Tuesday, May 29, 2012

THE CHRISTIAN POST: Tuesday May 29, 2012 Sivan 8, 5772

(Photo: Reuters/Denis Poroy)

Romney Poised to Clinch Republican Nomination Tuesday

By Anugrah Kumar

Mitt Romney will no longer be called the "presumptive" GOP presidential nominee after Tuesday's Texas primary, which will enable him to secure the 1,144 delegates required to clinch the official title.

Hundreds of Churches Raising Money to Defend Traditional Marriage in Maine

By Stoyan Zaimov

As the state of Maine prepares for a crucial vote in November on the legalization of same-sex marriages, hundreds of churches defending the traditional definition of marriage, as between one man and one woman, have pledged to raise money during Sunday services to help the cause.

Need a spiritual lift? Check out testimonies, sermons, fun and inspirational videos on GNLi.com

Upload and uplift!

US

Military Chaplains: To Have a Strong Army, We Need Strong Families

By Jeff Schapiro

A strong U.S. military depends on more than just high-tech equipment and highly trained soldiers; it also depends on soldiers having a stable marriage, according to military chaplains.

Gay Ex-Romney Adviser: Both Right, Left Uncomfortable With Me

By Paul Stanley

Richard Grenell, an openly gay foreign policy expert, was on staff with the Romney campaign for less than two weeks. But in his first interview since resigning, he insists that he was not forced to step down.

U.S. Army soldiers walk back to their base after a patrol near Combat Outpost Nolen in Arghandab Valley, north of Kandahar in this April, 2011 file photo.

Christian War Veteran Talks NATO Protest, War, Faith and Peace

By Ivana Kvesic

Jacob George, a Christian war veteran who served three tours of duty in Afghanistan, was one of the dozens of young veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars who gathered outside the McCormick convention center in Chicago last Sunday. The gathering marked the first day of the 2012 NATO Summit and was used to make a historic call upon world leaders for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.

Supporters of Crosses at Veterans Memorials Launch 'Don't Tear Me Down' Campaign

By Alex Murashko

A religious freedom legal team has launched a Memorial Day campaign that includes the release of the music video, "Don't Tear Me Down"' The video's release coincides with an effort to combat opposition to the use of the Christian cross and other symbols of faith at U.S. veterans' memorials.

Church & Ministries

Josh McDowell Launches Website to Fight Porn, 'Church's No. 1 Threat'

By Anugrah Kumar

Apologist and author Josh McDowell launched Just1ClickAway.org, a new website to raise awareness about online pornography which he says is a problem big enough to cause the downfall of the church.

Black Gay and Lesbian Pastors Merge Churches to Promote 'Radically Inclusive' Theology

By Stoyan Zaimov

Two predominantly black congregations in Harlem, NY., where the respective pastors are gay and lesbian, have merged to fight for homosexuality to be accepted by the Church, giving their congregation the message, "He (Jesus) got up so I can come out. He got up for you can come out!" However, their promotion that God created people gay has been firmly rejected by mainstream Churches, who maintain that the Bible clearly identifies homosexuality as a sin.

LCMS, Anglicans Affirm Common Beliefs; Mull Fighting Homosexuality, Abortion Together

By Anugrah Kumar

The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the Anglican Church in North America affirmed core teachings of the Christian faith they share and expressed hope to jointly fight some key social challenges, including homosexuality, abortion and secularism, after concluding the first round of theological discussions.

Quick Links

Audio Bible | CP Blogs | iPost | My Post | Books

Megachurch Pastor Perry Noble Takes 2-Month Leave

Pastor Perry Noble won't be at the pulpit of his ...

A Wakeup Call for the Church: Young People Saying 'You Lost Me'

Hypnosis and Yoga Open Hidden Spiritual Doors

Hypnosis and yoga are a couple of mystical ...

Why Does Pentecost Matter?

The pews are rarely packed on Pentecost Sunday although the day is often described as the "birthday of the Church" and is as significant as Christmas and Easter.

Seven Keys to Preventing Pastoral Burnout

I have the incredible opportunity to interact ...

Kirk Cameron Keeps New Movie a Mystery; 'Super Secret' Trailer Promised to Subscribers

Italy Quake: 'It's Been Shaking Nonstop'

A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck northern Italy ...

Christian Villages Attempt to Revive Language Jesus Spoke

A number of centuries after it disappeared from ...

Survey: Nearly Half of Americans Lost Relative or Friend to War

Nearly half of all Americans have a close friend ...

Romney, McCain Jointly Commemorate Memorial Day

Presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney shared ...

UK Teenagers Having Up to 7 Abortions, Shocking Figures Show

A new study showing that 38,269 teenagers in ...

Jordanian Christian Sacked Over Dress-Code Sues Muslim Employer

A Christian woman, who was sacked for not covering her head as part of a new mandatory dress-code for all employees, has filed a lawsuit against her Gulf Arab employer in Jordan.

UN Condemns Syria Over Civilian Massacre Killing Over 100

The U.N. Security Council on Sunday condemned the ...

NC Church Supports Pastor Who Made Anti-Gay Remarks

A pastor in North Carolina who has been strongly ...

More Blogs

Evangelicals and the Bait-and-Switch Problem

Recently, I have been involved in exchanges with ...

4 Results of Christ's Ascension

Have you ever noticed that when Jesus told his ...

Is the God of the Old Testament a Merciless Monster? (PART 4)

The account of the city of Nineveh as recorded in ...

Entertainment

Randy Wayne on New Movie and Forgiveness: 'Take the Focus Off of You'

By Sami K. Martin

Randy Wayne has had a successful career and is now starring in the soon-to-be-released film "Hardflip." He was able to spare some time for The Christian Post and speak about his decision to be in the new film and its message of forgiveness.

MIB III, Time Travel, and The Book of Life

By Lane Palmer

What if you could travel back in time? Where would you go? What would you do? While you're being entertained by Brolin, Willy and the boys, remember that time travel is not only possible, but has already taken place

Marvel Comics X-Men Gay Wedding Sparks Fierce Debate

By Stoyan Zaimov

A Marvel Comics superhero gay couple is set to be married in the June 20 issue of Astonishing X-Men #51, though the decision is being protested by a family group which believes the move could "indoctrinate impressionable young minds."

World

Homosexuality has become a fiercely debated issue in Brazil. In this file photo members of an evangelical group protest in front of the congress. The banner translates as "Soon they will say the bible is homophobic"

Divisive 'Homophobia' Bill Passes Senate Committee in Brazil

By Keyla Cezini

A Brazilian Senate Judiciary Committee, responsible for reviewing the Criminal Code, approved Friday a proposal to criminalize "homophobia" and other situations that can be considered discriminatory against homosexuals.

Turkish PM Branded 'Woman's Enemy' After Linking Abortion to Murder

By Stoyan Zaimov

A group of Turkish women angry that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan compared abortion to murder have branded him a "woman's enemy" and planned to protest the government on Tuesday.

World Evangelical Alliance 'Builds Bridges' With Chinese Churches and Govt.

By Luiza Oleszczuk

Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe, Secretary General of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), met with Chinese officials on May 10 to discuss the place of the Chinese Evangelical Church within the global Christian community as part of an ongoing relationship-building process.

Richard Land: Constraint on Gov't, Not Citizens Regarding Religious Freedom Issues

By Michelle A. Vu

The constraint is on the government, not citizens when it comes to church-state issues according to the Constitution, stated Dr. Richard Land, who was honored with a national religious liberty award earlier this week at the Canadian embassy.

A Church crumbles in Paganica, near Aquila in this file photo.

'Gospel of Barnabas' Will Trigger Collapse of Christianity, Claims Iran

By Ivana Kvesic

The worldwide collapse of Christianity is set to take place due to a purported Gospel of Barnabas, claims an Iranian newspaper. But Christians have dismissed the claims, describing them as "laughable."

Cynthia Nixon Gets Married at Rally to Support Same Sex Marriage

Cynthia Nixon, famous for her role as Miranda on ...

Brian Banks Exonerated From Rape Charges After Praying to God

Brian Banks, once a high school football star who ...

Johnny Tapia Dead at 45: Champion Boxer Escaped Death 4 Times

Five-time boxing champion and self-confessed born ...

Manny Pacquiao's Gay Marriage Remarks Attracting Evangelical Fans?

A boxing promoter has suggested that the recent ...

Chris Christie Challenges Federal Law to Establish NJ Betting

Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey is set to ...

Lady Gaga Angers Thailand Fans With 'Fake Rolex' Comment

Lady Gaga continues to stir controversy on the ...

Meagan Good, Fiance DeVon Franklin Remaining Celibate Until Wedding Night

Meagan Good, 30-year-old "Think Like a Man" ...

Lawsuit Claims Sharon Stone Prevented Nanny From Reading Bible

A lawsuit filed by the former nanny of Sharon ...

Pusha T Releases 'Exodus 23:1' Diss Track; Lil Wayne Responds

Pusha T, a rapper signed to Kanye West's G.O.O.D ...

Will Saudi Arabian Women Be Allowed to Participate in London Olympics?

Although the international community has ...

Archaeologists Uncover Proof of Pre-Jesus Bethlehem

The Israel Antiquities Authority revealed ...

Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani Standing Firm in the Face of Persecution

Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani has remained for ...

Controversial Nigerian Christian Minister Prophesies President Mugabe's Death?

Indian Doctors Feeding Aborted Female Fetuses to Dogs, NGO Claims

Reports stemming from northern India Thursday ...

Church of England Moves Toward Allowing Women Bishops

The Church of England took a step toward allowing ...

Over 250,000 Evangelicals March for Jesus in Rio to Stand Up for Religious Freedom

CP Cartoons

Tech & Biz

Facebook Camera a Dangerous New Tool? Reaches More Users Than Instagram

By Brittney R. Villalva

In the midst of tumbling stock prices, Facebook has launched a new standalone camera app for the iPhone. With quick features, you don't even have to sign in every time to upload a picture, and with multi-picture options, this app could be dangerous.

Nissan to Launch Electric Van in 2013

By Vincent Funaro

Nissan is planning to launch a brand new van that is powered by electricity that New York City could possibly adopt as the "Taxi of Tomorrow."

Galaxy Nexus Receives Android 4.0.4 on Verizon

By Vincent Funaro

Verizon customers who own a Samsung Galaxy Nexus now have the ability to upgrade to Android 4.0.4, the latest build of Google's Android software.

A Foxconn worker walks past a factory belonging to affiliate Foxconn Premier Image Technology (China) Ltd in Foshan in Guangdong province, southern China November 19, 2010. The Chinese electronics maker, a key manufacturer of iPhones and iPads for Apple,

Sharp and Foxconn to Team up for iPhone Display Plant

By Vincent Funaro

Rumors of Sharp and Foxconn working together have been swirling since they made an agreement in March to partner up in order to advance LCD technology.

Obama and Al Qaeda Kill List, Should President Decide Who Lives and Who Dies?

Chris Brown Jealous of Rihanna Spending Time With Meek Mill, Other Rappers?

Beyonce Hailed as Best Performer Since Michael Jackson: Fans React

Pro-Gay Marriage Pastor Abandoned by Flock, in Danger of Losing Minn. Church

Todd Frazier Loses Bat Swinging, Hits 'No-Handed' Home Run

Gay Activists and Orthodox Christians Arrested Over Pride Parade in Russia

Prince William Was 'Sad' During Wedding to Kate Middleton

Rapper No Malice Joins Feud With Lil Wayne and Pusha T Over 'Exodus 23:1' Song

Zombie Attack in Miami Result of Cocaine Psychosis? (SURVEILLANCE VIDEO)

Ashley Judd Celebrates Husband's Indy 500 Win

Harmful Habits, Addictions: God's 3 P's to Overcoming Them

By June Hunt

My friend Frank suffered many such wounds during his 25-year battle with alcoholism. "For a time, I became a dry drunk," he told me in a letter. "I wasn't drinking, but I had done nothing to quiet the desperation inside my head. I always ended up going back to the bottle."

COLUMN

Why Don't We Experience the Miracles the Apostles Were Capable of?

By John Piper

Well, some people do. The assumption is, "Why don't we see it" — I guess — "regularly, as often as we'd like, or as often as they did?" And that's true, I think. I think that's true globally.

COLUMN

Hypnosis and Yoga Open Hidden Spiritual Doors

By Dan Delzell

Hypnosis and yoga are a couple of mystical practices which have basically gone mainstream in America today. Just because a spiritual practice goes mainstream, however, doesn't mean that it is safe and beneficial. Many spiritual teachings and practices are dangerous to the soul. This calls for daily discernment and constant vigilance on the part of every Christian.

OPINIONS

Veteran: You Fought for Your Country, Now Set Yourself Free

By Reon Schutte

Memorial Day is a time to remember those who have fallen in the service of their country. I have a message for those who remain. We soldiers tend to imprison ourselves after combat with anger, violence, an inability to connect with others and difficulty forgiving – others ... and ourselves. I know where you're at, brother, because I was there.

PASTORS

Seven Keys to Preventing Pastoral Burnout

By Thom S. Rainer

I have the incredible opportunity to interact with pastors regularly. In recent conversations, I asked two questions. First, have you ever experienced burnout in your ministry? Second, what do you do to prevent pastoral burnout?

OPINION

A Wakeup Call for the Church: Young People Saying 'You Lost Me'

By Eric Metaxas

We've all seen the statistics and heard the stories: Good Christian kids go to college, grow disillusioned, and leave the faith. In his new book, "You Lost Me: Why Young Christians Are Leaving Church . . . and Rethinking Faith," David Kinnaman writes, "Overall, there is a 43 percent drop-off between the teen and early adult years in terms of church engagement."

OPINIONS

Peering Through the Smoke of the Marriage Debate

By Alan Sears

Childhood camping experiences taught me you don't want green wood when you're starting a fire. It creates too much smoke. Plenty of heat, too, but mostly smoke, of the kind that envelops you and leaves you too blind to see the marshmallows and hot dogs you're burning to a crisp.

SPIRITUAL TRAINING

The Skinny on Fasting (the Elusive Spiritual Discipline That I Avoid)

By Greg Stier

Over the years I think I have subconsciously tried to assign fasting to the Old Testament rituals that were (or should have been anyway) nailed to the cross. Nevermind the fact that fasting is mentioned several times in the New Testament.

CHURCH & MINISTRIES

Why Does Pentecost Matter?

By Anugrah Kumar

The pews are rarely packed on Pentecost Sunday although the day is often described as the "birthday of the Church" and is as significant as Christmas and Easter.

COLUMN

How to Leave Your Old Church

By Kevin DeYoung

Try to leave graciously. When someone voluntarily leaves a church (not because of a move or a graduation or a deployment) it is usually a painful experience. Learn how to kindly and honestly answer the question "Why did you leave?"

OPINIONS

Bored to Death? How We Consume Media

By Eric Metaxas

Popular culture, with its emphasis on the new and immediate, reliance on instant accessibility and the casual, time-killing way it is usually consumed, is changing us — and not for the better: We are becoming less reflective, more impatient and easily-bored.

POLITICS

Are Catholic Leaders Attacking Obama to Help Republicans?

By Napp Nazworth

E. J. Dionne, a liberal columnist for The Washington Post, suggested in a Monday blog post that Catholic leaders who are opposing the Obama administration's birth control mandate could be doing so to help Republicans in the November elections.

CHURCH

How to Start at Your New Church

By Kevin DeYoung

I want to reflect on what new people can do right in coming to a church and what is helpful from those who decide they must leave the church. Pastors understand that choosing a church is a big deal.

PASTORS

To Pastors: The Problem of Shifting Treasure in Your Heart

By Paul Tripp

After the Sunday morning service he asked if he could make an appointment with me. I thought he had been touched by my sermon and wanted help in applying the truths to the details of his everyday life. What he actually wanted to do was to tell me how bad — "painful" is what he actually said — my sermons were. He also said he was speaking for others who felt the same way. I was hurt, of course, but I went about preparing as I had the week before.

SERIES

How Should the Church Love a Gay Couple? (Part 3 - Final)

By Alex Murashko

Pastor Duke Taber will be the first to let you know that his small congregation in Pine Haven, Wyo., is about as far removed from the gay marriage controversy boiling over in the country as any church could be. Yet Taber wants his church, which has 30 to 50 people tops attending his service on Sunday, to be an example of how Christians worldwide should love homosexuals no matter what.

THEOLOGY

Does Being Totally Depraved Mean We're Always Sinning No Matter What?

By John Piper

When you become a Christian the depravity and the disinclination to do what is right, and to delight in what is holy and pure and good, and to be satisfied in God is not conquered perfectly.

TESTIMONY

Christian Mother's Video About Special Needs Son Nears 10M Hits

By Lillian Kwon

A young mother's video testimony of her special needs son and her decision not to abort him has garnered over 8 million views on GodVine and 1.4 million hits on YouTube.

COUNSELING CORNER

Love and Dating: How Most Singles Have Love Backwards

By June Hunt

Last year, one of the world's largest online dating sites released results of a survey they took of 5,200 singles. Said to be the most comprehensive poll of its type ever taken, the survey of 21- to 65-year-olds (and older) reported that 72 percent of singles would live with someone in the future without marrying.

OPINIONS

Would Jesus Approve of Same-Sex Marriage?

By Jerry Newcombe

It was one thing for President Obama to call for the legalization of same-sex marriage. But it was quite another to say that it's Jesus who causes him to embrace this position. Today people sometimes say that Jesus never condemned homosexuality.

LIVING