Strang Report

Life As We Know It Will End If Obama Is Elected

2008-10-09T12:01:00.000-07:00

I was amazed that during the presidential debate this week Sen. John McCain didn't make the point that if Sen. Barack Obama is elected, life as we know it in many ways will end. America will be more socialized and have less free enterprise and freedom.

It seems that due to the current economic crisis, a percentage of Americans are clamoring for change in the White House. Unfortunately, they don't seem to realize that change will mean gay rights will be encoded into law and abortion rights laws will be strengthened. The result will be an alteration in our entire social structure and the likelihood that Roe v. Wade—the case that led to the legalization of abortion--will never be overturned. Recently someone sent me a video put out by Roman Catholics on the sanctity of life. Take time to watch it at www.catholicvote.com. It makes the point that protecting human life from conception to natural death is one of the most important responsibilities we have as Christians.

I believe if Obama is elected, the government will tax, tax, tax the citizens who are most productive. Yet it's been proven that tax increases lead to economic downturn, while tax cuts lead to economic growth (which we desperately need). There will also be a “take from the rich, give to the poor” type of socialistic mind-set throughout the nation. And I believe our country will be weaker militarily around the world.

In addition, people who hate Christianity will be emboldened to attack our freedoms. Christianity is already persona non grata in academia and in the liberal media. People such as Bill Maher and Michael Moore, who hate God and God's people, will think the election verifies that the nation as a whole believes as they do and will jump for glee. Meanwhile, Christians seem almost asleep. There is no outcry! And there is a group of Bible-believing Christians who appear to have decided to overlook how dangerous Obama will be and plan to vote for him anyway.

A few weeks ago McCain and Obama were even in the polls. However, the economic crisis seems to have pushed some Americans toward Obama. So in the 25 days to the election we must pray as never before. And we must work to wake up Christians. That is what happened late in the 2004 election—Christian leaders rallied believers, and as a result, George W. Bush was re-elected president.

Even though polls are often right, there are exceptions, and we must pray and work--before it’s too late--to see that Obama is not elected. I receive lots of interesting e-mails having to do with the election and the issues surrounding current culture wars. Below is some of what someone sent me and urged me to pass on. There are links to several interesting videos that you should take the time to watch. Much of what you will see is disturbing. I urge you to forward the information below to your friends.

The only reason Obama is competitive is because people do not really know who and what he stands for.

Barack Obama’s Views:

Endorsed by:
- ACLU
- AFL-CIO
- National Trial Lawyers Groups
- NARAL
- Planned Parenthood
- Homosexual and atheist advocacy groups
- Moveon.org
- Radical leftist national groups

These groups have provided the largest support for his campaign, along with the Saudis. And every one of them hates serious Christians and Zionist Jews. How can a Christian or a Jew vote with them? He promised the trial lawyers that he will fight against Tort Reform.

He promised the unions to vote for the Union Intimidation Act (aka Employee Free Choice Act)--a laughable name for legislation that will devastate American jobs. He promised the abortionists to vote for the Abortion Anytime Act (aka the Freedom of Choice Act).

He promised the homosexuals that he will support the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, and he is already fighting the California Marriage Amendment. And he has no experience! Hello?

Serious Political Videos and Articles that Expose the Truth about Barack Obama

Article: See Obama’s Illegal Campaign Contributions
http://www.newsmax.com/timmerman/Obama_fundraising_illegal/2008/09/29/135718.html?s=al&promo_code=6BD9-1

Video Clip: Mohammar Khaddafi on Barack Obama. Quite real and quite damning.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSemkPChvHo

Video Clip: A History of Barack Obama’s Life and Politics
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUdjhKbImwE

Video Clip: Barack Obama on Defense Spending
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sj91NH5fvw

Video Clip: Little-Known Barack Obama Scandals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sawN7uJ8s8s

Video Clip: Hillary Shreds Obama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQadAAlK9c4

Video Clip: Biden Slams Obama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EV14xqelWxY

Video Clip: The Hypocrisy of the Liberal Media Exposed in Their Attack on Sarah Palin’s Prayer for the Troops
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hpwM4Jjyrs

Video Clip: School Children Sing Praises of Obama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08iomNFrzU4

I know many of you are as disturbed as I am. I think this information on Obama speaks for itself. Let's pray for a shift in our country. And let's get this information into the hands of as many people as possible. If you missed my endorsement of John McCain, click here.

And be sure to add your thoughts to the blog.

A message from Bill Wiese

Dear Friend,

During the fall of 1998, I experienced overwhelming terror, dreadful fear, penetrating horror, untold misery, and total exhaustion and despair. I was in a place of complete isolation and unending torment, a place where I was hopelessly lost and without human intervention. Yes, this is a place—an actual reality that exists now, this very moment, for untold millions of people. This place is hell, which I found myself in for twenty-three minutes on November 23, 1998. I tell of this entire experience in explicit detail in my first book, 23 Minutes in Hell. I didn't ask for this, nor did I ever seek after spiritual experiences.

In fact, to be associated with something as radical as this is uncomfortable for me. I'm a conservative man by nature, a real estate broker for over thirty-five years, and a Christian since 1970. After seeing firsthand the absolute misery and horror that exists for so many, I wanted to warn everyone I could how to avoid this place. It was then that I began to research the subject of hell.

My purpose in writing Hell was threefold. First, I wanted to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about hell and the afterlife. Second, I wanted to expound on some of the events I experienced and give additional verses to help clarify, and include many of the commentaries, opinions, and views from current and past reputable leaders. Third, I wanted to share some of the responses we have received from others and about the many souls saved after reading 23 Minutes in Hell. Christians have become more committed, ceased living a compromised lifestyle, and developed a renewed passion for the lost.

To purchase a copy of my new book, Hell, please visit Amazon.com today. Buy a copy for yourself and another for everyone you know who needs to hear this essential message.

amazon.com | christianbook.com | barnesandnoble.com

Prophecy for Sarah Palin

2008-10-02T14:35:00.001-07:00

October 2, 2008

Strang Report
by Steve Strang

If you're like me, you'll be glued to the television tonight to watch the first vice- presidential debate, which is being held at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. The 90-minute debate between Gov. Sarah Palin and Sen. Joe Biden will begin at 9 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on all major television networks.

I've publicly endorsed Sen. John McCain and Sarah Palin, so you know for whom I will be rooting. I've reported in the Strang Report how unfair the media has been to Gov. Palin, even ridiculing her Pentecostal background. Now we've learned that tonight's moderator, Gwen Ifill of PBS, has written a pro-Obama book. So much for objectivity.

This is a call to pray for Sarah Palin. Read the incredible prophecy quoted below that is going around the Internet. At the end I tell about attending a huge Palin rally in Florida 10 days ago. Below, read about an important new book we just published by Perry Stone.

Pastor Mark Arnold in Lebanon, Ohio, wrote this true account. He first sent it out to a small handful of friends and relatives, never dreaming that, thanks to e-mail, it would travel around the world. As of today, he's heard back from 50 states, 36 nations, and several major Christian ministries and news networks, and he has received more than 11,800 e-mails.

When Arnold was asked what he felt the value was in letting this story go public, he said he is seeing people moved and coming out of the “caves” they've been in, coming alive and realizing that they need to get involved in the affairs of the nation and not sleep through this season as the church did when believers allowed prayer to be removed from schools.

Pastor Mark Arnold of Lebanon, Ohio, writes:

On Sept. 9, the McCain/Palin bus came through a little town called Lebanon, Ohio. The Lord allowed me to go to the rally [to give McCain and Palin] a message that He wanted me to personally deliver.

Sunday Night: A burden hit me that would only shake me to my knees--I prayed and wept for our nation. Never has my heart been so broken before God. I literally interceded for these wonderful people who do not deserve all the hate against them. The God-haters are going to try everything to stop them, but they will not succeed!

God is not pleased with the “bashing” in the news of this “anointed” person [Sarah Palin]. He has called her for this time! I promised God that I would pray and hold them up in prayer. I would “listen” out and be mindful of where they were. The following day is important in this time line ... because I didn't even know until God spoke to me.

Monday and into Monday night: The burden of prayer was so heavy that I was literally shaking and could not stop weeping. I didn't know that they were coming to Ohio. I prayed and walked and wept and walked. I prayed and prayed and wept and prayed.

Tuesday at 2:00 a.m.: God spoke these words to me: “Go turn the radio on!” Immediately the reporter's words were, “McCain & Palin bus to be in Lebanon later this morning for a 10:00 a.m. rally!”

Immediately on hearing that news, I heard God again. God said, “You are to go. You will meet them and give them a message for Me!”

I prayed as an intercessor and went to a place in prayer that I don't think I've ever been … because the Lord had just visited me … and I knew I was on a “mission.” I had now been up since Sunday night … and now it's Tuesday and I've got to go on the “Word of the Lord.” He sure became my strength as this unfolds.

I didn't stop praying until I drove over to the town and parked the car. The news would later report they were expecting 5,000 people, [but] the actual head-count of those who had been scanned was more than 10,000 people.

I simply obeyed … and God actually told me where to stand, who to talk to … and when to be on the move. I had sure learned on the mission field, when God wants to open a door, He will do it at the appropriate time. He always has someone to assist … and even those standing beside you may just be an angel.

I struck up a conversation with an agent on the ground. He simply said, “I can't allow you to stand here!” Here is where the bus was going to actually pull up to. They had to make a much larger perimeter, so the entire area was now being moved back several blocks. The only other thing he told me to do was to go through the metal detector zone and just watch from the back. So, that's what I did.

Due to [the] sensitivity of the Internet, I can't share much of the story. As to what happened next, [it] was a definite God thing all the way.

Looking over the shoulders and backs and heads of all those people … I knew it would take a miracle for what God told me to do.

As I was standing there, two Boy Scouts came running up my back. Literally, they almost knocked me to the ground because they were running so fast behind me, up my back and over to the right. These Boy Scouts were about Junior High age. Their Scout Leader and several others were behind them, but as the two out front [were] trying to push through the crowd, saying they were late, the smaller scouts were left in their dust. The Scout Leader, who was with a McCain rep. from the State, grabbed me and told me [to] bring the other Scouts up front as they try to keep up with the first two that just came through.

I just became the leader of the rest of the Scouts to lead them right up front and center. As the rep. was shouting back at me to bring the Scouts forward, the people parted just like God parted the Red Sea.

I marched those boys right up front and to the right of the stage as one was looking from the back. When I got there I was fifteen feet from the podium. God said, “Stand here, and don't move from this spot.”

Within five minutes the bus pulled up, and around the other side McCain, Sarah Palin and her husband, Todd, stepped up and the speeches took off. I was where God placed me … and even Sarah Palin and Todd were standing on my side of the stage. I made eye contact, I gave them thumbs-up gestures … and I knew they were just happy to see me standing there. Ha ha.

When they came around the podium and started on the other side, I knew they were coming right toward me. A little lady who stood by me, reached up and told the rep. that they had promised a picture with her because she was the one who had lost a son in Iraq recently. The rep. confirmed she would get a pic with them and they would talk to her.

When McCain came to hug her … he immediately shook my hand and following his moment with her, I shook his hand as he grabbed my hand, now for the second time, and I said, “God wants you to know that I'm praying for you, Sir!” He thanked me and kept smiling. I repeated that phrase to him five times. He grabbed my hands and looked right into my eyes and said, “I won't make it without prayer. Sir, thank you for praying for me, and don't let one day go by that you don't pray for me. I need all the prayers that I can get. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

As he moved to my right, Sarah Palin came over to my left side … standing over the crowd and then looking at the little lady who had lost the son. It took a moment for her to shake some hands and people were pushing in all around. Sarah came and got on her hands and knees on that side of the stage and hugged that little mom, telling her, “It was not in vain.” She promised her support.

It was at this moment Sarah Palin reached out for me to help her up, and as I was assisting her to stand, I was now face-to-face with her, and God said, “Open up your mouth and I will fill it.”

Here is what came out:

“God wants you to know that you are a present-day Esther!”

[She immediately began to cry!]

“God wants to tell you that you are chosen for such a time as this!”

“You are called, and chosen to be a leader.”

“Don't lose heart and don't fear man.”

“The news and naysayers and criticizers are going to be very hateful toward you … and in the days ahead they are going to turn up the heat … but do not fear.”

“You are a present-day Esther.” You are an Esther. You are an Esther!

“Keep your eyes on God and know that He has chosen you to reign!”

“Stay strong ... be strong ... don't tire. Don't be weary in well-doing. Be strong.”

Her husband, Todd, came over, and I told him what I told her. He began to cry.

I emphasized the fact that he was to guard her at this time … and know that “she is God-called and God-anointed.”

“This is a God-thing and your wife is a present-day Esther ... she is for God to use at this time ... she is an Esther ... she is an Esther ... she is an Esther.”

“You will be hated … but stand strong … God has called both of you to stand!”

“We are praying and I am praying for you!”

At this moment, McCain came right to where I was finishing talking to Todd, and I told Mr. McCain exactly what I told to Sarah and Todd Palin.

“Mr. McCain … they are called of God and she is an Esther.”

“Don't lose hope and don't lose heart.”

“We are praying for all of you!”

He shook my hand and with a deep look of understanding what I had just said, he said, “Thank you for your prayers and support ... I really do mean that!”

And he turned and shook more hands … and I watched them as they went through the crowd.

When I got to my car I sat there for quite a long time … knowing the God of the universe had just used me to deliver a message confirming to Sarah and Todd to realize they are truly chosen vessels of God.

I wept. I have not stopped praying and crying. My heart is full knowing they had to have all the staging and all the hype and all the crowd … but the God of heaven and earth … wanted to give them a divine God-appointment!

To God be all the glory and honor.

If anyone wants to know if I believe God can speak. Yes … absolutely, is my answer!

Be praying for me … and let me know what you think about all of this.

Pastor Mark Arnold
www.agreeinprayer.com
MEA31975@aol.com
MEA31975@gmail.com
Tel: (513) 291-0425

My own experience of hearing Gov. Palin speak at The Villages about 80 miles north of my home near Orlando on Sept. 21 was not nearly as dramatic. It was a hot Sunday afternoon, and we went two hours early and waited in the heat for Palin to come. Estimates of the crowd range from 30,000 to 60,000. It was impossible to know for certain how many were there because it was in a “town center” area, and people were up and down the streets in all directions.

I was able to get near only a large-screen TV, not the stage, and my wife and I settled down in our portable chairs to watch. The crowd was so thick you couldn't move around to look for a better place. From our vantage point you couldn't even see the stage, and we never saw Sarah Palin or her family except on the large screen. But it was interesting to see the level of excitement for her candidacy.

Now it will be interesting to see how the debate goes tonight. Be sure to add your thoughts in the blog below.

Steve Strang

Dear Friend,

Reading, understanding and practicing the message in this book could add years to your life.

There is a way to experience life changing intimacy with God and receive emotional, spiritual and physical healing at the same time: by understanding and receiving Communion in your home on a daily basis. The first revelation of the power of the blood and body of the lamb was revealed in the homes of the ancient Hebrews in Egypt (Exodus 12). The First Century Church met in homes, “breaking bread from house to house” (Acts 2:46). As documented in my book, The Meal That Heals, the breaking of bread was actually the celebration of the Eucharist or the Lord’s Supper. The early believers knew the power of Communion and celebrated it daily.

In The Meal That Heals, I will lead the reader on a fascinating spiritual journey into the church’s most blessed sacrament. Biblical and historical evidence that God has a covenant of healing for his people today, covering:

• The secrets of the believer’s priesthood and the Hebraic mysteries linked to the crucifixion
• The mystery of the manna and breaking bread from house to house
• How the First Century Church celebrated Communion and who removed the daily tradition
• Seven covenants that bring seven blessings to your life
• The difference between a Catholic Mass and a Protestant Communion
• The greatest hindrance to receiving your healing and how to remove it
• How receiving daily Communion could extend your life and bring healing to your body, soul and spirit
• How to build a family altar at home as a place of study, worship and Communion with God
• The importance of not dying before your appointed time

At the conclusion of each chapter we have included a special question and answer section that is excellent for a home or church Bible study. We have also included a feature color photo section which includes a photo of the Biblical description of the manna that fell in the wilderness!

In this book I will document how the concept of receiving daily Communion in your home is a restoration of a dynamic truth practiced by the first century believers as they understood the concept of the “priesthood of the believers” (Rev.1:6). In this book I endeavor to restore a lost truth that can bring wholeness to this generation.

You can purchase a copy of my new book, The Meal That Heals today at any of the following retailers. Buy a copy for yourself and another for everyone you know who needs healing in their life.

www.amazon.com
www.christianbook.com
www.barnesandnoble.com

Perspective on Financial Mess on Wall Street

2008-09-24T10:31:00.000-07:00

The thing that's on everyone's mind seems to be the financial crisis on Wall Street and the $700 billion bail-out that is being proposed in Congress.

This morning I read two articles that to me bring clarity on the seriousness of the financial crisis and the need for John McCain to step up and provide decisive leadership.

The first article is by Governor Mike Huckabee called "Bail Out" who I've come to respect and who I supported in the Presidential primaries. The next is by Newt Gingrich who I believe is one of the most astute political observers in Washington. Feel free to forward these to your associates and friends. As always, give us your thoughts on the blog at the end of the Strang Report.

Bail Out, by Mike Huckabee
September 23, 2008 - 08:01 PM
http://www.huckpac.com/?FuseAction=Blogs.View&Blog_id=1899

Frankly, I’m disappointed and disgusted with my own Republican party as I watch them attempt to strong-arm a bailout of some of America’s biggest corporations by asking the taxpayers to suck up the staggering results of the hubris, greed, and arrogance of those who sought to make a quick buck by throwing the dice. They lost, but want the rest of us to cover their bets so they won’t be effected in their lavish lifestyles as they figure out how to spend their tens of millions and in some cases, hundreds of millions in bonuses and compensation which was their reward for not only sinking their companies, but basically doing the same to the entire American economy.

It’s especially disconcerting to see the very people who pilloried me during the Presidential campaign for being a “populist” and not “understanding Wall Street” to now line up like thirsty dogs at the Washington, D. C. water dish, otherwise known as Congress, and plead for help. I thought these guys were the smartest people in America! I thought that taxpayers like you and I were similar to the people at the U. N. who have no translator speaking into their headset - that we just needed to trust those that I called the power bunch in the “Wall Street to Washington axis of power.”

The idea of a government bailout in which we’d entrust $700 billion to one man without Congressional oversight or accountability is absurd. My party or not, that is insanity and I believe unconstitutional.

Will there be far-reaching consequences without some intervention? Probably, but we honestly don’t know since we’ve really never seen this level of greed and stupidity all rolled into one massive move. But may I suggest that letting “Uncle Sugar” step in and bail out the billionaires who made the mess will be far worse and will start a long line of companies and individuals who will demand the same of the government---which last time I checked means that they will be demanding it out of YOU and ME. This is not money that Congress is risking from THEIR pockets or future, but ours. Many if not most of us have already experienced lost value on our homes, retirement accounts, and pensions. Now they’d like for us to assume some further risks so they won’t have to.

What happened to the “free market” idea? Is that only our view when we WIN and when we LOSE, we ask the government to come in and take away the pain?

If you are a small business owner, is this the way it works at your place? When you have a bad month, a bad year, or face having to close, can you go up to Congress and get them to write YOU a fat check to take away your risk?

Some of what contributed to this disaster is too much government in the form of Sarbanes/Oxley. Some is due to the tax structure that created the hunger for companies to “game” the system. Some is the common sense that was ignored like loaning money to people who can’t pay it back.

Wall Street has become Las Vegas east, but at least in Vegas, people KNOW they are gambling and they don’t expect the government to cover their losses at the tables. In Wall Street, they do. And the American taxpayer burdens the responsibility.

If Congress wants to do something, here are some suggestions:

1. Eliminate ALL capital gains taxes and taxes on savings and dividends right now. Free up the capital and encourage investment. This is the kind of economic stimulus the Fair Tax would bring and if Congress is going to lose money, let them lose it with lower taxes, not with public dollar bailouts of private market mistakes.

2. Repeal Sarbanes/Oxley. It has failed. It was supposed to prevent this. It didn’t. Kill it.

3. Demand that the executives who steered their ships into the ground be forced to pay back the losses of their companies. Of course, they can’t, so let them work and give back to the government and they can live like the people they put on the streets or kept there. It makes no sense to put them in jail—that’s just more they will cost you and me. I’d rather them go out and earn money—just not get to keep so much of it this time. I’m not talking about limiting CEO salaries---just those of the people who now are up in Washington begging for help because they ruined their companies.

Attempts by Democrats and Republicans to blame each other is nonsense. They are both guilty and ought to own up and admit it. They all lived off big campaign contributions and the swill of the lobbyists who strong armed them into permission to steal. Enough of blame. Fix it!

This would be a start. If we don’t hold these guys responsible, we are all finished.

Gingrich: McCain Must Oppose Bailout
http://newt.org/tabid/102/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/3733/Gingrich-McCain-Must-Come-Out-Against-Bailout.aspx

September 23, 2008 5:11 PM

ABC News' Teddy Davis Reports: Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said Tuesday that President Bush's proposed bailout plan is a "dead loser on Election Day" and urged Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., to come out against it, saying that the GOP nominee cannot be for it and maintain his claim to be a reformer.

"I don't know how he can vote for this and with a straight face go around and say that he's for real change and he's the reform candidate," Gingrich told ABC News.

Gingrich's comments were the latest sign that the presidential campaign could be upended by the Bush administration's $700 billion plan to buy up and hopefully resell troubled mortgage-backed securities.

If McCain were to come out against the bailout plan, Gingrich said that Republicans would rally to his side and it would become possible for the McCain-Palin ticket to style itself as "taking on the Bush-Obama establishment."

"Either McCain is going to go along" with Obama in supporting the plan, said Gingrich, "in which case the establishment will have the fix in . . . or you are going to see McCain decide, much in the way that he did in picking Palin, that, in fact, he is a genuine maverick, that he genuinely defends the taxpayers, and that this is a terrible bill."

"If the latter happens," Gingrich continued, "I think you will see the emergence overnight of a 'McCain Reform Wing of the Republican Party' and you'll see House and Senate members siding with McCain by overwhelming margins and then you'll be in a very different political environment. You'll have 'Bush-Obama ads' on the one side and 'taking on the Bush-Obama establishment' on the other side, and that will be, frankly, one of the more amazing elections."

Left unsaid by the former Speaker is the possibility that the bailout plan would simply die if McCain were to come out against it, which in turn, could deprive the McCain-Palin ticket of the opportunity to run against the "Bush-Obama establishment."

"If McCain doesn't come out for this, it's over," a top House Republican told ABC News' George Stephanopoulos on Tuesday.

Gingrich is against the bailout plan because he thinks it is "inconceivable" that the Treasury and Fed can manage Wall Street.

While coming out against the bailout plan, Gingrich forcefully rejected the contention that he favors doing nothing and laid out a conservative alternative.

Gingrich's four-point plan includes: (1) suspending immediately mark to market provisions (the accounting practice of valuing a financial position in an investment at its current market price) in the hopes of stopping the downward spiral in asset values and eventually replacing it with a three year rolling average; (2) repealing immediately Sarbanes-Oxley, the 2002 accounting law Gingrich described as "an enormous drag on small business"; (3) setting the capital gains tax rate at zero "matching the Chinese and Singapore" (to encourage private capital to flood into the market picking up properties without the taxpayers being at risk); and (4) passing an "extraordinarily powerful" energy bill ("to return $500 billion a year to the American economy that are currently going overseas").

Gingrich spoke with ABC News in Washington, D.C., after participating in a polling presentation sponsored by American Solutions, the group he established last year which works to identify issues that have a majority support among Republicans, Democrats, and independents.

Dear Friend,

This year's Super Bowl was a day I will never forget. There will be many stories told of the behind-the-scenes events that led up to that historic game. God moved so suddenly and miraculously there that "David Tyree" has become a household name. And, because of a couple of plays, now people want to know my story.

More Than Just The Catch tells my story. It includes the good, the bad, and the ugly. When you finish it, you will know that its message is about more than a game. It is about a life changed and the One who changed it. God allowed me to be a part of what some people have called the greatest play in Super Bowl history to provide a platform so that He would get the glory. I believe that many lives will be touched by the truth of this.

My motive for sharing my life story is to encourage others to put their trust in God. I want people to know that Jesus is real. I pray that my testimony will release miracles to every person who reads it. I especially want to shout out this promise to the young people who think it is boring to serve God: miracles are never boring!

I also pray that my story will touch the lives of professional athletes who have been distracted and separated from the reality of what success is. When the cameras' flashing lights dim and go out, I cannot be a hero to the world and not be a hero to my children. Success in the eyes of men means nothing to me if I am not successful in the eyes of my wife. There is no great career in the spotlight without a great family life behind the scenes. True happiness extends past the winning touchdown or the greatest catch. Great moments like these mean nothing if there is no peace in your heart.

I pray that everyone who reads my story will get the message behind the miracle. Don't try to figure it out. God don't make sense—He makes miracles!

You can purchase a copy of More Than Just The Catch today everywhere fine Christian books are sold. Or, order online right now at the following online retailers. Buy a copy for yourself and another for everyone you know who needs to hear this essential message. Purchase now and help us drive up the rankings and produce a best seller!

www.amazon.com
www.christianbook.com
www.barnesandnoble.com

In Christ, David Tyree

P.S. If you have already read More Than Just The Catch, please consider clicking the above links and writing a short review!

Washington Post Lampoons Palin and Pentecostals

2008-09-18T14:46:00.001-07:00

When it became known that Sarah Palin grew up as a Pentecostal, it was only a matter of time before the attacks began. Palin and the McCain campaign have been discreet about her faith. And our article in the new issue of Charisma (in the mail now) and in our Charisma News Bulletin (click here to read it) says that she has attended the "evangelical" Wasilla Bible Church since 2002.

It's not uncommon for Pentecostals to be made fun of in the press. It's happened for years--even by other Christians who look down on or disagree with Pentecostal distinctives such as speaking in tongues. But a cartoon at washingtonpost.com by Pat Oliphant went too far and borders on blasphemy. Read more if you want to be shocked.

Also, below is a letter from David Tyree, the New York Giants football player who made the amazing "catch" at the Super Bowl. You'll want to read his letter about how to order his new book. I just read the book, and it is inspiring to see how God has worked in his life. It is also "a good read." I believe you'll enjoy it.

At the end of this e-newsletter is information from Robert Stearns on an important rally being held next Monday, Sept. 22, in New York in support of Israel. Interestingly, vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, a believer and advocate of Israel, will speak at the rally. E-mail copies to your friends who may be able to attend.

A segment of our society has made a big deal about Mitt Romney's religion being off-limits, as well as Barak Obama's connection to the Muslim faith through his father and stepfather. Why, then, isn't Sarah Palin's Pentecostal connection off-limits too?

As a journalist I know people want to know about the background of candidates—especially when they aren't widely known, as Palin wasn't when McCain announced his decision to make her his running mate on Aug. 29. Thank God for freedom of the press. It allows us to write about the gospel without censorship.

So this isn't about censorship. It's about poor taste. Thankfully the Washington Post didn't print the cartoon in its regular newspaper. It appeared only in the Sept. 9 online edition. Here is the cartoon. Decide for yourself what you think.

Check it out to see why the Washington Post decided to publish it.

I know the secular press doesn't worry about such things. But this is blasphemy, and it is an insult to anyone who believes in or exercises the New Testament gift of speaking in tongues. It also shows the ignorance of the cartoonist--Pentecostals don't stand in a pulpit and preach in tongues as he has Sarah Palin doing. To top it off, he portrays God the Father in an unflattering way and using profanity. I'm surprised there has been so little outcry about this.

The Washington Post ombudsman, Deborah Howell, said only 350 people objected. But to her credit she said the following in the print version of the Washington Post on Sunday:

"Speaking of overdoing it, a political cartoon by Pat Oliphant that appeared on washingtonpost.com Wednesday prompted complaints from about 350 readers who said he lampooned their faith. The cartoon showed Palin speaking in tongues, an aspect of worship in some Pentecostal churches, and then God telling St. Peter that he didn't understand what she was saying -- 'All I can hear is some dam' right-wing politician spouting gibberish.'

"Readers were right to complain; I will deal with political cartooning in another column. Political cartoons and comics aren't selected at washingtonpost.com the way they are for the Post in print; they are automatically posted."

Perhaps that policy needs to be revisited.

One of my contacts at the McCain headquarters wrote me this:

"This is ABSOLUTELY outrageous even if it only appeared online! One cannot speak ill of someone's Muslim faith or the liberal media and the left have a fit, but take on someone in the evangelical or Pentecostal persuasion and it is fair game with no taste needed. I think certain things are out of bounds campaign-wise, and the way this one was done is way out of line."

I've been bombarded with e-mails since this came out. One friend—an astute political observer--wrote me this:

"The Main Street Media manufactured a firestorm against Sarah Palin before the RNC Convention in Minneapolis, and thereby created the opportunity for her to hit a home run in her speech with a large part of the nation watching. This cartoon will provide an additional engine, thank you Pat Oliphant."

http://wpcomics.washingtonpost.com/client/wpc/po/2008/09/09/

Someone else copied me on an e-mail he sent out urging people to let the Washington Post know how they feel. In case you want to do this, I include the pertinent information below, believing it to be correct. Remember, be kind in what you write. There is no law that says they can't offend us. But let them know it's not considered polite and that they are insulting the 20 million to 30 million Pentecostals and charismatics in this country.

If we don't speak up, then others will assume it's OK to blaspheme what we believe with no repercussions. If you write the Post, be sure to cut and paste your comments into the blog section at the end of this e-newsletter.

If you'd like to submit a letter to the editor, e-mail letters@washpost.com, or mail your comments to:

Letters to the Editor
The Washington Post
1150 15th St. NW
Washington, DC 20071

The Washington Post
washingtonpost.com
Main Number: 703-469-2500
Main Fax: 703-469-2995
P.O. Box 17370
Arlington, VA 22216
Caroline Little--CEO & Publisher CEO CarolineLittle@wpni.com
Jim Brady--Executive Editor executive.editor@washingtonpost.com

----------------------------------------------------------

Be sure to support Israel at this rally next Monday in New York.

Here is a message from my friend Robert Stearns, who is regional director for Christians United for Israel for the area including New York City.

We are living in an hour when terrorists who become presidents of rogue states are welcomed at the UN, even as their anti-Semitic vitriol is broadcast around the world on the evening news. Christian support for Israel is not to be taken for granted, nor is it an absolute. The dividing line over Israel is being drawn today in the nations, and yes, even in the Bible-believing Church. Now is the time to stand up and be counted on the side of God's eternal covenant promises!

I am asking you to adjust your schedule and make whatever sacrifice that you can to be a voice for Israel at this critical hour.

We are calling on you to make your way to New York City this Monday morning, September 22, to join together with Jews and Christians from the tri-state region to declare support for Israel, and to protest the visit of Iran's president to the United Nations General Assembly. Due to Iran's nuclear ambitions and the threat to Israel, our friends in the Jewish community have planned this protest and they have reached out to us as Christians to add our voice to theirs.

I have just received information that vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, a believer and advocate of Israel, will speak at the rally. We will have signs for you to pick up on-site as a demonstration of support that will be seen by the leaders of the nations coming to the UN, and by the world as they watch on the news. Rarely do we have such a strategic opportunity to show the world that we believe in God's word, and are willing to place our time and our money on the line to be present and counted on the side of Israel!

Come pick up your signs at the corner of 2nd Avenue and 45th Street at 10:45 a.m., and then head over to Dag Hammarskjold Plaza (2nd Avenue and 47th Street) across from the United Nations for the rally which will begin at 11:45 a.m., rain or shine. We will see you soon!

Well, that's all for this week in the Strang Report. Remember to leave your comments below.

All the best,

Steve Strang

Dear Friend,

I pray that everyone who reads my story will get the message behind the miracle. Don't try to figure it out. God don't make sense—He makes miracles!

www.amazon.com
www.christianbook.com
www.barnesandnoble.com

In Christ, David Tyree

P.S. If you have already read More Than Just The Catch, please consider clicking the above links and writing a short review!

Let's Help Those Hurt by Hurricane Gustav

2008-09-09T12:42:00.000-07:00

When Hurricane Gustav hit Louisiana last week, the entire nation watched and prayed it would not repeat the devastation Hurricane Katrina delivered three years ago almost to the day. But in light of the potential for damage, the leaders of the Republican National Convention canceled most of the activities originally planned for the first day of the convention while the Gulf Coast rode out the storm.

Thankfully New Orleans was evacuated, the hurricane was not as severe as feared and the levees in New Orleans did not break. But the devastation from a hurricane the size of Gustav was widespread, and the needs are great.

Now Hurricane Ike, though not expected to make a direct hit on Louisiana, is threatening to bring more wind and rain into this area, exacerbating the difficulties residents are already experiencing.

Before the power was restored from Gustav and before it was clear where Ike would hit, an e-mail asking for help came from the storm-ravaged area. For me it was like a Macedonian call for aid from one of the “faith-based” ministries that did so much to help after Katrina--Bethany World Prayer Center in Baton Rouge, pastored by my good friend Larry Stockstill.

The church received a lot of news media coverage after Katrina because President Bush stopped in to see the enormous amount of help they provided. Now the church needs help. As of Monday, about half the city of Baton Rouge still did not have power. Stockstill's church had no electricity on Sunday. They used generators so they could hold services; other churches in the city without power held services outside.

The previous Sunday many churches had no services because Gustav was on the way, and people were evacuating and moving farther inland.

I decided to devote my Strang Report to asking all our readers to respond generously, as I am personally doing. (Click Here to find out how you can help or just keep reading) Many of you responded to the need when hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit three years ago, and when the tsunami hit southeast Asia seven months before that. I am hoping we can raise tens of thousands of dollars to help Christians in the Louisiana area.

You probably know from the news media that the governmental agencies, including FEMA, did a better job this time of helping people. But government funds do not help churches—and many of them had no offerings for two Sundays in a row. For small churches operating near the breakeven point, the loss of half a month’s income can mean disaster financially, and that loss is not going to be made up by the government.

Jesus said that when the Son of Man comes to judge the nations, He will say to those who have cared for the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked and those in prison, “‘Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me’” (Matt. 25:40, NKJV). Let's not ignore the situation in Louisiana, trusting the government to take care of the need. Here is a chance for the “church to be the church” in helping other Christians.

I am asking you to give generously through our nonprofit partner, Christian Life Missions (CLM). We will send 100 percent of your donation to Bethany World Prayer Center, which will use the money where it is most needed. If you have in-kind services or would like to give directly to Bethany, the contact information is listed below.

Otherwise, just click here to give through CLM. We will pass your gifts along quickly and will report on how they were used.

I have the utmost confidence in Pastor Stockstill's integrity. That is why we are raising money to help his ministry help those in need.

Below is the e-mail Stockstill sent last weekend describing the need. Below that is an e-mail from Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council also asking for help. Perkins lives in Baton Rouge, so he knows the need firsthand.

Whether you give through Christian Life Missions or directly through Bethany, I ask you to give and to give generously.

Here is Pastor Stockstill's e-mail to me:

Bethany World Prayer Center in Baton Rouge, La., is still feeling the devastating effects of Hurricane Gustav. Bethany is sheltering, feeding, and providing emergency provisions and relief for thousands of families in South Louisiana. You may not know, but 95 percent of South Louisiana is still without electrical power, and it may be 10-14 days before power is restored across the state.

This is an URGENT PLEA FOR HELP. If you or your organization could respond with a financial/in-kind contribution to offset these expenses, it would be greatly appreciated. It is our desire, as a church and foundation, to respond to this crisis situation by demonstrating Christlike compassion to those who are experiencing this awful tragedy. Would you consider helping us in this relief effort and we will promise faithful stewardship of your sacrificial investment.

For those able to assist, please send donations to:

Lifeline Foundation
c/o Bethany World Prayer Center
13855 Plank Rd.
Baker, LA 70714

Yours on behalf of those in need,

Larry Stockstill
Senior Pastor

Here is the e-mail from Tony Perkins:

We are just now getting information as to how widespread the impact of hurricane Gustav [is]. While the loss of life is nothing like Katrina because it did not hit the densely populated areas like New Orleans, the destruction of infrastructure is widespread. For us in Baton Rouge, it is much worse.

The preparation and response on behalf of federal, state and local officials is much better than three years ago. But the needs are just overwhelming.

So the churches (PRC Compassion Network) are working to fill the void.

The challenge we have this time is that Baton Rouge, [which] served as the primary distribution center for relief in Katrina, was among the hardest hit by Gustav. As a result, most of the Baton Rouge area is without power, fuel and food, making it difficult for us to work south into the hardest hit areas.

We have shelters where people are staying without power, food, ice and water.

Please pray for us, and if possible alert your network of pastors to see if they can assist with some of the churches' immediate needs. Here is what we need:

1) MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat) or other food that requires little or no preparation
2) Water
3) Ice
4) Fuel
5) Generators
7) Tarps
8) Basic food items that can be cooked
9) Financial resources to the churches that will be off-line for a few weeks (no offerings) so they can take care of payroll and the basic needs of the church.

If you have contacts around Louisiana that could donate and truck these items in, please let me know as soon as possible.

Standing!

Tony Perkins

Well, that wraps it up. Pastors, if your church can take an offering to help, we will channel 100 percent to this project. Time is of the essence. Please act today.

God bless you for helping.

Steve Strang

We Endorse John McCain

2008-09-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

It will surprise no one that Charisma is endorsing John McCain for president of the United States. The actual endorsement will appear in our October issue, in the mail on Sept. 15. You are getting an advance copy here.

But what may surprise you is why we chose him over the other candidate.

We understand why some like Barack Obama. He is young and personable, and his call for change is something that resonates with many Americans. He has reached out to the evangelical community as has no other Democrat since Jimmy Carter. And he is clear when he articulates his Christian faith, even though he has stated publicly that

Christianity is not the only road to heaven.

We applaud the fact that Obama is the first African-American to be nominated by a major party. We believe it's time America elected a person of color as president.

But otherwise we can't support him. One reason is his lack of experience. He does not have one major accomplishment to his name in his life as a public servant. Another reason is his view on the sanctity of life. Even though he told me in a meeting with Christian leaders in June that he does not believe in abortion, he says the first thing he'll do as president is pass the Freedom of Choice Act, a law which would annihilate every state law limiting or regulating abortion, including the federal ban on partial birth abortion.

This nation is greatly divided on the issue of abortion. But most evangelicals agree that abortion is wrong. I believe this issue alone will cause many Americans who would otherwise vote for a likeable candidate such as Obama to vote against him.

The third reason we cannot support Obama is his sympathy toward those who are attempting to legitimize homosexuality. Since the beginning of recorded history, marriage has been defined as a union between one man and one woman, an institution designed by God for the primary purpose of bringing children into the world and raising them in a family. But radicals in our country now want to change the definition to include unions between two people of the same sex.

Many of them are also pushing for the passage of legislation that would give homosexuals special legal rights and that would protect them from "hate speech," loosely defined as language that criticizes them in any way, even if it is based on biblical beliefs. We must not elect a leader who will support this legislation or aid the homosexual agenda in any way—because if same-sex marriage is ever legalized or protected on a national level, there will be no turning back.

But the argument against Obama and for McCain goes beyond their levels of experience and their stands on abortion and homosexuality. There is a basic difference in their philosophies of government. McCain is for limited government, and Obama sees government as the solution to all major problems in society.

As Marc Nuttle says in his book Moment of Truth, the Democrats would take us down a dark path toward big government. Such a government would limit our freedoms and increase oppressive control. Picture France and Germany—and then contrast this image with that of the America McCain would lead. Below, I give you an opportunity to get a copy of this important book. Click Here

In an interview with Rick Warren at Saddleback Church in August, McCain and Obama gave answers that were polar opposites. When asked about evil, Obama mentioned Darfur and child abuse—both standard liberal answers. But McCain didn't hedge about evil in the world. He said he'd stop at nothing to get Osama bin Laden. He wants to bring our troops home from Iraq, but only "in victory and with honor," while Obama has said he'd be willing to negotiate with terrorist governments such as Iran. View Interview Here

McCain would allow offshore drilling to solve the dependence on Middle Eastern oil. Obama would oppose it. And they would each support very different candidates for the Supreme Court.

In the Saddleback interview, McCain was strong, decisive and honest about himself in a way that caught everyone by surprise. (If you missed the interview, you can click here to watch it.)

McCain is a true American hero who has served this country well in Congress for nearly 25 years. He has a history of bipartisanship, yet he is definitely his own man—something that comes through in his interview with me that will also appear in the October issue of Charisma.

Now there is an extra reason to vote for John McCain—his choice of Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska as his running mate. I applaud him for this wise choice. As you probably know, Palin's record as a strong conservative on issues such as anti-abortion, pro-family and a supporter of gun rights have rallied the Republican Party's conservative base and at the same time sent the liberal left into a frenzy. Later I'll write about Gov. Palin, but first I want a chance to interview her personally and to research her background.

Interestingly for a magazine that has served the Pentecostal/charismatic community for more than three decades, Sarah Palin has an Assemblies of God background. That's not reason alone to vote for her—just as John McCain's record as a war hero alone doesn't make him qualified to be president. But it does tell me something about her values and belief system. I'll opine more about this later.

To me, the choice is clear: Obama's presidency would be a disaster in many ways; McCain's would move our country in the right direction. We urge you to encourage everyone you know to back John McCain and vote for him on November 4.

The Emperor Has No Clothes

2008-08-28T13:57:00.000-07:00

When I was in Canada last week on vacation, I picked up a Canadian newspaper with a full-page article about revivalist Todd Bentley titled "Bentley Bends." It appeared in the National Post on August 19, and though it put the typical secular journalist spin on anything having to do with Pentecostals or miracles, it was surprisingly gentle in telling about Bentley's fall. If you're interested in reading it you can click here.

Meanwhile ministry to Bentley continues. I'm thankful that the Christian leaders who were set over him in the June 23 "alignment and commissioning" ceremony at the Lakeland Outpouring are ministering to him behind the scenes. In an earlier Strang Report I had called on them to step up and intervene in this situation, a day or two after news of Bentley's separation was made known.

Two of the three leaders were out of the country and later challenged me via e-mail by saying that I had made it sound as if they would not do their jobs unless outsiders put pressure on them. Of course I assumed that they would do their jobs because I know they are men of integrity.

But in the rush of dealing with the situation quickly I did not contact them other than to send them an advance copy of my Strang Report. So, for what it's worth, I apologize for leaving the wrong impression. My reaction was based partly on past observations of situations in which spiritual discipline needed to be applied and those who were supposedly over the person ran for cover.

Meanwhile, many people are talking about the situation and wondering why there wasn't more discernment. In fact, I had lunch recently with a Christian leader who watched the Lakeland Outpouring on the Internet for 60 days and said the longer he watched it, the more inclined he was to overlook some concerns he had. He said initially he felt that Bentley's actions, along with his tattoos and piercings, indicated that he was "in rebellion." This leader confessed to me that next time he is going to be more careful to listen to his inner witness when he has a concern about a ministry.

Others are e-mailing me what various people have written about the situation. If you have not read Dutch Sheets' very in-depth and thoughtful letter about Bentley and the Lakeland Outpouring, I urge you to do so by clicking here. I agree with essentially all that Dutch writes.

Someone else e-mailed me an item from the United Kingdom. We tried to get permission to use it but couldn't contact the author, so I am assuming it is all right to make this point. I was taken by the fact that the person who wrote it rightly comments that many Pentecostals believe "if it's odd, it must be God." I had never heard that expression, but I know his statement is true.

The writer also makes a comparison to the emperor in the old fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, The Emperor's New Clothes. Because he relates the story better than I can I quote him here:

There is an old fable that should serve as a pertinent parable for today's church. The story is told of two unscrupulous tradesmen who offered to sell an emperor a quantity of material that was so exquisite that 'only those with the greatest taste and style' could see it. The emperor, not wanting to give the impression that he lacked such finesse, paid an enormous sum for the non-existent material that was then 'made' into a suit of clothes.

It was later announced to his subjects that he would be leaving the palace wearing clothes of such wonder that 'only those with the greatest taste and style' could appreciate it. The crowd, falling into the same trap as the emperor, cheered and shouted at the non-existent apparel.

The ecstasy and applause continued until a small child, who had come to the gathering late and had not heard the intimidating preamble, joined her mother and, pointing to the emperor shouted out loudly, 'Look, Mummy, the emperor is not wearing any clothes!' Only then did the bubble burst.

The e-mail I was sent is so good that I want to share some of the points the author made since I couldn't say it better myself. I wish I had been able to discover his name to give proper credit. He says, in relation to the fable:

We need the simplicity of that childlike voice in today's church.

It is the voice of people [who] refuse to accept that spirituality is "less than" if it is not accompanied by uncontrollable shaking. It is the voice of leaders who, when they see manifestations of the flesh, refuse to be intimidated by the voice of a crowd that declares that "If it's odd, it must be God" and have the courage to say, "Please stop doing that; it's silly."

Those who operate in this gift are almost universally considered to be the party-poopers of Pentecost. Their voice is universally seen as negative, and the body language of those who do not want to hear their message is always, "Why are you trying to stop us when we are having so much fun?"

Yet the Bible tells us to "test the spirits" and "weigh prophecy."

Why, with so many mature leaders present at Bentley's endorsement, was the gift not used or, given what we now know, why was there not a word of knowledge? Why was it that, as millions listened and a prophecy was given that Jesus would appear in person on the platform on a specific date, not one person expressed a word of caution? Could it be the intimidation of crowds, the awe induced by Christian celebrity or the absence of the childlike voice that needed to burst the bubble? What the church should be hungering for today is not "extreme prophetic" but "accurate prophetic."

Why is it then that some people who have gone to Lakeland are seeing things occur in their church that they had not encountered before? The answer is simple. God recognizes and responds to hunger. Leaders heard there was a fire and wanted to be warmed, heard of a well and wanted to be refreshed, and heard there was food and wanted to be fed. That God met them on their journey is yet another expression of His amazing grace.

Please share your thoughts with me about the situation. Meanwhile, pray for Todd and his wife, Shonna. Let's especially pray for Shonna, who received none of the adulation but is experiencing most of the pain.

McCain gets 'gold' at Saddleback, Obama gets 'bronze,' but Warren sets record

2008-08-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

On August 16, the same day that Michael Phelps set a world record at the Olympics by winning his eighth gold medal, Sen. John McCain went for gold at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., while Pastor Rick Warren set his own world record. That was my view from the back of the church as I watched them participate in a forum Warren hosted to give the 2008 presidential candidates, McCain and Sen. Barack Obama, an opportunity to answer questions of interest to evangelicals.

This was the first time both candidates had shared a stage, and the only time they'll meet before the debates in October. The fact that they agreed to talk about faith and other issues with a pastor in a church setting is remarkable!

Of course it wasn't just any pastor. It was Rick Warren, author of the best-selling book of all time other than the Bible—The Purpose Driven Life. He's a man who is trying to mobilize churches around the world to solve tough global problems such as eradicating AIDS and caring for 148 million orphans.

Warren called the event a “Civil Forum on the Presidency,” and thankfully it was indeed “civil”—a blessing because conservative Christians are often portrayed by the media as being uncivil when it comes to politics.

As you know if you watched the event or read the press reports, Warren interviewed Obama for an hour and then asked McCain the same questions he had posed to Obama. He avoided the “gotcha” questions, so Obama did not have to comment about his former pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, or about his father’s being a Muslim.

Yet Warren asked tough questions, some of them in a very creative way. For example, he asked each candidate which Supreme Court justices he would not have appointed. The answers from McCain and Obama were polar opposites. Their responses made it easy to see that although each candidate is eager to get the evangelical vote, there are major differences in their positions on the big issues--with McCain lining up closest to what evangelicals believe.

To me, Obama performed adequately in the question-and-answer session. I'll give him a bronze. But McCain was the big winner at Saddleback. His performance was pure gold.

The media has been stating that more “moderate” evangelicals might be considering Obama because he says the “right things” about caring for the poor--something Jesus said a lot about and every evangelical acknowledges is important. But Obama is strongly pro-abortion, as his voting record shows. And though he told the Saddleback crowd he favors marriage between one man and one woman, he also said he favors “civil unions”—essentially the same thing as gay marriage. He is known to be a big backer of the so-called “gay agenda”—a fact that didn't come out at this civil forum.

When asked by Warren, “At what point does a baby get human rights, in your view?” Obama replied, “Whether you are looking at it from a theological perspective or a scientific perspective, answering that question with specificity, you know, is above my pay grade.” My comment: It’s funny that it's not above his pay grade to strongly back a woman's right for an abortion or to support the Freedom of Choice Act, a law which, if passed, would annihilate every state law limiting or regulating abortion, including the federal ban on partial birth abortion.

Obama obviously wants and probably needs evangelical votes in November, so he said at Saddleback that he respects those who believe life begins at conception. At least he isn't trying to argue he's right! But from my viewpoint, he probably didn't win anyone over who didn't also vote for John Kerry in 2004 or Al Gore in 2000.

If Obama respects anyone who believes life begins at conception, then he must respect McCain, who didn’t hesitate when asked the same question an hour later. The Republican candidate responded definitively, “At the moment of conception.”

The crowd thundered its approval. McCain went on to say, “I will be a pro-life president, and this presidency will have pro-life policies.”

Warren quipped, “OK. We don't have to go longer on that one.” McCain was so strong in his answer and quick to reply that Warren was able to ask him a few extra questions he had no time to ask Obama.

You can click here to read a news report of the forum or here to read an actual transcript, so I don't need to give a detailed report. Instead I want to give my own observations of why I say Obama got bronze, McCain got gold and Warren set the world record.

Obama was charming, as everyone knows he can be. He was funny, and on some things, such as his own faith, he said the right things about following Jesus. However, at Saddleback he left out a little detail that he mentions in one of his books and that he declared at the meeting where I met him in June in Chicago--that he basically believes all roads lead to heaven. What he described is universalism, which to evangelicals is heresy.

I suspect there were those in the audience who wanted to find a reason to rationalize voting for Obama. But unless they were blind and deaf and their minds were totally made up, they didn't hear reasons at Saddleback why a Bible-believer can in good conscious vote for Obama.

On the other hand, many expected McCain to be wooden and inarticulate on matters of faith and seemingly uncaring about the evangelical vote. However, McCain connected with the evangelicals at Saddleback. He was strong, decisive and honest about himself in a way that caught everyone by surprise, especially when Warren asked McCain what his greatest moral shortcoming had been. Obama answered the question by saying it was teenage drug and alcohol use.

But McCain very humbly admitted that his greatest moral failure was the failure of his first marriage. When he said that, it was as if everyone in the audience collectively held their breath and began breathing again at the same time. We were stunned by his honesty and humility.

In my view, McCain’s answer to this question was the turning point in the forum. It was similar to the lap in a relay race in which Michael Phelps pulled ahead and led until he set a new world record.

When asked about evil, Obama mentioned Darfur and child abuse--both standard liberal answers. But McCain didn't hedge about evil in the world. He said he'd stop at nothing to get Osama bin Laden.

All McCain's answers were equally decisive. He said he'd allow off-shore drilling to solve the dependence on Middle Eastern oil. And he earned a round of applause when he said the educational system should be revamped and bad teachers should go into a different line of work.

But the big winner of the night to me was Rick Warren, who had the panache and clout to not only pull off the event but also get three cable networks to carry it live.

Warren was featured on the August 18 cover of Time magazine and was pictured in the article (click here to read it) holding hands with Obama in prayer. Some of my more conservative friends claim the photo made Obama look like a “reasonable” consideration for president.

I don’t know whether the possibility that the photo could be seen that way bothered Warren. In the forum, he appeared not to take sides. He asked both candidates tough questions. He was polite to both and seemed impartial. But his reactions to some of McCain's strong answers and Obama's weak ones let me know what he truly believes about abortion and traditional marriage. I realized he wasn't trying to give “a wink and a nod” that it was OK this year to vote for the pro-choice candidate.

What he did was show that Christians can be involved in the national debate without looking like narrow-minded theocrats. And when's the last time so much focus has been on faith in the political dialogue?

Let me close by mentioning that some of the questions Warren asked were similar to the ones I asked Sen. McCain last Wednesday in a 15-minute telephone interview that we'll run in the October issue of Charisma. In that interview, also, McCain came across as very personable and decisive.

There was one major difference other than the venue and the length of the interview. In my interview he called me “my friend” only three times. If I counted right at Saddleback, he used his trademark phrase 11 times!

This week we expect to get an interview with Sen. Obama. Stay tuned.

And be sure to add your comments on our Web site.

It's Time for Spiritual Fathers

2008-08-13T14:13:00.000-07:00

It's time for the spiritual fathers to step up and help Todd Bentley, the former leader of the revival that has come to be known as the “Lakeland Outpouring.”

In light of the tragic news of the break-up of Bentley's marriage and some type of breakdown by Bentley himself (close associates are being tight-lipped), I believe his apostolic covering needs to minister not only to him but also to the larger body of Christ.

In June, at the request of Stephen Strader, pastor of Lakeland, Florida’s Ignited Church, Peter Wagner, head of the International Coalition of Apostles, agreed to lead an effort to address some of the concerns other ministers had voiced regarding the outpouring. As a result, Bentley and the revival in Lakeland were put under apostolic covering in what I consider a very healthy step

Too often in the "anything-goes-if-there's-an-'anointing' " charismatic environment there is no clear line of spiritual authority. But at Wagner's leading, Bentley submitted to the authority of three mature men of God--John Arnott, Ché Ahn and Bill Johnson--who love him and who agreed to give him and his ministry apostolic oversight

I know all three of these men personally. Each of them has a stellar reputation and is known for his desire to see revival come to the body of Christ. Each endorsed the Lakeland Outpouring and on June 23 laid hands on Bentley to commission him to lead that revival

About a week ago Wagner issued a statement about the commissioning process, which I believe was needed and very helpful. Little did any of us know that within a matter of days revelations would come out about Bentley. In 20/20 hindsight perhaps we should have seen it coming.

-Anyone who is in services 4 to 6 hours a day, 7 days a week for weeks on end is bound to have some type of breakdown.
-Anyone who covers himself with tattoos while in the ministry raises questions about his stability.
-Anyone who talks about the "Angel of the Healing Revival" that ministered to A.A. Allen and William Branham must have overlooked the fact that Allen and Branham both were discredited with moral shortcomings.
-Anyone who baptizes people in the name of the Father, the Son "and BAM" is playing lightly with the Holy Spirit and is bordering on blasphemy.

Many of us who long for revival saw the hungry people coming to Lakeland and witnessed the powerful anointing. We recognize that God can use flawed people (because He uses us!), yet we had major questions about Bentley. But rather than censoring him, we wanted to help correct the problems.

Now is the time for Bentley to be corrected. But it would also be good for Arnott, Ahn and Johnson, as well as other leaders such as Wagner, to issue a statement to the body of Christ to help the tens and perhaps hundreds of thousands who were affected by the outpouring understand what is going on spiritually.

Because all of these men endorsed the revival, it might even be appropriate for them to issue an apology. Some of Bentley's critics say an apology is necessary.

Perhaps some of the problems would have been prevented if men had spoken into Bentley's life several months ago. As good as it is to have an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff to help the injured, it is much better to have a fence at the top of the cliff to prevent someone from going over.

The Old Testament is full of the stories of flawed men God used powerfully. He continues to use flawed men and women today. But at the same time I believe God sets a higher standard for leaders in the church, requiring them to live righteous and holy lives. It is not right for the leaders who encourage us to follow God with utmost devotion to fall into divorce and other sins while the mocking world watches.

Strader, the pastor to whom Bentley handed "the baton of the Outpouring" earlier this month and who is continuing the services at his church, said that a television news crew was outside his church Tuesday covering what is happening. Newsmen are usually skeptical of high-profile preachers because they've seen them rise and fall in the past.

Strader told me that his church, which seats about 800, was packed with people wanting a touch from God. But he admitted that many have been devastated by the news about Bentley’s marriage, including many of the young staff members who were employed by Bentley's ministry, Fresh Fire. Bentley, his wife, Shonnah, and their family, also, are clearly in turmoil.

Strader mentioned as we talked that we have to be careful not to shoot our wounded. I was reminded of his comment during my daily Bible reading this morning, which included Galatians 6—a passage that says we need to restore those who fall with a spirit of gentleness so that we don't fall into the same sin. But he also pointed out that there must be a reason why the story of Ananias and Sapphira is in the Bible as a warning to others.

I invite you to click here to read Wagner's statement, which was written before Bentley's pending divorce had become public. And you're welcome to leave your comments on our blog. Also, click here to read a commentary on this sad story by my colleague Lee Grady.

33 Years Ago the First Issue of Charisma Magazine Rolled Off the Press

2008-08-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

Today, August 5, is a special day for me. Thirty-three years ago the first issue of Charisma magazine rolled off the press. It was our August/September 1975 issue. Thurlow Spurr was on the cover. It had 32 pages and sold for 50 cents.

The magazine was a publication of Calvary Assembly in Winter Park, Florida. Most of the 500 or so subscribers were church members, and all of the advertisers belonged to the church. I was a 24-year-old journalist who published the magazine as a part-time job while I continued my work at the Sentinel Star (now the Orlando Sentinel).

Several times over the years--usually in anniversaries divisible by five--we've done something to commemorate Charisma's anniversary. It's really the only anniversary that we pay attention to in our company, even though we now publish six magazines and hundreds of books and have an increasingly substantial presence on the Internet.

Since those early years the Lord has opened up a lot of doors for me. This week, for example, I expect to interview presidential candidates Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama. I will be reporting on the interviews in the Strang Report as well as running them in the October issue of Charisma, where we will be taking an in-depth look at the upcoming election and the issues.

Charisma magazine has allowed me to be a part of what God is doing the last 33 years. Back in the ’70s the charismatic movement in mainline churches was going strong. The big controversy of the day was the “Discipleship Movement.” The television networks of Praise the Lord (PTL) and Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) were just getting off the ground. We had never heard of the ministries of now-prominent leaders such as T.D Jakes or Joyce Meyer.

Since then we have seen and reported on the rise of megachurches and the explosion of the charismatic movement, first among African-Americans and later among Hispanics. We have noted the rise and fall of a number of ministries. The charismatic movement has become more mainstream in the church, yet it is still often on the outside not only of American culture but also of the broader evangelical Christian community.

Forgive me if I'm a little sentimental when an anniversary rolls around. But I am grateful for and humbled by what God has done. If I died today, I would truly feel that I had had a very enjoyable and productive life. Yet at the same time I have been getting prophetic words--one as recently as yesterday--that indicate the Lord will open up doors in the future that are greater than those I’ve walked through in the past.

On Sunday George Cope, the current pastor of Calvary Assembly (where we started), was gracious enough to acknowledge Charisma's 33rd anniversary in the church’s morning service. Even though I have not attended Calvary Assembly for many years, we have worked to maintain a connection there.

We offered a special subscription of 33 issues for $33 (that's just less than half-price for a nearly 3-year subscription). We had an overwhelmingly positive response and are giving all the proceeds to a ministry of Calvary Assembly. You too can get 33 issues of Charisma for only $33. Click Here!

The response was so good that I decided when I wrote about our anniversary in this report, I would make the same offer to you.

Whether you are a current subscriber or a new subscriber, I invite you to take advantage of this opportunity. You can click here to order your subscription online. We'll also be glad to send it to someone as a gift if you choose.

In 1986 we took over the publishing legacy of Christian Life magazine, one that went back to 1939. A few months ago Bob Walker, the founder of Christian Life, went home to be with the Lord at age 95. In his day he was reporting on what the Holy Spirit was doing. He was one of the first to report on the burgeoning charismatic movement.

I believe I am doing much the same thing in a new generation and with new tools. Back in 1975 we were just beginning to hear about the personal computer, which became available a year or two later. We could not have envisioned the Internet as it is today. These two tools give us open doors to proclaim the good news of Jesus throughout the world.

We are privileged to publish Charisma in Spanish under the name Vida Cristiana (Christian Life). We have also licensed our name with a group of Christians in Indonesia to publish Charisma Indonesia, and this week we hope to come to an agreement with a leading publishing company in South Africa to publish Charisma Africa. This magazine will give us a presence in Africa that will allow us to do special editions in both Nigeria and Kenya. The deal in South Africa will be an arms-length business deal, but we will be supporting the efforts in Nigeria and Kenya through Christian Life Missions.

Many of you have already given to the Charisma Africa project, and we believe it will strengthen the church in those two countries. Of course there is a need for a financial help, which we are happy to give through Christian Life Missions. If you would like to add your tax-deductible donation, you can click here to help us with this project.

I'm proud of my son Cameron, who is continuing the publishing legacy through his own Relevant Media Group, a separate company. He's reaching his generation in a way I can't.

At the same time I believe Charisma and the other products we publish at Strang Communications will continue to grow and prosper as God gives us favor, opens doors and helps us network with many Christians, not only in America but also around the world. I feel a very special bond with those Christians who are my readers--that's why I felt I could open my heart and share my feelings with you on this special day.

I'll close by humbly admitting that the first issue of Charisma was actually scheduled to come out on August 1. We were five days late when it came off the press on August 5. Though we do a much better job of meeting deadlines today, it's always been a joke in our office that our first issue was late.

Steve Strang

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Terror-Free Investing

2008-07-30T13:43:00.000-07:00

Last week my Strang Report was written from the Christians United for Israel "Summit" in Washington. Now that I'm home and have had a chance to reflect on all that took place I realize that there was another major point to come out of the Summit which I want to write about.

If you have never attended one of the CUFI summits please plan to attend next year on July 19-23, 2009. Put it on your calendar and encourage others to do the same. It's a visible way to join up with thousands of others to show your support for Israel.

We believe the Bible promises that God will bless those who bless Israel (see Gen. 12:3). That’s why Hagee founded CUFI in February 2006—to unite the massive group of Christians who felt a bond to Israel and wanted to support it but believed their individual efforts often didn’t amount to much.

As I reported last week, Senator Joe Lieberman who spoke to the group told us: "Know that there is value to your presence here in Washington."

The day after Lieberman’s address, we lobbied our congressmen and senators on two important pieces of legislation: the Iran Counter-Proliferation Act and the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act. As I write this, the first has passed the House but needs approval by the Senate and then by the House again.

We also wanted to encourage them to support U.S. military aid to Israel. The president has requested $2.5 billion for the fiscal year 2009, but Congress must approve the allocation.

We were generally received positively on Capitol Hill, and it was good to connect with our lawmakers, see the system in operation and make our voices heard. But one of the most important things I learned was the need to do "terror-free" investing.

Sanctions against South Africa by the rest of the civilized world, along with the withdrawing of investments from companies doing business in South Africa, brought down apartheid in the 1990s. Now it’s time to exert similar pressure on nations that sponsor terrorism—Iran, Syria, Sudan and North Korea.

My own state, Florida, was the first to pass legislation forbidding the state to invest government employees’ pension funds in any company doing non-humanitarian business in Iran. Several other states have followed suit. But the law affects only people who work for the state. What about the rest of us?

I chaired a workshop session at the recent summit in which several speakers talked about what the average person can do. One course of action is to ensure that money diverted into your 401(k) and other accounts is being invested in one or more of the 1,700 companies that have been judged to be "terror-free."

The concept of investing only in companies that share our values—or at least don’t oppose them—is just beginning to catch on. It is one way an individual can make a difference and feel he is walking in integrity. It is also a way that together we can put pressure on companies to no longer do business with government sponsors of terrorism.

Why not check your investments today by going to the Web site terrorfreeinvesting.com and then making any necessary changes to your plans? If just the readers of Charisma and the "Strang Report" did this, the total amount of money diverted away from terrorist nations would be an enormous sum, even though most of us are small investors. Banning together in this way—putting our money where our mouths are, so to speak—will make a difference.

It’s important to sign up for the Strang Report, join CUFI, attend next year's Summit and lobby Washington on behalf of Israel. But we also need to make a statement by investing only in terror-free companies. The rate of return is the same as what we would earn by investing in companies that do business with terrorist nations—but we will have the assurance that we are truly making a difference for Israel.