Jesus Is Lord Forever

6/11/11

I have Victory through Jesus!!!

6/10/11

Voice of the Martyrs Prayer Update for week of june 10, 2011

Preach It

Since I have become a Christian, which was over five years ago now, I have come to develop a likeness for certain preachers that particularly stick out to me. I love to hear them talk and preach. I suppose every believer has certain preachers and styles of preaching that they favor, and so do I. When I first got saved it happened to me before I started to go to church. So, I used to watch a whole lot of preaching on cable television with channels like TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) and DaystarTV, for example. Some preachers stood out for me personally and I thought that I would post some samples of their preaching.

Dr. Charles Stanley

www.intouch.org

Bishop T.D. Jakes

http://www.tdjakes.org/

Perry Stone

www.voe.org

Joyce Meyer

www.joycemeyer.org

Hal Lindsey

www.hallindsey.com

Jack Van Impe

www.jvim.com

There are many other preachers and programs that I like, but I haven't listed all of them. Although I don't always 100% agree with everyone's views, I do like to listen to a lot of their preaching. The main thing is to adhere to the Word of God and compare everything to it. Some others that I like are: David Reagan, John Paul Jackson, John Hagee, Don Colbert, James Robison, Grant Jeffrey, Zola Levitt, Billy Graham, Jay Sekulow, Jesse Duplantis, Kenneth Copeland, Paula White, Kirt Schneider, Rod Parsley, Bill Cloud and Mike Barber.

6/9/11

Shelley Lubben Testimony

Shelley Lubben, a former porn star and prostitute, shares her testimony on the 700 Club. She talks about how she loved Jesus as a little girl, but after she was sexually violated at the age of 9 it messed with her and she started to struggle with acting out sexually. She got involved with drugs and eventually started to get involved in prostitution and pornography. She always had the feeling deep down inside that what she was doing was wrong, but she continued in it because she felt like no one really cared for her and she was good at it anyway, attracted to the attention and the money. She had faith in God, but didn't trust in Him. She was angry with God. She went through a rollercoaster of a life, with God always trying to reach out to her, but it wasn't until she got into a freak car accident that things started to really change for her. Soon after she met the man who would become her husband, who at the time was a drug addict. They spoke to each other about their childhood faith and love for God and eventually turned back their lives to Jesus, together. God helped her to forgive and to learn how to put the past behind her for good. Now she shares her faith in God and her testimony to the world. God is faithful. Her website can be found at: http://www.shelleylubben.com/ There are many videos on her website of her sharing her testimony and her efforts to get the truth out. She has written a book about her life in the porn industry called "Truth Behind the Fantasy of Porn," which basically gives a first-hand account of how bad it really is. She even has a rap album out.

God's Love

Kim Walker - from the band JESUS CULTURE - shares her testimony of how much God loves us.

6/8/11

Do I Have to Forgive Others?

Biblical Authority Devotional: All-Encompassing Authority, Part 9
by Tim Chaffey, AiG–U.S.
May 31, 2011

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14)

Today’s big question: do I have to forgive others?

In this series we have been examining certain instructions in Scripture that are often overlooked by Christians. Although frequently neglected, the words of this verse are straightforward. Immediately after giving His disciples an example of how to pray, Jesus told them how important it is to forgive others. If we refuse to forgive others, then we will not be forgiven. Failure to obey this requirement brings severe consequences.

Continue reading this article on the website:

http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2011/05/31/forgive-others

http://www.answersingenesis.org/

© Copyright 2011 Answers in Genesis

6/7/11

Greed

A business is a business. But, where greed is deemed more important than the health and well-being of an employee that is when it is crossing the line. I heard a story not long ago of a single mother of several children who worked a working-class job and when her son became very ill with a virus she caught it as well and became very ill. She attempted to call in sick one day from her job. Her boss told her that if she didn't come into work that she would be fired. She couldn't lose her job because she had her kids to take care of and she was the only one to do it. So, she reluctantly started driving into work. Only, she was so ill that she passed out asleep at the wheel and got into a car accident. She died. So, the single mother died and her children were left as orphans. Later, the woman's family sued the employer $12 million dollars. So, the man who refused to let a woman have a sick day thought he was saving himself a little money, but ended up losing $12 million because of his greed and uncaring heart.

Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain. Deuteronomy 25:4

A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel. Proverbs 12:10

For it is written in the Law of Moses: "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." Is it about oxen that God is concerned? 1 Corinthians 9:9

For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages." 1 Timothy 5:18

6/5/11

Hal Lindsey Report (June 3, 2011)

This week on 'The Hal Lindsey Report'

The G8 threw its annual party last week in Deauville, France. In case you've forgotten, or didn't know, the Group of Eight (G8) is a forum for the seven strongest industrialized, capitalist democracies in the world -- and Russia. The G8 includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Originally, the group assembled each year to coordinate efforts to keep the world's economy thriving. Though economics is the basic reason for the group's existence, the members tend to use their clout to advance other goals, too.

This year, one of the prime objectives was to decide how to respond to the so-called "Arab Spring." Naturally, the group decided to do what they always do: throw money at it. Of course, it's not their money, it's our money that they're throwing, but what's new? So the leaders decided to forgive Tunisia and Egypt of $20 billion in international loans. Then, they decided to give the two nations another $20 billion in loan guarantees. But there was a proviso. Tunisia and Egypt had to agree to continue their "transition into democratic and tolerant societies." Which they apparently agreed to do.

Now, that request might have been a bit more reasonable if not for one little detail: both of the nations are predominantly Muslim. In case you haven't noticed, Islam and democracy don't usually go together. And that's not just because the kind of government required by the religion's two holy books, the Koran and the Hadith, runs contrary to the basic principles of democracy. It's also because of the untrustworthiness of Muslim regimes, as evidenced by a fundamental principle devised and practiced by Mohammed himself. It's known as "hudna."

Islam's way of dealing with adversaries often depends on the tactic known as "hudna," or "temporary peace." The weaker adversary declares a desire for peace, but only as a reprieve to regroup and rearm. Once rebuilt and recharged, it's back to the conflict, often taking the opponent by surprise. Strangely enough, almost everyone in the West falls victim to the "Quraysh Model" -- which was the first real-life use of the "hudna" -- each and every time it's invoked. We're either too trusting or too stupid to recognize the con being perpetrated upon us, but we fall for it every time!

Another goal of the G8 was to voice support for President Obama's recent decision to reverse US foreign policy and demand that Israel fall back to its pre-1967 lines -- lines that would leave the tiny nation in a completely indefensible and vulnerable position. Fortunately, Canada's Prime Minister, Stephen Harper stepped into the gap and defended our ally. He almost singlehandedly refused to let the other leaders include such a declaration in the summit's final communiqué. In the old days, it would have been the United States who stepped up to defend Israel. Sadly, today our neighbor to the north had to defend Israel from the United States. Thank God for Canada!

Of course, this situation has become typical of the upside-down state of America's relationship with Israel under the current administration. In fact, President Obama's fingerprints can be seen all over the Middle East. That's why I call one of the stories in this week's program the "Middle East Muddle." And nothing illustrates it more perfectly than the torrent of lies about "Palestinian history" pouring forth from the Middle East. These are easily disproved lies that have been swallowed hook, line, and sinker by the gullible West. And, more dangerously, subscribed to and promoted by the President of the United States.

Finally, the recent Harold Camping debacle has been used by the media, and even "Christian" critics of the doctrine of the Rapture, to mock and discredit true believers around the world. The Apostle Peter warned that these days would come. And he was very precise. He said, "...in the last days, mockers will come with their mocking following after their own lust and saying, 'where is the promise of His coming... all continues as it was from the beginning of creation.'"

Spooky, isn't it? Almost those very words can be seen on billboards, in headlines, and in blogs everywhere. If Peter was right about the mockers, he's probably also right about these being "the last days." Folks, we are witnessing a mighty battle for the integrity and veracity of the Word of God. And it's not being fought in the mainstream media, it's being waged in pulpits across the world. Don't be fooled. Don't be misled. Be ready!

Programming note: "The Hal Lindsey Report" will not be seen on Inspiration this week. It's "Summer 2011 Campmeeting" time. You can, however, find this week's Report on TBN, Daystar, 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

© 2011 Hal Lindsey Media Ministries

6/4/11

Fishers of Men

Matthew 4:18-22, also Mark 1:16-18

18 One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. 19 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” 20 And they left their nets at once and followed him.

21 A little farther up the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too. 22 They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind.

I recently went fishing for the first time in about fourteen years. I fished in the morning and in the evening, in two different locations. Although I didn't catch anything, and no one else around me appeared to be catching much, it reminded me of the story in the Bible about being "fishers of men." As Christians we are called to preach the Word in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2), so even if we don't "catch" anything we need to keep trying and not give up. Sometimes we can go for a dry spell and not catch anything for years until all of a sudden something pulls on the line. God knows that we are not perfect and He doesn't expect everyone that we reach for Jesus to actually accept Him. The point is that we are loving God and loving people, spreading His message of love, faith, truth and hope. So, keep fishin'. You never know really how far your efforts are impacting others, from little to large.

Pastor Youcef Nardarkhani

Recently, Pastor Youcef Nardarkhani was reportedly sentenced to death for apostasy. VOM contacts confirm that the pastor’s trial was held in recent weeks in the 11th Chamber of The Assize Court of the province of Gilan.

Pastor Youcef is one of several members of his church who have been imprisoned. In the past, the Iranian government has also imprisoned and released his wife. Pastor Youcef was arrested in October 2009 after protesting a decision by the government requiring that his son study the Quran.

Media reports suggest that Pastor Youcef was transferred to Lakan prison, which is supervised by the Political Police of the Islamic Republic. If a death sentence is officially handed down by the court and Pastor Youcef is executed, his would be the first judicial execution of a Christian in Iran in two decades.

Pastor Youcef is a leader in the Full Gospel “Church of Iran” network, a group that stands apart from most house church groups in Iran.

Still Facing the Death Penalty
VOM contacts received word that Youcef Nadarkhani remains in prison in Lakan province in northern Iran. He continues to face the death sentence for apostasy. Last week our contacts were informed that a decision had been reached in his case. However, no one was informed as to what that decision was. Please pray for him and his family. Pray that his faith would stand firm regardless of circumstances.

Still Waiting
Pastor Youcef remains in the custody of the Islamic government of Iran under a death sentence at Lakan prison in Gilan province in northern Iran. He is being held in the main part of the prison with drug dealers and murderers. He is waiting for the Supreme Court to review his case and render a judgment on whether or not the death sentence will be carried out.

The situation is very difficult for his wife and children.

Update 06/30/2011: Death Sentence Upheld
The Iranian Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence of Pastor Youcef. He has been in prison since October 2009, and the appeal of his death sentence was rejected by the Iranian Supreme Court on June 28, 2011. He is to be executed by hanging. If the death sentence is carried out, it will be the first court-ordered execution of a Christian in Iran in 20 years.

http://www.prisoneralert.com/pprofiles/vp_prisoner_206_profile.html

6/3/11

Tortured for Christ

From Voice of the Martyrs, request a complimentary copy of Tortured for Christ for your friends.

To view this offer online, click here.

Tortured for Christ Book. It was the book that shocked the nation. After surviving 14 years in communist prisons, Pastor Richard Wurmbrand came to America to proclaim the trials and testimonies of our persecuted brothers and sisters.

In Tortured for Christ, Wurmbrand tells of his imprisonment for his work with the underground church and introduces the work of The Voice of the Martyrs. Forty years later, The Voice of the Martyrs remains true to its calling to be a voice for persecuted Christians, to serve with them in their time of need and to assist them in their efforts to proclaim the gospel.

We would like to extend this special opportunity for you to request a complimentary copy of Tortured for Christ for your Christian friends and family members. Help spread the message of today's persecuted church. Simply follow the link below.

» I would like to request a complimentary copy of Tortured for Christ for my friend(s).

If you would like to view a list of resources on the persecuted church and online specials from VOM, please visit www.VOMBooks.com.

© 2011 The Voice of the Martyrs

Voice of the Martyrs Prayer Update for week of june 3, 2011

The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5–6

Algeria—Seven Churches Face Closure—Compass Direct News

Isaiah 37:14–17
And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD. Then Hezekiah prayed to the LORD, saying: “O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim, You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Incline Your ear, O LORD, and hear; open Your eyes, O LORD, and see; and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to reproach the living God.

Seven churches in Algeria’s Bejaia province received notices on May 22 that they face closure because they have not registered with the government. The churches were warned that if they do not comply, authorities could use force. The governor of Bejaia, one of 48 Algerian provinces, also sent a statement to the president of the Protestant Church of Algeria informing him that all churches in Bejaia are illegal because they have not registered. Although the Bejaia churches have submitted the required registration documents, the government has not responded to their applications. Despite this intimidation, Christians plan to continue their services. “We expect that we may encounter the police,” said a church leader. Leaders say that some Christians have expressed fear, while others have questions. The Bejaia churches have mobilized their congregations to pray. Pray with them for all the churches and Christians in Algeria. Ask God to intervene especially in the Bejaia situation.

Pakistan—Millions Attend Religious Festivals—VOM Sources

Isaiah 35:5
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.

Many Pakistanis attend Muslim, Hindu and Sikh festivals throughout the year. Several of these religious festivals attract up to a million visitors, and some who attend the Muslim festivals consider their attendance the equivalent of a hajj pilgrimage, one of the basic requirements of Islam. VOM-supported evangelists all over Pakistan aggressively share the gospel with people like those attending the festivals. Although their work is perilous, they continue on “with the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the prayers of all the VOM friends,” one evangelist writes. “Our main target is to give the gospel and the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ to win souls for him, and we have done it very faithfully.” Please pray that God will open the eyes of those attending the religious festivals and they will come to know the good news of Jesus. Pray also for the VOM-supported evangelists.

Uzbekistan—No Progress for Uzbek Prisoner of Faith—VOM Canada

Isaiah 44:21
“ Remember these, O Jacob,
And Israel, for you are My servant;
I have formed you, you are My servant;
O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me!

Persecution against Christians in Uzbekistan increased last month — from raids to fines to literature confiscation — underscoring the need to remember the nation’s believers in prayer. Tohar Haydarov, 27, has been imprisoned since his arrest in March 2010 and is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence for the “illegal sale of narcotic or psychotropic substances in large quantities.” It is widely believed that the charges were fabricated as a means of punishing Tohar for his religious activity. At last report, he had appealed the prison sentence but there had been no indication of progress. Pray that comfort and peace will reign in Tohar as he suffers for his faith. Pray that he will be assured that he is not forgotten, but that he is loved and remembered by God and His people. Pray that the charges against Tohar will be dropped and that he will be released.

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

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

5/28/11

Voice of the Martyrs Prayer Update for week of may 27th & 20th 2011

The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5–6

China—Government Imposes New Regulations on “Illegal” House Churches—VOM Sources

Ephesians 3:10
to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,

The pastors of some of China’s house churches are facing new restrictions, according to VOM workers. The pastors must provide police with weekly reports detailing their whereabouts and how many people attend their meetings. If pastors travel outside their city, they must report their plans, and they are restricted to short trips. If the pastors fail to report and police are unable to contact them, they are arrested. VOM workers say these regulations primarily target large house churches that organize under a specific name, advertise and meet publicly. House churches, which operate outside the official state church, are illegal under Chinese law. But because of the house church movement’s rapid growth in recent years, the government is struggling to deal with these churches. Pray for the house churches in China, especially those that have been targeted by these new regulations, and ask God to grant their leaders wisdom.

Chiapas—Evicted Christians to Return to Community—VOM Sources

1 Corinthians 4:10–12
We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;

Thirty-two Christians in Chiapas, Mexico, say they are ready to return to the community where their neighbors torched their homes and stole their livestock. The group fled the area in January 2010 after being forcibly evicted by a mob of 200. The Christians had been worshiping in a believer’s home for almost a year because the same mob had destroyed their church. Members of the community were unhappy that the Christians would not contribute to or participate in religious drinking festivals held in their town. The Christians filed a court case requesting compensation for their burned homes, but they have seen no progress since the government loaned them the use of a large home in another city. The 32 believers have decided they will return to their community on June 15, with or without government help. “It is time to go home,” they say, “and win the others to Christ, whatever the cost.” Pray for these Christians and others who have been run out of their communities because of their Christian faith.

Azerbaijan—Fines and “Preventative Talks” for Praise Church—Forum 18 News Service

Psalm 31
In You, O LORD, I put my trust;
Let me never be ashamed;
Deliver me in Your righteousness…

Two Christians from the Praise Church in the city of Sumgait were fined for attending an “illegal” meeting on Sunday, May 15. Elchin and Afar Pashaev were fined $190 under Azerbaijan’s Code of Administrative Offenses for attending a religious meeting at a location other than the Praise Church’s registered address. About 40 church members had gathered at the “Blue Lake” restaurant for their Sunday meeting, but it was interrupted by the police raid at about 11:30 a.m. “Police wrote down the names of all those present; then all were taken by bus to the police station,” a Christian told Forum 18 News. Only Elchin and his wife, Afar, were fined, but the Interior Ministry reported that police conducted “preventative talks” with other church members. In recent years, state control of religious activity has sharply increased in Azerbaijan. Amendments to the religion law in 2009 established penalties for religious activities not specifically authorized by the state. Pray for the church in Azerbaijan.

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

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
************************************************************************************

VOM-USA Prayer Update for May 20, 2011
On Thu. May 19 2011 at 08:45 AM Moderator wrote:

Colombia--Violence Intensifies in Colombia
VOM Sources

Romans 1:16

VOM workers are on high alert as violence continues to increase in Colombia. On the morning of May 12, a bomb exploded in Puerto Lleras, killing several policemen and injuring bystanders. In addition, FARC guerrillas have openly murdered individuals on town streets and burned buses throughout the region. The guerrillas have reportedly been conducting an internal purge, killing many of their own and accusing them of being traitors to the communist cause. VOM contacts believe some of those killed were secret Christians. "In all our ... years in Colombia, we have never seen it this unstable," said a VOM contact. "Yet we believe that this is also the most opportune time that we have ever seen for the gospel." The contact said he cannot come close to supplying all the Bibles being requested by those turning to the Lord. Pray for Christian workers in Colombia as they struggle to sustain their various ministry efforts amid the increasing violence. Pray that many within the communist movement will turn to Christ.

Egypt--12 Killed in Religious Riots
Release International

Psalm 23

Seven Coptic Christians and five Muslims were killed during religious riots in the Imbaba district of Cairo on May 7-8. In addition to those killed, more than 230 people were injured and a church was gutted by fire. The violence broke out on Saturday evening after hard-line Salafi Muslims claimed the St. Mina Coptic Church was holding a woman against her will. Thousands of Muslims descended on the area, prompting Coptic residents to barricade the streets around the church. At about 7 p.m., attackers started throwing firebombs at Coptic-owned property, and Copts retaliated by throwing glass and stones. Police arrested 190 people in connection with the violence. Pray that Copts and moderate Muslims across Egypt will take a stand against further religious violence.

Arabian Peninsula--New Believer Avoids Forced Marriage
VOM Sources

2 Thessalonians 1:3–4

By God's grace, a new "secret" believer has avoided an arranged marriage with a Muslim man. In the tradition of her country, "Fatima's" father had selected a husband for her. She was worried about being forced to marry a man she didn't know, but Fatima's mentors encouraged her to pray for her husband-to-be rather than rebelling against her father. Recently, Fatima's family discovered that the man doesn't have a job, so the marriage will very likely be canceled. In Fatima's country, women must be completely covered in public, and they are often accompanied by a male family member. A woman cannot choose a spouse without her family's permission. Pray for Fatima. Another man could propose marriage, and she could be forced by her family to accept. Pray that Fatima will grow in faith before she faces further persecution.

© 2011 The Voice of the Martyrs

5/20/11

What is all of this May 21st 'end of the world' about?

Citing Bible, group insists Jesus is returning May 21
End-timers face ho-hums
Thursday, April 14, 2011 03:08 AM
By Meredith Heagney
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Billy Wood, left, questions Darryl Keitt of Newark, N.J., about how the May 21 date of "judgment day" was calculated. Keitt explained his beliefs Downtown yesterday.

The doomsday group called Project Caravan passed through Columbus this week on their nationwide tour to talk about the second coming of Jesus and the end of the world.

Told that their days were numbered - 38, to be exact - the workers and walkers Downtown reacted without alarm.

They just kept on chatting, or waiting for a bus, or taking a smoke break, even as Darryl Keitt, 51, was doing his best to tell them that the end of the world will begin May 21.

As in, five weeks from Saturday.

Keitt, of Newark, N.J., is part of a group traveling the country in RVs, telling people that a complicated biblical code reveals the exact date of the second coming of Christ.

On that day, Keitt says, a great earthquake will roll across the Earth. The dead will be spit out of their tombs, and Jesus will arrive to take "the elect" with him to heaven. Everybody else will have a pretty bad five months to endure before the world officially ends on Oct. 21.

"All I know is I don't want to be here," Keitt said.

Keitt is traveling with a doomsday group called Project Caravan that is sponsored by the Christian broadcast ministry Family Radio, based in Oakland, Calif. So far, they've stopped Downtown and at Ohio State University, where the students were "friendly but arrogant," Keitt said.

The May 21 advocates, who leave for Indiana on Friday, have peppered the Internet and billboards across the country with their message. (Try typing "May 21" into a Google search, and see the top results.)

They seem to have stolen the thunder of other end-timers who claim the world will end in 2012, the year the Mayan calendar runs out.

"This comes up every so many years," said the Rev. Gary DeLashmutt, a pastor of Xenos Christian Fellowship, an evangelical church based in Westerville. He remembers a campaign in 1988 titled "88 Reasons Why Jesus Is Coming Back in 1988."

The Rev. Rich Nathan, pastor of Vineyard Church of Columbus, said people who claim the world is ending always manage to collect a following. An example he cited is a pastor named William Miller, who used the message in 1843 to get thousands of people to sell their homes and businesses.

"Everyone in history who has tried this before was wrong, so it would be best to approach the subject with a huge amount of humility," Nathan said.

Both pastors noted that Jesus says in the Gospel of Matthew that no one will know the day or the hour of the end, except for God himself.

Keitt's group claims there are many places in the Bible in which God gives clues that, put together, reveal the date.

The formula, boiled down, goes something like this: In the Book of Genesis, God tells Noah he will send the destructive flood in seven days. Then, in 2 Peter 3:8, the reader is told that, to God, "a day is like a thousand years."

The great flood is believed to have taken place in 4990 B.C., Keitt said. The year 2011 is 7,001 years after that, but you have to subtract one because "there was no year zero," he said.

The formula to get to the exact date of May 21 is even more convoluted.

Yesterday, Tammy Smith stood outside her High Street office smoking and squinting at Keitt's brochure. She chuckled darkly at the title, printed in all capital letters: THE END OF THE WORLD IS ALMOST HERE!

Smith said she's a Christian and doesn't mind hearing end-of-the-world prophecies. Still, she doubts that anyone will know before it happens.

Dedra Watkins, another Christian, was a little more perturbed. She was waiting for a bus at High and Broad streets when she encountered Keitt. She handed his literature to her 4-year-old sister, ordering her to throw it in the trash can.

"Nobody knows when God is coming," she said. "I'll be ready when he comes."

mheagney@dispatch.com

Heagney, Meredith. "Citing Bible, Group Insists Jesus Is Returning May 21 | The Columbus Dispatch." Central Ohio News, Sports, Arts & Classifieds | The Columbus Dispatch. 14 Apr. 2011. Web. 20 May 2011.

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2011/04/14/end-timersfaceho-hums.html?sid=101

church or synagogue attendance

Gallup International indicates that 41% of American citizens report they regularly attend religious services, compared to 15% of French citizens, 10% of UK citizens, and 7.5% of Australian citizens. (Wikipedia)

Church or synagogue attendance by state (may 2, 2006)

Forty-two percent of Americans say they attend church or synagogue once a week or almost every week. The ranking by state:

STATE | PERCENTAGE

Alabama 58%
Louisiana 58%
South Carolina 58%
Mississippi 57%
Utah 55%
Arkansas 55%
Nebraska 53%
North Carolina 53%
Tennessee 52%
Georgia 52%
Oklahoma 50%
Texas 49%
Kentucky 48%
Kansas 47%
West Virginia 46%
Indiana 46%
Missouri 46%
Iowa 46%
South Dakota 45%
Virginia 44%
Minnesota 44%
Delaware 43%
Wisconsin 43%
Idaho 43%
Pennsylvania 43%
North Dakota 43%
Ohio 43%
Illinois 42%
Michigan 42%
National average 42%
Maryland 41%
New Mexico 41%
Florida 39%
Connecticut 37%
Wyoming 36%
Arizona 35%
Colorado 35%
New Jersey 34%
Montana 34%
District of Columbia 33%
New York 33%
Oregon 32%
California 32%
Washington 32%
Maine 31%
Massachusetts 31%
Rhode Island 28%
Nevada 27%
Vermont 24%
New Hampshire 24%

However,

In, a 2006 online Harris Poll of 2,010 U.S. adults (18 and older) found that only 26% of those surveyed attended religious services "every week or more often", 9% went "once or twice a month", 21% went "a few times a year", 3% went "once a year", 22% went "less than once a year", and 18% never attend religious services. An identical survey by Harris in 2003 found that only 26% of those surveyed attended religious services "every week or more often", 11% went "once or twice a month", 19% went "a few times a year", 4% went "once a year", 16% went "less than once a year", and 25% never attend religious services. (Wikipedia)

Various Sources:

The Gallup Organization

© Copyright 2006 Union-Tribune Publishing Co. • A Copley Newspaper Site

Wikipedia

^ "How many people go regularly to weekly religious services?". Religious Tolerance website.
^ "'One in 10' attends church weekly". BBC News. April 3, 2007. Retrieved 2007-08-01.
^ NCLS releases latest estimates of church attendance, National Church Life Survey, Media release, February 28, 2004

5/17/11

Hollywood Prayer Network Newsletter (May 2011)

http://www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org/

Dear HPN pray-ers,

Welcome to summer! It’s time for blockbuster films to be released, reruns to start on TV, and for the networks gear up for the new fall season. Let’s pray for the producers, creators, programmers, and distributors of these new films as the nation goes to the movie theatres this summer.

SUMMARY:

• Join us on Facebook!
• Keep praying for Justin Bieber and Pattie Mallette as they tour the world
• Praise God for all of the National Day of Prayer gatherings on May 5th
• Billy Ray Cyrus withdrew his divorce papers from wife Tish
• Thousands are becoming Christians because of the Bethany Hamilton story
• HPN is joining a national movement of prayer every night for one minute
• Pray for upcoming summer movies, the people involved, and the audiences
• As kids are spending their summer at the movies, let’s encourage them to pray
• Let’s pray for Johnny Depp and his heart as Pirates of the Caribbean opens
• Pray for the new leadership at MTV Networks and Viacom
• Ryan Seacrest has been listed as the fifth most influential man on Twitter
• Pray for God to use the people working in the world of media and technology
• Let’s pray for the inter-net to be available to anyone seeking truth
• Pray for The Waltons actress Mary McDonough
• How to vote for the films we like at the Box Office

UPDATES:

• We are changing our facebook presence to the Hollywood Prayer Network Fan Page! Please click on the link and "like" us. Our other facebook presence will be deleted (HPN Net and our group pages) so don't forget to join our fan page!

• Keep praying for Justin Bieber and Pattie Mallette as they tour the world with Justin’s show. He has been getting some rough press and we want to ask the Lord to give them wisdom, strength, favor and a deeper love for Him, regardless of their circumstances. As for prayer, our motto is: Never Give Up, Never Surrender! Check out more details and see a new video from Pattie!

PRAISES:

• There were National Day of Prayer gatherings all over the country on May 5th and a few of them were led by HPN members and industry professionals. HPN’s Minneapolis member, Marcy Grams prayed for the Media in Minnesota, Our Atlanta HPN Local Chapter Director, Cassandra Hollis not only prayed for the media this year at their State Capitol, but she and the whole HPN Chapter have already been invited to pray next year at the City of Roswell, GA gathering. And our local Hollywood/LA event at Bel Air Presbyterian Church was awesome. One of our prayer leaders was Pat Boone, who served on the committee to get the National Day of Prayer recognized as a national holiday, in the 1980s. There were reports from all over the country that our nation was praying and celebrating!

• In March, Billy Ray Cyrus withdrew his divorce papers in an attempt to reconcile with is wife, Tish. Let’s praise God that they are now committed to making it work and ask Him to give them strength, wisdom and a renewed love for one another. We praise God for protecting marriages and we ask that Billy Ray, Tish and Miley Cyrus will grow in their love and support for one another and in their love for the Lord.

• The people involved in the Bethany Hamilton story are praising God for the great response to the message of their film Soul Surfer. They’ve offered people a chance to learn more about God on the website: soulsurfer.com and there have been almost 100,000 visitors since April 1st. Over 10,000 people have indicated decisions for Christ. Praise God that Bethany’s story can lead others to know God.

• HPN is seeing an answer to our prayers as more and more people are feeling a desire to pray, to connect with prayer groups and to spend more time with God and talking to Him. We are excited to learn about a new movement of prayer in our country where we have been asked to stop whatever we’re doing and spend one minute every evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time, (8:00 PM Central) (7:00 PM Mountain) (6:00 PM Pacific) and pray for our country. As HPN members, let’s especially pray for the arts/entertainment/media professionals. Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have. If you want to join the growing number of “one minute pray-ers” every evening, just set your clocks and pray for a minute!

REQUESTS:

• Pray for the upcoming summer movies, the people involved in them and for the audiences going to see them. May we all seek God’s wisdom in the creation of, participation in and viewing of entertainment. For the list of summer films (which start coming out this Memorial Day Week-end) click HERE.

• As kids are spending their summer at the movies, let’s encourage them to pray for the stars they’re paying to see. Let’s also challenge children and youth pastors and parents to uphold these prayers as a priority. Print out HPN’s monthly KIDS and TEENS prayer calendars and even pray for these people as a family. Click HERE.

• As Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides opens onhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif May 20th, let’s pray for Johnny Depp and his heart. He is one of the most popular actors across the globe and yet we want to see him focus on his spiritual journey and his relationship with God. May he fall madly in love with his Creator and author of his faith. For more info on Johnny click HERE to our HPN Target Redemption page giving you more insight into the man.

• Pray for the new leadership at MTV Networks, since Judy McGrath is stepping down as the chairman and CEO and no successor has been named yet. MTV is run by it’s parent company, Viacom Inc. Let’s ask the Lord to guide the decision-makers so that they will select a person chosen by the Lord; a person of integrity, creativity and honesty and maybe even faith! Viacom, which owns MTV Networks, is a powerful global media company, which touches the whole world.

• Ryan Seacrest has been listed as the fifth most influential man on Twitter by the New York Times. He is both an on-screen phenomena and a successful behind the scenes producer of Reality shows, such as The Kardashians. Please pray that God will send Ryan some solid Christian friends, and that He will lead Ryan into a place of trusting Him for all of his decisions. http://ryanseacrest.com/2011/03/28/ryan-seacrest-named-5th-most-influential-person-on-twitter-by-n-y-times/

• Pray for God to use the people working in the world of media and technology to use it for the good of man and for God’s glory. It’s a medium to ask questions, to teach and to inform, not to give answers. There are an unlimited number of ways that films, TV shows, music, the inter-net and even video games can help people, inspire them and give them hope. The product doesn’t have to be labeled “Christian,” just like a sunset doesn’t have a Bible verse at the bottom of it. As C.S. Lewis said, ”We don’t need more Christian writers, we need more writers who are Christian.”

• Let’s pray for the inter-net to be available to anyone seeking truth. One creative use of technology that HPN was introduced to is Bible Glo. This is a site that allows visitors who want to become more familiar with the Bible in a practical way to explore. They are creatively able to go through the Bible electronically by topic, geography, or any way they may desire. Check out our friend's new website to look at the Bible in a new way: http://globible.com/aninteractivebible/

FROM HPN MEMBERS:

• “I have been praying for The Waltons actress Mary McDonough since I started reading her book. She's been beaten up, kind of the same way I was, where GOD is concerned, as well as struggling with her self-image. I see someone like I was, who is searching for answers but only being misled. As she searches for love and guidance in the metaphysical instead of Jesus, I feel her pain and know GOD wants to use her in such an amazing way! He wants to hold her in His arms and love on her to make up for the mistreatment of the past.” Jody Let’s pray for Mary McDonough.

• As we get into the Summer blockbuster season, let’s pray for the film viewers, specifically that they will not support mass boycotts, which just make more people want to go to the controversial movies. Instead pray that they would use wisdom to personally choose what they will and will not watch. This will impact the box office in a real way and not cause unnecessary hype over controversial films that could otherwise just disappear unnoticed. For more insight into the issue read Chuck Hayes article.

• Are you connected with one of our Local Chapters? If not, check out our list of 57 national and international HPN Local Chapters HERE.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Great events and gatherings are always happening in Hollywood for the Christian community. Check them out HERE.

• Women: Take a short term missions trip in September and it will change your life! Click HERE to see how you can serve some of the AIDS orphans in Kenya through Discover The World ministries.

Thanks so much for praying with us. Have a wonderful Memorial Day, be sure to get your friends and family to pray for the entertainment industry, and we’ll be back in June.

In Him,
Karen and Caren

TIP OF THE MONTH:
Could it be that people actually want to see movies of tragedy, doom and gloom more than movies with happy endings? Check out this article and comment with your thoughts about this issue.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
“There are many things that are essential to arriving at true peace of mind, and one of the most important is faith, which cannot be acquired without prayer.” John Wooden

For more quotes from Coach John Wooden, click HERE.

VERSE OF THE MONTH (For industry Christian professionals):
"We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. Therefore, among God’s churches we boast abhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifout your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring." 2 Thessalonians 1:3 - 4

A REMINDER: Sign up with your Ralphs Card to donate money to HPN and you'll get up to 4% of your grocery bills back! Click HERE to find out how to support HPN and get ahead!

Join us on Facebook!

This message was sent from:
Hollywood Prayer Network
1763 N. Gower St.
Hollywood, CA 90028
United States

http://www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org/

© Copyright 2007 Hollywood Prayer Network

5/14/11

Voice of the Martyrs Prayer Update for week of may 13 and 6, 2011

VOM-USA Prayer Update for May 13, 2011
The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com

Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. Ecclesiastes 12:13

Iran—Three Believers Released; Pastor Still Incarcerated—VOM Sources

Romans 7:4
Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God.

Three Iranian believers were set free on Saturday, April 30, 2011 after 238 days in prison. A fourth believer who was arrested at the same time remains in custody. Arash Kermanjani and his wife, Arezou Teimouri, were at the home of Pastor Vahik Abrahamian and his wife, Sonia, when they were arrested together on Sept. 4, 2010. The four were taken before a judge on April 28, and they and their lawyers were asked to present their cases. Two days after the hearing, the judge unexpectedly ordered the release of Arash Kermanjani, Arezou Teimouri and Sonia Keshish-Avanesian, the wife of Pastor Vahik. Sonia does not know why her husband was not freed at the same time, and she is extremely worried about him. Though free, they may be called before a judge and re-imprisoned at any time. Please pray for Pastor Vahik, who remains in prison, and his wife, Sonia. Pray he will be released soon, and that all four will make wise decisions about their future. Pray for their church body in Iran.

Laos—Christians Brutalized and Killed—VOM Canada

Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Several Christians were recently attacked and killed in Xiengkhouang province, Laos. On April 15, troops from the Lao People’s Army encountered a group of Hmong Christians. All of the believers’ Bibles were confiscated, before the troops repeatedly raped four of the women, then shot and killed them. Their husbands and children were beaten, tied up and forced to witness the gruesome killings. At last report, the whereabouts of the surviving believers were unknown.
This incident and other recent reports indicate a disturbing increase of repression against Christians in the country. Pray for comfort for all those mourning the loss of the four Christian women. Pray for the peace and strength of Christ to reign in the hearts and minds of Laotian Christians under pressure for their faith.

India—Christians in India Facing Widespread Persecution—International Christian Concern

Acts 20:28
Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

There have been several accounts of recent persecution of Christians in India. On April 17, Hindu extremists burned down Grace Good News Vision Church. The church’s pastor was reportedly forced by police on March 24 to give a statement that he would no longer hold church services, to which he did not adhere. On April 6, Hindu extremists burned Pastor Prakash Siddi’s farm after he refused to stop leading worship meetings. Allegedly, the pastor was told by police not to file a complaint or he would likely risk retaliation by the extremists. On April 22, fifteen extremists stormed a Good Friday service at Calvary Bethel Church in Nandi Tavere village. The attackers tore up the worshippers’ Bibles and chased them from the building. The church’s pastor, Pastor Nayak, was arrested and later signed a statement agreeing to refrain from leading church services. Pray that pastors of small congregations like these would remain faithful to God and set good examples for others in the midst of trying 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

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

*************************************************************************************
VOM-USA Prayer Update for May 6, 2011
On Thu. May 05 2011 at 12:11 PM Moderator wrote:

Nigeria--Non-Muslims Targeted After Presidential Election
VOM Sources

Psalm 42:5

Violent protests broke out across Nigeria's Muslim northern region on April 18 after the overwhelming election victory of President Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian from the South. Angry crowds burned churches as well as homes and cars belonging to non-Hausa/Fulani (non-Muslim) residents. The homes of traditional Muslim leaders who supported non-Muslim political candidates were also targeted. More than 500 people have been killed and more than 150 churches burned. VOM workers in Nigeria are collecting reports on the destruction and assessing how to help. They are already responding to medical needs — meeting victims in hospitals, helping them get care and paying medical bills. The VOM team is also providing food and other relief to those who were displaced. "The church leaders in Nigeria did not know how to confront this massive destruction of churches and properties," wrote Isaac, a VOM worker. "Please join hands in praying for the church in Nigeria."

Pakistan--Christians Held on Blasphemy Charges
Release International

Psalm 27:14

Two Christians from Punjab have been charged under Pakistan's blasphemy laws and are being held at an undisclosed location. Pastor Mushtaq Gill and his son, Farrukh, were initially released by police after being accused of burning a Quran. But they were quickly placed in protective custody when a mob angry at their release began attacking Christians' homes in Aziz Colony, Gujranwala, on April 15. The attacks prompted hundreds of Christians in the area to flee their homes, fearing a repeat of the August 2009 attacks in Gojra. Seven Christians were killed in the Gojra riot, which was also prompted by blasphemy allegations. Pastor Mushtaq is a teacher at the Christian Technical Training Centre of Gujranwala, and Farrukh works for a bank. The men were accused of blasphemy about four months ago when burned pages of a Quran were found near their house. However, they were formally charged with blasphemy only after the recent anti-Christian riots in Aziz Colony. The situation in the area remains tense. Pray that the case against Pastor Mushtaq and his son will be proven false and that no further violence will occur.

Belarus--Pastor Charged After Church Raid
Forum 18 News

1 Timothy 2:1-2

On Feb. 13, police raided a Baptist church in Gomel, Belarus, and charged the pastor with "holding an unauthorized religious service." The pastor, Nikolai Varushin, faces a fine of up to $345 if found guilty. The police major in charge of the raid said police had received repeated complaints about the church from nearby residents. Police officers filmed the worship service and confiscated CDs, audio cassettes of sermons and religious literature. In January 2008, Pastor Varushin was fined for leading an unregistered religious organization. Pray that the congregation will remain steadfast in faith as they undergo this trial.

© 2011 The Voice of the Martyrs

5/1/11

Joyce Meyer - The Power of Words

Part 1

Part 2

www.JoyceMeyer.org

4/30/11

The Power of Words

4/29/11

Voice of the Martyrs Prayer Update for week of april 29, 2011

The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

Afghanistan—Imprisoned Afghan Believers Released—VOM Sources

Luke 4:18
The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;

Two Afghan Christians were released from prison recently. Shoaib Assadullah, who was arrested in October 2010 for giving a Bible to a friend, was released on March 31. While imprisoned in the city of Mazar-e-Sharif, Shoaib was physically abused and threatened by fellow prisoners. He refused to recant his faith in exchange for his freedom. Another imprisoned Afghan Christian, Said Musa, was released from prison in February after serving nine months on apostasy charges. He was granted asylum in Europe. Thank the Lord for the release of Shoaib and Said! Pray that believers in Afghanistan will stand strong in their faith and reach out to their neighbors, despite their small numbers.

Vietnam—U.S. Evangelist Gives Historic Sermon at Christian Festival—Compass Direct News, Luis Palau Association, BosNewsLife, VOM Canada

Matthew 10:19
But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak;

Evangelist Luis Palau made history on April 9 when he preached at the Protestant centennial celebration in Vietnam. Palau, who preached on two consecutive nights in Ho Chi Minh City, became the first U.S.-based evangelist to preach at a major event in Vietnam since the 1975 communist takeover. About 5,500 people came forward to receive Christ over the course of two nights, even though authorities forced event organizers to relocate from an open field to an enclosed stadium at the last minute. The Palau team had hoped to hold a similar event the following weekend in Hanoi, but organizers were unable to get permission to use their chosen venue. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese government has increased its oppression of minority Christians living in the central highlands — forcing hundreds to renounce their faith. Thank God for this evangelistic opportunity in Vietnam, and pray for the new believers. Pray that Christians in rural areas will face persecution bravely.

Somalia—Al-Shabab Murders Christian Convert—Compass Direct News

Exodus 14:14
The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

Members of the militant Muslim group al-Shabab murdered a 21-year-old Christian in the Lower Shabele region on Monday, April 18, as part of its campaign to rid the country of Christianity. Two al-Shabab militants reportedly entered the home of Hassan Adawe Adan at 7:30 p.m. and dragged him outside. A source told Compass Direct that the militants then shot Adan and shouted, “Allahu Akbar” (God is great). Adan, who was single, lived with his Muslim family. He secretly converted to Christianity several months ago, and area Christians said they think someone informed al-Shabab of Adan’s new faith. “This incident is making other converts live in extreme fear, as the militants always keep an open eye to anyone professing the Christian faith,” a Compass Direct source said. Pray that this news will not discourage other secret believers in Somalia, but will instead reaffirm their commitment to Christ. Pray that the Lord will fight their battles for them even if they keep silent about their faith.

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