THE CHRISTIAN POST: Wednesday September 5, 2012 Elul 18, 5772

(Photo: REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi)

First Lady Opens Democratic Convention With Familiar Attacks on Romney

By Napp Nazworth

First Lady Michelle Obama's speech on the first night of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., was more political than usual for a first lady. While never mentioning Mitt Romney by name, she contrasted President Barack Obama's life with that of Romney's while echoing many Obama campaign themes.

New Report Examines Salaries of Megachurch Pastors

By Lillian Kwon

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

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US

'God' Absent From Democratic Convention's Mission Statement

By Paul Stanley

The Democratic National Convention has removed any reference to "God" from the party's platform, or as some call it, the party's 24,000-plus word mission statement.

Black Pastors Meet in Va. to Discuss Support for Obama

By Michael Gryboski

A group of black pastors in Virginia held a meeting to discuss how to encourage their congregations to vote for President Barack Obama. "We are concerned that many of our congregants are developing an aversion to supporting the president at the polls."

Millennials Are 'Generation Screwed,' Futurist Argues

By Napp Nazworth

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 Kotin argues.

Abortion, Gay Marriage Top DNC Agenda

By Paul Stanley

The Democratic National Convention began in earnest Tuesday morning and part of the first day's business will be to adopt the party platform, which for the first time includes support of gay marriage while reinforcing prior language that supports abortion rights.

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

By Alex Murashko

Filmmaker Dinesh D'Souza is suggesting that The Associated Press, a not-for-profit cooperative newswire service owned by 1,500 U.S. newspapers, apologize for a fact check story on his movie, "2016: Obama's America."

Tens of Thousands Remain Powerless, Homeless in Hurricane Isaac's Aftermath

By Anugrah Kumar

Tens of thousands of people are powerless and thousands remain in emergency shelters nearly a week after Hurricane Isaac swamped the Gulf Coast with a deluge. President Barack Obama met victims on Monday while officials assessed the damage which might cost over $2 billion.

Church & Ministries

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.

Harvest America Estimates 272,000 Attended Christian Outreach Event

By Alex Murashko

Leaders at the Harvest Crusades estimate that 272,000 people attended the ministry's first-of-its-kind evangelistic event last Sunday that included those inside a nearly full baseball stadium in Southern California and others watching a live webcast feed at more than 2,400 host locations throughout the U.S.

Quick Links

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

Look Where the Soul Goes During Sex

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

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.

Nick Vujicic on Why God Made Him Limbless

Evangelist Nick Vujicic, who spoke at Saddleback ...

Lutherans Latest to Reject New NIV Bible Over Gender Language

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

More News

Finnish Researchers: Induced Abortions Increase Risk of Preterm Birth

Researchers in Finland have published a new study ...

UK Christians Plead With Human Rights Court to Affirm Religious Rights

Four British citizens who claim they were fired ...

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

In noting that the relationship between former ...

Democratic Convention May End on Sour Note With Jobs Report

While the Republican National Convention last ...

Wildfire Forces Labor Day Visitors to Flee Forest Near Los Angeles

A wildfire that broke out in the Angeles National ...

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 ...

Pa. Pastors Not Avoiding Politics in Pulpits Ahead of Elections

Pastors in Pennsylvania are overcoming their fears and rising to the challenge of preaching on political and cultural issues from the pulpit. On Sunday, the Pennsylvania Pastors Network launched its second Pulpit Sunday where ...

Romney Brings 'Positive Attention' to Mormonism, Marriott Head Says

J.W. Marriott, who heads the Marriott hotel ...

Christians Repent, Pray for Church and Nation Before Democratic Convention

Days before the opening of the Democratic ...

Traditional Marriage Supporter Dismisses 'Bundling' Accusation

A member of a Washington state organization ...

Va. County Allows Church to Have Sign; Reconsidering Zoning Rule

A county in Virginia has decided to rescind a zoning violation charge against a United Methodist church over its digital sign displaying more than two messages in a day.

Obama, Romney Tied Ahead of Democratic Convention

As the Democratic convention begins this week, a ...

Lakewood Church Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Spanish-Speaking Ministry

The unity between Spanish and Portuguese language ...

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

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

A court in Pakistan has sent a Muslim cleric to ...

Entertainment

Exclusive Interview: Lecrae Speaks on New 'Gravity' Album and Unashamed Tour 2012: Come Alive

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 is in stores Sept. 4. The Christian Post recently had the opportunity to speak with the rapper and found out what inspires him and what he hopes to accomplish in the future.

'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."

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.

U.S. President Barack Obama tweets response to Clint Eastwood's speech at Republican National Convention.

Clint Eastwood's Speech at Republican Convention Gets Response From Obama

By Katherine Weber

Actor Clint Eastwood quipped about President Barack Obama's term in office Thursday evening at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, and in response Obama made a joke of his own.

World

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.

Persecution Prompts Christians in Pakistan to Call for Separate Province

By Stoyan Zaimov

Christians in Pakistan are responding to the persecution attacks they often endure by demanding their own province within the South Asian country – although some have questioned the likelihood of such a request being granted by the government.

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.

Rev. Samuel Rodriguez Offers Benediction, Calls for Reconciliation at GOP Convention

By Andrea Madambashi

Reverend Samuel Rodriguez offered a benediction at the Republican National Convention (RNC) this week, praying that "what America needs most is a fresh outpouring of God's Holy Spirit."

City Harvest Church founder Kong Hee arrives at the Subordinate Courts in Singapore June 27, 2012.

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

By Katherine Weber

The well-followed court case of Singaporean pastor Kong Hee, who is being accused of misusing $18 million in funds from his City Harvest Church, has been adjourned until Oct. 4 and it has been reported that the megachurch pastor plans to plead not guilty to the charges.

Muslim Students Enrolling at Catholic Universities at Highest Rate Ever

Muslim families are sending their children to ...

Shark Attack Victim at Paralympics Wins Bronze Medal

An athlete competing in the 2012 Paralympics ...

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 ...

Social Security Bullets Used for Civilian Unrest? SSA Quashes Rumors

The Internet has been buzzing with conspiracy ...

Francis Chan's 'Multiply,' Focused on Discipleship, Slated for Fall Release

Francis Chan, founder and chancellor of Eternity ...

Tom Cruise's Relationships Vetted By Church of Scientology, Claims Vanity Fair

Atheist Group Forced to Remove Hateful Billboards Calling God 'Sadistic' and 'Useless Savior'

Church Adopts 76 Foster Children Out of Troubled Homes

A small Texas congregation has managed the ...

TobyMac's New Album 'Eye On It' Reaches No. 1 Spot on iTunes

Popular Christian singer and songwriter TobyMac ...

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

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

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'

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

France Could Pass Bill Legalizing Gay Marriage by October

Reports are coming out of France that lawmakers ...

Over 650,000 Gather at Evangelistic Crusade in Brazil, 11,000 Commit Lives to Christ

CP Cartoons

Tech & Biz

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.

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Available for Pre-Order

By Vincent Funaro

Customers interesting in purchasing the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 can pre-order the device in India.

Amazon Kindle Fire 2 Release Date Rumors Sparked by Photo Leak

By Vincent Funaro

The release date for the Amazon Kindle Fire 2 must be just around the corner as pictures of the upcoming device are continuing to leak onto the internet this week.

iPhone 5 to Feature Redesigned Earphones

By Vincent Funaro

The iPhone 5 will launch with earphones featuring a new design.

'Teen Mom' Reunion Special Recap: Catelynn, Tyler and Farrah Spill All (VIDEO)

Rihanna Mocks Chris Brown and Karrueche Tran's Relationship?

Kanye West Glorifies Kim Kardashian's Sex Tape in New Song (AUDIO)

Stay Fit – In Spirit AND Body!

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

Bob Barker Banned From 'Price is Right' Anniversary Episode

Katie Couric on Kate Middleton: 'I Think She Needs to Eat More'

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

Samsung Galaxy S3 Android 4.1, JellyBean Update Leaks

Evelyn Lozada Breaks Down on 'Iyanla: Fix My Life' (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.