The Christian Post: Thursday August 30, 2012 Elul 12, 5772

paul ryan
(Photo: REUTERS/Joe Skipper)

Ryan Promises Tough Decisions to Lead America to 'Turnaround'

By Anugrah Kumar

Rep. Paul Ryan accepted his party's vice presidential nomination amid a series of standing ovations Wednesday as he lambasted President Barack Obama and pledged that he and Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney will make tough decisions to give America a "turnaround."

Christian Groups Measure Gay Factor at Schools With 'Anti-Bullying Policy Yardstick'

By Alex Murashko

The Christian organization Focus on the Family is partnering with a religious freedom legal team to make sure public school policies on bullying include protection for all students and do not only address those who are favored by activist groups advancing a homosexual agenda.

US

Democratic National Convention

Dems Eyeing Rape, Abortion Protests as Game Changer to Woo Independents

By Paul Stanley

With at least 10 percent of the U.S. voting population undecided 70 days before the election, Democrats and Republicans are launching wildly different strategies to gather in what pundits are calling the "persuadables."

The families of the victims of the Aurora, Colo., shooting massacre spoke out on Tuesday about their discontentment with the way a relief fund set up to help them is being managed.

The lower house of the California legislature has voted for a bill that would allow judges in the state to rule that children have more than two parents. Ron Prentice said that SB 1476 was "part of the ongoing attempt by the homosexual caucus of Calif. legislators to mandate the normalization of homosexual relationships, regardless of the effect on innocent children."

Phyllis Schlafly, founder of Eagle Forum, and Tony Perkins, president of Family Research Council, hosted a Tuesday event during the Republican National Convention honoring Rep. Michele Bachmann (Minn.), Rep. Louie Gohmert (Texas), Texas Governor Rick Perry and former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum for their advocacy for the unborn.

A coach from a Georgia high school known for leading prayers with the team and serving them meals at a local church has gained a growing level of support from social media.

A new poll by the Pew Research Center has found that although many Americans believe rich people are smart and work hard for their money, many also believe that the rich are greedy and dishonest.

Church & Ministries

Mark Driscoll

Mark Driscoll: 'Most Christians Stink at Evangelism'

By Alex Murashko

Mars Hill Church Pastor Mark Driscoll had some harsh words about "most Christians" when it comes to their ability to evangelize. "Most churches stink at evangelism. Most ministries stink at evangelism. Most Christians stink at evangelism."

Perhaps reflecting the mood near the end of the event, an Internet technician for Harvest America was so excited during the invitation by evangelist Greg Laurie to make a commitment to Jesus he jumped out of his chair in the press box during the mega evangelistic endeavor webcast live from Angels Stadium in Southern California to more than 2,200 host locations Sunday.

Does God merely watch a sin taking place in the world and then "use" that for good, or are even the worst of sins predestined and designed by Him? In a weekend seminar, preacher John Piper dealt with the complex issue of God's providence.

The mayor of San Diego has decided to not suspend the conditional use permit of a large local church, going against an earlier recommendation.

More News

NY Cardinal Dolan to Also Pray at Democratic Convention

After giving the closing benediction at the ...

FRC Opposed Rule Change Aimed at Ron Paul Supporters; Compromise Reached

The Family Research Council, along with other ...

Calif. Lawmakers Approve Ban on Sexual Orientation Change Efforts for Teens

California is getting closer to becoming the first state to ban reparative therapy, which is aimed at making homosexuals straight, for minors. The State Assembly passed the ban Tuesday.

Majority of Republicans Back Romney as Nominee, Poll Shows

Just before Mitt Romney was formally nominated as ...

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

Francis Chan, founder and chancellor of Eternity ...

Ann Romney Says 'No One Will Move Heaven, Earth Like Mitt' to Help Others

Ann Romney usually remains in the background when ...

New Report Reveals Voting Interests of Churchgoing, Christian Women

Barna Group released the final report in a ...

Bill Nye Denies 'Attacking Religion' in Anti-Creationism Video

Famed television scientist Bill Nye is defending ...

Pope Compares Disobedient, Unbelieving Catholics to Judas

Pope Benedict XVI delivered an address from the ...

Entertainment

Obama

'2016: Obama's America' Movie Stuns Hollywood?

By Alex Murashko

After another high-money earning weekend for the movie "2016: Obama's America," author and filmmaker Dinesh D'Souza promises to expand to about 1,600 theaters by next weekend. Uncomplimentary movie reviews by liberal columnists telling moviegoers to stay away from the film have not deterred the film's success so far.

An affiliate of NBC in Utah has refused to air "The New Normal," a new television show about a single mother's life as a surrogate for a gay couple, finding the program "inappropriate" for family viewing.

"The American Bible Challenge," hosted by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, premiered Thursday night on the Game Show Network and combined elements of faith and fun while contestants played to win money for their favorite charities.

A prominent atheist organization is calling for an investigation over reports that a high school football coach in Georgia had several local churches provide pre-game meals for the football team.

In light of the success of his recent film "Monumental," The Christian Post caught up with Kirk Cameron this week.

World

evangelistic crusade

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

By Andrea Madambashi

The two-day Evangelistic Crusade Victorious Life For You has drawn an impressive crowd in Brazil. The event is in its 16th year and according to organizers more than 650,000 attended the event this year in Ponta Negra Beach, Amazonas state in the northwest of Brazil.

Last week the American Jewish Committee (AJC), a Jewish advocacy group, urged Iran's Non-Alignment Movement summit to address the plight of Iranian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, who has been imprisoned for over 1,000 days due to his Christian faith.

Reports from Mexico indicate that a federal court has ordered one state to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies, much to the disappointment of local religious leaders who feel such actions will be detrimental to the traditional family structure.

As most of the western world remains in shock that an 11-year-old Christian girl believed to have Down syndrome was imprisoned in Pakistan for blasphemy, the Institute on Religion and Democracy (IRD) has praised the World Council of Churches's decision to hold an urgent international conference on the issue.

Reports are coming out of France that lawmakers in the country could pass legislation that would legalize gay marriage by as early as October and would make France the ninth European country to enact such laws.

Tim Tebow Won't Accept RB Title Just Yet, Impressing Rex Ryan

Tim Tebow is setting the record straight for New ...

New Urban Outfitters T-Shirts Promote Underage Drinking, Critics Say

Urban Outfitters, a popular clothing brand among ...

New Border Fence Construction in Arizona Could Start by Year's End

Arizona officials are coming together to show ...

Belly Fat Worse Than Obesity, Says Study

A new study recently released revealed that ...

Kim Kardashian Donating Clothes Tossed by Kanye West to Church

Kim Kardashian had her entire wardrobe overhauled ...

Stallone Half-Sister Toni's Death, Family Tragedy Continues

Just weeks after losing his son, Sylvester ...

Gabby Douglas Bullied as a Child, Reveals All in Oprah Interview

Gabby Douglas was bullied in the past, the ...

Lance Armstrong Gives Up 7 Titles: Why? Ask Fans

Although the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has ...

'The New Normal' Utah Ban Creates Debate Over Family Values on Television

"The New Normal" a television show about a gay ...

Justin Bieber Confirmed for 'X-Factor'; Will Appear As Guest Mentor

Justin Bieber will appear on the upcoming season ...

Lisa Whelchel on Survivor: Will Her Faith Play a Role in New Series?

Actress Lisa Whelchel, who played Blair on "The ...

Tech & Biz

Mars Curiosity

Mars Curiosity Rover Sends First High Resolution Photos

By Myles Collier

For the first time, Mars rover Curiosity has sent back detailed, high-resolution pictures as well as the first human voice ever broadcast from the Red Planet.

Apple secured a big victory over Samsung in court this month and the company will now seek to ban several of its competitor's products.

Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas will be making his intergalactic debut on Tuesday when a song of his will be broadcast from the Mars rover Curiosity.

The iPhone 5 will not come equipped with an NFC (near-field-communications) chip, according to a new report.

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.

OPINIONS

Ditching Obvious Truths in the Information Age

By Robert Knight

Facebook

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."

OPINIONS

Why Does God Allow Hurricanes?

By Jerry Newcombe

Tourists walk along beach taking photos of tropical storm Isaac as it moves over Key West, FL on August 26, 2012.

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

Calvin

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

Toure Roberts

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.

OPINION

The Spirit World Influences Every Human Being

By Dan Delzell

Dan Delzell

Every human being is influenced by spirits from a different world. Even those people who don't believe in spiritual beings are nevertheless under their control. The reality of the spirit world is not based on human reason. It is based on fact. It is what it is. The fact that it is invisible to the human eye does not make it any less real.

EVANGELISM

5 Reasons Why Christians Struggle to Evangelize

By Greg Stier

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

Thom 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

Arizona immigration

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

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.

COUNSELING CORNER

The Sexual Predator Pattern

By June Hunt

June Hunt

Typically, childhood sexual abuse is not a onetime, isolated incident, but rather a premeditated plan resulting in repeated abuse by a perpetrator. While the details in each story of abuse may be different, perpetrators follow a predetermined pattern of behavior: first seducing, then stimulating, silencing and suppressing the child.

OPINION

Why Anger Is Essential

By Paul Tripp

Paul tripp

In a world that has been terribly broken by sin, where nothing operates as was intended, and where evil often has more immediate influence than good, it would be wrong not to be angry.

OPINIONS

Texas' 'Crazy County Judge' Similar to Noah and His Ark?

By Wallace Henley

wallace henley

Lubbock seems as far from the spiritual-moral-social-political-cultural tempest roiling America as that Mesopotamian dry gulch where Noah built his big boat was from the world's seven seas. No wonder Noah was a "national laughingstock."

INTERVIEW

Q&A: Perry Noble on Praying for 3,000 Salvations in One Weekend

By Jeff Schapiro

Perry Noble

Perry Noble, senior pastor of NewSpring Church in South Carolina, wants to see God do "big things" in his church, which is why he and the members of his congregation have been praying all week with the hope of seeing 3,000 people become saved during this weekend's services.

OPINIONS

How Do We Respond to the Question 'What About Rape and Incest?'

By Karen Gushta

Pro-life

The truth is: abortion hurts women. Giving a woman the abortion option—whether she is the victim of a rape or a married woman with unplanned pregnancy—is not the "compassionate answer." Abortion does not bring healing; it brings misery, pain, and suffering, as millions of women who have had abortions can attest.

CHURCH

10 Questions to Diagnose the Evangelistic Health of Your Church

By Thom S. Rainer

Anglican

In my work with churches across America, I often ask a series of questions that help me assist the church to become more evangelistically focused. Are members more concerned about the lost than their own preferences and comfort?

OPINIONS

Thoughts From an Evangelical on the Upcoming Elections

By Timothy George

voters

How should an evangelical Christian decide who to support in this election? There is a difference between Christian discernment and partisan politics. The Kingdom of Christ cannot be equated with any political party.

OPINIONS

Rape, Abortion, and Roe v. Wade

By Jerry Newcombe

Pro-life

Just this week, a politician got in trouble for his unfortunate remarks about rape and abortion. While the media has been piling on, enjoying a feeding frenzy over that which he himself has apologized for, there's another story (also out of St. Louis) I want to draw attention to.

COLUMN

How to Be a Spirit-Filled Christian

By Dan Delzell

National Day of Prayer in Washington D.C.

So you got saved. Welcome to the family. But now what? Before you are tempted to go out and try to imitate other Christians who are living a good life, I have a better idea for you to consider. Forget "imitation." Think "impartation." Think filling. Think fullness.

THEOLOGY

Are Christians Under the 10 Commandments?

By John Piper

John Piper

You are in Christ Jesus and he fulfilled the law perfectly. He covered all your sins. Now, shall we sin that grace may abound? Paul says, "Dead men don't sin." If you've died to sin, how can you still live in it?

CHURCH & MINISTRIES

Tim Tebow Foundation Program Continues to Bring Joy to Ailing Children

By Jeff Schapiro

New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow meets with 16-year-old Slone Kays as a part of the Tim Tebow Foundation's W15H program.

Tim Tebow may be in a new city with a new uniform, but his W15H program continues to put smiles on the faces of children who are suffering from life-threatening illnesses.

PASTORS

The Pastoral Practicality of Law-Gospel Theology

By Tullian Tchividjian

Tullian Tchividjian

Our church was recently hit with a high-ranking moral tragedy. It was discovered that a staff member (and close friend) was engaging in marital infidelity. How do you handle something like this? What do you tell people?

LIVING

Experiencing Wholeness Through Truth and Time

By Joyce Meyer

megachurch pastor

God loves you and wants to have a relationship with you. In fact, He will never love you more than He does at this moment, and you don't have to get your life all together before you can have a relationship with Him.

OPINION

Is Skinny-Dipping in Galilee Sacrilegious?

By Russell D. Moore

Plain of Bethsaida

Conservative Christians, obviously, aren't for getting naked in public and drunk anywhere. That said, I don't think there's anything here to be outraged about, as some sort of act of desecration. It was, to be sure, immature and stupid.

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