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What’s Really Going On At Lakewood Church In The Wake Of Harvey Damage

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July 26, 2020

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What’s Really Going On At Lakewood Church In The Wake Of Harvey Damage

Social media users and Houstonians alike are livid at megachurch pastor Joel Osteen after he cancelled Lakewood church services and did not immediately open the campus as a shelter.

But there’s more to this story than meets the eye.

“Lakewood’s doors are open to anyone needing shelter. We are also coordinating with the city as a collection site for distributing supplies to area shelters. We are looking for volunteers and collecting diapers, baby formula, baby food and other supplies. Please bring these items to Lakewood Church, Circle Drive off Timmons St. lakewoodchurch.com/relief,” Andrea Davis of Lakewood Church says.

Don Iloff, senior communications director for Lakewood, told Charisma News the church is not turning away people who show up but isn’t exactly equipped to take care of refugees.

“The city was prepared for this dangerous storm, and the city and county have provided rescue teams that are ready to go … there’s a shelter that’s five times bigger than our church just a few miles away stocked with everything people need, from food to medical needs,” Iloff says.

The church has also partnered with Samaritan’s Purse to meet the needs of the city.

This isn’t the first time the church has partnered with Franklin Graham’s relief organization. Iloff says Osteen’s brother, Paul, has helped facilitate the connection.

As Harvey leaves the state, strengthens in the Gulf and prepares to return, Lakewood, along with other Christian organizations, is preparing to handle the devastation.

The devastation was so bad that Samaritan’s Purse teams were unable to enter into the state of Texas until Monday evening.

Despite these statements, many have used the internet to attack Osteen and his congregation.

Pictures surfaced of a seemingly dry campus, and the church faced intense vitriol.

Lifestyle blogger and church attender Lynne Gabriel‏ shared photos of the damage on her Twitter account.

“We’re expecting more damage, but in aftermath, we’ll work with Samaritan’s Purse. We’re talking to TBN about maybe doing a fundraiser show after the storm is over. We’re working with the city. The last time we had a storm, we worked with the city to do a fundraiser in our sanctuary. We’re looking for these opportunities. There will be no shortage of opportunities, and we’ll be working extensively in the aftermath for sure,” Iloff tells Charisma.

One opportunity, Iloff says, is the church’s men’s group, which is full of skilled laborers, contractors, architects and brick layers. Even before the storm, the group went out to fix homes in the community. After the storm, he says they might spend the next five years repairing homes damaged by Harvey.

“This is going to devastate us for years to come,” Iloff says.

Founding Hillsong Pastor Said What About Gay Marriage?

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July 25, 2020

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Founding Hillsong Pastor Said What About Gay Marriage?

Hillsong Senior Pastor Brian Houston is telling Christians to take action and not be a “silent majority” during Australia’s upcoming same-sex marriage vote in September.

“Whatever your view on this issue, it is undeniably one that is important to the fabric of our social structure. Changing the definition of marriage has wide-reaching ramifications and should not be taken lightly by any society,” Houston wrote in a press release.

“All Australians should be a part of this process, not just a select few,” he added.

More than $122 million worth of paper ballots will be sent to Australians asking them whether gay marriage should be legal.

It comes after the country’s ruling party refused to vote on a gay marriage bill. This vote will serve as public feedback only.

However, if the majority of the country says it is in favor of same-sex marriage, a bill could pass through Parliament rather quickly.

“Of all the concerns one might have about this issue, the least one to be concerned about is what will happen in the Parliament if the plebiscite is approved by the Australian people,” Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said last year. “It will sail through, absolutely sail through.”

The prime minister told CNN the vote will “give all Australians a say” in the matter.

“I’ll be voting yes, as will [my wife]; I’m very open about that, but the Australian people are never wrong when they vote, whether it’s for governments or on matters like this, their vote will be respected,” Turnbull said.

Houston tells Christians to be a part of the conversation and not waste the opportunity to take a stand for their beliefs.

“I believe that many Australians who are often referred to as the ‘silent majority’ feel strongly on this subject but allow louder and often more aggressive voices to control the public dialogue,” Houston wrote.

Houston said that believers should not allow the fear of being labeled a “bigot” stop them from casting a vote.

“For Christians, the issue is also a matter of faith and biblical teaching, something that should never be mocked or downplayed by those with opposing views,” he said.

“Some of those advocating for change to the definition of marriage have confused faith convictions with bigotry; however, they must understand that Christian—and other religious beliefs—are extremely important to those who hold them and, in fact, are vital to a tolerant and free society,” he added.

The Sad Story Of Carrie Underwood’s Megachurch Gone Gay

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July 25, 2020

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The Sad Story Of Carrie Underwood’s Megachurch Gone Gay

Living in the Nashville area, I’ve had occasion to have some divine appointments with some celebrities. I interacted with Nicole Kidman and gave her my personal testimony tract, then later gave Keith Urban and her a book I wrote on Christian parenting. Ricky Skaggs, a committed Christian, regularly engages with us in leadership gatherings.

American Idol winner and country superstar Carrie Underwood, is someone I’ve not yet met, but I’d relish the opportunity to talk with her about the subject of this commentary.

Not long ago, Miss Underwood shared in an interview with The Independent the following: “Our church is gay-friendly. Above all, God wanted us to love others. It’s not about setting rules or everyone has to be like me. No. We’re all different. That is what makes us special. We have to love each other and get along with each other. It’s not up to me to judge anybody.”

At the time of the interview, Carrie and her husband were attending a nondenominational Christian church in our area that changed to welcome and openly support LGBTQ adherents. Even though she was raised Baptist, she credits the church with influencing her to now publicly support gay marriage.

This prominent megachurch decided a few years ago to jettison historic biblical positions on marriage, homosexuality and lesbianism. It fully supports the LGBTQ lifestyle and welcomes their full participation in every aspect of the church, including leadership.

As Christians, it is our privilege to love all people no matter who they are or what lifestyle they espouse. But remaining faithful to the unambiguous teaching of the Scripture means marriage is only between a man and woman and our call is to holy living, steering clear of practicing all immorality, including homosexuality. There can be no compromise in this area.

The Bible clearly teaches that homosexuality is not God’s way or design for His creation. The New Testament uses five terms to describe both male and female homosexual conduct: “unnatural,” “perverted,” “degrading,” “shameful” and “indecent” (see Rom.1:18-26).

Recently, the church Carrie referred to has undergone tumultuous change resulting in its attendance dropping from 2,200 members to currently around 240 attending their Saturday evening service in its new location. I do not know if Carrie and her husband still attend.

Before their relocation, I attended one of their Sunday morning services and most recently I’ve visited again. They are now meeting directly across the street from Celebration Church, the local church where we are based.

A few days ago I hung around after service to engage with the senior pastor, Stan Mitchell. At the end of our conversation, I gave him a copy of my latest book, Bullseye, which addresses the 30 hot button issues of today including homosexuality and gay marriage. Each chapter is accompanied by brief, immediately accessible videos presenting the biblical worldview on the topic.

Our interaction was friendly. I extended an invitation to get together and, in spite of differences, take advantage of an opportunity to learn from each other. I prayed quietly as I exited. Your guess is as good as mine regarding his response. Pray.

Further Developments

The dwindling megachurch, which the pastor calls “radically inclusive,” has been forced to list their facility for sale. It includes 22 acres, a 12,000 square-foot church building and a more than 2200-square-foot office building, according to the listing. The property in Franklin, Tennessee is listed for more than $5.7 million.

A woman once designated the “pastor of worship and arts,” who sang with the award-winning Christian group Avalon, has also left. She co-founded Imaginarium, a “spiritual community focused on creating a space to imagine a better world and together make it so” according to its Facebook page. She presents herself now as a “leader and visionary who pushes the thought envelope on issues of injustice and inequality.”

Mitchell is involved in a group called “Faith in America” which believes that “LGBT people should be removed from the sin list.” At the June Southern Baptist Convention in Phoenix, Stan and his colleagues mingled with people outside of the convention trying to persuade attendees to be more LGBTQ- affirming.

Pastor Stan in his July 30 sermon, prior to the relocation, shared how the church has now found a “clearer vision” and a “new and refined construction of our faith.” He said they were a “progressive Christian church.”

Unusual Link With Unity Church

Mitchell has taken his hemorrhaging congregation to a building presently occupied by Unity Church of Nashville. “Unity honors the universal truths in all religions and respects each individual’s right to choose a spiritual path.”

From their home page, we learn the following:

“God is divine energy, continually creating, expressing and sustaining all creation.”

“Jesus is a master teacher of universal truths as our Way-Shower.”

“Humankind’s essential nature is divine and therefore inherently good.”

“The Bible (revealed to the Unity cofounders) is history and allegory, interpreted as a metaphysical representation of humankind’s evolutionary journey toward spiritual awakening.”

Oprah Winfrey featured one of Unity’s followers, poet Maya Angelou, on one of her Super Soul Sunday shows. And, if you haven’t guessed by now, this religious approach stresses diversity, tolerance and wholesale acceptance of those involved in homosexuality, lesbianism, transgenderism and the like.

Again drawing from his July 30 final sermon in their previous facility, Mitchell said, “We have achieved a degree, a measure of new construction, ongoing for sure, but more solid and stable in terms of theological identity than ever before!”

Rev. John McLean, senior minister of Unity of Nashville, declared, “Unity has always been radically inclusive, and I respect the work that Mitchell has been doing in that area a great deal. It looks like it’s a perfect fit.”

Here’s the Deal

In his insightful blog, “5 Trends Christian Millennials MUST STOP Doing,” John Wesley Reid said, “The problem with tolerance is that when we accept people for who they want to be, we neglect the people that Jesus made them to be.”

Who Or What Is Controlling Your Choices More Than You Think?

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July 25, 2020

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Who Or What Is Controlling Your Choices More Than You Think?

“Grace changes the nature of man, but nothing changes the nature of sin” (John Owen).

The principle of sowing and reaping applies to all areas of our lives. We must first discipline ourselves before desire comes. We must first empty ourselves in order to be filled. We must first obey before receiving the blessing. We must first break before there is restoration. We must first pray before there is transformation. We must praise Him before there is peace. And we must first seek Him if we are to truly find Him – we must sow before we reap.

The word of God plants seeds (sows) so we can reap later. For example, when discouraged, refer to 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 and thank God for His shelter in the storm, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”

When a difficult financial decision needs to be made, look to Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.” When confronted with adultery or sexual purity, recall Proverbs 9:17-18, “Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he does not know that the dead are there, and that her guests are in the depths of the grave.”

We need to stop watching all of the drama in the news and begin applying Paul’s words and fear and anxiety will flee:

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!Let everyone come to know your gentleness. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with gratitude, make your requests known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will protect your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things. Do those things which you have both learned and received, and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you (Phil. 4:4-9).

Why would we willingly walk into the enemy’s camp? Why would we feed wrong desires and thoughts? Feeding the flesh does nothing but bring war against the spirit. The sinful nature opposes the Spirit, primarily through our desires. These opposing forces are constantly fighting each other, and our choices are never free from this conflict (see Gal. 5:17).

The Bible reveals that the devil is the prince of this world (Eph. 2:2); therefore, you should pay close attention to what you watch and listen to—the force controlling it ultimately controls you. Romans 8:6 (NLT) states, “So letting your sinful nature controls your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” With God’s help, you’ll begin to control your thoughts instead of allowing your thoughts to control you.

Here are some practical steps:

1. Schedule God’s word when you’re fresh and not distracted—begin with worship. Whatever hurts our praying must be removed. “The men who have done the most for God in this world have been early on their knees. He who fritters away the early morning, its opportunity and freshness, in other pursuits than seeking God will make poor headway seeking Him the rest of the day. If God is not first in our thoughts and efforts in the morning, He will be in the last place the remainder of the day.” (E.M. Bounds)

2. Follow with prayer; don’t be in a hurry. Men would live better if they prayed better. “In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart.” (John Bunyan) Check out the motivational message about prayer: youtu.be/oX_lfiCvwlY.

3. Have a systematic reading plan, 30 minutes a day minimum, to draw near to God. Note questions and seek to answer them later in the day.

4. End with prayer and ask for help to apply what you learned.

5. Read a devotional such as My Utmost for His Highest.

6. Begin the day with the Word and end it with the Word.

Here’s how it plays out: During worship, the heart begins to soften and open. You hear the still, small voice of God during prayer as He draws your heart toward Him. Reading reinforces, educates and opens our eyes to His will. Answering questions that we have builds faith (apologetics). The devotional reading sparks a deeper walk, a deeper hunger for God. The ending reading sets the stage for the following day.

Sin is deceptive. We are free of sin’s bondage but not its influence. “Grace changes the nature of man, but nothing changes the nature of sin” (John Owen). Many of us talk as if God is real but act as if He’s not. We are witnessing a generation of people hearing the Word of God but not applying it. Ironically, the power is in the application, not the knowledge. James 1:22 warns, “Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 4:17 adds, “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, it is sin.” Sin blinds, leads, deceives, justifies, excuses and prevents us from fulfilling God’s will. This is why the application of God’s Word is vital—God uses the Word to bring clarity.

If you’ve fallen away from God, use this opportunity to turn back to Him and His Word: “Your Word is a lamp and a light” (see Ps. 119:105). He will not let you down: “For the eyes of the Lord move about on all the earth to strengthen the heart that is completely toward Him” (2 Chron. 16:9a).

Eliminate Armed Robbery In Ghana – Ghana Charismatic Bishops’ Conference

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July 19, 2020

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Eliminate Armed Robbery In Ghana – Ghana Charismatic Bishops’ Conference

The Ghana Charismatic Bishops’ Conference has released a communique urging the government to among other things eliminate armed robbery in Ghana.

The 6 paged communique outlined the need for citizens to feel secure in Ghana recounting known examples of armed robbery in Ghana.

The Bishops believe it is possible to do that mentioning that an African country has been able to successfully eradicate armed robbery in that country.

The last time the charismatic bishops released a communique, it received a lot of backlash on some of the ideas they put forth. However, the Vice President proved that one of the ideas was very prudent and workable. Leading to the decision to implement it. That is building concrete roads in Ghana.

Christian Convert Maryam Nagash Zargaran Released From Prison

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July 19, 2020

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Christian Convert Maryam Nagash Zargaran Released From Prison

At the beginning of the month, Maryam Nagash Zargaran, a Christian convert from Islam, was released from prison after over four years of captivity. She had been charged by the Iranian State of taking actions against national security.

Iran is listed as number eight on the Open Doors World Watch List which ranks the worst nations to live as a Christian. In a Muslim country like Iran, converting from Islam is not looked upon favorably. These converts often face severe persecution. Any Christian actively sharing their faith is viewed as a threat to the state.

Global Catalytic Ministries is well aware of the dangers Christians face in Iran. Their tagline is “Transforming Muslims Worldwide through Jesus”. Many of the areas they work in present significant challenges to Christians. The reality is that making the choice to follow Jesus can sometimes mean being ostracized, punished, or even killed.

We spoke with *Peter from GCM to get some background on this story. He says, “Ever since the Revolutionary Guard and the Islamic Republic got started in 1979, they have either quietly or very openly arrested pastors and Christian leaders. And often times when they are arrested, they go months without any information about that person. And so it’s great that they’ve finally released this lady who’s been in prison now for four years.”

Maryam was supposed to be released July 28th, but was kept a few days longer.

“Unfortunately the prison authorities said her release papers were not ready,” Peter says.

Evin Prison where Maryam was kept is notorious for the terrible conditions prisoners face there. This was the same prison Saeed Abadeni was kept for quite a few years.

Peter says, “Historically when people have come out of that particular prison, it literally takes them months to recover physically — partly due to torture and beatings, but also because of just the lack of sanitary conditions and then the food, etc. It’s a tough place to come out of.”

Maryam already suffered from poor health before entering the prison. She has a heart disease as well as bone and joint issues. Mohabat News shares that during her imprisonment, she was beaten until her leg was broken. She also suffered mentally as well.

In protest to the charges, Maryam engaged in a series of hunger strikes which worsened her condition. And while she did secure medical leave on occasion, the courts ended up adding 42 days to her sentencing to account for the time spent out of prison.

*Reza of Global Catalytic Ministries says Maryam’s story isn’t unique. “Recently inside of Iran especially, there’s been an uptick of arrests and longer sentences.”

He explains that Christian activity often arouses charges of acting against national security simply because of Iran’s background. Iran, also called the Islamic Republic of Iran, is the original Islamic State. Because its identity is based in Islam, any sentiment of a different religion is greatly mistrusted.

In Maryam’s case, the charges seem to stem from an interrogation that took place back in 2009 that had to do with promoting the Christian faith and hosting believers in house churches.

Peter says in the days ahead, we can be praying for Maryam. “Obviously pray for her physical recovery. And emotionally there will be some kinds of trauma.”

He says often released prisoners like this will flee the country after facing such heightened levels of persecution. Will you pray for God’s guidance and healing in Maryam’s life?

If you’d like to get involved with some of what Global Catalytic Ministries is doing, start with praying for the nations they serve in.

Hillsong Looks Ahead To Christ’s Second Coming: ‘Hear The Angels Cry!’

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July 19, 2020

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Hillsong Looks Ahead To Christ’s Second Coming: ‘Hear The Angels Cry!’

From Sydney’s Hillsong Chapel, Hillsong performs the powerful modern hymn “His Glory Appears.” The song glorifies Christ while picturing his wondrous Second Coming: “And His glory appears like the light from the sun.”

Watch the Video below

How Did Germany Just Legalise Same-Sex Marriage?

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July 18, 2020

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How Did Germany Just Legalise Same-Sex Marriage?

Germany’s parliament has passed legislation allowing same-sex marriage, only a couple of days after German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she would allow politicians to follow their own conscience rather than the party line on the issue.

The swift move brings Germany into line with many other European nations.

Here’s how it all unfolded.

What happened?

The landmark vote came about almost by chance.

At a discussion organised by the women’s magazine, Brigitte, on Monday, Ms Merkel was challenged by a man asking, “When can I call my boyfriend my husband?”

She replied that she preferred to view it as a “decision of conscience rather than me pushing something through by majority vote”.

She said that “the decision will have to be made some time”.

That signalled Ms Merkel was backing off the conservatives’ long-standing refusal to budge on the issue, and meant conservative politicians could vote however they wanted, rather than following the party line.

The comments angered some in her traditionally Catholic conservative bloc, but was welcomed by gay activists and the Social Democrats (SPD).

Why was it so quick?

It was all about the timing.

Martin Schulz, who is the leader of the SPD, then seized on Ms Merkel’s change of mind, pushing for a vote this week on a nearly four-year-old bill to legalise same-sex marriage.

An open rift earlier might have brought down Ms Merkel’s coalition government. But Friday was the outgoing parliament’s last session before the September vote, leaving little room for debate.

German politicians voted by 393 in favour of same-sex marriage to 226 against. There were four abstentions.

What did Merkel say?

Ms Merkel, who is the daughter of a Protestant pastor, said she had voted against the bill because she believed that marriage, as defined under German law, was between a man and a woman.

But she said her decision was a personal one, stating that she had become convinced in recent years that same-sex couples should be allowed to adopt children.

“I hope that the vote today not only promotes respect between the different opinions but also brings more social cohesion and peace,” she said on Friday.

What are the political ramifications?

The former leader of the SPD described it as “a great moment for the parliament … even if it happened through an accident by Mrs Merkel”.

But some have seen it as a win for Ms Merkel as well, allowing her to resolve the issue ahead of the September election without having to vote against the party line, which could have annoyed her conservative base.

A survey by pollster INSA for daily Bild showed this week that three quarters of Germans favoured same-sex marriage legalisation.

It also became a hot election topic after three parties — the Social Democrats (SPD), the pro-business Free Democrats and the Greens — each made it a condition for joining any future coalition with Merkel’s conservatives.

But the vote has offered Ms Merkel and the SPD, who is part of the current coalition, an opportunity to highlight their differences after four years of governing together.

Mr Schulz joined two left-leaning opposition parties to force Friday’s vote, allowing the conservatives the chance to scare voters ahead of the September vote with the notion of a left-wing government that includes the Left Party, which has communist roots.

Political analysts say the issue will likely have faded from voters’ minds by the time the election comes around.

What does this mean for Australia?

The Coalition believes a plebiscite is the best way to resolve the issue of same-sex marriage, with Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce describing it as the “greatest conscience vote that you can have”.

But Labor is pushing for a free vote in parliament, which is similar to what happened in Germany.

That is unlikely to happen in the 45th Parliament, with the Coalition — which controls the numbers in the Lower House — stating that without a plebiscite, the matter will not be dealt with.

So, what happens now?

The same-sex bill in Germany will likely be signed into law by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier some time after July 7.

How To Reach A Billion Teens With The Gospel

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July 18, 2020

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How To Reach A Billion Teens With The Gospel

There are about one billion young people in the world today between the ages 12-19. That’s a lot of teenagers! How can all of them be reached with the Gospel? I’m convinced there is a way.

Before I dive into the plan, I want to define what I mean by the word “reached.” I mean every teenager having the opportunity to hear, understand and respond to the Gospel as shared by a friend.

First of all they must hear it. For them to be reached the message of the Gospel must be clearly communicated with words. It can’t be communicated through osmosis or caught like a cold. Words are necessary.

Secondly, it must be understood. This implies conversation. In some cultures this communication process will take longer than others. But whatever the culture the core message of Christianity must be understood.

Thirdly, it must be responded to. Those hearing it must have an opportunity to say “yes” to Jesus. Perhaps they’ll say “no” or “I’m not quite ready” but they need to be given the opportunity of saying “Yes, I’m ready to put my faith in Jesus right now!”

To reach one billion teenagers by giving them the chance to hear, understand and respond to the Gospel may seem like a daunting task but I believe that it can be done. Here’s how…

1. The Church must be energized.

There are approximately 5 million churches worldwide. In the next 10 years some project the growth to 10 million global churches. The infrastructure to reach these teenagers is already in place. And, if you count the many youth-focused, Gospel Advancing para-church organizations around the world, you begin to realize that the opportunity to reach every teen everywhere is, with God’s help, doable.

Local churches around the world can be energized through a call to prayer, evangelism and disciple multiplication. They must be encouraged and equipped to do what it takes to reach as many people as possible as effectively as possible as soon as possible.

To help with this Dare 2 Share has developed a website that helps churches, youth ministries and para-church organizations apply the 7 values of a Gospel Advancing, Disciple multiplying ministry: Gospeladvancing.com. Go there, take the diagnostic and see how you rate when it comes to having a fully energized/Gospelized ministry.

2. The youth must be mobilized.

Every Great Awakening in the history of the United States has had teenagers on the leading edge. Why wouldn’t the Church seize the youthful excitement and activist edge of teenagers and point them toward the fulfillment of the greatest cause ever…making and multiplying disciples!

Those who overlook teenagers as a potential powerhouse when it comes to advancing the Gospel do so to their own shame. Jesus chose mostly teenagers to be his followers. If Jesus saw the potential of teenagers then maybe we should too.

Young people have launched movements, won wars, triggered revolutions and overthrown tyrants. Young people can be a part of launching a global revival as well!

3. Their world must be Gospelized.

Teenagers come to Christ quicker and spread the Gospel faster than adults. They can utilize their social media channels to spread the Gospel to their feeds and their friends.

The average teenager has over 400 online and face-to-face friends. If they can learn how to engage (not enrage) their peers in a Gospel conversation then God can use them to impact their world with the Good News.

On September 23rd we are launching Dare 2 Share Live, this live simulcast event will equip teenagers in 72 locations around the nation to Gospelize their world. Afterward we will do youth leader training webinars for the four weeks following that will help to “energize the Church to mobilize youth to Gospelize their world.”

It’s time. Let’s reach them all!

Source: Christian Post

Enemies Of Christianity Declaring New War On Religion

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July 18, 2020

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Enemies Of Christianity Declaring New War On Religion

CHRISTIANS, prepare for persecution. Open your eyes and choose stronger leaders for the dark days.

I am not a Christian, but I am amazed that your bishops and ministers are not warning you of what is already breaking over your heads.

How mad that Queensland’s Education Department can now warn schools against letting students praise Jesus in the playground.

The department has put out reports telling state schools “to take appropriate action if aware that students participating in (religious instruction) are evangelising to students who do not participate”.

It gives examples of what students must not say in the playground — such as “knowing about Jesus is a very important thing”, or “God, please help us to use our knowledge to help others”.

Nor may students hand out Christmas cards or decorations.

What do these bureaucrats fear from children inspired by Christ?

Is it that stuff about loving your neighbour? Or that instruction to respect the dignity of every human life that makes Christians the enemy of totalitarians?

But this ban on playground talk of Jesus is only the most shocking salvo of the new war on Christians.

Last week, two Christian preachers were summoned to Tasmania’s Anti-Discrimination Tribunal for preaching their faith’s stand on traditional marriage and homosexuality.

Hobart pastor Campbell Markham and street preacher David Gee, from Hobart’s Cornerstone Church, were denounced by an atheist offended by, among other things, Markham quoting a verse from the Bible.

We’ve seen this before. Hobart’s Catholic Archbishop, Julian Porteous, was two years ago ordered by this tribunal to tell by what right he spoke against same-sex marriage.

How cowed the churches have been before this looming persecution, now picking off vocal Christians, one by one.

Just this year, Sydney University’s Student Union threatened to deregister the university’s Evangelical Union unless it stopped insisting members declare their faith in Christ.

Meanwhile, same-sex marriage extremists bullied Coopers Brewery into taking down a video of a Christian MP Andrew Hastie debating same-sex marriage, and lobbied IBM, PwC and Sydney University to punish staff belonging to a Christian group opposed to gay marriage.

Last week, 70 pro-Safe Schools activists picketed a church to abuse people at an Australian Christian Lobby meeting as “bigots”.

Social media users and Houstonians alike are livid at megachurch pastor Joel Osteen after he cancelled Lakewood church services and did not immediately open the campus as a shelter.

Hillsong Senior Pastor Brian Houston is telling Christians to take action and not be a “silent majority” during Australia’s upcoming same-sex marriage vote in September.

“Grace changes the nature of man, but nothing changes the nature of sin” (John Owen).

The Ghana Charismatic Bishops’ Conference has released a communique urging the government to among other things eliminate armed robbery in Ghana.

At the beginning of the month, Maryam Nagash Zargaran, a Christian convert from Islam, was released from prison after over four years of captivity. She had been charged by the Iranian State of taking actions against national security.

Germany’s parliament has passed legislation allowing same-sex marriage, only a couple of days after German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she would allow politicians to follow their own conscience rather than the party line on the issue.

What happened?

Why was it so quick?

What did Merkel say?

What are the political ramifications?

What does this mean for Australia?

So, what happens now?

There are about one billion young people in the world today between the ages 12-19. That’s a lot of teenagers! How can all of them be reached with the Gospel? I’m convinced there is a way.

CHRISTIANS, prepare for persecution. Open your eyes and choose stronger leaders for the dark days.

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