THE CHRISTIAN POST: Thursday September 6, 2012 Elul 19, 5772

(Photo: The Christian Post)

Open Doors USA President Carl Moeller Leaves Persecution Watchdog Ministry

By Alex Murashko

After nine years at the helm, Carl Moeller is stepping down as president and CEO of Open Doors USA, an international ministry based in Southern California that supports persecuted Christians in the most oppressive countries in the world.

Democrats Put 'God' Back in Platform; Recognize Jerusalem as Israel's Capital

By Lillian Kwon

"God" is back in the Democratic National Convention's platform after delegates voted Wednesday to amend it. Along with adding a reference to God to the party platform, delegates also recognized that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel.

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US

Obama Loses Favorability Among Women Voters

By Napp Nazworth

President Barack Obama's favorability rating among female registered voters declined significantly after the week of the Republican National Convention. The women's vote has become central to both campaigns this election season.

Author: Feminists Today Are Replica of Male Chauvinist Pigs 30 Years Ago

By Audrey Barrick

Diane Passno was a proud feminist during her college years. But today she cringes at how much the feminist movement has gone in the wrong direction and become distorted.

Pro-Life Display Returns to Md. Festival After Being Banned Last Year

By Michael Gryboski

A pro-life display booth will be returning to a Maryland city's annual community event after not being allowed the year before. The Respect Life booth is overseen by St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Hampden and was previously banned for allegedly engaging in proselytizing and using graphic anti-abortion imagery.

Gay Marriage Debate Prompts Church Group to Order Security for President

By Nicola Menzie

The National Black Church Initiative has announced the organization of security for its president in light of the shooting at the Family Research Council in Washington, D.C., and to protect its leader from possibly being "harmed by the forces of evil that support same-sex marriage."

Church-State Group Files Amicus Brief Against Wash. Pharmacists

By Michael Gryboski

A church-state watchdog group has filed an amicus brief on behalf of the Washington State Board of Pharmacy in a case where pharmacists refused to supply contraception over religious objections.

Pat Robertson is seen on "The 700 Club" on Dec. 21, 2011.

Pat Robertson Says Democratic Party 'Going After God' in Light of Platform Change

By Nicola Menzie

Hours before the Democratic Party voted Wednesday to reinstate "God" and Jerusalem into its official platform, conservative Republican Pat Robertson lashed out at the group for being the "party of gays, godlessness and whatever else," and suggested that it was now "going after God" for previously dropping "God" from the party platform.

Church & Ministries

NJ Pastor to Live Poll Church During Sermon Series on Politics

By Alex Murashko

Tim Lucas, lead pastor of Liquid Church in New Jersey, hopes to elevate political discourse during the election season by not only talking about politics during Sunday worship services in September but leading live polling on hot button issues via text messaging.

Steven Furtick's Book Release Event Combines Promotion, Outreach

By Jeff Schapiro

Steven Furtick, lead pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, N.C., promoted the release of his new book, Greater, on Tuesday by hosting a live webcast event that is bringing together some of country's most well-known church leaders and, at the same time, helping children in need.

Lutherans Latest to Reject New NIV Bible Over Gender Language

By Audrey Barrick

The updated NIV Bible has gained another critic: the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. In a recent report, a panel of Lutherans cautioned against use of the new NIV over gender-related issues.

The Village Church lead pastor Matt Chandler spoke with Christian hip-hop portal Rapzilla.com in an interview published Aug. 31, 2012.

Matt Chandler Shares Heart for 'Young Black Males,' Addresses White Privilege in Church

By Nicola Menzie

Matt Chandler, pastor of The Village Church in Texas and the newly-installed president of church-planting organization Acts 29, recently shared in an interview his heart for the "young black male" and how he hopes to address some of the tough issues he believes African-American men face when it comes to countering "white privilege" in the church.

Quick Links

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Look Where the Soul Goes During Sex

Sex is more than just a physical act. There is ...

'2016: Obama's America' Co-Producer Wants AP to Apologize for Fact Check Story

New Report Examines Salaries of Megachurch Pastors

Salaries for megachurch pastors have increased over the last two years after a short period of stagnation, a new report reveals.

Lutherans Latest to Reject New NIV Bible Over Gender Language

The updated NIV Bible has gained another critic: ...

'God' Absent From Democratic Convention's Mission Statement

The Democratic National Convention has removed ...

More News

Obama Speech Moved Indoors Over Weather, Empty Seats Concerns?

After a day of speculation and rumors, the ...

Okla. Supreme Court Strikes Down Personhood Initiative; LLDF Warns 'People Deprived of Rights'

Pro-Abortion Activists Make 11-Year-Old Girl Cry at Democratic Convention

As the Democratic National Convention continues ...

Sandra Fluke's DNC Speech to Compare Romney and Obama on Women's Rights

Women's rights activist Sandra Fluke, who ...

Eddie Long Divorce 'Storm' Discussed by Wife Vanessa Long

In a recent meeting with the women's ministry at ...

Egyptian Muslim Destroys Quran, Religious Leader Calls for His Death

A YouTube video of an Egyptian man ripping pages ...

Abortion, Gay Marriage Top DNC Agenda

The Democratic National Convention began in ...

First Lady Opens Democratic Convention With Familiar Attacks on Romney

First Lady Michelle Obama's speech on the first ...

New Report Examines Salaries of Megachurch Pastors

Salaries for megachurch pastors have increased ...

Millennials Are 'Generation Screwed,' Futurist Argues

The millennial generation suffers from a trifecta of problems -- a poor job market, public debt and personal debt -- that are making their lives worse than previous generations, futurist Joel Kotkin argues.

Bill Clinton: 'A Few Years Ago,' Obama Would Be 'Carrying Our Bags'

In noting that the relationship between former ...

Black Pastors Meet in Va. to Discuss Support for Obama

A group of black pastors in Virginia held a ...

'2016: Obama's America' Co-Producer Wants AP to Apologize for Fact Check Story

City Harvest, Singapore Megachurches Using Pop Culture, Mass Consumption Model for Growth

Plans to Build Largest Catholic Church in Bahrain Hit by Muslim Protests

Plans in the kingdom of Bahrain to build the ...

Entertainment

Lecrae performs during a free show at the Apple store in SOHO, NYC July 17, 2012.

Exclusive Interview Part 2: Lecrae Reveals Top 5 Favorite Emcees, Addresses Jay-Z and the Illuminati

By Vincent Funaro

Hip-hop star and dedicated Christian Lecrae is enjoying an exciting year after releasing his first mainstream mixtape titled "Church Clothes" and new album Gravity which reached the number one spot on iTunes this week. The Christian Post recently had the opportunity to speak with him and found out what other rappers inspire him and what he thinks about the secret society known as the Illuminati.

'Jeremy Lin's Miracle Night' Marks End of NBA Star's Tour of Taiwan

By Jeff Schapiro

Jeremy Lin, the Houston Rockets guard who became an NBA sensation last season while playing for the New York Knicks, finished up his tour of Taiwan on Sunday by giving his personal testimony during an event called "Jeremy Lin's Miracle Night."

Will Smith Movie 'Redemption of Cain' Gets Greenlight; Puts Vampire Twist on Biblical Tale

By Nicola Menzie

Actor Will Smith will possibly make his directional debut with a cinematic interpretation of the biblical account of the story of Cain and Abel. The film, "The Redemption of Cain," has been given the greenlight by Sony Pictures Entertainment and reportedly puts a vampiric spin on the well-known narrative.

Actor Kirk Cameron laughs with a fan on the TLC reality show "19 Kids and Counting," starring the Duggar family.

Kirk Cameron Laughs Off 'Awkward Moment' on Duggar Show '19 Kids and Counting' (VIDEO)

By Katherine Weber

Actor Kirk Cameron, a longtime friend of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, laughs off an awkward experience in a new upcoming episode of the couple's reality show, "19 Kids and Counting," which premieres on TLC on Sept. 4.

"The American Bible Challenge," hosted by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on GSN.

'The American Bible Challenge' Features Tim Tebow-Inspired Game

By Jeff Schapiro

Following a successful first episode last week, "The American Bible Challenge" returned to the Game Show Network on Thursday and featured a new challenge named after New York Jets backup quarterback Tim Tebow.

World

UK Christians Plead With Human Rights Court to Affirm Religious Rights

By Stoyan Zaimov

Four British citizens who claim they were dismissed from work because of their Christian beliefs have taken their cases to the European Court of Human Rights in hopes of having affirmed their right to express their faith while on the job.

Finnish Researchers: Induced Abortions Increase Risk of Preterm Birth

By Michael Gryboski

Researchers in Finland have published a new study that indicates that there is a link between the abortion procedure and an increased risk of preterm birth.

Dr. John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York address worshipers at the All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi, February 10, 2008 in this file photo.

Archbishop of York Calls for Tougher Restrictions on Internet Pornography

By Myles Collier

The Archbishop of York has joined the growing list of prominent religious leaders in their fight to curb illicit and pornographic content that is freely available to all users regardless of age.

Muslim Cleric Framed Christian Girl in Pakistan's Blasphemy Case, Police Say

By Anugrah Kumar

A court in Pakistan has sent a Muslim cleric to 14 days in custody after he was accused of tampering with evidence to frame a minor Christian girl, believed to be mentally disabled, in a "blasphemy" case and thereby expel all area Christians.

Franklin Graham Answers Call From South Sudan to Host Crusade

By Alex Murashko

Evangelist Franklin Graham has agreed to hold an evangelistic event in South Sudan next month, answering a plea from churches in the violence-ridden region who believe that their only hope for their new country is a spiritual revival.

Muslim 'Green Lantern' Superhero to Join Series, Fans React

For the first time ever, an Arab-Muslim ...

Family With Down Syndrome Son Kicked Off American Airlines Flight

American Airlines has reportedly kicked a family ...

Neil Armstrong Public Memorial Service Scheduled for Sept. 13

To honor one of the most influential people of ...

7.9 Earthquake Hits Costa Rica, Tsunami Watch Issued

The United States Geological Survey has reported ...

Justin Bieber's Manager Signs 'Gangnam Style' Sensation as Video Hits 100 Million YouTube Views

Tom Hanks Mourns Michael Clarke Duncan, Joins 'Stand Up to Cancer'

Tom Hanks, a friend and co-star to Michael Clarke ...

Muslim Students Enrolling at Catholic Universities at Highest Rate Ever

Muslim families are sending their children to ...

Blood Sugar and Brain Shrinkage: Normal Blood Sugar Leading to Dementia, Alzheimer's?

Chuck Norris' Anti-Obama Video Warns of '1,000 Years of Darkness'

American actor Chuck Norris has made an ...

Woman Makes History in Egypt Wearing Veil on TV

An Egyptian woman made history by wearing an ...

Persecution Prompts Christians in Pakistan to Call for Separate Province

Christians in Pakistan are responding to the ...

Gay Father Granted 'Maternity Leave' in Brazil Following 2-Year Appeal Battle

India Christians and Persecution: 'Genocide' of Thousands 4 Years After Orissa Uprisings

New Zealand Church Faces Backlash Over Billboard Supporting Same-Sex Marriage

Federal Judge Orders Same-Sex Marriage in Mexican State

Reports from Mexico indicate that a federal court ...

Christians Pray Sun Myung Moon's Unification Church Members Find 'True Messiah'

Kong Hee to Plead 'Not Guilty' When City Harvest Church Trial Resumes

The well-followed court case of Singaporean ...

Kaka's Wife Carol Celico Featured in Sensual Photos: Picture of Former Pastor Stuns Brazilians

Youcef Nadarkhani's Imprisonment Ignored at Iran's NAM Summit

Last week the American Jewish Committee (AJC), a ...

Nigerian Government, Boko Haram in Talks; Can Islamist Extremists Be Reasoned With?

Pope Compares Disobedient, Unbelieving Catholics to Judas

Pope Benedict XVI delivered an address from the ...

World Council of Churches to Highlight Pakistani Girl's Imprisonment at Global Conference

CP Cartoons

Tech & Biz

Live Out the Stories of the Bible at Jerusalem.com

By Vincent Funaro

Jersusalem.com brings the stories of the Old and New Testament to life by providing people of all faiths with authentic 3D tours and maps of many of the significant landmarks in the holy city.

iPhone 5 Release Date Confirmed as Sept. 12: Apple Sends Invites for Unveiling

By Vincent Funaro

Apple finally confirmed the unveiling of the iPhone 5 today as the company sent out invitations to the event where the device will make its first appearance.

Angry Birds Spinoff: 'Bad Piggies' (VIDEO)

By Brittney R. Villalva

The three little pigs are back! But this time they are mean, they are green, and they are soon to be available on your Android machine.

Samsung Galaxy S3 Android 4.1, JellyBean Update Leaks

By Vincent Funaro

The Android 4.1, JellyBean update for the Samsung Galaxy S3 has reportedly leaked.

Bill Clinton: We Are Better Off Than 4 Years Ago; Obama Needs More Time

Lake Erie Residents Overwhelmed by Dead Fish

Sandra Fluke Says Future Looks Like 'Offensive Relic of Our Past' Under a Romney Presidency

Droid Razr HD and Razr Maxx HD Release Dates to Be Before the Holidays

Pippa Middleton Celebrates Birthday Today in NYC, Apartment Hunting?

Camille Grammer Receives $30 Million From Kelsey in Divorce Settlement

Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Kerry Washington to Appear at DNC Tonight

Bubonic Plague Case Discovered in 7-Year-Old Girl

'Honey Boo Boo' Cast Salary Claims Refuted by June Shannon: 'We're Very Well Compensated'

Kris Jenner Blasts 'Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.' Thinks Mother is Exploiting Child for Money? (VIDEO)

God Fixation Can Fix This Nation

By Rev. Mark H. Creech

Quite to the contrary of the atheistic mindset, it was a "God fixation" that actually built and prospered this great country. All the values most beloved by Americans – those that changed much of the world – derived from a Christian perspective.

THEOLOGY

Do You Believe We Should Cast Out Demons Today?

By John Piper

I do, and I think there is a steady state, normal way to go about it. Occasionally you see a manifestation of demonic power that is so in your face and so possessive and controlling of a person's life that an extraordinary intervention and exorcism is called for.

OPINION

Look Where the Soul Goes During Sex

By Dan Delzell

Sex is more than just a physical act. There is also a deep spiritual aspect to sex. But you probably knew that already, didn't you? Or at least you may have had an inkling of it in your soul.

LEADERSHIP

Nine Things That Every Leader Struggles With and How to Overcome Them

By Perry Noble

I threw out a tweet asking leaders what was the top thing that they struggled with…and received lots and lots of answers. If you are a leader (especially a church leader) then one of the things we are most guilty of is believing God's Word for other people but not for our own lives.

OPINION

If God Weren't Angry...

By Paul Tripp

Called to represent God's work of grace in the lives of others, many of us in ministry need to reevaluate how we think about the anger of God. Sometimes we can treat God's anger like the embarrassing uncle in our extended family. It's as if we're working hard to keep this attribute of God away from public exposure.

U.S.

Survey Suggests Unwanted Same-Sex Attractions Can Be Reduced Through Counseling

By Jeff Schapiro

Survey results from a study conducted by People Can Change, a nonprofit organization that seeks to help people with unwanted same-sex attractions (SSA), show that over half of those who sought counseling for SSA felt their attractions diminish as a result.

COLUMN

Minimizing Suffering Minimizes the Cross

By Tullian Tchividjian

It is ironic that one of the most beautiful and encouraging verses in the Bible is also one of the most dangerous. You probably know which one I'm talking about. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose"

OPINION

Holy Sweat: 3 Reasons Church Leaders Should Get in Shape

By Greg Stier

In college I had 8% bodyfat and could hang with the best of them when it came to push ups, sit ups and the like. But then something strange happened. I went into ministry full time.

LIVING

Learn How to Pass Your Tests in Life

By Joyce Meyer

Sometimes God allows or even arranges for us to go through difficulties in this life because it's during those times that we grow in our faith and develop more of the character of Christ. Trials reveal what we really believe and what's really inside our hearts.

COLUMN

Is God Your Genie in a Bottle?

By Dan Delzell

A well-known television preacher was earnest in this recent plea to his viewers: "Give your seed an assignment." He compared the Father sending Jesus to earth with an assignment....to that of viewers sending money to his television ministry. The announcer then came on and encouraged viewers to "target your seed toward your greatest need." The announcer said that in response to their financial gift, the minister was believing God to give the donor "a life-changing creative idea, supernatural favor, and a debt canceling miracle." What a deal!

ENTERTAINMENT

Are Christian Media Avoiding '2016: Obama's America?'

By Alex Murashko

The filmmakers of "2016: Obama's America" are questioning why some Christian media and even some Christian leaders are reluctant to give movie reviews or place ads of their documentary-style film. Although not financed by any political group, the movie critically questions President Obama's worldview and paints a dire future under a second-term should he be re-elected.

OPINION

Words Matter. Truth Counts.

By Ken Connor

Or do they in the postmodern age in which we live? We have widely diverging views of what is true, so we can't agree on which words to use in describing the truth or even the meaning of the words that are used.

OPINIONS

The Casualties of Free Expression in America

By Craig Parshall

Mr. Zuckerberg, as well as Google's former CEO Eric Schmidt, and Apple's innovative genius, the late Steve Jobs, have all praised, at various times, the concept of expressive "openness" on Internet platforms. Yet, ironically, all three – Facebook, Google and Apple – have been tools of censorship against Christian ideas.

OPINION

Ditching Obvious Truths in the Information Age

By Robert Knight

The information universe is expanding at warp speed. The question is, with all this information, why aren't people getting smarter, and why aren't things better? Once upon a time in America, you didn't have to explain certain, obvious things - what the Declaration of Independence describes as "self-evident truths."

OPINION

Restore the Real American Dream

By Rev. Mark H. Creech

Is this really what has become of the American Dream? This is far removed from an earlier time when the nation's attention was not so much on its possessions, but the quest to be a civil, just, righteous, freedom-loving, God-fearing, contented, thankful and generous people.

DISASTER

Why Does God Allow Hurricanes?

By Jerry Newcombe

All politics aside, how could a good God allow hurricanes or other forms of natural disasters? This is a core question that keeps resurfacing. Presumably, it is part of what keeps some from believing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

CP BLOG

Where Did the New Calvinism Come From?

By Tim Challies

The New Calvinism is a distinctly twenty-first century, digital-era development. It is the Internet in general, and social media in particular, that first tied the movement together and that have since drawn people in.

CHURCH

Pastor Embraces Hollywood Entertainment Industry; Launches Artists Resource Center

By Alex Murashko

Microphone in hand, Touré Roberts is at ease as he introduces each short film at his first film festival at the movie theater inside the Sherman Oaks Galleria. He invites selected filmmakers and actors to chat with him and tell the audience about their projects after each screening. On a recent summer evening, it's easy to see that this young pastor of a large church in Los Angeles is passionate about making a difference in Hollywood.

U.S.

New Report Reveals Voting Interests of Churchgoing, Christian Women

By Jeff Schapiro

Barna Group released the final report in a four-part series on "Christian Women Today" on Tuesday, revealing somewhat surprising statistics concerning the influence of Christian women voters and what issues concern them the most.

EVANGELISM

5 Reasons Why Christians Struggle to Evangelize

By Greg Stier

There are many Christians who, down deep inside, want to share their faith but they honestly don't know what to say. Sadly, there are also many who call themselves Christians but they just don't care about the lost.

OPINION

Listening to Negative People Will Make You Dumb

By Thom S. Rainer

We all know those "energy drainers." They are the people that seem to have a perpetual cloud hanging over their heads. Research shows that exposure to 30 minutes or more of negativity – including viewing such material on TV – actually peels away neurons in the brain's hippocampus. That's the part of your brain you need for problem solving.

OPINIONS

Political Football: Republican Party Must Not Squander Their First and Goal Opportunity on Immigration

By Samuel Rodriguez and Robert Gittelson

The Conservatives for Comprehensive Immigration Reform coalition is cautiously awaiting the introduction of this year's Republican Party platform. We are keenly interested to see where, exactly, the Party will ultimately stand on the issue of immigration reform. It is our fervent hope that in this year's platform, the Party will be willing to stand with their "better angels." By that, we mean that we hope that the Party embraces the call for adhering to the Rule of Law, but also calls for adhering to a call for a more compassionate conservatism.

COLUMN

Ben & Jerry's, Chick-fil-A & Political Correctness

By Perry Noble

A few years ago I went to Wal Mart, found my favorite flavor and decided to tweet that I was purchasing some Ben & Jerry's ice cream…and doing so "unleashed the hounds" in a sense.