BEAMVISION 2009 A YCLA HANDBOOK OF PRINCIPLE Common Law Copyright ©2009 YCLA All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction and distribution of this book in whole or part, with written notification of use to the YCLA, and full acknowledgement for the source of the information, including a mention of our website address, www.YoungChristianLeaders.org. For questions or comments, please contact us at (864) 420-7933, or email ycla@youngchristianleaders.org. FROM THE AUTHOR Hi! Having helped start the YCLA in July 2007, I’m excited to see how far God has brought our group. I’m also excited to be able to offer this handbook to you, our wonderful fellow-partners! Much of the groundwork for our vision has begun to fall into place, but more is still to be done. You can help. From parents and teachers to pastors and statesmen, all Americans have an interest in reclaiming their country, and all Christians have an interest in winning souls to Christ around the globe! As Lester Roloff once asked, “Who is going to run your churches tomorrow if we don’t rescue the young people today?” A common activist phrase states: “If you don’t do it, no one will.” Couch potatoes win nothing but soda cans. On the other hand, when you continue in the work of Christ, wherever He calls you, the great privilege will be yours of seeing lives changed and people freed from sin and alerted to Truth. Let us pray that you are even able to witness a reformation of the culture, with our full physical liberties and moral and spiritual foundation restored! Please pray for the YCLA, and continue to support us in our work of encouraging principle and inspiring Christ-like action! Your friend in Christ, - R. Josiah Magnuson, YCLA President www.youngchristianleaders.org/beams.aspx INTRODUCTION The Young Christian Leaders' Alliance is a society of young people, with contacts currently extending to over 17 states and several foreign countries, existing to motivate members and those around us to take action for Biblical and constitutional principles. Our group was established by young people from three original families with a common belief in freedom under God, and a common desire to influence and bring reform in the American culture! We know it is possible to truly accomplish victories in this effort. However, our philosophy is that we will only reclaim nations through the claiming of individuals. Thus, our work must be both to win over individual people to the Biblical worldview, and to provide leadership and direction for these individuals. It is apparent that those who are willing to get involved in such goals as bringing America back to the authority of God’s Law are often few and far between. Even many declared Bible-believers have adopted a thought pattern which encourages them to be “concerned” only with such issues as “preserving the environment,” “stopping Global Warming,” and promoting socialist-leaning concepts. While these may be worthy goals in the eyes of those who pursue them, they appear to do little to further true morality, justice, or liberty, each of which we see as slipping in America today. We believe this situation has been brought about primarily by the eroding of the understanding of God as Creator. People have been taught to measure truthfulness by popularity. The Evolutionary ideology has taken its toll, advancing relative morality and a feeling of purposelessness in our culture. However, increasing numbers of young people are realizing the error of this thought pattern, and need answers and ideas! The YCLA vision is, first, to bring together and mobilize likeminded Christian young people. A need increasingly exists for homeschoolers, for instance, to work with each other and be useful. Moreover, it is our belief that a group which met that need would release a vast previously-untapped force for unity in the reformation movement. Imagine the things we could do! Our vision is, second, to reach out to others around us to win them to the Biblical worldview. We want to be “lights” not only in our homes and churches, but also in other likeminded groups, and especially in the public schools. Through the renewing of trust in God and His Word, we will strive to renew a belief in the idea of “Liberty In Law” (our slogan).* In all of these endeavors, we will proclaim Christ’s message of salvation from sin: the wonderful “Good News” which can truly set free the mind, conscience, and life of every individual! Thanks very much for your interest in this book. Please use it with a view for serving the Creator by becoming, and helping train others to be, courageous servants for Truth! *The belief that civil freedom is brought about through a society’s respect for, and obedience of, God’s standards. THE YCLA PLAN OF ACTION It is our intention to… *Learn* 1. Learn the Bible and the biblical principles that should guide our lives as believers. 2. Gain wisdom together from our parents and elders, from experiences which God allows us to have, and from edifying authors and teachers. *Grow* 1. Grow personally through our relationship with Jesus Christ. 2. Grow our network with God’s direction as we serve others. *Act* 1. Claim individuals for Christ, spreading the Good News and promoting righteousness. 2. Identify and contact other committed Young Christian Leaders to unify them in support of a new reformation. 3. Influence people around us to be examples of Christ, and to, in turn, influence others.   THE BASIS OF OUR WORLDVIEW Some Fundamental Beliefs of the YCLA 1. God, the Creator of the universe, has established permanent, unchangeable, just Laws to which all of creation is subject. Because the elements of the physical world have no free will or power of choice, they cannot but obey the laws of science. However, people, having dominion over the earth, and being intended for communication with and loving service of God, were given a free will. The moral Law for mankind, the Ten Commandments, is to be obeyed; but it must be by voluntary choice and not by force or coercion. 2. The sixty-six books of the canon of the Bible, as contained in the Masoretic Hebrew and Textus Receptus Greek, are the inspired and absolute Words of God. Having been providentially preserved throughout history, these books are God's special revelation of truth to man. There also exists a general revelation of truth, as found in nature and the Laws of science. 3. Because of the disobedience of the first man, Adam, everyone has inherited a disposition to break God's Law. This disposition is often called a sin nature. The penalty for sin, according to the Bible, is death. In order to cure the sin nature of man, and to enable man to fellowship with God, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to Earth to die and take the punishment for man. Christ also bodily rose again, coming back in victory even over death itself! Those with a saving trust in Christ receive forgiveness, while those who do not must suffer their own punishment in the eternal Lake of Fire. Once one trusts in Christ he is granted a new nature and is freed from the captivity of sin. God's grace then empowers that one to serve Him. 4. It is the duty and privilege of those who trust in Christ to grow into maturity in the way of truth. This maturity is accomplished through studying and adhering to the Scripture, and following the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Believers should ultimately be able to obey the Biblical mandate to teach, disciple, and baptize others. This process of growth may be described in three stages: babes, young men, and fathers (I John 2:12-14) or also disciples, righteous men, and prophets (Matthew 10:41-42). 5. God has set up structures of authority or government for everyone, consisting primarily of self-government (the individual conscience), family, church, and civil government. Authorities are to be respected and honored for the positions that God has allowed them to hold. They must also be obeyed unless the act of obeying their commands would be disobedience to the law of a higher authority, most important of which is that of God Himself as revealed in the Scriptures. 6. While earthly systems and leaders may not always directly serve God’s purposes, Christ will one day set all wrongs right. The triumph of Jesus Christ will culminate in His future bodily return to Earth to decimate His enemies and set up His Kingdom. God will thus have the ultimate victory against Satan and all his evil schemes against His people (Psalm 2). ABOUT THE BEAMS OUTREACH BEAMS emphasizes the following skills: 1. A positive, encouraging attitude. 2. A resourceful, persevering work ethic. 3. Reading and absorption of knowledge. 4. Effective translation of that knowledge back into communication. 5. Acting quickly and wisely when called upon. 6. Functioning as part of a team. 7. Bringing together and organizing others to have an effective impact in the culture. BEAMS Mission Statement: To support a new Reformation of Biblical authority, purposeful and righteous living, and Christ-like principles and attitude, through committed servant-leadership in our communities. BEAMS Motto: Give Your Very Best Always Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (I Tim. 4:12) Be an example… In Word - Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. (Col. 4:6) In Conversation - But they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. (Gal. 5:24-25) In Charity - And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. (Mark 12:30-31) In Spirit - Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant…. (Phil. 2:5-7) In Faith - But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. (Heb. 11:6) In Purity - Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. (I Tim. 5:1-2) YCLA THEME SONG “He Who Would Valiant Be” by John Bunyan (Last verse by R. Josiah Magnuson) He who would valiant be, ‘Gainst all disaster, Let him in constancy Follow the Master. There’s no discouragement Shall make him once relent His first avowed intent To be a pilgrim. Whoso beset him round With dismal stories Do but themselves confound, His strength the more is. No foes shall stay his might Though he with giants fight He will make good his right To be a pilgrim. Since, Lord, thou dost defend Us with Thy Spirit, We know we at the end Shall life inherit. Then fancies, flee away! I’ll care not what men say I’ll labor night and day To be a pilgrim. In the YCLA, We all are comrades Standing for God’s true Word ‘Gainst this world’s quick sands. Always with hope call we: You can be saved, and free. Our King is trustworthy! Let us be pilgrims. BEAMS RANKS The purpose of the ranks and their requirements is to provide a system of merit for hard work and successful learning, as well as acting as a measurement of commitment to aid accountability. While joining requires little effort, the rank requirements are progressively harder and aim to provide a continuing challenge for the activist-minded individual. The main points of each rank are quite similar, focusing on a series of skills which are important to servant-leadership. These include a positive, encouraging attitude, reading and absorption of knowledge, effective translation of that knowledge back into communication, ability to act quickly and wisely on a regular basis, ability to work as part of a team, and ability to bring together and organize others to have an effective impact in our culture. We pray that you will find the system in this book to be a benefit, as you work with us to reclaim Biblical supremacy. May God bless you in your trek toward Cosmic Leadership! BEAMS: "Becoming Energetic And Mobilized Servants" The seven Ranks of the BEAMS system are derived from the Electromagnetic Spectrum- a series of light frequencies, most of which are invisible to the human eye. The largest (and least powerful) wavelengths come first, then progressing to shorter and more powerful beams. The system thus by nature teaches the importance of humility to “light” and influence. Instructions: Each rank requirement is attained by being initialed and dated (“signed off”) on the blank area next to its number. Those who may sign off requirements include Certified Adult Leaders (CALs), parents, the YCLA President, and Members who are X-Ray or higher for requirements under X-Ray, Gamma or Cosmic for X-Ray, or Cosmic for Gamma. Each Member, having fulfilled the rank requirements, must also appear before either the YCLA Board or an official(s) which they may provide for to that purpose, to be advanced. Cosmic Rank, the last and highest achievement, must additionally be certified by the YCLA Council. Ranks must be awarded in the order given in this book. However, all individual rank requirements may be signed off at any time. The cut-off date for completing requirements is a Member’s 22nd birthday, excepting Cosmic, for which he may be up to 25 years old (giving extra time for his final project). Finally, keep in mind that our work will be rewarded by God, our Creator! As you work through this book, remember to do each activity as service to Him. A Synopsis of the Ranks: Microwaves (Micros) – Courage and Work Ethic (Silver) / Infrareds – Communication/ Fear of God (Red) / Rainbows – Teamwork and Servant-Leadership (Yellow) / Ultraviolets – Morality and Godly character (Violet) / X-Rays – Perceptiveness and forethought (Turquoise) / Gammas – Energy/ Friendship and influence (Green) / Cosmics – Creative application of skills (Royal Blue) Prospective official YCLA Members should fill out the BEAMS information sheet, in addition to the following (Requirements for Voting Membership): 1. Be from ages ten (10) to twenty-one (21) years. 2. Be a born-again believer, striving to be more like Christ and regularly reading the Bible. 3. Exhibit a Christ-like, obedient, and creative spirit. 4. Agree to adhere to the YCLA Constitution. 5. Participate in at least two (2) YCLA meetings or activities prior to joining. 6. Have approval of your parent(s). 7. Be certified by a majority vote of the Board or by a designated Certified Adult Leader (CAL). Also, you can learn our theme verse! “And I will walk at liberty, for I seek Thy precepts.” (Psalm 119:45) MICROWAVES Motif: Ant _________ 1. Fill out an official application and BEAMS info sheet. _________ 2. Know the Pledge and express it in your own words. _________ 3. Memorize and quote Joshua 1:8-9. _________ 4. Explain why the work of each person is important to the success of a team. As a new “BEAM” in the YCLA, one is starting out on a unique adventure. He is choosing to learn and be inspired, but also to experience the joy of leading and inspiring others! Congratulations on embarking. Throughout your pilgrimage and all of life, we encourage you to remember to have fun, acknowledge God, and do your very, very best for Him! Since we only have “one shot” at our lives, we must be responsible with the time we have. We achieve the most when we are willing to work hard and be completely surrendered to God’s will always. Pledge: As a YCLA “BEAM,” I will do my very best to serve others in every situation, to seek to “turn many to righteousness,” and to glorify Christ by living as an example in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” -The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) Things you can do to be a “Young Christian Leader:” Honor and obey your parents - Respect everyone around you, especially your elders - Pray and read God’s Word and follow His direction - Ask others what you can do for them, and do it - Be responsible with the property and trust of others - Encourage others to trust Christ, and/or use tracts to leave a witness in places you go Working as a team means contributing the best that you can to the common effort, while honoring those around you and allowing them to be successful in their God-given abilities. The ant – a tiny crawler – is the only animal the Bible says we should be like! “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” (Prov. 6:6) The Bible says little things are very important. "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are; that no flesh should glory in his presence. But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." (I Cor. 1:26-31) COURAGE is not the absence of fear, but the conquest of fear. COURAGE is when you do what must be done, even if very few others support it. Joshua 1:8-9 This Book of the Law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. INFRAREDS Motif: Fire _________ 1. Read the book of Nehemiah and write a brief summary of the book. _________ 2. Memorize and quote James chapter 3. _________ 3. Describe and tell the importance of edifying speech. _________ 4. Describe and tell the importance of the fear of God, and why we should acknowledge Him in our lives. _________ 5. Since beginning with BEAMS, have participated in at least one tract-passing or witnessing expedition. What we feel as heat is often infrared (meaning “below red”) light. Infrared is the main kind of radiation (emitted energy) in the universe. Interestingly, our sun produces only a small amount of infrared light compared to most of the stars. In the same way, God wants us to be careful not to be full of “heat” towards others. James tells us that “the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity” (James 3:6). One of the most important things to leadership is how we communicate; we must be sure to guard what we say. If we are speaking evil of others, telling falsehoods, or being angry for no reason, the Bible tells us we are doing wrong. On the other hand, the Bible instructs us to edify (build up and encourage) each other, as well as using our mouths to praise God and acknowledge His work in our lives. Our mouths are powerful! The best way to be aware of what we say is to remember who our Creator is, a “consuming fire” (Heb. 12:29)! “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). Christ Commands us to Communicate! Biblical steps for righting offences (from Matthew 18:15-17): 1. Speak to the person who has wronged you (face-to-face) regarding the problem. Ask him, first, whether he knew he had wronged you. Chances are he did not. Give him space to apologize on his own. If he does not apologize, you may appeal to him to do so. 2. If you have no success (the issue remains unresolved), bring one or two wise, godly people along with you to meet with the person. “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established (II Corinthians 13:1).” Do not proceed to this step until you have completed step #1. 3. If you still have no success, you may need to speak with your pastor or other organizational leader on the issue. They should speak with the person themselves, and then, if necessary, bring the issue before the church. Do not proceed to this step until you have completed steps #1-2. 4. If the person still will not hear or respond to your grievance after the previous three steps, he may need to be suspended or removed from the church or other group. "Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him." (Luke 17:13-14) Methods of Personal Communication Our view of their best to worst overall effectiveness: 1. Face-to-Face 2. Email 3. Letters (snail-mail) 4. Phone When you are organizing or are involved in some other immediate inter-personal need, the telephone can be a valuable resource, and can and should be used. However, when dealing with ideas, problems, or any long-term activity, it should be used as little as possible. The reason is that communication on the phone is quite often misunderstood due to its purely verbal nature. Face-to-face conversation is generally the very best. Why We Believe the Bible on Origins Although Evolutionists will assert that they have no biases or presuppositions, creationists often point out that Evolutionists are indeed biased to believe that the origin of everything should be explained by natural means. On the other hand, most Christians believe the Bible simply because they have been taught it, and thus have pre-existing ideas as well. It is important to note that the kind of science which puts men on the moon or explores a DNA genome is not the same as the "science" which attempts to explain where people originated or how the universe was birthed. Simply put, no one alive on Earth was there to observe how life began and continued through time. There are just some things pure science cannot tell us. So, how can we learn what the beginning truly was? The key is not setting aside our pre-existing ideas, but testing them against our here-and-now-world observations. When we take our here-and-now-world observations and “churn” them through the Evolutionary view, we come up with one interpretation, and when we do the same with the creationist view, we come up with another interpretation. Whichever interpretation of the evidence works most consistently and logically, we should accept it as the correct interpretation. In objectivity, the Biblical framework far exceeds the Evolutionary one in its ability to account for the evidence. God’s version of history works, because He was there! James 3 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8 but the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. 13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. RAINBOWS Motif: Rainbow _________ 1. Read the book of Genesis and write a brief summary of it. _________ 2. Memorize and quote Matthew 5:1-19 and Philippians 2:1-16. _________ 3. Describe and tell the importance of the principle of servant-leadership. _________ 4. Invite and bring at least three people to YCLA meeting(s) or activity(s) who had previously been unfamiliar with the YCLA. _________ 5. Research and write or deliver a report on a group from the Liberty In Law Coalition and the need for their goals and vision. _________ 6. Since beginning with BEAMS, have participated in at least two tract-passing or witnessing expeditions. Visible light, or the colors of the rainbow, is the only kind of light our eyes can see. God has created the sun as very bright in this kind of light. The reason is that out of all the kinds of light stars can produce, this small range is the single most chemically important to life (for example, in photosynthesis). Similarly, the characteristic which is most “visible” to others, and the fundamental one which will make us as believers useful to God, is that of servant-hood itself. Christ tells us, “He that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” (Matt. 23:11). Think of things you wouldn’t normally do, and then do them to help out others. You probably will have great fun! Unity through Principle One way the Young Christian Leaders' Alliance seeks to support the effort of reforming the culture is through encouraging likeminded organizations to support one another. Many patriotic groups, especially, do not work together (and worse, sometimes oppose each other) due to misunderstanding of what their real goals are.  Some have even adopted today’s relativistic mindset. Thus, the YCLA hopes to work as a launch-pad to bring these groups to a realization of two main principles. We believe that, first, they must have a uniform definition for freedom (synonymous not with lawlessness, but with the supremacy of Law), and second, they must understand that they can and should use teamwork to promote their common ideals. The objective of the YCLA founders to bring together organizations under the same principles is not one of fantasy. Rather, it is a vision which is in some ways already beginning to take shape. It is our belief that groups will continue to unite more and more as God continues to give light to them. The unity which is created, however, will not and cannot be of an ecumenical nature in which core beliefs are laid aside. The unity the YCLA supports is not based on tearing down walls, but on building them correctly. For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; He will save us. (Isa. 33:22) Evolution: Crushed by its Own Logic The theory of Evolution is based on a self-contradictory set of ideas. It depends biologically on two main features: natural selection (the idea that the best-adapted organisms will survive) and the existence of mutations (random changes of genetic structure, in reproduction). It is said that over millions of years, mutations will gradually occur which will be beneficial to any given organism, giving it a competitive “edge” over others in its class. The trait will thus be passed on as that organism reproduces, eventually becoming the standard for the entire species. However, the fact is that the process of natural selection has no inventive capacity, even in combination with mutations. Natural selection was created to modify existing systems to keep species as a whole alive, but not to invent new systems or species. The reason is that in order for a mutation (the “fuel” for natural selection) to create new information, it would have to occur simultaneously with an enormous number of other mutations. Every operation of life known depends on a system with a number of inter-dependent components, each of which must exist for the operation to occur. Evolution proposes that sets of mutations did not come to be simultaneously, but were added one by one over many generations. Natural selection would thus serve not to preserve organisms with elements of the new information, but to root out each new individual mutation as it occurred! Far from having a competitive edge, the organism or its close descendants which possessed the mutation would be out-performed by the others around them, having expended energy for a useless cause. There is nothing in Evolution to “see” which mutations could be useful in the future. The only goal is for the creature to survive; it must work with what it has. Even if it were possible for carriers of the mutated information to keep from being selected against, it would be extremely improbable that all the mutations would finally add up to something useful in the genetic code. The only option we are left with is that each function of life was formed with all the necessary components intact. Evolution clearly does not provide this answer. However, there is no reason why the creation of life’s systems could not have been accomplished by a hyper-dimensional Intelligence. The Evolutionary assumption that the universe and everything in it are self-existing is not only unnecessary, it is irresponsible and opposed to rational scientific investigation. The only way all the inter-dependent components of life’s systems could have formed is if each were created with advance knowledge as to what each component was meant for and how each would relate to the other. Dare anyone mention… God? For info on other scientific laws which Evolution violates, go to www.WorldRevScience.blogspot.com. For answers to challenges to a literal reading of Genesis, we also recommend www.AnswersInGenesis.org. Matthew 5:1-19 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 2 and he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. 13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. 17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Philippians 2:1-13 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16 holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. “Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, ‘The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.’ If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye DO THEM.” -Jesus (John 13:13-17) +ULTRAVIOLETS- Motif: Mountain _________ 1. Read the book of Ecclesiastes, Joshua, and the Gospel of John, and write a brief summary of each. _________ 2. Memorize and quote Hebrews 11:1-12:2. _________ 3. Describe and tell the importance of the principle of morality in relation to music, media, and everyday life. _________ 4. Explain the YCLA slogan, “Liberty In Law.” _________ 5. Describe and tell the importance of the preservation of the Bible in the Received manuscripts. _________ 6. Be responsible for the joining as BEAMS participants of at least two young people. _________ 7. Participate in an approved legislative, political, or evangelistic campaign. _________ 8. Since beginning with BEAMS, have participated in at least four tract-passing or witnessing expeditions. Ultraviolet (UV) light has a tendency to expose or illumine things which would not normally be possible for us to see, when it is reflected off them. One of the most dramatic uses for UV light is in shining it on certain rocks and minerals, which then turn many amazing and brilliant colors. The motif for the Ultraviolet rank is thus a mountain (a giant rock), commemorating this effect. Like the rocks, God’s Word is solid and unchanging! However, it cannot be understood unless we look at it from a perspective of faith, with the assistance of the Holy Spirit. Ask God to illumine you as you search the Scriptures! Also, work to bring out the best in others, and most importantly, help lead them to the Truth. Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ Based on II Corinthians 10:5, everything which passes through our minds should be “brought into captivity” and checked to see whether it is truly Christ-like. If the thought does not bring honor to God, it should immediately be discarded. It follows that anything which attempts to take control of our minds, or which can be demonstrated to hamper our thinking capacity, should be avoided. Rock music, pornography, and television propaganda are three major things we believe the devil uses to seize people’s minds. As Christians who wish to impact the culture, we must combat these and other negative influences. The Bible tells us to “abstain from all appearance of evil” (I Thess. 5:22), meaning we should not participate in anything which even seems immoral or un-Christ-like. A Summary of Propaganda Techniques: - Emotional appeal (You will feel so good about it!) - Fear (If you don’t buy our product, the world will cave in and your friends will be destroyed!) - False authority (Jeff Gordon supports it, so it must be good for you!) - Keep up with the Joneses (Your neighbor just bought it.) - Bandwagon (Everyone is doing it, so it’s OK!) - Snob appeal (Only elite people do this…) - Limited time only (Our product will be gone forever in five seconds…four…three…) Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober [thinking things through carefully], and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (I Peter 1:13-16) Obeying God’s Law takes faith in God. As human beings, we are born with a “default” mode of sinfulness. When we believe in Christ and are born again, we receive a new nature and become new people. However, in order for the power of sin to be broken in our lives, we must continue to trust (have faith in) God for our strength. Our faith in God is proven by what we do and how we act. Ephesians 2:8-10 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. II Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, ALL things are become new. Hebrews 11:1-12:3 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. 8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. 17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: 19 accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. 20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. 23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment. 24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. 28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. 31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. 32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthah; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 33 who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36 and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37 they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 38 (of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. 1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Biblical Preservation: Another Key Concept for True Reformation To be consistent in our belief in absolutes, we must trust the traditional or Received manuscripts of the Bible to be correct, instead of trusting the clearly corrupted manuscripts which the NIV, NASB, NRSV, and other modern versions are based on. It is not enough to accept the doctrine of inspiration. We must uphold the promise of God to preserve His exact words to this day, or we still have no standard. As Psalm 12:6-7 states, “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation forever.” The point is especially brought out when the sheer amount of doctrinal difference between the texts is realized. X-RAYS Motif: Watchman on Tower _________ 1. Read the book of I and II Peter, Daniel and Revelation. _________ 2. Tell the importance of a belief in Christ’s second coming. _________ 3. Memorize and quote Ezekiel 33:1-20 and Colossians 3. _________ 4. Know the meaning of the acronym “PLAN AHEAD.” _________ 5. Demonstrate a working familiarity with the YCLA Constitution and the Constitution of the United States (or the correlating document of your home country). _________ 6. Interview a “watchman” in your community and attempt to gain wisdom from him and his experiences. _________ 7. Help organize and participate in a ministry or fundraising project approved by your CAL, with at least three hours of work. _________ 8. Be consistently living with a Christ-like spirit and character. An X-ray is characteristically known as something which can pierce otherwise opaque materials, especially to assist doctors in healing broken bones and other ailments in the human body. As believers, we are called to be watchful and perceive dangers, not only for ourselves, but also for people around us. God’s Word through the apostle Peter reminds us to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8). We are also called to watch and be ready for Christ’s return. As we look at our world today, we see that the time is very near. We must continue to “walk as children of light” and “redeem the time” (Eph. 5:8 and 16), especially since we can never know when our time on the earth will be over. Use forethought and perceptiveness to defeat the devil! F is for Forethought P – Predetermine your course of action L – Lay out your plans A – Adjust your priorities N – Notify key personnel A – Allow time for acceptance H – Head into action! E – Expect problems A – Always point to your successes D – Daily review your progress (Thanks to James C. Maxwell in The Maxwell Leadership Bible for the idea of the PLAN AHEAD acronym.) Be Aware – Be Focused – Be Thinking The Bible often reminds us to be sober-minded. The Greek word for this concept is “fro-ne-o,” meaning “to think through to the end.” We should work to have good forethought so we can discern correctly the direction God would have us go. Ezekiel 33:1-20 Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 2 “Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, ‘When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: 3 if when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; 4 then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. 5 He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul. 6 But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.’” 7 “So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. 8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 9 Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. 10 “Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live? 11 Say unto them, ‘As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?’ 12 Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, ‘The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth.’” 13 “When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it. 14 Again, when I say unto the wicked, ‘Thou shalt surely die;’ if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; 15 if the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. 16 None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live. 17 “Yet the children of thy people say, ‘The way of the Lord is not equal:’ but as for them, their way is not equal. 18 When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby. 19 But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby. 20 Yet ye say, ‘The way of the Lord is not equal.’ O ye house of Israel, I will judge you every one after his ways.” Colossians 3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth, 3 for ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 for which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 in the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. 18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. 21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. 22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: 23 and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. GAMMAS>>> Motif: Nuclear Energy / Reactor _________ 1. Read the book of Proverbs, Acts, Romans, and Jude. _________ 2. Read through an approved leadership book. _________ 3. Satisfactorily deliver a lesson or lead a group discussion on the subject of the book you read. _________ 4. Memorize the YCLA Principles statement. _________ 5. Explain the basic principles of friendship and influence. _________ 6. Explain the importance of motivation and momentum, and list three elements of maintaining energy in tough places. _________ 7. Create a new YCLA chapter or Answers Club and provide leadership for it for at least four months, including leading at least two tract-passing or witnessing expeditions. _________ 8. Be active in the YCLA for at least one year, and demonstrate a desire to continue following God’s leading in your life. _________ 9. Be consistently living with a Christ-like spirit and character. Gamma Rank is all about energy. A gamma ray is produced by the power of an atomic reaction, and is stopped only by material of very high density like concrete or lead. As you near the peak of your voyage through “electromagnetivity,” we want you to be as excited and energized as you can be at all times, to serve the LORD and those around you! The best way to keep from losing energy is the following: 1. Love God and acknowledge that He has a purpose in everything in your life, which will work out for your good (Rom. 8:28). 2. Find others you can encourage, comfort, and assist. 3. Continuously re-focus yourself on Biblical vision and principles! The Basics of Friendship: 1. Become genuinely interested in other people. 2. Smile. 3. Remember that using a person’s name, especially on first meeting them, makes that person feel amazing worth. 4. Listen. Encourage others to tell about their ideas. 5. Talk in terms of the other person's interests. 6. Treat the other person as important - and do it sincerely. People will almost always appreciate the most, and learn the most from, someone who is friendly and respectful. Of course, when dealing with opposition, the friendly approach is not always the best. However, it is always the best to be respectful of everyone. Each person, no matter how wrong or hurtful they may be, is created by God and has great potential! *Be Willing to Connect. Be a Friend.* Another “Nuclear” Idea: Keep Looking Up! (Literally) It has often been observed that people who as a rule keep their heads higher and have better posture will tend to be happier and more successful. A good leader avoids having a slouching appearance, and/or consistently looking downwards. Those who practice such habits are not able to communicate effectively, or see nearly as much as they should of the wonderful world around them. Not only will they miss out on important opportunities, they will begin to be rejected by others and thus will be less and less happy (and therefore more slouched and disconnected) as time goes on. Making the decision to physically keep one’s head up will help to break the cycle and get him really moving! COSMICs Motif: Supernova _________ 1. Invent or discover and pioneer a new mode of outreach for Biblical principle, either in relation to locale, application, both, or the entire concept. _________ 2. Present or deliver a report to the YCLA Board on the completion and success of the above campaign (Member may be up to 25 years of age when report is delivered). _________ 3. Be consistently living with a Christ-like spirit and character. Wow. Here it is – your big goal! You should by now have learned the skills you will need to be an effective and strong, yet meek and respectful, Christian leader. The supernova (the exploding red giant star) is the motif for this last and highest rank because it is one of the only things in the universe (other than a hydrogen bomb) which can make a cosmic ray. A supernova’s impact may be felt millions of light-years away. It may often even be viewed from other galaxies! As you near the pinnacle of the BEAMS challenge, your final task is to put into action your own vision and objectives which God has given you. Put all your resources together, lock down your thinking cap, and prepare to PIONEER! Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might… (Eccl. 9:10) Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. (Eccl. 7:8) APPENDIXES The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) And God spake all these words, saying: I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 1. Thou shalt have no other gods before Me. 2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. 3. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. 4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates. For, in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. 5. Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. 6. Thou shalt not kill. 7. Thou shalt not commit adultery. 8. Thou shalt not steal. 9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. 10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s. The United States Bill of Rights Article I - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Article II - A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. Article III - No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. Article IV -The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. Article V - No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation. Article VI - In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence. Article VII - In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law. Article VIII - Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. Article IX - The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. Article X - The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. -- -- The YCLA Constitution March 29, 2008 1. Mission The Young Christian Leaders' Alliance is a society of young people, under the supervision and advice of their parents, existing to motivate members and others around them to take action for Biblical principle. 2. Goals The goals of the YCLA are as follows: 2.1 - To learn to exhibit leadership, ingenuity, and a Christ-like attitude and character, advancing morale and courage in places where we may have influence. 2.2 - To put into practice these qualities at frequent meetings, projects, and creative events, providing accountability and momentum towards Biblical objectives. 2.3 - To produce and distribute materials relevant to the mission of the YCLA, especially to inform and evangelize young people outside our group. 2.4 - To be guided as individuals by the direction of GOD, through prayer together, fasting, reading of His Word, and wise counsel. 2.5 - To encourage the co-operation of pro-freedom organizations under the common banner of Liberty In Law and the Biblical worldview. 3. Principle 3.1 The ultimate principle for the YCLA is that the sixty-six books of the canon of the Bible, as preserved throughout history in the Masoretic Hebrew and Textus Receptus Greek, are to be the sole rule of duty for the individual and for every decision of our group. We believe that Scripture must be its own final interpreter, according to its literal, historical, and grammatical context. We believe that GOD and His works are never arbitrary, but are always completed according to His revealed will and logical cause-and-effect. Finally, we believe in the fundamentals of the faith and Salvation through the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, as expressed in our Creed (Section 5.2). 3.2 We believe it is our responsibility to “do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with GOD” (Micah 6:8), to “fear GOD and keep His commandments” (Eccl. 12:13), and to love the LORD with all the heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love one’s neighbor as himself (Mark 12:30-31). We believe that exemplifying this spirit of humility and justice is an integral part of true leadership. 3.3 We believe in endeavoring, wherever possible, to practice Spirit-filled, open reasoning and forethought. Included in this conviction is a commitment to always steer away from rock music, TV, and immodesty, rather promoting health and focus. 3.4 We believe in supporting the Constitution of the United States and its representative, republican form of government. We believe in the principle of Lex Rex, that it is not the government which defines the law, but the law which defines the government. We understand the basis of freedom to be not the abolition of government, nor the empowering of the government, but the limiting of the government's jurisdiction to include only moral and rightful powers. 3.5 We believe in opposing the Evolutionary worldview and its socialist tendencies. We hold that true science is not compatible with the naturalistic origins model. Finally, we believe that the best defense for the Bible's validity is Scripture itself, with natural laws as second in importance. 4. Organization 4.1A - The Legislative Power The basic legislative power is to be vested in a Legislative Board. Such Legislative Board shall, at the beginning, consist of the whole membership. The first week of July following the arrival at such membership amount as the President shall deem proper, a permanent Legislative Board consisting of five (5) qualified members shall be elected for a term of one (1) year. Such election shall be carried out in the manner which shall have been determined according to Section 6.10. If the President shall not have approved of three (3) or more of those elected, the election shall be held a second time. The candidates disapproved of shall not be included in this election. A quorum for business on the Board shall consist of a majority of the Board members, or four non-honorary Board members (only in the case of the permanent Board). 4.1B – Qualifications for the Board The members of the permanent Board shall have been young men at least twelve (12) years of age at the time of their election, who shall have been members of the YCLA no less than three (3) months. 4.1C - Authority The Legislative Board shall have power: 1. To provide for and regulate any finances, fundraising, and dues of the Young Christian Leaders’ Alliance, 2. To establish a system of merits and awards for the members, 3. To delegate tasks and projects to individual members, 4. To request and provide for the participation of other possible contributors, 5. To provide for, oversee and regulate events sponsored by the YCLA, 6. To provide for the emblems and insignia of the YCLA, 7. To divide and regulate the organization into separate Teams according to gender, age, talent, or other characteristics; in which case the Teams may create their own governing bodies, projects, and jurisdictions, 8. To provide for the creation of new chapters in the YCLA network, and 9. To establish and maintain one or more center(s), which shall contain a library of useful material to the members, officers, and Council of the YCLA, as well as other resources and supplies which shall be judged proper for the operations of the organization. 4.1D - Other Legislative Issues All questions not provided for in this Constitution shall be decided by majority vote of the YCLA membership and parliamentary procedure, except instances requiring immediate attention, which shall be under the jurisdiction of the President. In all cases the Scriptures shall be the final authority and should be considered before any such decision is made. 4.2 - An Advisory Commission A Council of no more than twelve godly men should be appointed by the President. The Council shall advise the YCLA, and shall upon majority vote, have veto power over any decisions that they deem harmful. The Council may elect a chief among them, who shall hold this office as long as they so desire. Additional non-voting Council members may be appointed. 4.3A - The Executive Power A President shall be elected by majority vote of the membership for a term of two (2) years. The President shall be responsible foremost for the execution of this Constitution, and secondly, for the decisions of the Legislative Board. He may for this purpose have authority to delegate tasks and projects to individual members, or to specific Teams. The President shall also have a vote on the Board in the case of a tie. Finally, he shall approve all non-unanimous decisions of the Board. The President may appoint a Vice-President to assist him if desired. 4.3B – Future Qualifications for President 1. Be a member of the YCLA for at least one (1) year. 2. Be a young man from ages fifteen (15) to twenty (20). 3. Exhibit consistent skills of organization and leadership. 4. Prove himself well-versed in the Scriptures. 5. Be a confident public speaker. 4.4 - The Judicial Power A Constitutional Court shall determine appeals regarding the meaning and intention of this Constitution and the legality of the decisions of the Board. It may also require from time to time a statement from the President reviewing the current strategy, actions or plans of the YCLA. Such Court shall consist of the Executive Director, two members of the YCLA for whose election or appointment he shall provide, and any members of the Council who may wish to participate. The Board shall determine a uniform rule for the manner of Court decisions. 4.5 - Popular Override All official decisions of the YCLA may be overturned upon a two-thirds majority vote of the membership. 4.6 - Continuity of the Founders Mr. R. Josiah Magnuson may retain the title of “Executive Director” until such time as he shall determine. Furthermore, the original members of the YCLA may hold honorary memberships on the Board after achieving the age of twenty-two years. 4.7A - Membership The qualifications for voting membership in the YCLA shall be as follows: 1. Be from ages ten (10) to twenty-one (21) years. 2. Be a born-again believer, striving to be more like Christ and regularly reading the Bible. 3. Exhibit a Christ-like, obedient, and creative spirit. 4. Agree to adhere to this YCLA Constitution. 5. Participate in at least two (2) YCLA meetings or activities prior to joining. 6. Have approval of parent(s). 7. Be certified by a majority vote of the Board or by such leader(s) as they may provide for. 4.7B - Suspension Members may be suspended by a three-fourths majority vote of the YCLA membership; Provided, the President or Executive Director may remove such suspension after thirty (30) days. Members also retain the right to resign from the group should the YCLA become deviated from its purpose or principles. 4.8 - Meetings and Events The President shall have power to convene meetings when necessary and proper, for the discussion of business or news, application of skills, and creating of ideas. The President shall be responsible to coordinate transportation or communication for the members for the purpose of such; Provided, that neither the YCLA nor any officer thereof shall be held responsible for the finances or payment for such transportation, unless such responsibility be determined and appropriated for by the Legislative Board. All meetings and events shall be conducted according to the manner provided for by the Board, as vested by this Constitution, Section 4.2A(5). 4.9 - A Journal of Proceedings The proceedings and major decisions of the YCLA shall, whenever possible, be listed in a web log, and/or some other archiving or filing system, which shall be accessible on demand by all the members, as well as by the Council. 4.10 - Elections Elections shall, whenever possible, be held every year in the first week of July. The Board shall have jurisdiction over the date, time, place, and manner of such elections, which shall be published according to Section 4.9B no less than thirty (30) days in advance. 4.11 - Amendments Proposed amendments to this Constitution shall be submitted by individual Board members, gain a majority vote on the Board, gain a two-thirds majority vote of the YCLA membership, and receive the approval of the President, in order to be enacted; Provided, that the Council shall be notified of the amendment, and may by majority vote until thirty (30) days after their receipt of the notification, declare it null and void. Any amendment proposed before the appointment of at least three Council-members for the YCLA shall additionally be approved by unanimous consent of the Legislative Board before it may take effect. 4.12 - Previous Constitution The Constitution of the YCLA dated September 5, 2007 is no longer to be regarded as in effect; Provided, that all content under the Sections entitled “Vision,” “Doctrinal Statement,” “Philosophy,” and “Acknowledgements” is to be regarded as currently enacted as statements of the Legislative Board, until repealed by a majority vote of the said body. 5. Pledge and Creed The pledge and creed, which the members of the YCLA shall from time to time quote and review for remembrance, shall be as follows: 5.1 - 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. 5.2 - The philosophy I espouse shall be based on the truth 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 the sins of mankind by His blood on the cross; that He rose bodily the third day; that He ascended to the Father's right hand to intercede for us; and that He has power to save men from sin, that thereby all who believe on Him should have eternal life. “The philosophy I espouse shall be based on the Truth…” A Sampling of Quotes on Liberty In Law “There is a two-fold liberty; natural (I mean as our nature is now corrupt), and civil or federal. “The first is common to man with beasts and other creatures. By this, man as he stands in relation to man simply, hath liberty to do what he lists; it is a liberty to evil as well as to good. This liberty is incompatible and inconsistent with authority, and cannot endure the least restraint of the most just authority. The exercise and maintaining of this liberty makes men grow more evil, and in time to be worse than brute beasts…. This is that great enemy of truth and peace, that wild [monster], which all the ordinances of God are bent against, to restrain and subdue it. “The other kind of liberty I call civil or federal*; it may also be termed moral, in reference to the covenant between God and man [contained] in the moral Law, and the politic covenants and constitutions amongst men themselves. This liberty is the proper end and object of authority, and cannot subsist without it…. It is a liberty to that only which is good, just, and honest. This liberty you are to stand for, with the hazard of your lives, if need be… [for] it is the same type of liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free.” John Winthrop 2nd Massachusetts Governor Little Speech on Liberty, 1645 *Because of our inherent “federation” with those around us “The creature, having nothing but what the Creator makes him, must owe all to Him, and nothing to any one from whom he has received nothing. Man therefore must be naturally free, unless he be created by another power than we had heard of…. This liberty must continue till either forfeited or willingly resigned.” Algernon Sidney Discourses Concerning Government, 1654? “It is principally derived and intended by the Proprietary and Governor and freemen of Pennsylvania and territories thereunto belonging, to make and establish such laws as shall best preserve true Christian and civil liberty, in opposition to all unchristian, licentious, and unjust practices….” The Great Law, First legislative act of Pennsylvania, 1681 “Wherever Law ends, Tyranny begins, if the Law be transgressed to another’s harm.” John Locke Second Treatise on Civil Government, 1714 Edition Chapter XVIII “Man’s…reason is corrupt, and his understanding full of error…. This has given manifold occasion for the benign interposition of divine providence; which, in compassion to the frailty, the imperfection, and the blindness of human reason, hath been pleased, in sundry times and in divers manners, to discover and enforce its laws by an immediate and direct revelation. The doctrines thus delivered we call the revealed or divine Law, and they are to be found nowhere but the Holy Scriptures. These precepts, when revealed, are found upon comparison to be really a part of the original Law of Nature, as they tend in all their consequences to man’s felicity.” William Blackstone Commentaries on the Laws of England, 1765 “…I have long been convinced that our enemies have made it an object to eradicate from the minds of the people in general a sense of true religion and virtue, in hopes thereby the more easily to carry their point of enslaving them. Indeed, my friend, this is a subject so important in my mind that I know not how to leave it. Revelation assures us that ‘righteousness exalteth a nation’…. The diminution of public virtue is usually attended with that of public happiness; and the public liberty will not long survive the total extinction of Morals.” Samuel Adams Letter to John Scollay 1776 “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights…. To secure these Rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” Declaration of Independence, 1776 “Without Liberty, Law loses its nature and name, and becomes oppression. Without Law, Liberty also loses its nature and name, and becomes licentiousness (anarchy).” James Wilson, Delegate to the 1787 Constitutional Convention and Justice on the first Supreme Court (Date Unknown) “…Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God?” Thomas Jefferson Notes on the State of Virginia, 1782 “Virtue is to liberty what the soul is to the body.” John Adams (Date unknown) “Government is frequently and aptly classed under two descriptions - a government of FORCE, and a government of LAWS; the first is the definition of despotism - the last, of liberty.” Alexander Hamilton Tully Papers, 1795 “Tis’ substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule indeed extends with more or less force to every species of free government. Who that is a sincere friend to it can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundations of the fabric?” George Washington Farewell Address, 1796 “[My form of government is] power, based directly upon force, and unrestricted by any laws!” Vladimir I. Lenin, Dictator of the Soviet Union, 1921? As quoted in The World Book Encyclopedia “Law is the force that holds civilization together.” President Herbert Hoover Early 1930s “…The liberty we enjoy, however, is a liberty under law.” Dr. Frank Abbott Magruder American Government, 1934 (Formerly used as a textbook in public schools) “The only way to bring about genuine liberty in a stable society is through the citizens' learned adherence to God's moral law.” Dr. Steven Yates Worldviews: Christian Theism vs. Modern Materialism 2005 “When we understand that nothing is relative, we are free!” Zig Ziglar Winning With a Priority- Driven Life, 2006 O beautiful for pilgrim feet, Whose stern, impassioned stress A thoroughfare for freedom beat Across the wilderness! America! America! God mend thine every flaw Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law! BEAMS Information Sheet For new participants – please briefly answer the questions as you feel led. There are no “wrong” answers. These questions are meant to stimulate your thinking. Name: __________________ Date: ___________________ 1. How would you describe your relationship with Jesus Christ? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 2. What is your personal view of the word “Christian?” __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 3. What is your favorite book in the Bible, if any, and what is your favorite book outside of the Bible (“readers are leaders”)? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 4. Who would be one Biblical hero and one modern-day hero who you wish to imitate, or whose actions have impacted your life, and why? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 5. What skills might you be able to contribute towards the YCLA mission? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Please provide us with the name of your city and state or province, and email address (note: we do not give out any personal information to outside sources). __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Note: Please feel free to photocopy or re-type the above pages so they can be on hand for those who need them. Visit us online today at www.YoungChristianLeaders.org!