‘I Will Never Be Perfect, but I Serve a Perfect God,’ Says ‘Duck Dynasty’ Star Sadie Robertson

Sadie Robertson (Photo: Twitter/Sadie Robertson)

Christian Post Report – Sadie Robertson posed for a Sherri Hill fashion shoot.

Sadie Robertson of “Duck Dynasty” fame humbly admitted “I will never be perfect, but I serve a perfect God” before urging fans to “be confident” in messages posted on her Instagram and YouTube accounts.

The 17-year-old reality TV star has become a role model for young girls after rising to fame on A&E’s hit series that’s based on the Robertson family’s Duck Commander business in West Monroe, Louisiana, in which her father, Willie, is the CEO. The starlet has also appeared on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”

Just two months after posting a video on YouTube titled “Live Original,” the fashion model advised her fans to just be themselves without striving for perfection.

“God doesn’t call us to be perfect,” she wrote on Instagram Tuesday after sharing the quote: “I was born to be real, not to be perfect.”

She added: “I will never be perfect, but I do serve a perfect God. Just be YOU. Live original. Be confident.”

Back in March, Robertson posted a 7-minute YouTube video urged fans to “just be you and live original” while addressing issues of self-confidence and jealousy. The clip received over 700,000 views in just a matter of days, and as of Monday has garnered almost 3 million views.

“The reality is, I struggle with comparing myself to other people, I struggle with worry, and I’m really hard on myself,” said the teen in the tell-all video. “I am just like every other girl and I look in the mirror and pick out the flaw.”

Robertson, who penned the book, Live Original: How the Duck Commander Teen Keeps It Real and Stays True to Her Values, continues to encourage readers to embrace their flaws and find confidence in God. Further, Robertson shared several quotes from Scripture relating to jealousy as well as worry in the clip.

She continued: “I want to see people start to live original. My point is, don’t look at people and say, ‘That’s what I want to be.’ In reality, if you’re seeking human approval, you’re never gonna reach your goal. You can only reach it by God.”

Source : Christian Post

ISIS’ Online ‘Training Manual’ Is Teaching Sympathizers How to Disguise Themselves as Westerners and Build Bombs to Carry Out Attacks

ISIS (Photo: Reuters)

Christian Post Report – Militant Islamist fighters take part in a military parade along the streets of Syria’s northern Raqqa province, June 30, 2014. The fighters held the parade to celebrate their declaration of an Islamic “caliphate” after the group captured territory in neighbouring Iraq, a monitoring service said. The Islamic State, an al-Qaeda offshoot previously known as Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, posted pictures online on Sunday of people waving black flags from cars and holding guns in the air, the SITE monitoring service said.

A detailed Islamic State “secret agent” training manual has been distributed on the Internet and is designed to provide prospective ISIS supporters in Western nations with ways to disguise themselves and their motives when trying to plan and carrying out “lone wolf” attacks and espionage missions.

The 71-page e-book, which was originally published in March and has recently resurfaced on the Internet, includes wide-ranging suggestions for the group’s radicalized sympathizers in the West who are looking to make significant contributions to the terror group’s jihad, Radio Free Europe reported.

The ebook, which contains 11 chapters, advises extremists in the west not to show any signs that they’re devout Muslims so that they do not raise suspicion from national and local law enforcement agencies.

The book’s first chapter, titled “Hiding the Extremist Identity,” tells extremists in the West not to grow their beard out, if they haven’t already, which is contradictory to the law the group enforces inside its caliphate. But if supporters have grown their beards out, they are advised not to shave their beard completely because that would drive suspicion from friends and family. The book instead suggests that supporters should trim their beards into fashionable goatees to fit in better with society.

For female jihadis, the book advises them not to wear black hijabs and suggests that they wear colored hijabs, because women wearing black hijabs are more likely to be searched in an airport.

The e-book continues by offering advice on how jihadis in the West can disguise their communications. It suggests that if supporters need to communicate over the phone or Internet, it’s important for them to use codewords in order to throw off authorities. If the sympathizers are communicating by letter, they should write in lemon juice, which the recipient can read by warming up the paper.

The book suggests in Chapter 2, “Disguise,” that ISIS supporters should change their Muslim names to something more Western and should act more friendly to help increase the chance that they get some kind of inside government job that will help them carry out their espionage objectives. For instance, a supporter named “Ali” should change his name to “Al.”

“People with Islamic names get less jobs than those with [Western] names. This alias might be important if you need an important position in a specific job, i.e. Mujahideen send people to work in power plants or enemy governmental positions to spy on and leak reports to the Islamic State leadership (as double agents),” the Middle East Media Research Institute quoted the book as stating.

“Making yourself look more friendly and open minded to the Western public, for example: Muslims who call themselves by a Western nickname gain more acceptances by their non-Muslim colleagues.”

In the third chapter, the guide advises Western sympathizers on how to illegally get money so that they can help finance the terror organization or finance their migration to the caliphate.

“If you are an expert in credit card fraud, Paypal/Ebay scams, phishing, [or] hacking, or you know the secret of a big company, then take advantage of your skills. If you can claim extra benefits from a government, then do so. If you can avoid paying taxes, then do so,” the e-book suggests. “There is a report that a Muslim accountant ‘took’ $50 million from his boss and fled to the Islamic State. Other Muslims ‘borrowed’ a loan as maximum as they could and used it to emigrate to the Islamic State. Another Muslim hacked some Israeli credit cards and used the money to go to the Islamic State.”

The book states in Chapter 5 that it’s important for jihadis to exercise. It explains that jihadis in Iraq and Syria jog in the mountains for a few hours every morning before breakfast to stay in shape and build stamina. It encouraged Western jihadis to hit the gym or a treadmill.

The book gets very detailed in Chapter 8, which is titled “Bomb-Making at Home.” The chapter teaches supporters how to make six different types of deadly homemade explosives, such as nail bombs, Molotov cocktails, microwave airbag bombs, gas canister bombs, remote controlled bombs and car bombs.

The chapter also discusses how to use mobile phones as bomb detonators.

As an example of what kind of impact homemade bombs can have, the e-book states that the Boston Marathon bombers in April of 2013 used a microwave bomb, which killed three people and left over 170 injured.

“When the microwave was on, it would heat up the airbags or aerosol cans. The airbags or aerosol cans would explode due to the intensity of the heat and pressure, forcing the microwave door to open forcefully,” the e-book explains. “The nails/sharp rocks etc., in the microwave would come flying out of the microwave in the direction of the target.”

The e-book assured that just because ISIS sympathizers are not full fledged members of the caliphate, that doesn’t mean that they are not entitled to carry out attacks in the name of jihad.

The guide encouraged more “lone wolf” attacks in Western nations, such as the attack carried out by gunmen on a Muhammad cartoon contest in Texas earlier this month, which ISIS claimed responsibility for.

In the final chapters, the book discusses what jihadis are supposed to do when their homes get raided by authorities and how they can escape their countries to migrate to the Islamic State. The e-book states that there are numerous places of refuge for Muslims to take safety in throughout the world, not just in Iraq or Syria.

“Now that the Islamic State has been established in the Muslim world, believers can celebrate, because we are living in a unique time in history,” the manual asserts. “Muslims can now do an act of terrorism and escape the country secretly and find places of refuge in the world. … So if the Muslim finds it hard to flee to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria through Turkey, he can escape to the Islamic State in Libya, or Khorasan [Waziristan in Pakistan], or in Nigeria [under Boko Haram territory.]”

Source : Christian Post

How to Increase Your Faith

Christian Post Report – 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4

  • Dr. Charles F. Stanley
    (Photo: In Touch Ministries)
    Dr. Charles F. Stanley (File).

What are some practical steps you can take to increase your level of faith today?

1. READ THE BIBLE. Romans 10:17 explains, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” That is, you must feed your faith a steady diet of God’s Word.

2. EXERCISE YOUR FAITH. A bodybuilder doesn’t begin by lifting 500 pounds the first day. Rather, he exercises daily, gradually increasing his strength. Regularly exercising faith can bring about similar growth spiritually.

3. EMBRACE TRIALS. First Peter 1:3-9 reveals the difficult truth that adversity, when addressed in God’s power, creates greater faith. Just as a fire purifies precious metals, hardship strips away all but the pure core of faith.

4. EXAMINE THE TESTIMONIES OF OTHERS. A testimony is an individual’s own account of the Lord’s activity in his life. No one can ever deny, refute, or downplay someone else’s testimony. When you hear of God’s mighty deeds in another person’s life, your own faith grows.

5. PRAY. You get to know someone by talking to him. That’s what prayer is: your personal communication with God. But don’t just talk; be sure to spend time listening. God wants to speak to you.

6. PRACTICE OBEDIENCE. You will never grow in your faith if you consistently disobey what God tells you to do. Perfect faith is a by-product of obedience. Put yourself in a position to see God’s best for your life, and your faith will soar.

Faith does not increase by accident. Growth takes time, dedication, and intentionality. Ask the Lord to help you exercise your faith today.

Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. © 2015
All Rights Reserved.

Source : Christian Post

Bishop T.D. Jakes Adds Joyce Meyer, Christine Caine to Lineup of MegaFest Speakers Who’ve Reached 1 Million People Worldwide

TD Jakes (Photo: Screen grab/MegaFest)

Christian Post Report – Bishop T.D. Jakes of The Potters House preaches about making transitions in life at the Woman Thou Art Loosed conference at MegaFest on Aug. 30, 2013, in Dallas, Texas.

Megachurch pastor Bishop T.D. Jakes of The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas, has added internationally-acclaimed pastor Joyce Meyer and Australian activist Christine Caine to the powerhouse lineup of speakers that are set to hit the stage this summer at MegaFest, the nation’s largest Christian family festival.

Meyer and Caine, both leading figures in the evangelical world, will join the likes of Bishop Tudor Bismarck, R.A. Vernon, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan Williams and Jakes’ wife, pastor Serita Jakes, at the three-day event that will be held Aug. 19-23 in “Big D.”

“We are pleased to add each and every one of these world-renowned inspirational leaders to our expanding MegaFest lineup,” Jakes said. “These speakers’ international reach stretches across three continents and demonstrates the worldwide impact of MegaFest.”

Since launching in 2004, MegaFest has grown to become one of the largest faith-based multi-day festivals in the United States with organizers saying it has so far reached nearly 1 million people worldwide.

With its focus on family and unity, the event attracts tens of thousands of attendees and offers uplifting seminars, empowering speeches, music and other family-oriented entertainment.

“MegaFest harkens back to a simpler time when families spent quality time together,” Jakes, also a prominent film producer, said previously. “With so much chaos and turmoil ensuing in the world today, it will be critical for families to reconnect and recharge their batteries in a fun-filled, inspirational environment. It is also a great opportunity to showcase the best that Dallas has to offer — from its dynamic business community, to its arts and entertainment to its renowned shopping, restaurants and hospitality venues. MegaFest is a can’t-miss opportunity for all.”

In the past, MegaFest, which incorporates Woman Thou Art Loosed, ManPower, FireCode Mega-Youth and Destiny World Mega-Kidz, has drawn big names in entertainment including Oprah Winfrey, Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, actress Kerry Washington and popular televangelist Joel Osteen.

The last time MegaFest was held in Dallas was in 2013, and attracted 75,000 attendees from 20 states and 31 countries, and brought in an estimated $41 million in revenue to the city.

For more information on MegaFest CLICK HERE.

Source : Christian Post

Charlie Hebdo Suspends Columnist Who Received Death Threats for Bashing Radical Islam; Fellow Writer Claims Newspaper Is Hypocritical in Taking Disciplinary Action

Charlie Hebdo (Photo: Reuters/Stephane Mahe)

Christian Post Report – A man holds the new issue of satirical French weekly Charlie Hebdo entitled “Tout est pardonne” (“All is forgiven”), which shows a caricature of the Muslim prophet Muhammad, in front of a kiosk in Paris January 14, 2015. The first edition of Charlie Hebdo published after the deadly attacks by Islamist gunmen sold out within minutes at newspaper kiosks around France on Wednesday, with people queuing up to buy copies to support the satirical weekly. A print run of up to three million copies has been set for what has been called “the survivors’ edition,” dwarfing the usual 60,000 run.

In a twist of irony, the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, which was attacked by Islamic extremists in January after publishing cartoons of the prophet Muhammad, has reportedly suspended one of its columnists after she received death threats for writing critically about radical Islam.

The French news site Le Monde has reported that Charlie Hebdo journalist Zineb El Rhazoui, who has joint French and Moroccan nationality, was called into a preliminary dismissal hearing last Friday, which allegedly could be the first step in a process that could lead to Rhazoui’s firing.

A spokesperson for Charlie Hebdo assured on Friday that the meeting was to remind Rhazoui of her obligations to the paper. However, the 33 year old accused her employer of punishing her for speaking out about the editorial direction the newspaper has gone in since it was victimized by a deadly attack conducted by radical Muslims on Jan. 7, which left 12 employees dead.

France 24 reports that since the January attack, Rhazoui has been the leading voice for the newspaper on the Islamic front, and was surprised when she received a summons from the newspaper’s management.

“I am shocked and appalled that a management that has received so much support after the January attacks could show so little support for one of its employees, who is under pressure like everyone in the team and has faced threats,” Rhazoui was quoted as saying.

Rhazoui’s critical works on Islamic fundamentalism include a collaboration piece titled, “The Life of Mohammed,” which she worked on with slain Charlie Hebdo editor Stephane Charbonnier, who was killed in the Jan. 7 attack.

Rhazoui said in light of her articles on radical Islam, even her Husband has lost his employment and received threats from upset Muslims.

“My husband lost his job and had to leave Morocco because the jihadists revealed his workplace,” she explained. “I am under threat and having to live with friends or in a hotel and the management is thinking of firing me. Bravo Charlie.”

Le Monde also reports that a well-known Charlie Hebdo contributor, Patrick Pelloux, sent an email to Rhazoui. Pelloux wrote that it’s contradictory for the company to take disciplinary actions against its own employees during trying times when the paper has been internationally praised as a free speech champion.

“We’re all still recovering from the attack. Summoning a team member who is still suffering is wicked and disloyal,” Pelloux was quoted as writing. “Receiving a prize for freedom of expression and threatening journalists is paradoxical.”

According to Radio France Internationale, another reason that Rhazoui thinks she was summoned was due to the fact that she’s one of 15 employees who called for an equal ownership of Charlie Hebdo. The paper is now 40 percent owned by Charbonnier’s family, while 40 percent is owned by a cartoonist and 20 percent is owned by the paper’s chief financial officer.

The 15 employees also addressed concerns that the once nearly-bankrupted newspaper will stray away from its left-wing, anti-religious tilt and start catering to its coffers, after receiving great financial support from donations as a result of the January attack. The disgruntled employees labeled this “the poison of the millions.”

Source : Christian Post

Australian Megachurch Band Hillsong United Wins Billboard Music Award Ahead of ‘Empires’ Release

Hillsong (Photo: Courtesy of GraceHillMedia)

Christian Post Report – (EXCLUSIVE PHOTO) Joel Houston and Taya Smith rehearse for the Los Angeles Forum concert while filming Hillsong movie “Let Hope Rise.”

Acclaimed worship band Hillsong United took home the award for Top Christian Artist at the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday night. Next week the band is set to debut its fourth studio album Empires.

The Australian megachurch band was also nominated for a Billboard award in the “Top Christian Song” category for their chart-topping hit “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” although Country music star Carrie Underwood won for her platinum hit “Something In The Water.” Rapper Lecrae took home the Top Christian Album award for Anomaly.

Top Christian Artist
Casting Crowns
Hillsong United
Lecrae
MercyMe
Newsboys

Top Christian Album
Lecrae, Anomaly
Casting Crowns, Thrive
MercyMe, Welcome to the New
NEEDTOBREATHE, Rivers in the Wasteland
Chris Tomlin, Love Ran Red

Top Christian Song
Francesca Battistelli, “He Knows My Name”
Hillsong United, “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)”
MercyMe, “Greater”
Newsboys, “We Believe”
Carrie Underwood, “Something In The Water”

Hillsong United could not be reached for comment.

Their Empires album is slated for release on May 26 and in addition, the band is also gearing up for the release of Hillsong’s first ever film “Hillsong — Let Hope Rise.”

“We wanted to create songs that first seek to listen, then speak the good news of Jesus and His Grace into the dichotomy, tension and hopeful-collision of this broken and fragile world we see here and now, and the unshakeable and mysterious reality of the Kingdom we can’t see,” said Joel Houston, who leads the 11-member band. “Our desire has been to simply create the most honest project we could.”

Last year, the band, which began in 1998 as a pastime for youth at church and has since grown into a global sensation, won its first ever American Music Award and Houston said that while they are delighted by the recognition they have a much greater purpose.

“It’s nice at the end of the day. Our heart has always been to build the church, it really has been and when we started out writing music we never could’ve imagined that we’d travel, let alone experience some of the things we’ve seen,” Houston, who is co-pastor of Hillsong NYC, previously told The Christian Post exclusively.

Last year the band’s third studio album Zion peaked at number 1 on Christian album charts in Australia, the U.S. and the United Kingdom.

“… It continues to blow our minds, but what I love about our guys is there’s this super unassuming quality to our team when it comes to that stuff,” Houston explained. “It’s like hey we won five Dove awards and that’s fine but there was no fanfare, no party. It wasn’t like we were high-fiving or jumping around excited about it. I think for us it just continues to add to this story of God’s grace and that He’d choose to use people like us. It applies to everything that we do as a church.”

He previously told CP that the band’s goal is never to write “cool” music, but rather to share the incredible story of Jesus.

“I’m not trying to write songs that are cool or hip or that keep up to date with whatever is out there on the radio,” he said. “We’re genuinely just trying to write songs that are honest reflections of a creative God and music that helps people connect with God.”

Hillsong, which is headquartered in Sydney, has churches around the world with more than 100,000 weekly attendees, including thriving congregations in New York and Los Angeles. An estimated 50 million people sing their songs every Sunday.

Source : Christian Post

Lecrae Wins Top Christian Album at Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas

Lecrae (Photo: Harvest Ministries)

Christian Post Report – Christian rapper Lecrae performs at Harvest America in Philadelphia, Sept. 28, 2013.

Christian rapper Lecrae won the Top Christian Album award for his hit “Anomaly” at this year’s Billboard Music Awards show in Las Vegas on Sunday.

“Congrats & thanks to the producers, engineers, artists, label, distribution, family & fans on Anomaly’s Billboard Award,” Lecrae wrote on Twitter Monday morning.

Lecrae was also nominated for Top Christian Artist at the Billboard Music Awards, but lost that category to Australia-based Hillsong United. Other nominees for that award included Casting Crowns, MercyMe and the Newsboys.

Lecrae made headlines last year when he topped Billboard’s Top 200 chart with the release of Anomaly, scoring the No. 1 album by selling 88,000 copies in its first week. He also had the No. 1 album on both the Gospel Albums and Christian Albums charts.

He then won a Grammy in February for Best Contemporary Christian Song/Performance for the song “Messengers,” which is on Anomaly and features the group for KING AND COUNTRY.

During his speech at the Grammys, Lecrae praised God for his talents and said: “Love and respect to everybody out here because this is a celebration of gifts. And there’s so many people out here who are gifted, but obviously you can’t celebrate gives without celebrating the giver of all gifts. So I want to celebrate Jesus for gifting us all with the gift of love and sacrifice,” he said.

Lecrae also announced last week that he will release a book in 2016 titled Unashamed that will reveal details about his life, including struggles with drugs, alcoholism, bouts of depression and a suicide attempt.

The book’s release will precede the launch of Lecre’s next album, and will chronicle his life story and focus on how the rapper has maintained his Christian faith in a world that’s hostile toward the Gospel.

“As an artist my ambition is to make honest music, and I feel the same way about writing this book,” he said. “I want to be honest about where I’ve come from and what I’ve learned along the way. I want to influence culture, to help catalyze and inspire, and help other people find understanding. If they find some inspiration and some clarity for their own lives, as they follow my journey, then I will have succeeded.”

Lecrae is currently on The Anomaly Tour with rapper and fellow Reach Records artist Andy Mineo.

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Source : Christian Post

Barack Obama, Egyptian Coptic Bishop Condemn Death Penalty for Ex-President Morsi, Despite Killing of Christians During Muslim Brotherhood-Led Rule

<b>Christian Post Report</b> – Egypt’s former president Mohamed Morsi sentenced to 20 years in prison over the killing of demonstrators outside his palace in 2012.” title=”<b>Christian Post Report</b> – Egypt’s former president Mohamed Morsi sentenced to 20 years in prison over the killing of demonstrators outside his palace in 2012.” name=”jpg” src=”http://images.christianpost.com/full/82996/egypts-former-president-mohamed-morsi-sentenced-to-20-years-in-prison-over-the-killing-of-demonstrators-outside-his-palace-in-2012.jpg” class=”imgPhoto” width=”550″ height=”450″ /> <small class=(Photo: Reuters)

Christian Post Report – Egypt’s former president Mohamed Morsi sentenced to 20 years in prison over the killing of demonstrators outside his palace in 2012.

The Coptic Catholic Bishop of Assiut has condemned the death sentence handed down by the Egyptian court to former President Mohamed Morsi, despite the oppression and incitement of deadly crimes committed against Christians during his rule. Anba Kyrillos William said that the church does not compromise on defending life, which he called an “inviolable right.”

“The Church respects the independence of the judiciary, but believes that life is an inviolable right, and remains opposed to the death penalty. The fact is that this type of sentence is still contemplated in the Egyptian legal order,” William told Fides News Agency.

Morsi, along with 100 other people, were sentenced to death late last week over a mass prison break in 2011, BBC News reported.

His life may still be spared if the verdict is changed by the Grand Mufti of Al-Azhar on June 2, William noted.

“The reaction of the Islamists has already taken violent connotations. While the population seems to support the judgment. The people have not forgotten the suffering endured when Morsi was president,” the bishop said.

Coptic Christians in Los Angeles, California, protest against deadly clashes in Cairo, Egypt, between Christian protesters and military police in this October 16, 2011 photo. (Photo: Reuters/David McNew)

Coptic Christians in Los Angeles, California, protest against deadly clashes in Cairo, Egypt, between Christian protesters and military police in this October 16, 2011 photo.

“Now we have to wait for the verdict of the Grand Mufti of Al-Azhar, that on June 2 will either confirm the sentence or ask the sentence to be changed in other less severe punishments such as life imprisonment.”

Morsi, who was disposed of power following a nationwide uprising in July 2013, has been the subject of a series of criminal trials. In April he was initially sentenced to 20 years in prison for unlawful arrests and torture carried out during his time in power.

Egyptian authorities have banned Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood party since his fall, and have arrested thousands of his supporters.

Christians suffered greatly in the wake of the 2013 uprising, with Morsi supporters targeting them for supporting the anti-government protests. Minority Christians were attacked across Egypt, while Christian bookstores, orphanages and churches were vandalized.

The European Union and the United States have also spoken out against the mass death sentences, with E.U. representative Federica Mogherini calling the punishment “cruel and inhumane.”

“The court decision to seek the death penalty … was taken at the end of a mass trial that was not in line with Egypt’s obligations under international law,” Mogherini said, according to Al Jazeera News.

An anonymous U.S. state department official said the Obama administration expressed “deep concern” after the verdict.

“We have consistently spoken out against the practice of mass trials and sentences, which are conducted in a manner that is inconsistent with Egypt’s international obligations and the rule of law,” the White House official said on Sunday.

“We continue to stress the need for due process and individualised judicial processes for all Egyptians in the interests of justice.”

Mohamed Soudan, a senior member of the Brotherhood who fled Egypt to the U.K. following Morsi’s fall, called the mass verdicts “farcical.”

“They’re insisting on issuing these verdicts against anyone who participated in the January 25 Revolution … all of the verdicts fail to meet international standards of law … they are farcical and will be dismissed as a failing of the coup,” Soudan said.

Source : Christian Post

Number of PCUSA Congregations Slips Below 10,000 Mark

pcusa ga (Photo: Facebook/PCUSA)

Christian Post Report – The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) holds its biennial meeting in Detroit, Michigan, June 14-21, 2014.

The number of congregations belonging to Presbyterian Church (USA) fell below the 10,000 mark during 2014, according to statistics released by the denomination.

PCUSA earlier this month reported that it had 9,829 congregations in 2014, which represents a decline from the 10,038 congregations it had in 2013.

110 congregations were listed as dissolved and another 101 were dismissed to other denominations. In contrast, in 2014 PCUSA had 15 new congregations organized.

The mainline denomination also continued to decrease in members, in 2014 PCUSA had approximately 1.667 million members, in contrast to 1.76 million in 2013.

In a statement released last week, the Reverend Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the PC(USA), said that numbers were but one indicator of vitality.

“Membership statistics and church numbers tell one story, but it’s not the entire message of how the PC(USA) is impacting the world,” said the Rev. Parsons.

“God continues to breathe new life into our work and challenges us to find new, creative ways to touch and transform lives.”

Parsons also noted that of those congregations remaining, about 42 percent of them had 150-599 members, showing that overall “the denomination is settling into the new thing God is creating.”

“The PC(USA) is a church made up of vibrant congregations doing their best to live out the gospel of Jesus Christ in their communities and in the world,” said Parsons.

Over the past several years, PCUSA has suffered decline in the number of affiliated congregations and membership counts.

According to the PCUSA’s General Assembly Mission Council, in 2000 the denomination had more than 2.5 million members, or nearly one million more people than in 2014.

In 2011, PCUSA membership dipped below the 2 million mark, with the denomination experiencing a loss of 63,804 members and 96 congregations in that same year.

One factor in the decline has been the theological direction of PCUSA, as votes at the General Assembly level regarding the acceptance of homosexuality have led many congregations to seek dismissal.

Delegates at the 2010 General Assembly approved Amendment 10a, which allowed for local bodies, or presbyteries, to ordain non-celibate homosexuals.

In January 2012, a group of conservative Presbyterians founded the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians, which presently boasts nearly 200 member congregations.

From 2011-2013, the number of congregations seeking and receiving dismissal to leave for another denominations had increased each year, with 2013 seeing 148 leave.

Last year saw 101 congregations be dismissed, or 47 fewer than in 2013, having some believe it is possible that the trend of departing congregations over theological differences has begun to ebb.

Source : Christian Post

Carrie Underwood’s ‘Something in the Water’ Scores Top Christian Song at Billboard Music Awards

carrie underwood (Photo: Reuters/Harrison McClary)

Christian Post Report – Carrie Underwood performs a medley of songs at the 47th Country Music Association Awards in Nashville, Tennessee November 6, 2013.

Carrie Underwood won the Billboard Music Award for Top Christian Song with her hit “Something in the Water” on Sunday night.

The faith-filled ballad incorporates strong themes of Christianity such as conversion, baptism and keeping the faith with lyrics that include: “Couldn’t fight back the tears so I fell on my knees / Saying ‘God if you’re there come and rescue me.’ Felt love pouring down from above / got washed in the water, washed in the blood and now I’m changed / now I’m stronger.” Further, “Something in the Water” ends with an interpolation of “Amazing Grace” before Underwood belts out a portion of the hymn.

In a past interview, Underwood described recording “Something in the Water,” recalling that the song, which became the singer’s longest-running No. 1 hit on Billboard charts to date, was very special.

“I knew while we were writing ‘Something in the Water’ that we really had something special,” explained the singer, according to ABC Radio. “This was one that, as it was happening, I was recording stuff on my phone. Like, ‘Oh my gosh.’ Like, ‘Let’s do it again. I can make that better. We can do this better.'”

When the final version of “Something in the Water” was ready, Underwood said the writers’ room felt “electric.”

“We knew it was special, for sure,” the singer added.

During a different interview, Underwood said the Grammy Award-winning song attracts listeners with its “good vibes.”

“I think people just enjoy the happiness that comes through,” the singer told Country Music Television. “I think people just enjoy having good vibes comin’ at ’em.”

Meanwhile, other winners at the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday included Lecrae who took home the Top Christian Album award and Top Christian Artist award winners, Hillsong United. Despite winning the award for Top Christian Song, Underwood did not attend the Billboard Music Awards ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada, and her award was not presented during the broadcast.

Source : Christian Post