THE CHRISTIAN POST: "Front Page" Friday May 4 2012 Iyyar 12, 5772

(Photo: Saddleback Church/Jack Barry)

Pastor Crawford Loritts: Caring for Orphans Is Heart of God, Not a Fad

By Alex Murashko

A growing movement among Christians to combat a global orphan crisis should not just be a passing fad, an evangelical pastor insisted during the opening session of a two-day summit. Instead, caring for orphans should reflect the heart of God as shown in the Bible.

Youcef Nadarkhani's Attorney Sentenced to Prison; Iranian Pastor's Fate Unknown

By Katherine Weber

The sole attorney representing Iranian Christian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani has reportedly been sentenced to nine years in prison for alleged acts violating national security. His imprisonment would place Nadarkhani's case in further jeopardy, according to observers.

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US

National Day of Prayer in Washington D.C.

National Day of Prayer Participants Call for Wisdom and Unity

By Luiza Oleszczuk

The 61st annual National Day of Prayer saw participants focus on emphasizing their belief that the United States of America is a nation founded under God, and pray that President Barack Obama and other political leaders would use wisdom in their roles.

Poll: Social Issues Unimportant to Most Voters

By Napp Nazworth

Abortion, birth control and gay marriage ranked lowest on issues of importance to registered voters, according to a new Pew Research Center poll.

Billy Graham Endorses NC Marriage Amendment Before State Vote

By Paul Stanley

Renowned evangelist Billy Graham issued a statement voicing his support for an amendment that would define marriage as between a man and a woman, just under a week before North Carolina citizens will vote on the issue. Notably, Graham's endorsement is rare given that he typically avoids political issues.

Tenn. Governor Vetoes Vanderbilt Bill; All-Comers Policy to Remain in Place

By Katherine Weber

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam announced Wednesday that he will veto a House bill that seeks to override Vanderbilt University's new all-comers policy that some students say discriminates against faith groups.

Church & Ministries

Methodists Strike Down Amendment to 'Agree to Disagree' on Homosexuality

By Stoyan Zaimov

The United Methodist Church's General Conference, the denomination's top legislative body, voted Thursday by a 61 percent majority against adopting an amendment that would have altered language declaring homosexuality as sinful in official church doctrine.

United Methodists Vote Down Israel Divestment Proposals

By Michael Gryboski

Delegates of the General Conference of the United Methodist Church have voted down two proposals that would divest the denomination's funds from companies that did business in Israel.

Calvary Chapel Founder Considers Options for Cancer Treatment

By Alex Murashko

Calvary Chapel movement founder Chuck Smith is considering his options for treatment of cancer in his lungs after doctors who initially recommended surgery are now against the procedure after air capacity test results were unfavorable.

NC Megachurch Pastor Says It's a Sin to Forbid Speaking in Tongues

By Lillian Kwon

A Durham, N.C., megachurch pastor recently asserted that he would not forbid people from speaking in tongues and to do so is a sin.

Two Miss. Presbyterian Churches Vote to Leave PCUSA

By Michael Gryboski

Two Mississippi Presbyterian churches have voted to leave the Presbyterian Church (USA) over increasing theological differences. They will join the smaller and more conservative Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

A view of Crystal Cathedral, the glass-walled megachurch in Garden Grove, Calif., is seen this Aug. 10, 2011 photo.

Bobby Schuller, Choir Director and Former Congregants Return to Crystal Cathedral

By Luiza Oleszczuk

Less than two months after founding pastor Robert H. Schuller and his family left Crystal Cathedral Ministries over financial and leadership disputes, the Rev. Bobby Schuller, the elder Schuller's grandson, returned to the California megachurch on Sunday and was announced as a new regular guest speaker.

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Pastor Andy Stanley Responds to Questions Over Homosexuality Stance

Pastor Andy Stanley recently left some Christians ...

Delegate Jo Ann Carlotto (left) of the New England Conference wipes her eyes with a rainbow stole after delegates voted to maintain the United Methodist Church's stance on sexuality during the denomination's at 2012 General Conference in Tampa, Fla.

Methodists Strike Down Amendment to 'Agree to Disagree' on Homosexuality

The United Methodist Church's General Conference, ...

The 10 Warning Signs of an Inwardly Obsessed Church

Any healthy church must have some level of inward ...

Calvary Chapel Founder Considers Options for Cancer Treatment

Calvary Chapel movement founder Chuck Smith is ...

Warren Asks Mohler to Apologize for Megachurch Headline

A prominent evangelical's recent blog headline – "Is the Megachurch the New Liberalism?" – has irked Pastor Rick Warren, who is calling for an apology for the "sensational" title.

Andy Stanley Adds More Confusion: How Is the Church Supposed to Respond to Gays?

Pastor Andy Stanley Responds to Questions Over Homosexuality Stance

Pastor Andy Stanley recently left some Christians ...

Andy Stanley Didn't Leave Any Wiggle Room

Anyone who has been richly blessed over the years ...

Is the Megachurch the New Liberalism?

A shot now reverberating around the evangelical ...

Andy Stanley's Sermon That Brought Into Question His Position on Homosexuality (Video)

Groupon Offers Playboy Mansion Event After Torture Porn Tours

An anti-pornography group's call for a national ...

Michele Bachmann Endorses Romney; 'Easy Choice' vs. Obama

Following in the footsteps of her formal GOP ...

Gay GOP Group in 'Ongoing' Discussions With Romney Campaign, RNC

Log Cabin Republicans, a gay political action ...

Obama Proclaims May 3 as National Day of Prayer Amid Protest

President Obama signed his annual proclamation ...

PCUSA Seminary Honors Planned Parenthood Leadership

A Presbyterian Church (USA) seminary in New York ...

What's Needed to Preach to a Culture of Skeptics?

A professor of preaching says that pastors need more moral courage to deliver the Gospel message in today's skeptical world.

Texas Movie Theater Refuses to Run Atheist Ad; Lawsuit to Follow?

A Texas movie theater has refused to run an ad by ...

Methodist Church to Expand Reach to African, Asian and European Members

The United Methodist Church is set for some ...

Warren Asks Mohler to Apologize for Megachurch Headline

A prominent evangelical's recent blog headline ...

Entertainment

'Trade of Innocents' Producer: Plight of Child Sex Slaves 'Close to God's Heart'

By Ivana Kvesic

The Christian Post recently spoke with one of the producers of human trafficking film "Trade of Innocents" about why telling such a story through the lens of a feature film is powerful, and how the subject matter is important for both Christian and mainstream audiences.

Interview With Della Reese: 'God's Had a Bad Agent'

By Sami K. Martin

The Reverend Della Reese will turn 80 years old in July, and her life is a testimony to all who know her. Reese is perhaps best known for her powerful voice and for her role as head angel Tess on the hit series "Touched by an Angel." She spoke with The Christian Post about her life, faith, and what lies ahead. Don't count on her slowing down anytime soon!

Billy Graham's New 'Heaven Answer Book' Offers Insights Into the Afterlife

By Katherine Weber

Renowned evangelist Billy Graham has released a new book called The Heaven Answer Book, which promises to answer "questions that readers frequently have about death, the afterlife, and an eternity in heaven."

World

Chen Guangcheng to Leave China for Study Abroad Program in US?

By Luiza Oleszczuk

In what has become a closely watched international diplomatic and human rights crisis, Chinese authorities said Friday they would consider allowing blind dissident Chen Guangcheng to leave the country to study abroad in the United States.

'Offending' God, Quran or Muhammad Could Mean Death for Kuwait's Muslims

By Stoyan Zaimov

The Parliament of Kuwait approved a law on Thursday that stipulates capital punishment for Muslims in the country who mock Allah, the Quran, any of Islam's prophets and the wives of the faith's founder, the prophet Muhammad.

Atheist in Indonesia Facing 11 Years in Prison for Saying 'God Doesn't Exist'

By Stoyan Zaimov

An Indonesian atheist who posted the message "God doesn't exist" on Facebook and started an atheist page now faces up to 11 years imprisonment for breaching the most populous Muslim nation's blasphemy laws.

UK Doctor Fired for 'Peaceful Christmas' Email Loses Appeal

By Stoyan Zaimov

A doctor in the U.K. has lost an unfair dismissal case against the hospital that fired him two years ago for emailing a prayer to colleagues during Christmas.

Manny Pacquiao Praying for Mayweather Amid Allegations of Drug Use

Manny Pacquiao, 33-year-old high-profile Filipino ...

Tim Tebow Helping or Hindering His Christian Influence by Playing in NYC?

Tim Tebow, the New York Jets' newest quarterback, ...

Lecrae Releases Preview Video for Upcoming 'Church Clothes' Mixtape

Lecrae's break into the mainstream is just days ...

Colton Dixon Continues to Set Strong Example of Faith Post American Idol

Colton Dixon, who was eliminated from the popular ...

Tim Tebow Ranked Among NFL's Top 100 Players by Peers

Tim Tebow may only be a backup quarterback for the New York Jets, but that hasn't stopped his peers from voting him onto NFL Network's list of the Top 100 players in the league for 2012.

Nicki Minaj Says 'Church' Saved Her Family, Calls 'God' Her Hero

Nick Minaj, 29-year-old New York genre-bending ...

Jeremy Lin Shares Advice and Rap Skills With NYC Students, Christian Club

A New York City magnet school invited Jeremy Lin ...

Church of England's Search for New Archbishop Reveals Rifts Over Race?

With the search for a new leader for the Church ...

Orphan Care Summit: Mobilized Church Solution to Global Crisis

One of the leading advocates for orphan care is ...

'Jesus Heals Cancer' Billboard Replaced for Making 'False Promises'

A controversial church billboard in the town of Napier, New Zealand reading ''Jesus Heals Cancer'' has been replaced by a new message after advertising authorities ordered the original be taken down amid complaints that it made ...

Activist Chen Guangcheng Reportedly Leaves US Embassy After Threats by Chinese Officials

British Doctors in Favor of Denying Health Care to the Obese, Smokers

A new survey indicates that British physicians would prefer to have the option to deny services to patients struggling to kick their smoking and over-eating habits. Others have suggested that such a move would be a denial of ...

Arab Pastor: Christians Need to Return to Bible for Middle East Peace

An Israeli-Arab pastor with strong ties to the ...

Unidentified Attackers Kill 11 Anti-Government Protesters in Egypt

At least 11 people have been killed in Egypt, ...

Russian Activist Arrested on Way to Prayer Vigil to 'Deliver' Russia From Putin

CP Cartoons

Tech & Biz

Samsung Galaxy S3's Answer to Siri Is S-Voice

By Vincent Funaro

Samsung debuted the long awaited Samsung Galaxy S3 at its "Mobile Unpacked" event that took place in London, England and also showed off the device's impressive new feature, S-Voice.

HeavenUp: Brand New Christian Social Media Site Launched

By Emma Koonse

Uniting Christian worshipers worldwide, HeavenUp.com has officially launched Tuesday as the newest social networking site.

Religious Websites More Likely to Give You a Virus Than Pornographic Pages?

By Vincent Funaro

Religious websites might now actually be more of a threat to believers than pornographic pages.

Supermoon May 2012: Biggest Moon of the Year

By Emma Koonse

The biggest moon of the year has approached this month and can be seen at its biggest and brightest Saturday, May 5.

Taylor Kinney and Lady Gaga Split: 'I've Begun to Cherish My Loneliness,' She Says

Al Capone Hotel Hideout Listed on eBay

Mariano Rivera Faithful in God's Plan After Possible Career-Ending Injury; Praying for Next Move

End of World Poll Relieves Debtors: Finally, A Plan That Works

Linda Evangelista Child Support Battle Heats Up

One in Seven Think World Ending This Year: Poll

Kris Jenner Pushing Kim and Kanye TV Wedding; Still Legally Married

Skylar Laine 'Really Relieved' to Be Off of 'Idol'

Samsung Launches Sign-up Page for Consumers Interested in Galaxy S3

Eli Lilly Pharmaceutical Heist Largest in History

Christians 'Most Persecuted' Religious Group in the World, Says Expert

By Michael Gryboski

The head of a California-based evangelical religious liberty group stated Thursday that Christianity is presently the most persecuted religion on earth based on evidence gathered.

COLUMN

Eight Ways to Tell That I Might Be a Pharisee

By Perry Noble

I am a recovering Pharisee. I became obsessed with religious rules and legalism and forgot all about the grace that God had poured out on me through Jesus.

OPINION

New York and Christianity

By Eric Metaxas

It's like the Sinatra song: If Christianity can make it there, it can make it anywhere. I'm talking about New York, New York, my home town.

RELATIONSHIP

Five Myths About Living Together Before Marriage

By Dan Delzell

So you think there are advantages to living together rather than getting married. Before you close your mind any tighter on the issue, check out these five myths:

LEGAL

A Double Mandate to Silence Religious Freedom

By Erik W. Stanley

The battle over President Obama's abortion pill mandate does not show signs of letting up any time soon, and it manifests itself almost daily in various skirmishes.

INTERVIEW

Is 'the Culture' Really the Church's Problem?

By Ginny Mooney

Author Ken Myers doesn't believe "the culture" is the biggest challenge facing the Church today. Rather, it's the culture in the church that's the problem as many believers live not fully transformed by the Gospel.

CP BLOG

Miracles and the Laws of Science

By Christian Post Guest Voices

If this week I put a thousand pounds in the drawer of my desk, add two thousand next week and another thousand the week thereafter, the laws of arithmetic allow me to predict that the next time I come to my drawer, I shall find four thousand pounds.

TESTIMONY

Katie's Story

By Greg Stier

I didn't really grow up in a Christian household. I had some things happen to me as a kid that no girl should ever have to go through. I got this idea in my head that I had to pay for being such a screw up.

COLUMN

The 10 Warning Signs of an Inwardly Obsessed Church

By Thom S. Rainer

Any healthy church must have some level of inward focus. Those in the church should be discipled. But churches can lose their outward focus and become preoccupied with the perceived needs and desires of the members.

OPINION

Pastors Who Preach Grace, but Need Grace

By Paul Tripp

I was a very angry man. The problem was that I didn't know I was an angry man. My wife, Luella, knew that I was angry. My kids knew I was angry. But I didn't know. Luella was very faithful in bringing that anger before me with its resultant failures to love my family. She did it often and with much grace. But I would not listen.

CHURCH & MINISTRIES

Inside Church Planting: Outreach in an Unfamiliar Territory (Part 4)

By Jeff Schapiro

When most people hear the word "missionary" they probably imagine a Christian worker in a faraway land who is trying to adapt to a new culture while also trying to share the Gospel with the indigenous people. Church planters, in many ways, view themselves similar to that of a missionary because they have to know the people and the culture they are trying to reach in order to effectively share the message of Jesus Christ.

CP BLOG

A Faith of Our Own: Following Jesus Beyond the Culture Wars (PT 2)

By Book Stop

The Book Stop Blog is featuring excerpts from chapter one of A Faith of Our Own: Following Jesus Beyond the Culture Wars by Jonathan Merritt.

COUNSELING CORNER

Forgiveness: Who's Left Holding the Bag?

By June Hunt

While leading a Forgiveness workshop in Indiana, I asked attendees, "How many of you have had a huge struggle forgiving someone who has hurt you deeply?" Instantly, hands shot up across the room. Though my question came at the beginning of my session, it wasn't until the final 15 minutes that I looked out into the audience, made eye contact with a young man who'd earlier raised his hand, and asked him to join me on stage.

CP BLOG

Hollywood's Plan For Getting A Man

By Marc Newman

Remember when romantic commitment was followed by a ring, a date, a wedding, a house, kids, and a choice to act in a loving way toward the beloved every day until death parted the lovers? If you don’t, you have probably spent the last ten years or so watching Hollywood’s version of “the love story."

OPINIONS

Obama and Congress: At the Crossroads of Constitutional Balance

By Wallace Henley

"If Congress refuses to act… I'll continue to do everything in my power to act without them," the President of the United States said recently. The "power" to which the President referred was that of issuing executive orders, given in Article II, Sections 1 and 3 of the Constitution.

STATISTICS

Religion Census: Increase in Evangelicals, Mormons, Muslims; Decrease in Catholics, Mainline Protestants

By Napp Nazworth

A decennial census of U.S. religions in America was released Tuesday by the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies (ASARB). The results show a dramatic increase in the number of Latter-day Saints, or Mormons, and Muslims, a modest increase in the number of evangelical Protestants, and a drop in the number of Catholics and mainline Protestants.

OPINIONS

How to End the War on Terror

By Jim Denison

In breaking news this morning, suicide bombers have killed seven people in Afghanistan and wounded 17, most of them Afghan children on their way to school. According to a Taliban spokesman, their attack was in response to President Obama's visit to their country.

WOMEN

Some Complementarians Deny Women More Opportunities Than the Bible Does?

By John Piper

It's a delicate thing when you're not dealing with the clear, black-and-white issues of elder and non-elder. What kind of Sunday school classes they teach, what ages of boys they teach — those are ambiguities.

WORLD

Which Country Believes in God the Most, Least?

By Jeff Schapiro

A recently released report from the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago shows which countries have the most, and the least, belief in God by population percentage.

COLUMN

Pastor to Pastor: How's Your Church Doing?

By Bart Barber

It's such a common question. It's the perennial question that pastors ask one another whenever we assemble. It's the ministerial equivalent of "How about this weather we're having?" It's such an important question. Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for it (Ephesians 5:25). Pastors give up less for their churches than Christ gave, but most pastors still sacrifice profoundly for the sake of churches.

INTERVIEW

Joel Osteen on Prosperity Gospel, Crystal Cathedral, and Jesus

By Michelle A. Vu

Joel Osteen doesn't like to ruffle feathers; he is known for his open-arms, positive-thinking, God-wants-to-bless-you approach to Christianity, which has earned him a loyal following of millions worldwide and the largest and fastest growing church in U.S. history. But ironically by striving to not exclude anyone and embracing all, Osteen has in fact alienated a segment of evangelical Christians who accuse him of watering down the Gospel or preaching a "cotton candy Gospel."

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THE CHRISTIAN POST: "Front Page" Friday May 4 2012 Iyyar 12, 5772

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