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Tim LaHaye: ‘Obama Is Bringing Us Closer To Apocalypse’ [Video]

Shavar — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:30:09 +0000

I usually don’t throw my opinion in my blog posts as I like to consider myself “an observer” of things. Experience has taught me to just watch things unfold and not judge any situation or anyone.

With that being said, what do you think about what Tim LaHaye (the best-selling author from the Left Behind series) said about president Barack Obama? Is this U.S. president “bringing the country closer to the apocalypse” or is this just right-wing foolery and nonsense to you? Video below.

From HuffPost.com:

Evangelical Christian minister Tim LaHaye says that the policy initiatives put forth by the Obama administration are bringing the country “closer to the apocalypse.”

LaHaye issued the dire warning in an appearance this week on Mike Huckabee’s talk show on Fox News.

“Our present president doesn’t seem to get it,” LaHaye explained. “He doesn’t understand that some of the things he’s introducing that many of us call ‘raw socialism’ — it’s a different name, but it’s essentially government control and government domination of everything.”

The evangelical voice said of the political platform maintained by the Obama administration, “It’s going to work against our country and bringing us closer to the apocalypse.”

Read more at HP

NewsOne

Benny Hinn and Paula White Pictured Together

Shavar — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:51:25 +0000

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. In the case of Benny Hinn and Paula White, you’ll have to put the pieces (the facts) to the puzzle together to formulate your own opinions and/or conclusions.

An affair or just good friends?

CBN excerpt and video(s) below:

Television evangelists Benny Hinn and Paula White are denying reports that allege the two are having an affair.

On July 23, The National Enquirer published photos of Hinn and White leaving a Rome hotel together, holding hands.

While both Hinn, 57, and White, 44, have admitted to being friends for over two decades, both issued statements denying that there is anything inappropriate about their relationship.

“There is nothing inappropriate or morally improper about my friendship with Paula White,” Hinn wrote in a message on his Web site. Click here for Hinn’s full response. (note: can’t seem to find it)

The two high-profile evangelists have both dealt with recent marital troubles under the watchful eyes of the media and public.

In February, Hinn’s wife filed for divorce after 30 years of marriage. White split from her husband Randy in 2007.

In a statement issued on her Web site, White said she and Hinn have become closer since both have endured painful public divorces, but “our friendship has … Remained morally and spiritually pure.”

Paula castigated the Enquirer for its recent article, calling it “dishonest and misleading.” Read White’s full response here.

Addressing the Italy photos, White wrote “I publicly profess and forcefully renounce assertions that the recent trip to Italy to meet with Vatican officials suggests that the friendship is in any way improper or morally impure.”

Still, Hinn and White said in the future they would seek to avoid any appearance of impropriety.

“Because of my preeminent priority to my ministry and calling, Paula and I have concluded that we should avoid the appearance that our friendship is biblically impure or violates Scripture in any way,” Hinn wrote.

He added that the two had “independently determined that we will have no further social relationship until such time as my divorce has concluded and only if we feel direction from the Lord to do so.”

Fallen Evangelical Leader Ted Haggard to Start New Church

ShavarRoss.com — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:00:13 +0000

Ted Haggard, the former megachurch pastor and former National Association of Evangelicals chief whose career was undone by a gay prostitution and drugs scandal in 2006, plans to start a new church.

Standing in front of his barn, Haggard and his family announced Wednesday that they are starting a church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, called Saint James.

The church, which will not be affiliated with any denomination, will have its first gathering Sunday at the Haggard home.

More info

Dr. Conrad Murray Visits Joel Osteen’s Church

Shavar — Mon, 10 May 2010 17:30:14 +0000

According to sources connected with Dr. Conrad Murray, the doctor accused of being responsible for Michael Jackson‘s death–Third Mile Zone first reported that pastor Joel Osteen personally invited Dr. Murray and even gave him a “secret code” to enter his Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas.

But Osteen’s rep tells TMZ they were approached by Dr. Murray’s people who said the doctor was in need of prayer and Osteen agreed to pray with him.

One of Osteen’s reps griped to TMZ, “It seems like this was more of a PR move than seeking actual prayer.”

UPDATE: A rep for Murray says the good doctor attended the service “at his own free will.” Murray, in a statement to TMZ, said, “I was grateful for the blessings, prayer and words of encouragement I felt during services. It was a spiritual moment for me, personally … I sincerely express my thanks and gratitude and will continue to remain strong in my faith.”

TMZ also reported that Joel Osteen’s people were ticked … saying they didn’t invite Dr. Conrad Murray to Osteen’s service yesterday — Dr. Murray invited himself.

Ticked?

Update 2: Murray’s Visit to Osteen Church Not for PR

Church to Offer Worship Services for Dogs

Shavar — Sat, 08 May 2010 01:00:25 +0000

Wait a minute, I thought all dogs went to heaven, lol.

Anyway, a Massachusetts church is scheduled to launch a new monthly worship service — for dogs.

Calvary Episcopal Church will offer later this month its first “Perfect Paws Pet Ministry” aimed at giving area pooches and their owners improved odds at getting canines into heaven. The Danvers church plans to hold the service on the third Sunday of every month, complete with communion for the humans and special blessings for pets. Dogs will get special treats. (ROTFL)

Church officials said well-mannered, leashed dogs are invited. People can submit a paper prayer if their pets are sick, not good around other dogs or deceased.

I know some mean and bad-tempered Chihuahuas in my neighborhood that seriously needs to attend these services.

Grr.

GospelNewsWire

Pope Benedict: Church Will Protect Young from Abuse

Shavar — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 17:01:46 +0000

Pope Benedict XVI met with a group of clerical abuse victims on Sunday and promised them the church would do everything in its power to bring justice to victims and protect young people in the future.

The Vatican said Benedict expressed his shame and sorrow at the pain the men and their families suffered and prayed with them during the meeting at the Vatican’s embassy in Malta.

It was the first time Benedict had met with abuse victims since the worldwide clerical abuse scandal engulfed the Vatican earlier this year.

Trivia: Pope Benedict turned 83 on Friday, April 16th.

Civil Rights Leader Benjamin L. Hooks Dies

Shavar — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 22:02:52 +0000

Benjamin L. Hooks, a champion of minorities and the poor who as executive director of the NAACP increased the group’s stature, has died. He was 85.

Benjamin Lawson Hooks (January 31, 1925 – April 15, 2010) was an American civil rights leader. A Baptist minister and practicing attorney, he served as executive director of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) from 1977 to 1992, and throughout his career has been a vocal campaigner for civil rights in the United States. (Wikipedia)

Nearly 40% of Churches Reported Declines

Shavar — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 01:30:17 +0000

Nearly 40% of churches across the country experienced a decline in church giving and offerings in 2009, representing two consecutive years of significant decreases, according to the 2nd annual “State of the Plate” research by Maximum Generosity and Christianity Today International.

Megachurches (47%) and West Coast churches (55%) were hit hardest in 2009 as they fell behind in their giving from the previous year, according to the latest survey.

“Churches today are in unchartered waters financially,” says Brian Kluth, founder of Maximum Generosity. “After the October 2008 stock market drop, 29% of churches experienced a decline in giving and this past year the number has climbed up to 38% of churches. Multiple research projects last year documented the sharp decline in church giving and our research this year shows things have only gotten worse for a growing number of churches.”

Source

Tyler Perry Studios Hosts Neil C. Ellis’ “Pursuing the Glory” Book Launch

Shavar — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:00:03 +0000

Here are 12 photos from yesterday’s (March 18) “Pursuing the Glory” book launch event at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia.

Some of those in attendance were Elva and Neil C. Ellis, Tamela and David Mann, actress Terri J. Vaughn, Evangelist Paula White and others.

ATLANTA, March 17 /PRNewswire/ — Tyler Perry Studios makes plans to host Bishop Neil C. Ellis and some 50 members of the US Media, at a special press gala and luncheon on Thursday, March 18th at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. This event marks the national release of Ellis’ latest book, Pursuing the Glory, published by Pneuma Life Publishing. Neil C. Ellis is founder and senior minister of the 8,000 member Mount Tabor Full Gospel Baptist Church, based in Nassau, Bahamas; a chain of islands near the Florida Coast. He also serves as 2nd Presiding Bishop of the 500,000 member Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International, the second largest predominately African-American Christian denomination in the United States; founded by Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr.; and only second to the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) — founded in 1907 by Bishop Charles Harrison Mason.

In 2007, Ellis noticed complications related to what was then perceived to be a throat infection, which prompted him to seek the help of his Primary Care Physician. It was soon determined that he had severally damaged his right vocal cord, and was in desperate need of immediate repair; otherwise he would risk permanently losing his ability to speak and preach, if went untreated. Ellis agreed to surgery, and within a few weeks of voice rest from his first round in a series of surgeries; he began compiling sermon notes, which later became the book, Pursuing the Glory, and has become the central message of a new mandate he believes God has called him to. Joining Mr. Ellis in promoting this new message is colleague, and mega-church minister, Pastor Paula White, of Without Walls International Church, based in Tampa, Florida. “The body of Christ is in crucial times; we are in an age where we cannot afford to miss any opportunity to hear God — even when we experience test and trials. While many times our first instinct is to react to stressful, challenging, or difficult situations with fear and panic, Pursuing the Glory encourage believers to recognize how unforeseen trials can offer us periods of reflections…,” says White, who also wrote the book’s Foreword.

Among those offering personal endorsements and support is film director and producer Tyler Perry; actors David and Tamela Mann of Meet the Browns; Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr.; Pastor John K. Jenkins, Sr.; Bishop Walter S. Thomas; Bishop Joby Brady; Bishop Kenneth Ulmer, and Ellis’ longtime friend and popular televangelist Bishop Eddie L. Long, of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, near Atlanta. Bishop Ellis says he is extremely grateful for the encouragement, input and tremendous support of the friends and colleagues across America, who has already participated in the promotional tour of the pre-release edition of the book — which has sold over 10,000 copies. It is predicted by both critics and supporters alike that Pursuing the Glory is slated to appear on Amazon.com’s top 100 Best Selling Books over the next few weeks. Books will be available in April at retailers nationwide.

Christian Woman Dies for Fasting Too Long

Shavar — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:00:20 +0000

This is sad. So unnecessary. A lot more I’d like to say but will refrain out of respect for the Mrs. Boyd and the family. But please use wisdom when fasting and especially an “all-water” fast.

Authorities say a 55-year-old woman died alone in a bedroom of her central Florida home after locking herself in the room for several weeks for a lengthy religious fast.

Evelyn Boyd told her husband, a preacher at a Pentecostal church in the city of Bartow, not to disturb her when she locked herself in the room Feb. 7 to fast and pray with only water to drink. Family members forced open the door March 5 (SMH) and found her dead.

Sheriff Grady Judd told the St. Petersburg Times that deputies don’t expect to file charges, though the investigation continues. A precise cause of death has not been determined.

The woman’s husband, John Boyd, told the paper he didn’t check on his wife because she felt she was doing what God called her to do and he wanted to respect her privacy.

Source: AP