Friday, May 18, 2012

THE CHRISTIAN POST: Friday May 18, 2012 Iyyar 26, 5772

(Photo: Harvest Ministries)

Greg Laurie's Upcoming Sermon Traces Disciple Peter's Footsteps in Jerusalem

By Alex Murashko

Evangelist Greg Laurie can be seen tracing the steps of the disciple Peter in his upcoming sermon filmed in Jerusalem that will be shown to his church in Southern California and webcast to a global online audience during worship services this Sunday.

Vanderbilt's All-Comers Policy 'Discouraging,' But Unites Christian Students

By Katherine Weber

While some consider Vanderbilt University's new all-comers policy to be an assault on religious freedom, one lawyer for the American Center for Law and Justice argues that the university's Christian students have become more unified as a result of increased campus hostility.

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US

Black Christians in an 'Adulterous' Relationship With Obama, Says Evangelical Pastor

By Paul Stanley

An influential African-American evangelical pastor says that many black Christians are in an "adulterous" relationship with President Obama over the issue of same-sex marriage and that if the issue is not addressed soon, it will negatively impact the president's desire for a second term in November.

Kansas Anti-Sharia Bill Awaits Governor's Signature

By Michael Gryboski

A bill that would ban Sharia law in Kansas has passed both houses of the legislature and awaits the signature of the governor.

Study: Romney's Mormonism May Help More Than Hurt With Voters

By Napp Nazworth

While many have speculated that presumptive Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may harm his chances to win some voters, few have suggested the opposite. Could Romney's LDS faith help him win more votes? A new study published this month by The Brookings Institution, a left-of-center think tank, suggests the answer may be yes.

Too Much Skin? Christian Minister Talks Lust, Modesty, Fashion

By Katherine Weber

With summer fashions seemingly getting skimpier every season, some men may be finding it increasingly challenging to control wandering eyes and lustful thoughts -- at least that's what one minister has confessed.

Church & Ministries

Saddleback Church Hosts 'Justice Begins on the Playground' Seminar, Anti-Bullying Expert

By Alex Murashko

Anti-bullying expert Paul Coughlin plans to teach the community leaders of values-based and faith-based organizations how to bring justice, mercy and compassion into the "theater of bullying" during a half-day seminar on Saturday.

Bobby Schuller Talks Starting Over, Returning to Crystal Cathedral

By Ivana Kvesic

Bobby Schuller, the son of former pastor Robert A. Schuller, spoke to Lawrence Wilkes of The Crystal Cathedral's "Hour of Power" television program to discuss life after leaving the famous ministry founded by his grandfather, and the challenges he faced starting his own church from the ground up.

John MacArthur on Divorce: We Can't Edit God

By Alex Murashko

Pastors should not be afraid of offending their followers with the message that God hates divorce despite churches having congregations that often reflect the same alarming rate of divorce as the general population, said theologian and pastor John MacArthur.

Texas Presbyterian Church Considering Split From PCUSA

By Michael Gryboski

A Texas congregation is considering a vote to break away from Presbyterian Church (USA) due to the denomination's growing acceptance of homosexuality.

Quick Links

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What the Bible Really Still Says About Homosexuality

It is simply not true that Paul, or Jesus for that matter, never considered homosexuality an ethical matter. Paul thought the prohibition against homosexuality in the Old Testament was still relevant and the sin was still serious.

How Should the Church Love a Gay Couple? (Part 2)

Black Christians in an 'Adulterous' Relationship With Obama, Says Evangelical Pastor

Sole Survivor Hannah Luce of Teen Mania Recovering From Plane Crash

Hannah Luce, daughter of Teen Mania founder Ron ...

John MacArthur on Divorce: We Can't Edit God

Pastors should not be afraid of offending their ...

Crystal Cathedral Considers Relocating to Nearby Catholic Church

Crystal Cathedral's newly minted president said ...

Texas Pastor: God 'Changed' Sermon After Obama's Gay Marriage Endorsement

Senior Pastor Gregg Matte of Houston's First ...

Mo. Pastors in Christian Softball League at Odds Over Bisexual Minister

Pastors of three churches in Saint Clair, Mo., have declared that their softball teams from a Christian league will no longer compete against a fourth church because its pastor is openly bisexual, which they say is unbiblical.

'Imagine No Religion' Canadian Atheist Convention Sells Out

A Canadian atheist conference with speakers from ...

Manny Pacquiao Denies Anti-Gay Bible Reference After Flurry of Criticism

World champion boxer Manny Pacquiao has denied ...

CP World Report: Muslim School, Argentina, Eritrea, London Olympics

The Toronto District School Board has suspended ...

Mary Kennedy, Wife of RFK, Jr., Found Dead in Apparent Suicide

Mary Richardson Kennedy, the estranged wife of ...

Catholic University Stops Providing Student Health Insurance Over Birth Control Mandate

Franciscan University of Steubenville, a small Catholic university in eastern Ohio, has decided to no longer offer health insurance to its students rather than comply with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) birth ...

More Blogs

What is Spiritual Maturity?

Have you ever wondered if you are spiritually ...

The Irony of Tolerance and Intolerance: Carson’s Commencement Address

The four Emory University biology faculty who ...

Are You A Disciple or a Christian?

Did you know that the term Christian is only used ...

Entertainment

Christopher Michael on New Movie 'Hardflip': 'Forgive Others and Yourself'

By Sami K. Martin

The Christian Post recently spoke with Christopher Michael, who stars in the new movie "Hardflip." Michael has had a lot of experience in the acting business, but this marks the first time that he has played a homeless man.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. Challenges Manny Pacquiao's Opposition to Gay Marriage?

By Christine Thomasos

Floyd Mayweather Jr. weighed in on the same-sex marriage debate recently, opposing rival fighter Manny Pacquiao's views on the traditional definition of marriage.

Josh Hamilton Talks of Daily 'Surrender' to Christ After Breaking Record, Overcoming Addiction

By Christine Thomasos

Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers decided to turn a battle with addiction around this season after recently breaking records in the MLB, a feat he says was only possible with the grace of God.

World

UN Makes Urgent Appeal for South Sudan Food Aid

By Ivana Kvesic

The United Nations launched an urgent appeal on Tuesday calling for emergency assistance for the millions of Southern Sudanese who are facing staggering levels of food insecurity.

Controversial Church-Building Law a Focal Point for Egypt's Coptic Voters

By Luiza Oleszczuk

Egypt's Coptic Christians fear they could face further persecution should an Islamist candidate win next week's presidential elections, and one of the major issues on their agenda is a controversial law that puts heavy restrictions on building and maintaining Christian houses of worship.

Spyridon Gianniotis, Greece's world champion of swimming, runs with the Olympic flame and an olive branch during the Olympic torch relay at the site of ancient Olympia in Greece May 10, 2012.

Prayer Relay to Accompany Olympic Torch Tour Across England

By Christian Today

Churches are being asked to pray during the 70-day Olympic Games torch relay when it gets underway in England this Saturday.

Four Iranian Men Sentenced to Death for 'Sodomy'

By Ivana Kvesic

A court in an underdeveloped southwestern province of Iran has sentenced four men to death by hanging for committing "sodomy," according to a recent report by the Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA).

Interview With Serena Miller, Author of 'An Uncommon Grace'

Serena Miller is the author of "An Uncommon ...

Jeremy Lin Reportedly Seen Partying, Drinking; Could This Hurt His Christian Influence?

Lady Gaga Cancels Tour Date in Indonesia After Islamists Call Her 'Devil's Envoy'

Jay-Z Backs Obama on Gay Marriage; Compares Issue to Prejudice Against Blacks

Stephen Colbert Argues Christ Never Condemned Gay Marriage

Comedy Central's mock-news host Stephen Colbert ...

'The Voice' Winner Jermaine Paul - What's Next?

Former Alicia Keys back-up singer and The Voice ...

Kevin Durant and Oklahoma City Thunder Inspire Baptists to Spread Word of Jesus

NY Jets Have Another Inspiring Christian Player to Play Alongside Tim Tebow!

Tim Tebow may be the Christian athlete on the New ...

Church of Ireland Upholds Marriage as Between One Man and One Woman

The General Synod of the Church of Ireland has ...

Islamist Website Offers $100,000 Bounty to Kill Iranian Rapper

An Islamist website is offering a $100,000 reward ...

Christian Marriage Conference in UK Banned for Opposition to Gay Marriage

The organizers of a marriage conference in ...

Thousands Deported From Sudan While Violence Continues

The government of Sudan, a mostly-Muslim East ...

Samaritan's Purse Calls Christians to Pray for Peace in Sudan

Refugee pastors are asking Christians to pray for ...

49 Decapitated Bodies Found on Mexico Highway

Mexican authorities found 49 bodies, with their ...

Religious Freedom, Shariah Take Center Stage During Egypt's Presidential Debate

CP Cartoons

Tech & Biz

Journey of Jesus: The Calling, Facebook Game Brings Christ's Life to Social Media

By Vincent Funaro

Facebook users can now walk the in the footsteps of Jesus during his time on Earth with the new online game titled "Journey of Jesus: The Calling."

iPhone 5.com Domain Name Now Belongs to Apple

By Vincent Funaro

Apple has reportedly acquired the iPhone5.com domain name from a squatter who was using it for a forum full of ads, according to The Next Web.

Amazon Plans to Launch 8.9-inch Kindle Fire This Year

By Vincent Funaro

Amazon is planning to launch an 8.9-inch Kindle Fire tablet later on this year, according to a new report from Reuters.

Front-Lit Kindle July Release, Better Than Nook? (VIDEO)

By Brittney R. Villalva

Amazon is rumored to be releasing a new Kindle in July that will feature a background light, similar to Barnes and Nobles' new Nook, although one may offer a more competitive price.

Samsung Galaxy S3 Confirmed for AT&T and T-Mobile

Bono and Facebook Shares Make Him World's Richest Rockstar

Dwyane Wade Disappoints Fans in Pacers Loss, Coach Spoelstra Explains Altercation

Secularists Threatening to Wipe Out Christians, Says Senior British Cardinal

Kim Kardashian Groped on British Chat Show

Packers and Brett Favre's Number Retirement: 'He Deserves It,' Says Team President

Brittney Palmer and Bryce Harper Deny Dating Rumors

Brooklyn Decker, Rising Star Explains Unusual Name

iPhone 5 With Bigger Display Was the Brainchild of Steve Jobs

Donna Summer and 9/11 Attack Claims, Star Believed Attacks Were Against Christians? (VIDEO)

Should Tithing Count as 'Charitable Giving?'

By Nicola Menzie

GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney was recently criticized for counting money given to his Mormon church and affiliated charities as charitable giving. The issue has sparked the question is it "charitable giving" when the faithful donate or tithe to their churches if it is not directly aiding the poor or doing similar work?

Why Every Christian Is a Disciple

By Dan Delzell

There is plenty of talk these days about which term or terms to use when defining those who belong to Christ. I know it can be tempting to want to define "disciple" differently than you define "Christian." I was actually toying with that idea myself a number of years ago. But as Scripture details what it means to be in relationship with God through faith in Christ, I don't believe it is wise or beneficial to make this distinction and end up with two different categories of believers.

OPINION

Ghoulish 'Art:' The Body Worlds Exhibit

By Eric Metaxas

Why should we care about how human corpses are treated? Your answer depends on your worldview.

THEOLOGY

What the Bible Really Still Says About Homosexuality

By Kevin DeYoung

COLUMN

The Christian's Ultimate Graduation

By Lane Palmer

I remember watching each of my friends as they crossed the stage to receive their diploma and being smacked with the reality that I had blown chance after chance after chance to share the love of Christ and the gospel of salvation with them.

OPINION

Playing the Stooge: Georgetown and Kathleen Sebelius

By Eric Metaxas

How has the nation's oldest Catholic University responded to the HHS mandate? I almost don't want to tell you.

DANGEROUS CALLING

Ministry: Kingdom of Self or Kingdom of God?

By Paul Tripp

It took God employing pastoral hardship for me to embrace the inescapable reality that everything I did in ministry was done in allegiance to, and in pursuit of, either the kingdom of self or the kingdom of God. This truth is best exegeted for us in Matthew 6:19-34. I'm convinced that this passage is an elaborate unpacking of the thoughts, desires, and actions of the kingdom of self.

EVENTS

Chuck Colson Honored as 'Champion' of Christian Faith at Memorial Service

By Katherine T. Phan

The impact that evangelical leader and Prison Fellowship Ministries founder Charles W. "Chuck" Colson left on the lives of his family, friends and the Christian world was celebrated during a public memorial service at the Washington National Cathedral on Wednesday.

SERIES

How Should the Church Love a Gay Couple? (Part 2)

By Jeff Schapiro

Behind the church's debate over homosexuality, behind the theology and the politics, lies a community of people who need Jesus Christ. Regardless of a church's stance on homosexuality, understanding gay couples and how they view the church may provide some key insights into how this group of people can be better reached with the Gospel.

COLUMN

Helping Someone Escape Sin Is Not Judgmental

By Dan Delzell

Do you ever get the feeling these days that if you tried to help someone you love escape from sin, you might be accused of judging that person? You are not alone if you feel this way.

FAMILY

The Greatest Untapped Evangelistic Opportunity Before the Modern Church

By Scott Brown

There are many mission fields, but family presents what may be the greatest untapped evangelistic opportunity before the church today. What is at stake is the salvation of millions of children under the evangelistic and discipleship ministry of fathers and mothers in the home. This is not the only mission field, to be sure, but it is perhaps the most neglected mission field before the church in our time.

INTERVIEW

Jonathan Haidt on Social Conservatives, New Atheists and Civility in Politics

By Napp Nazworth

In his new book, The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Religion and Politics, Jonathan Haidt, a social psychology professor at University of Virginia, argues that our intuitions come before our reasoning and our reasoning is usually a post-hoc justification for those intuitions. As a result, humans do a horrible job at understanding those with whom they disagree.

COUNSELING CORNER

How to Answer Arguments in Favor of Abortion

By June Hunt

Imagine it's your first night hosting a national call-in counseling broadcast. The program is live, your calls aren't screened and no topic is taboo. The theme music plays ... the producer counts down the seconds ... "three, two, one, you're on!" Then, you hear these exact words: "I was attacked two months ago, and I am pregnant through rape."

COLUMN

If We Believe All the Same Things, Why Do Our Churches Seem So Different?

By Kevin DeYoung

Here are ten things that distinguish between what I would call a vibrant, robust Bible-believing church and one that gets the statement of faith right but feels totally different.

OPINIONS

Forget Lady Gaga, God's People Are Sharing God's Heart Right Across the Globe

By Joel Edwards

Pop star Lady Gaga has yet again hit the world headlines after her planned gig was cancelled. But the real story in Indonesia has more far reaching implications. And it is good news for those who care about what God cares about.

OPINIONS

Rational Thought Underlies Conservative Christian Views on Climate Change

By David R. Legates

Environmentalist David Suzuki writes in his recent article " Is it Just Me, or is the World Getting Nuttier? " that some American and Canadian scientists hold religious views that are anti-science. He argued that some climate scientists – including me by name – put "misguided beliefs above rational thought."

OPINIONS

Social Conservatives, Get Ready to Rumble

By Ken Connor

Oh, the irony of it all. For the past two years, the Republican establishment has been insisting that the only effective way to beat President Obama in 2012 is to set contentious social issues aside and focus like a laser on the economy.

MISSIONS HISTORY

Adoniram Judson: Endurance Personified in the Life of Burma's First Protestant Missionary From North America

By Paul Borthwick

As we celebrate the 200th anniversary of Adoniram and Ann Judson's sailing from Salem, Massachusetts to India and later Burma, we are not merely celebrating a critical early event in the North American Mission Movement. We celebrate the life of a devoted follower of Christ whose life and ministry personified the long-term impact of endurance, perseverance, and tenacity.

CHURCH & MINISTRIES

Jonathan Falwell: Culture Is Redefining What's Right, Wrong

By Lillian Kwon

Joining pastors throughout the country in denouncing President Barack Obama's support for same-sex marriage, Pastor Jonathan Falwell told thousands from the pulpit that they must protect the biblical definition of marriage, even if the culture and the president tries to redefine it.

LIVING

How to Deal With Betrayal

By Perry Noble

Betrayal is one of the most brutal things a person (especially a pastor) deals with. It hurts ... deeply. Someone who was close to you and who you trusted walked away and they did not do so silently, they left making a lot of noise.

Friday, May 18, 2012

THE CHRISTIAN POST: Friday May 18, 2012 Iyyar 26, 5772

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