ron Paul

"A local TV station just called, wanting to follow up on the Sunday ABC interview. Their stated reason: "Your campaign is really picking up steam!"

Quite right, thanks to you and so many others. Of course, some in the media want to see this campaign lose steam. But they’re not going to get their way.

I know that every day: for example, whenever I attend one of our big, enthusiastic meetup groups.

As I look around, I always think: how lucky I am to be part of such a movement. And how many young people care deeply about our ideas.

A friend of mine used to wonder what would become of our movement when all the older members of it passed on. Now, he says, there is no doubt that we are sowing the seeds of an even more vibrant and principled freedom movement. The future can be bright indeed.

At a rally in Nevada the other day, I asked a husband and wife how they had gotten interested in this campaign. "Though our 13-year-old son," they told me.

Remember the complaints that kids were addicted to TV and video games, and ignored the world around them? There are plenty who don't fit that bill. And the tool in their hands and ours is the internet. With it, we can circumvent the biased media.

Later this week I go to Google—perhaps the nerve center of the internet—at the company's invitation, to talk to all their employees. Brilliant young techies are part of our constituency, and I am looking forward to that visit. There are two rallies too.

Won't you help keep our internet campaign going and growing? Please aid me in traveling to our rallies, and in getting the word out in every way possible. Make your most generous donation https://www.ronpaul2008.com/donate/.

This campaign is picking up steam. But the engine needs fuel. Please join me https://www.ronpaul2008.com/join/ in this great endeavor for America's future.

Sincerely,

Ron"

LIL/Young Leaders Update

At the park today David Aguilar and I discussed the new YCLA, what its goals should be, and how it should be run. Some of his ideas were identical to mine on the concept of a Liberty In Law Coalition!

What is yet to be resolved is what to do once the original members of the YCLA get older. David believes the YCLA would over time become a LIL Coalition in and of itself, while I had thought of it more as a catalyst for such, which would continue on and be self-perpetuating. One way, the group morphs from an organism of young people to an alliance of organizations; the other, we the founders fade from the picture once we become adults. Hmmm...

In any case, I have been working on several logo drafts today. The Blogger program hasn't been working quite right the last few days so I can't show you them, but I will describe them generally.

The most popular one so far is a blue 3-D oval with the initials in yellow on it. "Young Christian" in a sky blue is above on the oval, and "Leaders' Alliance" is in the same below. Behind the letters, and slightly faded against the oval, is an American flag (black-and-white). The staff of the flag extends downwards where the motto "Liberty In Law" is visible under the blue oval, in black.

The first logo I made consists of a rectangular background of stone with the YCLA intials in black. On the "L" there is a little stylized flag. Above and to the left of the initials is the motto (could be either LIL, "In God We Trust" or something else). Below the "YCLA" is a narrow red bar, and below that is the words "Young Christian Leaders' Alliance."

The final design is the most dramatic, with sun-rays or light-beams exploding from a central red rectangle with the intials in yellow. The background is a deep blue. "Young Christian" is at the top in white, and "Leaders' Alliance" is at the bottom in the same color. The sun-rays in this logo also appropriately resemble the points of a compass.

Since we are going blueberry-picking with the Hacketts and Aguilars tomorrow, we will Lord-willing be able to finalize our ideas and pick out one of these logos.

Which also means I must be getting to bed... :-)

Thanks!


-R. Josiah Magnuson

YCLA begins now!

Having received no reply from Cory on the matter of the South Carolina Liberty Alliance, it is my understanding that we should concentrate for now on something else.

It is thus a great pleasure to announce the formation of the Young Christian Leaders' Alliance, or YCLA. This group will "seek to provide enthusiasm and courage to the effort of worldviews revolution! We further wish to encourage organizations to support one another and cooperate under the common banner of Liberty In Law."

But really, the sky's the limit when it comes to something like this. Life is about teamwork, and leadership, (and a bunch of other related things,) and if we are going to do anything there must be a network of leaders who trust God in everything. Most of all, the YCLA will provide morale, energy, and accountability for all involved.

If you have questions or comments on possible rules, goals, or membership opportunities, please e-mail me at rjmpilgrim@aol.com or type it below.

Thanks! Praise God! Etc! ;)


-R. Josiah Magnuson