THE CHRISTIAN POST: Sunday July 15, 2012 Tammuz 25, 5772

Dawn Martinez
(Photo: Dawn Martinez)

Two-Year-Old Bible Study for Homeless at McDonald's No Longer Welcomed

By Alex Murashko

Christian ministry leader Dawn Martinez was told she could no longer hold the twice-a-week Bible studies she has taught for homeless people for the last two years inside a McDonald's in Camden, Pa. A night manager at the fast food restaurant told her last week that a customer had filed a complaint. Martinez wonders if it could have been because of the topic briefly discussed at one point last Monday – the Muslim faith.

Romney's Choice of Rice as VP Would Be an 'Insult,' Say Conservatives

By Paul Stanley

The Internet was abuzz on Friday over the news that former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is at the top of Mitt Romney's short list for vice president. While some in the GOP were elated about the news, several leading evangelicals say they are "insulted" over the idea for one main reason – Rice supports abortion rights for women and Romney has stated publicly he would appoint a pro-life running mate.

US

Junior Garcia is seen a photo published to The Oasis Church's Facebook page near the White House Friday, July 13, 2012 after traveling with a wooden cross for more than a month from his home in Saginaw, Texas.

Junior Garcia Arrives in Washington DC Carrying Cross, Leads Prayer Rally Near White House

By Nicola Menzie

Texas teen Junior Garcia, who started out June 7 from his home in Saginaw, Texas with a 12-foot wooden cross on what he describes as "The Journey," has finally arrived at the White House in Washington, D.C, where he was joined by a large crowd for a prayer service.

An outspoken African-American pro-lifer is being blunt in his new ad: Get Out Barack Obama. Ryan Bomberger, co-founder of The Radiance Foundation, released the ad – complete with a jingle – this week, blasting the president for his pro-abortion and pro-gay policies and his failure to make the economy stronger.

Two days after the Obama administration announced U.S. investment will be allowed in Burma amid criticism by human rights groups, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton introduced Burmese President Thein Sein to America's biggest corporations at a meeting in Cambodia.

The Gallup Poll released data this week showing that Americans currently have the lowest confidence in organized religion than at any other time, with Protestants proving the most trusting group while distrust among Catholics is attributed to child sex abuse scandals.

A national atheist organization has ramped up its plan to organize local chapters in all 50 states by setting up a lobbying group in Tennessee, among other locations.

Church & Ministries

Exodus

Alan Chambers Revives Debate: Can Gay Christians Go to Heaven?

By Lillian Kwon

Alan Chambers, president of Exodus International, which up until now had supported the so-called gay "cure," isn't fazed by a call from an evangelical scholar for his resignation. In fact, he's heard it many times before. But this time, the concern isn't centered so much on the practice of reparative therapy. It's on Chambers' theology.

On Saturday, a crowd of about 2,000 men will converge on Tony Evans' Dallas megachurch to hear him teach on biblical manhood during the "No More Excuses!" Men's Conference.

More than 14,000 people heard pastor and preacher Joel Osteen's inspiration-filled message at the Quicken Loans Arena facilities in downtown Cleveland, Ohio – the venue for the "Night of Hope" event.

Simply passing the collection plate during Sunday services in order to help meet the budget was not good enough for the leaders of a small church in Mississippi.

Entertainment

Kirk Cameron sits at the kitchen window at the Boston Guildhall Museum in his new

Kirk Cameron Named 'Champion of Marriage' in New Video

By Katherine Weber

The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) has named actor Kirk Cameron as "one of America's most important champions of marriage," releasing a recent video in which Cameron speaks on the importance of preserving traditional marriage in the U.S.

A photo of the massive life-sized Noah's Ark being constructed for Darren Aronofsky's Bible epic has been released, and has movie-goers enthusiastic about the prospects of the ambitious film.

The San Diego Comic-Con International is one of the largest pop-culture conventions in the entire world, and the Christian Comic Arts Society (CCAS) will be there later this week to offer a Christian presence at the event.

New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow and New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin walked away from the 2012 ESPY Awards as winners, and both thanked God for the honors they received.

World

egypt muhammad morsi

Egypt Declared 'Islamic State' in New Constitution; Christians and Jews Protected?

By Nicola Menzie

The assembly tasked with drafting Egypt's new constitution has revealed a draft of the document, which declares that "Islam is the religion of the state" informed by Islamic Sharia principles. However, those statements seem to contradict a provision for Christians and Jews to be governed by their own religion.

The U.S. State Department issued a statement Monday to Iran demanding that Tehran immediately release Christian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, who has been imprisoned for over 1,000 days.

President Sebastián Piñera of Chile signed an anti-discrimination bill into law on Thursday after the brutal murder of a gay man who was beaten to death and had swastikas carved into his body.

While the debate on same-sex marriage in England continues, the United Reformed Church (URC) has taken what is being described as a "historic step" by allowing same-sex civil partnerships on its premises.

Egypt's Government Planning to Destroy the Great Pyramids?

An online magazine has offered translations to ...

Chinese Bishop Upsets Government Officials in Show of Allegiance to Rome?

A Chinese bishop reportedly has been placed in ...

Church of England Adjourns Vote on Women Bishops

The General Synod of the Church of England ...

Christian Psychologist in Brazil Threatened After Expressing Faith

A Brazilian psychologist is being threatened with having her license to practice therapy revoked after she publicly affirmed her Christian beliefs on her blog and Twitter accounts, which is in conflict with the countries Federal ...

Tech & Biz

Edifi Tablet

New Christian Tablet: Jesus-Approved or 'Junk'?

By Vincent Funaro

Christians looking to purchase gadgets inspired by God and His Word could pick up the new Edifi tablet.

The iPhone 5 release date will be revealed on August 7, according to new reports out. The new "leak" indicates that an early August event will unveil Apple's next generation smartphone to the world and announce the official release date, according to Know You Mobile. The website cited a "reliable industry source who wishes to remain anonymous."

The Google Nexus 7 is quickly becoming the hottest device on the market as retailers are struggling to keep it in stock due to high demand.

AT&T and Samsung have issued the first security update for the Galaxy S3 handset this week.

How to Respond to Verbal, Emotional Abusers

By June Hunt

At one point, she expressed anger at him for hitting her in the face and breaking her teeth – while she was holding their daughter. His reply? "You [expletive] deserved it."

OPINION

God's Plan for Human Sexuality

By Eric Metaxas

Prayer breakfast

I'll bet you when most people think about the Christian view of sex, a whole host of "thou shalt nots" pops into their minds. And that's a shame.

INTERVIEW

Alan Chambers Talks Gay 'Cure,' Salvation for Homosexuals

By Lillian Kwon

exodus, chambers

Alan Chambers is currently on vacation with his family. But his much needed break is hardly going uninterrupted following his announcement that Exodus International no longer supports reparative therapy.

LEADERSHIP

Seven Questions to Help Leaders Avoid Committing Sins of Omission

By Thom S. Rainer

pulpit

It's easy sometimes not to make a decision, to let the perceived status quo become our daily agenda. Instead of becoming a leader who is a change agent, we become managers who carry out routine tasks. How can we leaders make certain we are not seeking the comfort of sameness and committing sins of omission?

DANGEROUS CALLING

How to Grow Your Faith While You Wait for God

By Paul Tripp

Paul tripp

In ministry there are often moments when you are propelled by a biblical vision but called by God to wait. Waiting can be discouraging and hard. So what does it look like to wait in a way that makes you a participant in what God is doing rather than someone who struggles against the wait? Let me suggest several things.

COLUMN

Just a Thought ... About Sin

By Greg Stier

Greg Stier

Sin rips and ravages. Like a sinister and dangerous predator it tricks us and then pounces. From burning lust to to juicy gossip to gloating pride sin draws us in through portals of hormones, bitterness and arrogance before killing us with the consequences.

LIVING

A Simple Approach to an Uncomplicated Life

By Joyce Meyer

megachurch pastor

Do you ever feel like life is complicated? It's not supposed to be complicated. Jesus gave His life so we could have joy, not complicated and frustrated lives. And complication steals joy and creates frustration.

OPINION

Sandusky, Sexual Abuse, and Security in Your Church: Learn From Joe Paterno's Tragic Mistake

By Ed Stetzer

Paterno

So you're probably wondering what a horrific chain of events in State College, PA, has to do with the local church. For starters, this isn't isolated to a college campus, city, state, or nation. This story could easily have been about your church, the one down the street, or one around the globe.

OPINION

Theology of Glory vs. Theology of the Cross

By Tullian Tchividjian

cross

It is not exactly breaking news to say that our culture has an aversion to suffering, regardless of how inescapable it may be. This is because we—you and me—have an aversion to suffering. Who wants to suffer? But the conscious avoidance of pain is one thing; the complete intolerance, or outright denial of it, is another.

LIVING

How to Stop Worrying

By Jim Daly

jim daly

At a time of rising unemployment, anxious and volatile financial markets and shrinking personal retirement accounts, the story of Dale Carnegie's life - and his wisdom - serves as an inspirational and encouraging lesson.

OPINIONS

Arms Trade Treaty, Second Amendment Compatible

By Galen Carey

Galen Carey

The National Association of Evangelicals says there is nothing in the Arms Trade Treaty that is incompatible with the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

COLUMN

Do Christians Have Permission to Pray Imprecatory Prayers?

By John Piper

John Piper

I want to say that there may be a time when you're calling God's judgment on somebody. But here's where I'm probably going to end up: Jesus said, "Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you. Bless those who abuse you."

OPINION

We Could Use Some Rest: Busyness and Angst

By Eric Metaxas

Times Square

The busyness being complained about is "almost always...self-imposed: work and obligations they've taken on voluntarily, classes and activities they've 'encouraged' their kids to participate in."

THEOLOGY

Tim Keller Responds to Claims That the Bible Is 'Inconsistent'

By Audrey Barrick

tim keller

Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, gets frustrated every time he hears the argument that Christians are inconsistent because they "pick and choose" what to follow in the Bible.

COLUMN

The Power of Words and the Nature of Sin

By Kevin DeYoung

Kevin DeYoung

To be a Christian is to be a person who cares about words. We care about definitions and implications. Our aim is not to be contentious or obstreperous. Our aim is to be true and to speak in a way that strengthens the truth.

OPINION

Jesus Was Not Born Again in Hell

By Dan Delzell

jesus

This one here is a doozy. Did you know that there have been religious teachers in the "Word Faith" movement over the years who have taught that Jesus was born again in hell? Seriously. Talk about a blasphemous doctrine. Anyone who teaches this heresy is presenting a different "Jesus" in their "ministry" than the Jesus of the Bible. God does not need to be born again. He is God....without sin....and without the need for the new birth.

CHURCH

Megachurch Pastor: How to Biblically Conquer Insecurity

By Michelle A. Vu

james macdonald

Pastor James MacDonald noticed that he struck a nerve – in a good way – during a sermon two weeks ago on insecurity. Feeling that it wasn't the right time to move on, MacDonald delivered an emotionally-charged and revealing follow-up sermon – complete with his own biggest insecurity as well as that of his late mother, which he has never shared publicly – on Sunday.

CP BLOG

The Best Argument Against Christianity

By Robin Schumacher

In my opinion, the problem of evil and God is not the number one arrow in the skeptic’s quiver. If I were asked to present the best case possible against Christianity, I would rather zero in on one very sad observation that I’ve made over a number of years: The best argument against Christianity is sometimes the life lived out by a professing Christian.

ENTERTAINMENT

Why Mayberry Resonates in the American Heart

By Robert Knight

Andy Griffith

The most important part of "The Andy Griffith Show" was not the idealized portrayal of small town American life. It is the Christian-inspired warmth and wisdom, which never goes out of style.

CP BLOG

Dear Gay Kid

By Matt Moore

Dear Gay Kid, I spent my whole life trying to be someone I wasn't. From the time I was 4 feet tall I was lying to everyone around me, pretending to be a person that I knew I really wasn’t. I hated myself. I hated who I really was. I hated that I was gay. I hated that I lived in a world where that wasn’t normal. I hated that I had to hide.

COUNSELING CORNER

Understanding and Dealing With a Dysfunctional Family

By June Hunt

June Hunt

Cathey Brown knows the painful dynamic of a dysfunctional family. She knows it because she has lived it. She learned to pretend that everything was "great" when paraded to church on Sundays … even though most weekends she avoided her drunken father … and tried not to notice her mother's bruises.

POLITICS

Does John Roberts Value Image Above Ideology?

By Dan Delzell

Senate Confirms Roberts; Evangelicals Look Forward

As the dust begins to settle on the Supreme Court's recent decision to uphold ObamaCare, no one is questioning the motives of eight out of the nine justices. Only the Chief Justice has had his motives called into question.

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