Monday, July 2, 2012

THE CHRISTIAN POST (USA): Monday July 2, 2012 Tammuz 12, 5772

(Photo: Reuters/Jose Luis Magana)

Extreme Heat to Continue in Midwest, East Coast on Monday

By Anugrah Kumar

After spending the weekend without power in record-high temperatures, millions of residents from the Midwest to the East Coast may not have much relief on Monday with forecasters warning that the temperatures could remain in the 100s.

LA's Largest Emergency Homeless Shelter Seeks Funds to Survive

By Alex Murashko

The largest emergency overnight shelter for the homeless in Los Angeles, housing up to 600 people per night, is struggling to survive because of cuts in federal funding and an increased number of poor in a downturned economy, said the shelter's president.

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US

What Are the Salaries of White House Employees?

By Napp Nazworth

The White House released Friday its annual report listing the salaries of all 468 of its employees. Total payroll is up about $700,000 and it has added 14 more employees since last year's report.

TBN: Former Employees Refuse to Settle Out of Court; They Want 'Hush Money'

By Audrey Barrick

Trinity Christian Center of Santa Ana (which conducts business as TBN) is petitioning the court against former employees Michael and Brittany Koper for failing to settle their dispute outside of court.

Mississippi Law Regulating Abortions Could Shut Down State's Only Provider

By Napp Nazworth

A new Mississippi law regulating abortion providers went into effect this weekend. It will likely shut down the state's sole abortion clinic. The clinic has sued the state in an effort to stay open.

Secularist Group's Dallas Billboard Calls on Catholics to 'Quit Church'

By Michael Gryboski

A secularist organization has launched a billboard campaign to encourage Catholics to "Quit the Church" due to the Roman Catholic Church's stance on the contraception mandate.

Outreach Inc. Founder on Relocating Into Eye of Colorado Firestorm

By Alex Murashko

Relocating his family and business to scenic Colorado Springs, Colo., a place where several of his ministry partners were already headquartered, was something Scott Evans, president of a large-scale church marketing and publishing organization, said he felt led by God to do nearly two years ago.

Church & Ministries

Exodus International Rejects Reparative Therapy for Gays

By Jeff Schapiro

Exodus International President Alan Chambers addressed the crowd at the 37th annual Freedom Conference on Wednesday in order to share why the organization will no longer use reparative therapy to help those who struggle with same-sex attraction (SSA), and will use a model that focuses more on discipleship instead.

PCUSA to Vote on Gay Clergy, Same-Sex Marriage

By Anugrah Kumar

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will vote on two highly contentious issues at its General Assembly beginning Saturday with some presbyteries proposing reversal of the right to ordain openly gay and lesbian clergy and some seeking a change to the definition marriage.

NYC Churches Win Right to Hold Weekend Services in Public Schools

By Stoyan Zaimov

The Alliance Defense Fund won on Friday a permanent injunction in the 17-year legal battle involving the Bronx Household of Faith and the NYC Board of Education. Religious groups will now be allowed to meet freely for worship services in public school facilities.

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.

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David Platt Still Addressing Controversy Over 'Sinner's Prayer' Remarks

It was a three-minute video clip that was shared ...

Manny Pacquiao Open to Visiting 'Brother in Christ' Floyd Mayweather in Jail

Manny Pacquiao may be considered a rival of ...

Kill Your Sin Before It Kills You

Two summers ago in our community, a 34-year-old ...

PCUSA to Vote on Gay Clergy, Same-Sex Marriage

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will vote on two ...

Spiritual Abuse: Shepherds – or Fleecers – of God's Flock?

"Will you continue to stand by and let your ...

More News

Morsi Sworn In as Egypt's First Islamist President Amid Concerns

Leader of Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and ...

Mormons Resign En Masse in Public

About 150 Mormons participated in a mass resignation ceremony and signed a "Declaration of Independence from Mormonism" in Utah, the state where the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is based, on Saturday.

Bethlehem's Nativity Church Gets 'World Heritage' Status

The ancient Church of the Nativity in the ...

The Obamacare Decision: Those Darn Spots and the Non-Leopard

"Only if you agree to first allow an inspection ...

Largest Ever Dead Sea Scroll Collection to Be Unveiled at Texas Seminary

Visitors at the Southwestern Baptist Theological ...

Billy Graham Rapid Response Team Aids Victims in Colo., NM Wildfires

The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team has deployed ...

NJ Senator Pushes Bill Seeking Asylum for Indonesian Christians Facing Persecution

Israel's 'Miss Holocaust Survivor' Pageant Tasteless or Toast to Life?

The "Miss Holocaust Survivor" pageant recently ...

Michelle Obama to AME Church: Jesus Didn't Limit Ministry to Four Walls

First lady Michelle Obama told those gathered at the annual conference of the African Methodist Episcopal church in Nashville, Tenn., on Thursday that what Christians do in the quieter moments of their lives is more important ...

Third of Women Considering Abortions In Mexico City Choose Life When Offered Help

Poll: Most Americans Support 'Obamacare;' Christians Remain Divided

A recent poll by the Public Religion Research ...

Entertainment

Manny Pacquiao Open to Visiting 'Brother in Christ' Floyd Mayweather in Jail

By Christine Thomasos

Manny Pacquiao may be considered a rival of fellow boxer Floyd Mayweather after years of public feuding over a fight that has yet to be scheduled, but the Filipino Christian congressman recently spoke about visiting his fellow pugilist in jail.

NBA Coach and Pastor Mark Jackson Says 'We Must Live Holy' After Extortion Plot Reveals Affair

By Christine Thomasos

Mark Jackson, Golden State Warriors head coach who serves as the full time pastor of True Love Worship Center International in Van Nuys, Calif., has recently made headlines for being the victim of an extortion plot stemming from an extramarital affair.

Finally, an Awards Show for Christian Movies: Resonate Film Festival Announced

By Emma Koonse

As a means to recognize faith-based and family-friendly films, the first Resonate Film Festival has been announced on Wednesday.

World

A supporter of the proposed lower Manhattan Muslim cultural center and mosque holds a sign in front of the proposed site in New York City on Aug. 19, 2010 file photo.

Global Charter of Conscience Urges Renewed Religious Freedom

By Ginny Mooney

Following months of headlines describing violent religious persecution in nations like Nigeria and India, as well as increased concerns about the fate of minorities under Egypt's newly elected Muslim Brotherhood president, a new declaration is calling for greater religious freedom globally.

Christians in India Fear Newly Recommended Anti-Conversion Laws

By Myles Collier

In a brazen move, radical religious leaders of the Indigenous People Forum are set to introduce in Manipur, India new Freedom of Religion legislation, also known as the anti-conversion law.

Muslims and Jews Slam German Court's Circumcision Ban as Discriminatory

By Stoyan Zaimov

A decision by a German court prohibiting doctors from performing circumcisions based on religious reasons is being protested by Jews and Muslims who say the ruling is a violation of their liberties, as circumcision is held by both groups as a religious rite.

Mohammed Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood candidate competing against Ahmed Shafiq in a runoff election to become Egypt's first elected president in 60 years, has allegedly said that the Coptic Christian population should

Egypt's President Morsi to Elect a Christian and a Woman as Vice Presidents

By Katherine Weber

Egypt's newly elected president, Mohammed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood, is vowing to elect a Christian and a woman as two vice presidents in an attempt to unify his government and people amid a period of uncertain turmoil.

Jeremy Lin Scores First ESPY Nod for Taking 'Control of Knicks Backcourt'

Jeremy Lin, New York Knicks point guard who was ...

Cantinas Music Festival Announced, the 'Christian Coachella'

The Cantinas Ranch Foundation has announced a new ...

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes Divorce, $275 Million Estate Split?

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are divorcing, ...

Tyler Perry Reveals Hardships With Latest 'Madea' Movie, Asks Fans for Help

Tyler Perry may have released his latest motion ...

Author Michelle McKinney Hammond, 'No Matter the Situation, There's Opportunity for Joy'

Randy Blythe of Lamb Of God Arrested in Connection With Fan's Death

Lead singer for the famous Richmond, Va., based ...

'Beasts of the Southern Wild' Offers Unique Look at Society

The new movie "Beasts of the Southern Wild" has ...

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

Actor John Beasley Credits 'The Soul Man' Comedic Series for Strengthening His Faith in God

Sudanese Authorities Demolish Two Church Buildings

Authorities in Khartoum demolished two church ...

Vietnamese Officials Destroy Two New Church Buildings

Vietnamese officials in Muong Cha district, Dien ...

Anti-Trafficking Groups Raising Awareness Ahead of London Summer Games

A group of over 30 faith-based investment firms ...

Singapore Megachurch: Pastor Kong Hee Did Not Misuse Funds for Wife

City Harvest Church, one of Singapore's largest ...

Singapore Pastor Kong Hee Charged With Fraud, Facing Life in Prison

Megachurch Pastor Kong Hee of City Harvest Church ...

Chinese Woman Seeks Justice After Officials Force Abortion at 9 Months, Remove Uterus

Brazilian Christians Plea to Iranian President to Release Youcef Nadarkhani

Brazilian protesters have come out in force at ...

CP Cartoons

Tech & Biz

HTC One X Hands-On Review

By Vincent Funaro

HTC launched the highly anticipated One X smartphone earlier this year and the device went on to debut on AT&T in the U.S. The carrier allowed The Christian Post to spend some time with the handset and we'll give you the low down on HTC's first official high-powered Ice Cream Sandwich device and tell you if it's worth buying or upgrading to.

Social Enterprise Helps Corporations, the Environment and Charities at the Same Time

By Jeff Schapiro

The president of a social enterprise that is designed to provide a win-win scenario for corporations and charities in North America says his experience in the church has given him the motivation to succeed.

Hunt for Higgs Boson 'God Particle' Looks Forward to July 4

By Myles Collier

Scientists searching for the so far elusive Higgs Boson particle, also referred to as the "god particle" by some researchers, are gearing up for what could be an historic moment next week when new test results are released.

Bluestacks Allows People to Use Android Apps on a Mac

By Vincent Funaro

Anyone wanting to run Android applications on a Mac can do so by acquiring Bluestacks, a tool that recently launched for PC and Apple computers.

MLB All-Star Snubs and Snoozes: A Failed Process

Culture of Combativeness

BET Awards, Jay-Z Punks Kanye West in Taylor Swift Interruption Moment (VIDEO)

Kate Middleton 'Gold Digger' Ad Mocks Duchess, Royal Family and Fans Outraged

Fort Bragg Suspect Dies After Killing Commander on Base

Aimee Copeland to Be Released From Hospital Today

Apple Preparing to Ban Galaxy Nexus in the U.S.?

Adam Lambert 'Bohemian Rhapsody' Performance Makes Waves

Rihanna, Chris Brown Mourn Her Grandmother's Passing

Human Head Found, Could Belong to Victim of Canadian Killer Luka Magnotta

SCOTUS Arizona Immigration Law Decision: Who Wins? (Pt. 1)

By Lisa Sharon Harper

As if from inside an echo chamber, one expert after another reinforced lived experience with proven statistical data: Not only does racial, ethnic, and religious profiling violate the civil rights of U.S. citizens, but this kind of profiling also makes law enforcement less (not more) effective.

EVANGELISM

Drop the J Bomb

By Greg Stier

All too often all too many churches subtly imply that a life well lived is enough. They imply that if you're a good neighbor, co-worker, student or friend then, at some point, others will ask what makes you so different.

OPINION

A Moment to Be Clear: Courage, Not Silence

By Eric Metaxas

Evangelical Christians are in danger of tragically misapplying the gospel. It's a mistake we've seen before.

COLUMN

What They See When They Come to Your Church

By Thom S. Rainer

In the context of serious theological discussions, it may seem trivial to write about first impressions of guests when they visit your church. But, if we could understand that a returning guest has more opportunities to hear the gospel and experience Christian love and fellowship, we might take the issue a bit more seriously.

COLUMN

Kill Your Sin Before It Kills You

By Dan Delzell

Two summers ago in our community, a 34-year-old man was strangled by his pet boa constrictor. It took place in his home as he was showing off the snake to a friend. Cory Byrne died in a local hospital just hours after police officers and paramedics pried the 9-foot snake from his neck.

COUNSELING CORNER

Spiritual Abuse: Shepherds – or Fleecers – of God's Flock?

By June Hunt

"Will you continue to stand by and let your church drown financially?" So began an ad for "Financial Empowerment Seminars." The target audience: church members wanting to invest profitably, while also benefitting their churches and communities. The seminars were led by a man who now faces federal prosecution by the SEC for defrauding investors of more than $11 million in a Ponzi scheme.

OPINION

A Conversation with Emily Colson: Father's Legacy, Son's Autism, and the Power of Redemption

By Ruth Malhotra

Committed to carrying on her father's legacy, Emily spoke candidly to us about the lessons she has learned along the way. "Above all, my dad taught me the power of Jesus Christ to change a life," she said.

CHURCH & MINISTRIES

David Platt Still Addressing Controversy Over 'Sinner's Prayer' Remarks

By Lillian Kwon

It was a three-minute video clip that was shared across the evangelical community. In it, Pastor David Platt famously called the "sinner's prayer" "superstitious." A few months later, he still finds himself explaining the heart behind that message.

MISSIONS

Reverse Missions: Back to the Catacombs (Part 3)

By Wallace Henley

The weary old building reeked with death. Spiritual demise had occurred long ago at the hands of theologies that strangled biblical truth.

OPINIONS

Obamacare Decision Proves Elections Matter

By Jerry Newcombe

My first reaction to the Obamacare decision was: Well, it was a great country while it lasted. My second reaction to the Obamacare decision is to re-remember just how important elections are.

U.S.

When Fire Forces You From Home

By Jim Daly

If you had only a few minutes to gather up a few select treasures of your life before fleeing a raging inferno, what would you take - and what would you leave behind?

OPINION

What Happened at the RCA General Synod?

By Kevin DeYoung

The short answer is: a lot. It was an exhausting week, one from which I still have not recovered. I'm glad I don't have to go back for five years.

CHURCH & MINISTRIES

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

By Alex Murashko

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.

CP BLOG

The Tragedy of the Dumb Church

By Robin Schumacher

The fact is some in this particular demographic leave the Church because they get talked out of a faith that they were never sure of in the first place. The storyline is sadly familiar.

OPINION

It Can Happen Here: Religious Freedom Threatened

By Eric Metaxas

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

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.

POLITICS

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.

COLUMN

When Mature Believers Disagree on Secondary Doctrines

By Dan Delzell

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

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

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.

EDITORIALS

Fred Luter: The Extraordinary Man Behind the Office

By Dr. Richard D. 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.

CP BLOG

United: Hamas and the White House

By Michael Youssef

We don't often think of Hamas and the US Government as having anything in common. But in recent days, the terrorist organization and the White House have shared a common perspective: an enthusiastic support for the result of the Egyptian presidential election.

Monday, July 2, 2012

THE CHRISTIAN POST (USA): Monday July 2, 2012 Tammuz 12, 5772

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