Thursday, June 28, 2012

THE CHRISTIAN POST Thursday June 28, 2012 Tammuz 8, 5772

obama health care
(Photo: Reuters/Jonathan Ernst)

Supreme Court Upholds 'Obamacare'

By Napp Nazworth

The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010) (ACA), also known as "Obamacare," as constitutional, including the controversial individual mandate. The penalty for individuals who choose not to purchase health insurance is essentially a tax, the court ruled.

Colorado Springs Churches, Christians Deliver Relief During 'Apocalyptic' Fire

By Alex Murashko

Pastor Brady Boyd of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colo., stared out the window of his office and saw a firestorm of epic proportions raging down the mountains on the other side of I-25 on Tuesday. In the midst of a fire described in historic and sometimes biblical terms, Christians from local churches, including New Life, began providing every need imaginable to people who were evacuating and traumatized.

US

obama

New Swing State Polls Show Advantage for Obama

By Napp Nazworth

New polls show President Barack Obama leading over Republican rival Mitt Romney in four states that could determine the outcome of the 2012 presidential race. Obama's strong showing comes despite evidence that his recent immigration decision hurt him with voters.

A Christian software developer that creates "BibleStick" pocket-sized digital audio devices that can play the entire New Testament is reporting that requests for its product have spiked higher than ever before as the July 4 holiday approaches.

Benny and Suzanne Hinn have confirmed more details about their upcoming remarriage, including date, place, and who will oversee the ceremony. Jack Hayford, a Pentecostal minister, will oversee the ceremony.

Global warming skeptics argue that while global warming activists say that reducing carbon dioxide emissions is necessary to protect the poor and vulnerable, the science is so iffy and the cost of control so high that money would be better spent on direct aid to the poor.

Church & Ministries

Women

Reformed Church Removes 'Conscience' Exemption for Women's Ordination

By Michael Gryboski

The General Synod of the Reformed Church in America has voted to remove a conscience-based exemption for individuals regarding the ordination of women.

Two Protestant denominations, The Episcopal Church and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), will be debating gay marriage issues in the upcoming week, and any decisions made may have far-reaching consequences.

Theologian Peter Enns believes that some – mostly young, evangelical Christians today – want to rethink what it means to be evangelical but the movement's leaders are resistant to talking about the issues for fear of repercussions.

Three years after stepping down as senior pastor of Without Walls International Church, Randy White returned last week to help restore and rebuild the Tampa, Fla., church.

People who end up in hell do not repent, from what the Bible tells us, said respected New Testament scholar Don Arthur (D.A.) Carson on Sunday at The Gospel Coalition National Women's Conference in Orlando.

More News

PCUSA Considers Exemption for Same-Sex Benefits Expansion

The General Assembly of Presbyterian Church ...

Fla. Rape Victim Denied Contraception for Religious Reasons Allowed to Sue

A federal judge ruled on Monday that a woman who ...

Pastors: Christianity Rejected, Deemed 'Evil' for Opposing Homosexuality

Christianity is being rejected and deemed evil by ...

Lolo Jones Wants to Ask Tim Tebow on a Church Date?

Track star Lolo Jones recently qualified for the ...

Coptic Solidarity Hosts Policy Talks on Egypt, Middle East Extremism

An international Coptic religious rights group ...

Bishop Noel Jones Alleged to Have Fathered 'X Factor' Star's Child

California megachurch pastor Bishop Noel Jones, ...

Vietnamese Officials Destroy Two New Church Buildings

Vietnamese officials in Muong Cha district, Dien ...

'Anti-Cheating Ring' Designed to Prevent Adultery

It's called the "anti-cheating ring." Made of ...

Kansas School Board Candidate Wants to Ban Evolution From Schools

A candidate for a position on the Kansas State ...

The Future of Christians in Egypt: 'The Obstacle Is Fear'

As Egypt's torrential state of instability ...

Pro-Marriage Advocate Reverses Position; Now Supports Gay Marriage

One of the leading advocates of California's ...

Loch Ness Monster's Existence Being Taught at Christian Schools?

Textbooks that are being used by some Christian ...

Montana City Delays Community Center Contract Over Church-State Concerns

A Montana city has delayed a decision regarding a ...

Entertainment

Creation Festival organizers shared July 1, 2011, an image on Twitter of fans rocking out at one of its events.

'Creation Festival' 2012 Kicks Off Largest Christian Music Festival of the Year

By Stoyan Zaimov

The largest Christian music festival in the United States kicks off Wednesday in Mount Union, Pa., and features some of the biggest names in Christian music. The festival, running until June 30, includes four days of music, fellowship and teaching.

After Cedric the Entertainer's TV Land comedic series "The Soul Man" broke records during its world premiere last week, the show's veteran actor John Beasley opened up to The Christian Post about his journey of faith leading him to his role as a retired minister on the show.

The new movie "Beasts of the Southern Wild" has made waves in the film industry with its release this week with a unique and poignant tale.

World

A concept image of the London Olympic stadium in East London.

Anti-Trafficking Groups Raising Awareness Ahead of London Summer Games

By Ivana Kvesic

A group of over 30 faith-based investment firms are teaming up to fight against human trafficking at this year's biggest sporting event in the world – the 2012 summer Olympic games in London.

Encouraged by the public outcry over the recent forced abortion of a 7-month pregnant woman in China, another woman has come out to share her horror story. Zhang Wen Fang was 9 months pregnant when she was forced to have an abortion.

The head of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the U.K. has spoken of his hope for positive reform in Egypt after the election of Mohammed Morsi as president.

Scotland's Parliament has rejected a plea that would have expedited a law criminalizing prostitution and any other method of paid-for sex. Opponents of the measure insist making such practices illegal would only push sex trafficking underground.

Tech & Biz

oreo

Rainbow-Colored Oreo Begs Question: Should Companies Get Involved?

By Brittney R. Villalva

The Nabisco company, a subsidiary of Kraft Foods, has drawn up a large controversy after posting a picture of a rainbow Oreo on Facebook in support of gay pride.

Microsoft acquired the social networking site known as Yammer for $1.2 billion this week.

A press photo and official specifications for the upcoming Google Nexus 7 tablet leaked this week.

The Samsung Galaxy S3 release event in the United States took place recently and it has gotten thousands of Galaxy fans excited about the pioneering smartphone. The launch event focused on many of the features Samsung has implemented that no other smartphone yet has, in efforts to win over new portions of the mobile phone market share.

Is Political Science Worthy of Government Funding?

By Napp Nazworth

A debate among political scientists erupted this week over a New York Times op-ed by Dr. Jacqueline Stevens arguing that, "Political Scientists are Lousy Forecasters." The debate comes amid efforts in Congress to not allow political science research to compete for National Science Foundation grants.

CHURCH & MINISTRIES

Will NAE's Code of Ethics For Pastors Become Professional Standard?

By Alex Murashko

Max Lucado NRB

Prominent Christian leaders continue to sign and endorse a "Code of Ethics for Pastors" document created by a National Association of Evangelicals taskforce and released just two weeks ago. But others wonder why the Bible – already serving as a standard – isn't enough.

OPINION

It Can Happen Here: Religious Freedom Threatened

By Eric Metaxas

equality

C'mon, is so-called gay "marriage" really a threat to religious freedom? Seriously? Christians are often asked by gay activists why they oppose same-sex "marriage." "How does our marriage hurt you?" they ask.

LIVING

Dating Your Wife?

By Tullian Tchividjian

Fireproof

A religious approach to marriage is the idea that if we work hard enough at something, we can earn the acceptance, approval, and life we think we deserve because of our obedient performance.

COLUMN

When Mature Believers Disagree on Secondary Doctrines

By Dan Delzell

Reformation

While all born again people agree on the Gospel....and the doctrine of the Trinity....and the doctrine of Christ's two natures....we are not in full agreement on many secondary doctrines. This isn't necessarily a problem in and of itself. Unfortunately, we sometimes take it a step further and attempt to push our "pet doctrines" upon one another.

COLUMN

The Bigfoot of the Bible (aka 'The Sinner's Prayer')

By Greg Stier

praying hands

The Sinner's Prayer is the Bigfoot of the Bible, talked about a lot, but nowhere to be found. This yakking Yeti doesn't even leave a fake footprint. Saying a prayer is not believing in Christ, believing in Christ is believing in Christ.

MISSIONS HISTORY

Three Missionary Wives: The Martyr, the Heroine, the Forgotten

By Marvin J. Newell

ann judson

Although five young men were commissioned as missionaries on February 6, 1812, considerable interest was concentrated on the three young wives who were so publicly expanding expectations of the role and capabilities of women in missions.

OPINION

Lethal Foresight: Deciding Who Gets to Be Born

By Eric Metaxas

most popular baby boy names

Expecting parents may soon be able to find out the complete genetic makeup of their baby in utero. But should they?

EDITORIALS

Fred Luter: The Extraordinary Man Behind the Office

By Dr. Richard D. Land

Richard Land

Is he the Convention's first African-American president and thus a historic figure? Yes. But he is also a great Christian, pastor, preacher, husband, father, and friend that I have had the privilege of knowing for more than two decades.

MISSIONS HISTORY

Beginning of North American Mission: What Happened to the Others Who Sailed?

By Marvin J. Newell

missionary timeline

Two couples and two single men left along with Adoniram and Ann Judson in February of 1812. The eight were sent out by the newly organized American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. Here is what happened to the others who sailed to India (on two different ships) that month.

U.S.

Preach the Gospel, and Since It's Necessary, Use Words

By Ed Stetzer

ed stetzer

There's a popular saying often repeated by Christians. It has found new life on Facebook and Twitter. Maybe you have even uttered these words, commonly at tributed to Francis of Assisi: "Preach the gospel. Use words if necessary." There are two basic problems with this quote.

OPINIONS

Lessons From the Streets of Haiti

By Paul Mator

Haiti orphans

As a writer, my job is to show my organization's American Christian donors how their money is turning the third world into a better world. There's no question their generosity has impacted lives. But what struck me during my recent trip to Haiti was how the reality has fallen short of expectations.

OPINION

Toward Denominational Unity

By Kevin DeYoung

WCRC

If there is one biblical theme we've heard a lot of in the RCA (Reformed Church in America) for the past 15 years it's the theme of unity. So what events would have to take place and what problems would have to be addressed for the RCA to experience genuine, vibrant, Christ-pleasing, Spirit-filled, God-glorifying unity?

DANGEROUS CALLING

Why We Must Celebrate Grace

By Paul Tripp

Paul tripp

We must keep in view that we are not just instruments but also recipients of daily grace and will never outgrow our need of what grace alone is able to provide. We must remind ourselves that because of that grace, obedience is a privilege, worship is a privilege, sacrifice is a privilege, and ministry is a privilege.

CP BLOG

Will America See Another Great Awakening?

By Duke Taber

It is my realization, and now the realization of the people who attend my church, the we also have lost the grace and mercy of God in our nation, communities and our families. I believe that this is the reason we do not see people being saved very often, healing happen, and very few signs and wonders.

OPINION

Subsidizing Abortion in Connecticut

By Ken Connor

Spain Abortion Rally

One would think that "open-minded" Connecticut liberals would appreciate and respect the personal beliefs of their fellow citizens when it comes to the highly controversial issue of abortion, but this is clearly not the case.

CP BLOG

The Apocalyptic Life in Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

By Marc Newman

You wake up one morning and discover that the only safeguard standing between you and impending death has been obliterated. Death is coming. It is relentless and swift. You have three weeks remaining. Suddenly, years lose their meaning. Every second counts. How will you spend them?

CP BLOG

Entertainment Bibles

By Christian Post Guest Voices

Bible

But if I have any real objection, it is less with The Voice itself and more with the entire category of what I call “entertainment Bibles,” every one of which was supposed to rock our Christian world.

INSIGHT

Inside Egypt: As World Awaits Presidential Election Results, Christians Urged 'Don't Leave!'

By Brian C Stiller

Egypt Elections

Over the last few days, I've been talking to Christian leaders here in Cairo, and asking them who would make the best president: Mohammed Morsi, the candidate from the Muslim Brotherhood, or Mubarak-era Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq.

OPINIONS

America Was Birthed in Prayer

By Karen Gushta

prayer

But William H. Jeynes, professor of education at California State University, Long Beach, says the root of the problems these young people now face is not primarily economic. Instead, Dr. Jeynes says today's problems began 50 years ago this month when the Supreme Court banned prayer in public schools.

LIVING

Putting God First in Your Priorities

By Joyce Meyer

Together for the Gospel

There are so many things that clamor for our attention and devotion: our jobs, our kids, our spouses, our hobbies—the demands and distractions of life. And we have to be careful not to let them become more important or more of a priority than our relationship with God.

CONNECT

Get Free Breaking News Alerts!

Daily News

Weekly News

Preview:  Daily » | Weekly »