Sunday, April 29, 2012

SUNDAY EDITION (6): The Christian Post WEEK-IN-REVIEW April 29, 2012 Iyyar 7, 5772

(Photo: The DeMoss Group)

Franklin Graham Backs NC Marriage Amendment

By Anugrah Kumar

The Rev. Franklin Graham is supporting a proposed amendment to North Carolina's constitution that would provide that marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid in the state.

Obama Jokes About Open Mics, Kim Kardashian and Eating Dog Meat at White House Correspondents' Dinner

By Napp Nazworth

President Barack Obama showed his lighter side and a knack for comedy Saturday night at the White House Correspondents' dinner. His monologue began by poking fun at his "open mic" controversy with Russian President Dmitri Medvedev in March.

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US

Is Romney Going to Make Peace With Evangelicals in Liberty Commencement Speech?

By Paul Stanley

GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney is scheduled to make what some hope to be a watershed speech to evangelicals in a commencement address to Liberty University graduates next month. But some evangelicals, both students and alumni, are still skeptical.

Evangelicals Condemn Burning of Qurans by Fla. Pastor Terry Jones

By Anugrah Kumar

Evangelical leaders strongly condemned the burning of Qurans by Florida Pastor Terry Jones on Saturday in protest of Iran's continued imprisonment of Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani.

Evangelical Website Promotes 'Internet Evangelism Day'

By Michael Gryboski

An evangelical group is promoting "Internet Evangelism Day," a day meant to spread awareness of the value social media and the Internet in advancing the Gospel.

Christian Minister Says Voting for Romney Will Promote Mormon 'Cult'

By Stoyan Zaimov

While Mitt Romney is well on his way to becoming the GOP candidate to face President Barack Obama in the general election this November, one Christian minister has suggested that by voting for Romney, people are "supporting" Mormonism, which he calls a cult.

Atheist Student Awarded Scholarship for Dressing Up as Jesus Christ

By Jeff Schapiro

A high school student in Tennessee was awarded with a $1,000 scholarship by an atheist organization for dressing up as Jesus Christ during "Fictional Character Day" at his school.

Church & Ministries

Same-Sex Marriage, Gay Clergy on Table at Methodist General Conference

By Stoyan Zaimov

The United Methodist Church's General Conference is currently taking place in Tampa, Fla., and will feature a debate on gay clergy and same-sex marriage. Some have suggested that, in order to keep its membership from dwindling, the Methodist church must come to a compromise on its long-held doctrines on such issues.

John Piper Says He Longs for John Stott's Ambition, Discernment

By Anugrah Kumar

John Piper says he longs for "the light of discernment and the heat of ambition" which kept world-renowned Bible scholar John Stott focused on playing a key role in God's work globally until he died about nine months ago.

Bill Hybels on Church Planting Willow Creek: I Did a Lot of Scrambling

By Alex Murashko

Megachurch pastor Billy Hybels' first five years of establishing a church in a Chicago suburb was one of the hardest experiences in his life, he told Christian leaders at the Exponential conference.

Chuck Smith to Undergo Tests for Lung Cancer Surgery

By Alex Murashko

Doctors recommended surgery for Calvary Chapel movement founder Chuck Smith, whose cancerous tumor in his lungs has been reduced in size but is still a health factor after he underwent radiation and chemotherapy treatment.

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Same-Sex Marriage, Gay Clergy on Table at Methodist General Conference

The United Methodist Church's General Conference ...

Interview: Ross Douthat on Joel Osteen, Rick Warren, Christian Nationalism and His Charismatic Roots

Joel Osteen Encourages Underserved Children, Homeless Single Mothers (PHOTOS)

Tom White, Executive Director of Voice of the Martyrs.

Voice of the Martyrs President Comments on Tom White's Apparent Suicide

The Voice of the Martyrs' president released a ...

Four Problems the Church Has GOT to Deal With!

At the end of the day people are not asking about ...

Chuck Colson's Memorial Scheduled for May 16

Chuck Colson, the late Prison Fellowship founder, ...

Why Some Believe, Others Don't? New Study Offers Answer

One of the reasons why some are less inclined to ...

CP Interview: Today's Top Christian Singer Jamie Grace Gets Personal

Jamie Grace Shares Personal Stories About Hit ...

Bible Reading Marathon Kicks Off in DC

While many come to Washington, D.C., to protest ...

Canada's Pro-Abortion Parliament Slams Debate Over Definition of Human Being

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is facing ...

TD Jakes to Executive Produce Nelson Mandela Love Story 'Winnie'

Bishop T.D. Jakes of Dallas-based megachurch The ...

Open Doors USA to Host Panel Addressing Christian Persecution

In response to the persecution faced by ...

Joel Osteen Visits Christian Pregnancy Center in DC

Pastor Joel Osteen of the 40,000-strong Lakewood ...

Evangelical Leader Sees Connection Between Climate Change and Poverty

An evangelical leader whose organization ...

Perry and Gingrich Endorse Romney; Santorum Still on the Fence

Mitt Romney, the presumptive GOP presidential ...

Ten Vital Reasons the World Will Not End in 2012

December 21st 2012 – a date that is well known ...

Star-Studded Rally for Trayvon Martin Held at Calif. Megachurch

Celebrities, civil rights activists and relatives ...

Entertainment

Why Is First Jeremy Lin eBook Not Selling?

By Anugrah Kumar

Award-winning sports writer Ted Kluck wonders if he should feel embarrassed that he wrote the first faith-based ebook on the evangelical basketball star Jeremy Lin, which despite being cheaper than a Starbucks coffee has not sold well since it was released about a month ago.

Lecrae Confirms Next Album 'Gravity' for Fall 2012 Release

By Vincent Funaro

Christian rapper Lecrae has confirmed that his fifth studio album to be titled Gravity will be released in the fall of this year, according to a report on Rapzilla.com.

Matthew Modine is the creator of "Jesus Was A Commie," a short film that will kick off the Connecticut Film Festival on Apr. 26, 2012.

Interview With Director of 'Jesus Was a Commie' Film

By Jeff Schapiro

"Communism" is an ugly word in the United States and has been closely associated if not altogether defined by fascist leaders like Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin. But actor and filmmaker Matthew Modine says there is another leader who was a communist but isn't like the others: Jesus.

World

BBC Plans 2-Hour Live Broadcast From Abortion Clinic

By Alex Murashko

Growing negative reaction to the BBC's plan to broadcast one of its Radio 5 Live shows from an abortion clinic is coming from pro-life groups in the United States as well as Europe.

Chinese Activist Escapes Arrest; Under US Protection

By Anugrah Kumar

Having dramatically escaped after four years in prison and 18 months under house arrest, blind human rights activist Chen Guangcheng appeared in an online video and told his tragic story. Reports suggest he is under U.S. protection in Beijing.

Egypt 'Farewell Intercourse' Law a Hoax by Mubarak Supporters?

By Katherine Weber

Reports stemming from the Arab media indicating that Egypt's newly elected, Muslim-dominated Parliament has introduced a "farewell intercourse" law, which would allow husbands to have sex with their wives up to six hours after death, are being called fabrications planted by supporters of former President Hosni Mubarak.

Chinese Catholics Growing Amid Vatican Fears of Unrecognized Bishops

By Stoyan Zaimov

China's growing Christian population is reportedly facing challenges in remaining faithful to the Roman Catholic Church while complying with repressive government rules. The Vatican recently chastised bishops who have not been officially ordained, yet are baptizing and "confusing" believers.

Gospel Artist Ami Rushes Testifies of God's Goodness Through Lowest Point of Her Life

'Idol's' Christian Contestant Dixon Invited to White House Dinner

"American Idol" contestant Colton Dixon chose to ...

Dove Awards 2012: Kirk Franklin, Kari Jobe, Jaci Velasquez Interviews (EXCLUSIVE VIDEO)

Oprah Winfrey Confesses Christ During NYC 'Lifeclass' Tour?

Oprah Winfrey recently professed to being a ...

'Bounty' on Tim Tebow's Virginity a Form of Prostitution?

The New Orleans Saints bounty scandal is ...

Zimmerman Fund Raises $200k, Lawyer States

A fund set up for defendant George Zimmerman has ...

Dove Awards 2012: David Mann, Chondra Pierce Host, Mary Mary Attend (VIDEO)

The 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards have recognized ...

Fabrice Muamba Update: Soccer Star Describes 'Miracle' After Being Dead for 78 Minutes

Ex-ESPN Editor: Faith Got Me Through Fallout From Jeremy Lin 'Chink' Headline

Fla. Pastor Terry Jones Vows Again to Burn Qurans, This Time for Youcef Nadarkhani

Christian Ministry Reaching Japan's Private, Secular Society Through Internet

Coptic Orphans NGO Denied Permission to Work in Egypt

After recently being one of eight NGOs denied ...

Churches Partner With World Vision in 'Divine Initiative' to Help End Malaria

Hugo Chavez Claims 'Pact with Jesus' Will Heal His Cancer

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who was ...

Nigerian Archbishop: Church in Britain Losing Its 'Evangelical Edge'

Britain's drift away from its Christian moorings ...

Russian Orthodox Church Leads National Day of Prayer Amid 'Attacks'

More than 40,000 people gathered at Christ the ...

CP Cartoons

Tech & Biz

Amazon Kindle Fire Conquers Half of the Android Market

By Vincent Funaro

The Amazon Kindle Fire tablet has conquered over half of the Android market, according to new data collected by the research firm known as ComScore.

Soccer star Kaka falls to his knees after winning the Champions League final soccer match playing for AC Milan against Liverpool in Athens May 23, 2007.

Kaka: Christian Soccer Star Is World's First Athlete to Gather 10M Twitter Followers

By Myles Collier

Brazilian soccer star, Kaka, has become the world's first athlete to reach 10 million followers on Twitter, making him only the sixteenth person in the world to pass the benchmark.

First Real Picture of the Samsung Galaxy S3 Leaks (PHOTO)

By Vincent Funaro

A picture of what is being confirmed to be the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S3 has leaked onto the internet.

iPhone 5 to Launch on Sprint With Unlimited Data Plan

By Vincent Funaro

Sprint plans to continue to offer unlimited data plans on its network for the LTE iPhone when it is released later on this year, according to a statement made by the company's CEO Dan Hesse.

Fear of Success

The Spirit of Truth

Santorum Heads to The Tonight Show With Jay Leno

Prince William and Kate Middleton Anniversary: Private Celebration and Free Tea (PHOTO)

Felicia Day on 'Supernatural': 'I've Always Wanted to Be on the Show'

Tommy Marth Suicide: The Killers Sax Player Dies of Gunshot Wound

Lady Gaga Seoul Concert Includes Extreme Sex Content; Christians Pray for Nation

What Your Happiness Has to Do With Washing Feet

Preview: White House Correspondents Dinner 2012 - How to Watch (PHOTO)

'60 Minutes' Segment on Palestinian Christians in the Holy Land Stirs Backlash

Interview: Joel Osteen on Prosperity Gospel, Crystal Cathedral, and Jesus

By Michelle A. Vu

The Christian Post met up with Osteen at the Nationals Park baseball stadium in Washington, D.C. on Friday – one day before his scheduled America's Night of Hope event (it was rescheduled for Sunday due to concerns about the weather) – to talk to him about the widespread perception that he is the representative of the prosperity gospel, the difficulties he faces as a pastor, and how he plans to hand down leadership of Lakewood Church.

COLUMN

Pastor to Pastor: How's Your Church Doing?

It's such a common question. It's the perennial question that pastors ask one another whenever we assemble. It's the ministerial equivalent of "How about this weather we're having?" It's such an important question. Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for it (Ephesians 5:25). Pastors give up less for their churches than Christ gave, but most pastors still sacrifice profoundly for the sake of churches.

EVENTS

Churches Pray for Victims of Child Abuse on 'Blue Sunday'

Churches across the country will be holding services dedicated to spreading awareness of the abuse and neglect of children in the United States.

YOUTH

10 Reasons I Love Mobilizing Teens to Share the Gospel

They are twitchy (just like the early disciples!) Teens are looking for a cause to live for

OPINION

Let's Get on With It: Building Coalitions for the Kingdom

Near the end of his life, Chuck felt clearly that he needed to utilize his unique ability to bring Christian leaders and organizations together, and to inspire them to work together for the Kingdom instead of apart.

INTERVIEW

Ross Douthat on Joel Osteen, Rick Warren, Christian Nationalism and His Charismatic Roots

In his new book, Bad Religion: How We Became a Nation of Heretics, New York Times columnist Ross Douthat argues that orthodox American Christianity has weakened since the 1950s to be replaced by a number of heresies, both conservative and liberal. This "bad religion" has resulted in adverse consequences for American society, politics and culture.

COLUMN

Beyond a Trickle-Down Liturgy

I don't know about you, but I'm tired of trickle-down liturgy. What I mean by that is music that is designed and marketed somewhere, makes it on Christian radio or other media, and then becomes familiar enough that people start singing it in church.

CHURCH

Subjecting Local Congregations to Off-Site Control

In the New Testament, no one ever served as a spiritual leader for a congregation that he wasn't also feeding. God's Word prescribes no leading where there is no feeding. Every "elder" in the New Testament was required to faithfully teach the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:24), and to serve alongside the believers in that particular congregation. The word "elder" in the New Testament is interchanged with the words "overseer," "pastor," and "bishop."

CP BLOG

How to Establish a Family Worship Time

Recently the Lord has been speaking to me about teaching people how to "do the stuff" on a practical level. Today I am going to teach about how to have a family worship time and how even the most untalented person musically can still lead their family in worship.

COLUMN

Four Problems the Church Has GOT to Deal With!

At the end of the day people are not asking about the five points of Calvinism, the trichotomy or dichotomy of the Spirit or the peccability/impeccability of Christ!

CP BLOG

Are You a Bridge Builder?

Building a bridge is an art. Not literal bridges that you drive over, although those are incredibly important…. I’m referring to building bridges in business, friendships, co-workers, mentors, and key partnerships. I’m referring to building a new relationship with your neighbor. How do you turn that meeting into an hour or more, and then eventually into a friend?

CP BLOG

America Is Addicted to Porn (INFOGRAPHIC)

One study shows that there are 200,000 porn addicts in America. These addicts spend at least 11 hours each week viewing porn.

COLUMN

Three Ways We Say 'No' to Law

The Law is shorthand for an accusing standard of performance. Whenever the Law is coming, accusation comes close behind. Whenever an expectation stands before us, we are either condemned by our failure before it, or we become condemners in our fulfillment of it. The Law is unfeeling – it tolerates no excuses, it accepts no shortcuts.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Environmentalist Scientist Admits He Was 'Alarmist' on Global Warming

James Lovelock, the scientist who developed the "Gaia theory" of Earth, said in a MSNBC interview that he was too "alarmist" in an earlier book on global warming.

OPINION

Chuck Colson Never Left Prison

Apart from Watergate, Chuck is best-known for his ministry to prisoners. But to say that Chuck ministered to prisoners is to miss the point almost entirely.

COLUMN

The Ugly American — Sex Trafficking and Our National Humiliation

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.

CP BLOG

So You Want to Date My Daughter?

1. You must love Jesus. I don't care if you're a "good Christian boy." I was one of those too. So I know the tricks. I'm going to ask you specific, heart-testing questions about your spiritual affections, your daily devotional life, your idols, your disciplines, and the like.

OBITUARY

Gabrielle (Elle) Devenish: Anorexia Steals Life of Colleague, Friend

Sara Gabrielle Devenish, better known to her colleagues and friends as "Elle," was taken home by her Lord and Savior on Thursday in the early morning hours. She died peacefully in her sleep, just the way she had imagined she would.

EVOLUTION

What's Wrong With Theistic Evolution?

Why can't we say Adam was a real person and the first person to know God, but not the only human on the planet?

CP BLOG

Unguided Evolution of Humans from Chimp-Like Ancestors is Astronomically Unlikely

Ann Gauger, senior research scientist at Biologic Institute, has explained the upshot of recent research on the mutations in DNA that Darwinists think would be needed to evolve a chimp-like ancestor into a human being.

CHURCH & MINISTRIES

Pastors to New Believers: You'll Have Doubts About Your Conversion, Word of God

Having doubts about Christianity even after having just made a profession of faith in Jesus is inevitable for new believers, say pastors, including Harvest Ministries founder Greg Laurie.

CP BLOG

Counterpoint: Gay Man and Ex-Gay Discuss Homosexuality

As the 2012 presidential election draw closer, several questions of spiritual importance have led to partisan political discussion. However the subject of homosexuality and same-sex marriage has proved to be an especially divisive subject.

EDITORIALS

Chuck Colson – God's Man in the Arena

Chuck Colson (1931-2012) was a giant among Christians in America. If there were an Evangelical Mount Rushmore, Chuck Colson would be on it.

OPINION

Don't Attempt Relationships or Marriage Without Jesus

Relationships can get very messy. Perhaps you already have firsthand experience in that area. The only Person I know who has the ability to clean up the mess is Jesus Christ. In fact, He also has the power to help a man and woman stay out of a bunch of stuff that will only bring heartache into their home.