The Christian Post: "Front Page" Thursday May 10 2012 Iyyar 18, 5772

(Photo: Rock Photo Ministry)

Calif. Megachurch Looks to Donate 32,500 Pounds of Food in 1 Month

By Michael Gryboski

A California megachurch is hoping to gather 16 tons of food during the month of May for its annual drive to benefit a local food bank.

Youcef Nadarkhani Pens Letter to Supporters; Expresses Perseverance, Faith in God

By Katherine Weber

Iranian Christian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, who has become the face of religious persecution throughout the world after being arrested for his beliefs in Oct. 2009, has issued a letter to persecution aid group Present Truth Ministries (PTM).

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US

Christian Leaders Not Surprised by Obama's Support of Same-Sex Marriage

By Stoyan Zaimov

President Barack Obama's comments today that he approves of same-sex marriage have created a great stir among Christian leaders in the country, with some welcoming it as a good political move for them.

Romney Affirms Position on Gay Marriage Following Obama Announcement

By Myles Collier

Following President Obama's announcement Wednesday that he has changed his mind and now supports same-sex marriage, presumptive presidential nominee Mitt Romney immediately re-assured voters that his position on gay marriage has not changed.

Four welcome signs were removed from the town of Sylvania, Ala. after the Freedom From Religion Foundation complained that the Bible verse on them made them unconstitutional.

Small Ala. Town to Keep Bible Verses on Welcome Signs

By Jeff Schapiro

A small town in Alabama has decided to put up welcome signs that have Bible verses despite questions about the constitutionality of the signs brought up by a national atheist organization.

Church & Ministries

Crystal Cathedral to Host Pro-Life Event

By Luiza Oleszczuk

Crystal Cathedral Ministries, made famous through its televised sermon, "The Hour of Power," will host a pro-life event Thursday night featuring several prominent pro-life advocates, including CEO and founder of a California-based network of parental health consultation clinics.

Fla. Church Rejects City's Attempts to Move 'Prayer and Produce' Indoors

By Michael Gryboski

A Florida church's produce stand operated in its parking lot has garnered controversy over its potential violation of zoning regulations.

Calvary Chapel's Chuck Smith Faces Loss of Sister, More Cancer Treatment

By Alex Murashko

Pastor Chuck Smith, widely recognized as a leader of the Jesus movement in the U.S. during the '60s and '70s, will be undergoing more radiation and drug therapy for his lung cancer, his family announced Monday.

Survivor Expert Bear Grylls Shares Meal of Worms, Maggots With Rick Warren

By Sarah Cruz

Extreme-survivor expert and "Man vs. Wild" star Bear Grylls made a special appearance at Saddleback Church Saturday – at one point receiving some audience participation from the church's pastor, Rick Warren.

Evangelicals: We Must Stand Firm on Biblical Authority, Exclusivity of Christ

By Lillian Kwon

Evangelical theologians who firmly hold to the inerrancy and authority of Scripture are preparing to help fellow believers stand firm in their faith amid an increasingly hostile culture.

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TBN: Trouble in Paradise

It's a drama fit for reality television: Sadly, ...

Christian Leaders Not Surprised by Obama's Support of Same-Sex Marriage

President Barack Obama's comments today that he ...

Spoken Word poet Jefferson Bethke is engaged to marry his girlfriend of two years, Alyssa

Spoken Word Poet Jefferson Bethke, Fiance Talk Faith and Marriage

Jefferson Bethke, the spoken word poet whose ...

Prof. Yosef Garfinkel with a stone shrine model found at Khirbet Qeiyafa.

Shrine Discovery in Judah May Confirm, Clarify Biblical Descriptions

An archaeologist from the Hebrew University of ...

Obama: 'Same-Sex Couples Should Be Able to Get Married'

President Barack Obama announced Wednesday that ...

Obama's Affirmation of Same-Sex Marriage Dominates Twitter (VIDEO)

President Barack Obama, despite being a professed ...

Ron Paul Would Take More Votes From Obama Than Romney in 3-Way Race

If Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul ...

Utah Becomes First State to Have 72-Hour Waiting Period for Abortion

Utah has become the first state to enact a ...

Half of All Americans Support Gay Marriage; Protestants Most Resistant

A new Gallup poll on the attitudes of Americans ...

North Carolina Gay Marriage Amendment: Reactions to Overwhelming Vote

North Carolina approved a constitutional ...

Prisoner Gets 41 Percent of Vote Against Obama in Democratic Primary

Keith Judd, who is currently behind bars in a ...

Obama Backs Gay Marriage: Reactions to President's 'Evolving' Position

President Obama has announced that he now ...

More Blogs

Andy Stanley Controversy: Standing on Solid Rock, Not Sinking Sand

Recently I read a masterful article in The ...

The Avengers and Our Fascination With Saviors

Like the Hulk, The Avengers, directed by the ...

What Qi-gong Is? A New Spiritual Challenge the Western Churches Need to Know

Your Words Hold a Miracle by Joel Osteen BOOK EXCERPT, PT 1)

The Book Stop Blog is featuring excerpts from ...

Entertainment

Doritos 'Sling Baby' Commercial Director on Way to Feature-Length Comedy

By Alex Murashko

The director of last Super Bowl's Doritos commercial, "Sling Baby," that won the Facebook USA Today Ad Meter's number one rating out of all ads for the NFL's premier event, said keeping his film work true to his Christian values is his ultimate goal.

Maurice Sendak Beliefs: 'I Don't Need Faith'

By Sami K. Martin

Maurice Sendak, famed children's author of books such as "Where the Wild Things Are," died earlier this week. In interviews, Sendak proudly explained his atheism and boldly said, "I don't need faith." His beliefs belie a man who reveled in things of this world and who has no concern with the next, leading to the question, where is he now?

Jermaine Paul Glorifies God After Winning 'The Voice,' Gets Celebrity Support

By Christine Thomasos

Jermaine Paul, winner of the second season of "The Voice," made sure to thank Jesus after his competition was eliminated on Tuesday night.

World

Half a Million Sign Petition to Protect Definition of Marriage in UK

By Christian Today

A petition launched in the United Kingdom in defense of traditional marriage has passed the half million mark.

Arrest of Youcef Nadarkhani's Lawyer: A Bad Situation Made Worse

By Katherine Weber

Defense attorney Mohammad Ali Dadkhah's recent sentencing to nine years in Iranian prison proves to be a dire situation for both Dadkhah, who may face imprisonment in one of the world's worst prisons, and one of his most prominent clients, Iranian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, who may no longer have legal representation in court.

Vatican Paper Compares Pro-Abortion and Euthanasia Arguments to Nazi Eugenics

By Stoyan Zaimov

A Vatican newspaper has suggested that abortion providers who terminate ill fetuses and proponents of euthanasia are using the same arguments in their defense as did Nazi Germany in its eugenics program of mass extermination.

Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez during a speech at a pre-Easter Mass on April 5, 2012.

Hugo Chavez Says Cancer Made Him 'More Christian;' Has Faith Christ Will Bring 'Miracle'

By Ivana Kvesic

A cancer-stricken Hugo Chavez is becoming "more Christian" as he battles a reoccurring form of the disease that could significantly stifle his chances for re-election in October.

North Carolina Gay Marriage Amendment: Your Reactions

While President Obama's campaign says he is ...

Mother Jailed for Having Son Baptized Without Father's Consent

A mother in Tennessee was jailed after she took ...

John Travolta Lawsuit: New Photos and Receipt Prove Actor's Innocence

John Travolta's attorney has slammed a second ...

Terrell Owens Defends Behavior Against Childrens' Mothers on 'Dr. Phil'

Terrell Owens, 38-year-old IFL wide receiver who ...

Mary Mary Release New Album 'Go Get It' Tuesday

Multi-Grammy Award-winning duo Mary Mary released ...

Loki vs. Jesus

I'm quite certain you'll enjoy The Avengers, but ...

Neb. Coach Ron Brown Insists He Treats Gay, Straight Players the Same

Nebraska Cornhuskers assistant coach Ron Brown, who might be facing possible dismissal from his job after stating his belief that homosexuality is a sin, has explained that despite his convictions, he would not treat gay players ...

Sarkozy Loses as France Swings to Left in Presidential Polls

Francois Hollande won about 52 percent of the ...

Putin Sworn in as Russia's President a Third Time Amid Protests

Vladimir Putin, Russia's divisive former ...

China's Underground Christians Supported Blind Activist

Underground Christians in China were among those ...

Rick and Kay Warren, Francis Chan Urge Christians to End Orphan Crisis

The focus on helping orphans worldwide needs to ...

Persecution Brief: Violence Reigns in Nigeria, Kenya; Iranian Pastor's Attorney Arrested

Hitler Had Developed a 'God Complex,' According to WWII Documents

Infamous German dictator Adolf Hitler, whose ...

Anglican Preacher Pulled From Pulpit After Advocating Traditional Marriage

An Anglican lay minister has been temporarily ...

Nigerian Christians Defy Fear of Bloodshed and Continue Church Worship

Nigerian Christians have faced constant attacks ...

CP Cartoons

Tech & Biz

iPhone 5 Concept Featuring 4.6-inch Display

iPhone 5 Release Date Set for September

By Vincent Funaro

Apple has made plans to launch the next-generation iPhone in September, according to new rumors.

iPads Now Available for $279.99 on Apple's Website

By Vincent Funaro

Apple is now offering iPads for discounted prices on its website.

Chick-fil-A Leadercast: Tim Tebow, Former Coach Talk Qualities of a Good Leader

By Jeff Schapiro

Tim Tebow and his former coach Urban Meyer were reunited on Friday to share their thoughts on leadership at the live Chick-fil-A leadership event watched by 125,000 people across the United States.

AT&T to Launch Trial Version 'Digital Life' Home Automation System

By Vincent Funaro

AT&T will launch a trial version of "Digital Life," the carrier's home automation and security suite of services this summer.

HIV Prevention Pill Awaits FDA Approval

Joran van der Sloot and Extradition: Will He Be Charged With Murder?

Chris Brown Releases Diss Track About Ex-GF, Rihanna Fans Upset

Kate Middleton Dress Racy, Classy, or Too Expensive? (PHOTOS)

Syrian Blasts Kill 70, Government and Rebels Blame Each Other

Carmen Electra and 'The Choice,' Newly Single Actress Seeks Love

Facebook to Launch its Very Own App Center

Orangutans and iPads at Miami Zoo a Big Hit

Real Housewives' Alexis Bellino's 'General Hospital' Acting Debut (VIDEO)

Aretha Franklin to Join Gospel Hall of Fame

Evolution's End? President Obama Calls for Same-Sex Marriage

By R. Albert Mohler, Jr.

President Obama's call for the legalization of same-sex marriage yesterday is an historic and tragic milestone. An incumbent President of the United States has now called for a transformation of civilization's central institution.

COLUMN

Five Reasons Christians Should Continue to Oppose Gay Marriage

By Kevin DeYoung

It can seem like the whole world is having a gay old time, with conservative Christians the only ones refusing to party. The temptation, then, is for Christians go silent and give up the marriage fight.

COLUMN

President Obama, Same-Sex Marriage, and the Future of Evangelical Response

By Ed Stetzer

Homosexuality is not an easy issue. Christians have said a lot of unhelpful things about the subject over the years-- but that does not mean we cannot say helpful things now.

LIVING

Spoken Word Poet Jefferson Bethke, Fiance Talk Faith and Marriage

By Katherine Weber

Jefferson Bethke, the spoken word poet whose YouTube video "Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus" garnered millions of hits, recently proposed to the woman he has been dating for two years. The couple, who both attend Mars Hill Church, recently shared with The Christian Post their views on marriage, faith and love.

OPINION

What Maurice Sendak Can Teach the Church

By Russell D. Moore

Maurice Sendak, who just died, doesn't seem, at first glance, to have much to teach Christians. After all, he was an atheist with a cynical outlook and a foul mouth.

LEADERSHIP

Top 10 Temptations That Leaders Face

By Perry Noble

Devoting more time to an online audience (twitter/facebook) rather than leading your family, your staff and investing in the REAL people that God is bringing to your church

WORLD

Shrine Discovery in Judah May Confirm, Clarify Biblical Descriptions

By Jeff Schapiro

An archaeologist from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem says he has discovered cultic shrines dating back to the time of the biblical King David, which may provide clarity to some obscure building references in the Bible.

COLUMN

When Paul Sent the Celebrity Pastor

By Kevin DeYoung

There have always been men who gain a certain notoriety for their preaching of the gospel. Paul spoke of a brother "famous among all the churches for his preaching."

PASTORS

Dangerous Calling: Pastoral Ministry Is War

By Paul Tripp

Why do so many pastors report being over-burdened and over-stressed? Why do so many pastors report tension between family life and ministry life? Why does pastoral ministry often seem like more of a trial than a joy? Why is there often disharmony between the private life of the pastor and his public ministry persona?

ENTERTAINMENT

Movie Producer DeVon Franklin: Hollywood Paying Attention to Faith-Based Audience

By Alex Murashko

The Hollywood entertainment industry has become increasingly aware of the growing market for faith-based films and entertainment, said movie producer DeVon Franklin at the Biola Media Conference at CBS Studios on Saturday.

OPINION

TBN: Trouble in Paradise

By Ken Connor

It's a drama fit for reality television: Sadly, it's not the Real Housewives of Orange County at the center of this drama, but the first family of Trinity Broadcasting Network.

CP BLOG

Gay Conversion Therapy: Good or Bad?

By Matt Moore

Although I fully support biblical and spiritual counseling, I am not the biggest fan of the idea of conversion therapy. Nor am I a fan of programs that lead people to focus more on their desire to have heterosexual attractions than their to desire to know Jesus Christ (who, by the way, is the only One who holds the power to create such a transformation in sexual desires).

CP BLOG

How Is Your Worship Team "Really" Doing?

By Christian Post Guest Voices

When is the last time you got on the balcony? No – not the balcony at your church building or even the hotel from your last vacation. It’s Jason Hatley here (Pastor of Worship Arts at The Journey Church) with a quick (but important) leadership principle that every pastor and worship leader needs to practice… Getting on the Balcony.

OPINION

Telling the Whole Story: The Flight of Chen Guangcheng

By Eric Metaxas

The whole world loves a good escape story. But in the case of a certain Chinese dissident, the world needs to hear the rest of the story.

CP BLOG

Tom White, Abuse, VOM, and the Power of the Internet

By Christian Post Guest Voices

Last Thursday afternoon I received a call while in my office at Emmanuel Enid. One of our secretaries buzzed in and said, "I have a man on the phone who claims to be the father of the young girl abused by Tom White and he wishes to speak to you." My heart skipped a beat.

MARRIAGE

How Does Your Narrower View on Divorce, Remarriage Affect Your Ministry to Congregants?

By John Piper

Your view on divorce and remarriage is narrower than many other Christians even in your church. How does this affect your ministry to them?

CP BLOG

Andy Stanley and the Appropriateness of Ambiguity

By Christian Post Guest Voices

Is ambiguity ever Ok? Is it fundamentally wrong to be ambiguous about what's right or wrong? These questions seem to be lurking under the surface in the dust up over Andy Stanley’s message titled “When Gracie met Truthie.”

MOVIES

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and The Avengers

By Jim Denison

What do The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and The Avengers have in common? Nothing I can think of, except the fact that I saw them both over the weekend. What do they tell us about ourselves? A great deal.

COUNSELING CORNER

Attention All People-Pleasers, Fixers, and Rescue Artists . . .

By June Hunt

After 11 years of conflict, turmoil and tears, Patricia found the courage to end an on-again/off-again relationship with her abusive boyfriend. Yet instead of feeling relieved, she was overwhelmed with sadness and entertaining ideas about taking him back. Seeking direction, she called Hope In The Night, my live 2-hour call-in counseling broadcast.

CP BLOG

When our Traditions and Tired Beliefs are Calcified into Orthodoxy (Brief Thoughts On Women)

By Christian Post Guest Voices

Yesterday as I was sitting across from one of the people I respect most in the world my life changed forever. You see I have had many long years of being in pain, though I am on a path of healing. Yes, this story does have a happy (-ish) ending.

CP BLOG

A Review of Soul Detox by Craig Groeschel

By Michael Hyatt

According to Craig Groeschel, pastor of LifeChurch.tv, we are living in the most spiritually poisonous time in history. In his new book, Soul Detox: Clean Living in a Contaminated World, he outlines the various threats. In a moment, I’ll tell you how to get a free copy.