THE CHRISTIAN POST: Friday June 1, 2012 Sivan 11, 5772

Pastor Ed Young of Fellowship Church in Texas preaching in front of the congregation in an undated photo.

(Photo: Fellowship Church)

Ed Young Warns Against Drinking 'Culture's Cool-Aid' in Sermon Series

By Stoyan Zaimov

"Are you drinking culture's Cool-Aid?" asks Pastor Ed Young of Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas. In his new "Cool-Aid" sermon series kicking off this weekend, Young urges people to stop giving in to social norms on issues like homosexuality and same-sex marriage and instead turn to the truth of God.

Planned Parenthood on Sex-Selective Abortion: 'It's Not Up to Us to Decide'

By Alex Murashko

The pro-life Live Action group released a second undercover video Thursday showing a Planned Parenthood clinic worker willing to help a woman abort her baby if it's a girl. The video's release comes on the same day the House of Representatives failed to pass the Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act (PRENDA) which would criminalize aborting a fetus because they are not a preferred gender.

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US

Appeals Court Rules Defense of Marriage Act Unconstitutional

By Napp Nazworth

An appeals court ruled Thursday that the part of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that denies federal benefits to same-sex married couples is unconstitutional.

John Edwards After Mistrial Declared: 'No One Else Responsible for My Sins'

By Paul Stanley

The case involving the affair between former Democratic Senator John Edwards and his mistress, Rielle Hunter, may be far from over. On Thursday the trial's presiding judge declared a mistrial after the jury informed the court that they were deadlocked on five counts but found him not guilty on one count.

Secular Coalition Creates 'Atheist Lobby' in Virginia

By Michael Gryboski

A nationwide secularist organization has established an atheist lobbying group in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Secular Coalition of America created a lobbying group to go to Richmond because they believe that the General Assembly has been influenced too much by religious views.

Church Receives Death Threats After Toddler's 'No Homos' in Heaven Song Hits Internet

By Stoyan Zaimov

An Indiana church that allowed a four-year-old boy to sing a short song containing the lyrics "ain't no homos gonna make it to heaven" is receiving death threats after a video of the performance went viral on the Internet.

Church & Ministries

Franklin Graham Leads 'Festival of Hope' Evangelism Outreach in Hungary

By Stoyan Zaimov

Franklin Graham, president and CEO of Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), is in Budapest, Hungary, Friday for the beginning of a three-day "Festival of Hope" event that seeks to revive evangelic efforts in the Eastern European nation.

John Piper, Jason Meyer Open Up About Succession

By Lillian Kwon

How would it feel to replace an influential preacher like John Piper in the pulpit? Jason Meyer admitted he did not want to be the man carrying on the baton that Piper carried faithfully for 32 years.

Iowa Church Built in 30 Hours

By Michael Gryboski

While constructing churches has been known to take years, decades, or even centuries, one Iowa sanctuary was raised in a little more than 30 hours.

Summer Bible Bee Contest Designed for Family Participation

By Alex Murashko

A national "Bible Bee" contest planned for this summer aims to not only improve Scripture verse memorization for children, but encourage participation from entire families to do an in-depth study.

Pastorum Live Conference Explores How Christians Fit in Bible's Grand Narrative

By Napp Nazworth

Participants of the Pastorum Live conference held June 5-6 in Chicago will have the opportunity to learn from some of the nation's top biblical scholars how they as Christians fit within the Bible's grand narrative.

Quick Links

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Interview: Edward Klein on 'The Amateur,' Obama's Faith

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright, who for years was the ...

The Seduction of Pornography and the Integrity of Christian Marriage, Part 1

The most important answer we can give to ...

Benny Hinn Announces Reconciliation With Former Wife

Popular televangelist Benny Hinn has officially ...

'Mormon Moment' Forcing Christians to Learn About Mormonism

With Mitt Romney now the first Mormon presidential nominee of a major party, America has reached what many are calling the "Mormon moment." That reality is forcing Christian leaders to get a better grasp of a religion that few understand.

National Doughnut Day: Free Donuts at Dunkin' Donuts, Krispy Kreme Today

National Doughnut Day 2012 has arrived on Friday, ...

'I Am Second' Book Offers Deeper Look at Christian Celebrities' Faith Life

Millions of lives have been touched by the ...

Liberal Author Denouces Obama's Terrorist Hit List

Bestselling author Glenn Greenwald denounced the ...

National Doughnut Day: Free Donuts at Dunkin' Donuts, Krispy Kreme Today

National Doughnut Day 2012 has arrived on Friday, ...

CP World Report: Egypt Coptic Church, Nigeria Christian Persecution, Syria Massacre

Victims of Explosion in Israel Lament Plea Agreement

A Messianic Jewish congregation leader whose son ...

Sex-Selection Abortions Bill Voted Down

The House of Representatives failed on Thursday ...

Pope Addresses 'Vatileaks' Scandal in General Audience

Pope Benedict XVI recently delivered a message in ...

Religious Liberty Group to Defend Mont. Jesus Statue Against Atheists

A religious liberty legal organization has filed ...

More Blogs

How Your Preaching Can Hurt Your Church

I love preaching. I love to preach myself and I ...

Is the God of the Old Testament a Merciless Monster? (PART 7)

Atheists would do well to listen to N. T. Wright ...

Chuck Smith, Calvary Chapel Founder, Says Some Mormons Are Christians

Are Mormons Christians, in the context of being ...

Atheism and the Great Debate

Recently my family watched a debate between Mr. ...

Entertainment

Rapper and evangelical Christian Lecrae Moore. (File)

Lecrae Sets Record Straight on Christian Hypocrisy in 'Church Clothes'

By Nicola Menzie

Hoping to set the record straight on his intent with a recent video for his mixtape album "Church Clothes," hip-hop artist and evangelical Christian Lecrae Moore issued a statement insisting that his work was meant to highlight hypocrisy in churches and not cause "a stir" in the Christian community.

Christian Author Tells How God Took Her Back From Witchcraft

By Alex Murashko

A feeling of being abandoned by God and a curiosity about the pagan religion of Wicca led her to a 10-year life immersed in witchcraft, says a first-time Christian author. S.A. (Seleah Ally) Tower said she wants to share her story in order for others to learn how she escaped a very dark period in her life.

Andy Garcia 'Honored' to Play Religious Freedom Fighter in Upcoming Film

By Michael Gryboski

Actor Andy Garcia said it was an honor to play the role of a religious freedom fighter from Mexico in the soon-to- be released film "For Greater Glory."

World

Syrian refugees and local residents take part in a demonstration against Syria's President Bashar Al-Assad after Friday prayers outside the Syrian embassy in Amman March 9, 2012.

Syria Troops Shell Houla Massacre Site as Survivors Recount Horror

By Ivana Kvesic

Syrian troops reportedly shelled on Thursday morning the central farming villages of Houla, the site of a horrific massacre that left 108 people dead last weekend and where gruesome stories of violence have been trickling out to the international press.

Mohammed Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood candidate competing against Ahmed Shafiq in a runoff election to become Egypt's first elected president in 60 years, has allegedly said that the Coptic Christian population should "convert, pay tribute, or leave" the

Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood Candidate Wants Christians to 'Convert, Pay Tribute, or Leave' the Country?

By Ivana Kvesic

Mohammed Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood candidate competing against Ahmed Shafiq in a runoff election to become Egypt's first elected president in 60 years, has allegedly said that the Coptic Christian population should "convert, pay tribute, or leave" the predominantly Muslim country.

British Lawmakers Propose Altering Consummation Laws to Allow Same-Sex Marriage

By Katherine Weber

Lawmakers in England have proposed changing the language of the country's consummation laws, a part of Great Britain's Marriage Act, in order to allow homosexual couples to legally marry.

Black Italian Soccer Player Balotelli Vows to Walk Out of Euro 2012 Over Racism

By Stoyan Zaimov

Black Italian soccer player Mario Balotelli has threatened to leave any games during Euro 2012, the upcoming international soccer tournament, if he faces any racism during the top championship event.

Justin Bieber Ready to Perform After Suffering Concussion; Star Guides Fans on Prayer

Jon 'Bones' Jones Pleads Guilty to DUI; UFC President Comments on Arrest

Jon "Bones" Jones, the 24-year-old Christian UFC ...

Shaunie O'Neal Consults With Pastor About Quitting 'Basketball Wives'

Shaunie O'Neal, producer of VH1's reality show ...

'Colton Dixon Day' Declaration by Murfreesboro Mayor Surprises Singer

American Idol top ten finalist Colton Dixon ...

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

Eva Longoria is Beckham Baby's Godmother; Victoria and David Planning Christening

Gaga's Apology After Indonesian Muslims Force Concert Cancellation

Lady Gaga has apologized to fans after canceling ...

International Outcry Grows Over Syria's Houla Massacre

A weekend massacre that left over 100 people dead ...

Hair Salon's Jesus Ad Not Deemed Offensive

An advertisement for a hair salon in England that makes a joke about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ has been deemed acceptable by the United Kingdom's major advertising watchdog organization.

Court Rulings Mirror Fears, Hopes in Egyptian Vote

In the lead-up to the country's first democratic ...

Violence Continues in Nigeria as Akinola Criticizes President

In Nigeria's Plateau state, Christian leaders ...

Norway Mass Murder Suspect Believed to Be Secretly Gay, Depressed Before Massacre

Christian Schools Promote Bad Values, Says Austrailian Professor

Are Christian schools a risk to society? One ...

The Arms Trade Treaty: Christians Unite Against International Violence

The Arms Trade Treaty, an over-arching regulatory idea concerning international arms trade, has reached the ears of the Obama administration and the rest of the world. In July, many of the world's nations will meet in New York ...

Egyptians Protest as Mubarak PM, Muslim Brotherhood Leader Vie for Presidency

UK Christian Health Worker Sues Over Dismissal for Pro-Life Views

A Christian woman suspended from the U.K. ...

CP Cartoons

Tech & Biz

Samsung Galaxy S3-Like Upgrades Now Available for Galaxy Nexus

By Vincent Funaro

For Galaxy Nexus owners looking to have access to some of the finer features of the Samsung Galaxy S3, an add-on pack is now available for the older handset that gives it some of the S3's new abilities.

Star Wars Breaks Records, Ties Religious Themes

Star Wars 1313 Game Unveiled

By Emma Koonse

LucasArts has officially announced a new video franchise "Star Wars 1313," exciting gamers across the world on Friday.

iPhone 5 Video Surfaces Showing the Device's Front Glass Panel

By Vincent Funaro

A new video has surfaced that shows the next-generation iPhone's front glass panel.

Salty Watermelon Pepsi, New Flavor Coming Soon

By Emma Koonse

Pepsi Japan has announced a new "salty watermelon" flavor, causing many Americans to shudder in disgust.

Rebecca Adlington Quits Twitter After Bullying

Bethenny Frankel Talk Show Preview (VIDEO)

One Million Mothers Fight Against JC Penney's Same-Sex Father's Day Ad

Leonardo DiCaprio on 'Baywatch' is 'Best Thing That Never Happened,' Says David Hasselhoff

Alanis Morissette Breastfeeds Baby Until 'Whenever': How Long Is Too Long?

'Real Housewives' Cast Salaries Revealed: O.C, Beverly Hills and Atlanta

Scott Foley on 'True Blood' Role: What is His 'Mission'? (VIDEO)

Cannabis Without 'High' Developed by Israeli Scientists

Is Apple Planning to Release a Standalone Camera?

Matthew Fox Assault Charges Dropped

Do I View Others as Bigger Sinners?

By Dan Delzell

One huge indicator of spiritual health and maturity is when a Christian views his sin as being at least as great, if not greater, than the sins of others. Apostle Paul ministered to people out of that deep sense of being a bigger sinner than anyone he was trying to reach with the Gospel.

MINISTRY

'Joni and Friends' Celebrates Three Decades of Radio Ministry

By Jeff Schapiro

The month of May marked the 30th anniversary of Joni Eareckson Tada's award-winning radio program, "Joni and Friends Radio," which has inspired listeners around the world and educated them about people with disabilities.

EDITORIALS

America's Moral Temperature: Is Pornography the Next Battleground?

By Dr. Richard D. Land

A newly released Gallup poll taking America's moral temperature finds strong support for fidelity in marriage and increasing respect for unborn life, but in other key areas – specifically sex outside of marriage and homosexuality – Americans may have lost their biblical compass. And, unless all people of faith unite in opposition, pornography may be next.

PASTORS

The Dark Secret of Pastoral Ministry: Why Pastors Get Tired

By Paul Tripp

He had thought that his deep dedication and unending schedule were the result of the motivation and loyalty of faith, but in midst of his exhaustion and his family's protest, he began to wonder. Could it be that this life of frenetic energy and constant ministry focus was driven by something else?

GLOBAL

A Week in China - Insight Into WEA's Meetings With China's Officials

By Brian C Stiller

World Evangelical Alliance's (WEA) Secretary General Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe, and WEA Global Ambassador, Brian Stiller, met with China's director of the State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA) in May to discuss the place of the Chinese Evangelical Church within the global Christian community.

CHURCH

The Kind of Church God Blesses

By Rick Warren

London has some of the most beautiful, historic churches in the entire world. Yet they are also some of the most empty. I was struck by this recently when I was in the city to do a Bible study. Churches are dying off so fast that they're being sold off to bars and restaurants. London churches are desperate for the blessing of God.

INTERVIEW

Edward Klein on 'The Amateur,' Obama's Faith

By Paul Stanley

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright, who for years was the pastor of Barack and Michelle Obama, told author Edward Klein in a three-hour interview for his book, The Amateur, that the first couple are not "church people." Released last week, the book instantly hit The New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists and is drawing both praise and criticism for its portrayal of the president's inexperience prior to and during his first term.

COLUMN

The Church and Homosexuality: Ten Commitments

By Kevin DeYoung

Of the many complexities involving the church and homosexuality, one of the most difficult is how the former should speak of the latter. So how ought we to speak about homosexuality? Should we be defiant and defensive or gentle and entreating?

SPORTS

Josh Hamilton's Secret

By Jim Denison

In breaking news, the pope's butler has agreed to cooperate with investigators. Observers are now speculating that other church leaders will soon be implicated in the widening scandal. Meanwhile, Apple's CEO Tim Cook has passed on $75 million in dividend payments due to him over the next 9 years. His decision is a welcome departure from the inflated CEO salaries that regularly lead the news.

U.S.

'Mormon Moment' Forcing Christians to Learn About Mormonism

By Lillian Kwon

COLUMN

The Seduction of Pornography and the Integrity of Christian Marriage, Part 1

By R. Albert Mohler, Jr.

The most important answer we can give to pornography's rise in popularity is rooted in the Christian doctrine of sin. As sinners, we corrupt what God has perfectly designed for the good of His creatures and we have turned sex into a carnival of orgiastic pleasures.

LIVING

Is It Possible to Love Your Spouse Too Much?

By Jim Daly

Many of us will be attending weddings in the coming months. They're rightly enamored with each other and want to do everything they can to please their new spouse. This is good, of course, but it can also be a problem if it's taken to the extreme.

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.

OPINION

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."

CHURCH & MINISTRIES

Why You Ought to Have Your Children With You in Church

By Scott Brown

Is your church like the early church where children were present in the meetings? Have you experienced what parents experienced back then? Do your children have the blessing of worshiping with the richness of the whole body or are they segregated among their own subculture?

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.