This Blog's purpose is to offer information about congregations voting to leave the ELCA. Pastor Barnhart's other Blog offers information about current news events relating to the Church and the nation. It may be found here: http://livinginthetimes.blogspot.com/



Monday, August 31, 2009

WCC LEADER SAYS ISRAEL'S OCCUPATION OF PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES "A SIN AGAINST GOD"


True to his anti-Israel bias and the anti-Israel bias of the World Council of Churches, Samuel Kobia referred to Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories as "a sin against God." Speaking on behalf of the American Jewish Committee, Rabbi David Rosen responded: “Israel does not seek to govern another people, rather, Israel has offered in direct negotiations with the Palestinians repeatedly to withdraw from most of the West Bank in exchange for peace and security.”

TODAY'S WORD FROM THE LORD


No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Sunday, August 30, 2009

11,700 DECISION FOR CHRIST IN COLOMBIA


The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association wrapped up "Festival de Esperanza" (Festival of Hope) in Colombia’s capital city Saturday, recording over 11,700 decisions for Christ.

Of the more than 11,700 decisions, over 7,200 were made by children who joined Saturday for what turned out to be the largest kid's event in the history of Franklin Graham Festivals. In total, more than 80,000 children were present.


TODAY'S WORD FROM THE LORD


For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope (Romans 15:4).

Saturday, August 29, 2009

WELCOME BACK TO BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY


Since the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) voted to sanction the homosexual lifestyle and permit practicing homosexual clergy to serve its congregations, many ELCA members are now looking for a new church, in which the message of salvation is rightly proclaimed and the Word of God is rightly taught. The same is true for discerning members of other liberal mainline churches that have likewise surrendered the true Word of God for a social-gospel mandate.

This tragic situation presents an opportunity for members of Bible-believing congregations to speak a word of welcome to this growing number of Christians who refuse to be part of such a gross violation of Scripture. As the opportunity presents itself, without judgment or criticism, invite them to worship with you in a fellowship of believers where they will be loved and their souls fed the pure Word of God.

Abiding Word Ministries stands ready, as it has for the past 25 years, to assist pastors, congregations and laity to withdraw from their liberal denominations and unite with a Bible-based fellowship. Contact us for help or further information—phone:(614) 834-5206 or email us at wordabide@aol.com.

TODAY'S WORD FROM THE LORD


'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calmity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart' (Jeremiah 29:11-12).

Friday, August 28, 2009

Bill would give president emergency control of Internet

A few weeks ago the White House sent emails concerning the health-care bill to people who could not figure out how they got on the White House computer list. More recently auto dealers, trying to go on line regarding their "cash for clunkers" program, discovered that by using the government program they were granting the goverment permission to examine at will the content and files of their computers. Another person went online to a government site regarding a test for work with Homeland Security and was informed that by using the program he was granting the government the right to examine the contents of his computer files. Now this latest bill, being prepared for consideration by the Senate, gives greater cause for concern that the President will be given the power to take over the internet if he deems it necessary. Just how much of our lives will the American people be willing to turn over to the control of the government. Does the Constitution no longer exist?

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10320096-38.html

THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATIONS MIXED MESSAGES TO ISLAMIC WORLD


The Obama administration says we are no longer fighting a war on terrorism, rather it is an "overseas contingency operation." They have decided to set terrorists free and go after CIA officials who injured the feelings of the terrorists. Now, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mike Mullen, writes that "American arrogance" is the reason the Islamic world hates us. How blind can they be? One does not have to be a prophet to know that sometime in the not-so-distant future, our nation is going to be attacked by Islamic extremists who are out to destroy everything that is right and good about America. The day that happens, the Obama administration will have to take the blame for choosing to protect the interests of Muslim radicals over the interests of the American people.

METHODIST CHURCH REJECTS THE ELCA'S HOMOSEXUAL CLERGY


The United Methodist Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America recently entered into an agreement of “full communion.” Their agreement includes allowing one another’s clergy to pastor each other’s congregations. However, since the ELCA, last week, sanctioned placing practicing homosexuals on their clergy roster, the United Methodist Church says it will not accept the ELCA's practicing homosexual pastors as part of the agreement.

The battle to gain the approval and sanction that would allow practicing homosexuals to serve as pastors in mainline churches is raging in the United Methodist Church. Although the United Methodist Church has repeatedly rejected efforts to place practicing homosexual clergy onto its clergy roster, the battle will continue. The pro-homosexual lobby in the United Methodist Church will not quit until they win, just as they won in the ELCA after years of struggle.
The fact that the Methodist Church has entered into full communion with the ELCA, knowing they were adopting this pro-homosexual policy, is a step in the wrong direction. It is only a matter of time until the United Methodist Church will join the ELCA, the United Church of Christ and the Episcopal Church USA regarding the full acceptance of homosexual clergy—unless the UMC folks wake up and stand up for the clear teachings of the Bible that condemn homosexual behavior.


TUTU SAYS PALESTINIANS ARE PAYING THE PRICE FOR THE HOLOCAUST


Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the man who recently was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Obama, has once again blamed the Jews for the condition of the Palestinians. Tutu's long-held, anti-Israel bias is no secret. This ultra-liberal ecumenical leader has many supporters in mainline churches, who, like him, have no sympathy whatsoever for the Jews living in Israel.

TODAY'S WORD FROM THE LORD


Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Aviation Ministry Remembered in Space


Astronaut Patrick Forrester plans to take a momento from the plane of Phil Saint into space this week on the space shuttle Discovery. Read this most inspiring story: http://www.worldmag.com/webextra/15809

Israel Faces Serious Water Shortage


The Sea of Galilee is Israel's main source for water. It has been low before, but never this low. There will be no more rain until late fall. The water level in the Sea of Galilee is expected to fall below the point where the pumps will work, unless rationing is effective. It's time to pray!

TODAY'S WORD FROM THE LORD


"Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

NEWLY DISCOVERED GAS WELLS OFF ISRAEL'S SHORE KEEP GETTING BIGGER

The recent gas well find off the coast of Haifa continues to be grow in estimates of content and financial benefit to Israel. It is expected to bring at least $5 billion per year when in operation and transform Israel's reliance on foreign energy.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/133118

SEVERE INTERROGATION LED TO ARREST OF COLUMBUS, OHIO TERRORIST


An internal CIA report says the agency's highly criticized interrogation techniques led to the 2003 arrest of a Columbus, Ohio truck driver who pleaded guilty to providing assistance to al-Qaida. The report tells how Sheikh Mohammed, the mastermind behind the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks provided interrogators with information that led to the arrest and conviction of Lyman Faris, who was living in Columbus. He admitted scouting the Brookly Bridge in 2002 as a target of attack.

ELCA CHURCH CHANGES ITS NAME ON SIGN

St. Timothy Lutheran Church, South Charleston, WV, blocked out the word "Lutheran" from the sign in front of the church after ELCA's decision to allow gay and lesbian pastors.

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20090825/us-church-drops-lutheran-from-title-after-controversial-gay-vote/index.html

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

APPARENTLY 9/11 OBSERVANCE WILL HAVE TO UNDERGO "CHANGE" AS WELL


Is nothing sacred to the Obama administration? Must one of our most important observances and the memory of those who died on 9/11 be desecrated? Read and weep.

So-called 'Evangelical Christians' now thanking Allah


Emergent Church leader Brian McLaren is promoting Islam by encouraging Christians to join in Ramadan celebrations. This past July McLaren was a featured speaker at the convention of the Episcopal Church (USA) where Bishop Katherine Jefferts Shori called personal salvation in Jesus "the great Western heresy." Like birds of a feather, McLaren and Shori feed on the remains of dead orthodoxy.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Arab League Furious over Jewish Prayer on Temple Mount


Jews have every right, as do Christians, to ascend the Temple Mount and pray. Presently, Christians are forbidden to carry Bibles or wear Christian symbols when they go to the Temple Mount. This is outrageous, and should not be permitted by the Israeli government that declared all holy sites would be open to all people. Here though is a refreshing story of Jews who managed to go there and pray.

Obama Plan: Temple Mount Under Arab-Muslim Sovereignty

Obama is no friend to Israel. What he has planned for Jerusalem should be taken seriously by everyone who loves Israel.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/133050

JAN MARKELL OF OLIVE TREE MINISTRIES WRITES ON ELCA DECISION TO SANCTION GAY CLERGY


WAS GOD IN THE WHIRLWIND?By Jan Markell


My home state of Minnesota has lots of lakes, bitter cold, and Lutherans. Over 150 years ago, Scandinavians targeted this state and its climate, perhaps because it resembled their homeland. Ironically, the fathers and grandfathers of today's Lutherans left Sweden back then because they saw corruption and bad doctrine within Lutheranism in Scandinavia. But these Lutheran immigrants built Bible-believing churches for future generations. No doubt they would be crushed at such a culmination of apostasy in recent years. Wednesday, August 19, was an average day. It was cool with not enough humidity to stir up a storm. No unusual weather patterns were forecast in the Twin Cities' metro area. As I was out driving, there were no tornado sirens. It was going to be a memorable day, nonetheless. During the week, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) was holding its annual convention in downtown Minneapolis. Attendees were using the facilities of the Minneapolis Convention Center and Central Lutheran Church which is directly across the street. At this year's convention, a blatant pro-homosexual position validating "chaste" same-sex relationships was to be voted on. It was to be voted on at 2 PM on Wednesday, August 19. Then for the first time in decades, a tornado touched down in downtown Minneapolis at, you guessed it, 2 pm. The tornado went through the western section of downtown, causing damage to the Central Lutheran Church building, which was being used as a central meeting place for the convention. There was extensive roof damage at the Minneapolis Convention Center where the actual conference was assembled as well as votes on same-sex issues were actually cast. The church steeple on top of Central Lutheran Church was struck and split in two. It was left hanging upside down. The church was built in 1929 and certainly has had no tornado activity near it to date.

Meteorologists agree that such activity in a downtown area is extremely rare. Many could not recall when this had last happened to an area of structural cement rather than suburban homes or rural areas.The vote was delayed past 2 PM but it did pass that same day. It passed by just one vote and it acknowledged the validity of same-sex relationships that are "chaste, monogamous and lifelong." There was a whirlwind outside of the convention center and inside -- to the degree that one person said, "We trust that the weather is not a commentary on our work." Conservatives in the ELCA, also observing the weather aberration, said it could have been a warning from God and an expression of His anger. The ELCA went on to vote two days later to allow homosexuals to serve as pastors. If the tornado was a warning from God -- and we don't know that it was, but one could make a case for it -- those voting for abomination didn't get the message. While we have no final word from God as to whether He sent the tornado, we can observe how God treated rebellious people and nations throughout the Old Testament who would not turn away from sin. If God didn't send the whirlwind, He did allow it. A holy God never approves of sanctioning sin and lifestyles that are destructive. We can be sure of one message for it is right out of the Bible. A calamity happened near Jerusalem where 18 people were killed. Jesus said, "Those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish" (Luke 13: 4-5). Apostasy is allowed to remain rampant because the Bible is no longer preached in many churches. The liberal churches have plunging membership and ask why. It should be obvious that at least a remnant is not pleased with letting the world come into the church.
Additionally, churches are not preaching about God's judgment today. Rather, it's the gushy gospel with a God who doesn't hold to biblical standards anymore or else the church has changed the standards. Some would say those standards are outdated. "What would Jesus do?" is a bumper sticker or bracelet but not a guideline for holy living. However, today outfits like the ELCA even twist the words of Jesus. As the saying goes, the Ten Commandments are now the ten suggestions.

Lives were spared in this event, unlike the story in Luke 13. God was gracious. He is infinitely patient. Nonetheless, on a day when no severe weather was predicted or expected, a tornado forms, baffling the weather experts, most saying they've never seen anything like it. It happens right in the heart of the city. As if steered by an unseen hand, it targets a convention center whose occupants are talking about condoning blatant sin. To add emphasis, the hand then causes the tornado to tear into Central Lutheran Church just blocks away. This church was providing alcohol for attendees. Trees and homes just south of the downtown area had some damage.

God's message is repent because none of us will otherwise escape God's judgment. The message in many calamities is to repent while there is still time. I wonder if the ELCA delegates and leaders are even listening.

Since the vote on Friday I have heard from good Lutheran people who plan to leave the ELCA. May their vote with their feet send a message that urges others to follow them. The ELCA is likely not going to change, so lovers of truth and the Bible in all liberal denominations should take a cue from disgusted ELCA members now looking for a new church home.

God's Word cannot be mocked and whether He was in the whirlwind or not, the message is clear. We serve a holy God who does not sanction wickedness.

NETANYAHU WILL TELL WORLD LEADERS ISRAEL WILL NOT SURRENDER SOVEREIGNTY OVER JERUSALEM


As Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to depart Israel for visits to London and Berlin, he will tell British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, U.S. Envoy George Mitchell, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel that Israel will not give up sovereignty over Jerusalem and that they need to focus on the nuclear threat posed by Iran.


Sunday, August 23, 2009

VETERANS GUIDE POSES QUESTIONS ABOUT ENDING LIFE

A very disturbing guide for veterans regarding end-of-life decisions, that was distributed during the Bush administration, but later suspended has suddenly reappeared again.
Senator Arlen Specter Calls for Hearings on End-of-Life Care Guide for Veterans.
The guide, called 'Your Life, Your Choices,' was suspended under the Bush administration but has been revived under the current Department of Veterans Affairs.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/08/23/sen-specter-calls-hearings-end-life-care-guide-veterans/

HEAD OF LUTHERAN CHURCH-MISSOURI SYNOD TALKS STRAIGHT TO ELCA


The Rev. Gerald Kieschnick, president of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, told the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Churchwide Assembly at their meeting in Minneapolis, their decision to place practicing homosexuals on the clergy roster of the ELCA was very troubling.

"I speak these words...words in deep humility, with a heavy heart and no desire whatsoever to offend. The decisions by this assembly to gran non-celebate homosexual ministers the privilege of serving as rostered leaders in the ELCA and the affirmation of same-gender unions as pleasing to God will undoubtedly cause additional stress and disharmony within the ELCA. It will also negatively affect the relationship between our two church bodies."

Saturday, August 22, 2009

NATURAL GAS FIND OFF COAST OF ISRAEL LARGER THAN FIRST THOUGHT


The huge natural gas find off the coast of Haifa, Israel is much larger than first believed. This could have great significance for Israel's finances and security. It could prompt nearby nations to come after Israel to try and take control of this natural resource.

REACTIONS TO ELCA'S DECISION TO APPROVE PRACTICING HOMOSEXUAL CLERGY

The phones at Abiding Word Ministries are ringing. People want to know how to get their churches out of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Without doubt, the largest exodus the ELCA has yet witnessed is about to unfold. Yesterday after the vote, Bishop Mark Hanson spoke to the Churchwide Assembly as though he was conducting a funeral. The one thing that happens at many funerals that was unseen in Hanson's remarks was HOPE! One delegate after another stood on the floor of the Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis and warned if the measures on sexuality passed, their churches would likely leave. That seemed to go over the heads of most delegates.

A few years ago, Dr. Rudy Skogerboe wrote a book Who Has Stolen My Church? That happened yesterday as the homosexuals and the pro-homosexual lobby hijacked the ELCA. After spending over 25 years of trying to warn the folks in the ELCA what was happening to their church, I still viewed the events unfolding in the Churchwide Assembly with the deepest sense of sadness. Yesterday, I witnessed the death of a church. I was deeply impressed by the number of pastors and delegates who spoke Bible truth to the assembled delegates. One pastor from West Virginia stated that his church was growing because they stood on the "inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word of God. He doubted they would remain in the ELCA.

Pray for all the people in the ELCA who must now decide what course of action they must take regarding their membership or affiliation with the ELCA. Abiding Word Ministries stands ready, as it has for the past 25 years, to assist those who want help getting out of the ELCA. We offer books, newsletters and literature upon request.

Friday, August 21, 2009

ELCA APPROVES PRACTICING HOMOSEXUALS AS PASTORS AND ON CLERGY ROSTER

Today, August 21, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America voted 559 to 451 to approve the rostering of practicing homosexual and lesbian persons to their clergy roster if they are living "in lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships."

Thursday, August 20, 2009

TORNADO STRIKES SITE OF ELCA CONVENTION AS THEY ADOPT UNBIBLICAL STATEMENT THAT UPHOLDS HOMOSEXUAL PERVERSIONS


As the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Churchwide Assembly was in session preparing to pass a sexuality statement that endorses homosexuality, a tornado struck the convention center and the nearby Central Lutheran Church where activities were being held for the Assembly. One Assembly member suggested it was a mighty wind of the Holy Spirit on their gathering. More likely it was a WARNING...

ELCA ADOPTS SEXUALITY STATEMENT ENDORSING HOMOSEXUAL PERVERSIONS

ELCA Bishop Mark Hanson

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), meeting in their Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis, voted 676 to 338 to approve a statement of Human Sexuality-Gift and Trust. The statement turns Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions on their head by endorsing the homosexual lifestyle. The press release on this action may be found at http://www.elca.org/.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

MISSIONARIES: FEWER CONFLICTS WHEN PEOPLE 'ABSORB' SCRIPTURE


Wycliffe Association reports that missonaries often report fewer conflicts once locals absorb the Bible in their own language.


Last year, Wycliffe Associates recruited 4,124 volunteers who served in 49 countries alongside Bible translation teams. The organization hopes to mobilize more than 4,800 volunteers this year to serve in 41 countries with building and renovating facilities, constructing roads and airstrips, teach VBS, and help with language development and office work and computer related activities.


The power of God's Word is wondrous in our eyes!




Sunday, August 2, 2009

JOIN US ON OUR 2010 TOUR TO ISRAEL


David and Mary Barnhart invite you to join them on their 28th tour to Israel. This 12-day deluxe tour departs from Newark April 24, 2010. Get all the information on our web site, then come along on this trip of a lifetime.

LUTHERAN YOUTH ORGANIZATION SUPPORTS RECOGNITION AND ORDINATION OF HOMOSEXUALS WITHIN ELCA

The LYO, the youth organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), passed a resolution supporting proposed social statement on human sexuality that will come before the ELCA's Churchwide Assembly August 17-23. If approved, the ELCA will permit the ordination of practicing homosexuals in its synods and congregtions. The LYO statement urged the ELCA to include in its mission statement that they welcome all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or "questioning" people.

http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4197

MUSLIMS IN IRAN ARE BECOMING MORE OPEN TO JESUS CHRIST


Dr. Sasan Tavassoli, a minister of the Presbyterian Church in Iran, spoke at the New Wilmington Mission Conference, July 18-25 in New Wilmington, Pa. He told how he was converted from being a Muslim to a follower of Jesus Christ.


"I want you to know--do not allow CNN and Fox News to define reality for you," he said. "Reality is defined by the promises of Jesus and He will build His church and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it..He is accomplish this in the Muslim world. God is doing something incredible. We see all the death, but behind the scenes God is working."