Even the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is behind this move to hush conservative voices. Who should be surprised?
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
TODAY'S WORD FROM THE LORD
"...and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear" (Philippians 1:14).
The Apostle Paul spent about 14 years in prison. During his imprisonment, Paul wrote many of the books in the New Testament. Furthermore, Paul's imprisonment itself was an inspiration to fellow believers, encouraging them to "speak the word of God without fear." As we look out on our nation and world events today, may we be inspired by those who gave their very lives for the sake of the gospel of Christ.
Lord, let me use my life today to declare your Word. Your Word is truth! Help me to speak your Word boldly to a world that has lost its way. Above all, help me to lift up Jesus Christ the Redeemer, so that sinners will be converted and turn to you with their whole hearts. This I pray in Jesus' Name, Amen.
ELCA OFFICIAL THINKS DECISION TO ORDAIN HOMOSEXUAL CLERGY IS A GOOD THING
Despite the fact that literally hundreds of congregations in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are now considering withdrawing, ELCA vice president Carlos Peña wrote a letter in which he expressed the belief that the ELCA's August decision to ordain practicing homosexuals is going to bring about something wonderful.
Friday, October 23, 2009
TODAY'S WORD FROM THE LORD
O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth forever. Praise ye the Lord. (Psalm 117).
God truly deserves the praises of all nations. Someday He will have that praise from every corner of the earth, as nations bow before Him. Those who know Him love Him. Those who love Him praise Him, even now. Because so many people still walk in darkness and the futility of their minds, they fail to recognize and claim God's divine truth. May we let our lights shine for Jesus every day of our lives.
O Lord, help me today to let my light shine that others may see the wonders of Your grace and mercy. Help me to be an instrument of your truth, lifting up the banner of Your unchanging Word. Above all, let my life show forth Your praise. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
ATTENTION RESIDENTS OF UPPER MIDWEST: COME TO OUR PROPHECY CONFERENCE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24
Abiding Word Ministries will hold a prophecy conference at Living Word Lutheran Church, 4300 Nicols Road, Eagan, Minnesota, Saturday, October 24, 2009 from 9:00 am until 3:30 pm. Everyone is invited to attend. There is no admission charge.
Pastor David Barnhart will have two major presentations--Israel in Prophecy and Radical Islam. Jan Markell of Olive Tree Ministries will also speak.
If you are in the area, come out and join us.
Russia, France willing to enrich uranium for Iran
It looks as though a deal concerning Iran's nuclear ambitions may be in the works, with Russia and France agreeing to enrich uranium for Iran. However, Ehud Barak, the Defense Minister of Israel, is not happy with the plan: he wants no enrichment of Iran's uranium at all. He claims it will only set Iran's program back by a year.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
TODAY'S WORD FROM THE LORD
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I (Psalm 61:2).
We are living in difficult times. It is often hard to keep to keep fear away. Yet 365 times the Bible tells us in one form or another--"FEAR NOT." Two little birds sat on a wire overlooking two women as they discussed their many problems and cares. One little bird said to the other, "Isn't it too bad they have no heavenly Father to look after them." Let us never forget we do, indeed, have a Father. He is our Rock, our fortress, our hiding place. Look to the Rock!
Father, forgive us when we fail to remember your promised love and care in the midst of life problems. Increase our faith and help us always look to you for grace and strength. Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness. In Jesus' name, Amen.
FREE SPEECH UNDER ATTACK BY OBAMA ADMINISTRATION
When I first read that the United Nations Human Rights Council had passed a resolution calling on individual nations to restrict critical expressions of various religions, and that the United States had signed on to it, I was alarmed. Now, we learn that not only did the USA sign on to this resolution against free speech, it sponsored it. If that does not give you cause for pause, have your heart checked to see if you are still alive.
The resolution "demands that all nations condemn and criminalize 'any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence.'"
Speaking for the United States on behalf of the plan, Chargé ad interim Douglas M. Griffiths said the effort was intended to build on the commitment from President Obama in a Cairo speech that the U.S. was ready to "help bridg[e] the unhelpful divide regarding freedom of opinion and expression," according to the U.N.
This resolution is aimed at criticisms of Islam. You may be sure that it will not limit in any way criticisms about Christianity. It has always been open season on Christians.
Speaking for the United States on behalf of the plan, Chargé ad interim Douglas M. Griffiths said the effort was intended to build on the commitment from President Obama in a Cairo speech that the U.S. was ready to "help bridg[e] the unhelpful divide regarding freedom of opinion and expression," according to the U.N.
Freedoms in the USA are being eroded by the Obama administration little by little.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Bishops of the ELCA have called on the Obama administration to "remain firm" in addressing the Israeli-Palestinian impasse. In an Oct. 13 letter, 58 of 65 synod bishops and the presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) expressed concern over the stalemate and the "fading hopes" for a two-state solution. "We urge the U.S. to insist upon an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land as well as an end to Palestinian violence against Israelis," the letter said.
The ELCA obviously is continuing its anti-Israel posture by accusing Israel for its "occupation of Palestinian land." This so-called occupation refers to East Jerusalem among other areas. While the bishops' letter mentions "Palestinian violence," it fails to mention that Israel gave the entire Gaza Strip over to the Palestinians and still they continue to attack Israel from that same area.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
TODAY'S WORD FROM THE LORD
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13).
Repeatedly in the Scriptures are promises of the Lord to walk with us each day, providing strength, wisdom and all that is needed. God never breaks His promises. We can rely on them. Whatever you may face today in the way of challenges, your Savior walks by your side through every one of them, creating victory in every situation.
Lord, let me walk with you through this day, confident of your presence and power in my life.
Thank you for the cross, the blood that sets me free and makes me your own dear child. This I pray in Jesus' Name, Amen.
Obama Tells Palestinian Leadership He's Disgusted With Israel
The Obama administration is not a friend of Israel. They are putting pressure on Israel to give up the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. Read the latest.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
TODAY'S WORD FROM THE LORD
"For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God" (2 Timothy 1:7-8).
If there is anything we should desire today as Christians, it is to be anointed with "power and love and discipline." The ability to maintain a clear Christian witness in a world that has a growing hatred for Christ and the things of God is a gigantic challenge, but it is a challenge we can meet through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Lord, knowing you have not given me a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline, I pray that I may reflect your saving work in my life in both my walk and talk. May everything I say and do today bring honor and glory to You and Your kingdom. This I pray through Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord. Amen.
PRAY FOR RIFQA BARY
Rifqa Bary, 17, who converted from Islam to Christianity, has been ordered by a Florida judge back to Columbus, Ohio, where her fate will be left in the hands of the courts there. Rifqa genuinely fears that she could be killed in an Islamic "honor killing." Considering the fact that the Qu'ran teaches that anyone who converts from Islam should be killed, her fears could be justified-- “Kill those who join other gods” (Sura 2:256)--, and considering that thousands of "honor killings" are committed within the Muslim world every year, her fears are not without merit.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
MONTANA CHURCH TAKES FIRST VOTE TO LEAVE ELCA
Calvary Lutheran Church, Evergreen, Montana, took its first vote to leave the ELCA. The pastor, Kurt Rau, said the congregation had issues with the ELCA prior to the Churchwide Assembly action in August that sanctioned practicing homosexual clergy.
Monday, October 12, 2009
TODAY'S WORD FROM THE LORD
The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth (Psalm 145:18).
Truth is an essential part of life. It is certainly an essential part of any relationship with God. Jesus identified Himself as "the truth," (John 14:6). He said that He would send us the Helper, meaning the Holy Spirit, whom He identified as "the Spirit of truth." Jesus asked the Father to sanctify His followers "in the truth"; then went on to say: "Your Word is truth." We speak of the Scriptures as being "inerrant," because God can not and will not lie."
Truth is often the missing ingredient in so many aspects of life, such as politics and business, but when it is missing from religion, it has no value at all. Today false teachers are everywhere, even in the pulpits of churches. How can we know the truth from a lie in spiritual matters? By examining everything by the Scriptures. Let us be like Christians at Berea--"who received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were true" (Acts 17:11).
Lord, keep us steadfast in Thy Word. Curb those who fain by craft or sword would wrest the kingdom from Thy Son, and set at naught all He hath done. Amen. (Martin Luther)
CHRISTIANS JAILED IN NEW HAMPSHIRE FOR WITNESSING THE GOSPEL! POLICE ASKED, "WHERE IS YOUR GOD NOW?"
Two Christians were arrested in New Hampshire for witnessing for Christ. "Where is your God now," they were asked by police when put into jail?
Our liberties are being eroded in America! Where is the outrage?
NETANYAHU TRIES TO REASSURE ARABS THAT ISRAEL IS NOT DIGGING UNDER THE TEMPLE MOUNT
There has been considerable unrest over the Temple Mount in recent weeks. Muslims started a rumor that Israel is digging under the Temple Mount, in order that it will collapse and bring down the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement this morning to reassure local Arabs that the rumor is completely untrue.
There has been digging under the Temple Mount, however, in recent times, although not by the Israelis but by the Muslims. A few years ago truck loads of dirt were removed from under the Temple Mount in order for the Muslims to construct a huge mosque beneath the Temple Mount in an area known as Solomon's Stables. In doing so, they removed so much dirt that the walls holding up the Temple Mount on both the south side and the east side began to buckle. The buldges in the walls have been repaired; however, there is little doubt digging by the Muslims weakened the entire structure. It would not take much of an earthquake to bring down the buildings on the Temple Mount. Knowing this, the Muslims want the blame to be placed on Israel, not on themselves, should such a disaster occur. In the meantime, this present rumor about Israel digging under the Temple Mount was started by Muslim leaders to further the unrest over the Temple Mount and support their claim that the entire Temple Mount belongs to the Muslims.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
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).
What a glorious invitation is given to us by our heavenly Father! Bring your cares and needs to Him. Jesus made the statement: "Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full." The old hymn What a Friend We Have in Jesus says it so well: "O what peace we often forfeit; O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer."
Lord, forgive my lack of faith and my failure to cast all of my burdens upon You as You have invited me to do. Bring your grace, love and power into every situation in my life, and let me rejoice that, because of my salvation in Jesus, I have a heavenly Father who loves and cares for me. This I pray through Christ, my Lord and my Redeemer, Amen.
ISRAELIS BRING LIGHT TO WEST BANK VILLAGE
News reports coming from Israel are often critical of the Jewish nation's relations with the residents of the West Bank and Gaza. Here is a story that challenges those perceptions, as the Israelis endeavor to bring electrical power to some poor and remote villages in the West Bank.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
TODAY'S WORD FROM THE LORD
But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world (Galatians 6:14).
Paul is surely one of the greatest examples we could ever choose to follow. He once said, though not with arrogance, "imitate me." He could say this only because he was living a sanctified life through the power of the Holy Spirit. Are we walking today in the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit so that we may say with Paul, "Imitate me?" If not, maybe we need to spend some time at the cross.
Lord, let your Word and Holy Spirit control my life today so that others will see Jesus in me and desire Him in their lives too. Let my life show forth thy praise! In Jesus' Name, Amen.
CHRISTIANS JAILED IN IRAN FOR SPREADING CHRISTIANITY
Christian persecution is alive and well on planet earth! Here in America, we often take our liberty to witness the gospel of Christ for granted. (Hebrews 13:3). Two young Christian women in Iran have been arrested and thrown into prison "for the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus." Read, remember and pray!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
NO ONE HAD THE COURAGE TO TELL HER SHE SHOULD LET GO
The value of some pictures still exceeds a thousand words. This little girl held on to her Daddy's hand in an official formation line as he headed off for Iraq.
TODAY'S WORD FROM THE LORD
So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ (Acts 5:41-42).
Shortly after Pentecost, the apostles were arrested and put in prison for preaching and teaching in the temple that Jesus was the Christ. They were miraculously set free and went back to preaching and teaching in the temple. Soon, they were arrested again, flogged, and ordered not to speak in the name of Jesus. "So they went on their way...rejoicing they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name."
Each of us has a unique opportunity today to stand up and speak out for Jesus in a society that is growing less and less tolerant of His name! Let us follow in the footsteps of the apostles who "kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ."
RED-LETTER CHRISTIANS: NEO-MARXISM IN THE CHURCH? by Jan Markell
In many Bibles, all the words of Jesus are in red. There is nothing wrong with that. But something is wrong when Leftist Christians or so-called Christians want to mute the words of Paul and other writers and only follow Jesus' words. They call themselves "red-letter Christians."
They feel it is convenient to blot out the words of Paul on homosexuality and focus in on the good deeds Jesus talks about. Most are pacifists who reject an "eye for an eye" (Leviticus 24:19-20). They focus on Jesus' words about helping the poor, ministering to "the least of these" (Matthew 25:40), loving our enemies, etc. That justifies abandoning hundreds, even thousands of condemning verses in the Bible they choose to wish away. That makes homosexuality OK and war wrong! And remember, Paul and the others in the Bible represent Jesus' words. They were His spokesmen. Some who believe this way practice a form of neo-Marxism and others would call it "Christian Marxism" -- an oxymoron if there ever was one. They note that the early church shared everything (socialism). A close cousin to this is "liberation theology." Those who are high profile in this movement include Jim Wallis, Tony Campolo, Brian McLaren and his Emergent bunch, and the National Council of Churches. Jim Wallis says, "In those red letters, Jesus calls us away from the consumerist values that dominate contemporary American consciousness." Translate that to mean he loathes capitalism and opts for socialism and/or communism.
They feel it is convenient to blot out the words of Paul on homosexuality and focus in on the good deeds Jesus talks about. Most are pacifists who reject an "eye for an eye" (Leviticus 24:19-20). They focus on Jesus' words about helping the poor, ministering to "the least of these" (Matthew 25:40), loving our enemies, etc. That justifies abandoning hundreds, even thousands of condemning verses in the Bible they choose to wish away. That makes homosexuality OK and war wrong! And remember, Paul and the others in the Bible represent Jesus' words. They were His spokesmen. Some who believe this way practice a form of neo-Marxism and others would call it "Christian Marxism" -- an oxymoron if there ever was one. They note that the early church shared everything (socialism). A close cousin to this is "liberation theology." Those who are high profile in this movement include Jim Wallis, Tony Campolo, Brian McLaren and his Emergent bunch, and the National Council of Churches. Jim Wallis says, "In those red letters, Jesus calls us away from the consumerist values that dominate contemporary American consciousness." Translate that to mean he loathes capitalism and opts for socialism and/or communism.
HEAD OF LC-MS ASKS ELCA BISHOPS NOT TO IMPLEMENT DECISION TO INCLUDED HOMOSEXUAL CLERGY
"It would be a blessing" if certain actions taken by voting members of the Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) were not implemented, said the president of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), the Rev. Gerald B. Kieschnick.
The problem with Kieschnick's appeal is that it comes much to late. The ELCA has been hijacked by church leaders, including some of the very bishops to whom he makes his appeal. They have fought for over 20 years to achieve this result. They are not about to overturn it now.
Friday, October 2, 2009
TODAY'S WORD FROM THE LORD
Therefore my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye kow that your labor is not in vain in the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58).
Life can be a challenge, especially as we endeavor to live it faithfully for the Lord. The opposition can be unrelenting and critical. However, our call is to stand fast, remembering the words of Paul, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
Lord, let me live today being steadfast, unmovable and abounding in the work you have given me to perform. Let not man prevail over the work of the kingdom, not allow me to become discouraged by his fleeting efforts. Let your joy be my strength today. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
LARGE CONGREGATION IN VIRGINIA TAKES FIRST VOTE TO WITHDRAW FROM ELCA
St. John's Lutheran Church, located in southern Roanoak County, Virginia, voted with a 70% margin, to leave the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America over that body's decision to ordain practicing homosexual clergy.
http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/220520
http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/220520
MINNEAPOLIS CHURCH TAKES FIRST VOTE TO WITHDRAW FROM ELCA
St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota, voted this past Sunday, with a 96% margin, to withdraw from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The congregation's pastor, Roland J. Wells Jr., stated that 20 years ago the congregation decided that if the ELCA ever voted to sanction practicing homosexual clergy, they would leave. The congregation is fulfilling that commitment after the ELCA's August 21st decision.
Under ELCA rules, St. Paul's congregation will now consult with the office of the Minneapolis bishop. To leave the ELCA, the church must hold a second vote at least 90 days after the first, and the proposal must pass by a two-thirds majority.
Under ELCA rules, St. Paul's congregation will now consult with the office of the Minneapolis bishop. To leave the ELCA, the church must hold a second vote at least 90 days after the first, and the proposal must pass by a two-thirds majority.
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