Eric Smith

This is very surprising to me. Apparently Sunday continues to be the most segregated day of the week:

"The Rev. Paul Earl Sheppard had recently become the senior pastor of a suburban church in California when a group of parishioners came to him with a disturbing personal question.

They were worried because the racial makeup of their small church was changing. They warned Sheppard that the church's newest members would try to seize control because members of their race were inherently aggressive. What was he was going to do if more of "them" tried to join their church?"

Read the rest HERE.

The new religion mocking film by Bill Maher called Religulous, is due out in theaters tomorrow.

Maher mocking religion is nothing new and he really, to an extent - has a point. When you look back at the Inquisition, pedophile priests, money hungry tele-evangelists and others who have deceived or damaged in the name of God - religion deserves to be mocked.

However his case that religion has been the single greatest cause of death and destruction on the planet is inaccurate. That title belongs to Atheistic communism, which is estimated by some to be responsible for over 100 million deaths.

So religions or religious views aren't the the issue at hand - rather it is mankind's sinful nature that's the problem. This film inadvertently proves that point - we are a fallen and sinful race that has done everything in it's power to reconnect to the God who gave us life - failing miserably at our man made efforts to do so.

Man's only hope for that change of nature and reconnection to God comes only by the transforming power of Jesus Christ - and that has nothing to do with man made religion.

Are you a Christian or a "Christ Follower"? Is there a difference? Does it matter? For some - apparently so. I've been somewhat curious as to what's behind this new fad that would cause life long Christians to want to suddenly be referred to as "Christ follower" instead of as a "Christian". Don't get me wrong - a Christ follower is a very good thing and I'm one myself. But why the change? What's the big deal? Is it bad to be called a "Christian"? After all, "Christ followers" have been called "Christians" for nearly 2,000 years. The name started all the way back in Acts 11:26 where we learn that the disciples were first called Christians in the city of Antioch. The Apostle Peter later added: "However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name." 1 Peter 4:16. I do praise God that I bear that name - Christian. And that's why I'm not sure we should be so quick to abandon that name. It's fitly described believers for the last 2,000 years - and now it suddenly doesn't work for some?

I get that there have been plenty of hypocrites, bad eggs and just plain lousy representations of Christianity that have without question hurt the name of Jesus and the name "Christian". But is that alone a good reason to abandon the name 'Christian' - given that the name 'Christian' literally means 'Christ follower' anyway?

I'm a big fan of Ohio State football. I went to the Ohio State/Michigan game a couple of years ago in Columbus with a friend of mine who is a Michigan fan. I wore my scarlet and gray and he wore the Michigan maize and blue. Throughout the day he was treated OK by most of the fans. There were, however, exceptions - exceptions who acted like absolute idiots and embarrassed me as an Ohio State fan. Since that time and despite those bad eggs, I haven't once considered calling myself a 'scarlet and gray follower' instead of a Buckeye fan in order to distance myself from miscreants who like the same team as I. My friend is also smart enough to know that not all Buckeye fans act like some did at that game. I could give other examples - but the point is that you will find clueless, out of touch, ignorant people in ALL genre's of life - so are we going to find other names to label ourselves with when we find whatever term(s) we are labeled with is no longer cool?

History reveals that there have been plenty of fakes and frauds doing terrible things while they carried the name of Jesus - but that didn't cause Luther, Huss, Tyndale or Wesley to abandon the name Christian. Are we smarter than they were?

Do people who prefer the label "Christ follower" really think they they are going to outrun the negative examples and phonies who wear the name of Christ? Good luck with that. Give 'Christ Followers' enough time and they will undoubtedly garner more than their fair share of hypocrites as well. Then what happens? Another name change?

Part of this name change appears to be attempt to put distance between those believers whom they deem to be uncool and/or out of touch. Which leads me to this thought: I don't think we're smarter than the saints of old, but I do think we may be more smug. The smugness with which this "Christ follower" thing is coming off is what bothers me. It's a smugness fed by generational conceit. It's the old "I'm better/smarter/got-it-more-figured-out/ than you do" thinking.

Can we dispense with the 'label war' and let believers be who they are, and concern ourselves with loving our neighbors as ourselves while going after God with every fiber of our being? What's the point of mocking and belittling other believers anyway? Is this what a real 'Christ follower' should be doing?

I guess some believers love their labels more than they realize.

Last night I got a brief history lesson of what it was like being a Pentecostal Christian back in the 1920's and 30's in America. In our small groups at church my mom shared her experiences of growing up in a Pentecostal family in that era. Hearing her stories I was reminded just how 'leprous' it was to be a Pentecostal Christian in those days. She related how neighborhood children would be her friend until their parents found out that my mom's family were 'tongue talkers' and that would be the end of the friendship - leaving her to play alone most of her growing up years. My mom and grandparents even experienced the people who would literally sneak up to their church in order peer in the windows to see what was happening inside - then wait outside until after service so they could throw rotten tomato's and eggs at the believers coming out of the church. Pentecostal believers know a little bit about the ugliness of prejudice.

I've experienced a little "Pentecostal prejudice" myself - not nearly to the extent of my mom or grandparents endured - but I know what it feels like to be 'left off the list' because of who I am. I've been in various circles and felt the cold icy chill enter the room as I relayed that I was Pentecostal. I have plenty of friends and family who've shared stories of exclusion or wrong treatment by various "Non-denominational Christian" schools and organizations, merely because they found out that they were of the Pentecostal persuasion. It's honestly very easy for me to see why some people hate Christians - I've seen (and still see) that gross, superior, 'Eww, I'm better than you' attitude firsthand in 'Christian' circles.

I see it's ugly head popping up again lately (albeit mostly from secular sources) in the media when they found out that Governor Sarah Palin is a Pentecostal believer and were (are) eager to show that she is some sort of loon.

Meanwhile - there's no comparable Christian movement on the planet to the Pentecostal movement. There are a half a billion Pentecostal believers and growing - and by no accident the Pentecostal movement continues to be the fastest growing movement within Christianity. Some of the harshest critics of Pentecost such as the "speaking in tongues is of the devil" crowd - is dwindling away. (Some of them are Pentecostal believers who now attend my church!)

In spite of all of the prejudice and bitterness that we as Pentecostals have experienced - my heart as a Pentecostal believer and pastor is not to fight back, cop an attitude, or even debate the Holy Spirit Baptism as a doctrine. My desire is that all believers would come to enjoy the fullness of the Holy Spirit Baptism - to enjoy it as the blessing and empowerment from God that it is meant to be. I no longer waste time trying to convince the 'unconvince-able' with scripture or theology - I simply pray that God would reveal Himself to them in ways they've never experienced Him before.

A bit of heart breaking news - Christian singer Ray Boltz publicly announced that he is a homosexual last Friday during an interview with the Washington Blade. Boltz is known for mega Christian hits such as "Thank You" & "Watch The Lamb". He had retired from Christian music several years ago.

If you've seen the recent Matt Damon interview (posted below) he states that he wants to know if Governor Sarah Palin "believes that dinosaurs were on the earth 4,000 years ago", stated in the usual condescending, Hollywood elitist way.

His question reminded me of a picture taken of a recent discovery. They say a picture is worth a thousand words (years?) so check the pic below:


What you are looking at comes from the inside of a T. Rex thigh bone found in Montana in 2005. Slide A shows tissue fragments that are still elastic. Slide B shows a rather 'fresh' tissue appearance. Slide C shows regions of bone where fibrous structure is still present!

The problem (for some scientists) is that T. Rex is thought by many to have been extinct for 65 million years - in fact the very bone this tissue sample comes from is said to be around 70 million years old in the National Geographic article!

Does it not beggar belief that this elastic, fresh looking tissue could have really lasted for the last 70 million years?

Dinosaurs on the earth 4,000 years ago?

Here's a better question - can someone with complete honesty and scientific integrity expect me to believe this tissue sample is 70 million years old?

Politics admittedly is a dirty, and at times, ugly business. The mud-slinging, the attacks, have long been an unfortunate part of the political process in recent American history. But the battle we are currently watching take place in the American political landscape goes way beyond Obama vs. McCain - it even goes way beyond Democrat vs. Republican. What we are watching unfold is literally the clash of worldviews. Governor Sarah Palin (like her or not) is a professing born again Christian, of which she is of the conservative evangelical variety. She believes the Bible cover to cover - she believes God created the earth just like the Book of Genesis says - she believes abortion is wrong - she believes Jesus Christ is man's only hope and salvation.

In the opinion of some, those beliefs make her unfit for public office. Why? Because they don't like them. Those Biblical views clash with the thinking of the unregenerated secular world. Note just two recent examples of some of this harsh criticism of Palin and her worldview:

- South Carolina Democratic chairwoman Carol Fowler sharply attacked Sarah Palin today, saying John McCain had chosen a running mate "whose primary qualification seems to be that she hasn’t had an abortion." That Palin is a woman who is strongly Pro-Life is obviously going to clash with someone with an unbiblical view of life and the unborn - thus the 'snarky' comment.

- The video below is a Matt Damon interview where he was asked what he thought about Sarah Palin. Besides all of the other "nice" comments he makes - notice towards the end of the clip that he takes a swipe at Christianity by stating with a mocking tone: "What I want to know is does she believe dinosaurs were on the earth 4,000 years ago?"



It's not just clashing politics my friends - it's clashing cultures and worldviews.

The Truth:

Isaiah 5:20: Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

2 Peter 3:3: Knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.

Just read a horrific story of how police are seeking 3 or 4 juveniles near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who set a pit bull on fire burning the poor dog to a crisp.

At the end of the story the District Attorney Lynne Abraham made this statement concerning the case: "How we treat our animals is a reflection upon society as a whole."

The thought that immediately popped into my mind is - how about we replace the word "animals" with "unborn"? That says even more about our society.

Having spent the last 5 months dealing with the nightmare of my sons newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes - I've been able to see health care in America a little more 'up close and personal' than I ever have before. After the initial panic of realizing that our personal health insurance policy was woefully insufficient to cover our son's disease, I was then blown away at how many other groups, organizations and resources were available for people like me who have catastrophic and reoccurring medical bills.

Just to give you an idea of what my son must have every month to simply survive - the supplies include: two types of insulin, blood glucose meter's, blood testing strips (he uses 8 of these per day and they cost $1 a piece), lancets, syringes, alcohol swab, glucose tablets, emergency glucose gel, glucagon emergency kit, Ketostix test strips and gauze pads. The monthly cost of these supplies is about $650 - Not to mention the software and palm pilot he carries to track his blood glucose level, carbohydrate intake and daily insulin corrections.

Yes, health care is expensive - ridiculously expensive. Good health insurance is equally expensive.

So am I ready for a government takeover of the health insurance industry? Absolutely not. Not now - not ever. That would be disaster of Biblical proportion in my opinion.

While I strongly believe that health insurance companies need to be regulated by the government - that should be the extent of government involvement in health care. The American health care system is certainly not perfect and needs to be tweaked - but I'd much rather have this system as is than have a government bureaucrat handling my medical affairs. Our system, while flawed, is still better than the rest of the world.

To see a good example of what happens when the government takes over health care - check out how much fun they're having with the government run model already in place in Canada.

Something has become crystal clear to me over the past months of frequent doctor, hospital, pharmacy visits and hours and hours of research that my wife and I have done: No one in America goes without health care unless they choose to.

In order to to help sell the very bad idea of government operated health care - we repeatedly hear about the 40 plus million Americans who are uninsured - and certainly that is concerning. But have you ever wondered who these Americans are who have no health care?

Here's the list that brings clarity of thinking to who these millions of people are who don't have health insurance:

Who are the uninsured in America?*

10 million illegal immigrants.
15 million who are eligible for Medicaid but don't apply.
15 million adults whose children are eligible for free insurance - but don't sign up.
10 million childless adults - many of whom choose to go without insurance to save money.

Rather eye-opening isn't it?

(*Statistics from the book, Fleeced, by Dick Morris.)

I was sent this link today - it's Governor Sarah Palin speaking at a Master's Commission graduation at Wasilla Assembly of God this past June.

Check it out HERE.

"Suppose you were to contract a potentially serious medical condition and went to see a doctor. Upon asking him details about the diagnosis and medical consequences you found out that he does not take medical literature literally. In addition, he has not kept up on the latest medical research and has been out of medical school for several decades. He prefers to make his patients happy and comfortable rather than to force them to confront the truth about their health condition. Would you see such a doctor? Neither would I. Such a doctor eventually could be found guilty of malpractice....(if) our souls are more important than our bodies, why do people look to premier doctors to diagnose and treat their physical conditions but select a pastor who sidesteps truth when it comes to their eternal souls? That makes no sense. Apparently many do not truly believe that the condition of their souls is that important..."

Read the rest from Bob Dewaay HERE.

Media bias is a myth...right?

"A few weeks ago, I was asked if I’d be interested in possibly praying at the Democratic National Convention. Taken aback, but intrigued at the opportunity, I accepted. What better way to continue positive dialogue, show support for an emphasis on faith issues and pray in a forum where faith isn’t typically thought to be emphasized? To quote someone close to me—and meaning no disrespect whatsoever to Christian Democrats—it was a chance to bring “light in the darkness.” And hey, Jesus told us to pray, right?"

Read the rest HERE.

Not only is she the first female vice presidential candidate on a Republican ticket - she's also the first Pentecostal Christian to be nominated for the second highest office of the land. She attends this Assembly of God church when she's in Juneau, Alaska.

Here is a picture of her being prayed for by Alaska A/G Superintendent Rev. Ted Boatsman and her pastor Rev. Mike Rose at the most recent Alaska A/G District Council:

This picture below has really touched my heart. It was sent to me by one of our missionaries, and with his permission and the promise of anonymity - I'm sharing it with you. One reason I love this picture because it provides something that we in America often lack - perspective.

Here's why: The people pictured below are Christian's who are risking their lives. They are doing so because those pack horses that they are leading are carrying boxes filled with study Bibles into a country where Bible's are illegal. This precious cargo is being sneaked across the border and will be given away to believers in underground churches who desperately need them.

Kind of makes the typical church problems we deal with seem rather petty and unimportant, doesn't it?

I love the honesty of children - as illustrated by this newspaper clip:

With all the crazy teaching floating around about angels - Lee Grady brings some good thoughts on the purpose and function of angels:

Read the rest HERE.

Page from the book, The Jesus Sensitive Church

First we hear that Todd Bentley had an "emotional affair" with a female staff member, now it has come to light that he's "drinking exessively".

Was pondering in my studies in the book of Acts today, the story concerning Simon, the man whom the Bible identifies as a sorcerer (vs.9). The question is - was he really genuinely saved, or not? Bible scholars and commentaries even disagree on this answer. The reason for the question is as follows:

Verse 12-13 clearly state:

"But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed."

The Bible doesn't qualify verse 13 at all - it simply Simon believed and was baptized by Phillip. If Simon didn't get saved here and this was a 'fake' experience - why would Phillip, a man led by the Holy Spirit, baptize someone who hadn't shown true evidence of being a true believer? The word 'believed' would also appear that it was a belief unto salvation.

Then verses 18-24 happen:

"Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, "Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." 20 But Peter said to him,"May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.

When Peter said "May your money perish with you" - that was basically saying 'perish in hell'.
It appears the "matter" that he had no "part" nor "lot" in was the baptism of the Holy Spirit, since his heart was wrong (crooked, twisted).

But the correction gets even stronger in Verse 22 and following:

22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that,if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity." 24 And Simon answered,"Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me."

I realize that it is possible in the Greek language, that Peter meant that Simon was 'headed' for the gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity - which would indicate that he wasn't quite there yet, but well on his way. Nonetheless - strong words indeed for someone who was supposedly saved just few verses before - so could these words be true of someone who had been truly regenerated by the Holy Spirit unto salvation? Was Phillip 'fooled' by Simon? Did he baptize someone who really wasn't genuinely interested in surrendering to Christ? Or was Peter strongly correcting a new believer who allowed some terrible thinking to overwhelm him?

There's no 'gotcha' here or anything like that. Just a genuine question that I would love to hear some input on!

You've no doubt heard by now about the Hamas leader's son who converted to Christianity. Makes one wonder how many church folk would still claim Christ if their lives were in danger. Very interesting interview below...

Apparently the music, coffee bars, kiddie play lands, etc., don't really matter that much after all. Haven't we been saying this all along?

Here's a great video done by Josh Morris from our Native American Bible College mission trip this summer:

Destiny Missions - Summer '08 from Joshua Morris on Vimeo.

By Dr. Peter Hammond (sent via email newsletter - Dr. Hammond's book on this topic can be found HERE.)

Islam is not a religion, nor is it a cult. In its fullest form, it is a
complete, total, 100% system of life.

Islam has religious, legal, political, economic, social, and military
components. The religious component is a beard for all of the other
components.

Islamization begins when there are sufficient Muslims in a country
to agitate for their religious privileges.

When politically correct, tolerant, and culturally diverse societies
agree to Muslim demands for their religious privileges, some of the
other components tend to creep in as well.

Here's how it works.

As long as the Muslim population remains around or under 2% in
any given country, they will be for the most part be regarded as a
peace-loving minority, and not as a threat to other citizens. This is
the case in:

United States -- Muslim 0.6%
Australia -- Muslim 1.5%
Canada -- Muslim 1.9%
China -- Muslim 1.8%
Italy -- Muslim 1.5%
Norway -- Muslim 1.8%

At 2% to 5%, they begin to proselytize from other ethnic minorities
and disaffected groups, often with major recruiting from the jails
and among street gangs. This is happening in:

Denmark -- Muslim 2%
Germany -- Muslim 3.7%
United Kingdom -- Muslim 2.7%
Spain -- Muslim 4%
Thailand -- Muslim 4.6%

From 5% on, they exercise an inordinate influence in proportion to
their percentage of the population. For example, they will push for
the introduction of halal (clean by Islamic standards) food, thereby
securing food preparation jobs for Muslims. They will increase
pressure on supermarket chains to feature halal on their shelves --
along with threats for failure to comply. This is occurring in:

France -- Muslim 8%
Philippines -- Muslim 5%
Sweden -- Muslim 5%
Switzerland -- Muslim 4.3%
The Netherlands -- Muslim 5.5%
Trinidad & Tobago -- Muslim 5.8%

At this point, they will work to get the ruling government to allow
them to rule themselves (within their ghettos) under Sharia, the
Islamic Law. The ultimate goal of Islamists is to establish Sharia
law over the entire world.

When Muslims approach 10% of the population, they tend to
increase lawlessness as a means of complaint about their
conditions. In Paris, we are already seeing car-burnings. Any
non-Muslim action offends Islam, and results in uprisings and
threats, such as in Amsterdam , with opposition to Mohammed
cartoons and films about Islam. Such tensions are seen daily,
particularly in Muslim sections, in:

Guyana -- Muslim 10%
India -- Muslim 13.4%
Israel -- Muslim 16%
Kenya -- Muslim 10%
Russia -- Muslim 15%

After reaching 20%, nations can expect hair-trigger rioting, jihad
militia formations, sporadic killings, and the burnings of Christian
churches and Jewish synagogues, such as in:

Ethiopia -- Muslim 32.8%

At 40%, nations experience widespread massacres, chronic terror
attacks, and ongoing militia warfare, such as in:

Bosnia -- Muslim 40%
Chad -- Muslim 53.1%
Lebanon -- Muslim 59.7%

From 60%, nations experience unfettered persecution of
non-believers of all other religions (including non-conforming
Muslims), sporadic ethnic cleansing (genocide), use of Sharia Law
as a weapon, and Jizya, the tax placed on infidels, such as in:

Albania -- Muslim 70%
Malaysia -- Muslim 60.4%
Qatar -- Muslim 77.5%
Sudan -- Muslim 70%

After 80%, expect daily intimidation and violent jihad, some
State-run ethnic cleansing, and even some genocide, as these
nations drive out the infidels, and move toward 100% Muslim, such
as has been experienced and in some ways is on-going in:

Bangladesh -- Muslim 83%
Egypt -- Muslim 90%
Gaza -- Muslim 98.7%
Indonesia -- Muslim 86.1%
Iran -- Muslim 98%
Iraq -- Muslim 97%
Jordan -- Muslim 92%
Morocco -- Muslim 98.7%
Pakistan -- Muslim 97%
Palestine -- Muslim 99%
Syria -- Muslim 90%
Tajikistan -- Muslim 90%
Turkey -- Muslim 99.8%
United Arab Emirates -- Muslim 96%

100% will usher in the peace of 'Dar-es-Salaam' -- the Islamic
House of Peace. Here there's supposed to be peace, because
everybody is a Muslim, the Madrasses are the only schools, and
the Koran is the only word, such as in:

Afghanistan -- Muslim 100%
Saudi Arabia -- Muslim 100%
Somalia -- Muslim 100%
Yemen -- Muslim 100%

Unfortunately, peace is never achieved, as in these 100% states
the most radical Muslims intimidate and spew hatred, and satisfy
their blood lust by killing less radical Muslims, for a variety of reasons.

Last Saturday we completed our annual Back To School Bash outreach to the community. It's incredible to be a part of a church with so many wonderful, giving and hard working people. Thanks to all of our Destiny volunteers for making this outreach go so smoothly! Check out the video below that our own Josh Morris put together:

Destiny Backpack Outreach '08 from Joshua Morris on Vimeo.

Today I celebrate twenty years of marriage with Juli who is the love of my life and my best friend. It doesn't seem possible that twenty years have flown by so quickly and it would be tough to imagine what life would be like without her.

I thank God for His goodness as He has truly blessed us these past two decades and He has been so faithful to us.

Without a doubt our love has grown far deeper today than it has ever been. I love you sweetheart!

A truly sad message sent from God TV:

"It is with great regret that we as Founders and our Board call you to urgent prayer. As you may have already heard, Todd and Shonnah Bentley are experiencing some current marital difficulties and have separated. GOD TV is anxious that our viewers and partners will first of all respond to these unfortunate circumstances with an attitude of Christ-like maturity and pray fervently for Todd, Shonnah and their children as a family who are precious to the Lord. While we have learned today that immorality was not an issue, no doubt the enemy has exploited vulnerabilities in their marriage. What the devil has not counted on is the Christ-like maturity and intercession that is currently being raised up all across the earth in response. We hope you will join us as a part of this prayer covering.

It is GOD TV's position that marriage is a foundational cornerstone to those families called to ministry and would believe that those who have spiritual oversight for Todd and Shonnah's ministry will recommend a time of sabbatical for the family in order to seek reconciliation within their marriage should these reports be accurate.

As many of you know, August 8th was our final 'Lakeland' broadcast. We do however, believe that it is important to recognize and defend the authenticity of this outpouring by the testimonies of the countless thousands who viewed on GOD TV or attended at Lakeland and were healed, set free and delivered through Jesus Christ. There are many churches around the UK, USA and the world who are currently holding nightly revival meetings affecting whole communities. Once again at this time may we encourage all to pray for the family and soberly remember that all of us will be required to give account to the Lord for our lives. It is our earnest prayer that Todd and Shonnah will be fully reconciled.

Rory, Wendy Alec and the Board of GOD TV"

I've said this before and I'll say it again - pastors and churches have zero business involving themselves in politics. Much damage has been done in the Kingdom of God as a result of pastors diving headlong into politics because it always causes unnecessary division in the Body of Christ and serves as a major distraction from the churches primary job of winning souls. This church/politics mix has undoubtedly contributed to the belief held by some Americans that politics and religion are virtually the same thing. Not only can I see why they think that - I'd have to agree in a few cases. And it may come as a surprise to some members of the 'religious right' that no one will be asked what their party affiliation was before they are allowed into heaven.

Having said all of that, this "Compassion Forum", hosted by Pastor Rick Warren at his church on August 16 has caught my attention. Both presidential candidates, Barak Obama and John McCain, will be taking part in this forum in which the stated purpose is to have the candidates answer questions on issues such as global poverty, HIV and the environment.

Since such a forum is taking place and being moderated by a pastor, wouldn't it be great if some tough questions would be asked of the candidates as opposed to the politically correct softballs that will be floating around on Saturday night? Not that global poverty, HIV and the environment aren't challenging issues - they are and need to be discussed, but wouldn't it be interesting to see the candidates have to answer some 'hard for them' questions? Something other than the Warren stated sample question: "What’s the most difficult decision you’ve had to make, and how did you make it?" Hmm. Olympic sailing doesn't sound so boring after all.

That's why people like columnist Gregg Jackson at Townhall.com have suggested if we're going to have a forum like this - how about asking some questions like this? Questions that cut to the chase and ditch the nauseating political correctness that has strangled our brains for far too long.

These are questions that Rick Warren should ask - but won't:

1. For both candidates: What is truth? Who is truth? And Is that truth transcendent and applicable at all times to everyone regardless of their impulses, behavioral preferences, desires, wants, nationality, ethnicity, religious dogma, gender, race, etc?

2. Sen. Obama, you have said you are personally pro-life but in favor of abortion rights up to and even including after delivery in some cases. Why are you pro-life personally if an abortion doesn't actually kill a baby in her mother's womb? Also, do you think Jesus would be in favor of abortion? Why or why not?

3. Sen. McCain, you claim to be personally pro-life as well. Why? And if you believe that abortion always ends the life of the developing baby in her mother's womb, why would it be ok for individual states to legalize killing babies? Don't our nation's founding documents the Declaration of Independence ("life, liberty, pursuit of happiness") and Constitution (5th and 14th Amendments) guarantee the right to life that no individual state can violate?

4. Sen. Obama, Do you believe that homosexual behavior, as God says in His Word, is unnatural, deviant, and self-destructive? As a follow-up, some have said that we shouldn't worry about homosexuality because Jesus never said anything about it specifically. Well, in case you're planning on going down the same Scriptural-ignorant road, Jesus never spoke about crack cocaine, racism, and suicide, either. So are those things okay? And the Gospel of John says that in the beginning was the Word, that the Word became flesh, and that the Word was Jesus Himself. So, since "all Scripture is God-breathed and profitable" the entire Bible is about Jesus, and that's the same Jesus that affirmed marriage as one man and one woman in the Gospels as well. Therefore, as a Christian how do you find yourself on the opposite end of an issue from Jesus?

5. Sen. McCain, You said of same-sex marriage: "I think that gay marriage should be allowed if there's a ceremony kind of thing, if you wanna call it that, I don't have any problem with that." Do you stand by that statement, as you have also stated that you personally oppose same-sex "marriage?" You don't offer a section on your website dedicated to this issue, which continues to make national headlines. And it's also making headlines in your own state. Recently, Dr. James Dobson expressed regret that you weren't more public in your support for a marriage initiative in your state, and since you support individual states' rights to defend the institution of marriage, do you agree with Dr. Dobson that you haven't been forthright enough on this issue?

Read the rest of the questions HERE.

Masab Yousef, son of West Bank Hamas leader Sheik Hassan Yousef, revealed for the first time in an exclusive interview with Haaretz newspaper that he has left Islam and is now a Christian. Prior to the interview’s publication last Thursday, Yousef’s family did not know of his faith conversion even though he is in regular contact with them.

“[T]his interview will open many people's eyes, it will shake Islam from the roots, and I'm not exaggerating,” Yousef, who now resides in the United States, said. “What other case do you know where a son of a Hamas leader, who was raised on the tenets of extremist Islam, comes out against it?”

Yousef, who is now 30-years-old, was first exposed to Christianity eight years ago while in Jerusalem where out of curiosity he accepted an invitation to hear about Christianity. Afterwards, he became “enthusiastic” about what he heard and would secretly read the Bible every day.

“A verse like ‘Love thine enemy’ had a great influence on me,” Yousef recalled. “At this stage I was still a Muslim and I thought that I would remain one. But every day I saw the terrible things done in the name of religion by those who considered themselves ‘great believers.’

“I studied Islam more thoroughly and found no answers there. I re-examined the Koran and the principals of the faith and found how it is mistaken and misleading.”

But with Christianity, Yousef said he could understand God as revealed through Jesus Christ. He said he could talk about God and Jesus for days, but Muslims are not able to say anything about God.

“I consider Islam a big lie,” said the son of one of Hamas’ founders. “The people who supposedly represent the religion admired Mohammed more than God, killed innocent people in the name of Islam, beat their wives and don’t have any idea what God is.

Read the rest HERE.

You may remember that Joel Osteen's wife, Victoria, had some sort of incident on a plane a while back that led to an apparent confrontation of sorts with a flight attendant. Osteen ended up leaving the plane voluntarily with her family. The claim being made by this flight attendant is not only ridiculous - it looks like a money grab...

From Fox News:

"According to court documents, Brown claims that she suffers from anxiety and hemorrhoids because of the incident and said her faith was affected. She is also suing Osteen for medical expenses for counseling..."

Read the rest HERE.

Good stuff from Tim Enloe's blog:

"I frequently encounter a misunderstanding over the usage of the term "baptism"--both in scripture and modern theology. Bringing some biblical clarity to this fuzziness seems to often help people see the promise of Spirit baptism as an unclaimed blessing from God..."

Read the rest HERE.

From Why We're Not Emergent (By Two Guys Who Should Be):

"The 'we're just in conversation' mantra can become a shtick whereby emergent leaders are easy to listen to and impossible to pin down. It's one thing for a high school student to be in process with his theology. It's another thing for adults who write books and speak around the world about their musings and misgivings. I agree that there must be space for Christians to ask hard questions and explore the tensions in faith, but I seriously question that this space should be hugely public where hundreds of thousands of men and women are eagerly awaiting the next book or blog or podcast arising from your faith journey. No matter what new label you put on it, once you start selling thousands of books, speaking all over the country and world, and being looked to for spiritual and ecclesiastical direction, you're no longer just a conversation partner. You are a leader and teacher."

James 3:1 - "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness."

Being the father of two daughters is a beautiful thing. Having a son is incredible as well - but something about daughters REALLY seems to bring the protective part of dad out. That protective part came out a little bit today. I guess it's no longer possible to take one's daughter to the doctor for a routine physical without them wanting to "talk privately" with your child - which happened with my 14 year old today where she was asked among other things: "Do you like boys or girls?" "Are you sexually active."

While I realize those questions are born of a perverse and morally bankrupt culture - they were asked of my daughter because we declined the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer that they are trying to give all girls age 9-14 today. (Typically this shot is given in anticipation that the young lady will be sexually active with multiple partners before marriage - that's basically what leads to cervical cancer). What's the big deal with getting the shot you ask?

When you treat young people like animals that have no control over their urges - that's exactly what you are going to get. I remind my kids all the time that God gave them a brain - make sure you use it.

Our culture, meanwhile, is doing its best to protect itself from the high price of sin - but they have forgotten that there is no inoculation for your conscience. Some schools refuse to teach abstinence (however abstinence taught without some of the why, why and why behind it loses it's power) and when they do it's alongside of the "be careful" curriculum which is an absolute joke. The lack of high moral standards for our children seems to encourage them to go ahead and 'drive the car' - and by the way, here's the keys - just be careful.

On the CBS news site I found an article with the following: "Some health officials had girded themselves for arguments from religious conservatives and others that vaccinating youngsters against the sexually transmitted virus might make them more likely to have sex. But the controversy never materialized in the panel's public meetings. "

Interesting. They 'girded themselves' for a debate that never came. How sad. Where is the church on this issue of sexual purity? Better yet - where are Bible believing born-again Christians on this issue? It would seem that too many professing believers have been sucked into the cultural black hole that wants to enjoy its sin and then be protected from the consequences of the sin. Jesus taught us to pray "deliver us from evil", not "deliver us from the consequences of evil as we compromise with it".

Parenting teens is hard work and I completely understand that sometimes good kids mess up. But I'm convinced that children well trained and raised to live the Word of God and serve Jesus Christ, and are taught DAILY that there is nothing more important in their entire lives than serving Jesus Christ - will indeed more often than not make the right decisions in these areas.

Any other Christian parents feeling this today?

Imagine needing a life saving surgery and having to wait over four months for it. That's the reality of life for our neighbors to the north (Canada) with their nationalized health care system. It's gotten so bad that people are suing for health care that they are paying for via their taxes - but not receiving.

From the article:

"Every day we're paying for health care, yet when we go to access it, it's just not there," said Pelton, in comments aimed at the government system her taxes pay for and is supposed to guarantee free care. "It's like somebody's telling you that you can buy this car, and you've paid for the car, but you can't have it right now."

Read the rest HERE.