(Religion Today)
The country's top abortion provider received a great return on the money it spent in this year's election, according to an analysis by the Sunlight Foundation, Baptist Press reports. The analysis showed that more than 98 percent of Planned Parenthood Action Fund's spending in election races produced the desired result, making Planned Parenthood No. 1 for effectiveness in the 2012 election cycle. Planned Parenthood, which spent about $15 million in the election, succeeded with a two-part approach, pollsters and strategists told The Washington Post. It used Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's words against him, and it identified about 1 million women voters, mostly in swing states, who were especially open to its message. "Those were the women that we were going to relentlessly target over and over again between June and November," said Dawn Laguens, Planned Parenthood's executive vice president. Planned Parenthood used Romney's opposition to Roe v. Wade and federal funding of Planned Parenthood to influence those voters -- part of a dramatic shift by campaigns and outside groups, which spent $39 million on advertising related to abortion. "There was a huge increase in the number of spots on these issues in 2012 versus 2008," said Ken Goldstein, president of the media tracking company Kantar Media. "Overall, the Democrats aired over six times as many spots on abortion as Republicans." MORE
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Newtown: Should We Be Surprised?
(Trevin Wax)
Are We a Violent People?
Are We a Violent People?
The search for a scapegoat has begun.
Now that the initial shock of the Newtown massacre has worn off, our society is looking for something to do and someone to blame.
Something to do? Many are lobbying for stricter gun control laws and bans on assault weapons. Others are recommending teachers and school officials be armed and ready to fight back.
Someone to blame? The talking heads on television have begun a conversation about mental illness that they are woefully ill-prepared for. I shudder to consider what lies ahead for autistic children and adults with Asberger’s Syndrome if hearsay and ignorance win the day.
Pointing Fingers MORE
Now that the initial shock of the Newtown massacre has worn off, our society is looking for something to do and someone to blame.
Something to do? Many are lobbying for stricter gun control laws and bans on assault weapons. Others are recommending teachers and school officials be armed and ready to fight back.
Someone to blame? The talking heads on television have begun a conversation about mental illness that they are woefully ill-prepared for. I shudder to consider what lies ahead for autistic children and adults with Asberger’s Syndrome if hearsay and ignorance win the day.
Pointing Fingers MORE
The Global Religious Landscape
(Pew Research Report)
A Report on the Size and Distribution of the World’s Major Religious Groups as of 2010
A Report on the Size and Distribution of the World’s Major Religious Groups as of 2010
Executive Summary
Navigate this page:- Geographic Distribution
- Living as Majorities and Minorities
- Young and Old
- About the Study
- Defining the Religious Groups
- Roadmap to the Report
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Must We Believe The Virgin Birth
Albert Mohler.
In one of his columns for The New York Times, Nicholas Kristof once pointed to belief in the Virgin Birth as evidence that conservative Christians are “less intellectual.” Are we saddled with an untenable doctrine? Is belief in the Virgin Birth really necessary?
Kristof is absolutely aghast that so many Americans believe in the Virgin Birth. “The faith in the Virgin Birth reflects the way American Christianity is becoming less intellectual and more mystical over time,” he explains, and the percentage of Americans who believe in the Virgin Birth “actually rose five points in the latest poll.” Yikes! Is this evidence of secular backsliding?
MORE
In one of his columns for The New York Times, Nicholas Kristof once pointed to belief in the Virgin Birth as evidence that conservative Christians are “less intellectual.” Are we saddled with an untenable doctrine? Is belief in the Virgin Birth really necessary?
Kristof is absolutely aghast that so many Americans believe in the Virgin Birth. “The faith in the Virgin Birth reflects the way American Christianity is becoming less intellectual and more mystical over time,” he explains, and the percentage of Americans who believe in the Virgin Birth “actually rose five points in the latest poll.” Yikes! Is this evidence of secular backsliding?
MORE
The Gospel According to Christmas Carols
It’s that time of year. Turn on the radio, take a trip to the mall, or simply stroll down the aisles of the local grocery store, and you’re likely to hear songs about Jesus’ birth playing in the background. Though we call them “Christmas carols,” they are really just Christian hymns celebrating the incarnation of our Lord and Savior. For a few weeks each December, these profound songs of worship become a ubiquitous part of the holiday atmosphere. And our society’s pervasive interest in them provides us with a unique opportunity to share the gospel. After all, it’s the perfect time to explain the meaning of these songs to those who don’t know Christ.
Today’s blog post is just one example of how the content of Christmas carols can be used to share the good news of the gospel. It is adapted from an evangelistic message I put together a couple holiday seasons ago. Whether you follow a format like this or not, be sure to make the most of this Christmas season — sharing the truth of God’s grace with unbelieving friends and family. MORE
Today’s blog post is just one example of how the content of Christmas carols can be used to share the good news of the gospel. It is adapted from an evangelistic message I put together a couple holiday seasons ago. Whether you follow a format like this or not, be sure to make the most of this Christmas season — sharing the truth of God’s grace with unbelieving friends and family. MORE
The Complexities of Christmas
By Tim Brister
Last Sunday, in my disciple-making training, we did a little excursion from our normal schedule to think about Christmas. As disciples of Jesus, we should seek to leverage every opportunity to make much of Him, including (or especially) the season of Advent. However, not everything is as “wonderful” this time of the year as we think. For many, it is the most stressful, demanding, and overwhelming time of the year, with challenges awaiting from all facets of life.
On a cultural front, we are constantly hearing news about the culture war, in particular how the tide of our culture is washing away any remnants of Christianity. Whether it be nativity scenes in the square, “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas”, or the marginalization of Christmas carols that have anything to do with Jesus, each Christmas is another incoming tide of secularism in our country. MORE
Last Sunday, in my disciple-making training, we did a little excursion from our normal schedule to think about Christmas. As disciples of Jesus, we should seek to leverage every opportunity to make much of Him, including (or especially) the season of Advent. However, not everything is as “wonderful” this time of the year as we think. For many, it is the most stressful, demanding, and overwhelming time of the year, with challenges awaiting from all facets of life.
On a cultural front, we are constantly hearing news about the culture war, in particular how the tide of our culture is washing away any remnants of Christianity. Whether it be nativity scenes in the square, “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas”, or the marginalization of Christmas carols that have anything to do with Jesus, each Christmas is another incoming tide of secularism in our country. MORE
Friday, December 7, 2012
Should Christmas Celebrate Christmas?
(John MacArthur)
Scripture doesn't specifically command believers to celebrate Christmas--there are no prescribed "Holy Days" the church must observe. In fact, Christmas was not observed as a holiday until well after the biblical era. It wasn't until the mid-fifth century that Christmas received any official recognition.
We believe celebrating Christmas is not a question of right or wrong since Romans 14:5-6 provides us with the liberty to decide whether or not to observe special days:
Scripture doesn't specifically command believers to celebrate Christmas--there are no prescribed "Holy Days" the church must observe. In fact, Christmas was not observed as a holiday until well after the biblical era. It wasn't until the mid-fifth century that Christmas received any official recognition.
We believe celebrating Christmas is not a question of right or wrong since Romans 14:5-6 provides us with the liberty to decide whether or not to observe special days:
One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks (Rom. 14: 5-6). MORE
The X in Christmas
(RC Sproul)
Why is X Used when it Replaces Christ in Christmas?
The simple answer to your question is that the X in Christmas is used like the R in R.C. My given name at birth was Robert Charles, although before I was even taken home from the hospital my parents called me by my initials, R.C., and nobody seems to be too scandalized by that.
X can mean so many things. For example, when we want to denote an unknown quantity, we use the symbol X. It can refer to an obscene level of films, something that is X-rated. People seem to express chagrin about seeing Christ’s name dropped and replaced by this symbol for an unknown quantity X. Every year you see the signs and the bumper stickers saying, “Put Christ back into Christmas” as a response to this substitution of the letter X for the name of Christ.
MORE
Why is X Used when it Replaces Christ in Christmas?
The simple answer to your question is that the X in Christmas is used like the R in R.C. My given name at birth was Robert Charles, although before I was even taken home from the hospital my parents called me by my initials, R.C., and nobody seems to be too scandalized by that.
X can mean so many things. For example, when we want to denote an unknown quantity, we use the symbol X. It can refer to an obscene level of films, something that is X-rated. People seem to express chagrin about seeing Christ’s name dropped and replaced by this symbol for an unknown quantity X. Every year you see the signs and the bumper stickers saying, “Put Christ back into Christmas” as a response to this substitution of the letter X for the name of Christ.
MORE
A Christmas Quiz
(Probe Ministries):
Written by Dr. Dale Taliaferro
1. Can you name the parents of Jesus?
a. Mary (Matt. 1:16; Luke 1:31, 2:6-7).
b. God (Luke 1:32, 35).
c. Joseph (by adoption) (Matt 1:16, 19-20, 24-25).
2. Where did Joseph and Mary live before they were married?
a. Mary--In Nazareth (Luke 1:26-27).
b. Joseph--In Nazareth, presumably (Luke 2:4).
3. What was the name of the angel who appeared to Mary?
Gabriel (Luke 1:26). MORE
Written by Dr. Dale Taliaferro
1. Can you name the parents of Jesus?
a. Mary (Matt. 1:16; Luke 1:31, 2:6-7).
b. God (Luke 1:32, 35).
c. Joseph (by adoption) (Matt 1:16, 19-20, 24-25).
2. Where did Joseph and Mary live before they were married?
a. Mary--In Nazareth (Luke 1:26-27).
b. Joseph--In Nazareth, presumably (Luke 2:4).
3. What was the name of the angel who appeared to Mary?
Gabriel (Luke 1:26). MORE
Thursday, November 29, 2012
First Church of the Not so Bad
(Highlands Ministries) Dr. RC Sproul, Jr. We are adepts not at fighting our sins but hiding them. We gather each Lord’s Day dressed in our smiles, share our praise reports and our health concerns, pat ourselves on our backs, and return home to our gross and heinous sins. We miss this in part because we are preternaturally positive about ourselves. We are willing to confess that there are some weak churches out there, somewhere down the road. There are destructive schools out there, but ours is one of the good ones. There are broken families out there, but ours is, as far as anyone can tell, a model of grace and peace. There are deluded sinners out there, but I thank you Lord I am not like them. MORE
Should Christians support the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state?
Joel C. Rosenberg's Blog
(Los Angeles, California) — Should Christians support the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state? This has long been an important question. But it’s particularly relevant this week.
On Thursday, the Palestinian leadership will ask the United Nations General Assembly to vote on a resolution that will give them enhanced international legal status, not quite a full sovereign state, but very close. The resolution is expected to pass decisively. France, Russia, China and most nations of the world have indicated they will vote “yes” on the resolution. That’s right, the world is poised to say yes to a sovereign Palestinian state despite the fact that Palestinians in Gaza just committed more than 3,000 war crimes last week (each rocket was fired from behind innocent Arab civilians, and fired at innocent Jewish civilians, making each rocket fired a double war crime); despite the fact that the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank doesn’t have any control over the situation in Gaza; despite the fact that the PA has admantly refused to sit down and engage in face to face peace talks with the Israelis for years; and despite the fact that the PA is nearly bankrupt and unable to pay its workers).
[Note: On November 29, 1947, the U.N. voted for the famous "Partition Plan."]
MORE
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Three Dirty Words: Tolerance, Diversity, and Welcoming
(Rev. Michael P. Orsi) There are three dirty words that are being used to subvert traditional morality in Western society: tolerance, diversity and welcoming.
These words are liberally used (no pun intended) in education, by the media, and even by our Churches. In themselves, they seem quite innocuous. To the untrained ear they sound like commendable practices geared toward helping folks who are “different” get along.
The fact of the matter is that these words are being used to lull us into an amoral complacency. They are being used as the vanguard for conditioning unsuspecting minds in the regnant Philosophy of Relativism. MORE
These words are liberally used (no pun intended) in education, by the media, and even by our Churches. In themselves, they seem quite innocuous. To the untrained ear they sound like commendable practices geared toward helping folks who are “different” get along.
The fact of the matter is that these words are being used to lull us into an amoral complacency. They are being used as the vanguard for conditioning unsuspecting minds in the regnant Philosophy of Relativism. MORE
How to Share Christ With Your Hindu Friends
Jeff Brawner / CORDOVA, Tenn. (BP) -- If you've traveled most anywhere in the United States
recently, you've likely had contact with a follower of Hinduism, a religion that
is becoming a major factor on the American religious landscape.
Witnessing to
Hindus can be daunting. A seminary student described his effort to reach out to
a Hindu, saying, "They have all of those gods. I just felt ...
helpless."
With 330 million gods, a Hindu's simple response can be, "How can we be wrong, if we accept that everyone is at least partially right?"
Still, increasing numbers of Hindus around the world are trusting Christ. The church in India now encompasses more than 70-million people, the world's eighth-largest Christian population. MORE
 |
| Jeff Brawner |
With 330 million gods, a Hindu's simple response can be, "How can we be wrong, if we accept that everyone is at least partially right?"
Still, increasing numbers of Hindus around the world are trusting Christ. The church in India now encompasses more than 70-million people, the world's eighth-largest Christian population. MORE
At This "Mormon Moment" Convey Truth and Grace
(Ed Stetzer) NASHVILLE (BP) -- Mormonism is something we cannot escape right now. We are in a
"Mormon Moment" thanks to the candidacy of Gov. Mitt Romney. Southern Baptists
need to address this moment with truth and grace.
Richard Land, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, is seldom subtle, speaking boldly and clearly about what he believes. We've agreed many times and disagreed a couple. Though I might nuance it differently, I think Southern Baptists would do well to consider his words in the Washington Post, "I wouldn't call [Mormonism] a cult but it claims to be Christian and isn't. Its theology is like a cult but socially and culturally it doesn't act like a cult.... They don't withdraw, they don't live in communities and they're not like Jehovah's Witnesses or James Jones."
MORE
Richard Land, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, is seldom subtle, speaking boldly and clearly about what he believes. We've agreed many times and disagreed a couple. Though I might nuance it differently, I think Southern Baptists would do well to consider his words in the Washington Post, "I wouldn't call [Mormonism] a cult but it claims to be Christian and isn't. Its theology is like a cult but socially and culturally it doesn't act like a cult.... They don't withdraw, they don't live in communities and they're not like Jehovah's Witnesses or James Jones."
MORE
The Mormon Moment: How Christians Should Relate To Mormons
(Ed Stetzer) On this week's episode of The Exchange, Dr. Tal Davis and I engaged in a discussion about Mormonism. With the emergence of Governor Mitt Romney as the presumptive Republican nominee for President, a cultural discussion about Mormonism has emerged. Dr. Davis and I sought to bring an evangelical perspective to the table through our conversation.
Because of the growing conversation, I have both read and written about Mormonsim more in the past six months than I have in the past sixteen years. The following blog posts are just a small example: (MORE)
Because of the growing conversation, I have both read and written about Mormonsim more in the past six months than I have in the past sixteen years. The following blog posts are just a small example: (MORE)
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Frequently Asked Questions on R-74
Why should I vote to "Reject" R-74?
Same-sex couples ALREADY enjoy all the same rights and benefits as married couples in Washington under the domestic partnerships, “Everything But Marriage,” law from 2009. R-74 is an attempt to redefine marriage and remove the interests of children from the purpose of our marriage laws. We believe that children deserve the best opportunity to be raised by a mom and a dad, and that marriage is our best (and only) institution to encourage that result. Our opponents believe that marriage exists only to satisfy the demands of adults and that children have nothing to do with it. Furthermore, when marriage is redefined there are profound legal consequences to anyone—licensed practitioners, parents, children, and clergy—if they disagree. With over 247,000 signatures of Washington voters asking to bring the issue before the people, it is clear that Washingtonians want to preserve marriage from these activists who seek to radically redefine the institution of marriage.MORE
Election 2012 Part 5: Is it Wrong to Vote for the Lesser of Evils? Shouldn’t We Instead Vote for a Third Party Candidate?
(Randy Alcorn)
I’ve received many comments from those who believe that we should vote for a third party candidate. Why? Because voting between President Obama and Governor Romney involves choosing between the lesser of two evils, which means choosing evil, something no Christian should do.
First, let me say that I appreciate the vigorous exchange in the blog comments and take no offense at those who disagree with me. I appreciate it when Christians can make their arguments without painting those who disagree as stupid, less spiritual, or lacking an eternal perspective. I was very encouraged to see some asking each other’s forgiveness for what they said. Godly people land on different sides of this issue, but still love the same Jesus. MORE
I’ve received many comments from those who believe that we should vote for a third party candidate. Why? Because voting between President Obama and Governor Romney involves choosing between the lesser of two evils, which means choosing evil, something no Christian should do.
First, let me say that I appreciate the vigorous exchange in the blog comments and take no offense at those who disagree with me. I appreciate it when Christians can make their arguments without painting those who disagree as stupid, less spiritual, or lacking an eternal perspective. I was very encouraged to see some asking each other’s forgiveness for what they said. Godly people land on different sides of this issue, but still love the same Jesus. MORE
10 Questions a Pro-Choice Candidate is Never Asked by the Media
(Kingdom People, Trevin Wax) Debate moderators and reporters love to ask pro-life candidates hard questions about abortion. Curiously, they don’t do the same for pro-choice candidates.
Here are 10 questions you never hear a pro-choice candidate asked by the media:
1. You say you support a woman’s right to make her own reproductive choices in regards to abortion and contraception. Are there any restrictions you would approve of?
2. In 2010, The Economist featured a cover story on “the war on girls” and the growth of “gendercide” in the world – abortion based solely on the sex of the baby. Does this phenomenon pose a problem for you or do you believe in the absolute right of a woman to terminate a pregnancy because the unborn fetus is female? MORE
Here are 10 questions you never hear a pro-choice candidate asked by the media:
1. You say you support a woman’s right to make her own reproductive choices in regards to abortion and contraception. Are there any restrictions you would approve of?
2. In 2010, The Economist featured a cover story on “the war on girls” and the growth of “gendercide” in the world – abortion based solely on the sex of the baby. Does this phenomenon pose a problem for you or do you believe in the absolute right of a woman to terminate a pregnancy because the unborn fetus is female? MORE
50 Women You Should Know
(Christianity Today)
Christian women who want to pursue influential roles in politics, the church, and other sectors of public life in the United States and Canada have never before had more opportunities to do so. As the following profiles in our cover package show, they are taking advantage of those opportunities in spades. It's not just a golden moment for Christian women, of course, but for the entire church, as we benefit from the fruit of their manifold gifts.
Christian women who want to pursue influential roles in politics, the church, and other sectors of public life in the United States and Canada have never before had more opportunities to do so. As the following profiles in our cover package show, they are taking advantage of those opportunities in spades. It's not just a golden moment for Christian women, of course, but for the entire church, as we benefit from the fruit of their manifold gifts.
Not that long ago, this cover package would have been inconceivable. But that isn't to say that Christian women had no influence in church and society before 2012. It was women who formed the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society in 1833. Harriet Tubman, a Christian who escaped slavery, went on to lead an influential movement within the Underground Railroad. MORE
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Election 2012: Part 3 Which Candidate has more Christian Beliefs (and should I vote for a Mormon)
(by Randy Alcorn)
My previous blog, on religious liberties, concerned the response of Christian organizations and business owners filing suit against the Obama administration because of its demand that organizations pay for, via their insurance coverage, their employees’ surgical abortions and contraceptives (including abortifacients).
I was surprised reading my blog’s comments to hear professing Christians say that they do not believe it is an infringement of religious liberties for a Christian university, ministry or business to be required to do this. If you haven’t read that blog you may wish to. This subject has far-reaching importance. I find it difficult to understand how the administration’s demands can be seen as anything other than a fundamental violation of historic religious liberties. MORE
My previous blog, on religious liberties, concerned the response of Christian organizations and business owners filing suit against the Obama administration because of its demand that organizations pay for, via their insurance coverage, their employees’ surgical abortions and contraceptives (including abortifacients).
I was surprised reading my blog’s comments to hear professing Christians say that they do not believe it is an infringement of religious liberties for a Christian university, ministry or business to be required to do this. If you haven’t read that blog you may wish to. This subject has far-reaching importance. I find it difficult to understand how the administration’s demands can be seen as anything other than a fundamental violation of historic religious liberties. MORE
Why Your View of Politics May be Wrong
(by James Smith, Sr.)
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (BP) -- Your view of politics -- or, more specifically, the role of Christians and Christianity in politics -- is probably wrong (at least at times).
Don't be offended; my views over the years also have been wrong -- and I must continually resist being seduced by some wrong thinking about this matter.
Some readers got no further than the headline of this editorial, deciding the subject matter is of little to no interest, illustrating at least one wrong view of politics. Others aren't reading these words because they firmly believe Christians' involvement in politics is not only unnecessary, but also actually harmful to a godly life -- yet another incorrect way for Christians to assess politics.
Those faulty views and others could play a significant role this election year. With the general election just under three weeks away, this is no time for Christians to hold and propagate misunderstandings about politics and government.
A sure guide to understanding this matter is theologian Wayne Grudem and his book, "Politics According to the Bible" (Zondervan, 2010). Before explaining the biblical demands of Christian citizenship, Grudem outlines "Five Wrong Views About Christians and Government." They are: MORE
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (BP) -- Your view of politics -- or, more specifically, the role of Christians and Christianity in politics -- is probably wrong (at least at times).
Don't be offended; my views over the years also have been wrong -- and I must continually resist being seduced by some wrong thinking about this matter.
Some readers got no further than the headline of this editorial, deciding the subject matter is of little to no interest, illustrating at least one wrong view of politics. Others aren't reading these words because they firmly believe Christians' involvement in politics is not only unnecessary, but also actually harmful to a godly life -- yet another incorrect way for Christians to assess politics.
Those faulty views and others could play a significant role this election year. With the general election just under three weeks away, this is no time for Christians to hold and propagate misunderstandings about politics and government.
A sure guide to understanding this matter is theologian Wayne Grudem and his book, "Politics According to the Bible" (Zondervan, 2010). Before explaining the biblical demands of Christian citizenship, Grudem outlines "Five Wrong Views About Christians and Government." They are: MORE
Of Babies and Beans
(Dr. Albert Mohler) Adam Gopnik is a gifted essayist and writer whose contributions, often published in The New Yorker, are almost always thoughtful and interesting. Nevertheless, one of his most recent writings is deeply disturbing, and at the deepest level.
Reflecting on the debate between Vice President Joseph Biden and Rep. Paul Ryan, Gopnik registered alarm at “something genuinely disturbing and scary” that had been said by Paul Ryan. Gopnik first complained that Biden and Ryan should not have even been asked about the role their Roman Catholic faith plays in their thinking, specifically on the issue of abortion. (MORE)
Reflecting on the debate between Vice President Joseph Biden and Rep. Paul Ryan, Gopnik registered alarm at “something genuinely disturbing and scary” that had been said by Paul Ryan. Gopnik first complained that Biden and Ryan should not have even been asked about the role their Roman Catholic faith plays in their thinking, specifically on the issue of abortion. (MORE)
The Five Responses to the Problem of Evil
(Parchment & Pen Blog. By C Michael Patton)
This is an unedited excerpt from my upcoming book with Crossway: The Discipleship Book: Now That I Am a Christian. Chapter title: “Pain and Suffering” (book name and title tentative).
The overwhelming majority of Christians who suffer with significant doubts in their faith do so due to the pain and suffering they experience in their lives. The late Christian philosopher Ronald Nash once said that it is completely irrational to reject the Christian faith for any other reason than the problem of evil. This expresses the respect he gives to this issue. The “problem of evil” is the problem of pain and suffering. This is, indeed, a tremendous problem. C. S. Lewis, the great Christian writer, wrote a very academic book on pain, suffering, and evil called The Problem of Pain. It was a wonderful, monumental work and I recommend it without hesitation. But after he wrote this work, he experienced pain and suffering at a different level. It is one thing to evaluate something from the outside; it is quite another to personally experience it. C. S. Lewis lost his wife after a battle with cancer filled with ups and downs. It broke him and brought him to his knees, and he rested for a bit in front of God, asking painful questions which stemmed from his disillusionment. Thankfully, his whole experience is recorded in another book about pain. This one was a very personal book called A Grief Observed. In it he laid himself bare before God, expressing his confusion. I highly recommend this book as well. These are two very different works, one intellectual and one emotional, by the same person about the same subject. MORE
This is an unedited excerpt from my upcoming book with Crossway: The Discipleship Book: Now That I Am a Christian. Chapter title: “Pain and Suffering” (book name and title tentative).
The overwhelming majority of Christians who suffer with significant doubts in their faith do so due to the pain and suffering they experience in their lives. The late Christian philosopher Ronald Nash once said that it is completely irrational to reject the Christian faith for any other reason than the problem of evil. This expresses the respect he gives to this issue. The “problem of evil” is the problem of pain and suffering. This is, indeed, a tremendous problem. C. S. Lewis, the great Christian writer, wrote a very academic book on pain, suffering, and evil called The Problem of Pain. It was a wonderful, monumental work and I recommend it without hesitation. But after he wrote this work, he experienced pain and suffering at a different level. It is one thing to evaluate something from the outside; it is quite another to personally experience it. C. S. Lewis lost his wife after a battle with cancer filled with ups and downs. It broke him and brought him to his knees, and he rested for a bit in front of God, asking painful questions which stemmed from his disillusionment. Thankfully, his whole experience is recorded in another book about pain. This one was a very personal book called A Grief Observed. In it he laid himself bare before God, expressing his confusion. I highly recommend this book as well. These are two very different works, one intellectual and one emotional, by the same person about the same subject. MORE
Saturday, October 13, 2012
‘Staying in His Lane’ — Joel Osteen’s Gospel of Affirmation Without Salvation
(Albert Mohler) Joel Osteen was back on CNN this week, appearing Thursday morning on “Starting Point with Soledad O’Brien.” Osteen’s new book, I Declare: 31 Promises to Speak Over Your Life, recently hit the nation’s bookstores.
Osteen’s positive thinking theology was on full display in the interview, as in the book. O’Brien asked if he really believes that speaking declarations out loud can make them come true. Osteen assured her that he does, promising that speaking positive words can bring positive results and warning that speaking negativity will bring negative results. “I don’t think there’s anything magic about it, but those words go out and come right back in and affect your own self-image.” MORE
Osteen’s positive thinking theology was on full display in the interview, as in the book. O’Brien asked if he really believes that speaking declarations out loud can make them come true. Osteen assured her that he does, promising that speaking positive words can bring positive results and warning that speaking negativity will bring negative results. “I don’t think there’s anything magic about it, but those words go out and come right back in and affect your own self-image.” MORE
The Top 10 Things I need to Know About Discipleship
(Mark Howell) I don’t know about you, but I need to be reminded about certain things on a regular basis. As I think through discipleship, here’s my current list of things I need to know:
1.It takes a disciple to make a disciple. While I sometimes argue that anyone can host a small group (even a non-Christian), only a disciple can make a disciple.
2.Real disciples make disciples. I think this is an important distinction. It means that if you’re not actively making disciples, you probably aren’t a disciple.
3.Disciples are rarely made in rows. From an environmental angle, a disciple is far more likely to made in a circle. After all, becoming a disciple has far less to do with digesting information (like in a class) and far more to do with spending time with those who are becoming like Him.
4.You don’t have to arrive before you begin making disciples (see Philippians 3:12-14 if you don’t believe me). MORE
1.It takes a disciple to make a disciple. While I sometimes argue that anyone can host a small group (even a non-Christian), only a disciple can make a disciple.
2.Real disciples make disciples. I think this is an important distinction. It means that if you’re not actively making disciples, you probably aren’t a disciple.
3.Disciples are rarely made in rows. From an environmental angle, a disciple is far more likely to made in a circle. After all, becoming a disciple has far less to do with digesting information (like in a class) and far more to do with spending time with those who are becoming like Him.
4.You don’t have to arrive before you begin making disciples (see Philippians 3:12-14 if you don’t believe me). MORE
Losing our Religion One in Five Americans now 'None"
RELIGION NEW SERVICE BETHESDA, Md. (RNS) The number of Americans who say they have no religious affiliation has hit an all-time high -- about one in five American adults -- according to a new study released Tuesday (Oct. 9) by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life.
The number of Americans who say they have no religious affiliation has hit an all-time high - about one in five American adults - according to a new study, with the number of self-described atheists and agnostics hitting a peak of 6 percent of the U.S. population. Photograph taken inside a Catholic church in Kansas City, Mo. on Oct. 9, 2012. Credit: RNS photo by Sally Morrow
Labeled “nones” because they claim either no religious preference or no religion at all, their ranks have hit 46 million people. Much of the growth is among young people -- one in three U.S. adults under 30 are now considered nones.
The report also found that the number of self-described atheists and agnostics has hit a peak -- 13 million people, or 6 percent of the U.S. population. That’s a rise of 2 percentage points over five years. MORE
The number of Americans who say they have no religious affiliation has hit an all-time high - about one in five American adults - according to a new study, with the number of self-described atheists and agnostics hitting a peak of 6 percent of the U.S. population. Photograph taken inside a Catholic church in Kansas City, Mo. on Oct. 9, 2012. Credit: RNS photo by Sally Morrow
Labeled “nones” because they claim either no religious preference or no religion at all, their ranks have hit 46 million people. Much of the growth is among young people -- one in three U.S. adults under 30 are now considered nones.
The report also found that the number of self-described atheists and agnostics has hit a peak -- 13 million people, or 6 percent of the U.S. population. That’s a rise of 2 percentage points over five years. MORE
Great Thinkers of the World and their Warnings about Islamic Violence
(THE WASHINGTON TIMES COMMUNITIES) CHARLOTTE, October 9, 2012 – We have a tendency to think the global war with Islamic terrorism can be traced to 9/11/2001.
A little research shows that the Western world has been dealing with the complexities of the Middle East and its primary religion for hundreds of years as evidenced by the words of many of our most prominent historical figures. Here is what some of them had to say.
1: “Bolshevism combines the characteristics of the French Revolution with those of the rise of Islam. Marx has taught that Communism is fatally predestined to come about; this produces a state of mind not unlike that of the early successors of Mahommet. Among religions, Bolshevism is to be reckoned with Mohammadanism rather than with Christianity and Buddhism. Christianity and Buddhism are primarily personal religions, with mystical doctrines and a love of contemplation. Mohammedanism and Bolshevism are practical, social, unspiritual, concerned to win the empire of this world.” Bertrand Russell (1872 – 1970). MORE
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Stop Trying to Fix People's Problems
(PROJECT TGM)
I once made the mistake of giving my cell number to a suicidal transgender alcoholic. For several nights in a row, I had the privilege of answering my phone at 2:00 AM, only to have the same conversation ending with the same advice: “Stop going to gay bars, getting drunk, and picking fights with drag queens.” My advice was simple. The situation was not.
The mistake was not that I reached out to someone desperate for help. Of that I have no regrets. The mistake I made as a pastor was buying into the perception this person had of me. He thought I was going to “fix it” and give some magical advice to make the pain go away. Of course I shared the gospel. Of course I shared how Jesus heals. But I did little to lower the lofty expectations of my abilities to solve his issues. He believed I could fix it. I played the part. I am a pastor after all. It’s what I do, right? MORE
Sam S. Rainer III serves as president of Rainer Research, a firm dedicated to providing answers for better church health. He also serves as senior pastor at Stevens Street Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN. He writes, speaks, and consults on church health issues. You can connect with Sam on Twitter, or at his blog.
The mistake was not that I reached out to someone desperate for help. Of that I have no regrets. The mistake I made as a pastor was buying into the perception this person had of me. He thought I was going to “fix it” and give some magical advice to make the pain go away. Of course I shared the gospel. Of course I shared how Jesus heals. But I did little to lower the lofty expectations of my abilities to solve his issues. He believed I could fix it. I played the part. I am a pastor after all. It’s what I do, right? MORE
The Destructive Legacy of Helen Gurley Brown
(Penna Dexter)
DALLAS (BP) -- One popular magazine that sometimes makes it embarrassing to take your kids through a grocery line is Cosmopolitan.
The magazine has actually been around since 1886. It used to be a family publication. Then changed in 1965 when the faltering publication hired Helen Gurley Brown as its editor. At that time, television was becoming the recreation medium of choice and advertising dollars were increasingly flowing in that direction. Helen Gurley Brown transformed the magazine to target the single working woman. During her 40 years at its helm, Cosmopolitan's circulation hit more than 2.5 million. MORE
DALLAS (BP) -- One popular magazine that sometimes makes it embarrassing to take your kids through a grocery line is Cosmopolitan.
The magazine has actually been around since 1886. It used to be a family publication. Then changed in 1965 when the faltering publication hired Helen Gurley Brown as its editor. At that time, television was becoming the recreation medium of choice and advertising dollars were increasingly flowing in that direction. Helen Gurley Brown transformed the magazine to target the single working woman. During her 40 years at its helm, Cosmopolitan's circulation hit more than 2.5 million. MORE
A Review on "The Harbinger"
The following is originally published by Herescope and is republished here with permission:
MORE
By Pastor Larry DeBruyn
A Review and Commentary On The Harbinger
Jonathan Cahn, The Harbinger: The Ancient Mystery that Holds the Secret of America’s Future (Lake Mary, FL: Front Line—Charisma Media/Charisma House Book Club, 2011). 254 pages + Notes. In the Front Matter, it is stated: “What you are about to read is presented in the form of a story, but what is contained within the story is real.” (Emphasis added)
By applying words of judgment spoken and written to ancient Judah (circa 732 BC) by the prophet Isaiah (i.e., Isaiah 9:10-11), Jonathan Cahn creates a prophetic picture in The Harbinger—one the author admits to be part fiction and part fact—of God’s looming judgment over the United States of America (i.e., harbingers being signals of what is to come). As Jehovah judged His chosen nation in the ancient world for their iniquitous ways (Israel and Judah), so God has begun to pour out His wrath upon His chosen nation in the modern world (the United States). As such, The Harbinger (TH) delivers a spiritual wake-up call to the church and citizens of our nation.*
MORE
Seven Common Comments Non Christians Make About Christians
(Thom S. Rainer) One of my greatest joys in research is talking to and listening to those who clearly identify themselves as non-Christians. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not celebrating their absence of faith in Christ. My joy comes from listening to those who don’t believe as I do, so that I might be better equipped to witness to them.
Over the past several years, my research teams and I have interviewed thousands of unchurched non-Christians. Among the more interesting insights I gleaned were those where the interviewees shared with me their perspectives of Christians.
In this article, I group the seven most common types of comments in order of frequency. I then follow that representative statement with a direct quote from a non-Christian. Read these comments and see if you learn some of the lessons I learned.
- Christians are against more things than they are for. “It just seems to me that Christians are mad at the world and mad at each other. They are so negative that they seem unhappy. I have no desire to be like them and stay upset all the time.”
- I would like to develop a friendship with a Christian. “I’m really interested in what they believe and how they carry out their beliefs. I wish I could find a Christian that would be willing to spend some time with me.” MORE
Friday, September 14, 2012
Three Beliefs of a Proud Heart
(JoeThorn.net) P ride is not something you do, it’s worse than that. Pride is a kind of spiritual heart disease; a sickness of the soul that destroys faith and piety leading to disgrace and destruction. This disease spreads by means of lies our proud hearts are eager to believe. There are three beliefs common to a proud heart which must be refuted by the truth.
“I Am Better”
A proud heart plays the game of comparison with a stacked deck guaranteeing that all others lose. It assures a man that he is good, very good in fact, in comparison to others—others he deems to be failures. A proud man ignores the strong and mocks the weak in order to establish himself as superior. In every form of its existence “I am better” is built upon self-righteousness. It is the belief held by the pharisee who stood near the tax collector in the temple who, even as he prayed, was playing the game. He was so fixated on the unrighteousness of another man he lost sight of the holiness of God making it easy to imagine himself to be holy. He found comfort in his perceived exaltation over another sinner when he should have been humbled and broken before the face of God, just as the tax collector was. For the proud heart to exist, it must believe “I am better.” MOREAbortion and the Black Woman
Abortion and the Black Woman
(the Gospel Coalition) Tamara* grew up in a loving home with two parents. People who knew her would have said she was an overachiever, one of those "Most Likely to Succeed" types. She was one of the many African Americans in her school to receive scholarships to attend college. Then she met a man---an older man who stole her heart and her virginity.
Pregnant at 18, she made the choice to have an abortion. Unfortunately, Tamara remained in sin, and by the time she was in her mid-20s, had four more abortions. Now 30 years old with two kids, Tamara lives with an ache in her heart at the unnecessary loss of the other children by her choice to abort them.
"Having children made me realize the ultimate value of life beyond my selfish motivations of what I felt life was about," Tamara told me. "After having my first child I realized or began to feel the other children I once had the opportunity to have were still my children. I have dealt with a greater sense of regret and conviction after having children. I have realized the gift it is to be chosen by God to nurture and raise the seeds he plants, his children, whether they were conceived by sin and lust or by love." MORE
"Having children made me realize the ultimate value of life beyond my selfish motivations of what I felt life was about," Tamara told me. "After having my first child I realized or began to feel the other children I once had the opportunity to have were still my children. I have dealt with a greater sense of regret and conviction after having children. I have realized the gift it is to be chosen by God to nurture and raise the seeds he plants, his children, whether they were conceived by sin and lust or by love." MORE
How Do You Explain the Trinity to Childern
(Moore to the Point) Yesterday a journalist friend emailed to ask a question I think many Christian parents have asked. How does one explain the concept of the Holy Trinity to children?
I think the reason this question resonates with so many parents is precisely because we adults can’t adequately explain the doctrine ourselves. We can teach children the inerrancy of Scripture by simply saying, “The Bible Is True.” We can explain something of the atonement by saying, “Jesus paid for our sins and is alive forever.” The Trinity, though, is another matter. MORE
I think the reason this question resonates with so many parents is precisely because we adults can’t adequately explain the doctrine ourselves. We can teach children the inerrancy of Scripture by simply saying, “The Bible Is True.” We can explain something of the atonement by saying, “Jesus paid for our sins and is alive forever.” The Trinity, though, is another matter. MORE
25 DNC Speakers Defend Abortion
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (BP) -- Led by President Obama and Vice President Biden, the
Democratic National Convention saw 25 speakers reference the party's support for
legal abortion, an average of eight speakers a night in what was the biggest
emphasis on the issue since at least the 1992 convention.
It was a big change from recent Democratic
conventions in which the party tried to downplay the issue. The 2004 Democratic
nominee, John Kerry, didn't even reference abortion in his acceptance speech,
and Obama, in his 2008 acceptance speech, mentioned "abortion" but only in the
context that the two sides should work together to reduce the "the number of
unwanted pregnancies in this country." MORE
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Saturday, September 8, 2012
The Great American Worldview Test - 2012 Election
(by Albert Mohler)
American presidential elections are the world’s most public display of the democratic process. The global media follow the American elections with a fervor that is easily understood — what happens in an American presidential election matters all over the world. Our presidential campaigns are political pageants and electoral dynamos. But, as any honest thoughtful observer will understand, our elections are also great worldview exercises. We reveal our worldview by our vote.
This is particularly true of the 2012 election. The presidential nominees of the two major parties represent two very different worldviews and visions. President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney have adopted policy positions that place them in direct conflict, and the platforms of their respective parties reveal two radically different renderings of reality. (MORE)
American presidential elections are the world’s most public display of the democratic process. The global media follow the American elections with a fervor that is easily understood — what happens in an American presidential election matters all over the world. Our presidential campaigns are political pageants and electoral dynamos. But, as any honest thoughtful observer will understand, our elections are also great worldview exercises. We reveal our worldview by our vote.
This is particularly true of the 2012 election. The presidential nominees of the two major parties represent two very different worldviews and visions. President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney have adopted policy positions that place them in direct conflict, and the platforms of their respective parties reveal two radically different renderings of reality. (MORE)
Eight Things a Husband Cannot Do
(By Perry Noble)
#1 – A husband CANNOT be harsh with his wife (I Peter 3:7)…and if she says you are harsh…then you are!
#2 – A husband CANNOT show up at home after coming home from work, sit in a chair, watch the same episode of Sports Center three times in a row and “zone out” in regards to his wife and children and then expect to be respected as “the spiritual leader” by his family.
#3 – A husband CANNOT expect his wife and/or the church to lead the family spiritually, He’s got to step up (I Corinthians 13:11!) MORE
#1 – A husband CANNOT be harsh with his wife (I Peter 3:7)…and if she says you are harsh…then you are!
#2 – A husband CANNOT show up at home after coming home from work, sit in a chair, watch the same episode of Sports Center three times in a row and “zone out” in regards to his wife and children and then expect to be respected as “the spiritual leader” by his family.
#3 – A husband CANNOT expect his wife and/or the church to lead the family spiritually, He’s got to step up (I Corinthians 13:11!) MORE
3 Media-Made Myths about Abortion
(The Gospel Coalition) It's election season again, and our country's ongoing debate over abortion is raging. In watching newscasters and reporters comment on the abortion debate, I've pinpointed three common myths about abortion perpetuated by people in the media.
MYTH #1: Believing abortion should be outlawed in most or all cases is an extreme position.
The pro-life position is not extreme. It is the view held by a majority of Americans today. Consider this recent poll from CNN:
MYTH #1: Believing abortion should be outlawed in most or all cases is an extreme position.
The pro-life position is not extreme. It is the view held by a majority of Americans today. Consider this recent poll from CNN:
CNN has released the results of a new poll showing a majority of Americans want all or most abortions prohibited --- a clear pro-life majority.
The survey asked: "Do you think abortion should be legal under any circumstances, legal under only certain circumstances, or illegal in all circumstances?" Some 62 percent want abortions illegal in all cases or legal only in certain instances while just 35% want abortions legal for any reason.
My Top 10 Women's Blogs
(By David Murray) HeadHeartHandBlog
You read women’s blogs?
Yes, quite a few. And don’t worry, my wife knows, and she shares my enthusiasm too.
I’ve found many women have a unique gift to write about the Christian faith and life. They approach subjects and events differently to men; they see angles and dimensions we are blind too; and they remind us of the important roles and responsibilities that God has given to Christian women, stimulating prayer and appreciation for God’s work in them and through them.
I’m listing my Top 10 Women’s Blogs below, but I’d love to hear your recommendations too. Use the Comments to tip us off about other Christian women’s blogs that are worth a click. MORE
You read women’s blogs?
Yes, quite a few. And don’t worry, my wife knows, and she shares my enthusiasm too.
I’ve found many women have a unique gift to write about the Christian faith and life. They approach subjects and events differently to men; they see angles and dimensions we are blind too; and they remind us of the important roles and responsibilities that God has given to Christian women, stimulating prayer and appreciation for God’s work in them and through them.
I’m listing my Top 10 Women’s Blogs below, but I’d love to hear your recommendations too. Use the Comments to tip us off about other Christian women’s blogs that are worth a click. MORE
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Most Americans Own Bibles but Won't Vote Based on Them
Study Shows Most Americans Own Bibles but Won't Vote for Obama or Romney Based on Them
American Bible Society study shows the extent - and limit - of Bible's influence.
Melissa Steffan
Nearly 8 in 10 Americans do not believe that the Bible tells them who to vote for this presidential election, according to the American Bible Society’s "State of the Bible 2012."This year’s annual report, conducted by Barna Group, indicates that Americans’ views of the Bible’s role in politics vary largely by generation, but that Americans still perceive themselves to be relatively pious – if "not always knowledgeable" about the Bible itself.
According to the report, first released in April, 8 in 10 people surveyed said they believe the Bible is “sacred or holy.” In contrast, only 10 percent said the same about the Quran, and even fewer – 6 percent – believe the same for the Book of Mormon. In spite of this, nearly 1 in every 2 people expressed a belief that “the Bible, the Koran and the Book of Mormon are all different expressions of the same spiritual truths” and are in total agreement. MORE
There is Much Diversity in the Muslim World
Muslim diversity of belief, practice evident in Pew
study
Posted on Aug 28, 2012 | by Erin Roach Read our other stories related to this topic:Good news for Muslims in their unity & diversity
WORLDVIEW: A Muslim counts the cost for following Christ
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) -- Westerners tend to assume most Muslims are strongly committed to the Quran and to establishing Islamic republics, but that isn't accurate, Mike Edens, a professor of theology and Islamic studies, told Baptist Press concerning a Pew Research Center study of more than 38,000 Muslims in 39 countries.
"About 20 percent of any Muslim population is actually committed to Islam having the leading role in their society," said Edens, who teaches at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary after serving 26 years in the Middle East with the International Mission Board. MORE
Ten Reasons we Have Not Reached the Unchurched
FIRST-PERSON: 10 reasons we have not reached the
unchurched
Thom S.
Rainer 
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) -- I am often amused when I hear myself identified as an
expert in any area. If I am a perceived expert, it is because I have had the
wonderful opportunity to listen to thousands of people over the past few
decades. They are the experts; I am little more than an interested reporter.
Though much of this information could be regarded as dismal, my ultimate assessment is not that pessimistic. I believe in the God of miracles. If my conclusions focused on human ability and goodness, I would have little hope. But my conclusions presume the God of creation is on His throne. MORE
Is the Pulpit Political (Colin Hansen - Gospel Coalition)
Is the Pulpit Political?
Election years turn ordinary Americans into partisan hacks. Rational, calm discussion retreats. Politicians themselves make outlandish promises. They don't just ask us to support their candidacy. They baptize their cause in sacred language. As Vice President Joe Biden, an outspoken advocate of same-sex marriage, told a group of gay activists last weekend, "You are freeing the soul of the American people." MORE
Friday, August 10, 2012
Principles for how Christians Should Relate to Those of Other Faiths
(John Piper)
Since September 11, 2001 the question how Christians and Muslims relate to each other has been more urgent. This question is part of the larger issue of how Christians are called to live in a pluralistic world. More specifically, how shall we as American Christians think and act with regard to freedom of religion in a pluralistic context defined by the ideals of representative democracy? In particular, how shall we bear witness to the supremacy of Christ in a world where powerful cultures and religions do not share the love of freedom or the ideals of democracy?
1. Whether approved or disapproved by others, we should thankfully and joyfully hold firmly to the true Biblical understanding of God and the way of salvation he has provided and the life of love and purity and justice Christ has modeled and taught. (1 Corinthians 15:2; Hebrews 3:6; 4:14; 6:18; 10:23; Revelation 2:13, 25; 3:11)
2. Both in the church and the world we should make clear and explicit the whole counsel of God revealed in his inspired word, The Bible — both the parts that non-Christians approve and the parts that they don't. We should not conceal aspects of our faith in order to avoid criticism or disapproval. (Matthew 10:27-28; Ephesians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 4:2; Galatians 1:10) (MORE)
Since September 11, 2001 the question how Christians and Muslims relate to each other has been more urgent. This question is part of the larger issue of how Christians are called to live in a pluralistic world. More specifically, how shall we as American Christians think and act with regard to freedom of religion in a pluralistic context defined by the ideals of representative democracy? In particular, how shall we bear witness to the supremacy of Christ in a world where powerful cultures and religions do not share the love of freedom or the ideals of democracy?
The elders of Bethlehem Baptist Church, on August 26, 2002, endorsed the following 20 principles as Biblically faithful guidelines for Christians. We commend them, first, to the church under our care for their guidance, second, to the wider Christian community for serious consideration and benefit, and, third, to non-Christian communities for the sake of mutual understanding. Our primary aim is to help Christians commend the uniqueness and supremacy of Jesus Christ with humility and courage so that others might honor him by faith and have eternal life.
1. Whether approved or disapproved by others, we should thankfully and joyfully hold firmly to the true Biblical understanding of God and the way of salvation he has provided and the life of love and purity and justice Christ has modeled and taught. (1 Corinthians 15:2; Hebrews 3:6; 4:14; 6:18; 10:23; Revelation 2:13, 25; 3:11)
2. Both in the church and the world we should make clear and explicit the whole counsel of God revealed in his inspired word, The Bible — both the parts that non-Christians approve and the parts that they don't. We should not conceal aspects of our faith in order to avoid criticism or disapproval. (Matthew 10:27-28; Ephesians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 4:2; Galatians 1:10) (MORE)
US Gold Medalist: ....the Glory Goes to God
(Baptist Press)
LONDON (BP) -- Gabby Douglas will soon have more money than she ever dreamed.
With a vibrant smile and two gold medals to her credit at the Olympics, the 16-year-old gymnast undoubtedly will cash in with endorsement and marketing deals worth millions of dollars. At the top of her wish list? An Acura NSX.
"I want the one like Iron Man's off 'The Avengers,'" Douglas said. "That was a nice car."
The fame and fortune that Douglas instantly captured may make some things easier, but they won't remove the difficulties from her life. When she faces such struggles, she turns to Scripture.
"God has given me this awesome talent to represent Him. Glory goes up to Him, and the blessings fall down on us," Douglas said Aug. 5 in a press conference at the North Greenwich Arena.
MORE
LONDON (BP) -- Gabby Douglas will soon have more money than she ever dreamed.
With a vibrant smile and two gold medals to her credit at the Olympics, the 16-year-old gymnast undoubtedly will cash in with endorsement and marketing deals worth millions of dollars. At the top of her wish list? An Acura NSX.
"I want the one like Iron Man's off 'The Avengers,'" Douglas said. "That was a nice car."
The fame and fortune that Douglas instantly captured may make some things easier, but they won't remove the difficulties from her life. When she faces such struggles, she turns to Scripture.
"God has given me this awesome talent to represent Him. Glory goes up to Him, and the blessings fall down on us," Douglas said Aug. 5 in a press conference at the North Greenwich Arena.
MORE
Handling the Truth, the Use and Misuse of the Bible
(Breakpoint, by John Stonestreet)
Last week, I received a comment on YouTube challenging the assertion I made in our Sexual Brokenness series that homosexual behavior was one of the many ways we exhibit sexual brokenness.
Dennis asked, “Why do you focus on that sin and ignore the rest of Leviticus? There are laws in there against gluttony, eating pork and shrimp, and wearing cotton-poly blends.” You know what? He’s right. In the book often quoted to condemn homosexual sin, these other things are condemned also. So what do we do now?
MORE
Last week, I received a comment on YouTube challenging the assertion I made in our Sexual Brokenness series that homosexual behavior was one of the many ways we exhibit sexual brokenness.
Dennis asked, “Why do you focus on that sin and ignore the rest of Leviticus? There are laws in there against gluttony, eating pork and shrimp, and wearing cotton-poly blends.” You know what? He’s right. In the book often quoted to condemn homosexual sin, these other things are condemned also. So what do we do now?
MORE
4 Dosturbing Trends in the Contemopary Church
(Michael Horton) According to several studies, American evangelicals generally do not know what they believe and why they believe it. Consequently, most share with the wider culture a confidence in human goodness and a weak view of the need for God’s saving grace in Jesus Christ. According to these reports, most evangelicals believe that we are saved by being good and that there are many ways of salvation apart from explicit faith in Jesus Christ.
Here are a few of the disturbing trends that need to be checked and reformed in contemporary church life:
1. We are all too confident in our own words (MORE)
Here are a few of the disturbing trends that need to be checked and reformed in contemporary church life:
1. We are all too confident in our own words (MORE)
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Trying (and failing) to Make Sense of Postmodernim
ALEXANDRIA, La. (BP) -- Once upon a time if a person sincerely believed he or
she was born the wrong sex, the person would be deemed to have a psychological
disorder, urged to seek psychiatric help. Not anymore.
These days if a person believes he or she was born the wrong sex, the person is encouraged to live out whatever is believed to be true. Not only that, the person is further encouraged to correct nature's mistake by undergoing radical, reconstructive surgery and hormone therapy.
This is one of the best illustrations of how postmodern thought and its subjective nature has affected America, as well as the whole of western civilization. And let me say: Postmodern philosophy is easier illustrated than it is explained. (MORE)
These days if a person believes he or she was born the wrong sex, the person is encouraged to live out whatever is believed to be true. Not only that, the person is further encouraged to correct nature's mistake by undergoing radical, reconstructive surgery and hormone therapy.
This is one of the best illustrations of how postmodern thought and its subjective nature has affected America, as well as the whole of western civilization. And let me say: Postmodern philosophy is easier illustrated than it is explained. (MORE)
Q&A: Why Pro-Lifer's Oppose the Health Care Law
Read our overview on the ruling here. Read comments on the
ruling from around the nation here
WASHINGTON (BP) -- When the U.S. Supreme Court upheld President Obama's health care law, it left untouched sections of the law that have concerned members of the pro-life and religious liberty communities for months.
Although those sections often
have been overshadowed by debates over the individual mandate, pro-life and
religious liberty groups were raising their concerns even before the law passed
Congress in 2010.
Following are questions, and answers, about their concerns:
-- Why do pro-life and religious liberty groups oppose the law? MORE
WASHINGTON (BP) -- When the U.S. Supreme Court upheld President Obama's health care law, it left untouched sections of the law that have concerned members of the pro-life and religious liberty communities for months.
 |
Following are questions, and answers, about their concerns:
-- Why do pro-life and religious liberty groups oppose the law? MORE
Update on Petra: A Miracle Inside the Aurora Shooting
(Celtic Straits) At Columbine, I have seen this before. But not up close. As a church pastor in Denver, I have worked as a chaplain alongside several police and fire departments. I was privileged to counsel parents just hours after the Littleton Columbine shootings. However, in this new tragedy at the Aurora Theater Dark Night shooting, one of the victims was a 22-year-old woman from my church, Petra Anderson (pronounced Pay-tra). Petra went to the movies with two young friends who are biking across America. You and I have been inundated with news about what happened next. A joyful movie turned into bloody, unbelievable chaos. Petra was hit four times with a shot-gun blast, three shots into her arm and one bullet which entered her brain. This a bit of Petra’s miracle story.
With awesome people from our caring and pastoral team, I spent all day Friday in the ICU with Petra and her family. Her injuries were severe, and her condition was critical. A bullet had entered Petra’s face through her nose, and then traveled up through her brain until stopping at the back of her skull. The doctors prior to surgery were concerned, because so much of the brain had been traversed by the bullet. Many areas of brain function were involved. They were hoping to keep her alive long enough to get her into surgery.... (MORE)
With awesome people from our caring and pastoral team, I spent all day Friday in the ICU with Petra and her family. Her injuries were severe, and her condition was critical. A bullet had entered Petra’s face through her nose, and then traveled up through her brain until stopping at the back of her skull. The doctors prior to surgery were concerned, because so much of the brain had been traversed by the bullet. Many areas of brain function were involved. They were hoping to keep her alive long enough to get her into surgery.... (MORE)
Holiness in a Hook-up Culture
FORT WORTH, Texas (BP) -- A few months ago I heard an eye-opening presentation
by Dr. Joe McIlhaney, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, who came
to speak to our college students at Southwestern about what he has observed over
his lengthy career caring for girls and women. His conclusion?
Western culture has stopped protecting its girls. MORE
Western culture has stopped protecting its girls. MORE
Sunday, May 27, 2012
4 Reasons to Remember Your Creator in Middle Age
(David Murray)
Although it’s young people that are specifically commanded to remember their Creator (Eccl. 12:1), it’s probably assumed that middle-aged people will have the sense to do the same. Surely by then we have accumulated enough experience to realize that remembering we have a Creator and that we are creatures is basic wisdom. How then do we respect and remember our Creator in busy, striving, stressed-out middle age?
1. Remember that we are complex creatures MORE
Although it’s young people that are specifically commanded to remember their Creator (Eccl. 12:1), it’s probably assumed that middle-aged people will have the sense to do the same. Surely by then we have accumulated enough experience to realize that remembering we have a Creator and that we are creatures is basic wisdom. How then do we respect and remember our Creator in busy, striving, stressed-out middle age?
1. Remember that we are complex creatures MORE
First and Foremost Citizens of Heaven
Many American hymnals include a section for patriotic songs like "God Bless America" and "My Country Tis of Thee." I remember learning and singing these songs in elementary school music classes, taught by my grandma. She and my grandpa were Christian patriots who loved their God and the country where he'd placed them. My grandpa served in the Marine Corps during World War II and always showed honor and respect for our national leaders and military servants.
But I saw a heavenly gaze in his eyes as he drew near to leaving this world. I saw this same longing in my grandma's eyes as she approached her final breath. Although they were patriots here, they knew that this country, this world, was not their home. Their citizenship was in heaven, and they looked forward to arriving in the place Christ had prepared for them.
Like many others, the church of my grandparents often sung patriotic hymns and integrated civic themes and symbols into their Christian worshiping life. This is only appropriate insofar as the liturgy does not distract from the reality that our ultimate loyalty should be to God alone.
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But I saw a heavenly gaze in his eyes as he drew near to leaving this world. I saw this same longing in my grandma's eyes as she approached her final breath. Although they were patriots here, they knew that this country, this world, was not their home. Their citizenship was in heaven, and they looked forward to arriving in the place Christ had prepared for them.
Like many others, the church of my grandparents often sung patriotic hymns and integrated civic themes and symbols into their Christian worshiping life. This is only appropriate insofar as the liturgy does not distract from the reality that our ultimate loyalty should be to God alone.
MORE
Bilogical Disposition Toward Homosexuality--and Other Sins
(Justin Taylor)
In the book, Psychology and Christianity: Four Views, ed. Eric L. Johnson (IVP, 2000), one of the contributors to that volume, David Myers (professor of psychology at Hope College), advocates a genetic basis for homosexuality.
In his response essay, CCEF’s David Powlison addresses that issue in particular.
Powlison’s perspective both broadens and nuances the discussion. For example, he discusses biological predisposition to homosexuality in the context of biological predispositions that we all have. He also digs a bit deeper into the motivational patterns for lesbianism. MORE
In the book, Psychology and Christianity: Four Views, ed. Eric L. Johnson (IVP, 2000), one of the contributors to that volume, David Myers (professor of psychology at Hope College), advocates a genetic basis for homosexuality.
In his response essay, CCEF’s David Powlison addresses that issue in particular.
Powlison’s perspective both broadens and nuances the discussion. For example, he discusses biological predisposition to homosexuality in the context of biological predispositions that we all have. He also digs a bit deeper into the motivational patterns for lesbianism. MORE
A Mother's Story of Aborting a Child with a Disability
(Denny Burk)
"I have never read a story like this one before. Sarah Carpenter, a married woman with two children, becomes pregnant with her third child. After finding out that the child had a disability, she and her husband Andrew make the decision to abort the child in order to spare him from having a bad life.
The gut-wrenching thing about this story is that everything inside this woman—her conscience, her maternal instinct—is telling her to protect her baby. But her doctor and family members are telling her to spare her child by killing him. In other words, she has a very real sense of what she ought to do, but her conscience collapses underneath the weight of the culture of death. What follows is an extended excerpt from the article in which this mother explains her decision, her abortion, and its aftermath. Read it. Weep. Pray. Maranatha...." MORE
"I have never read a story like this one before. Sarah Carpenter, a married woman with two children, becomes pregnant with her third child. After finding out that the child had a disability, she and her husband Andrew make the decision to abort the child in order to spare him from having a bad life.
The gut-wrenching thing about this story is that everything inside this woman—her conscience, her maternal instinct—is telling her to protect her baby. But her doctor and family members are telling her to spare her child by killing him. In other words, she has a very real sense of what she ought to do, but her conscience collapses underneath the weight of the culture of death. What follows is an extended excerpt from the article in which this mother explains her decision, her abortion, and its aftermath. Read it. Weep. Pray. Maranatha...." MORE
Friday, May 18, 2012
The Gospel is big Enough to Fight for Itself
(by byJonathan Parnell, Desiring God)
Russell Moore:
Russell Moore:
Sometimes believers will throw up their hands in frustration with non-Christian people they know. “I have said everything I know to say to her about the gospel,” one might say. “She already knows it all and doesn’t believe.”MORE
Often what we seek is another argument, a hidden angle that our interlocutor hasn’t thought through before. But that’s rarely how the gospel is heard and received. Think about it in your own case. Did you believe the gospel the first time you ever heard it? Perhaps you did, but if so, you’re quite unusual. Most of us heard the gospel over and over and over again until one day it hit us in a very different way.
And what was different about it? Was it a new argument? Did you say to yourself, “Wait, you mean there’s archaeological evidence proving the historical existence of the Hittites?” or “Hold on, there were five hundred witnesses to the resurrection? Well, what must I do to be saved?”
Ask Yourself, “Do I smell?”
(Erik Raymond, Oridnary Pastor)
Years ago my wife and I met a newlywed couple that provided us with no small amount of comic relief. This was seen starkly one day at a church meeting when we met them in the parking lot and the wind was at their back. We smelled garlic–a lot of garlic! As they approached it was overwhelming. Behind a full-toothed grin the new hubby said, “My wifey can cook!”
During the events of the morning we got disconnected. My wife and I tried to find them but were unsuccessful. That is, until my wife channelled her inner Sherlock, she said: “Pick up the garlic scent.” We found the trail of garlic and quickly tracked them down. MORE
Years ago my wife and I met a newlywed couple that provided us with no small amount of comic relief. This was seen starkly one day at a church meeting when we met them in the parking lot and the wind was at their back. We smelled garlic–a lot of garlic! As they approached it was overwhelming. Behind a full-toothed grin the new hubby said, “My wifey can cook!”
During the events of the morning we got disconnected. My wife and I tried to find them but were unsuccessful. That is, until my wife channelled her inner Sherlock, she said: “Pick up the garlic scent.” We found the trail of garlic and quickly tracked them down. MORE
A Father’s Example Guides Tebow
(Seth Mydans, published in the NY TIMES)
LAMSUGOD, the Philippines — The last time Tim Tebow visited his father’s orphanage here in the remote hills of Mindanao island, he stood at the edge of a grassy yard and told the children to make a loop with their arms. Then, to their amazement, he threw a football right through them.
“He’s really good at throwing!” said the Rev. Roberto P. Gauran, 67, who runs the orphanage with his wife, Raymunda, 65. “At 30 meters he could hit dead center, or even farther.” MORE
LAMSUGOD, the Philippines — The last time Tim Tebow visited his father’s orphanage here in the remote hills of Mindanao island, he stood at the edge of a grassy yard and told the children to make a loop with their arms. Then, to their amazement, he threw a football right through them.
“He’s really good at throwing!” said the Rev. Roberto P. Gauran, 67, who runs the orphanage with his wife, Raymunda, 65. “At 30 meters he could hit dead center, or even farther.” MORE
Frank Beckwith on Pres. Obama and The Golden Rule
(by Denny Burk)
Frank Beckwith has a short piece on President Obama’s facile application of the Golden Rule to same-sex marriage. Here’s the bottom line:
Frank Beckwith has a short piece on President Obama’s facile application of the Golden Rule to same-sex marriage. Here’s the bottom line:
The Golden Rule is not about merely protecting your neighbor’s preferences, but rather, advancing your neighbor’s good…
Although the president is mistaken about the Golden Rule, it would be interesting to see to what extent he is willing to apply his version of it more generously, to really “treat others the way you would want to be treated.” MORE
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Pansies, Pearls and Pigs
by Barnabas Piper (World Magazine)
Late last month, nationally syndicated columnist and noted gay-rights activist Dan Savage made headlines for his abrasive (abusive?) anti-Bible comments at a high school journalism seminar. He encouraged students to “ignore the [expletive] in the bible about gay people” just like they do about virginity, masturbation, and a few other subjects. Then when offended students began leaving he called it a “pansy [expletive]” reaction.
MORE
Late last month, nationally syndicated columnist and noted gay-rights activist Dan Savage made headlines for his abrasive (abusive?) anti-Bible comments at a high school journalism seminar. He encouraged students to “ignore the [expletive] in the bible about gay people” just like they do about virginity, masturbation, and a few other subjects. Then when offended students began leaving he called it a “pansy [expletive]” reaction.
MORE
Mother's Day and the Infertile
by Russell D. Moore (Moore to the Point)
Mother’s Day is a particularly sensitive time in many congregations, and pastors and church leaders often don’t even know it. This is true even in congregations that don’t focus the entire service around the event as if it were a feast day on the church’s liturgical calendar. Infertile women, and often their husbands, are still often grieving in the shadows. MORE
Mother’s Day is a particularly sensitive time in many congregations, and pastors and church leaders often don’t even know it. This is true even in congregations that don’t focus the entire service around the event as if it were a feast day on the church’s liturgical calendar. Infertile women, and often their husbands, are still often grieving in the shadows. MORE
God Kits: Does Yoga Matter?
By: Eric Metaxas (Breakpoint)
According to New York magazine, yoga studios in the city “have become as common and competitive as yellow cabs.”
What’s true of New York is true of large cities all around the country. The number of Americans practicing yoga quintupled between 2001 and 2011: from four to twenty million.
Yoga has become so commonplace that the "U.K. Telegraph" recently ran a story that, only a few years ago, would have only run in the satirical publication "The Onion." The link to the story read “How yoga with snakes cured my phobia.” In it, a woman told readers about a “Kumara Serpent Healing Class,” which she summed up as being “a bit like traditional yoga but . . . you get to handle real snakes at the end of the class.”
As the "Weekly Standard" likes to say: “not a parody.” MORE
According to New York magazine, yoga studios in the city “have become as common and competitive as yellow cabs.”
What’s true of New York is true of large cities all around the country. The number of Americans practicing yoga quintupled between 2001 and 2011: from four to twenty million.
Yoga has become so commonplace that the "U.K. Telegraph" recently ran a story that, only a few years ago, would have only run in the satirical publication "The Onion." The link to the story read “How yoga with snakes cured my phobia.” In it, a woman told readers about a “Kumara Serpent Healing Class,” which she summed up as being “a bit like traditional yoga but . . . you get to handle real snakes at the end of the class.”
As the "Weekly Standard" likes to say: “not a parody.” MORE
The Blasphemy of Barack Obama
It’s one thing to support gay marriage. It’s quite another for a professed Christian to bear false witness about Christ to make the point. That is why Joe Carter doesn’t mince words in an open letter to President Obama. Carter writes:
Implying that Jesus supports same-sex marriage—and there really is no other way to interpret your statement—is nothing short of blasphemous.
No, Mr. President, Jesus does not support same-sex marriage. Even a liberal Christian like you should not be able to make such an historically and theologically absurd claim with a straight face. The history of Christian thought on sexual ethics from the time of the stoning of Stephen to the Stonewall riots has been consistent that engaging in homosexual behavior is strictly and clearly prohibited by God’s Word…MORE
Implying that Jesus supports same-sex marriage—and there really is no other way to interpret your statement—is nothing short of blasphemous.
No, Mr. President, Jesus does not support same-sex marriage. Even a liberal Christian like you should not be able to make such an historically and theologically absurd claim with a straight face. The history of Christian thought on sexual ethics from the time of the stoning of Stephen to the Stonewall riots has been consistent that engaging in homosexual behavior is strictly and clearly prohibited by God’s Word…MORE
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Overcoming Spiritual Stagnation
(by
A dark room that reeks of the musty smell that accompanies rot. Alone here, your mind wanders nowhere yet everywhere at the same time. A feeling of dread, loneliness or something wriggles through your bones. A sucking feeling in your gut tips you off that you are hungry but you are not sure. It might just be anxiety. All of this happened because of a keen experience of separation from God. A sort of spiritual anxiety. The Puritans described this feeling with the phrase, “the dark night of the soul.” They knew well about the malady of spiritual depression.
A dark room that reeks of the musty smell that accompanies rot. Alone here, your mind wanders nowhere yet everywhere at the same time. A feeling of dread, loneliness or something wriggles through your bones. A sucking feeling in your gut tips you off that you are hungry but you are not sure. It might just be anxiety. All of this happened because of a keen experience of separation from God. A sort of spiritual anxiety. The Puritans described this feeling with the phrase, “the dark night of the soul.” They knew well about the malady of spiritual depression.
Spiritual stagnation is a problem that will bombard everyone at one point or another. Depression, fears and anxiety gush out, because we feel “separated” from God, from grace. We feel alone, sinful, dirty and unloved—or perhaps unloving.
Part of reason spiritual depression occurs, I am convinced, is because we have a wrong view of Biblical Change. We go to God and ask for ways to overcome our problems, our worries... MORE
Learning to Delight in Scripture
(Andrew Kerhoulas - The Center for Gospel Culture)
When you read Bible verses in which the author talks about loving or delighting in Scripture itself, how do you usually respond? For me personally, I often feel guilty or anxious about the lack of these verbs in my life. I have even doubted my salvation on occasion when forced to admit that I do not love or delight in God’s word as much as I “should.” Admittedly, there are often things I would rather love and delight in more than Scripture. What happens to your heart when you read verses like Psalm 119:12-16?
When you read Bible verses in which the author talks about loving or delighting in Scripture itself, how do you usually respond? For me personally, I often feel guilty or anxious about the lack of these verbs in my life. I have even doubted my salvation on occasion when forced to admit that I do not love or delight in God’s word as much as I “should.” Admittedly, there are often things I would rather love and delight in more than Scripture. What happens to your heart when you read verses like Psalm 119:12-16?
12 Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes! 13 With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. 14 In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. 16 I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
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Eight Reasons My Anxiety is Pointless and Foolish
(Justin Taylor - The Gospel Coalition)
MORE
1. God is near me to help me.
Philippians 4:5-6: “The Lord is at hand; [therefore] do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”2. God cares for me.
1 Peter 5:7: “. . . casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
Ex-Victoria's Secret Model Promotes Proverbs 31
(Baptist Press - WACO, Texas) -- When Alex Eklund updated his Facebook status on Nov. 30, he
had no idea it would make him a social media star.
Eklund was
studying in the Baylor University library when he noticed a theme among his
friends' status updates. During the airing of the annual Victoria's Secret
fashion show on CBS, girls posted updates like "I'm going to have to hit the gym
after this" and "I'm going to starve myself for a week." Although Eklund assumed
his friends didn't mean the statements seriously, they still made him uneasy.
"There was an underlying sense of insecurity which I sensed throughout the entire thing," he said.
MORE
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| Kylie Bisutti |
"There was an underlying sense of insecurity which I sensed throughout the entire thing," he said.
MORE
Thursday, April 26, 2012
A Way of Escape
by Phil Johnson
First Corinthians 10:13 famously promises a "way of escape" when our faith is being tested: "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
The word translated "temptation" there is peirasmos in the Greek text. It can refer either to a test that comes from God, or a temptation to sin (which according to James 1:14 comes when we are "lured and enticed by [our] own desire"). The Greek word is the same either way. Surely the promise of a "way of escape" also applies in either instance—otherwise this would be scant comfort. But the promise of a way of escape is a particular comfort when we're suffering under the weight of some crushing, prolonged, or especially onerous trial. So let's consider this promise in that light... MORE
Three Simple Ways to Encourage Your Pastor
Pastors are human too. That means, of course, that they sin, but it also means that they have ordinary human needs. While no one joins the ministry in order to receive riches or accolades, honor or power, while shepherds are called to serve others rather than themselves, such doesn’t mean that they are not given to discouragement.
Most of us, most of the time, love our pastor, and are grateful for him. Few of us, however, understand that he needs encouragement. What even fewer of us grasp is how we can be an encouragement to him. Here are three simple ideas.
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Most of us, most of the time, love our pastor, and are grateful for him. Few of us, however, understand that he needs encouragement. What even fewer of us grasp is how we can be an encouragement to him. Here are three simple ideas.
MORE
The FAQ: Are Mormons Christians
The FAQs: Are Mormons Christian?
Note: The FAQs is TGCs new series in which we answer your questions about the latest news and current events. Although the series normally attempts to be as fact-based and objective as possible, this entry relies on scriptural interpretation that some Christians may consider wrong or at least open to debate.
"Are Mormons Christian?" Since the 1820s, when Joseph Smith founded the religious movement, evangelicals and other orthodox Christians have answered with a resounding "no." Over the past decade, though, many Americans have begun to provide a different response. In an interview with CNN, megachurch pastor Joel Osteen said that while the Mormon faith is "not traditional Christianity" he still views them as "brothers in Christ."
And earlier this month, the widely read evangelical blogger David French wrote,
"I'd argue that our view of salvation --- whether Arminian or Reformed --- is of enormous consequence, going directly not only to the nature of God but also how we understand each moment of our lives, yet I rarely hear anyone seriously ask, "Are Methodists Christian?" Perhaps that's not so much because the theological differences aren't real and profound but because we've made our historical peace through shared understanding of our faith in Christ. Perhaps its time that we make that same peace with Mormons."
MORE
Note: The FAQs is TGCs new series in which we answer your questions about the latest news and current events. Although the series normally attempts to be as fact-based and objective as possible, this entry relies on scriptural interpretation that some Christians may consider wrong or at least open to debate.
"Are Mormons Christian?" Since the 1820s, when Joseph Smith founded the religious movement, evangelicals and other orthodox Christians have answered with a resounding "no." Over the past decade, though, many Americans have begun to provide a different response. In an interview with CNN, megachurch pastor Joel Osteen said that while the Mormon faith is "not traditional Christianity" he still views them as "brothers in Christ."
And earlier this month, the widely read evangelical blogger David French wrote,
"I'd argue that our view of salvation --- whether Arminian or Reformed --- is of enormous consequence, going directly not only to the nature of God but also how we understand each moment of our lives, yet I rarely hear anyone seriously ask, "Are Methodists Christian?" Perhaps that's not so much because the theological differences aren't real and profound but because we've made our historical peace through shared understanding of our faith in Christ. Perhaps its time that we make that same peace with Mormons."
MORE
The Ugly American Sex Trafficking and Our National Humliation
The sexual revolution of the last several decades has transformed any public conversation about sex and sexuality. The revolutionaries directed their attention to the dismantling of an entire edifice of sexual morality that had been basically intact for well over 2,000 years.
At one point in the sexual revolution, efforts were made to legalize prostitution as a “victimless crime,” a term that anyone could recognize as an oxymoron. Most of these efforts went nowhere in the United States and most of Europe, though “progressive” law enforcement officials often looked the other way and did little to curb the market for illicit sex
MORE
At one point in the sexual revolution, efforts were made to legalize prostitution as a “victimless crime,” a term that anyone could recognize as an oxymoron. Most of these efforts went nowhere in the United States and most of Europe, though “progressive” law enforcement officials often looked the other way and did little to curb the market for illicit sex
MORE
Friday, April 13, 2012
I'm Actually a Better Psychic than I Thought
(The Blazing Center):
A while back I said that I would make a terrible psychic. Well, I’ve changed my mind. Turns out that being a psychic isn’t that difficult at all. How does one learn to be a psychic? It’s really quite simple. Galatians 6:7-8 tells us how:
A while back I said that I would make a terrible psychic. Well, I’ve changed my mind. Turns out that being a psychic isn’t that difficult at all. How does one learn to be a psychic? It’s really quite simple. Galatians 6:7-8 tells us how:
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. MORE
Why is Christianity on the Decline in America
(The Gospel Coalition) had the pleasure of reading the manuscript of Ross Douthat's new book Bad Religion: How We Became a Nation of Heretics (The Free Press, 2012), slated to be released on April 17. I am going to honor the publisher's request that I not quote or review the book until it is published because it is still being edited. Nevertheless, I want to interact with Ross's basic ideas because I think they are provocative and because this is essential reading for all Christians seeking to understand Christianity's relationship to culture in the U.S.
Everyone agrees that our culture has become far more secular and hostile to Christian faith over the past two generations, but what are the factors causing that change? Many in the evangelical and Reformed world see the decline starting in the early 20th century when most of the mainline denominations and their affiliated academic institutions and foundations fell into the hands of theological modernists and liberals. But it can't be as simple as that. MORE:
Animal Desires
(The Weekly Standard)
When People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) sought a court ruling declaring SeaWorld’s killer whales “slaves” under the 13th Amendment, the nation got a badly needed chuckle. PETA argued that because the amendment doesn’t specify that its terms apply only to human beings—“Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude . . . shall exist within the United States”—then captive whales can be slaves too.
The case—Tilikum, Katina, Corky, Kasatka, and Ulises, five orcas et al. v. SeaWorld—was brought in the Ninth Circuit, where history shows anything can happen. But not this time. District Court judge Jeffrey T. Miller made short work of PETA’s publicity stunt, ruling sensibly: MORE
When People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) sought a court ruling declaring SeaWorld’s killer whales “slaves” under the 13th Amendment, the nation got a badly needed chuckle. PETA argued that because the amendment doesn’t specify that its terms apply only to human beings—“Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude . . . shall exist within the United States”—then captive whales can be slaves too.
The case—Tilikum, Katina, Corky, Kasatka, and Ulises, five orcas et al. v. SeaWorld—was brought in the Ninth Circuit, where history shows anything can happen. But not this time. District Court judge Jeffrey T. Miller made short work of PETA’s publicity stunt, ruling sensibly: MORE
Christianity and Politics Reconsidered
(Cranach the blog of Veith): J. Dionne is a Catholic who is liberal politically. I wonder, though, if all sides could find some agreement in what he says about Christianity recognizing the “limits” of politics:
It’s hard not to notice that Christianity hasn’t been presented in its own best light during this election year because Christians have not exactly been putting forward their best selves.MORE
My colleague Michael Gerson wrote recently about the “crude” way religion has played out in the Republican primaries, including “the systematic subordination of a rich tradition of social justice to a narrow and predictable political agenda.”
Friday, March 30, 2012
Sex, Lies and The Gay Debate (DL Foster)
Sex, Lies and the Gay Debate
By DL. Foster
At a time when homosexuality is widely embraced. the Bible's message hasn't changed. A battle is raging in our society over the issue of homosexuality. On the surface, it appears that those on the "right" side of this battle are losing. Consider these facts: - Religious homosexuals have made stunning gains and captured worldwide attention in the church.
- Our nation's judiciary has become infected with activist judges who care little about traditional sexual morality.
- Lawmakers have taken up the cry of tolerance for homosexuality.
- Religious leaders have lost a hard-gained moral voice because of repeated divorce, ego battles, sexual scandals and money pursuits.
MORE
How I Wish the Homosexuality Debate Would Go (Trevin Wax)
How I Wish the Homosexuality Debate Would Go
Just once, I’d like to see a TV interview go more like this:
Host: You are a Christian pastor, and you say you believe the Bible, which means you are supposed to love all people.
Pastor: That’s right.
Host: But it appears to me that you and your church take a rather unloving position when it comes to gay people. Are homosexuals welcome to come to your church?
Pastor: Of course. We believe that the gospel is a message relevant for every person on the planet, and we want everyone to hear the gospel and find salvation in Jesus Christ. So at our church, our arms are outstretched to people from every background, every race, every ethnicity and culture. We’re a place for all kinds of sinners and people with all kinds of problems.
Host: But you said there, “We’re a place for sinners.” So you do believe that homosexuality is sinful, right?
Pastor: Yes, I do.
Host: So how do you reconcile the command to love all people with a position on homosexuality that some would say is radically intolerant?
Pastor: (smiling) If you think my position on homosexuality is radical, just wait until you hear what else I believe! I believe that a teenage guy and girl who have sex in the backseat of a pick-up are sinning. The unmarried heterosexual couple living down the street from me is sinning. In fact, any sexual activity that takes place outside of the marriage covenant between a husband and wife is sinful. What’s more, Jesus takes this sexual ethic a step further and goes to the heart of the matter. That means that any time I even lust after someone else, I am sinning. Jesus’ radical view of sexuality shows all of us up as sexual sinners, and that’s why He came to die. Jesus died to save lustful, homo- and heterosexual sinners and transform our hearts and minds and behavior. Because He died for me, I owe Him my all. And as a follower of Jesus, I’m bound to what He says about sex and morality.
Host: But Jesus didn’t condemn homosexuality outright, did He? MORE
Pastor: That’s right.
Host: But it appears to me that you and your church take a rather unloving position when it comes to gay people. Are homosexuals welcome to come to your church?
Pastor: Of course. We believe that the gospel is a message relevant for every person on the planet, and we want everyone to hear the gospel and find salvation in Jesus Christ. So at our church, our arms are outstretched to people from every background, every race, every ethnicity and culture. We’re a place for all kinds of sinners and people with all kinds of problems.
Host: But you said there, “We’re a place for sinners.” So you do believe that homosexuality is sinful, right?
Pastor: Yes, I do.
Host: So how do you reconcile the command to love all people with a position on homosexuality that some would say is radically intolerant?
Pastor: (smiling) If you think my position on homosexuality is radical, just wait until you hear what else I believe! I believe that a teenage guy and girl who have sex in the backseat of a pick-up are sinning. The unmarried heterosexual couple living down the street from me is sinning. In fact, any sexual activity that takes place outside of the marriage covenant between a husband and wife is sinful. What’s more, Jesus takes this sexual ethic a step further and goes to the heart of the matter. That means that any time I even lust after someone else, I am sinning. Jesus’ radical view of sexuality shows all of us up as sexual sinners, and that’s why He came to die. Jesus died to save lustful, homo- and heterosexual sinners and transform our hearts and minds and behavior. Because He died for me, I owe Him my all. And as a follower of Jesus, I’m bound to what He says about sex and morality.
Host: But Jesus didn’t condemn homosexuality outright, did He? MORE
A Reasonable Argument Against Homosexual Marriage (Frank Turek)
The legalization of homosexual marriage threatens traditional marriage — the national immune system that protects our civilization from destruction. Biblically based arguments against homosexual marriage carry little weight in the public square; however, it is possible to make a reasonable argument to protect traditional marriage and oppose the legalization of homosexual marriage without appealing to the Bible.
This argument is as follows:
1. Traditional marriage is beneficial to the public welfare.
2. Homosexual behavior is destructive to the public welfare.
3. The law is a great teacher; it encourages or discourages behavior and attitudes.
4. Legalization of homosexual marriage would encourage more homosexual behavior, which is
inherently destructive. It also would weaken the perceived importance of traditional marriage
and its parenting role, thereby resulting in further destruction of the family and society itself.
5. The law should endorse behaviors that are beneficial and restrain (or certainly not endorse)
behaviors that are destructive.
Homosexuality and the Bible (Al Mohler)
Homosexuality is now the most controversial issue of debate in American culture — and it is likely to stay that way for a long time. Once famously described as "the love that dares not speak its name," homosexuality is now openly discussed and debated throughout American society.
Behind this discussion is an agenda, pushed and promoted by activists, who seek legitimization and social sanction for homosexual acts, relationships, and lifestyles. The push is on for homosexual "marriage," the removal of all structures and laws considered oppressive to homosexuals, and the recognition of homosexuals, bisexuals, transsexuals, and others as "erotic minorities" deserving of special legal protection. The movement to normalize homosexuality won a huge victory last year when the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its decision in the case More
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Out of Mormonism - a testimony
(Saints Alive) Ed Decker. Being a Mormon was really something special! There was a spirit of having arrived in the very center of eternity that came with membership. The image was one of wholesomeness, industry and happiness. There was a built-in self-esteem that came with the name "Mormon", a strange, proud kind of humility, an urgency to excel.
So many members are converts. They seem to be the ones with that special zeal for the Gospel. They had lived that life of partial truth in the darkness of some other church. They are the ones who have been reached by the great missionary vision of the L.D.S. Church. They represent the "fruit" of the truth that Mormonism is the "only true church". Once the basic truths of the LDS doctrines were explained in the missionary lessons, and the urgently sought-after, mystical "burning in the bosom" received, the convert is joyfully baptized and confirmed a member of the "only true church" and given the "Gift of the Holy Ghost". MORE
So many members are converts. They seem to be the ones with that special zeal for the Gospel. They had lived that life of partial truth in the darkness of some other church. They are the ones who have been reached by the great missionary vision of the L.D.S. Church. They represent the "fruit" of the truth that Mormonism is the "only true church". Once the basic truths of the LDS doctrines were explained in the missionary lessons, and the urgently sought-after, mystical "burning in the bosom" received, the convert is joyfully baptized and confirmed a member of the "only true church" and given the "Gift of the Holy Ghost". MORE
Cults
(Rich McGee) Rich McGee directed the recent conference on origins entitled Mere Creation which was held in Los Angeles and was attended by 192 scientists and scholars. Rich, a 20- year staff member of Campus Crusade for Christ, is also director of International Expansion for Christian Leadership Ministries, where he has been since 1982. Rich earned a Th.M. in Old Testament from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1981... MORE
Utah Lighthouse Ministry
Welcome to the Official Website of Utah Lighthouse™ Ministry,
founded by Jerald and Sandra Tanner.
The purpose of this site is to document problems with the claims of Mormonism and compare LDS doctrines with Christianity.
MORE
founded by Jerald and Sandra Tanner.
The purpose of this site is to document problems with the claims of Mormonism and compare LDS doctrines with Christianity.
MORE
The Difference Between Mormonism and Christianity
(Justin Taylor) The following is adapted from the section on Mormonism (or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) in the ESV Study Bible article on religious cults [1]. The attempt is to be concise yet still accurate. I’ve added questions in bold to break it up a bit.
What do Mormons believe about apostasy and restoration?
Mormons claim that “total” apostasy overcame the church following apostolic times, and that the Mormon Church (founded in 1830) is the “restored church.”
What’s the problem with this understanding?
If the Mormon Church were truly a “restored church,” one would expect to find first-century historical evidence for Mormon doctrines like the plurality of gods and God the Father having once been a man. Such evidence is completely lacking. Besides, the Bible disallows a total apostasy of the church (e.g., Matt. 16:18; 28:20 [2]; Eph. 3:21; 4:11–16 [3]), warning instead of partial apostasy (1 Tim. 4:1 [4]).
MORE
What do Mormons believe about apostasy and restoration?
Mormons claim that “total” apostasy overcame the church following apostolic times, and that the Mormon Church (founded in 1830) is the “restored church.”
What’s the problem with this understanding?
If the Mormon Church were truly a “restored church,” one would expect to find first-century historical evidence for Mormon doctrines like the plurality of gods and God the Father having once been a man. Such evidence is completely lacking. Besides, the Bible disallows a total apostasy of the church (e.g., Matt. 16:18; 28:20 [2]; Eph. 3:21; 4:11–16 [3]), warning instead of partial apostasy (1 Tim. 4:1 [4]).
MORE
Friday, March 16, 2012
Website: A Clearinghouse of Information on Christian-Muslim Apologetics
Answering Islam, a Christian, Muslim Dialogue (website)
•The Islamic View Of Biblical Corruption
Christian scholar Gordon Nickel's extensive research into the question of what Islam’s earliest sources say about the reliability and authority of the Bible was written up in a book and published by Brill in 2011. Nickel culls through the commentaries of Muqatil ibn Sulayman and al-Tabari, as well as the Sira of Ibn Ishaq, in order to examine how these authorities understood all of the verses from the Quran which address the issue of the authenticity and alleged tampering of the previous Scriptures. MORE
•The Islamic View Of Biblical Corruption
Christian scholar Gordon Nickel's extensive research into the question of what Islam’s earliest sources say about the reliability and authority of the Bible was written up in a book and published by Brill in 2011. Nickel culls through the commentaries of Muqatil ibn Sulayman and al-Tabari, as well as the Sira of Ibn Ishaq, in order to examine how these authorities understood all of the verses from the Quran which address the issue of the authenticity and alleged tampering of the previous Scriptures. MORE
Reaching Muslims for Christ
(The Gospel Coalition) Reaching Muslims for Christ: A Conversation with J.D. Greear
Yesterday, I posted a review of Breaking the Islam Code: Understanding the Soul Questions of Every Muslim, a new book by J.D. Greear. J.D. is pastor of The Summit Church in Durham, North Carolina and blogs regularly at JDGreear.com. Today, I’m happy to have J.D. stop by the blog and talk about ministry to Muslims.
Trevin Wax: In your experience, what’s the biggest psychological hurdle that Christians have when it comes to sharing their faith with a Muslim?
J.D. Greear: The biggest psychological hurdle is feeling like they have nothing in common with a Muslim. We think Muslims are a fundamentally different kind of person. But they are made in the image of God just like we are, so they have many of the same questions, ideas, and thoughts. MORE
Yesterday, I posted a review of Breaking the Islam Code: Understanding the Soul Questions of Every Muslim, a new book by J.D. Greear. J.D. is pastor of The Summit Church in Durham, North Carolina and blogs regularly at JDGreear.com. Today, I’m happy to have J.D. stop by the blog and talk about ministry to Muslims.
Trevin Wax: In your experience, what’s the biggest psychological hurdle that Christians have when it comes to sharing their faith with a Muslim?
J.D. Greear: The biggest psychological hurdle is feeling like they have nothing in common with a Muslim. We think Muslims are a fundamentally different kind of person. But they are made in the image of God just like we are, so they have many of the same questions, ideas, and thoughts. MORE
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