Christian World Missions and the Difference Between American Christians and Christians in Ghana

May 30th 2012. For American Family Radio, interviews with Lee Ann Williamson and Joseph Otsin (CWM evangelist in Ghana)

http://www.Christianworldmissions.org/
http://www.afa.net/Radio/

Part 1


Part 2

DC Comics AND Marvel Superheroes Come Out of the Closet

from One Million Moms, an affiliate of AFA (American Family Association)
Monica Cole, Director (One Million Moms)
May 24, 2012

Part 1: DC Comics recently announced one of their most popular, but as of yet unnamed, prominent characters will soon be coming out of the closet. DC Comics, owned by Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, has decided that one of their beloved superheroes will be homosexual. Who will they choose; Batman, Superman, Flash, Green Lantern, Plastic Man, or another one of their characters that children look up to?

Last year, DC Comics Co-publisher Dan DiDio said that the company would not change the sexual orientation of an existing superhero and would bring in a new one altogether. Parents may have been able to avoid a new character since it would not be one many children have grown to admire. DiDio has changed his mind and will not be introducing a brand new character. They will feature an existing character who was previously assumed to be straight, will now become openly gay. Senior VP Sales Bob Wayne said DiDio's view 'had evolved', comparing the shift to Barack Obama's recent endorsement of same-sex marriage, according to a report. DiDio did not specify which character would 'come out' or in which issue it would be featured. It will likely be a June issue during LBGT month, joining lesbian character Batwoman.

Part 2: And to make matters more shocking, Marvel, now owned by Disney, followed DC Comics' announcement with a surprise of their own. Northstar, Marvel's first openly gay hero, is going to tie the knot with his boyfriend in the current issue of "Astonishing X-Men." This is the first same-sex wedding in a superhero comic book.

In "Astonishing X-Men" #50, which hit comic shop shelves Wednesday, Northstar proposes to his boyfriend, Kyle, a fellow snow sports enthusiast who possesses no superpowers. The couple will seal the deal in issue #51, slated for a June 20 release.

"The story of Northstar and Kyle is universal, and at the core of everything I write: a powerful love between two people who have to fight for it against all odds," said X-Men comic writer Marjorie Liu in a statement.

Children desire to be just like superheroes. Children mimic superhero actions and even dress up in costumes to resemble these characters as much as possible. Can you imagine little boys saying, "I want a boyfriend or husband like X-Men?"

This is ridiculous! Why do adult gay men need comic superheroes as role models? They don't but do want to indoctrate impressionable young minds by placing these gay characters on pedestals in a positive light. These companies are heavily influencing our youth by using children's superheroes to desensitize and brainwash them in thinking that a gay lifestyle choice is normal and desirable. As Christians, we know that homosexuality is a sin (Romans 1:26-27).

Unfortunately, children are now being exposed to homosexuality at an early age. Comic books would be one of the last places a parent would expect their child to be confronted with homosexual topics that are too complicated for them to understand. Children do not know what straight, homosexual, or coming out of the closet even means, but DC Comics and Marvel are using superheroes to confuse them on this topic to raise questions and awareness of an alternative lifestyle choice. These companies are prompting a premature discussion on sexual orientation.

Northstar's wedding will be the first same-sex wedding in the world of mainstream superhero comics, but not the first gay comic books character. Earlier this year One Million Moms emailed Toys 'R' Us concerning the "Life With Archie" No. 16 with two gay characters getting hitched. Toys 'R' Us had the audacity to display "Archie- Just Married" at the front of the store by the checkout counters.

Please send DC Comics (Warner Bros. Entertainment Company) and Marvel (Disney) an email urging them to change and cancel all plans of homosexual superhero characters immediately. Ask them to do the right thing and reverse their decision to have sexual orientation displayed to readers.

Send Your Letter Now!

The Israeli village where Christian children are learning Aramaic in bid to revive ancient language that Jesus spoke

for the Daily Mail UK, May 29, 2012, written by Julian Gavaghan

Book of Revelation Series: Chapter 2, Part 3

Pergamon (Ancient Greek: τὸ Πέργαμον or ἡ Πέργαμος), or Pergamum, was an ancient Greek city in modern-day Turkey, in Mysia, today located 16 miles (26 km) from the Aegean Sea on a promontory on the north side of the river Caicus (modern day Bakırçay), that became the capital of the Kingdom of Pergamon during the Hellenistic period, under the Attalid dynasty, 281–133 BC. Pergamon was cited in the book of Revelation as one of the seven churches of Asia. Today, the main sites of ancient Pergamon are to the north and west of the modern city of Bergama (in present-day Turkey). (Wikipedia)

URL Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pergamon

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Revelation 2:12-17
Amplified Bible (AMP)

12 Then to the angel (messenger) of the assembly (church) in Pergamum write: These are the words of Him Who has and wields the sharp two-edged sword:

13 I know where you live—a place where Satan sits enthroned. [Yet] you are clinging to and holding fast My name, and you did not deny My faith, even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed (martyred) in your midst—where Satan dwells.

14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: you have some people there who are clinging to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to set a trap and a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, [to entice them] to eat food that had been sacrificed to idols and to practice lewdness [giving themselves up to sexual vice].(A)

15 You also have some who in a similar way are clinging to the teaching of the Nicolaitans [those corrupters of the people] which thing I hate.

16 Repent [then]! Or else I will come to you quickly and fight against them with the sword of My mouth.

17 He who is able to hear, let him listen to and heed what the Spirit says to the assemblies (churches). To him who overcomes (conquers), I will give to eat of the manna that is hidden, and I will give him a white stone with a new name engraved on the stone, which no one knows or understands except he who receives it.(B)

Cross references:

Revelation 2:14 : Num. 25:1, 2; 31:16.
Revelation 2:17 : Ps. 78:24; Isa. 62:2.

Amplified Bible (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation

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Jesus' message to the Church in Pergamum is delivered with a two-edged sword. Jesus recognizes the fact that the Church at Pergamum has been faithful to Jesus, even to the point of the threat of death. He mentions that Pergamum has been the seat of satan. Here is an interesting article concerning this: http://www.cbn.com/700club/features/ChurchHistory/Pergamon/EZ28_seat_of_satan_part_1.aspx. However, Jesus also takes account of two things He has against what the Church has done. Some within the Church had been clinging to certain unGodly teachings by balaam and the nicolaitans, which are very bad. Jesus says to repent or He will come quickly to fight against those involved. Then, Jesus again encourages the Church in saying something curious. He says that He who overcomes will be given hidden manna and a white stone with a name engraved which no one knows except whoever receives it. What does that mean? Here is an excerpt from the Matthew Henry commentary:

The hidden manna, the influences and comforts of the Spirit of Christ in communion with him, coming down from heaven into the soul, from time to time, for its support, to let it taste something how saints and angels live in heaven. This is hidden from the rest of the world—a stranger intermeddles not with this joy; and it is laid up in Christ, the ark of the covenant, in the holy of holies. 2. The white stone, with a new name engraven upon it. This white stone is absolution from the guilt of sin, alluding to the ancient custom of giving a white stone to those acquitted on trial and a black stone to those condemned. The new name is the name of adoption: adopted persons took the name of the family into which they were adopted. None can read the evidence of a man’s adoption but himself; he cannot always read it, but if he persevere he shall have both the evidence of sonship and the inheritance. (Copyright © 2012, Bible Study Tools. All rights reserved.)

URL Link: http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/revelation/2.html?p=5

Film: Jesus of Nazareth

Watch live video from IXOYE on www.justin.tv

Live airing 24/7 365 of Jesus of Nazareth movie from 1977. http://www.justin.tv/stcephas#/w/3142978064

Acts: Then and Now #1: The Birth of the Church

Bringing Good News from the Middle East, Myles teaches about the birth of the Church on location at the Jerusalem Temple's Southern Steps. We learn how Evangelist Jacob Damkani, a Persian Jew, fearlessly brings the Gospel to Israelis.

Shavuot (Pentecost) commemorates the anniversary of the day God gave the Torah to the entire nation of Israel assembled at Mount Sinai. Among Christians, Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Twelve apostles and other followers of Jesus as described in the Acts of the Apostles 2:1-31. For this reason, Pentecost is sometimes described as the "Birthday of the Church."

Website: http://www.levitt.com/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/ZolaLevittPresents
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/ZolaLevitt
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ZolaLevitt

Hal Lindsey Report (5-25-12): Starting My Journey, the Battle Plan, the Real Gog, a Miraculous Alignment, Ten Means Ten, Mysteries Revealed, the Guilt Trap

From Hal Lindsey Media Ministries e-Newsletter, May 25, 2012: 

I first began studying Bible prophecy in 1955, shortly after becoming a Christian. In 1956, I attended a lecture at Rice University in Houston. Colonel Robert B. Thieme spoke for more than two hours showing how the Suez Crisis of 1956 fit into the predicted scenario of end-time events.

He said that Russia would back Egypt and the Muslims in their struggle against England, France, Israel, and much of the west. He also detailed how Russia would later become the driving force of a Muslim coalition that would eventually attack Israel and start the first phase of the war of Armageddon.

Needless to say, I was hooked. As all of this played out on the world stage, it gave me an assurance that the Bible had to be the Word of God. For nothing man created could be that accurate about specific events that would happen hundreds and, sometimes, thousands of years later.

In 1969, when I wrote The Late Great Planet Earth, the Soviet Union was approaching its zenith as the world's other superpower. But, according to Bible prophecy, Gog is to be a strong regional power, not a world conqueror. That meant that God had to stop the Soviet Union before it became a world-dominating power which wouldn't fit into prophecy.

He did.

This week, I'm going to review how Russia is becoming the Gog described by the ancient prophets. Against all odds, including the improbable collapse of the Soviet Union and Russia's subsequent rise from the ashes as a strong regional power, national alignments that seemed impossible 40 years ago are now falling into place. Russia, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, and the European Union are all players that have, in some cases, made complete U-turns in their historical roles. Just as the prophets predicted.

That means that if the Bible is right about these things, then it's right about everything else. And that includes Jesus Christ's promise to redeem you from your sin. But Satan, the accuser of the believers and the father of lies, wants you to think otherwise. In fact, he will try to convince you that you're not REALLY forgiven. He'll tell you that even though you've confessed your known sin and regained fellowship with God, "He won't forgive you this time."

If we confess our sins to God but still do not believe that we are truly forgiven, then we have unresolved guilt that will keep us from believing God in the future and walking in the Spirit. If we mistakenly believe (as Satan wants) that God is still holding something against us, then we will spiral into an ever-deepening estrangement from God.

This week, I'm going to share with you how to overcome that attack of Satan and fully claim God's gracious cleansing. And if there's one thing we all need in these final days, it's that unimpeded fellowship with God that allows His Spirit to fill us and empower us.

As we commemorate Memorial Day on Monday, I want to express my deep and heartfelt gratitude to the men and women of our armed forces who stand guard around the world for our liberty, security, and freedom. Most of all, I want to say, "Thank you" to the fallen and to the families and friends of those soldiers and patriots who "gave the last full measure of devotion." Without their sacrifice, there would be no liberty, security, or freedom, indeed, no United States of America. We owe you more than we can ever repay.

On Memorial Day, 1982, President Ronald Reagan delivered this challenge at Arlington National Cemetery: "Their lives remind us that freedom is not bought cheaply. It has a cost; it imposes a burden. ...The willingness of some to give their lives so that others might live never fails to invoke in us a sense of wonder and mystery. ...As we honor their memory today, let us pledge that their lives, their sacrifices, their valor shall be justified and remembered for as long as God gives life to this nation."

On Memorial Day, 2012, let's remember that the blessings we enjoy today were secured by the sacred sacrifices made by millions of Americans. We must not allow those sacrifices to be made in vain.

God bless the men and women of our armed forces. God bless America!

Don't miss this week's Report on TBN, Daystar, Inspiration, CPM Network, various local stations, www.hallindsey.com or www.Hischannel.com. Please check your local listings.

God Bless,

Hal Lindsey

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mail: HLMM, P.O. Box 470470, Tulsa, OK 74147
email: comments@hallindsey.com

web: http://www.hallindsey.com

(Blog Disclaimer: I own nothing. All information from Hal Lindsey Media Ministries. Video uploaded to YouTube by OmniChristianVids3.) 

Book of Revelation Series: Chapter 2, Part 2

Here Jesus sends a message to the Church in Smyrna. Smyrna, which is now the modern city Izmir, was located in present-day Turkey. Here is what Wikipedia says about Smyrna:  

Smyrna (Ancient Greek: Σμύρνη or Σμύρνα) was an ancient city located at a central and strategic point on the Aegean coast of Anatolia. Thanks to its advantageous port conditions, its ease of defence and its good inland connections, Smyrna rose to prominence. The ancient city is located at two sites within modern İzmir, Turkey. The first site, probably founded indigenously, rose to prominence during the Archaic Period as one of the principal ancient Greek settlements in western Anatolia. The second, whose foundation is associated with Alexander the Great, reached metropolitan proportions during the period of the Roman Empire. Most of the present-day remains date from the Roman era, the majority from after a 2nd century AD earthquake.

URL Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smyrna

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Revelation 2 

Amplified Bible (AMP)

⁸ And to the angel (messenger) of the assembly (church) in Smyrna write: These are the words of the First and the Last, Who died and came to life again:^(B)

⁹ I know your affliction and distress and pressing trouble and your poverty—but you are rich! and how you are abused and reviled and slandered by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

¹⁰ Fear nothing that you are about to suffer. [Dismiss your dread and your fears!] Behold, the devil is indeed about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested and proved and critically appraised, and for ten days you will have affliction. Be loyally faithful unto death [even if you must die for it], and I will give you the crown of life.^(C)

¹¹ He who is able to hear, let him listen to and heed what the Spirit says to the assemblies (churches). He who overcomes (is victorious) shall in no way be injured by the second death.

  Cross References:

B. Isaiah 44:6
C. Rev. 3:10, 11

Amplified Bible (AMP) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation

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In Jesus' message to Smyrna, he doesn't appear to have anything to criticize the Church about, but rather he recognizes their suffering and informs them of the suffering they are to expect at the hands of satan. However, he also encourages them to not give up and that whoever overcomes will receive the Crown of Life. He mentions that He Himself died and came to life again.

Voice of the Martyrs Prayer Update for week of may 25, 2012

vom groups weekly prayer updates

"Prayer is the pulse of life; by it the doctor can tell what is the condition of the heart. The sin of prayerlessness is a proof for the ordinary Christian or minister that the life of God in the soul is in deadly sickness and weakness." - Andrew Murray "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" - Ephesians 6:18

Iran--Government Tracks Christians Source: Mohabat News Acts 12:24 The Ministry of Intelligence has ordered the leaders of a Christian church in Tehran to submit the names and national identification numbers of its members to authorities. Viewed as an attempt to deter Christians from attending church, the order will reveal the identity of Christian converts and enable security authorities to record detailed information about Christians. Although this most recent restriction will make church attendance riskier, previous restrictions have failed to decrease the rate of Christian conversions. Last February, the Ministry of Intelligence banned Farsi services at the only two churches holding Farsi services on Friday, when most people are off work. Pray that this most recent restriction will fail to hinder the spread of the gospel in Iran. Laos--Mother Expels Children from Home Source: VOM Contacts Luke 21:16 An 18-year-old boy and 20-year-old girl have been expelled from their home because of their Christian faith. When their mother became extremely ill, village elders claimed that the spirits were displeased because the two Christian children were living in the house. An older son tried to persuade his brother and sister to recant their faith, but they refused. Their mother then accused them of hating their older brother and wishing him dead. She threw their belongings out of the house and told them to leave. The two Christians immediately moved to a Christian village where they originally heard the gospel, and they were welcomed with open arms. Pray for these two brave Christians as they begin a new life away from their family. Indonesia--Churches Forced to Close Source: Compass Direct News Psalm 9:10 Seventeen churches were forced to close in early May after the election of a hard-line Islamic governor in Indonesia’s Aceh Province. The churches were closed under a controversial agreement that Christians signed in 2001, stating that only one church and four chapels would be allowed. Because building permits have been routinely denied or delayed, many Christians worship in houses and other buildings. There are reportedly 12,000 Christians living in this area. Pray for continued growth despite the number of churches being closed. North Africa VOM Project Pray for the printing and distribution of 2,000 copies of the Bible in one of the main languages of people in a severely restricted area. ************* • Printer-Friendly Format • Add the PrisonerAlert application on Facebook • Download the prayer application on the iTunes Store or the Android Marketplace • Download the photo issue application on the iTunes Store or the Android Marketplace • Digital versions of our books are available on the Amazon.com Kindle and Barnes & Noble NOOK bookstores: search for Living Sacrifice Book Company Suggested Links Persecution.com The Voice of the Martyrs official homepage. Find links to our programs, read news about recent events, and learn more about the organization. VOMBooks.com Order books, videos, and other materials related to the persecuted church through our secure online store. Like us on Facebook Become a fan of VOM on Facebook! Connect with other fans and discuss recent events. PrisonerAlert.com Write to a Christian Prisoner in their own language! Use our letter-writing template online to build your letter, and send it by mail to a needy Christian. Follow us on Twitter Follow VOM-USA on Twitter for updates and prayer requests.

© 2012 The Voice of the Martyrs
www.persecution.com 

(Blog Disclaimer: I do not own this. This is simply a copy of the original newsletter re-posted here for informative purposes only). 

God Bless Vegas

A new documentary from ACLJFilms. Directed by Logan Sekulow - For more information visit www.Godblessvegas.com

Petition to Protect Religious Freedom of US Military Chaplains

from the ACLJ (American Center for Law and Justice)

The religious freedom of military chaplains is once again under attack. President Obama, the Commander-in-Chief, has endorsed same-sex marriage and repealed Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. Military chaplains may now be forced to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies in violation of their religious beliefs.

The ACLJ is on the front lines, working with Members of Congress, fighting to protect the conscience rights of all Americans, especially those who serve our Armed Forces. A critical religious liberty measure has already passed the House of Representatives. Sign our petition urging the Senate to pass these conscience protections for our military.

Petition to Protect Religious Freedom of Military Chaplains

To: The United States Senate

Military chaplains’ ability to minister to our servicemen and women is closely tied to their freedom to operate according to the tenets of their faith. Military chaplains must be free to exercise their faith and not be required to violate their religious beliefs by performing same-sex marriage ceremonies. Please immediately pass the amendment protecting chaplains’ conscience rights.

http://aclj.org/military-prayer/military-chaplains-must-not-forced-perform-same-sex-marriage

Jack Van Impe Presents (5-26-2012) #1222

(c) J.V.I. Ministries - http://www.jvim.com/ - Jack Van Impe Presents #1222 (2012-05-26)

Headlines:
Do all religions worship the same God?
The New World Order and the one world religion...
The New Age Movement: The countdown has begun...

Product Offer of the Week: DVD "Awake America: The World's Final Warning" which can be purchased by phoning the telephone number on the video or by going to the JVIM Ministry online store: https://ww2.micahtek.com/nexolive/nJVISelector.cfm?rDATA1=SHOPPING

Thanks to CallOutToJesus on YouTube for uploading the videos there and the descriptions.

Manna Fest w/Perry Stone (5-25-2012) #607 Removing the "Give-Up" Option

Website: www.voe.org
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/perrystonevoe
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/perrystonevoe
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/perrystonevoe

Love Language Minute: Sexual Fulfillment Starts Here

from Dr. Gary Chapman
www.fivelovelanguages.com

The Question
In your book, Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Got Married, you discuss that sexual fulfillment is not automatic. What do you recommend for couples who are trying to figure out how to have a fulfilling sex life?

The Answer
First of all, that they need to be honest with each other about their past history sexually before they get married. I continue to run into couples that have been married two to three years and then they find out that the person they married had been sexually active with a number of other people before they came to them, but they never shared that or they shared part of their history but not all of their history. The person feels deceived, and it's difficult to deal with after you're married.

So, what I'm saying to singles: when you get serious about thinking about marriage, it's time for you to share your histories with each other. For example, if you were sexually abused as a child or teenager, that needs to be shared, because if you have not dealt with that sufficiently, when you bring that into marriage, it's going to distort everything else about your sexual relationship. And if you've been sexually active with others, that needs to be shared. Now, sometimes singles will say, "Well if I really tell the truth, then they're going to walk away and leave me, and I don't want to lose them." It's far better to tell them beforehand and let them walk away than to be married three years and they found out and then they walk away. Much better to deal with it before you get married.

Then when you get married, or when you're getting serious about marriage, I am suggesting that you need to learn something about male sexuality and female sexuality and the differences between males and females. We assume before we get married that it's going to be heaven for both of us, we'll just do what comes natural. The reality is that's not true. It takes time to learn how to pleasure each other sexually, and if we understand that, then we won't be disillusioned when three months into the marriage, one of us is saying, "You know, I'm not getting this. It's not working for me." If we understand we have to learn, and we're willing to take some time to read and think and talk, then we can develop mutual sexual fulfillment. But I think couples need to be aware of the fact that this doesn't just happen because you get married. Just as we have to grow together intellectually and socially and spiritually, we have to grow sexually as well.

*adapted from An Interview with Dr. Gary Chapman on startmarriageright.com.

Continue the conversation: Share your questions, thoughts insights, or comments by joining the conversation on Facebook at facebook.com/5lovelanguages

© 2012 Northfield Publishing