EXCLUSIVE: Rick Warren Won’t Endorse Marco Rubio Despite Joining His Advisory Board

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EXCLUSIVE: Rick Warren Won’t Endorse Marco Rubio Despite Joining His Advisory Board

Christian Post Report – Saddleback Church Pastor Rick Warren participates in a panel discussion during the Clinton Global Initiative in New York September 26, 2008.

Despite the recent announcement that Rick Warren has joined an advisory board for Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio, the Southern California megachurch pastor and best-selling author of The Purpose Driven Life says he’ll never endorse a political candidate — and he’s not endorsing Rubio.

The Christian Examiner, a sister publication of The Christian Post, reported on Thursday that Warren had joined a number of prominent evangelicals on a religious liberty advisory board for Rubio, but his action should not be taken as an endorsement, he says.

“It is public knowledge that I never have endorsed a political candidate and never intend to,” said Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church, in an exclusive comment to the Christian Examiner. “It is not my job as a pastor to endorse candidates. But I do offer private counsel and perspective to any candidate who asks for it. I have done this with many candidates in the past. In this election cycle, I know most of the candidates on both sides who are running for president, and many have been friends for years, but they all know that I never endorse.”

Though Warren has counseled, advised and developed relationships with political figures across the political spectrum—and spoken out on a number of specific political issues, he has avoided taking sides in elections. He famously talks about being neither “left-wing or right-wing” but instead being for the “whole bird.”

In 2008 both Democratic and Republican presidential candidates participated in a nationally televised public forum at Saddleback Church where Warren asked both of them questions about their spiritual backgrounds, abortion, the definition of marriage, education and a myriad of other issues. The following January …

TO READ FULL ARTICLE VISIT CHRISTIAN EXAMINER HERE.

Source : Christian Post

Melissa Joan Hart’s Standing Up for Christian Values: ‘I Don’t Care What People Think’

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Melissa Joan Hart’s Standing Up for Christian Values: ‘I Don’t Care What People Think’
 Christian Post Report – Popular ’90s actress Melissa Joan Hart is the star of the upcoming Christian film “God’s Not Dead 2” that hits theaters on Easter weekend and says she’ll continue speaking about her faith because she has every right to do so.

“You know, it can be a little scary sometimes to say anything. These days, it’s a talent to be politically correct,” she told Fox 411 in an interview published Wednesday. “I find that as long as I don’t care what other people think and I stand by my values, it doesn’t matter what other people say.”

“People are going to argue with me no matter if I say something controversial or not,” she continued. “I’m going to ignore them because I have every right to say what I want to say and put out there what I feel. I don’t judge others and I’m definitely not trying to hurt anyone’s feelings.”

“God’s Not Dead 2: He’s Surely Alive,” the sequel to the $100 million grossing 2014 faith-based film, features Hart, who’s best known for her roles in the TV series “Clarissa Explains It All” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” and actor Jesse Metcalf who made a name himself as the adulterous landscaper on ABC’s “Desperate Housewives.”

While the first “God’s Not Dead” film dealt with an antagonistic atheist professor, the new film will address freedom of religion, a topic that has become even more prevalent since last month’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling that made state-level bans on same-sex marriage unconstitutional.

Hart, a native of New York, says she hasn’t always been vocal about her faith, but that seems to be changing. “As far as my faith, I think it’s important to share that those are my values and I’m going to use them to guide me through life and I’m not going to steer away from it, it’s part of who I am.”

In a promotional video for the film, Hart explains why she felt called to be apart of it of the upcoming faith based film, saying: “[I’m] really excited about it and prayed a lot over it. I felt like this was a great story to tell, important story to tell and I felt like it was my mission to be apart of it.”

Hart can be seen on the big screen in”God’s Not Dead” on April 1.

Source : Christian Post

Pope Francis: Christians Can ‘Show Gay People the Way,’ but Church ‘Does Not Condemn’

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Pope Francis: Christians Can ‘Show Gay People the Way,’ but Church ‘Does Not Condemn’
Christian Post Report – Pope Francis addresses a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress in the House of Representatives Chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. September 24, 2015

Pope Francis has spoken out on his famous remark in 2013 when he said “Who am I to judge?” about gay people, by clarifying that Christians can show them the way and walk with them, but insisted that the Church does not condemn people.

Francis’ thoughts were included in a new interview book titled The Name of God is Mercy, to be released in 80 countries on Tuesday, which will include his reflections on a number of other issues concerning the Roman Catholic Church as well.

Catholic website Crux reported that Francis said he was “paraphrasing by heart the Catechism of the Catholic Church” when he told reporters at an event at the Vatican in 2013: “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?”

Fancis was hailed by some gay rights groups at the time for the quote, even being awarded person of the year by LGBT publication the Advocate.

When asked to clarify his thoughts on the matter, Francis said that he supports compassion and inclusion, but is not in favor of changing traditional Catholic teachings.

“You can advise [gay people] to pray, show goodwill, show them the way, and accompany them along it,” the pontiff explained.

He added: “The Church does not exist to condemn people, but to bring about an encounter with the visceral love of God’s mercy.”

The Vatican leader further rejected what he called “a formal adherence to rules and to mental schemes,” and said that “mercy is the first attribute of God.”

Francis also spoke out on another hot-button issue concerning marriage, namely whether Catholics who divorce and remarry outside the Church have the right to receive Holy Communion.

The pontiff shared the story of a man who was due to marry one of the future pope’s nieces despite his previous marriage being declared null and being excluded from the sacrament.

The husband apparently continued going to church every Sunday to ask the priest for a blessing, recognizing that he can’t be absolved due to the Church’s rules.

Francis said that the man was “religiously mature,” which Crux suggested could be a clue that the pontiff is urging understanding, but not a change to doctrine.

Back in September 2013, Francis affirmed his support for the traditional Church teachings on subjects like homosexuality and abortion, but said that they should not be the only focus.

“We cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage and the use of contraceptive methods. This is not possible,” the pope said in an interview back then.

“I have not spoken much about these things, and I was reprimanded for that. But when we speak about these issues, we have to talk about them in a context.”

Source : Christian Post

‘Rapefugees Not Welcome:’ Mass Protests Flare in Germany Over Gang Sex Assaults

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‘Rapefugees Not Welcome:’ Mass Protests Flare in Germany Over Gang Sex Assaults
Christian Post Report – 1 million refugees from Syria and other places in the Middle East fleeing civil war and terrorism arrived in Germany in 20Christian Post Report – 15, which has sparked widespread debate, and in some cases marches and protests in the European country.

Merkel has defended the open-door immigration policy, but said that tough measures would be taken against the Cologne attackers.

“The right to asylum can be lost if someone is convicted, on probation or jailed,” Merkel said during a meeting of her Christian Democrats party.

“Serial offenders who repeatedly rob or repeatedly affront women must feel the full force of the law,” Merkel added, and further admitted:

“The events of New Year’s Eve have dramatically exposed the challenge we’re facing, revealing a new facet that we haven’t yet seen.”

New Year’s Eve attacks occurred in other German cities as well, including Hamburg, where 70 women filed sexual harassment complaints.

BBC News reported that refugees have also suffered attacks, however, with Cologne police investigating the beating of six Pakistanis and a Syrian man that reportedly took place on Sunday evening.

Authorities are searching for a group of around 20 suspects who might have been involved in the apparent hate-crime.

Political leaders have been urging for calm in the nation, though Justice Minister Heiko Maas told the Bild newspaper that the apparent pre-arranged nature of the gang assaults on women on New Year’s Eve will have to be investigated.

“If such a horde gathers in order to commit crimes, that appears in some form to be planned,” Maas said. “Nobody can tell me that this was not co-ordinated or prepared.”

Cologne chief of police Wolfgang Albers has since been suspended, after admitting that police made mistakes in withholding information about the Cologne attacks, in particular about the origin of the suspects.

Source : Christian Post

Getting Serious About Debt Reduction!

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Getting Serious About Debt Reduction!
Christian Post Report – I have an idea that could kill two birds with one proverbial stone — this year get your taxes organized as quickly as possible so that you can file in January and put that money to work for you. The fact is, most of us are giving the government an interest free loan by having our withholding too high. We don’t realize that when we get that refund check that money — which could have been working for you — has been sitting with Uncle Sam waiting for you to ask him to mail it back to you.

The average tax refund is more than $3,100, a good start on debt reduction in the New Years. You can file your taxes by mid-January, and if you file on-line, a refund won’t be far behind.

Source : Christian Post

The Lake Charles Police Say ‘In God We Trust!’

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The Lake Charles Police Say ‘In God We Trust!’
Christian Post Report – The city council in Lake Charles, Louisiana, has made the unanimous decision to have “In God We Trust” decals placed on 200 vehicles, including police patrol cars, fire trucks, and public works vehicles.

City Councilman Rodney Geye, who sponsored the measure to have the decals placed on city vehicles, told local station KPLC-TV that he believes the stickers will help civilians have trust in local law enforcement.

“I think when the citizens of Lake Charles see such stickers displayed on our vehicles they have a feeling of trust in their elected officials,” Geyen told the local media outlet.

Source : Christian Post

Erica Campbell, Tasha Cobbs Go Head-to-Head as Stellar Award Nominees

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Erica Campbell, Tasha Cobbs Go Head-to-Head as Stellar Award Nominees

Christian Post Report – Tasha Cobbs will perform with Erica Campbell at Soul Train Awards 2015 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 6, 2015.

Months after teaming up to minister through their music during a joint performance at the Soul Train Music Awards, gospel singers Tasha Cobbs and Erica Campbell are going head-to-head in five categories at the upcoming 31st annual Stellar Awards.

The Stellar Awards celebrates gospel music artists while showcasing them in the genre along with television and film entertainers. While a plethora of gospel music artists have received nominations, both Campbell, 43, and Cobbs, 34, have received six nominations each.

Five of those nominations were in the same categories for “Artist of The Year,” “Albertina Walker female Vocalist Of The Year,” “CD Of The Year,” and “Contemporary Female Vocalist Of The Year.” While Campbell had a nomination apart from Cobbs in the “Urban/Inspirational Single Or Performance Of The Year” category, the latter was nominated for “Praise And Worship CD Of The Year.”

After learning about her honors, Cobbs took to Instagram to write, “Thx #TeamTCM LOVE YALL!”

Campbell share a similar message which reads, “Woke up to great news!!!!!! Thank you Jesus!!!”

Before performing with Cobbs at the Soul Train Music Awards last November, Campbell spoke to The Christian Post about her connection with her fellow singer.

“I’m a big Tasha Cobbs fan. Not only do I love her voice but I love her spirit,” Campbell told CP. “We’ve done concerts where we were on the same bill. She did some of my early tour dates when I was on the ‘Help’ tour and she’s just great.”

According to Campbell, Cobbs is “so anointed, she’s so powerful, she’s young, she’s fun.”

The opportunity to collaborate onstage with the “Jesus Saves” singer, was more than just another performance for Campbell, who revealed how the women ministered through their music.

“We’re private change agents and we go in to minister the gospel that causes people’s lives to change or their minds to change. When your mind can change, that leads to a change in your life,” the “I Luh God” singer told CP. “It’s not like we’ll have an alter call and people will be running around shouting, but we definitely want to plant a seed to cause people’s lives to change after our performance.”

The 31st Annual Stellar Awards is taking place on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at The Las Vegas Orleans Arena. For a complete list of nominations please click here.

Source : Christian Post

Kelly Rowland’s Son Reinforces Singer’s Patience Found in Bible

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Kelly Rowland’s Son Reinforces Singer’s Patience Found in Bible
Christian Post Report – Singer Kelly Rowland arrives at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles August 28, 2011.

At the tender age of 1, singer Kelly Rowland’s son Titan Jewell Weatherspoon is teaching her about Biblical principles.

The 34-year-old singer, formerly of Destiny’s Child, told XO Necole about learning through her son how to practice 1 Corinthians 13:4.

“The Bible verse ‘love is patient’ is real! I don’t make the little things into big issues like I once did,” Rowland said. “My OCD had to go out the window. My living room looks like a freaking day care!”

The mother revealed that she once thought her lack of patience would prevent her from being a good mother.

“Having Titan has taught me patience. I didn’t know I was as patient as I am with him,” she said. “I was nervous that I didn’t have the patience to be a good mom, because before Titan I had zero. But now I am very patient.”

More than patience, Rowland’s son helped her overcome the death of her late mother Doris Rowland Garrison who died at the age of 66 in 2014. The tragic news came just weeks after Rowland gave birth to her first child, Titan Jewell Weatherspoon, that November.

In the whirlwind year, Rowland married her manager and husband Tim Witherspoon in 2014. While on “The Meredith Vieira Show” last year, Rowland spoke about her husband and son helping her deal with the loss of her mother.

“It’s definitely been a challenge. My husband says, ‘You know babe you should think about it as a new normal,'” Rowland told host Meredith Vieira. “I think I’ve done that but I’m so blessed to have my son. I don’t think I’ve had the time to really really grieve but I feel her presence often.”

Rowland went on to describe instances when she felt her mother was present with her son.

“Something that happened the other day Titan was laughing and I was like ‘what is this boy laughing at’ because it was such a belly filled giggle. He was looking up and smiling and laughing,” Rowland recalled on the talk show. “I was like, that’s mom. I just know she is always near and I am just so grateful for that.”

Despite her loss, Rowland believes there was a divine plan in place saying, “God gave me an angel, he took one of my angels away but he still has her covering and hovering over us and I’m so blessed for that.”

After the loss of her mother, Rowland released a heartfelt statement to fans about losing the important woman in her life.

“It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my mother, Doris Rowland Garrison. She was an incredible soul who made countless sacrifices so that I could become the woman — and now mother — I am today,” Rowland said in a statement obtained by E! News. “We humbly appreciate all the love and support and only ask for privacy during this difficult time.”

Now that 2016 has started, Rowland is able to reflect and realize that her son helped her get through the tough time.

“It was a tough, emotional point for me. I remember not wanting to be sad for Titan,” she told XO Necole. “I wanted to keep myself together because I believe that all that stress and grief can be passed on to your baby. Knowing Titan needed me, and having that to focus on, helped me through.”

Source : Christian Post

Tyrese Reveals Why He Prays at Public Sculpture

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Tyrese Reveals Why He Prays at Public Sculpture
Christian Post Report – Actor Tyrese Gibson poses during the GQ Men of the Year party in West Hollywood, California, December 3, 2015.

In the middle of the night, singer and action star Tyrese Gibson may be found praying at the Watts Towers sculptures in Los Angeles, California.

For the first time, the 37-year-old “Black Rose” singer revealed that he focuses on his life’s purpose by praying in the intimate setting in the Watts community that he grew up in.

“I’ve never shared this publicly but often times I come here in the middle of the night and pray ..,” Gibson wrote on Instagram. “It re-sparks my life’s purpose it reminds me to stand tall and never let life’s challenges get the best of me..”

Gibson has been hinting about a new business venture after spending time in the United Arab Emirates at the top of the year.

“… [W]hen you are a man of substance with a mission on your mind you have to step out of your nest and comforts of being home .. Be willing to walk into unfamiliar territories to accomplish your vision, dreams and goals ..,” Gibson wrote on Instagram. “Of course I don’t have to explain anything .. I’m aware .. But just know .. For those of you who don’t know .. To God be the glory for ALL the things that he continues to do ..”

With all of the accolades and opportunities he has received, the singer’s faith seemed to be revitalized when his mother was miraculously healed last month. Gibson called his mother’s healing one of the best moments of his life.

“I know a LOT of people have been as worried as me and our family .. So very grateful .. My mother is going to see another year .. And her sons birthday Dec 30th,” Gibson wrote on Instagram. “This is literally the best moment of my life.”

The actor from “The Fast and the Furious” film franchise, took to Instagram to speak about witnessing the presence of God after his mother’s health scare.

“I have the best news ever to share … I’ve witnessed the power and loving presence of GOD!!!! My Mother is no longer in critical condition ..,” he revealed. “Glory be thy name the lord Jesus Christ is real .. I’ve literally witnessed a miracle … We appreciate your prayers and outpouring of LOVE!!!!!!”

Although the entertainer has held strong to his Christian faith throughout the years, it seems those beliefs were strengthened when his mother’s health began to improve.

“I’ve never had a doubt in my heart that God was real .. But it can ONLY be the power of the lord Jesus Christ that pulled her through …,” he said. “They took the tubes out, took her off of the the breathing machines and today for the first time in 8 days me and my mother TALKED… Her first words were ‘Hi Son’…. My mother without saying will be my date to the GRAMMYs – to God be ALL the glory….”

Source : Christian Post

Russell Wilson’s Story Made Into Comic Book

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Russell Wilson’s Story Made Into Comic Book

Christian Post Report – Seahawks’ quarterback Russell Wilson at a press conference to kickstart Super Bowl XLVIII.

Russell Wilson may make heroic plays on the football field, but now the Seattle Seahawks quarterback officially has his own comic book.

Wilson, 27, is now the subject of a new comic book called “Fame: Russell Wilson,” which was released by Storm Comics last week. The comic will be a biography of Wilson’s college and NFL career, according to http://mynorthwest.com.

The illustrated biography can be found on Comic Flea, and was written by Michael Frizell, with art by Angelito Amara Bernuy and Chris Canibana.

“I’m not a football fan, I’ll admit it,” Frizell said on the Storm Publishing website. “Prior to researching Russell Wilson, the only football biography I ever read was on Joe Namath, but there was something that grabbed me about Wilson’s story. I found him to be fascinating. I’m certain you will, too.”

For publisher Darren G. Davis, the decision to feature Wilson as a comic book character was a no brainer.

“STORM Comics’ mission is to tell compelling stories,” said Davis. “Wilson’s story is certainly compelling.”

Off of the football field, Wilson serves as a different type of hero as a volunteer for the Seattle Children’s Hospital. Although Wilson and his Seahawks secured two consecutive Super Bowl appearances in 2014 and 2015, the Christian athlete is also consistent in volunteering at the hospital in between games and practices.

“Sunday is game day for me, but my best day is Tuesday when I visit Seattle Children’s,” Wilson previously wrote in his blog on Seattle Children’s Hospital website. “All the amazing opportunities I’ve had on the field can’t compare to helping kids whose lives are on the line.”

Wilson said he started volunteering a couple of years ago, but has had his share of experience visiting hospitals when his father died from diabetes in 2010. He spoke about his own experiences helping him relate to families who are dealing with sick children in the hospital where he volunteers.

While he is talented on the football field, Wilson believes his God given purpose involves giving back to others.

“I believe God has put me on this earth to serve others. That’s why there’s nothing more fulfilling than walking into a child’s hospital room and finding out how they’re doing – listening to their stories,” Wilson wrote. “All these kids are so brave and to be there for them and give them a boost is really important to me. What they don’t know is how much they affect me: I get an even bigger boost from them!”

In 2014, the Seattle Children’s Hospital and Research Foundation launched a $100 million initiative to support research aimed at curing childhood cancer.

Wilson signed on to be the “team captain” in the initiative called “Strong Against Cancer” that seeks to end childhood cancer within the next decade. The quarterback explained why it was important to be involved in the initiative.

“Annually, pediatric cancers receive less than 3 percent of the National Cancer Institute budget, which is why it’s so important for all of us to support initiatives like Strong Against Cancer,” Wilson said in a 2014 Seattle Childrens Hospital release. “The scientists working on immunotherapy have the treatment and the results to get us to a place where childhood cancer is no worse than a common virus. All that’s needed now are the resources to bring it to every kid who needs it.”

Source : Christian Post

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