T.D. Jakes: Black Church Unfairly Portrayed

walkerp1 »

Tue May 06, 2008 4:14 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 1

Perhaps someone can cite some references where the media is trying to associate Mr. Wright's philosophy with other churches'? The controversy surrounding Mr. Wright has not affected my perception of other black congregations, nor have I noticed any appreciable effort on behalf of any mainstream media that would match Mr. Jakes opinions.

From my own observations, Mr. Jakes seems to share many of Mr. Wright's own core ideas, albeit without all the wild, incendiary invective and conspiracy theories. We have a saying here: "The bit dog hollers the loudest."

Kids' Dress-Up Day Draws Christian Ire

walkerp1 »

Mon Apr 07, 2008 5:50 pm Agree: 8   Disagree: 3

Ms. Hayes says that there was no nefarious intent, and this is probably the truth as far as she knows it. The fact remains, though, that Christians are constantly engaged in spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 reads, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

From the viewpoint of the world, this would be nothing more than a silly thing for kids to do, and Christians will look like fools to make such vigorous objection to a bit of "harmless fun." Yet the Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 3:19a, "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God," and in Proverbs 16:25, "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."

Clearly, we cannot rely upon our own wisdom to provide guidance, so we look to God's word for enlightenment. Deuteronomy 22:5 says, "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God." This distinction of the genders is reiterated in the New Testament in 1 Corinthians 11:14-15, "Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering."

From this, we can deduce that the cross-dressing activity is indeed one that should concern Christians, and it also points out our need to be constantly vigilant about the environment our children face daily. Flyers were issued, but I somehow doubt that there was any 36-point caption detailing CROSS-DRESSING DAY or ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCE. I have no idea how thoroughly these flyers were presented to parents or how subtle the message was, but this certainly is not the first incident where parents were surprised and angered at something they were previously unaware was brewing at their kid’s schools.

I applaud the parent who called VCYA and others who voiced their concerns.

High Court to Hear Case on Group's Right to Display Its 'Seven Aphorisms'

walkerp1 »

Fri Apr 04, 2008 5:41 pm Agree: 3   Disagree: 1

This is nothing more than an opportunistic attack on the display of the Ten Commandments in public places. The Summums and their lawyer would like us to think that it is merely an effort to have their aphorisms displayed in public places alongside the Ten Commandments, but really, with the deplorable way our government has been treating the Ten Commandments in the last few decades, it is sheer madness to approach their stated objective in that manner. Do they want to associate with a winner? Well, perhaps they should ask Judge Roy Moore for more information on that score.

The Summum's attorney is quoted as calling it "a matter of simple fairness." Fair to whom, and on what grounds? How can we equate a handful of new-age postulates with a body of work that has helped shape the moral awareness of billions, the policies of nations, and our very own judicial system (USA)?

The city of Pleasant Grove argues, "the Ten Commandments do not represent any government endorsement of any particular religious viewpoint." This is probably an accurate statement of their current situation - mores the pity. The Establishment Clause has been interpreted in recent decades to mean that our government should take all pains to disengage itself from religion, with Christianity taking most of the brunt. If that were truly the case, then our founding fathers were daft for making that statement in a document where our nation's dependence and reliance upon God were so clearly spelled out.

New $16.5 M Bethlehem Hospital Unites Abrahamic Faiths

walkerp1 »

Tue Dec 18, 2007 2:57 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

Why not do both Citizen? This hospital will be reaching out to lost people as well as saved. The Bible tells us, "And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?" - James 2:16

Two of Six Preachers Turn Over Financial Data for Probe

walkerp1 »

Fri Dec 07, 2007 4:50 pm Agree: 4   Disagree: 1

ifeelfine72 - I don't find it quite as surprising that someone would object to your post. There are people, yes, even here in the Forums, that do not believe in the inerrancy of the Bible, so perhaps they merely objected on those grounds. It also seems likely to me that the objection came from someone who is caught up in the prosperity movement, as this article would surely attract that type of individual.

Of course, the Bible says it best: "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." - 1 Corinthians 1:18

U.S. Teen Birth Rate Rises, Ends 14-Year Streak

walkerp1 »

Thu Dec 06, 2007 1:10 pm Agree: 3   Disagree: 1

It amazes me that some "experts" see a rise in teen pregnancies and immediately correlate that with the quality of sex education, abstinence-based or otherwise. I have eight children, and we have had no problems with teen pregnancies or etc. We do not, because God commands that it be so, because they have been taught better, and because I say so - in that order. That's right, sex-ed doesn't make the list at all, for all we all have paid for it.

As parents, it is our responsibility to ensure that our kids are trained up in the "Way of the Lord". I recognize that there can be and will be individual aberrations, but there is no substitute for God-centered teaching in our homes and churches to address the type of troubles kids are subject to these days.

Our kids don't need sex-education as much as they need PROPER education. Too much information is being bandied about by those who are least situated to properly judge its impact. As I see it, it is parents who are most in need of counseling.

Survey: 1 of 3 Americans Know Little or Nothing about AIDS

walkerp1 »

Sat Dec 01, 2007 8:42 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

I agree RBB, AIDS information has been promulgated generously in our schools at least since the mid-80's, but this only catches the forty and under segment. I can see how a 40+ citizen might feel that their exposure does not qualify as knowing "much" about AIDS. I guess it really boils down to the statistical method employed by Ipsos Public Affairs and how "loaded" the actual questions were.

As for funding for AIDS research and prevention...we could shake billions of dollars loose with a bureaucratic tune-up. Just off the cuff, I can think of a dozen agencies and programs that could be cut or reduced to provide both money AND a positive effect on our country.

Hollywood Movie on Jesus' 'Missing Years' Draws Rebuke

walkerp1 »

Thu Nov 29, 2007 6:58 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

mcfbc...you definitely get points for seeing the bright side! Seriously though, the reason I personally get upset about these types of movies is that I realize that many people will be deceived. Romans 6:1-2a reads, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid." As usual, the Bible sums it up far better than I ever could.

Lesbian Ordained in Lutheran Church, Refuses Celibacy Vow

walkerp1 »

Tue Nov 20, 2007 6:50 am Agree: 4   Disagree: 0

Isaiah 5:20
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

The more I read on this subject, the more alarmed I become at the backward state of our nation. The book of Hosea clearly delineates the process that we are following. As a nation, we are trying to put God as far away from ourselves as possible. Witness the undying attempts to divorce God from our government and ultimately our public lives. Please pray for our national and ecclesiastical leaders that we might reverse this trend!