When I was a kid in the 60s, it seemed that every American had a similar vision as to what the “good life” looked like: Go to college, get a job with a big company, and then ride that out for the rest of your career until they give you a gold watch, a check and a party.

Today, in the digital age, all that has been turned on its head. The new generation of Americans start stuff. We have 27 million entrepreneurs in America right now. That is a staggering number. The entire population of Australia is only 25 million. Going to work for somebody else seems to be on everybody’s Plan B or C list, not Plan A. Dreams and creativity are everywhere. That mindset is even shared by Christians who are also very entrepreneurial minded, and it has spiked the number of those starting ministries and churches. This is great news. I would like to offer a little piece of my experience to this new class of American Dreamers.

We started the Rock Church 20 years ago. As we celebrate our anniversary, I’m reflecting on being a young pastor who had the audacity to ask God to bless my efforts to start a church. I’m daily reminded of the fact that the Rock Church’s existence is a miracle of epic proportions.

The number of obstacles that came in the way of it becoming a reality could fill a book, from a lack of money, not being granted permits, having to win over city council, waiting on city leadership to decide whether a proposal of a new terminal at the San Diego International Airport would get in the way. It was six and a half long years of obstacle after obstacle to overcome. It was a lot like hacking our way through a jungle. And yet God kept saying, “Here, Miles. The church is going to go here.”

So what do you do when God gives you a vision, breathes life into it and then allows opposing forces to come against you?

Pray.

“Well, that’s obvious,” you might say. But I am not talking about prayer as a supplement to your hard work. I am talking about hard work as a supplement to prayer. I am suggesting a paradigm shift. Prayer isn’t in the chariot. Prayer is the chariot.

SOURCE: Christian Post, Miles McPherson

All Content & Images are provided by the acknowledged source

In his book, Living the Secular Life, professor/atheist evangelist Phil Zuckerman claims that a variety of political and sociological factors are putting an end to religion in America. Zuckerman asserts it’s not the influence of Richard Dawkins or the intolerant mocking of Bill Maher that are swaying people away from God, but instead he thinks there are five cultural winds that are blowing individuals out of the religious ranks and into the secular fold.

Let’s hear what he has to say.

Zuckerman’s first point is that the rise of various religious-political groups that tightly coupled themselves with the Republican party in the 1980s has only served to “alienate a lot of left-leaning or politically moderate Americans from Christianity. Sociologists Michael Hout and Claude Fischer have published compelling research indicating that much of the growth of ‘nones’ in America is largely attributable to a reaction against this increased, overt mixing of Christianity and conservative politics.”

Second on Zuckerman’s list is the impact that has resulted from the sexual misconduct of various priests and the apparent cover-up of the incidents that occurred within the Catholic church’s government. The effect, says Zuckerman, has been quite noticeable with various polls showing serious declines in the Catholic ranks.

A third catalyst for reduced religious interest in America cited by Zuckerman is more women working outside the home. Zuckerman references Callum Brown as being “the first to recognize this interesting correlation: when more and more women work outside the home, their religious involvement — as well as that of their families — tends to diminish. Brown … argues that it has been women who have historically kept their children and husbands interested and involved in religion.”

Fourth in Zuckerman’s group is the growing acceptance of homosexuality as a moral sexual practice. Because the legitimization of homosexuality is typically fought by the religious, Zuckerman says that religion is viewed as intolerant and seen as an enemy to fairness and equality.

Lastly, Zuckerman lists the Internet as a chief ally in atheism’s education and evangelism of new converts. “For example,” says Zuckerman, “in her ongoing research on nonbelieving clergy, Linda LaScola has found that many pastors and ministers who have lost their faith in God cite their time spent on the Internet as a factor in their emergent atheism.”

So how do we as Christians respond to these claims by Zuckerman as well as his overall thesis about religion dying in America? In my opinion, supplying a worthwhile answer requires more than simply working through each item, so I’d like to provide my feedback by replying to Zuckerman’s key points in a cursory fashion, but then quickly move on to address from a general perspective and a Biblical standpoint what’s really being asserted behind the scenes.

Let’s begin with the explicit positions Zuckerman highlights. Is he right? In my opinion, I’d say both yes and no. Yes, there are some instrumental-cause impacts from the items he lists, but no, they aren’t the sledgehammers he makes them out to be.

I believe he’s correct in pointing out that mixing religion and politics has never been a good idea, especially when theocratic governments such those that are on the landscape today are the end result.

SOURCE: Christian Post, Robin Schumacher

All Content & Images are provided by the acknowledged source

Countries have been closing their borders to Iran due to fear about the coronavirus COVID-19, and it’s throwing a wrench in ministry efforts to the country.

Last week, we reported the peak and decline of COVID-19 in China. However, the virus has picked up steam in some other parts of the world, especially Europe and the Middle East. Now, Iran has the highest number of coronavirus-related deaths outside China.

This is a problem for Bibles For The World, says Vice President Jeff McLinden. Iran’s new year is March 20, and many Iranians leave the country to celebrate. He says, “They often travel outside the country and go places where they can find parties to attend. They drink, they enjoy themselves. They’ll bring their entire family, let their hair down and basically find a way to celebrate their new year without the authorities watching them as closely as they do in Iran.”

Bibles For The World is involved with a plan to reach the revelers while they are partying outside Iran. McLinden says, “They’re going to be meeting with people in coffee shops. They’re going to be providing written Scriptures for them. And they’re going to be providing SD cards with the Gospel on them and copies of the Jesus film in Farsi.”

But the outbreak of COVID-19 has thrown a wrench into the plan. What McLinden doesn’t know is whether Iran will completely close their borders, keeping their citizens from leaving the country at all.

SOURCE: Mission Network News, Kevin Zeller

All Content & Images are provided by the acknowledged source

None of us is given a life free of pain and suffering. Challenges and scars are what make us human, but with hard work, the right tools, faith and God’s unconditional love pushing us forward, we can turn our challenges into positive change, and turn our scars into superpowers.

Women all over the world, in all walks of life, carry burdens of brokenness. Whether it is in their finances, relationships, their work life, fertility and loss, mental health, or because of abuse or addictions, brokenness can lead to a felt sense of unworthiness, a lack of whole living. These dark places, these broken places in body and spirit, often lead to anxiety, depression, fear, loneliness or overwhelm.

Whatever form the destructive fire in a woman’s life has taken—loss, trauma, deep disappointment, rejection or neglect—I fully believe in her ability to rise, like a Phoenix, through the ashes and be reborn with resurrection power. I have been fortunate to witness women make these powerful transformations every day. Over and over, I have witnessed women rise through the ashes of life’s devastations and the enemy’s ploys and watched them emerge to embrace their passions and live their fullest lives, overflowing with hope and purpose in the Lord.

I have walked through the ashes of devastating childhood abuse myself. I’ve seen what’s possible. I know that every woman can carry her whole story into the present and use it to create a whole self, in a way God always intended. Every hurting woman really can have a different life! What’s more, the world is aching for women to fulfill those desires and uncover their unique gifts.

It is time for women to clear the wreckage of the past and step center stage into their lavish God-ordained callings.

What Is Wholeness?

The Bible is replete with gifts of wisdom and promises of God’s redeeming love and power. Isaiah 43:19 (ESV) says, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Nothing is wasted with God. Not even the low places, the broken hearts or the barren moments are useless. And in 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (MEV) we read, “May the very God of peace sanctify you completely. And I pray to God that your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” There is a promise for peace and redemption! God wants women whole so they can walk in legacy that will impact the generations to come.

Merriam-Webster defines whole as “not lacking any part or member that properly belongs to it,” “enjoying health and vigor,” and “not divided or scattered among several areas of interest or concern.” Wholeness is the “state of forming a complete and harmonious whole, unity” and the “state of being unbroken or undamaged” as in mind and body. Synonyms for “whole” are complete, full, unbroken and intact.

We crave wholeness, because we were made for it (John 10:10). Becoming more whole is a process that requires intentionality and active participation. Achieving personal wholeness is a lifelong adventure and pursuit, and it is the will of God (Phil. 2:12-13). Wholeness in the areas of psychological, physical, behavioral, spiritual, relational well-being and purpose builds an essential foundation for a joyful, satisfying life.

SOURCE: Charisma News, Dr. Barbara Lowe

All Content & Images are provided by the acknowledged source

Christian leaders across the world are taking a bold stand to declare 2020 as the Year of the Bible.

The Year of the Bible movement is quickly gaining traction across Christian circles as believers post photos of themselves with their favorite Bibles.

Evangelist Nick Hall, founder of PULSE, is spearheading the movement. He says he hopes the result is a grass-roots “Bible revival.”

But the movement isn’t just attracting young teens and Christian influencers. Christian organizations and companies are taking part too.

Ted Ancelet—national director of spiritual empowerment for Bethany Christian Services—says the team at Bethany is making a commitment to say no to distractions and yes to God’s Word.

“What we’re doing is we’re encouraging our staff and our board members, our partners, our friends of the ministry, to get involved and sign the ‘I Read the Bible’ declaration at yearofthebible.com,” Ancelet says on the Charisma News podcast.

SOURCE: Charisma News

All Content & Images are provided by the acknowledged source

A tornado struck parts of Nashville and central Tennessee early Tuesday, leaving at least 22 people dead. Many in Nashville’s Christian music community are sharing their heartbreak over the natural disaster. 

The tornado ripped through dozens of buildings and left 50,000 households and businesses with no power. The death count is an accumulation of people in four counties, including Davidson (Nashville), Putnam, Benton and Wilson, according to NBC News.

“We have had loss of life all across this state,” Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said in a statement. He also announced that “there are folks missing.”

The natural disaster is the deadliest tornado occurrence in the United States since 23 people lost their lives in Alabama on March 3, 2019.

World-renowned worship leader Kari Jobe took to Instagram with her reaction following the destruction.

“My city,” Jobe wrote along with several photos of the damage. “So devastated for so many friends and business owners today. We will rebuild. My phone is full of texts back and forth with friends checking on each other. So grateful for community.”

The singer then shared information for those in need of assistance, “If you’re in need of help – our church @thebelongingco is here for you. Email [email protected] praying for all who lost loved ones and homes. We are with you.”

Tenth Avenue North frontman Mike Donehey also revealed that his house felt pressure from the storm.

“Hey everyone. If you’re watching the news you might see tornadoes hit Tennessee hard last night,” Donehey wrote alongside a photo of @thebasementeast, a concert venue. He said it’s where his band played their album release show in August.

SOURCE: Christian Post, Jeannie Law

All Content & Images are provided by the acknowledged source

… Read More

Click here to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Christian Headlines.

قالب وردپرس

The title above from a recent article stood out as a glanced through the morning news. It said, “Texas is home to one of the largest evangelical populations in the country, most of which traditionally votes Republican. But some current and former members of the evangelical community have turned to the Democrats, espousing more progressive beliefs.”

After just getting back from Texas where I had the privilege of meeting James Robison and Pastor Jack Graham, and many other fine Texans, I wanted to chime in and remind all of us about some important truths that can be found in past articles. (My interview with James Robison can be viewed here.)

1. “Progressive” doesn’t always mean progress.

The church today finds itself in an interesting spot. On one hand, we are commanded to love all people who struggle with sin. On the other hand, we cannot affirm sin nor turn a blind eye to the unrepentant practice of sin by those who claim to be Christ’s followers. We care so much for others that our desire for them is to have a relationship with God via repentance, but in return, we are labeled haters and homophobes. What irony. Those who love are called haters, and those filled with hate are called tolerant. Liberals are “mainstream,” while those who support the tenets of Scripture are called mean-spirited fundamentalists. Up is down and down is up. Right is wrong and wrong is right. We make decisions based on not offending others, never stopping to ask if God is offended by our position. Folks, this is not progression; it’s digression. Many who plan to vote Democrat also embrace liberal theology. Doesn’t anyone else see a connection?

2. We aren’t voting for a person; we are voting for principles.

The Bible says don’t murder innocent children (abortion). It also says that we should work hard if we can (no socialism). It also says that the government is to guard the nation, securing borders and fighting terrorism (see Rom. 13). The Bible adds that we should have conservative judges who are honest and that we should bring God’s Word into all areas of life. And on and on it goes. Many of President Trump’s staff are doing all this and more. How a person, let alone a Christian, can overlook these things is a mystery to me. We have a politician actually doing what he said he would do. His past is not perfect, but he is guiding America in the right direction. He is surrounded by many godly men and women, and many governmental agencies are now hosting Bible studies. Sex traffickers are being prosecuted at a very high rate, and religious freedoms are being secured. Just ask the underground church in China and Iraq how important religious freedom is lest you take it for granted.

SOURCE: Charisma News

All Content & Images are provided by the acknowledged source