7/23/11
Believer Space - The Christian Social Network
Brand new social network for Christians. http://believerspace.com/
7/22/11
New Casting Crowns Album & Tour!
Casting Crowns, the famous Christian band that's made multiple number one hits on the Christian charts ("Praise You in this Storm," "East to West") is coming out with a brand new album on october 18, 2011, entitled Come to the Well. The first single off of the album, "Courageous," has already become a hit. The song "Courageous" is named after the Sherwood Pictures' (Fireproof, Facing the Giants) movie of the same name and is featured in the upcoming film which will be released into theaters on september 30, 2011. The band will also begin a 40-date U.S. tour starting september 22, 2011, in partnership with Christian humanitarian organization World Vision. The band will be touring with Sanctus Real, The Afters and Lindsay McCaul.
For more information go to their website: http://CastingCrowns.com.
For more information go to their website: http://CastingCrowns.com.
ChristianMovies.com Classics/Summer Deals
The Ten Commandments
» Get The Ten Commandments with Hermie's Scrapbook
Ben Hur: 4-Disc Collector's Edition
» Get Ben Hur 4-Disc Collectors Edition for only $25.97
Great Summer Sizzlers
There's still time to take advantage of our two July specials packs!
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Help Free Asia Bibi
Asia Bibi, a wife and mother in Pakistan, spoke out in defense of her Christian faith when Muslim coworkers mocked her and tried to force her to embrace Islam. She was later convicted of blasphemy and sentenced to be executed. She is in jail today, waiting to hear the high court's decision on her appeal.
In Pakistan, more than 150,000 Christians have signed a petition demanding justice for persecution victims, including Asia Bibi. Now you can join your voice to theirs by signing an online petition at www.CallForMercy.com. The Voice of the Martyrs has set the goal of gathering one million signatures from around the world on behalf of our sister Asia. VOM will deliver the petition, along with the list of signers, to the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, D.C.
www.CallforMercy.com Visit to add your name to the list, then invite your friends to also sign their names. Pray God will answer the prayers of Asia's young daughters, Isha and Isham, and allow them to be reunited with their mother.
Every signature is a call for mercy. Visit www.CallForMercy.com now.
For those in bonds,
The Voice of the Martyrs
http://www.persecution.com/
© 2011 The Voice of the Martyrs
*information and images posted for personal, educational use only*
Voice of the Martyrs Prayer Update for week of july 22, 2011
The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com
And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed. Revelation 6:10-11
Laos—Family Kicked Out for Trusting God—VOM Sources
Psalm 84:2
My soul longs, yes, even faints
For the courts of the LORD;
My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
A Christian man was kicked out of his family home for taking his daughter to a medical doctor rather than seeking treatment from a witch doctor. The 26-year-old man, “Noy,” lived with his wife and two children in his in-laws’ home. After he converted to Christianity, he began attending church on Sunday rather than working in the field. His faith was a source of contention in the family, but Noy stood firm. When his daughter became ill, the family told Noy to take her to a witch doctor. Instead, Noy said, “I will take my daughter to the hospital. God will rescue her life.” His in-laws cursed him, and while he was at the hospital, they burned his Bible and other Christian books. When Noy returned after his daughter’s recovery, his in-laws told him he couldn’t live there unless he renounced his faith. Noy refused, saying, “How can I forsake the living God?” They then forced him to leave the house. VOM workers helped Noy and his family purchase a simple bamboo house, but they were left with no clothing and nothing for cooking or farming. Thank the Lord that this family stood firm and is continuing to attend church joyfully. Pray that God will help us meet their physical needs.
Vietnam—Pastor Arrested and Beaten by Authorities—VOM Canada
Jeremiah 30:17
For I will restore health to you
And heal you of your wounds,’ says the LORD,
‘Because they called you an outcast saying:
“This is Zion;
No one seeks her.”’
Pastor T, a Mennonite from Ho Chi Minh City, was arrested on June 26, then beaten and taken to an unknown location. Nu, Pastor T’s wife, said her husband left home around 10 p.m. and phoned 15 minutes later to say he was being held at Ward 26 of Binh Thanh District Police Station. Nu and other church members went to the heavily guarded police station, but authorities denied having Pastor T in custody. Nu called out to her husband from a back door, and he responded, “I’m here. They have brutally beaten me. My jaw and hand are broken, and they have shackled my legs and hands. I’m very tired and am in pain.” Nu pleaded with police to let her see her husband, but they refused. Later, she saw him being taken by car to another location. Pastor T’s condition and location are unknown, and his house has been raided. Please pray for Pastor T’s health, and pray that God will strengthen and comfort him and his wife.
INDIA—Pastor’s Father Beaten—VOM Canada, Compass Direct
2 Timothy 3:12
But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.
Hindu extremists in Pratapgarh, Rajasthan state, have threatened to kill Pastor Shantilal Ninama after beating his family and violating an agreement to stop attacking them last month. The extremists had agreed to do no further harm to Pastor Ninama and his family if he would drop police charges he had filed over a previous attack. Although Pastor Ninama dropped the charges, the Hindu extremists stormed into his home on the evening of June 8 and began beating his father, sister, wife and three children. As the pastor sought police help, his 65-year-old father fell unconscious, and his wife, sister and two of his children ran outside. Another daughter hid beneath a bed. The Rev. Prabhatkar Malladi, secretary of the Udaipur Diocese in Rajasthan, said extremists were threatening to kill the pastor. “The villagers are not allowing any Christian leaders to enter into the village to meet Pastor Ninama, but we are taking necessary steps to help the pastor, and one advocate is now taking up the case,” he said. Pray that God will use Pastor Ninama’s witness to soften the hearts of the extremists and those in authority.
Add the PrisonerAlert.com application on Facebook by visiting http://apps.facebook.com/prisoneralert/
Download the iOS application on the iTunes Store by visiting http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prayer-calendar/id432550884?mt=8
Digital versions of our books are available on the Amazon.com Kindle and Barnes & Noble NOOK bookstores: search for Living Sacrifice Book Company.
VOM Online Book Store:http://www.vombooks.com/
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/The-Voice-of-the-Martyrs-USA/11006419356
Twitter Page: http://www.twitter.com/vom_usa
Prisoner Alert: http://www.prisoneralert.com/
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
© 2011 The Voice of the Martyrs
http://www.persecution.com/
And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed. Revelation 6:10-11
Laos—Family Kicked Out for Trusting God—VOM Sources
Psalm 84:2
My soul longs, yes, even faints
For the courts of the LORD;
My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
A Christian man was kicked out of his family home for taking his daughter to a medical doctor rather than seeking treatment from a witch doctor. The 26-year-old man, “Noy,” lived with his wife and two children in his in-laws’ home. After he converted to Christianity, he began attending church on Sunday rather than working in the field. His faith was a source of contention in the family, but Noy stood firm. When his daughter became ill, the family told Noy to take her to a witch doctor. Instead, Noy said, “I will take my daughter to the hospital. God will rescue her life.” His in-laws cursed him, and while he was at the hospital, they burned his Bible and other Christian books. When Noy returned after his daughter’s recovery, his in-laws told him he couldn’t live there unless he renounced his faith. Noy refused, saying, “How can I forsake the living God?” They then forced him to leave the house. VOM workers helped Noy and his family purchase a simple bamboo house, but they were left with no clothing and nothing for cooking or farming. Thank the Lord that this family stood firm and is continuing to attend church joyfully. Pray that God will help us meet their physical needs.
Vietnam—Pastor Arrested and Beaten by Authorities—VOM Canada
Jeremiah 30:17
For I will restore health to you
And heal you of your wounds,’ says the LORD,
‘Because they called you an outcast saying:
“This is Zion;
No one seeks her.”’
Pastor T, a Mennonite from Ho Chi Minh City, was arrested on June 26, then beaten and taken to an unknown location. Nu, Pastor T’s wife, said her husband left home around 10 p.m. and phoned 15 minutes later to say he was being held at Ward 26 of Binh Thanh District Police Station. Nu and other church members went to the heavily guarded police station, but authorities denied having Pastor T in custody. Nu called out to her husband from a back door, and he responded, “I’m here. They have brutally beaten me. My jaw and hand are broken, and they have shackled my legs and hands. I’m very tired and am in pain.” Nu pleaded with police to let her see her husband, but they refused. Later, she saw him being taken by car to another location. Pastor T’s condition and location are unknown, and his house has been raided. Please pray for Pastor T’s health, and pray that God will strengthen and comfort him and his wife.
INDIA—Pastor’s Father Beaten—VOM Canada, Compass Direct
2 Timothy 3:12
But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.
Hindu extremists in Pratapgarh, Rajasthan state, have threatened to kill Pastor Shantilal Ninama after beating his family and violating an agreement to stop attacking them last month. The extremists had agreed to do no further harm to Pastor Ninama and his family if he would drop police charges he had filed over a previous attack. Although Pastor Ninama dropped the charges, the Hindu extremists stormed into his home on the evening of June 8 and began beating his father, sister, wife and three children. As the pastor sought police help, his 65-year-old father fell unconscious, and his wife, sister and two of his children ran outside. Another daughter hid beneath a bed. The Rev. Prabhatkar Malladi, secretary of the Udaipur Diocese in Rajasthan, said extremists were threatening to kill the pastor. “The villagers are not allowing any Christian leaders to enter into the village to meet Pastor Ninama, but we are taking necessary steps to help the pastor, and one advocate is now taking up the case,” he said. Pray that God will use Pastor Ninama’s witness to soften the hearts of the extremists and those in authority.
Add the PrisonerAlert.com application on Facebook by visiting http://apps.facebook.com/prisoneralert/
Download the iOS application on the iTunes Store by visiting http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prayer-calendar/id432550884?mt=8
Digital versions of our books are available on the Amazon.com Kindle and Barnes & Noble NOOK bookstores: search for Living Sacrifice Book Company.
VOM Online Book Store:http://www.vombooks.com/
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/The-Voice-of-the-Martyrs-USA/11006419356
Twitter Page: http://www.twitter.com/vom_usa
Prisoner Alert: http://www.prisoneralert.com/
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
© 2011 The Voice of the Martyrs
http://www.persecution.com/
7/21/11
The World's Hatred
"People will insult you and hurt you. They will lie and say all kinds of evil things about you because you follow Me. But when they do, you will be blessed. Rejoice and be glad, because you have a great reward waiting for you in Heaven. People did the same evil things to the prophets who lived before you." - Matthew 5:11-12 (NCV)
"If the world hates you, remember that it hated Me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? 'A slave is not greater than the master.' Since they persecuted Me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to Me, they would listen to you. They will do all this to you because of Me, for they have rejected the One who sent Me. They would not be guilty if I had not come and spoken to them. But now they have no excuse for their sin. Anyone who hates Me also hates My Father. If I hadn’t done such miraculous signs among them that no one else could do, they would not be guilty. But as it is, they have seen everything I did, yet they still hate Me and My Father. This fulfills what is written in their Scriptures: 'They hated Me without cause.'" - John 15:18-25 (NCV)
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
"If the world hates you, remember that it hated Me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? 'A slave is not greater than the master.' Since they persecuted Me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to Me, they would listen to you. They will do all this to you because of Me, for they have rejected the One who sent Me. They would not be guilty if I had not come and spoken to them. But now they have no excuse for their sin. Anyone who hates Me also hates My Father. If I hadn’t done such miraculous signs among them that no one else could do, they would not be guilty. But as it is, they have seen everything I did, yet they still hate Me and My Father. This fulfills what is written in their Scriptures: 'They hated Me without cause.'" - John 15:18-25 (NCV)
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
7/16/11
Christian Movies That I Love
Some of my most-liked Christian movies. You can buy them from www.christianmovies.com or www.pureflix.com, or wherever else you can find to buy them. Also, Christian TV channels (such as TBN or FamilyNet) air movies a lot (usually late at night or on the weekends), which is how I came across most of these in the past.
Gospel of John
The story of Jesus' life as told by the apostle John, narrated by Christopher Plummer. Takes from the Good News Version of the Gospel of John, word for word.
Passion of the Christ
A film detailing the final hours and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Peter & Paul
Peter and Paul assume leadership of the Church as they struggle against violent opposition to the teachings of Christ and their own personal conflicts.
The Pretender
How does a worldly high school guy start dating an unsuspecting Christian girl? He becomes...the pretender.
Second Glance
Sort of a Christian version of "It's a Wonderful Life." A young Christian man gets frustrated in his life thinking that he's not really impacting anyone for Jesus and that as a teenager he's missing out on all the fun. Then one day he is given the opportunity to see what his life would be like if he had never become a Christian, and the results are not so great.
The Perfect Stranger
Tells the story of Nikki, a troubled attorney who one day receives a mysterious dinner invitation from a man claiming to be Jesus of Nazareth. Throughout their evening of conversation, arguments and spirited debate, Nikki learns things she never knew about life, the universe, and most importantly, herself.
Timechanger
A Bible professor from 1890 comes forward in time to the present via a time machine and cannot believe the things that he sees!
Unidentified
Two reporters investigate a series of UFO sightings and discover a supernatural connection.
Fireproof
In an attempt to save his marriage, a firefighter uses a 40-day experiment known as "The Love Dare."
Facing the Giants
A losing coach with an underdog football team faces their giants of fear and failure on and off the field to surprising results.
Invisible Enemies
A pair of special glasses gives a young Christian man a glimpse into the workings of the demonic world.
There are also a couple of short films that I love, from the 90's I think, one called "Chalk" and the other called "Salt." I'm having a really hard time finding any information about them over the Internet. I saw them on Christian television a few years ago. "Chalk" is about a young Christian student who stands up for his beliefs in spite of his atheistic professor. "Salt" is about a young man that speaks to a non-believer about his Christian faith and through talking to the unbeliever comes to realize that he himself doesn't actually know much about his own Christian faith.
Gospel of John
The story of Jesus' life as told by the apostle John, narrated by Christopher Plummer. Takes from the Good News Version of the Gospel of John, word for word.
Passion of the Christ
A film detailing the final hours and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Peter & Paul
Peter and Paul assume leadership of the Church as they struggle against violent opposition to the teachings of Christ and their own personal conflicts.
The Pretender
How does a worldly high school guy start dating an unsuspecting Christian girl? He becomes...the pretender.
Second Glance
Sort of a Christian version of "It's a Wonderful Life." A young Christian man gets frustrated in his life thinking that he's not really impacting anyone for Jesus and that as a teenager he's missing out on all the fun. Then one day he is given the opportunity to see what his life would be like if he had never become a Christian, and the results are not so great.
The Perfect Stranger
Tells the story of Nikki, a troubled attorney who one day receives a mysterious dinner invitation from a man claiming to be Jesus of Nazareth. Throughout their evening of conversation, arguments and spirited debate, Nikki learns things she never knew about life, the universe, and most importantly, herself.
Timechanger
A Bible professor from 1890 comes forward in time to the present via a time machine and cannot believe the things that he sees!
Unidentified
Two reporters investigate a series of UFO sightings and discover a supernatural connection.
Fireproof
In an attempt to save his marriage, a firefighter uses a 40-day experiment known as "The Love Dare."
Facing the Giants
A losing coach with an underdog football team faces their giants of fear and failure on and off the field to surprising results.
Invisible Enemies
A pair of special glasses gives a young Christian man a glimpse into the workings of the demonic world.
There are also a couple of short films that I love, from the 90's I think, one called "Chalk" and the other called "Salt." I'm having a really hard time finding any information about them over the Internet. I saw them on Christian television a few years ago. "Chalk" is about a young Christian student who stands up for his beliefs in spite of his atheistic professor. "Salt" is about a young man that speaks to a non-believer about his Christian faith and through talking to the unbeliever comes to realize that he himself doesn't actually know much about his own Christian faith.
Hal Lindsey Report (july 15, 2011): Nukes for Rupees, Courting Destruction, Who Needs Israel?, Forcing Peace, Israel Is Here to Stay
This week on 'The Hal Lindsey Report'
Remember A.Q. Khan? He's the Pakistani nuclear scientist who sold nuclear secrets and technology to a host of rogue nations like North Korea, Libya, and Iran. In 2004, he publicly confessed to his misdeeds and was promptly pardoned and confined to his well-appointed home for five years by then-President Pervez Musharraf. Well, he's back in the news.
Apparently, he's grown a little tired of being the scapegoat for Pakistan's marketing of illicit nuclear secrets. Recently, in written statements to a former journalist who now works for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, Khan alleged that there were others in the Pakistani hierarchy involved in the scheme. In fact, he produced a letter from a high-ranking North Korean official detailing some of the bribes paid to former Pakistani generals.
Of course, denials are flying in flocks, but American intelligence officials never bought the story that Khan operated alone. Couple this revelation with the recent decision by Pakistan to expel American military training officers in retaliation for the Navy SEALS dispatching Osama bin-Laden without notifying them, and the US decision to withhold $800 million in aid to Pakistan, and you've got the makings for some additional tension in that relationship.
America wants to remain in Pakistan because the Islamic nation has between 60 and 100 nuclear weapons that could easily fall into the hands of strong Islamic militant groups headquartered there. We also serve as a restraining influence in the tense standoff between Pakistan and India -- both nuclear powers. Further, we need Pakistan's cooperation to maintain our supply lines to our troops in landlocked Afghanistan. Yet Pakistan's government, military, and intelligence services have repeatedly proven themselves unreliable at best, and treacherous at worst.
This situation is a perfect illustration of how confusing and dangerous it is to be a player in the Middle East in these last days. Just as the prophets predicted.
Syria's president, Bashar al-Assad is playing with fire. As internal and international pressure for him to step down increases, his search for an incident to divert attention from his domestic plight is growing more desperate. He tried paying poor Syrian farmers to rush and breach the border with Israel in the hope of provoking an international incident. He also rallied his supporters to attack the U.S. and French embassies in the hope of provoking an international incident. He even tried offering "reforms" to the people, but the opposition is buying none of it.
Since Syria is the only nation who attacked Israel in the Six Day War that is still technically at war with Israel, some observers believe Assad may launch some sort of attack on the Jewish state in an effort to force an Israeli retaliation. His goal would be to draw the other Arab and Muslim nations to his defense.
Mr. Assad, who has not proven himself to be either a perceptive or adept tactician, should take a moment to read Isaiah 17 before he gives the order. The prophet predicted that in the last days, Damascus would be obliterated -- overnight. Damascus is the world's oldest continuously inhabited city. It has been conquered and occupied many times in its 6,000 years of existence, but it has never been destroyed. In the light of the instantaneous destructive power of nuclear missiles, the modern-day mechanics of this prophecy are easy to imagine. And a miscalculation on the part of a desperate dictator could trigger its fulfillment.
There is a growing misapprehension within our government and among our nation's elite that the United States' relationship with Israel is an unwarranted burden that we could do without. The Wall Street Journal recently published an editorial by George Gilder under the title, "The Economic Case for Supporting Israel." On this week's program, I'm going to share a bit of his information with you. Some of it may surprise you.
We all know that one of the most important reasons why we should stand with Israel is because God promised to bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse her. And we also owe a debt of gratitude since it was through the house of Israel that our Savior and Messiah came to us. But there are other, compelling reasons to maintain a strong and vital relationship with this innovative and creative economic powerhouse.
Speaking of standing with Israel, the United States of America is apparently going to have a chance to do that in a few weeks. When the United Nations General Assembly convenes this September, the Arab League intends to formally request that Palestine be made a full member of the United Nations. That will be tantamount to recognition of the Palestinians as an independent, sovereign nation. Boy, you talk about a can of worms when it comes to Israel defending itself against Palestinian terror attacks originating in the West Bank or Hamas rockets launching from Gaza!
Of course, it can only happen by consent of the Security Council, which is, in reality, the real United Nations. The General Assembly is just a formality to appease all the other nations of the world. Of the fifteen seats on the Security Council, five nations have veto power: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. As of now, the US is the only nation that has implied that it may veto the resolution -- but even that is not a done deal. The Obama Administration is using the possibility of a veto as a bludgeon to force Israeli compliance with its wishes regarding the peace talks.
That's why it's important for us to continually pray on behalf of Israel. The world is obsessed with solving the supernatural conflicts of the Middle East by natural, human means. It cannot and will not happen. We are fighting the principalities and powers of the air. Only the supernatural can intervene.
Here's something else the world doesn't understand. When you deal with Israel, you're dealing with fire. God has irreversibly given Israel to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Ezekiel warns that anyone who tries to appropriate the land for themselves will suffer the fire of God's wrath. When we pray for Israel, let's also pray for our beloved nation. Our leaders, either out of ignorance or arrogance, are playing with fire and don't even realize it. Only those of us who understand the supernatural nature of this conflict and these covenants can stand in the gap and intercede on our country's behalf.
Let's do it!
Don't miss this week's Report on TBN, Daystar, Inspiration (on Sundays now!), CPM Network, various local stations, www.hallindsey.com or www.hischannel.com. Check your local listings.
God Bless,
Hal Lindsey
mail: HLMM, P.O. Box 470470, Tulsa, OK 74147
email: comments@hallindsey.com
web: http://www.hallindsey.com
http://www.hallindsey.com/
© 2011 Hal Lindsey Media Ministries
7/15/11
Hollywood Prayer Network Newsletter (july 2011)
It’s July already and summer is half over. We hope you’re having a wonderful time with your families and friends and that you are enjoying some of this year’s best summer films! Let’s keep praying for the people who created, produced and distributed all of the summer blockbusters, asking the Lord to touch their hearts and lives. Here are more ways to pray this month:
SUMMARY:
• We praise God for our 10 year anniversary!
• We praise God for a fabulous Hollywood Prayer Walk
• Keep praying for Justin Bieber, who is still on his world tour
• Keep praying for the people who are involved in all of the summer films
• Pray for HPN member Debby Ryan as she stars in a new Disney Channel series
• Pray for all of the storytellers in Hollywood
• Pray for the nominees of the upcoming 2011 Primetime Emmy Awards
• Pray for the people at the two major Entertainment Trade papers
• Let’s pray for some of the most influential power brokers in our industry
• Dallas HPN Local Chapter has asked us to pray for them
• Pray for HRock’s annual Arts Conference, PROJECT LIGHT '11
• Pray for HPN’s need for a volunteer to help us with database updates
• Our Miami, Florida Chapter is launching an entertainment event on October
• The HPN Omaha local chapter was formed last Fall
• There is a new 24/7 Prayer room right in Hollywood
• Don’t miss the upcoming events in our community
PRAISES:
• We praise God for our 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY of HPN! Can you believe it? On July of 2001 we were birthed out of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, and 10 years later we are still here, partnering together to minister in Hollywood. We have seen many incredible changes in Hollywood in the past 10 years and we thank all of you and Hollywood Pres. for allowing us to continue to mobilize prayer for the world’s most influential mission field. Celebrate with us by inviting other people to join our Network at http://www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org and come visit Hollywood Pres. For more info on this historic church, click HERE.
• We praise God for a fabulous Hollywood Prayer Walk this past Saturday as 100 people spread out all over the city and prayed for 2+ hours. We know they made an eternal difference in our city and our industry. We partnered with Californians for Jesus and Ecclesia and it was wonderful. After praying throughout Hollywood we gathered for the evening at Ecclesia and had a great time of praise, testimonies about the day, and enjoyed terrific speakers. God is so faithful and He is doing amazing things in our city. We’re seeing so much more unity, hope, and changed lives! For more details about the whole day check out: www.CA4Jesus.blogspot.com. If you are looking for a great church in Hollywood that meets in a movie theatre, check out Ecclesia at: http://www.churchinhollywood.com/
UPDATES:
• Keep praying for Justin Bieber, who is still on his world tour. He has branched out into selling a line of clothes, perfume and other items. He and his mom continue to ask for our prayers as they make daily choices as to what’s next and best for his career and their personal lives. We want to walk beside them with our prayers for wisdom and discernment. His mom, Pattie, has another short video on her thoughts about Justin and how we can be praying. Click on our HPN site HERE.
• Keep praying for the people who are involved in all of the summer films. From the writers, directors, actors, producers, executives, crews, distributors, and marketing teams, to the agents, managers, publicists and attorneys. They all need to experience unconditional love, mercy, grace, joy and hope from our God. And our prayers can make that happen! For an update on this month’s opening films, click HERE.
REQUESTS:
• Pray for HPN member Debby Ryan as she stars in a new Disney Channel series called “Jessie.” This is Debby’s first starring role and we want to pray that she and her family will continue to seek Jesus and navigate Hollywood with wisdom, peace, strength and joy. Pray that Debby can be Christ-like with the executives, writers, cast, crew and her fans as her career grows. Please pray also that her mom, Sandy, will be a solid, loving, Christian support for her daughter. Debby’s prayer is: 1 Chronicles 4:9-11. “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain. And God granted his request.“ Debby tells us about “Jessie” on YouTube HERE.
• Pray for all of the storytellers in Hollywood to have favor, professionalism, wisdom and confidence as they sell their stories in film and television. Ingmar Bergman once said, “Facts go straight to the head, but stories go straight to the heart.” As an example of personal storytelling, HERE's a story of an HPN member who has been sharing his life-changing story in the world of science, Dr. Hugh Ross.
• Yesterday, the nominees were announced for the 2011 Primetime Emmy Awards. Let’s pray for all of the nominees as they wait in great anticipation for what they believe could be the biggest break of their lives. May the Lord show them that though the awards are exciting, they are not what define our worth or value. What most of us think will fill us up ultimately just leaves us empty, so let’s pray that the TV actors, directors, writers and executives will discern this spiritual truth. The winners will be announced on Sept. 18th on Fox. For more information on the Emmy’s and this year’s host, Jane Lynch, click HERE.
• We need to pray for the editors, researchers, reporters and writers of the two major Entertainment Trade papers, the Hollywood Reporter and Daily Variety. These people have tremendous power to launch, propel or stall careers by the news they publish about the decision-makers and cultural influencers in our society. They post new projects in development and production, give up-dates on people’s careers, and they cover the business and financial news about studios, production companies, film box office numbers, etc. Most entertainment professionals read these publications like Christians are supposed to read their Bibles. So, let’s pray for the integrity, honesty, wisdom, and hearts of the people behind the scenes at these publications.
• Let’s pray for some of the most influential power brokers in our industry – the attorneys. Everybody making deals needs one and many of them often manage, or executive produce projects as well. The entertainment law firms hold tremendous, yet quiet force over who makes deals, how much money people make and what projects get green-lighted. Please pray that the attorneys will take responsibility for their power and influence and treat their choices and the people in their lives with integrity, honesty, grace and compassion, and that they can gain the heart of Jesus. For an insightful article on the different types of attorneys in Hollywood and what they do, click on “Power Lawyers 2011” HERE.
HPN Members’ Requests:
• Dallas HPN Local Chapter wants us to pray for them and chat on their blog: “Thank you for your interest in praying for local artists, as well as those in Hollywood. We are praying for God's Spirit to guide us in who the Lord desires for us to target in prayer and when to do so. Prayer DOES make a difference and we greatly appreciate any time you take to go to the Lord on behalf of those in the entertainment industry. We invite you to share any insight, as well as those God is placing upon your heart to pray for, to please pass those names on to us so that we can add them to our prayer list. May God richly bless you for your faithfulness." Please click on the link to our blog for current prayer lists, and don't forget, to save to your "Favorites" and sign up to receive our blog updates.” http://hpn-dallas.blogspot.com/ Chris Knight & Victoria Stephens, Co-Directors, Dallas Chapter, HPN.
• Pray for Gabe and his church, HRock, as they produce their annual Arts Conference in August: PROJECT LIGHT '11. “Please put us in your prayer newsletter, so that people can be in prayer for us. This is extremely important, as we are facing some spiritual attacks, leading up to August 5th & 6th.“ Click HERE for more details.
• HPN needs a volunteer: We have so many people who want to be on our mailing list that we’re behind on entering them into our database. If there is any LA person who would like to volunteer some time to HPN and come into our offices (we’re really fun) to help update our database, you would be a gift from God! Just email Caren at Caren@hpnemail.org or call her at (323)462-8486 ext. 106. Thanks!
• Our Miami, Florida Chapter is launching an entertainment event on October 15th, 2011. Let’s pray for them to have a successful event in every way. Click HERE for more details. Thanks Gladys!
• The HPN Omaha local chapter was formed last Fall by Samantha, who expected a slow start as with anything new. They began meeting in the early part of the year, and still only have two attendees. She didn’t expect it to be so tough but as in many Midwest cities, most Christians don’t understand the powerful influence of the media and therefore see no reason to pray. Let’s pray for Samantha and the other Christians across the country who feel isolated in their passion to pray for the people in Hollywood.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
• There is a new 24/7 Prayer room right in Hollywood, on the corner of Gower and Sunset Blvd. Check out: Radiance International, "24/7 Prayer from Hollywood to the Nations" at: http://www.radianceinternational.org/?page_id=23
• Don’t miss the upcoming events in the Christian Hollywood community. And if you’re having an event, let them know and they’ll add it to the site. Click HERE for more information!
Happy July and thanks for praying,
Karen and Caren
-------------------------------
TIP OF THE MONTH:
How can the church help Christian artists to succeed? Click HERE to find out!
QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
“So much is distilled in our tears, not the least of which is wisdom in living life. I have learned that if you follow your tears, you will find your heart. And if you find your heart, you will find what is dear to God. And if you find what is dear to God, you will find the answer to how you should live your life." - Ken Gire
VERSE OF THE MONTH:
“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” Psalm 126:5
Hollywood Prayer Network
1763 N. Gower St.
Hollywood, CA 90028
United States
© Copyright 2007 Hollywood Prayer Network
http://www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org/
Manna Fest w/Perry Stone (07-15-2011): The Holy Spirit - Making the Way Plain
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Perry Stone Ministries:http://www.voe.org/
Dr. Ron Phillips Ministries:http://www.cbch.org/
Part 2
Part 3
Perry Stone Ministries:http://www.voe.org/
Dr. Ron Phillips Ministries:http://www.cbch.org/
Voice of the Martyrs Prayer Update for week of july 15, 2011
The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com, http://www.prisoneralert.com/
Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. James 4:17
Iraq—House Church Leader Kidnapped—VOM Sources
Psalm 41:2
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
In Dehouk, Iraq, a young girl told a VOM worker how a group of Muslims broke into her family’s home and took her father, Jamal. Jamal is an active house church planter who works among the Shabak people, who have Jewish roots and speak Arabic and Kurdish. VOM sources think a radical Muslim group, possibly Al-Qaeda, kidnapped Jamal because he has led many Muslims to Christ. Several weeks ago, the home of one of Jamal’s recent converts was sprayed with machine gun fire. VOM workers do not expect Jamal to be freed, and many fear he will be killed. Please pray that God will protect Jamal and that Jamal’s family will remain faithful in this time of severe persecution.
North Korea—The Gospel Finds a Way—VOM Sources
2 Samuel 10:12
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
A VOM-supported discipleship training project is preparing North Koreans who have left their country to share the gospel with countrymen when they return home. “Mr. Kim” was an orphan who had no money, no home and no hope. After fleeing North Korea, he walked to the first house he saw. The family who lived there had compassion on him because they had witnessed the brutal and inhumane way the police treat North Korean refugees. Soon Mr. Kim accepted Christ and joined the discipleship training program. He and two other men in the training say they are thankful for Christians around the world who pray for them and help them. Please continue to pray for courageous Christians who dare to take the gospel into this dark nation.
Burma (Myanmar)—Political Unrest Leads to Ethnic Cleansing—Assist News Services
Ephesians 6:10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Civil war has erupted in northern Burma, and Christians in Kachin state are caught in the conflict between a rebel group and the Burmese military. In the second week of June, clashes over a new hydroelectric plant led to extreme violence. Kachin state is heavily influenced by its Christian background, and the military junta has used the conflict as an excuse for ethnic cleansing. A local priest confirmed that Burmese soldiers are killing the elderly and children, raping women, burning homes and confiscating property. “They use ruthless methods [for] ethnic cleansing,” he said. “Almost all [the victims] are Christians.” About 16,000 Kachin people are living in refugee camps, and as many as 20,000 are languishing on the Chinese border. The refugees have reportedly received no international help. Please pray for Christians affected by this violence; pray that they will remain strong in the Lord despite their circumstances.
Add the PrisonerAlert.com application on Facebook by visiting http://apps.facebook.com/prisoneralert/
Download the iOS application on the iTunes Store by visiting http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prayer-calendar/id432550884?mt=8
Digital versions of our books are available on the Amazon.com Kindle and Barnes & Noble NOOK bookstores: search for Living Sacrifice Book Company.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. James 4:17
Iraq—House Church Leader Kidnapped—VOM Sources
Psalm 41:2
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
In Dehouk, Iraq, a young girl told a VOM worker how a group of Muslims broke into her family’s home and took her father, Jamal. Jamal is an active house church planter who works among the Shabak people, who have Jewish roots and speak Arabic and Kurdish. VOM sources think a radical Muslim group, possibly Al-Qaeda, kidnapped Jamal because he has led many Muslims to Christ. Several weeks ago, the home of one of Jamal’s recent converts was sprayed with machine gun fire. VOM workers do not expect Jamal to be freed, and many fear he will be killed. Please pray that God will protect Jamal and that Jamal’s family will remain faithful in this time of severe persecution.
North Korea—The Gospel Finds a Way—VOM Sources
2 Samuel 10:12
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
A VOM-supported discipleship training project is preparing North Koreans who have left their country to share the gospel with countrymen when they return home. “Mr. Kim” was an orphan who had no money, no home and no hope. After fleeing North Korea, he walked to the first house he saw. The family who lived there had compassion on him because they had witnessed the brutal and inhumane way the police treat North Korean refugees. Soon Mr. Kim accepted Christ and joined the discipleship training program. He and two other men in the training say they are thankful for Christians around the world who pray for them and help them. Please continue to pray for courageous Christians who dare to take the gospel into this dark nation.
Burma (Myanmar)—Political Unrest Leads to Ethnic Cleansing—Assist News Services
Ephesians 6:10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Civil war has erupted in northern Burma, and Christians in Kachin state are caught in the conflict between a rebel group and the Burmese military. In the second week of June, clashes over a new hydroelectric plant led to extreme violence. Kachin state is heavily influenced by its Christian background, and the military junta has used the conflict as an excuse for ethnic cleansing. A local priest confirmed that Burmese soldiers are killing the elderly and children, raping women, burning homes and confiscating property. “They use ruthless methods [for] ethnic cleansing,” he said. “Almost all [the victims] are Christians.” About 16,000 Kachin people are living in refugee camps, and as many as 20,000 are languishing on the Chinese border. The refugees have reportedly received no international help. Please pray for Christians affected by this violence; pray that they will remain strong in the Lord despite their circumstances.
Add the PrisonerAlert.com application on Facebook by visiting http://apps.facebook.com/prisoneralert/
Download the iOS application on the iTunes Store by visiting http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prayer-calendar/id432550884?mt=8
Digital versions of our books are available on the Amazon.com Kindle and Barnes & Noble NOOK bookstores: search for Living Sacrifice Book Company.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
7/14/11
Is it wrong for me to point out my friend's sin?
Ask Dr. Stanley. What do you when someone you care about is hurting themselves? And is there a point when it becomes healthy to back away from a friend who is living in sin? In Touch Ministries, 2011. http://intouch.org/
YouTube Profile: http://www.youtube.com/user/ITMCS32
Jack Van Impe Presents (07-15-2011): In God-fearing USA where is the decency?, What is apostasy?, Sins explosion globally, Investigation of child p#rn site hits 77 nations & Marriage: Is it really necessary in a love relationship? = Yes
Jack Van Impe Ministries:http://www.jvim.com/
Thanks to CallOutToJesus on YouTube for uploading the video.
Prisoner Alert Update: Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani
The judges would like clarification as to whether Youcef was truly a Muslim prior to becoming a Christian. If Youcef is determined to have been a "true" Muslim, and he does not recant his Christian faith, the death sentence will stand.
There is no guarantee Youcef will not be executed before the court re-examines the case.
Youcef’s lawyer was also sentenced on Sunday to nine years in jail and a 10-year ban on practicing law or teaching at university for "actions and propaganda against the Islamic regime."
Please continue to pray.
http://www.prisoneralert.com/pprofiles/vp_prisoner_214_profile.html
© 2011 The Voice of the Martyrs
http://www.persecution.com/
Sin - What is sin? What are the different kinds of sin? Is there hope?
What is sin? According to Got Questions, "sin is described in the Bible as transgression of the law of God (1 John 3:4) and rebellion against God (Deuteronomy 9:7; Joshua 1:18)." In other words, sin is when we do something wrong, which is against God. All human beings are born with a sinful nature, ever since the first human beings Adam and Eve who sinned, so it is natural for us to sin. According to the Jack Van Impe Prophecy Bible, "Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2). All sin results in judgment - the pay off is death and eventually, the Great White Throne Judgment (Romans 1:24-32; 6:23; 1 Corinthians 6:9,10; Galatians 5:19-21). Revelations 21:8 and 22:15 provide a comprehensive picture of those who are damned for all eternity. They are:
the fearful - those who do not accept Christ to escape being ridiculed (Matthew 10:32).
unbelievers - those who do not believe in and receive the Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:24)
the abominable - those who engage in wicked practices (Titus 1:16)
murderers - those who kill others or hate (1 John 3:15)
whoremongers - those who engage in fornication or consort with prostitues (Ephesians 5:5-8)
sorcerers - those who practice witchcraft, demonism, and follow after the occult. sorcery comes from the Greek word pharmakeia, meaning "enchantment with drugs." thus, drug users and even pushers are included in the guilty verdict for judgment.
idolaters - those who worship or reverance anyone or anything other than the living and true God.
liars - (John 8:44)
dogs - false professors (2 Peter 2:21,22)
homosexuals - (Romans 1:18-32)
the unrighteous - those who trust in self, works, a false religious system, or mere "religion" for salvation (Titus 3:5)
fornicators - those who engage in premarital and extramarital sex (1 Corinthians 6:9, 14-18)
the wicked - those who disregard all morality and moral standards
the covetous - those who desire all things for themselves, especially that which belongs to others (Ephesians 5:5-8)
the malicious - those who willfully seek to destroy the person and property of others (James 1:26)
the envious - those resentful of others
debaters - those who would rather argue with God than accept His truth
deceivers - those who purposely mislead or betray others (2 Timothy 3:13)
maligners - those who speak evil of, defame, or slander others (James 3:2-3).
whisperers - those who gossip
backbiters - those who constantly find fault with others and speak maliciously about them
haters of God.
despisers - those filled with contempt toward God and man
the proud - those possessing an excessively high opinion of themselves
boasters - those who exalt self
inventors of evil things
the disobedient to parents
those without understanding (resulting from unconcern or rejection of the truth)
covenant breakers - those who do not keep their word
those whose affections are contrary to the laws of God and nature
the implacable - those exhibiting extreme stubbornness to the point of refusing to yield to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit (Proverbs 1:24-28; Acts 7:51,52)
the unmerciful - those who lack compassion (Ephesians 4:32)
adulterers - those who practice extramarital sex (1 Corinthians 6:9,10)
the effeminate - generally younger persons in the process of becoming homosexuals or sodomites
abusers of themselves with mankind - hardened homosexuals (Genesis 19:5)
thieves - (1 Corinthians 6:10)
drunkards - those given to and overcome by alcohol (Proverbs 20:1, 23:20,21; Luke 21:34, Romans 13:13, 1 Corinthians 6:10; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:18)
revilers - those who use abusive or contemptuous language
extortioners - those who exact money from or take advantage of others through violence, threats or misuse of authority.
Persons who have practiced these sins, then, and who are still contaminated by the guilt of them, because they have not come to Christ, will be the ones judged before the Great White Throne.
Is there hope? And such were some of you....but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 John 1:7; John 3:17).
There is not a sin that can keep a true believer out of heaven. God's Word clearly states that some Christians will be saved 'so as by fire.' They lose everything except their salvation. Because of it, they will be "ashamed" in Christ's presence (1 John 2:28). If believers were left behind at the Rapture because of some sin in their lives, who would the "ashamed" be at that investigative session? Rewards are lost because of disobedience and disobedience is sin (Romans 5:19; James 4:17)."
So, for those who are saved because they hold faith in Jesus then they are forgiven of their sins past, present and future. Although the believer may lose out on some heavenly rewards, they will still be saved and be safe with God for all eternity. For those who are not saved because they do not believe in Jesus for their salvation then they will, very tragically, be judged for all of their sins and receive no forgiveness for they had never believed on Jesus for their salvation when they had the opportunity to do so. It will not matter what good they had done in life (Isaiah 64:6; Ephesians 2:8-9) if they had never received forgiveness of their sins. Repent and believe today. Faith is a free gift of God because He loves you and He made it possible. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (Jesus) so that whoever believes in Him should not perish (go to hell) but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
Footnotes
Impe, Dr. Jack Van. "Your Future - An A-Z Index to Prophecy." Jack Van Impe Prophecy Bible: King James Version : Red Letter Edition. Windsor, Canada: Jack Van Impe Ministries International, 1999. 97-99. Print.
"What Is the Definition of Sin?" Bible Questions Answered. Got Questions Ministries. Web. 14 July 2011. http://www.gotquestions.org/definition-sin.html>.
the fearful - those who do not accept Christ to escape being ridiculed (Matthew 10:32).
unbelievers - those who do not believe in and receive the Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:24)
the abominable - those who engage in wicked practices (Titus 1:16)
murderers - those who kill others or hate (1 John 3:15)
whoremongers - those who engage in fornication or consort with prostitues (Ephesians 5:5-8)
sorcerers - those who practice witchcraft, demonism, and follow after the occult. sorcery comes from the Greek word pharmakeia, meaning "enchantment with drugs." thus, drug users and even pushers are included in the guilty verdict for judgment.
idolaters - those who worship or reverance anyone or anything other than the living and true God.
liars - (John 8:44)
dogs - false professors (2 Peter 2:21,22)
homosexuals - (Romans 1:18-32)
the unrighteous - those who trust in self, works, a false religious system, or mere "religion" for salvation (Titus 3:5)
fornicators - those who engage in premarital and extramarital sex (1 Corinthians 6:9, 14-18)
the wicked - those who disregard all morality and moral standards
the covetous - those who desire all things for themselves, especially that which belongs to others (Ephesians 5:5-8)
the malicious - those who willfully seek to destroy the person and property of others (James 1:26)
the envious - those resentful of others
debaters - those who would rather argue with God than accept His truth
deceivers - those who purposely mislead or betray others (2 Timothy 3:13)
maligners - those who speak evil of, defame, or slander others (James 3:2-3).
whisperers - those who gossip
backbiters - those who constantly find fault with others and speak maliciously about them
haters of God.
despisers - those filled with contempt toward God and man
the proud - those possessing an excessively high opinion of themselves
boasters - those who exalt self
inventors of evil things
the disobedient to parents
those without understanding (resulting from unconcern or rejection of the truth)
covenant breakers - those who do not keep their word
those whose affections are contrary to the laws of God and nature
the implacable - those exhibiting extreme stubbornness to the point of refusing to yield to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit (Proverbs 1:24-28; Acts 7:51,52)
the unmerciful - those who lack compassion (Ephesians 4:32)
adulterers - those who practice extramarital sex (1 Corinthians 6:9,10)
the effeminate - generally younger persons in the process of becoming homosexuals or sodomites
abusers of themselves with mankind - hardened homosexuals (Genesis 19:5)
thieves - (1 Corinthians 6:10)
drunkards - those given to and overcome by alcohol (Proverbs 20:1, 23:20,21; Luke 21:34, Romans 13:13, 1 Corinthians 6:10; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:18)
revilers - those who use abusive or contemptuous language
extortioners - those who exact money from or take advantage of others through violence, threats or misuse of authority.
Persons who have practiced these sins, then, and who are still contaminated by the guilt of them, because they have not come to Christ, will be the ones judged before the Great White Throne.
Is there hope? And such were some of you....but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 John 1:7; John 3:17).
There is not a sin that can keep a true believer out of heaven. God's Word clearly states that some Christians will be saved 'so as by fire.' They lose everything except their salvation. Because of it, they will be "ashamed" in Christ's presence (1 John 2:28). If believers were left behind at the Rapture because of some sin in their lives, who would the "ashamed" be at that investigative session? Rewards are lost because of disobedience and disobedience is sin (Romans 5:19; James 4:17)."
So, for those who are saved because they hold faith in Jesus then they are forgiven of their sins past, present and future. Although the believer may lose out on some heavenly rewards, they will still be saved and be safe with God for all eternity. For those who are not saved because they do not believe in Jesus for their salvation then they will, very tragically, be judged for all of their sins and receive no forgiveness for they had never believed on Jesus for their salvation when they had the opportunity to do so. It will not matter what good they had done in life (Isaiah 64:6; Ephesians 2:8-9) if they had never received forgiveness of their sins. Repent and believe today. Faith is a free gift of God because He loves you and He made it possible. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (Jesus) so that whoever believes in Him should not perish (go to hell) but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
Footnotes
Impe, Dr. Jack Van. "Your Future - An A-Z Index to Prophecy." Jack Van Impe Prophecy Bible: King James Version : Red Letter Edition. Windsor, Canada: Jack Van Impe Ministries International, 1999. 97-99. Print.
"What Is the Definition of Sin?" Bible Questions Answered. Got Questions Ministries. Web. 14 July 2011. http://www.gotquestions.org/definition-sin.html>.
7/13/11
"Does the Bible condone slavery?"
Question: "Does the Bible condone slavery?"
Answer: There is a tendency to look at slavery as something of the past. But it is estimated that there are today over 12 million people in the world who are subject to slavery: forced labor, sex trade, inheritable property, etc. As those who have been redeemed from the slavery of sin, followers of Jesus Christ should be the foremost champions of ending human slavery in the world today. The question arises, though, why does the Bible not speak out strongly against slavery? Why does the Bible, in fact, seem to support the practice of human slavery?
The Bible does not specifically condemn the practice of slavery. It gives instructions on how slaves should be treated (Deuteronomy 15:12-15; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 4:1), but does not outlaw slavery altogether. Many see this as the Bible condoning all forms of slavery. What many fail to understand is that slavery in biblical times was very different from the slavery that was practiced in the past few centuries in many parts of the world. The slavery in the Bible was not based exclusively on race. People were not enslaved because of their nationality or the color of their skin. In Bible times, slavery was more a matter of social status. People sold themselves as slaves when they could not pay their debts or provide for their families. In New Testament times, sometimes doctors, lawyers, and even politicians were slaves of someone else. Some people actually chose to be slaves so as to have all their needs provided for by their masters.
The slavery of the past few centuries was often based exclusively on skin color. In the United States, many black people were considered slaves because of their nationality; many slave owners truly believed black people to be inferior human beings. The Bible most definitely does condemn race-based slavery. Consider the slavery the Hebrews experienced when they were in Egypt. The Hebrews were slaves, not by choice, but because they were Hebrews (Exodus 13:14). The plagues God poured out on Egypt demonstrate how God feels about racial slavery (Exodus 7-11). So, yes, the Bible does condemn some forms of slavery. At the same time, the Bible does seem to allow for other forms. The key issue is that the slavery the Bible allowed for in no way resembled the racial slavery that plagued our world in the past few centuries.
In addition, both the Old and New Testaments condemn the practice of “man-stealing” which is what happened in Africa in the 19th century. Africans were rounded up by slave-hunters, who sold them to slave-traders, who brought them to the New World to work on plantations and farms. This practice is abhorrent to God. In fact, the penalty for such a crime in the Mosaic Law was death: “Anyone who kidnaps another and either sells him or still has him when he is caught must be put to death” (Exodus 21:16). Similarly, in the New Testament, slave-traders are listed among those who are “ungodly and sinful” and are in the same category as those who kill their fathers or mothers, murderers, adulterers and perverts, and liars and perjurers (1 Timothy 1:8-10).
Another crucial point is that the purpose of the Bible is to point the way to salvation, not to reform society. The Bible often approaches issues from the inside out. If a person experiences the love, mercy, and grace of God by receiving His salvation, God will reform his soul, changing the way he thinks and acts. A person who has experienced God’s gift of salvation and freedom from the slavery of sin, as God reforms his soul, will realize that enslaving another human being is wrong. A person who has truly experienced God’s grace will in turn be gracious towards others. That would be the Bible’s prescription for ending slavery.
Recommended Resource: Hard Sayings of the Bible by Kaiser, Davids, & Brauch.
© Copyright 2002-2011 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved.
www.gotquestions.org - Bible Questions Answered
Answer: There is a tendency to look at slavery as something of the past. But it is estimated that there are today over 12 million people in the world who are subject to slavery: forced labor, sex trade, inheritable property, etc. As those who have been redeemed from the slavery of sin, followers of Jesus Christ should be the foremost champions of ending human slavery in the world today. The question arises, though, why does the Bible not speak out strongly against slavery? Why does the Bible, in fact, seem to support the practice of human slavery?
The Bible does not specifically condemn the practice of slavery. It gives instructions on how slaves should be treated (Deuteronomy 15:12-15; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 4:1), but does not outlaw slavery altogether. Many see this as the Bible condoning all forms of slavery. What many fail to understand is that slavery in biblical times was very different from the slavery that was practiced in the past few centuries in many parts of the world. The slavery in the Bible was not based exclusively on race. People were not enslaved because of their nationality or the color of their skin. In Bible times, slavery was more a matter of social status. People sold themselves as slaves when they could not pay their debts or provide for their families. In New Testament times, sometimes doctors, lawyers, and even politicians were slaves of someone else. Some people actually chose to be slaves so as to have all their needs provided for by their masters.
The slavery of the past few centuries was often based exclusively on skin color. In the United States, many black people were considered slaves because of their nationality; many slave owners truly believed black people to be inferior human beings. The Bible most definitely does condemn race-based slavery. Consider the slavery the Hebrews experienced when they were in Egypt. The Hebrews were slaves, not by choice, but because they were Hebrews (Exodus 13:14). The plagues God poured out on Egypt demonstrate how God feels about racial slavery (Exodus 7-11). So, yes, the Bible does condemn some forms of slavery. At the same time, the Bible does seem to allow for other forms. The key issue is that the slavery the Bible allowed for in no way resembled the racial slavery that plagued our world in the past few centuries.
In addition, both the Old and New Testaments condemn the practice of “man-stealing” which is what happened in Africa in the 19th century. Africans were rounded up by slave-hunters, who sold them to slave-traders, who brought them to the New World to work on plantations and farms. This practice is abhorrent to God. In fact, the penalty for such a crime in the Mosaic Law was death: “Anyone who kidnaps another and either sells him or still has him when he is caught must be put to death” (Exodus 21:16). Similarly, in the New Testament, slave-traders are listed among those who are “ungodly and sinful” and are in the same category as those who kill their fathers or mothers, murderers, adulterers and perverts, and liars and perjurers (1 Timothy 1:8-10).
Another crucial point is that the purpose of the Bible is to point the way to salvation, not to reform society. The Bible often approaches issues from the inside out. If a person experiences the love, mercy, and grace of God by receiving His salvation, God will reform his soul, changing the way he thinks and acts. A person who has experienced God’s gift of salvation and freedom from the slavery of sin, as God reforms his soul, will realize that enslaving another human being is wrong. A person who has truly experienced God’s grace will in turn be gracious towards others. That would be the Bible’s prescription for ending slavery.
Recommended Resource: Hard Sayings of the Bible by Kaiser, Davids, & Brauch.
© Copyright 2002-2011 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved.
www.gotquestions.org - Bible Questions Answered
7/11/11
The Jesus Film Project
Change of Heart
See how hearts and lives have been touched and transformed through the Gospel message as portrayed through the film "JESUS." Hear personal stories from men and women, young and old, as they describe their journeys to new life through Christ. www.jesusfilm.org
Gamo Language Premiere
Watch and experience the moving of God's Spirit during a "JESUS" film premiere showing in Southern Ethiopia. See how the Gamo people, including the children, respond to the gospel as it is portrayed on the screen in their heart language. www.jesusfilm.org, http://www.ccci.org/
See how hearts and lives have been touched and transformed through the Gospel message as portrayed through the film "JESUS." Hear personal stories from men and women, young and old, as they describe their journeys to new life through Christ. www.jesusfilm.org
Gamo Language Premiere
Watch and experience the moving of God's Spirit during a "JESUS" film premiere showing in Southern Ethiopia. See how the Gamo people, including the children, respond to the gospel as it is portrayed on the screen in their heart language. www.jesusfilm.org, http://www.ccci.org/
Is Scripture Infallible?
by Brian Edwards, Answers in Genesis
July 5, 2011
Let’s start by understanding what we mean when we talk about the Bible as “inspired” because that word may mislead us. The term is an attempt to translate a word that occurs only once in the New Testament, and it’s not the best translation, even though William Tyndale introduced it back in 1526. The word is found in 2 Timothy 3:16 and is made from two Greek words, one being the word for God and the other referring to breath or wind. It is significant that the word is used passively in this case. God did not “breathe into” (inspire) all Scripture, but it was “breathed out” by God (expired). Thus, 2 Timothy 3:16 is not about how the Bible came to us but where it came from. The Scriptures are “God-breathed.” If “inspired” really means “God-breathed,” then the claim of 2 Timothy 3:16 is that all Scripture, being God-breathed, is without error and therefore can be trusted completely. Since God cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18), He would cease to be God if He breathed out errors and contradictions, even in the smallest part. So long as we give theopneustos its real meaning, we shall not find it hard to understand the full inerrancy of the Bible.
To continue reading this article go to the website here: http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2011/07/05/believe-in-the-inerrancy-of-scripture#
© Copyright 2011 Answers in Genesis
http://www.answersingenesis.org
July 5, 2011
Let’s start by understanding what we mean when we talk about the Bible as “inspired” because that word may mislead us. The term is an attempt to translate a word that occurs only once in the New Testament, and it’s not the best translation, even though William Tyndale introduced it back in 1526. The word is found in 2 Timothy 3:16 and is made from two Greek words, one being the word for God and the other referring to breath or wind. It is significant that the word is used passively in this case. God did not “breathe into” (inspire) all Scripture, but it was “breathed out” by God (expired). Thus, 2 Timothy 3:16 is not about how the Bible came to us but where it came from. The Scriptures are “God-breathed.” If “inspired” really means “God-breathed,” then the claim of 2 Timothy 3:16 is that all Scripture, being God-breathed, is without error and therefore can be trusted completely. Since God cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18), He would cease to be God if He breathed out errors and contradictions, even in the smallest part. So long as we give theopneustos its real meaning, we shall not find it hard to understand the full inerrancy of the Bible.
To continue reading this article go to the website here: http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2011/07/05/believe-in-the-inerrancy-of-scripture#
© Copyright 2011 Answers in Genesis
http://www.answersingenesis.org
7/10/11
The Gospel of Jesus Christ
The Gospel of Jesus Christ from Way of Life on Vimeo.
The Gospel explained in a simple way. Sin, death, hell, forgiveness, salvation, heaven. What is it all about? What does the Bible conclude about all of this?
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