Here is a picture of her being prayed for by Alaska A/G Superintendent Rev. Ted Boatsman and her pastor Rev. Mike Rose at the most recent Alaska A/G District Council:
Friday, August 29, 2008
Gov. Sarah Palin
Not only is she the first female vice presidential candidate on a Republican ticket - she's also the first Pentecostal Christian to be nominated for the second highest office of the land. She attends this Assembly of God church when she's in Juneau, Alaska.
Here is a picture of her being prayed for by Alaska A/G Superintendent Rev. Ted Boatsman and her pastor Rev. Mike Rose at the most recent Alaska A/G District Council:
Here is a picture of her being prayed for by Alaska A/G Superintendent Rev. Ted Boatsman and her pastor Rev. Mike Rose at the most recent Alaska A/G District Council:
Powerful Picture
This picture below has really touched my heart. It was sent to me by one of our missionaries, and with his permission and the promise of anonymity - I'm sharing it with you. One reason I love this picture because it provides something that we in America often lack - perspective.
Here's why: The people pictured below are Christian's who are risking their lives. They are doing so because those pack horses that they are leading are carrying boxes filled with study Bibles into a country where Bible's are illegal. This precious cargo is being sneaked across the border and will be given away to believers in underground churches who desperately need them.
Kind of makes the typical church problems we deal with seem rather petty and unimportant, doesn't it?
Here's why: The people pictured below are Christian's who are risking their lives. They are doing so because those pack horses that they are leading are carrying boxes filled with study Bibles into a country where Bible's are illegal. This precious cargo is being sneaked across the border and will be given away to believers in underground churches who desperately need them.
Kind of makes the typical church problems we deal with seem rather petty and unimportant, doesn't it?
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Heartbreaking Statistics
In America we are closing 7 more churches a day, than we are opening. - Charles Arn
The United States of America remains the third largest unchurched nation in the world!
In 1900 there were 27 churches for every 10,000 Americans. In 1950 there were 17 churches for every 10,000 Americans. In 1996 there were 11 churches for every 10,000 Americans. -George Gallup
Evangelical churches have failed to gain an additional 2% of the American population in the past 50 years. In other words, we are not even reaching our children! - George Barna
Estimated America Unchurched Population - 195 million (January 1996, Gallup Princeton Religion Report).
Half of all churches last year did not add one new member through conversion growth. - Charles Arn
During the last 10 years, the combined communicant membership of all Protestant Denominations has declined by 9.5% (4,498,242) while the national population has increased by 11.4% (24,153,000).
-ASCG Journal of Church Growth
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
How Do Angels Function Today?
With all the crazy teaching floating around about angels - Lee Grady brings some good thoughts on the purpose and function of angels:
"Weird teachings about angels have become the norm in some charismatic circles today. It’s time to demand sanity on the subject....
We can make some basic assumptions about angels in the New Covenant era:
1. Angels help the church fulfill its mission, and they protect and guide the saints. Every one of us has probably experienced the activity of angels in their lives, probably without knowing it because they are usually invisible.2. Angels sometimes intervene with directive messages. But there is no case in the New Testament church in which an angel gave his name or brought attention to himself
3. Angels don't teach or explain doctrine. In the (charismatic movement) today, some leaders have suggested that certain angels (such as "Winds of Change") have arrived to usher in new movements. Emma has been described as a "nurturing angel" who brings a prophetic movement. But nowhere does the Bible suggest that angels bring moves of God. Jesus commissioned us to advance the kingdom by preaching the gospel. Angels know this are they are expecting us to do our jobs."
Read the rest HERE.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Bentley's Story Get's Sadder And Sadder...
First we hear that Todd Bentley had an "emotional affair" with a female staff member, now it has come to light that he's "drinking exessively".
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Theological Question For Today
Was pondering in my studies in the book of Acts today, the story concerning Simon, the man whom the Bible identifies as a sorcerer (vs.9). The question is - was he really genuinely saved, or not? Bible scholars and commentaries even disagree on this answer. The reason for the question is as follows:
Verse 12-13 clearly state:
"But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed."
The Bible doesn't qualify verse 13 at all - it simply Simon believed and was baptized by Phillip. If Simon didn't get saved here and this was a 'fake' experience - why would Phillip, a man led by the Holy Spirit, baptize someone who hadn't shown true evidence of being a true believer? The word 'believed' would also appear that it was a belief unto salvation.
Then verses 18-24 happen:
"Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, "Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." 20 But Peter said to him,"May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.
When Peter said "May your money perish with you" - that was basically saying 'perish in hell'.
It appears the "matter" that he had no "part" nor "lot" in was the baptism of the Holy Spirit, since his heart was wrong (crooked, twisted).
But the correction gets even stronger in Verse 22 and following:
22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that,if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity." 24 And Simon answered,"Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me."
I realize that it is possible in the Greek language, that Peter meant that Simon was 'headed' for the gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity - which would indicate that he wasn't quite there yet, but well on his way. Nonetheless - strong words indeed for someone who was supposedly saved just few verses before - so could these words be true of someone who had been truly regenerated by the Holy Spirit unto salvation? Was Phillip 'fooled' by Simon? Did he baptize someone who really wasn't genuinely interested in surrendering to Christ? Or was Peter strongly correcting a new believer who allowed some terrible thinking to overwhelm him?
There's no 'gotcha' here or anything like that. Just a genuine question that I would love to hear some input on!
Verse 12-13 clearly state:
"But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed."
The Bible doesn't qualify verse 13 at all - it simply Simon believed and was baptized by Phillip. If Simon didn't get saved here and this was a 'fake' experience - why would Phillip, a man led by the Holy Spirit, baptize someone who hadn't shown true evidence of being a true believer? The word 'believed' would also appear that it was a belief unto salvation.
Then verses 18-24 happen:
"Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, "Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." 20 But Peter said to him,"May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.
When Peter said "May your money perish with you" - that was basically saying 'perish in hell'.
It appears the "matter" that he had no "part" nor "lot" in was the baptism of the Holy Spirit, since his heart was wrong (crooked, twisted).
But the correction gets even stronger in Verse 22 and following:
22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that,if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity." 24 And Simon answered,"Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me."
I realize that it is possible in the Greek language, that Peter meant that Simon was 'headed' for the gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity - which would indicate that he wasn't quite there yet, but well on his way. Nonetheless - strong words indeed for someone who was supposedly saved just few verses before - so could these words be true of someone who had been truly regenerated by the Holy Spirit unto salvation? Was Phillip 'fooled' by Simon? Did he baptize someone who really wasn't genuinely interested in surrendering to Christ? Or was Peter strongly correcting a new believer who allowed some terrible thinking to overwhelm him?
There's no 'gotcha' here or anything like that. Just a genuine question that I would love to hear some input on!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Interview With Hamas Leader's Son
You've no doubt heard by now about the Hamas leader's son who converted to Christianity. Makes one wonder how many church folk would still claim Christ if their lives were in danger. Very interesting interview below...
Reasons People Attend Church
Apparently the music, coffee bars, kiddie play lands, etc., don't really matter that much after all. Haven't we been saying this all along?
Friday, August 15, 2008
Destiny Mission Trip
Here's a great video done by Josh Morris from our Native American Bible College mission trip this summer:
Destiny Missions - Summer '08 from Joshua Morris on Vimeo.
Destiny Missions - Summer '08 from Joshua Morris on Vimeo.
Scary Facts About Islam
By Dr. Peter Hammond (sent via email newsletter - Dr. Hammond's book on this topic can be found HERE.)
Islam is not a religion, nor is it a cult. In its fullest form, it is a
complete, total, 100% system of life.
Islam has religious, legal, political, economic, social, and military
components. The religious component is a beard for all of the other
components.
Islamization begins when there are sufficient Muslims in a country
to agitate for their religious privileges.
When politically correct, tolerant, and culturally diverse societies
agree to Muslim demands for their religious privileges, some of the
other components tend to creep in as well.
Here's how it works.
As long as the Muslim population remains around or under 2% in
any given country, they will be for the most part be regarded as a
peace-loving minority, and not as a threat to other citizens. This is
the case in:
United States -- Muslim 0.6%
Australia -- Muslim 1.5%
Canada -- Muslim 1.9%
China -- Muslim 1.8%
Italy -- Muslim 1.5%
Norway -- Muslim 1.8%
At 2% to 5%, they begin to proselytize from other ethnic minorities
and disaffected groups, often with major recruiting from the jails
and among street gangs. This is happening in:
Denmark -- Muslim 2%
Germany -- Muslim 3.7%
United Kingdom -- Muslim 2.7%
Spain -- Muslim 4%
Thailand -- Muslim 4.6%
From 5% on, they exercise an inordinate influence in proportion to
their percentage of the population. For example, they will push for
the introduction of halal (clean by Islamic standards) food, thereby
securing food preparation jobs for Muslims. They will increase
pressure on supermarket chains to feature halal on their shelves --
along with threats for failure to comply. This is occurring in:
France -- Muslim 8%
Philippines -- Muslim 5%
Sweden -- Muslim 5%
Switzerland -- Muslim 4.3%
The Netherlands -- Muslim 5.5%
Trinidad & Tobago -- Muslim 5.8%
At this point, they will work to get the ruling government to allow
them to rule themselves (within their ghettos) under Sharia, the
Islamic Law. The ultimate goal of Islamists is to establish Sharia
law over the entire world.
When Muslims approach 10% of the population, they tend to
increase lawlessness as a means of complaint about their
conditions. In Paris, we are already seeing car-burnings. Any
non-Muslim action offends Islam, and results in uprisings and
threats, such as in Amsterdam , with opposition to Mohammed
cartoons and films about Islam. Such tensions are seen daily,
particularly in Muslim sections, in:
Guyana -- Muslim 10%
India -- Muslim 13.4%
Israel -- Muslim 16%
Kenya -- Muslim 10%
Russia -- Muslim 15%
After reaching 20%, nations can expect hair-trigger rioting, jihad
militia formations, sporadic killings, and the burnings of Christian
churches and Jewish synagogues, such as in:
Ethiopia -- Muslim 32.8%
At 40%, nations experience widespread massacres, chronic terror
attacks, and ongoing militia warfare, such as in:
Bosnia -- Muslim 40%
Chad -- Muslim 53.1%
Lebanon -- Muslim 59.7%
From 60%, nations experience unfettered persecution of
non-believers of all other religions (including non-conforming
Muslims), sporadic ethnic cleansing (genocide), use of Sharia Law
as a weapon, and Jizya, the tax placed on infidels, such as in:
Albania -- Muslim 70%
Malaysia -- Muslim 60.4%
Qatar -- Muslim 77.5%
Sudan -- Muslim 70%
After 80%, expect daily intimidation and violent jihad, some
State-run ethnic cleansing, and even some genocide, as these
nations drive out the infidels, and move toward 100% Muslim, such
as has been experienced and in some ways is on-going in:
Bangladesh -- Muslim 83%
Egypt -- Muslim 90%
Gaza -- Muslim 98.7%
Indonesia -- Muslim 86.1%
Iran -- Muslim 98%
Iraq -- Muslim 97%
Jordan -- Muslim 92%
Morocco -- Muslim 98.7%
Pakistan -- Muslim 97%
Palestine -- Muslim 99%
Syria -- Muslim 90%
Tajikistan -- Muslim 90%
Turkey -- Muslim 99.8%
United Arab Emirates -- Muslim 96%
100% will usher in the peace of 'Dar-es-Salaam' -- the Islamic
House of Peace. Here there's supposed to be peace, because
everybody is a Muslim, the Madrasses are the only schools, and
the Koran is the only word, such as in:
Afghanistan -- Muslim 100%
Saudi Arabia -- Muslim 100%
Somalia -- Muslim 100%
Yemen -- Muslim 100%
Unfortunately, peace is never achieved, as in these 100% states
the most radical Muslims intimidate and spew hatred, and satisfy
their blood lust by killing less radical Muslims, for a variety of reasons.
Islam is not a religion, nor is it a cult. In its fullest form, it is a
complete, total, 100% system of life.
Islam has religious, legal, political, economic, social, and military
components. The religious component is a beard for all of the other
components.
Islamization begins when there are sufficient Muslims in a country
to agitate for their religious privileges.
When politically correct, tolerant, and culturally diverse societies
agree to Muslim demands for their religious privileges, some of the
other components tend to creep in as well.
Here's how it works.
As long as the Muslim population remains around or under 2% in
any given country, they will be for the most part be regarded as a
peace-loving minority, and not as a threat to other citizens. This is
the case in:
United States -- Muslim 0.6%
Australia -- Muslim 1.5%
Canada -- Muslim 1.9%
China -- Muslim 1.8%
Italy -- Muslim 1.5%
Norway -- Muslim 1.8%
At 2% to 5%, they begin to proselytize from other ethnic minorities
and disaffected groups, often with major recruiting from the jails
and among street gangs. This is happening in:
Denmark -- Muslim 2%
Germany -- Muslim 3.7%
United Kingdom -- Muslim 2.7%
Spain -- Muslim 4%
Thailand -- Muslim 4.6%
From 5% on, they exercise an inordinate influence in proportion to
their percentage of the population. For example, they will push for
the introduction of halal (clean by Islamic standards) food, thereby
securing food preparation jobs for Muslims. They will increase
pressure on supermarket chains to feature halal on their shelves --
along with threats for failure to comply. This is occurring in:
France -- Muslim 8%
Philippines -- Muslim 5%
Sweden -- Muslim 5%
Switzerland -- Muslim 4.3%
The Netherlands -- Muslim 5.5%
Trinidad & Tobago -- Muslim 5.8%
At this point, they will work to get the ruling government to allow
them to rule themselves (within their ghettos) under Sharia, the
Islamic Law. The ultimate goal of Islamists is to establish Sharia
law over the entire world.
When Muslims approach 10% of the population, they tend to
increase lawlessness as a means of complaint about their
conditions. In Paris, we are already seeing car-burnings. Any
non-Muslim action offends Islam, and results in uprisings and
threats, such as in Amsterdam , with opposition to Mohammed
cartoons and films about Islam. Such tensions are seen daily,
particularly in Muslim sections, in:
Guyana -- Muslim 10%
India -- Muslim 13.4%
Israel -- Muslim 16%
Kenya -- Muslim 10%
Russia -- Muslim 15%
After reaching 20%, nations can expect hair-trigger rioting, jihad
militia formations, sporadic killings, and the burnings of Christian
churches and Jewish synagogues, such as in:
Ethiopia -- Muslim 32.8%
At 40%, nations experience widespread massacres, chronic terror
attacks, and ongoing militia warfare, such as in:
Bosnia -- Muslim 40%
Chad -- Muslim 53.1%
Lebanon -- Muslim 59.7%
From 60%, nations experience unfettered persecution of
non-believers of all other religions (including non-conforming
Muslims), sporadic ethnic cleansing (genocide), use of Sharia Law
as a weapon, and Jizya, the tax placed on infidels, such as in:
Albania -- Muslim 70%
Malaysia -- Muslim 60.4%
Qatar -- Muslim 77.5%
Sudan -- Muslim 70%
After 80%, expect daily intimidation and violent jihad, some
State-run ethnic cleansing, and even some genocide, as these
nations drive out the infidels, and move toward 100% Muslim, such
as has been experienced and in some ways is on-going in:
Bangladesh -- Muslim 83%
Egypt -- Muslim 90%
Gaza -- Muslim 98.7%
Indonesia -- Muslim 86.1%
Iran -- Muslim 98%
Iraq -- Muslim 97%
Jordan -- Muslim 92%
Morocco -- Muslim 98.7%
Pakistan -- Muslim 97%
Palestine -- Muslim 99%
Syria -- Muslim 90%
Tajikistan -- Muslim 90%
Turkey -- Muslim 99.8%
United Arab Emirates -- Muslim 96%
100% will usher in the peace of 'Dar-es-Salaam' -- the Islamic
House of Peace. Here there's supposed to be peace, because
everybody is a Muslim, the Madrasses are the only schools, and
the Koran is the only word, such as in:
Afghanistan -- Muslim 100%
Saudi Arabia -- Muslim 100%
Somalia -- Muslim 100%
Yemen -- Muslim 100%
Unfortunately, peace is never achieved, as in these 100% states
the most radical Muslims intimidate and spew hatred, and satisfy
their blood lust by killing less radical Muslims, for a variety of reasons.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
20
Today I celebrate twenty years of marriage with Juli who is the love of my life and my best friend. It doesn't seem possible that twenty years have flown by so quickly and it would be tough to imagine what life would be like without her.I thank God for His goodness as He has truly blessed us these past two decades and He has been so faithful to us.
Without a doubt our love has grown far deeper today than it has ever been. I love you sweetheart!
Special Prayer Request For Todd Bentley From God TV
A truly sad message sent from God TV:
"It is with great regret that we as Founders and our Board call you to urgent prayer. As you may have already heard, Todd and Shonnah Bentley are experiencing some current marital difficulties and have separated. GOD TV is anxious that our viewers and partners will first of all respond to these unfortunate circumstances with an attitude of Christ-like maturity and pray fervently for Todd, Shonnah and their children as a family who are precious to the Lord. While we have learned today that immorality was not an issue, no doubt the enemy has exploited vulnerabilities in their marriage. What the devil has not counted on is the Christ-like maturity and intercession that is currently being raised up all across the earth in response. We hope you will join us as a part of this prayer covering.
It is GOD TV's position that marriage is a foundational cornerstone to those families called to ministry and would believe that those who have spiritual oversight for Todd and Shonnah's ministry will recommend a time of sabbatical for the family in order to seek reconciliation within their marriage should these reports be accurate.
As many of you know, August 8th was our final 'Lakeland' broadcast. We do however, believe that it is important to recognize and defend the authenticity of this outpouring by the testimonies of the countless thousands who viewed on GOD TV or attended at Lakeland and were healed, set free and delivered through Jesus Christ. There are many churches around the UK, USA and the world who are currently holding nightly revival meetings affecting whole communities. Once again at this time may we encourage all to pray for the family and soberly remember that all of us will be required to give account to the Lord for our lives. It is our earnest prayer that Todd and Shonnah will be fully reconciled.
Rory, Wendy Alec and the Board of GOD TV"
"It is with great regret that we as Founders and our Board call you to urgent prayer. As you may have already heard, Todd and Shonnah Bentley are experiencing some current marital difficulties and have separated. GOD TV is anxious that our viewers and partners will first of all respond to these unfortunate circumstances with an attitude of Christ-like maturity and pray fervently for Todd, Shonnah and their children as a family who are precious to the Lord. While we have learned today that immorality was not an issue, no doubt the enemy has exploited vulnerabilities in their marriage. What the devil has not counted on is the Christ-like maturity and intercession that is currently being raised up all across the earth in response. We hope you will join us as a part of this prayer covering.
It is GOD TV's position that marriage is a foundational cornerstone to those families called to ministry and would believe that those who have spiritual oversight for Todd and Shonnah's ministry will recommend a time of sabbatical for the family in order to seek reconciliation within their marriage should these reports be accurate.
As many of you know, August 8th was our final 'Lakeland' broadcast. We do however, believe that it is important to recognize and defend the authenticity of this outpouring by the testimonies of the countless thousands who viewed on GOD TV or attended at Lakeland and were healed, set free and delivered through Jesus Christ. There are many churches around the UK, USA and the world who are currently holding nightly revival meetings affecting whole communities. Once again at this time may we encourage all to pray for the family and soberly remember that all of us will be required to give account to the Lord for our lives. It is our earnest prayer that Todd and Shonnah will be fully reconciled.
Rory, Wendy Alec and the Board of GOD TV"
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Questions Rick Warren Should Ask
I've said this before and I'll say it again - pastors and churches have zero business involving themselves in politics. Much damage has been done in the Kingdom of God as a result of pastors diving headlong into politics because it always causes unnecessary division in the Body of Christ and serves as a major distraction from the churches primary job of winning souls. This church/politics mix has undoubtedly contributed to the belief held by some Americans that politics and religion are virtually the same thing. Not only can I see why they think that - I'd have to agree in a few cases. And it may come as a surprise to some members of the 'religious right' that no one will be asked what their party affiliation was before they are allowed into heaven.
Having said all of that, this "Compassion Forum", hosted by Pastor Rick Warren at his church on August 16 has caught my attention. Both presidential candidates, Barak Obama and John McCain, will be taking part in this forum in which the stated purpose is to have the candidates answer questions on issues such as global poverty, HIV and the environment.
Since such a forum is taking place and being moderated by a pastor, wouldn't it be great if some tough questions would be asked of the candidates as opposed to the politically correct softballs that will be floating around on Saturday night? Not that global poverty, HIV and the environment aren't challenging issues - they are and need to be discussed, but wouldn't it be interesting to see the candidates have to answer some 'hard for them' questions? Something other than the Warren stated sample question: "What’s the most difficult decision you’ve had to make, and how did you make it?" Hmm. Olympic sailing doesn't sound so boring after all.
That's why people like columnist Gregg Jackson at Townhall.com have suggested if we're going to have a forum like this - how about asking some questions like this? Questions that cut to the chase and ditch the nauseating political correctness that has strangled our brains for far too long.
These are questions that Rick Warren should ask - but won't:
1. For both candidates: What is truth? Who is truth? And Is that truth transcendent and applicable at all times to everyone regardless of their impulses, behavioral preferences, desires, wants, nationality, ethnicity, religious dogma, gender, race, etc?
2. Sen. Obama, you have said you are personally pro-life but in favor of abortion rights up to and even including after delivery in some cases. Why are you pro-life personally if an abortion doesn't actually kill a baby in her mother's womb? Also, do you think Jesus would be in favor of abortion? Why or why not?
3. Sen. McCain, you claim to be personally pro-life as well. Why? And if you believe that abortion always ends the life of the developing baby in her mother's womb, why would it be ok for individual states to legalize killing babies? Don't our nation's founding documents the Declaration of Independence ("life, liberty, pursuit of happiness") and Constitution (5th and 14th Amendments) guarantee the right to life that no individual state can violate?
4. Sen. Obama, Do you believe that homosexual behavior, as God says in His Word, is unnatural, deviant, and self-destructive? As a follow-up, some have said that we shouldn't worry about homosexuality because Jesus never said anything about it specifically. Well, in case you're planning on going down the same Scriptural-ignorant road, Jesus never spoke about crack cocaine, racism, and suicide, either. So are those things okay? And the Gospel of John says that in the beginning was the Word, that the Word became flesh, and that the Word was Jesus Himself. So, since "all Scripture is God-breathed and profitable" the entire Bible is about Jesus, and that's the same Jesus that affirmed marriage as one man and one woman in the Gospels as well. Therefore, as a Christian how do you find yourself on the opposite end of an issue from Jesus?
5. Sen. McCain, You said of same-sex marriage: "I think that gay marriage should be allowed if there's a ceremony kind of thing, if you wanna call it that, I don't have any problem with that." Do you stand by that statement, as you have also stated that you personally oppose same-sex "marriage?" You don't offer a section on your website dedicated to this issue, which continues to make national headlines. And it's also making headlines in your own state. Recently, Dr. James Dobson expressed regret that you weren't more public in your support for a marriage initiative in your state, and since you support individual states' rights to defend the institution of marriage, do you agree with Dr. Dobson that you haven't been forthright enough on this issue?
Read the rest of the questions HERE.
Having said all of that, this "Compassion Forum", hosted by Pastor Rick Warren at his church on August 16 has caught my attention. Both presidential candidates, Barak Obama and John McCain, will be taking part in this forum in which the stated purpose is to have the candidates answer questions on issues such as global poverty, HIV and the environment.
Since such a forum is taking place and being moderated by a pastor, wouldn't it be great if some tough questions would be asked of the candidates as opposed to the politically correct softballs that will be floating around on Saturday night? Not that global poverty, HIV and the environment aren't challenging issues - they are and need to be discussed, but wouldn't it be interesting to see the candidates have to answer some 'hard for them' questions? Something other than the Warren stated sample question: "What’s the most difficult decision you’ve had to make, and how did you make it?" Hmm. Olympic sailing doesn't sound so boring after all.
That's why people like columnist Gregg Jackson at Townhall.com have suggested if we're going to have a forum like this - how about asking some questions like this? Questions that cut to the chase and ditch the nauseating political correctness that has strangled our brains for far too long.
These are questions that Rick Warren should ask - but won't:
1. For both candidates: What is truth? Who is truth? And Is that truth transcendent and applicable at all times to everyone regardless of their impulses, behavioral preferences, desires, wants, nationality, ethnicity, religious dogma, gender, race, etc?
2. Sen. Obama, you have said you are personally pro-life but in favor of abortion rights up to and even including after delivery in some cases. Why are you pro-life personally if an abortion doesn't actually kill a baby in her mother's womb? Also, do you think Jesus would be in favor of abortion? Why or why not?
3. Sen. McCain, you claim to be personally pro-life as well. Why? And if you believe that abortion always ends the life of the developing baby in her mother's womb, why would it be ok for individual states to legalize killing babies? Don't our nation's founding documents the Declaration of Independence ("life, liberty, pursuit of happiness") and Constitution (5th and 14th Amendments) guarantee the right to life that no individual state can violate?
4. Sen. Obama, Do you believe that homosexual behavior, as God says in His Word, is unnatural, deviant, and self-destructive? As a follow-up, some have said that we shouldn't worry about homosexuality because Jesus never said anything about it specifically. Well, in case you're planning on going down the same Scriptural-ignorant road, Jesus never spoke about crack cocaine, racism, and suicide, either. So are those things okay? And the Gospel of John says that in the beginning was the Word, that the Word became flesh, and that the Word was Jesus Himself. So, since "all Scripture is God-breathed and profitable" the entire Bible is about Jesus, and that's the same Jesus that affirmed marriage as one man and one woman in the Gospels as well. Therefore, as a Christian how do you find yourself on the opposite end of an issue from Jesus?
5. Sen. McCain, You said of same-sex marriage: "I think that gay marriage should be allowed if there's a ceremony kind of thing, if you wanna call it that, I don't have any problem with that." Do you stand by that statement, as you have also stated that you personally oppose same-sex "marriage?" You don't offer a section on your website dedicated to this issue, which continues to make national headlines. And it's also making headlines in your own state. Recently, Dr. James Dobson expressed regret that you weren't more public in your support for a marriage initiative in your state, and since you support individual states' rights to defend the institution of marriage, do you agree with Dr. Dobson that you haven't been forthright enough on this issue?
Read the rest of the questions HERE.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Top Hamas Leader's Son Becomes A Christian
Masab Yousef, son of West Bank Hamas leader Sheik Hassan Yousef, revealed for the first time in an exclusive interview with Haaretz newspaper that he has left Islam and is now a Christian. Prior to the interview’s publication last Thursday, Yousef’s family did not know of his faith conversion even though he is in regular contact with them.
“[T]his interview will open many people's eyes, it will shake Islam from the roots, and I'm not exaggerating,” Yousef, who now resides in the United States, said. “What other case do you know where a son of a Hamas leader, who was raised on the tenets of extremist Islam, comes out against it?”
Yousef, who is now 30-years-old, was first exposed to Christianity eight years ago while in Jerusalem where out of curiosity he accepted an invitation to hear about Christianity. Afterwards, he became “enthusiastic” about what he heard and would secretly read the Bible every day.
“A verse like ‘Love thine enemy’ had a great influence on me,” Yousef recalled. “At this stage I was still a Muslim and I thought that I would remain one. But every day I saw the terrible things done in the name of religion by those who considered themselves ‘great believers.’
“I studied Islam more thoroughly and found no answers there. I re-examined the Koran and the principals of the faith and found how it is mistaken and misleading.”
But with Christianity, Yousef said he could understand God as revealed through Jesus Christ. He said he could talk about God and Jesus for days, but Muslims are not able to say anything about God.
“I consider Islam a big lie,” said the son of one of Hamas’ founders. “The people who supposedly represent the religion admired Mohammed more than God, killed innocent people in the name of Islam, beat their wives and don’t have any idea what God is.
Read the rest HERE.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Ridiculous Lawsuit
You may remember that Joel Osteen's wife, Victoria, had some sort of incident on a plane a while back that led to an apparent confrontation of sorts with a flight attendant. Osteen ended up leaving the plane voluntarily with her family. The claim being made by this flight attendant is not only ridiculous - it looks like a money grab...
From Fox News:
"According to court documents, Brown claims that she suffers from anxiety and hemorrhoids because of the incident and said her faith was affected. She is also suing Osteen for medical expenses for counseling..."
Read the rest HERE.
From Fox News:
"According to court documents, Brown claims that she suffers from anxiety and hemorrhoids because of the incident and said her faith was affected. She is also suing Osteen for medical expenses for counseling..."
Read the rest HERE.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
The Four Baptisms
Good stuff from Tim Enloe's blog:
"I frequently encounter a misunderstanding over the usage of the term "baptism"--both in scripture and modern theology. Bringing some biblical clarity to this fuzziness seems to often help people see the promise of Spirit baptism as an unclaimed blessing from God..."
Read the rest HERE.
"I frequently encounter a misunderstanding over the usage of the term "baptism"--both in scripture and modern theology. Bringing some biblical clarity to this fuzziness seems to often help people see the promise of Spirit baptism as an unclaimed blessing from God..."
Read the rest HERE.
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