Articles by Paul

Personal Responsibility

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Dear Beloved Eastside,

At this time, Eastside Baptist Church will continue all weekly gatherings.

Lord’s Day (Sunday)

  • 9:15 a.m. small group Bible Study
  • 10:30 a.m Morning worship service (NOTE: morning service will continue being streamed at www.esbcTwinFalls.com)
  • 5:30 p.m. Evening worship service (NOTE: evening service will continue being streamed at www.esbcTwinFalls.com)

Mid-week Prayer (Wednesday)

  • 5:30 p.m. Prayer gathering (NOTE: Mid-week prayer service will now be included as a live streamed service only on the Eastside Baptist private Facebook page.)

It is a reasonable thing for anyone in vulnerable categories (have been recently sick, someone sick in your home, been exposed to someone known to have COVID-19, elderly, traveled to an outbreak region, etc.) to limit or suspend attending meetings. A decision to not attend should not be considered being negligent of gathering with the saints. Everyone fully understands the reason for your not assembling in this current day and we respect personal responsibility.

We will continue to review developments daily, hourly, and are prepared to adjust as needed.

In the meantime, please take the following precautions during all gatherings:

  • When you arrive at the church house please either use the provided hand sanitizer, wash your hands with soap and water, or use your own personal cleaning materials.
  • Please do not give handshakes, hugs, kisses or other contact greetings (This indeed seems impossible, but everyone will understand you are not being rude today).
  • Keep tissue available; when the need to cough or sneeze is upon you – cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and then throw the tissue away, if tissue is not available to you at the sudden time of need, coughing or sneezing into your elbow is better than your hand. (Studies are showing paper tissue for this season is better than cloth handkerchiefs). And of course, sanitize your hand when finished throwing the tissue away.
  • Help keep surfaces (doors, counters, chairs, etc.) clean with disinfectants.

It is not our intention to be disrespectful or dismissive of anyone advising to not meet at this time. It is with respect and charity to our neighbors that we gather as well informed and responsible people who are aware and practice careful attention to this present concern. We are not opposed to suspending our gatherings but hold what we do as providing essential gatherings – with respect that we must make adjustments when needed. We are prepared and willing to do so.

If you are uncomfortable gathering at this time we receive your decision with respect. If at all possible please stay connected via all platforms available with live streaming of Eastside Baptist Church.

For the glory of God, alone!

Paul Thompson

How To Join Us If You Can’t Gather With Us

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By the grace of God, we are already set up to provide a live service for those unable to physically gather with us during the COVID-19 outbreak. To be clear, this is not the recommended normal way to participate with a church, but in a time like this it is reasonable and encouraged for those sick, away, or vulnerable.

Earlier this week we were able to have all connections updated and serviced. Our internet provider installed new equipment and our IT guy (Dan) reestablished the IT things (I’m sure that’s no the right way to say any of that, but that’s what happened).

Here are some tips on how how to access Eastside Baptist Church via our SermonAudio connection. SermonAudio provides our streaming on several platforms from mobile, notebook, desktop, Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, and landline. No matter where you are, you’ll be able to access our sermons and webcasts. Our Church Code ID: 25378

My advice to you if you are not able to gather with us in person is the same as if you could. Do all you can to eliminate any potential distractions (ie: avoid surfing other sites while participating), get your Bible out, sing with the people, pray with the people, and hear the preached word of the Almighty God.

  • Our live stream feed link is: https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thebridge/webcast/
    • Every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
  • If your data plan is limited or you are experiencing difficulty watching or listening online consider a connection via phone line. Consider putting your phone on “speaker” mode so you don’t have to hold the phone to your ear the entire time.
    • At 10:30 a.m and 5:30 p.m. (mountain time)
      • Call 712-432-3410
      • when prompted, dial 2
      • then enter 25378 (the specific church code for Eastside Baptist Church)
  • Instructions for Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV are here: https://www.sermonaudio.com/mobile.asp Use church code 25378 to locate Eastside Baptist Church.

There is no better way to experience a corporate church gathering than in person, but for such a day as this, bless the Lord.

This is a great way to introduce someone to Eastside Baptist Church. There are some in the area that will not be gathering, send them a link to www.esbcTwinFalls.com. Invite them to come with you. I am preaching through Isaiah 52:12-53:12 for the next several weeks. This text is all about the suffering servant, the Lord Jesus Christ. All of these verses lead us to the gospel.

Dear Beloved Eastside

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Dear Beloved Eastside,

Please read this message in its entirety. It contains information related to how we recommend we assemble during these days of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The elders and I do not mean to create a public service announcement for the entire population, this is intended to communicate with clarity what one should expect if he/she arrives at Eastside Baptist Church in the coming days.

It is days like this that require Eastside Baptist to respond seriously but always biblically.

We must never be motivated by fear but by trust in our good and all-powerful God. As you know first hand, God has not promised to protect us from all the troubles of this life. What He has promised is that He will not leave us nor forsake us. We must live like our hope and trust is in the Lord. We read this, we hear this, now we must believe this. In the course of living like this we also live with respect to our neighbors and love them as we would be loved ourselves.

In light of this biblical responsibility, the following precautions are encouraged. These are included below only to remind us as we gather.

  • As with any infectious virus, please stay home if you (or anyone in your home) have had any symptoms of a cold, seasonal flu, or stomach virus in the past 48 hours. It is by the grace of God that we have the ability to stream the service in many ways. CLICK HERE
  • Bring personal hand sanitizers for personal needs and wash your hands thoroughly and frequently as needed.
  • Respect that others may not want to offer handshakes, hugs, or other greetings that include touch at this time. It would be appropriate to ask and it should not be received as an offense if requested to not be touched.
  • If you know you are at risk (you are older or have compromised health), consider streaming our services instead of attending in person until this threat has passed. This is only temporary.
  • The Lord’s Table is an intimate proclamation of the Lord’s death every week. In communication with the elders, we will forgo this part of the public gathering this week while we assess options on what to do as the threat lingers.

We will continue to monitor the issue with respect to ourselves and our community. We aim to be responsible people, a praying people, a believing people, a gathering people. It is our intention to provide an ongoing gathering and at the same time praying these steps will be sufficient, we are preparing for whatever steps may be required. We also encourage you to stay abreast of current updates and respect each individual and family as they act with God driven responsibility.

Thank you for reading this and giving consideration for each other as we implement these cautionary measures. Live as well informed and responsible followers of Christ, refuse to live in fear. Act Responsibly.

Christians throughout history have faced days like this. It is on us to love others as our Lord commanded. It is on us to pray and care for the sick. It is a great day to be the Church.
(Heb. 2:14-15).

For the glory of God, alone!

Paul Thompson

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What Then Should the Church Do?

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The kind of thing that makes for a fictitious epic novel with a conclusion of one lone survivor has become the headline.

Every winter around here we realize that any given day could be inconvenienced with a series of snowstorms followed with days of wind and frigid cold. The school children hope for the cancelation of school. Where the hope of an extended spring break may exist, the fear around this day deserves a conversation about a few things.

When is the last time anyone living in this land of comfort was faced with this kind of talk?

So here we are. Real? Fake? Who to trust? What to do? The media has a reputation of being an advancer of hype or a narrative of its own story. The government and her agencies have not given the citizenry much to trust. When is the last time the NBA was looked to as a voice of reason and ethics? Does a government have a right to instruct the population to not assemble, for any reason at all?

Let’s start with what we know.

Viruses exist. Any person with an active virus puts others at risk of transmitting the virus to others. Taking care of washing hands, how we cough, what direction we sneeze, etc… are important things for courteous neighbors to do toward others. Some people are more vulnerable than others to get a virus because of compromised immune systems.

What we don’t know. Is the hype real? Is the concern made up? Was this virus intentionally released? Is the economy related to pandemic fear? Some of what we don’t know might be what we will soon know.

The question I want to think through though is, what should we do? By we, I mean Eastside Baptist Church. A church is an assembly of people. A gathering of people who have interacted with many others.

What then should be done?

The first thing I want to do is ask the serious question about what a church should do regarding her gatherings when there is a potential (real or fake) risk of public endangerment. While answering this question consideration of what is behind this kind of outbreak will be complex.

The Bill of Rights guarantees the right “of the people to peaceably assemble.” Is this the time to exercise that right if it is in conflict with the opinions of the government and/or her agencies? Is it irresponsible of churches to gather and assemble knowing that it potentially might put the assembly at risk of a health crisis?

These are fair and good questions to ask. They have been discussed with the other elders of Eastside Baptist.

Here is what we concluded last night as we were gathering for prayer.

  • Unless providentially hindered, Eastside Baptist Church will gather on the coming Lord’s Day.
  • We will gather much like we would if a winter storm had been forecasted, with respect to the individual right of each person and family to weigh out the potential risk of driving. We will behave the same in this potential risk as we would in other risks.
  • We will exercise appropriate discretion and respect for how others might feel about being together while measuring the threat of virus infection.
  • For those willing to gather – we will provide a gathering place. We will assemble with care for each other, with respect to our community, honestly, and with joy to bless the Lord together. If from the time of this published post there should be an announcement from the government of Idaho or any of her agencies to not assemble, our resolve will remain the same; we will exercise our right to gather with full awareness of the risk to others and to ourselves. We will behave responsibly and remain home if sick and will be pleased to assist each other with reasonable compassion with respect to our community at large.

Lord willing, I’ll gather with my beloved church family on the coming Lord’s Day.

Remember: for anyone unable to gather with us in person, you can find us online at 10:30 a.m. Mountain Time. HERE

Edited for grammar…

Press Release

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Today, I formally announced my desire to run for Idaho House of Representatives District 24 Seat A in November. This is a decision made with my family and feedback from my church and friends. But it is born from the place of conviction as a principled man.

There is much for me to learn, and most of it learned on the fly. So here we go.

If willing, you can join the army of volunteers with boots on the ground. Here are some things you can do right now.

  • Visit www.VotePaulThompson.com and look around the site. If the values I’m expressing are yours help spread the word by…
    • Liking one or all of the social media pages. These will be the places of most information about needs and upcoming events.
    • Consider sharing these links on your social media sites. Right now we are building up a base.
    • If you live in, or close to, Twin Falls consider inviting some friends over for cookies, pie, dessert, or even a beloved BBQ when I can come join the gathering and visit with them about this urgent opportunity. District 24 is essentially the City of Twin Falls.
    • As we get through the summer months and prepare for the general election we will need volunteers to put up yard signs, help out in parades, and local fairs. Let me know now and I’ll get you added to the volunteer list for upcoming events.
    • Write letters to the editor in local papers.
    • Consider supporting this effort by giving to VotePaulThompson
    • I value a team of people committed to prayer. Serious people of prayer. We will be developing a prayer team to pray together, for the campaign, and the efforts before us. I’ll be writing about this later in the week.

For the glory of God; whatever my hands find to do I will stive with this in mind.

Here is a copy of the official Press Release issued this morning.

Press Release

VOTE PAUL THOMPSON·

ReadsPress Release for District 24 House of Representatives Candidate Paul Thompson

email — ContactPaul@VotePaulThompson.com
website — www.VotePaulThompson.com

Twin Falls, ID, March 9, 2020: Paul Thompson announced today that he is a candidate for District 24, Seat A, in the Idaho House of Representatives on the Constitution Party of Idaho ticket. Paul has been a resident of Twin Falls since 2001. Paul married Renee in 1986 and they raised their two boys in Idaho. Both sons are now married and raising their own families in Twin Falls.

“As a values voter, I look for someone who is consistent with their party platform and in alignment with my values. Obviously, that means I am often in conflict over who I might vote for; and from the age of 18, voting has been a priority for me. I was an Independent for most of my voting days, usually voting Republican and upon occasion willing to vote 3rd party. Historically, I have been pleased to support the Republican candidates because the party platform was the closest expression of my values. However, when there is a lack of accountability from the party there begins a shift. The shift of some candidates happens slowly and without notice, until everyone wakes up one day and wonders ‘how did we get here?’”

As a principled voter, Paul will strive to be a responsible representative.

“I want a party to hold its candidates accountable to the platform when they are elected. I want the voter to know that the person they elected to represent them at the statehouse will do so, consistently and in line with what they told voters when asking for their support. That is the kind of people I look for when I’m voting and it is the kind of Representative I want to be.”

Paul will continue as the senior preaching pastor of Eastside Baptist Church, as he has since June of 2001. Paul has been an active advocate on many issues that have given him an understanding of the necessity of a responsible Representative.

Paul will strive to be principled in his representation and act with integrity to the people, while not usurping the constitution.

“If you want a limited government, then you will want someone like me to represent you and our shared values at the statehouse; but if you think an unlimited government is what you want then any of the others will do. If you value life from fertilization to natural death, without exception, choose me; but if you have no regard for your preborn neighbor then any of the others will do. If you want to make the decisions regarding your children’s education and what is best for them, then elect me; but if you want the government to decide this for you, any of the others will do. If you want to be represented at the statehouse by someone who shares these values, then stop voting for the others and vote for me on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, for Idaho State Representative, District 24 – Seat A. I will be a responsible Representative and accountable to my stated values according to the Constitution Party of Idaho Platform.“

Paul will aim to be known as a friend of the constitution. Twin Falls, ID
www.VotePaulThompson.com

Boys Competing As Girls?

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I say this often, this is not something that is happening somewhere else.

On Friday, March 6, 2020 at 8 a.m. the Idaho Senate State Affairs Committee will pick up the issue that passed through the House last week, HB500.

This bill (HB500), introduced to the House State Affairs Committee by Representative Barbara Ehardt from Eastern Idaho, if made into a law would forbid biological boys from competing as “girls”. “This bill will ensure that opportunities continue for girls and women competing in athletics. Boys and men will not (emphasis mine) be allowed to participate on girls or women’s teams, as defined by their inherent differences that are physiological, chromosomal, and hormonal.”

I’m sure you see the illogical argument and wonder, “why is this even a bill that needs to be introduced?” This bill was introduced because society is no longer navigating off of the north star.

Yesterday, HB500 received a lot of press as major corporations who have moved to Idaho over the years, mainly due to the low taxes, home town morals, and family friendliness are showing they don’t value the same values as Idahoans used to. Two of the four major corporations are located in Twin Falls, Chobani and Clif Bar. Newsradio 1310KLIX posted an opinion piece this morning about the pressure from corporate Idaho as four corporations hope to persuade or buy your legislature. The Governor has already expressed that it may make Idaho appear backwards when talking about birth certificates.

The concern here for me is less about sports and more about morality and specifically related to the glory of God.

God created them “male and female”. Men are not women , boys are not girls. No matter how one feels nothing changes the facts. Corporate Idaho is trying to convince the world that facts don’t matter here. I say, if facts don’t matter on this issue how can I trust your science in other areas? Your attempt to appear “inclusive” on this issue should cause the general public to question what other areas of ethics are you willing to use smoke and mirrors on? Feel free to have an opinion on this as you feel, but know that your opinion is opposed to the glory of God.

(See full joint letter below)

What can you do? As always, don’t hesitate to pick up your phone or write a letter. The speed of today’s legislature requires a phone call or email this time. A handwritten letter will not have enough time to reach the Senators before they begin the discussion in the Senate State Affairs Committee. The committee will meet on Friday at 8 a.m. in Boise. Let them know you are in favor of HB500.

Here is a list of the Senate State Affairs Committee with phone numbers and email addresses. They need to be contacted today (March 5, 2020). This committee will be meeting at 8 a.m. on March 6, 2020.

Write the full committee at this email: Email: sstaf@senate.idaho.gov
Call the committee at this number: 332-1326

Chair Patti Anne Lodge
Vice Chair Mark Harris
Brent Hill
Chuck Winder
Steve Vick
Kelly Arthur Anthon
Mary Souza
Michelle Stennett
Cherie Buckner-Webb

Full text of the joint letter:

Original article from the Post Register:
“Dear Senators Lodge and Harris:

We write to share our concerns regarding legislation that recently passed the House of Representatives and is now pending in the Senate. Specifically, this includes House Bills 500 and 509.

As businesses, we’re committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and we are very proud to call Idaho home. It’s a privilege and honor to be ambassadors for the state in our daily interactions with customers, communities, and companies across the nation and around the world. We proudly talk about its strong and growing economy, and how it’s one of the best places in the nation to do business and live. Most important, we talk about the welcoming, big-hearted spirit of its people, and why our employees are so grateful to live and raise their families here.

This is a well-earned reputation and these bills targeting transgender Idahoans puts that reputation at risk and goes against creating a workforce that welcomes all. Passage of these bills could hurt our ability to attract and retain top talent to Idaho, and it could damage Idaho’s ability to attract new businesses and create new jobs.

With respect, we ask you to support all of Idaho’s diverse communities and reject these measures.

Sincerely,

Chobani

Clif Bar & Company

HP

Micron”

A None Binding Proclamation with a Peaceful Protest

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Monday, March 2, I had the opportunity to sit down and have a long conversation with Mike Hollomon, leader of United Methodist Magic Valley Ministries. This 1.5 hour long conversation was broad in topics but purposed to discuss why Mike felt it necessary to protest a proclamation given by the Mayor of Twin Falls on February 24, concerning the Sanctity of Life.

I’ve known Mike for several years and have monthly conversations with respect to theology and religious practice. Both of us have learned to have sharp disagreements with each other and learning to express that difference civilly and with respect to where we come from and why we believe what we believe.

Mike and I had an interesting conversation a few months ago at a coffee shop (where I drank hot chocolate). In that nearly 2 hour conversation we both thought it would have been fascinating to have had that conversation recorded. So after I was told that Mike was at the city council when the mayor read her proclamation and several people sent me pictures of Mike standing with his back to the mayor I thought it might be good to have another one of those conversation and this time record it for others to listen in to our conversation.

So, we did.

Listen along. Once this is posted, the public conversation is out of our control, but I urge those who are still reading and will listen to the entire conversation to exercise grace toward others.

Mike and I were able to have a peaceful disagreement. After re-listening I wish I had asked for greater clarification on a few things and pressed further for more of an answer.

This was a first experience of video recording a conversation for me. There are a few things I learned and would do different. You will notice a slight glitch every 30 minutes. That is a 30 minute limit of the recording. The entire conversation was saved in five files.

Paper, Phones, and Automobiles

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When Idaho is in session, help keep the economy strong by:
1) writing your legislators (I know, who uses paper anymore?).
2) calling your legislators.
3) travel to Boise and speak to them face to face.

Thursday, February 27, at 9:00 a.m. the Houses State Affairs Committee will pick up HB525. (It is item 4 on the aganda) This is a bill that is being promoted as a bill to not allow Idaho public money (collected from taxes) to be used to fund abortions. This is only partially true. It does not allow the majority of abortions, but it is a bill that also introduces language into Idaho code that would make a path for Idaho public money (collected from county and city taxes) to fund abortions where incest and rape are proven to abortion providers, ie, Planned Parenthood. (see video below)

Over the last week I have had pastors across the state writing statements to speak to the moral and righteous vantage point from the Holy Bible. If you have not read those statements yet, consider reading them by clicking on the links below.

What can you do?

  1. Write your legislators (2 Representatives and 1 Senator) and write the State Affairs Committee. As always… be short, to the point, kind, respectful, and tell them you want them to vote “no” on this piece of legislation.
  2. (WHOSE MY LEGISLATOR?)
  3. Call your legislators (2 Representatives and 1 Senator) especially if yours are on the State Affairs Committee. Like before… be short, be to the point, be kind, be respectful and tell them how you want them to vote on this piece of legislation. This is not a place to debate your position.
  4. Contact your employer and ask for the day off so you can travel to Boise to testify to the State Affairs Committee. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. HB525 is likely to be a bill with many people testifying.
  5. Share this post with as many people as you can to act in some way or another.
  6. Be sure to vote in the next election for people who will actually vote your values.

This is how a constitutional republic form of government works.

For the reader in District 24, Twin Falls, ID, here are the emails and phone numbers of your Representatives and Senator.

  • Representative Lance Clow: lclow@house.idaho.gov (208) 332-1188
  • Representative Linda Hartgen: lhartgen@house.idaho.gov (208) 332-1061
  • Senator Lee Heider: lheider@senate.idaho.gov (208) 332-1347

Links with helpful statements:

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