Strang Report

The Strang Report Has Moved

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:39:00 +0000

You can continue reading the Strang Report every week at my new location:

http://charismamag.com/index.php/the-strang-report

Thank you!

Expanding Our Reach Through the Internet

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:28:00 +0000

This is a historic week in the life of our nation: We inaugurated the first African-American president. In doing so, we took a huge step forward in improving race relations and reaffirmed that the American dream is possible for all Americans.

But we need to remember that although we're rejoicing in better race relations, that is not the only issue facing our nation. Sadly, I fear that the installation of Barack Obama as president may be a step backward for the right-to-life and traditional marriage issues.

Like most of you, I watched the inauguration on TV. It was great to hear Pastor Rick Warren give one of the most beautiful invocations I've ever heard, in which he very clearly articulated the importance of following God rather than what has become called "civic religion."

And though there has sometimes been a controversy when a minister mumbles "in the name of Jesus" before saying "amen," Warren was very clear, as we reported in Charisma News Online (which I hope you'll subscribe to, if you haven't already, by clicking here). He closed his invocation with, "In the name of the one who changed my life, Yeshua, Isa, Jesus [Spanish pronunciation], Jesus, who taught us to pray" and then ended with the Lord's Prayer.

Then Obama made a speech in which he talked about the need for change and said we must “begin again the work of remaking America.” His comments resonated with many Americans, but the question is, what kind of change was he referring to? And how do we “remake” America? I believe we are engaged in a spiritual battle and that we need to pray and hold up our new president. I believe there are signs that he's going to govern more from the middle than we initially thought he would, but only time will tell. Regardless of how far to the right or left his decisions appear to be, he's going to need God's help in a way that most of us can't even imagine, due to the enormous pressures on him and the responsibilities of his job.

Many other politicians have articulated sentiments regarding change that were similar to those Obama made--but those men were not elected president. What made the difference? I believe that Obama, unlike any prior presidential candidate, was able to capitalize on the enormous power of the Internet. He not only was able to raise money on the Internet but also was able to build a community and interact with people. He collected information from the people who went to his Web site and sent messages to them that addressed issues relevant to their particular part of the country. For example, he might have written something quite different to a person living near the Mexican border, who is concerned about illegal immigration, than he did to someone in Michigan, where the auto industry seems to be in a freefall.

The same technology Obama used to further his campaign can be used to propagate the gospel. But at this point it is in its infancy. Everyone's trying to figure out how it works--including me. We have reached the point at which we provide interactive media and communicate with people around the world through our e-newsletters. My doing this blog during the last year and soliciting your responses to it is one way for us to personally interact in a way that we haven’t been able to communicate through the medium of print publications. The Internet allows us to inexpensively reach people we could never reach in any other way, to cross international lines, to interact with them and create community. Other than the family what community is stronger, or should be stronger, than the body of Christ?

In addition to making widespread communication possible, the Internet is unsurpassed as a medium for discipling and mentoring. Interestingly, it is beginning to be used for mentoring, or coaching, by some secular people who are reaching out to the Christian community as well.

On the day Obama was inaugurated I went to a seminar in Miami about how to utilize the Internet. It was fascinating to hear how companies are beginning to connect with customers in new ways to grow their businesses. As I listened, I wondered how we in the church can take advantage of this new technology to advance the kingdom of God.

I met one of the speakers after the seminar and learned that he is an on-fire, Spirit-filled Christian. I had an opportunity to visit with him, and we talked about the fact that in the Christian community there are some who have been successful on the Internet, but no one--including us--has yet emerged as a real leader. I'll write more about this later. But the nature of a blog like this is to give regular communication, at times shorter than at others.

And I also want your input. I'd like to know what you have seen on the Internet that you really like, what needs you have in your own life and in your church, and what things you see in the body of Christ, in our nation, and worldwide that we ought to be thinking and brainstorming about.

Thanks for your input.

Steve Strang

A Call to Christian Leaders to Speak Up to Our New President

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 19:00:00 +0000

by Steve Strang

Next Tuesday, January 20, America will inaugurate Barack Obama, the first African-American president. That will be a historic day—one I’ll be glad I lived long enough to witness. But many who believe in biblical values are concerned that an Obama presidency will turn the nation sharply left. Some of my conservative Christian friends are so depressed over the prospect of the next four years they refuse to watch the news because it only makes them upset.

I supported John McCain, mainly because of his stand on abortion. His personal life has been a mess, and he was less willing to talk about the role of faith in his life than was Obama. However, McCain took a pro-life position, and Obama was for abortion rights.

When I met Obama at a meeting last June, I asked him about abortion. You can read my Strang Reports of that meeting at strangreport.com. He said he wanted to cut down on the need for abortion. He was very convincing—and his commitment to do that made it easier for conservative black Christians to back him.

Interestingly, in California, Florida and Arizona, constitutional amendments to uphold traditional marriage passed with the help of black and Hispanic citizens who also voted for Obama. The passing of these amendments shows me that the nation has not suddenly taken a turn toward the left. Remember, Obama won by only seven percentage points. People were tired of President Bush and the war, and Obama promised change.

I hope the change is not as radical as some fear. Though Obama made conciliatory remarks to the Christian leaders at the June meeting, he has said that in the first 100 days of his administration he’ll pass the Freedom of Choice Act, which would overturn all anti-abortion laws at both the state and the national levels.

Myles Munroe, a well-known black leader and friend, responded to my post-election analysis in a way that eloquently explains how conservative black leaders feel about Obama’s election:

“I am not in agreement with Barack Obama’s policy position regarding abortion, homosexuality and same-sex relations, and no Bible-believing kingdom citizen could agree with these positions. However, as regarding his election as the first black president of the USA, this cannot and must not be minimized as to the importance and value it is to the tremendous historical, racial and cultural impact worldwide. Anyone who has been affected by oppression in the past 200 years could appreciate the importance of this event.

“The celebration of this accomplishment does not mean the acceptance of Mr. Obama’s social policies but rather what he represents as a symbol of the restoration and recovery of human dignity from the long march of oppression and the curse of slavery.

“The Lord used Joseph to influence the pagan king, Pharaoh of Egypt ... [and] Daniel to influence the pagan King Nebuchadnezzar [of] Babylon. ... God used these men of God to influence those nations after the king was in power” (emphasis added).

This is a time for godly leaders who have Obama’s ear to speak up, as Joseph and Daniel did. Many of them are Charisma readers, and most are personal friends of mine. So I call on them to stand for morality in government, the rights of the unborn, and traditional values relating to marriage and sexual morality.

Probably the evangelical who has the most potential influence is the Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell, pastor of Windsor Village United Methodist Church in Houston. But Bishop T.D. Jakes attended the meeting with Obama in June and later wrote an open letter of congratulations to him on his candidacy.

Other leaders who could gain access, such as Charles E. Blake, presiding bishop of the Church of God in Christ, Bishop Kenneth Ulmer of Faithful Central Bible Church in Los Angeles, and the Rev. Floyd Flake, former congressman and current pastor of the Greater Allen AME Cathedral in Brooklyn, New York, may be able to speak prophetically to Obama in a way the traditional conservative leaders who spoke to Ronald Reagan or Bush couldn’t.

It’s as Munroe wrote me: “I believe the Lord has the power to change the heart of Barack Obama, and we should not doubt the power of the Holy Spirit to change a heart. Let us pray for those in authority as we are admonished in Romans 13. This is our duty now.”

This is a time for godly leaders who have Obama’s ear to speak up.

As usual, your comments are welcome.

Eat Right in the New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 20:38:00 +0000

by Steve Strang

On Wednesday, January 7, I heard Dr. Don Colbert give a motivating speech about eating right to a group of booksellers at The Gathering 2009, a conference sponsored by Strang Communications' trade publication, Christian Retailing. He was promoting his newly released book titled Eat This and Live!, a beautiful four-color book that teaches readers what the Bible has to say about food and gives recommendations on which foods to eat heartily, eat in moderation or avoid.

Colbert opened with a humorous parody of Genesis 1, in which he claimed that God created many delicious foods but the devil perverted them to make them unhealthy. As I recall, he said God created green, leafy vegetables to make a salad and then the devil came up with fattening salad dressing. God made the potato to be nutritious but then the devil deep-fried it and added salt. Everyone seemed to enjoy the parody, which was written by his wife, Mary.

Our Strang Book Group had the privilege of publishing Colbert's book. An excerpt from it appears below. I know that there are a lot of media people who receive my Strang Report. Anyone in the media who would like a free copy of the book can e-mail leann.hamby@strang.com and request one.

I encourage everyone else to pick it up at a bookstore or order it through Amazon.com, Christian Book Distributors (CBD), or Strang Direct. It has lots of beautiful color pictures, and the different sections are short enough that you can go through them quickly. It is easy and fun to read and has a great deal of worthwhile information. The beginning of the year is a good time to set some new habits, and reading this book will help you do that with regard to food.

Colbert said that many diseases can be prevented or reversed by eating right. He related frightening statistics about cancer, stating that one out of two men and one out of three women will die of cancer. Many cancers are caused or worsened by poor diet, he claimed, and he predicted that soon cancer would pass heart disease as the No. 1 killer.

This book was just released, and if you order it you'll be one of the first to get a copy. Be sure to give us your thoughts on the blog and forward this e-mail to those you think would like to read what Colbert has to say or would like to subscribe to the Strang Report.

Eat This and Live!

Chapter 1

Living Food vs. Dead Food

Imagine yourself standing at a crossroads with two arrows pointing in opposite directions: one leading to life and the other leading to death. Does that give you an idea of how serious I think your food choices are? Let's try another visual image. Imagine you have two shelves in your pantry, one that says "dead food" and the other "living food."

On the "dead food" shelf is a label that reads: "These foods will increase your risk of developing degenerative diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis, and make you overweight. They will also make you more prone to fatigue, hypertension, and high cholesterol."

But the "living food" shelf's label reads: "These foods will help your body arm itself against cancer, heart disease, degenerative diseases, and obesity, and they will sharpen your mind, energize you, and enliven you."

Which shelf are you going to choose?

Those shelves are not imaginary. They are real. In your pantry, freezer, and fridge right now are foods that lead to life and death. They are probably all mixed together, live foods next to dead foods—processed peanut butter next to extra-virgin olive oil, oatmeal next to an XXL-size bag of potato chips.

As we embark on our journey to understand living foods, you need to realize that everything you put in your mouth has the potential to produce life or death. Food is meant to be savored and enjoyed. But eating the wrong foods will bring poor health and can even shorten your life. Are you at war with your health because of the foods you eat? Or are you enjoying the beautiful dance of hunger and satisfaction that centers around the divine gift of living food?

One Timeless Principle of Eating

I'm sure that as more research is done on food and the human body, we will find that some foods may be healthier than we thought (like coffee and dark chocolate). And other foods we considered healthy (such as margarine) are, in fact, harmful to our health.

I once heard a speaker say that after ten years, about half the medical knowledge we have learned turns out to be false. The problem is, we don't know which half!

There will always be changing information regarding foods and their effect on your health, but one timeless principle will always stand: living foods (such as fruits, veggies, and whole grains) will always be healthier for you than processed foods.

"Why Does It Matter What I Eat?"

All men are created equal, but all foods are not! In fact, some food should not be labeled "food" but rather "consumable product" or "edible, but void of nourishment."

Living foods—fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, and nuts—exist in a raw or close-to-raw state and are beautifully packaged in divinely created wrappers called skins and peels. Living foods look robust, healthy, and alive. They have not been bleached, refined, or chemically enhanced and preserved. Living foods are plucked, harvested, and squeezed—not processed, packaged, and put on a shelf. Living foods are recognizable as food.

Dead foods are the opposite. They have been altered in every imaginable way to make them last as long as possible and be as addictive as possible. That usually means the manufacturer adds considerable amounts of sugar and man-made fats that involve taking various oils and heating them to dangerously high temperatures so that the nutrients die and become reborn as something completely different—a deadly, sludgy substance that is toxic to our bodies.

Life breeds life. Death breeds death. When you eat living foods, the enzymes in their pristine state interact with your digestive enzymes. The other natural ingredients God put in them—vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, antioxidants, fiber, and more—flow into your system in their natural state. These living foods were created to cause your digestive system, bloodstream, and organs to function at optimum capacity.

Dead foods hit your body like a foreign intruder. Chemicals, including preservatives, food additives, and bleaching agents, place a strain on the liver. Toxic man-made fats begin to form in your cell membranes; they become stored as fat in your body and form plaque in your arteries. Your body does its best to harvest the tiny traces of good from these deadly foods, but in the end you are undernourished, overfed, and overweight.

If you want to be a healthy, vibrant, energetic person rather than someone bouncing between all-you-can-eat buffets and fast-food restaurants, take your diet seriously. Now is the time to make the change to living foods.

The Twenty-Minute Rule

It takes about twenty minutes for the food you've eaten to reach your small intestines and signal your brain to stop eating. If you stuff yourself with dead foods, it can take even longer for your brain to detect that it has the nutrition it needs. You keep eating more of the same dead foods, and you are caught in a toxic trap.

Living Longer—but Better?

Life expectancy in the United States increased to 77.6 years in 2003, according to a report by the National Center for Health Statistics at the CDC. But half of U.S. residents ages fifty-five to sixty-four have high blood pressure, and two in five are obese.¹

A Lifetime of Eating

As an average American, you will consume five pounds of food today.² Over your lifetime, that's around seventy tons of food that pass through your intestinal tract and are assimilated by your body. This is the equivalent of about forty midsized cars!

¹ California Healthline, "Life Expectancy Increases to 77.6 Years in U.S., Study Finds," December 9, 2005. California Healthline is published for the California HealthCare Foundation by the Advisory Board Company.

² Rural Migration News, "How We Eat," vol. 3, no.4, October 1996, http://migration.ucdavis.edu/rmn/more.php?id=158_0_5_0 (accessed September 5, 2008).

Eight People I Admired Most in 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 22:48:00 +0000

By Steve Strang

As we end this year I want to reflect on eight individuals—seven of whom I know personally—whom I greatly admire. These are the people who inspired me most in 2008:

1. Rick Warren has used his considerable influence more responsibly than almost anyone I've met. For example, in August he was able to get John McCain and Barack Obama together on the same stage for the first time. Each had received enough votes to win his party's nomination (even though the nominating conventions had not yet been held). In what Warren called a Civil Forum, he asked each of them the same questions about faith and values. It became quickly apparent that the candidates had major philosophical differences, although each presented his views articulately. Warren was very civil toward them, and his gracious tone broke the stereotypical image of conservative Christian leaders who get mean and nasty when it comes to politics. If you missed my Strang Report about this event, click here to read it.

Later in the year I had the privilege of attending a Civil Forum that Warren held with President George W. Bush in which the pastor gave an award to the president for the considerable work he's done to help AIDS victims in Africa. If you missed my report on this a couple of weeks ago, click here.

2. Mike Huckabee dared to run for president even though his campaign was under-financed and his conservative values are often considered an anathema by the media and political elite in our country. It's well known that I endorsed Huckabee early in the 2008 presidential race. I personally raised money for him. A year ago this week he was just a few days from winning the Iowa primary—a huge upset. The other upset in Iowa was Barack Obama's win. Of course, we know the rest of the story on his campaign. Mike Huckabee went on to win 7 more states and glean 4 million votes. Had he won South Carolina instead of falling short by a couple of percentage points, he might have gained momentum, won the GOP nomination and won the presidency.

I was around Huckabee enough in various situations to see that he was always consistent behind the scenes as well as in front of the camera. He now has a very interesting program on Fox News Channel on which he continues to champion causes that I believe are important. I hope we have not heard the last of Mike Huckabee in the political process.

3. Sarah Palin. Of all the people on my list, Palin is the only one I don't know personally. I first heard of her in June 2007 while on a cruise to Alaska with Texas pastor John Hagee. He had a meeting with her while we were docked in Juneau. He came back to the ship raving about this sharp, young, female governor. He mentioned her name, but I didn't remember it. So, like many others, I was surprised when McCain picked her as his running mate. But I became a strong Palin supporter just a few moments after I'd learned of her very strong stand on pro-life and other moral principles.

I learned later that Palin has a Pentecostal background, as I do. The January issue of Charisma features a cover story on Palin's faith. I wrote about her in October and so far have received more than 1,450 reader posts, the biggest response ever to my blog. You can read what I wrote by clicking here.

4. Kim Daniels is a speaker, author, pastor and "apostle" in Jacksonville, Florida. Her husband, Ardell, and I have become very close friends. We've also published several of her books as well as many magazine articles. I admire the way she stands strong for what she believes and how she speaks the truth even when it's not popular. In the recent presidential election she took a lot of flak as an African-American because she opposed Barack Obama's pro-abortion views.

I know that she has a remarkably accurate prophetic gift and operates in a powerful anointing when she opposes demonic powers, both in individual lives as well over nations. If you missed what she wrote in my blog a couple weeks ago, you can click here.

5. Scott Plakon is my longtime friend and golfing buddy who was recently elected to the Florida House of Representatives, representing District 37 where I live. When I knew he was going to run for office, I asked him if I could have the privilege of being the first to donate to his campaign. Of all the people I admire, Scott is—unlike most on this list—not known nationally. Yet he is the one I know the best. As a friend he's stood with me during some difficult times; I too have stood by him.

I've known for a long time that he had a dream of becoming a public servant by age 50, after he had established a successful business. In March, when the Florida legislature convenes, he will be a week away from his 50th birthday (even though he looks much younger). Because I'm his close friend I have seen that he did not compromise during his campaign—even though there were opportunities to compromise, and even though there were major compromises on the part of others in local political races.

Scott is a strong pro-life advocate. Part of the reason is that his mother became pregnant with him when she was unwed at age 17. Some encouraged her to have an abortion even though it was not legal at the time. Scott also stands strongly on the other moral values and will do a great job in the Florida legislature. I hope he is a prototype for many other believers who will enter the political process.

6. Jim Garlow pastors Skyline Church in San Diego, the church formerly pastored by John Maxwell. I got to know Garlow through pastor Jack Hayford probably 15 years ago and have watched his life and career. He has done a great job as a pastor. But this year he became a real leader in getting Proposition 8 passed in California. He was able to mobilize pastors who, in turn, mobilized their congregations to pass the amendment—which defines marriage as between one man and one woman. Garlow and his army of volunteers overcame what they thought were overwhelming odds to get Proposition 8 passed by 52 percent. However, he has come under intense criticism by the radical left.

While Jim was undergoing enormous pressure regarding Proposition 8 and providing outstanding leadership, he was dealing with intense pressures in his personal life. His wife, Carol, learned two years ago that she had more than 100 cancerous tumors and was given a 5 percent chance to live. However, she is doing great today. I admire the way Jim has stood strong with Carol during this difficult period.

7. John Stemberger is an Orlando, Florida, attorney who is president of the Florida Family Policy Council (FFPC). He also led the fight to get the Marriage Amendment on the ballot in Florida. After the FFPC collected 611,009 names on a petition to get the amendment on the ballot, many of the names were disqualified. I was told this was merely a political ploy to keep it off the ballot. Yet under these extraordinary circumstances John got the necessary signatures in an incredibly short period of time.

The battle really began at that point because Florida law requires 60 percent voter support to pass a constitutional amendment. This is the highest standard in any state. John worked tirelessly, crisscrossing the state and brilliantly strategizing to involve African-American and Hispanic pastors, many of whom voted for Barack Obama but who also voted for the Marriage Amendment. It ended up passing by 62 percent. I admire his tireless effort, his strategic brilliance, and his absolute commitment, both to preserving traditional marriage as well as to saving the life of the unborn.

8. Stephen Strader. Last but not least is my long-time friend Stephen Strader, whom I've known since 1967. His father, Karl Strader, was my pastor until I went to college and we've remained close friends over the years. Now Stephen pastors Ignite Church in Lakeland, Florida, my hometown. Over the years Stephen has always had a heart for revival. He was quick to agree to allow Todd Bentley to use his church for revival meetings beginning in early April of this year (even though Bentley had admitted to moral shortcomings in the last couple of years, although he had supposedly been restored to the ministry).

Within days it was obvious that this was no usual revival meeting. The services lasted for hours, with many miracles being reported. The services were first broadcast on the Internet and then by God TV, and people came from around the world. I first visited the services in early May and wrote about my experiences. If you missed it you can click here.

There were things that concerned me about the Lakeland Revival from the beginning, including the fact that Bentley was ministering for many hours a day seven days a week. That inevitably leads to a crash, which happened only a few months later.

In addition, Bentley invited Paul Cain to the platform even though Cain's ministry has been discredited. Bentley also claimed to communicate with the same angel that reportedly appeared to evangelist William Branham. However, Bentley did seem to modify some of his statements when others challenged him, and he took references about the angel off his Web site. Throughout all of this, Stephen was loyal to Todd because he wanted the revival to expand. He also reached out to spiritual fathers to help him "shepherd the revival." His plea convinced C. Peter Wagner and others to bring Bentley into "spiritual alignment" at a widely publicized service in late June. There are those who believe the service was inappropriate, partly because prophetic words spoken over Bentley indicated that the revival would continue. As it turned out, that very week revelations began surfacing about Bentley that resulted in him leaving the revival. In July Bentley announced he was divorcing his wife. You can click here to read more about this.

I admire the grace Stephen demonstrated while he handled enormous pressure and intense criticism. He pastored his church in such a way that it emerged from this revival stronger than it was before. He also kept a humble spirit and a passion for revival even though Bentley left in disgrace. This had to be a huge disappointment to Stephen. I also admire the fact that he was teachable and open to constructive criticism from those in ministry who had concerns about Bentley's theology and practices.

On a personal note, I want to add to this list my immense admiration for Dr. J. Howard Ridings, who passed from this life on April 17. He was my brother-in-law. I actually met him and his wife, Rosella, in 1969—several years before I met Rosella's sister Joy, whom I later married. Howard and Rosella have been very close friends, and Howard in many ways was like a spiritual father to me, especially after my own father died 12 years ago. Howard had a successful ministry as a pastor and missionary for four years in both Singapore and Hong Kong. For the last 10 years I had the privilege of having him on my staff at Strang Communications. For the last 18 months of his life he battled cancer. Several times it appeared to be in remission. But his body finally wore out, mainly from some of the treatments he was undergoing.

At 2 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17, Howard breathed his last and was ushered to the other side. Standing around his bed were Rosella, his son Dean, daughter Denae and their spouses; as well as me and Joy; our sons Cameron and Chandler; and my daughter-in-law, Maya. I loved Howard deeply. I had opportunities to eulogize him both in print and verbally in many ways. But for me this was the single-most difficult and traumatic event in 2008. While my admiration for Howard was not due to anything he did during this year, I wanted to take this opportunity to once again publicly say how much I loved him and miss him.

I invite you to post your comments on my blog. Tell me whom you admired most in 2008 or let me know what you think of The Strang Report, which I launched one year ago.

Happy new year.

Steve Strang

Remember the Christians in Bethlehem at Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:05:00 +0000

Last week I included a digital Christmas card in my Strang Report like the one we sent out to our business contacts and friends. This week I am including another card--the one we made with our International Department. I thought you might enjoy hearing me and the Spanish team singing "Feliz Navidad." It’s our way of saying to you and yours, “Merry Christmas.”

Because all eyes are on Bethlehem at this time of year, it is appropriate that the editors of Charisma published a story titled "Christmas in Bethlehem" in our December issue. You can read an electronic version of the Charisma cover story by clicking here.

That cover article and the accompanying articles, "When Muslims Find Jesus" and "The Christmas Promise," mean a lot to me because I visited Bethlehem in the fall of 2007. I was there to participate in the Christian Feast of Tabernacles. I met several Arab Christians from the West Bank, and one of them volunteered to take me to visit Bethlehem Bible College, about which I had already heard a lot.

My trip to Bethlehem was an eye-opener. From my new friends I learned about the plight of the Arab Christians, whose numbers are decreasing. They are under attack from the Muslims; they feel discriminated against by the Israelis; and they feel abandoned by their Christian brothers and sisters in the West.

My trip into Bethlehem on a Friday afternoon--the Muslim holy day--was relatively uneventful, mainly because I was traveling with an Arab Israeli who lives in Jerusalem, works in Bethlehem at the Bible college, and has the ability to pass back and forth. Most Palestinians--Christians or Muslims--must remain within areas governed by the Palestinian Authority. A 24-foot wall with guard towers that is covered in graffiti separates Bethlehem from south Jerusalem. It reminded me of the wall around a penitentiary.

The Israelis constructed the wall because there was so much terrorism coming from the Palestinian areas. The suicide bombings have greatly decreased since the wall has been in place. But that doesn't keep the Palestinians who live there from feeling as if their land is occupied.

The Christians I was with, mostly evangelicals, were somewhat critical of the Israeli army. That seemed odd to me since I was visiting Jerusalem with evangelicals who honor Israel and who appreciate the Jewish people and the Jewish faith so much that they travel thousands of miles to participate in the Feast of Tabernacles celebration.

One of the people I met in Bethlehem was Rev. Alex Awad. I contacted him to see what the current situation in Bethlehem is so that I could include a description of it in this blog. His reply was so interesting that I'm posting it below verbatim. Thankfully, things are improving economically in Bethlehem, but the Christians are still under intense pressure and, as stated earlier, often feel unloved, unappreciated, and forgotten.

I was impressed with the sincerity of the Christians I met in Bethlehem. They obviously are very devout in their love for the Lord or they wouldn't be serving Christ in such a hostile environment. My heart went out to them, especially when I heard that they feel abandoned and forgotten. I promised to do what I could to let people know of their plight. My commitment led to the article in this month's issue of Charisma.

If you would like to help the Palestinian Christians, you can send a tax-deductible donation to our non-profit partner, Christian Life Missions. We will channel 100 percent of the money to Christian families in Bethlehem through our contacts at Bethlehem Bible College. You can give online through PayPal by clicking here, or you can send a check in the mail to Christian Life Missions, P.O. Box 952248, Lake Mary, FL 32795-2248.

At Christmas, let's pray for our brothers and sisters, not only in Bethlehem but also throughout the Middle East, where they suffer persecution that most of us could not even imagine. And, as you feel led by the Lord, I urge you to remember them this Christmas--just as I am--by giving to Christian Life Missions.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours. I hope you enjoy my Spanish greeting card below. Please leave your thoughts and your Christmas greetings on the blog.

Steve Strang

From Rev. Alex Awad
Dean of Students at Bethlehem Bible College

Bethlehem is doing better economically this Christmas than in many yuletides before. Tourists are coming to visit the manger where Jesus was born in big numbers. The old challenge has come back to Bethlehem, "There is no room in the inn." But [the] homes and hearts of the local residents are still receiving people with a lot of local hospitality and generosity. The economic boost is giving the city of Bethlehem a sense of relief after many years of virtual economic collapse. Bethlehem is also very peaceful today. There is no terrorism, no violence, fewer Israeli attacks on militants and civilians. Tourists can walk the streets of Bethlehem day and night without fear of crime or danger.

For all Bethlehem's residents the big challenge is the 24-foot-tall wall that Israel has built to block the residents of Bethlehem from travel to Jerusalem or any place in Israel. The wall makes the residents of Bethlehem feel like prisoners in their city. I have students at Bethlehem Bible College who are not able to travel from Bethlehem to Jerusalem in spite of the fact that they have family members that they love to visit during the holidays. This is only one of the many challenges that the wall presents to the residents of the city. Regardless of the wall, the check points and the watch towers, the folks in Bethlehem will celebrate Christmas with excitement this year. The streets are more decorated with brilliant lights than ever before. The walls that humans build will not stop the light and joy of Christmas [from filling] many hearts.

I hope and pray that Bethlehem's visitors, who come from all over the world, will return home with a renewed dedication to serve Emanuel and to share His story with all their compatriots, just as the shepherds of the first Christmas did.

Tomorrow, Dec. 18, Bethlehem Bible College and the Shepherd Society will sponsor a Christmas banquet for the community. A thousand local people will be invited to attend. Evangelical local choirs will be singing for the praise of Emmanuel, there will be a Christmas drama, the message of Christmas will be preached by a local pastor, and an invitation to accept Christ will be given. A meal will be served, and after the meal there will be more singing and celebration. We pray many hearts will be touched and Christ will be glorified in the city of His birth.

The Shepherd Society, the humanitarian arm of Bethlehem Bible College, will also give food baskets to over 300 poor families in Bethlehem and vicinity. Hundreds of toys [have] been donated to poor children in Bethlehem. Thanks to Christians in the United States, Canada and Britain who provided the funds to enable the Shepherd Society to sponsor both the celebration and the Christmas baskets. There will be joy on earth and joy in heaven as a result of the generosity of God's people.

Christ will be alive through His people in Bethlehem this year, and we hope every city around the world will enjoy His life-giving presence.

Christmas Trees 'Round the World

Before the ball drops in Times Square, the Big Apple turns on its holiday charm with the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center.

The Capitol Christmas tree in Washington, D.C., is decorated with 3,000 ornaments that are the handiwork of U.S. schoolchildren. Encircling evergreens in the 'Pathway of Peace' represent the 50 U.S. states.

The world's largest Christmas tree display rises up the slopes of Monte Ingino outside of Gubbio, in Italy's Umbria region. Composed of about 500 lights connected by 40,000 feet of wire, the 'tree' is a modern marvel for an ancient city

A Christmas tree befitting Tokyo's nighttime neon display is projected onto the exterior of the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka.

Illuminating the Gothic facades of Prague's Old Town Square, and casting its glow over the manger display of the famous Christmas market, is a grand tree cut in the Sumava mountains
in the southern Czech Republic.

Venice 's Murano Island renowned throughout the world for its quality glasswork is home to the tallest glass tree in the world. Sculpted by master glass blower Simone Cenedese, the artistic Christmas tree is a modern reflection of the holiday season.

Moscow celebrates Christmas according to the Russian Orthodox calendar on Jan. 7. For weeks beforehand, the city is alive with festivities in anticipation of Father Frost's arrival on his magical troika with the Snow Maiden. He and his helper deliver gifts under the New Year tree, or yolka, which is traditionally a fir.

The largest Christmas tree in Europe (more than 230 feet tall) can be found in the Praça do Comércio in Lisbon, Portugal. Thousands of lights adorn the tree, adding to the special enchantment of the city during the holiday season.

'Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree': Even in its humblest attire, aglow beside a tiny chapel in Germany's Karwendel mountains, a Christmas tree is a wondrous sight.

Ooh la la Galeries Lafayette! In Paris, even the Christmas trees are chic. With its monumental, baroque dome, plus 10 stories of lights and high fashion, it's no surprise this show-stopping department store draws more visitors than the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower

In addition to the Vatican's heavenly evergreen, St. Peter's Square in Rome hosts a larger-than-life nativity scene in front of the obelisk.

The Christmas tree that greets revelers at the Puerta del Sol is dressed for a party. Madrid's two-week celebration makes millionaires along with merrymakers. On Dec. 22, a lucky citizen will win El Gordo (the fat one), the world's biggest lottery.

A token of gratitude for Britain's aid during World War II, the Christmas tree in London's Trafalgar Square has been the annual gift of the people of Norway since 1947.

Drink a glass of gluhwein from the holiday market at the Romer Frankfurt's city hall since 1405 and enjoy a taste of Christmas past.

Against a backdrop of tall, shadowy firs, a rainbow trio of Christmas trees lights up the night (location unknown).

Our New Digital Magazines and Newsletters

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 02:00:00 +0000

By Steve Strang

This week I'm taking a break from editorializing about problems facing the church or our culture to bring you up-to-date on some of the exciting digital products Strang Communications is providing that I think you'll enjoy. I hope you'll sign up for some of our e-magazines and e-newsletters and also share them with your friends to help us proclaim the gospel digitally.

Before I tell you about them, I want to point out that I’m including below one of the four digital greeting cards we recently sent out to family, friends and customers. My staff put them together. The one below is from our Administration/Accounting/Office Services department. Click on it to see the personal greeting I gave. It's my way to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas.

The Strang Report is one of 10 e-newsletters that we publish periodically. Some are biweekly, some weekly and some monthly. This week we changed the newsletter we've called “Streams of Revival” to “Prophetic Insight from Charisma” and published in it a challenging word from Chuck Pierce about what he believes the Lord is saying prophetically to our nation at this very pivotal time in history. Click here to read.

Through the years, Charisma magazine has established itself as a trusted source of news. Several years ago we started sending out news electronically on a periodic basis under the name “Charisma News Service.” Most recently we’ve sent out news updates that appear on our Web site under the name “Charisma News Bulletin.” We’ve also included revival-related news stories in what was formerly titled “Streams of Revival.” We’re now calling our digital news publication “Charisma News Online.” It is currently e-mailed to 50,000 subscribers, and we’d like to double the circulation by getting as many people to sign up as possible. I sent out the first edition to the entire Strang Report list with a brief explanation, so you have probably seen it by now. I hope you enjoyed reading it and will want to sign up. If you would like to read it again, click here.

Ministry Today magazine, under the leadership of editor Marcus Yoars, is now digital. Our first issue was the November/December issue, and the response from both advertisers and readers was fantastic. We sent it out to compiled lists of 100,000 people, and the open rate has far exceeded industry standards and our wildest expectations. Click here to see the digital version. You can read it on your computer screen by turning pages just as you do with a print magazine. There is no cost to receive it regularly; you merely have to subscribe.

Next month Charisma magazine will also be offered digitally. It is not available yet, but you can click here to sign up for it.

Each time we send out an e-newsletter, we provide a way for you to sign up, but I’m using this opportunity to call to your attention all the newsletters that we produce:

Power Up. This is one of our largest e-newsletters. Each week it contains a devotional message with a spiritual insight I know you’ll appreciate and is an off-shoot of SpiritLed Woman magazine. To read the most current edition, click here.

New Man eMagazine. Several months ago we made the decision to no longer publish New Man in print, but you can click here to receive the eMagazine every week with the same kind of great articles we had in the print version. Subscriptions to the digital version have nearly doubled since we started producing it. If you’re a man or there’s a man in your life, you may want to subscribe to this.

If you’re Spanish-speaking you ought to get our Boletín de Vida Cristiana with exciting news and views of what’s happening in the Christian Hispanic community. This e-newsletter is so popular that the digital subscription list actually is larger than that of the print magazine, Vida Cristiana.

Please notice the advertisement for gift subscriptions to Charisma magazine for Christmas. Charisma is a great Christmas present to give to those you love. Every year more than 10 percent of our subscription list is made up of gifts from readers like you who want to share with family and friends the teaching articles, prophetic insight and news analysis. Also, by subscribing to Charisma, you become part of the Charisma family and a part of what the Holy Spirit is doing in the world today.

As always, we invite you to leave your comments. Perhaps you can share what you think about our digital version or give us ideas on how we can grow our lists. My vision is to grow all our digital lists to 1 million. One of the most effective ways to do this is to get “viral marketing” going by encouraging people to send our e-newsletters to their neighbors, friends, family and co-workers.

Next week I’m going to share a very special Christmas message, and the week after I will share with you a list of the people that I respect most in 2008.

Steve Strang

Apostles and Prophets Grapple With What is Happening

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 23:09:00 +0000

December 11, 2008
By Steve Strang

It comes as no surprise that this is a time of great transition. In light of the economic downturn and the recent election results, which were different from what many conservative Christians prayed they would be, Christian leaders are meeting, and the question of "What's happening?" tops the agenda.

Last week I had the privilege of attending an invitation-only roundtable hosted by Rick Joyner. I have attended this annual meeting periodically since the early ’90s. What God is saying as a result of the election was one of the main topics of discussion, and I'll write more about it later.

The big event this week was the meeting of the International Coalition of Apostles (ICA), which takes place every December. This year the group met in my hometown of Orlando. It is the third time I have attended. In some ways the meeting was as it has been in former years. C. Peter Wagner, the founder of ICA, told me that people who attend say that every year is better than the one before. To him, this year was pretty much the same. However, the topics ranged from the Lakeland revival with Todd Bentley to a number of economic issues (which are actually brought up every year), and of course the election.

The high point according to many people was the message given by Apostle Kim Daniels from Jacksonville, an African-American minister and author who is well-known to the Charisma audience. She served on a panel about the supernatural and gave her views of what the supernatural is--a godly supernatural which is on the straight and narrow, or a carnal or fleshly supernatural which is the broad way.

In that setting she brought up the election. She was one of a relatively small percentage of African-Americans who supported John McCain because of the abortion issue, and she has defended Charisma and its editor, Lee Grady. Both have been attacked by some in the African-American community. She felt that many of the apostles and prophets, including those in attendance at the meeting, were stifled from speaking out what they believed God was saying because of fear of intimidation and making people upset. She broke that off them in a very dramatic way and received a standing ovation.

There was whispering among a number of the blacks who were in attendance, both those who came from Africa as well as African-Americans, yet interestingly no one challenged her or asked any questions during the question-and-answer period. Kim had such authority it was as if no one would oppose her.

I have written before that I think African-Americans--and all Americans--can be rightfully proud that we have elected our first African-American president. But many of us feel that biblical stands on the issues take priority over someone's race in determining whom we will support. Of course it's always risky to talk about politics; that's why many people say there two subjects you never discuss in polite society--religion and politics--because they are so divisive.

It's well-known that most African-Americans are Democrats. And had Hillary Clinton won the nomination for the presidency, as many of us thought a year ago she would, undoubtedly a large number of them would have voted for her. So I don't think it's just a matter of Obama’s being black. However, there is a divisiveness in Christian circles as a result of the election that Daniels spoke to eloquently at the ICA meeting and that earned her a standing ovation.

The session was videotaped, and if you’d like to watch it, you can order a DVD from Fresh Video, P.O. Box 5020, Woodland Park, CO 80866-5020. You can call toll-free in the U.S. at 1-800-687-6077, or order online at www.freshpublishing.com. The DVD costs $20. When you order it, you will get not only what Kim has to say, but also the comments from Chuck Pierce, Che Ahn, Greg Brown and Stephen Strader. It is the session that included the discussion about Todd Bentley. I got permission from Peter Wagner to make this available to the readers of the Strang Report.

Recently Kim Daniels wrote a blog that is posted on our charismamag.com Web site under the title "Somebody Say Amen." I am including what she has to say here because though it's not exactly what she shared at ICA, it does give her perspective, which I believe needs to be considered by the body of Christ.

As usual, you're invited to add your comments to what I've written or to what Kim wrote in her blog.

Steve Strang

It Is Not About Obama's Faith!
By Kimberly Daniels

This column is a response to all the ministers who have shared their concern that the faith of President-elect Obama has been challenged. My position on this issue is very simple. I believe that the church, in general, has gotten away from the simplicity of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I agree that we cannot judge the heart of a man, but "keeping it simple" will allow us to know those with whom we labor.

Keeping it simple will also sharpen our ability to test the spirits that rule over us, to discern whether they are of God. Then, whether the leaders are saved or not, we will know how to pray for them.

We do not pray only for saved leaders. We pray for all leaders! It is important to have discernment when we pray, or we may become guilty of praying amiss. It would be a terrible thing to pray for leaders as though they are saved when they are not. We would be guilty of having blood on our hands!

Ephesians 4 says that five-fold ministry gifts are called to perfect (mature) the saints so that they will not be blown to and fro by every wind of doctrine released by cunning and crafty men waiting to deceive them. As an apostle of Jesus Christ, it is my responsibility to challenge anything that would hinder the unity of faith.

I am not speaking of a temporary, carnal unity that is undergirded by the opinions of men and motivated by a false love. Ephesians 4:15 commands us to speak the truth (in love). Love is not the root; truth is! Truth is true all by itself, but love that is not rooted in truth is a lie.

If we cannot get this principle, foreign spirits and demonic ideologies will penetrate our gates. Jude exhorted the church to earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints. He said that certain ungodly men had crept into the church unnoticed (grew up with believers and pretended to be like them but were not), turned the grace of God into lasciviousness (lust and perversion) and denied the Lord Jesus Christ (see Jude 3-4). It does not matter if we proclaim to be Christians (which means “like Christ”); certain acts cause us to automatically deny God, whether we admit it or not. We cannot be “like Christ” and believe that there are other ways to God besides Jesus!

Most of the ministers I have dealt with who say they are disappointed about how Obama’s faith has been questioned are black. I have a few questions for them: Where are the prophets in the black church? Prophets do not just pray; they decree and declare the will of God! Where are the apostles? They do not flow with the status quo but deal with principalities and come against anything that would exalt itself against the knowledge of God!

Where are the teachers who will teach sound doctrine that will not tickle men’s ears? Where are the evangelists who will save souls, get them filled with the Holy Ghost, cast the devil out and minister inner healing? Where are the pastors who will protect the flock from wolves and lions, even if it costs them their reputations?

God showed me that lines have been drawn in the spiritual realm. Many in the church have crossed these lines and received doctrines of devils that promote secular humanism and New Age religion disguised as Christianity. There are off-brands of Christianity in the world we live in that are nothing less than antichrist.

I have never questioned President-elect Obama’s faith. It is very clear that he is a man of faith. But I get concerned when people compare his faith to the faith of a born-again believer. Our faith could be considered equivalent to his only if Christianity were redefined.

Will we, as believers, stand by and allow the foundation of our faith to be broken into pieces and put back together in whatever way the New World order demands it should be? Radical Islamic groups have zero tolerance for any diversion from what they believe. They believe what they believe to the point that they love not their lives unto death. This is ironically what God commands His people to do in Revelation 12.

But we have not reached the point at which Christians will have to give their lives for their faith—yet. Can’t we at least lose our reputations if we do not have to lose our lives? Jesus was of no reputation! To walk in the anointing of God from now until 2012, we must become of no reputation--like Christ.

I do not understand why ministers are saddened by others’ challenging Obama’s faith as a believer. He claims to be a Christian—so it is OK to line up his faith next to the Word of God. President Bush and all other leaders are subject to the same scrutiny, especially when they make it an issue in a political race. Many people questioned Bush’s faith, but not one black minister came to me complaining.

In any case, the important factor is not whether Obama is a believer. He has the right to be a part of the faith of his choice. He does not have to be a Christian to be the president of the United States. My focus is on the fact that the devil has slowly and methodically deteriorated what it means to be a believer in America today.
· Preachers have condoned initiations into secret organizations such as fraternities, sororities, Masons and Shriners in the name of Jesus.
· Ministries have taken it upon themselves to include acts that God that chose to exclude (homosexuality, fornication and adultery) as being acceptable to enter His kingdom.
· Religious people have interpreted the Word of God in a way that lends support to doctrines of devils. They claim:
* There is no devil and no hell
* God loves everybody, and whoremongers and homosexuals will inherit the kingdom of God
* If a woman makes a mistake and gets pregnant, she has the right to kill the baby
* God is a God of love, and He sanctions marriage between members of any sex as long as the two partners love each other.

These doctrines not only conflict with the faith of the believer but also are abominations in the eyes of God. The God that I serve is a just God! If the things listed above are all right with God, then it would mean that God is unfair. He would have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah and repent for flooding the earth.

God is rigidly righteous (see Ps. 11), and His children are held accountable to live in holiness. Without holiness we will not see His face. If we do the things listed above, we are not holy! It is the responsibility of the priests to teach the people the difference between what is holy and what is common or unholy (see Lev. 10:10; Ezek. 44:15).

In closing, I would like to say that not everyone is a child of God! I am not anyone’s judge, but the Word of God is. Jesus told some people that their father was the devil and that they did his work (see John 8:44). It sounds nice and religious to say that we are all children of God, but it is a lie.

Salvation is about making a choice for Christ alone! God will separate the wheat from the tares, but until He does, we must have enough discernment to come out from among them. We must judge trees by the fruit that they bear.

It is simple: An orange tree bears oranges and a grape vine brings forth grapes. Signs will follow believers, and the souls of the heathen and the hypocrite will weigh in the balance. I agree that we need reconciliation, but let us put first things first. The priority agenda in the church should be reformation.

If Martin Luther King had not spoken out from streets and the churches, we would still be under Jim Crow. If Martin Luther had never pushed the doctrine that “the just shall live by faith,” everyone would be Roman Catholic. I will continue to sound the alarm for the sleeping church to awaken. I will also continue to seed the mind of the wicked with truth that they will not be able to deny in the midnight hour.

I will be praying for our country and our new administration, as I always have--prophetically! I pray that President-elect Obama will get to know God like never before. I also pray that he will be sensitive enough to give God more thanks at his inauguration than he did when he was elected.

Kimberly Daniels is founder of Spoken Word Ministries and Rhema Way City Church in Jacksonville, Florida. Visit her on the Web at kimberlydaniels.com.

World AIDS Day

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 23:23:00 +0000

December 4, 2008
By Steve Strang

To celebrate World AIDS Day Monday Rick Warren honored President George W. Bush in Washington as the one who has done more to eradicate AIDS than any other world leader. Along with my son Cameron and daughter-in-law Maya, I was privileged to attend an invitation-only Saddleback Civil Forum at which the best-selling author presented the outgoing president with the International Medal of Peace for his contribution to the fight against AIDS, including his establishing the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

The forum gave me an interesting view of the world of HIV/AIDS relief, but even more, it let me see how Warren and his wife, Kay, are not only bringing the light of the gospel to those working to solve what's been called a pandemic but are touching lives in a way I wouldn't have expected.

We have covered the AIDS problem many times in Charisma. (To read an article that appeared in print, click here; to see an online article, click here.) And as a board member of World Relief for several years I was familiar with that organization’s efforts in helping HIV/AIDS victims and orphans in Africa. With my younger son, Chandler, I visited World Relief's work in Africa in 2003--a trip that allowed me to see up close and personal the terrible tragedy and suffering on that continent.

At the time PEPFAR was just getting started. Only 50,000 HIV/AIDS patients were receiving treatment to fight the virus, but a goal was set to help 2 million HIV patients in five years. PEPFAR has exceeded its mission, the president told the group in Washington.

Our Charisma News Bulletin reported on World AIDS Day. You can read that report by clicking here.

At the forum I ran into a few old friends who have a concern about helping the poor. It was good to network with them. I was proud to see my son Cameron move so easily in those circles and to observe the obvious respect he has from many.

But the most interesting part of the trip was to meet David Miller from New York at a luncheon Warren held for a few leaders.

David sat next to me, and before I had an opportunity to ask, he began telling me his story. He was infected with the AIDS virus 18 years ago and became an activist. He has been involved in the radical AIDS group ACT UP and bragged that he’s been arrested 219 times. He ranted at the stigma AIDS had in the 1980s in the larger society and among church people in particular. And he seemed genuinely pleased with what Bush and Warren have done to help provide medicine for those suffering with AIDS.

But that’s not what impressed me. Miller is totally secular and by his own admission is a radical who not only resented but almost hated Christians. He was single-minded in his focus on AIDS, and he saw no concern from the Christian community.

I took no notes as we ate lunch in Washington. But what Miller said made a deep impression on me. He told how he had confronted Warren at an AIDS meeting and demanded to know what Warren or other Christians had done to help people struggling with AIDS. Instead of retaliating or just making a quick exit, Warren asked him if they could talk.

Their exchange led to a two-hour conversation in which Warren listened to what Miller had to say. It also resulted in the development of a relationship that has become a friendship. But here’s the most incredible thing to me—Warren later led Miller to Christ and baptized him in water.

That was two years ago. Miller used a few words in his conversation I won’t repeat here. In other words, he’s still a little rough around the edges as far as church-folk are concerned. But I could sense in him a genuineness that came from having actually met the Savior.

He talked about how important “faith-based” ministries are now in fighting AIDS. It’s part of what Warren calls a three-legged stool. The first leg is government and non-governmental charitable organizations; the second leg is business; and the third leg is the faith-based community working with the other two.

I’m sure Rick Warren regularly reaches out to people. I know he has led many people to salvation. So his reaching out to Miller probably isn’t that unusual.

But it struck me that more of us should be doing what Warren is doing--trying to use what influence we have to change the world and remembering that there are people around us who need Jesus. If we will just show them love—and share the truth of the gospel with them--many will come to believe.

Below is the news article about World AIDS Day. You can learn more about Warren’s fight against AIDS by clicking here.

______________________________________

World AIDS Day Marked Worldwide

From governments to church leaders, officials worldwide pledged to continue combating the spread of HIV/AIDS.

[12.01.08] Across the globe on Monday leaders of churches and nations promised to help fight the spread of HIV while observing World AIDS Day—an international campaign launched in 1988 to improve HIV/AIDS awareness and education.

“Today is World AIDS Day, a day we reaffirm our commitment to fight HIV/AIDS at home and abroad,” President Bush said.

Before heading to the Saddleback Civil Forum on Global Health on Monday, where he would discuss the global AIDS epidemic with Rick Warren and other evangelical leaders, Bush announced that his President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) was succeeding.

“[It was] one of the most important initiatives of my administration,” he said. “PEPFAR is the largest international health initiative dedicated to a single disease … and it is bringing hope and healing to people around the world.”

Launched in 2003 with the goal of helping to treat 2 million HIV patients in five years, PEPFAR had exceeded its mission, Bush said. “The American people, through PEPFAR, are supporting lifesaving treatment [worldwide],” he said. “We've also supported care for more than 10 million people affected by HIV, including more than 4 million orphans and vulnerable children.”

With an estimated 33.2 million people worldwide infected with the HIV virus, including 2.5 million children, the United Nations Joint Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) reports that about half of the millions infected last year are 25 years old or younger.

In addition to measures that Chinese and South African officials took on Monday to reduce the stigma attached to people who are HIV-positive, one major U.S. denomination announced its own plan to help dispel negative stereotypes.

To encourage support for World AIDS Day, the head bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will be voluntarily tested for HIV/AIDS at an upcoming convention.

Conceived by the ELCA committee on Ministry Among People in Poverty (MAPP), the bishops’ actions will be presented as an opportunity for the church to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS “prevention, testing, treatment, care, stigma and discrimination.”

The committee also encouraged bishops “to be supportive and involved with local events on World AIDS Day, Dec. 1.”

“By personally engaging in and supporting actions on World AIDS Day … ELCA bishops can help encourage all people to ‘know their status’ by being tested and help break down the stigma surrounding the disease,” ELCA leaders said in a statement.

Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop and president of the Lutheran World Federation in Geneva, Switzerland, said the willingness of African religious leaders to publicly declare that they’ve been tested is helping to lessen stigma associated with the disease.

“I believe ELCA bishops being tested will be a similar act of accompaniment and encouragement for ELCA members and global companions,” Hanson said. “This decision by ELCA bishops is one more sign of this church's commitment to respond to the HIV and AIDS pandemic.”
—Paul Steven Ghiringhelli

As usual, add your comments to the blog.

Steve Strang

Georgia Senate Race Needs Our Support

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:09:00 +0000

November 25, 2008
By Steve Strang

I'm spending the Thanksgiving holiday with my family in North Georgia, where all the trees are bare in the mountains, and there was ice in the bird bath when we woke up today.

Here in Georgia the focus is on a run-off election next Tuesday for the U.S. Senate between Saxby Chambliss, the incumbent, who is a Republican, and Jim Martin, a Democrat, who local political pundits predict will vote with Barack Obama on nearly every issue.

I haven't met Chambliss personally, but he spent half an hour with our Georgia delegation last July at the Christians United for Israel national Washington/Israel Summit. I know he is a strong supporter of Israel and strong on traditional values. We need him in Washington.

But there's another reason--if Chambliss loses and the recount in Minnesota shows that Republican Norm Coleman lost his race (he's ahead by only 200 votes), then Obama will have a filibuster-proof majority of 60 Democrats in the Senate. With many important issues coming up soon for a vote, we can't give Obama a majority to get laws passed.

I received an e-mail recently from Gov. Mike Huckabee, who has been campaigning for Chambliss in Georgia. Here are his thoughts:

“As you probably are aware, Senator Saxby Chambliss is facing a runoff election on December 2. The Democrats have made it clear they will do everything they can to defeat Senator Chambliss in the runoff election. They still haven't given up their dream of a filibuster-proof, 60-Senate-seat majority. We must make certain they are not successful. But even more important than that, we must do all that we can to help a strong conservative Republican Senator return to Washington.

Since being elected to the Senate in 2002, Saxby has worked hard every day to support conservative principles. He is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Senate Rules Committee, and he is the ranking Republican member of the Senate committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. Saxby is known and has always been known as a strong advocate for the United States Military. He is also a very strong supporter of the FairTax. During a debate with his Democrat opponent, Senator Chambliss said the FairTax ‘lets consumers determine their tax rate based on their consumption levels. The FairTax is what it says it is--it's fair.”

Below I've cut and pasted other e-mails I've received, including some that contain information on how you can contribute, as I have.

I'm not affiliated with any political group and haven't talked to anyone in Chambliss' campaign. I just want to make it easy for you to contribute by giving you links.

I hope you'll forward this to any family or friends you have who are registered voters in Georgia.

Chambliss failed to get the required 50 percent plus one vote by only 8000 votes. But considering the efforts of the Democrats, plus the fact that runoff elections usually have lower turnouts, I believe it’s clear that this election is up for grabs. That's why I'm helping by sending information out to my circle of influence.

Be sure to leave your comments on my blog.

Respectfully,
Steve Strang

____________________________________________________

Urgent Memo to GOPUSA Readers
The National Republican Trust PAC

From: Scott Wheeler
Executive Director

The latest FEC filings show that as of November 12 for the special Georgia Senate race, liberal Democrat Jim Martin has raised $2.4 million.

Meanwhile, Republican Saxby Chambliss, who is fighting desperately to keep his Senate seat out of Barack Obama's control, has raised $1.4 million--that's $700,000 less than Martin!

You may recall that I warned you that the Democrats were going to try to “snatch” this usually safe Republican seat from us.

They have a simple plan, the same one Obama used to beat Hillary and McCain.

First, they outspend their opponent.

Second, they “turn out” the African-American vote and other special interests that make up the Democratic party base.

Their fundraising success shows they have activated their playbook.

We have already reported that Obama sent his top 100 campaign operatives into Georgia to defeat Chambliss.

The Atlanta Constitution Journal reports this weekend that the ultra-left NARAL (the National Abortion Rights Action League), liberal environmental and union groups, and Chuck Schumer's Senatorial Committee have poured close to $2 million more into the Georgia race.

It is urgent we fight back--help us by Going Here Now

The Democrats know that if they win the Georgia seat, Obama will have the 60 votes he needs in the Senate to push through his radical agenda: increase personal and capital gains taxes, end talk radio through a new “Fairness Doctrine” and give favored groups like Detroit automakers and their unions tens of billions in bailout money.

Make no mistake about it. We are in trouble in Georgia.

The New York Times reported this weekend that because the Georgia race is so close, Republicans “are on the brink of losing their ability to use Senate procedure to thwart Democrats or force them into negotiations.”

On this point they are right. The only thing stopping Obama and the Democrats from ramming through their leftwing agenda is the Georgia Senate race.

Dick Morris, the Fox News analyst, says the National Republican Trust PAC is the #1 group fighting to keep Georgia in Republican hands and the Senate from Obama's control.

e has urged conservatives and Republicans to help the National Republican Trust.

You can do so by Going Here Now

My friends, we no longer have weeks to organize and fight back. It is only a matter of days. December 2nd is approaching fast.

We need help now to get out the vote on December 2nd.

Help us in this critical effort - Go Here Now

The maximum donation you can make to us at the National Republican Trust PAC is $5000.

But anything you can donate will be used in our Georgia effort.

Thank you.

Yours for America,

Scott Wheeler
Executive Director

P.S. Barack Obama won't go to Georgia to campaign for Martin, but he is airing radio ads on his behalf. These are targeted ads to get out the vote for Martin. Obama knows Georgians don't like his liberal agenda. That's why our TV ads are focusing on Obama and how Martin will help his radical agenda. Please help us today by calling our Donor Hotline at 1-866-957-1467 or Go Here Now

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United Christians of Florida is seeking to send some personnel up in GA for the next two weeks in order to help the Chambliss US Senate campaign. Obama and Chuck Schumer have dumped in loads of money and staff to beat Sen. Chambliss. If he goes down that moves the Senate closer to filibuster-proof.

United Christians has a Federal PAC that is committed to helping keep Sen. Chambliss, one of our own, in the US Senate. One can contribute by visiting this link: http://www.unitedchristiansofflorida.com/pages.asp?pageid=34242

In the general election, United Christians had over 100,000 people visit their website to find out more information about candidates and the FL Marriage Amendment. This I believe was part of steering success for the Marriage Amendment amongst undecideds. Now we have the chance to keep a strong Senate seat and not allow the Dems to have total autonomy over the legislative process.

Thanks for your time.

Godspeed,

T.J. Harrington
TJamesHarrington@aol.com

How to Survive the Current Economic Crisis

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:42:00 +0000

November 19, 2008
By Steve Strang

The financial crisis that developed on Wall Street in the fall of 2008 is unlike anything I’ve seen in my career. No one seems to have the answers, even though everyone is trying to figure out what the crisis means.

A new book, Financial Armageddon by Pastor John Hagee, provides answers from the Word of God. Hagee is a powerful minister whose preaching and teaching put difficult times into perspective for Christians, and he has great insight into the meaning of current events from a biblical view. For example, when oil prices skyrocketed in mid-2008, Hagee prepared a teaching series titled “The Oil Crisis and the Road to Armageddon.” The response to the series was more than double what is usually expected. Why?

Because people want answers, and Hagee gives them. As a bonus to the Strang Report readers, I am providing a link to two chapters. If you’d like to read them, click here. You can buy the book on Amazon.com by clicking here or from John Hagee Ministries by clicking here.

I believe the existing crisis is so important that I encouraged our Strang Book Group to rush this book into print. It appeared on bookstore shelves only six weeks after we conceived the idea—a time frame that is almost unheard of in publishing circles. It went on sale in Wal-Mart on Tuesday and in other chains last week. It's so important that I encouraged our team to rush the book out in a record amount of time.

Before I get into my own observations about the financial situation, I want to call to your attention to a report at the end of this e-newsletter from Janet Folger Porter, founder and president of Faith2Action, who is calling on Congress to answer the question of where Barack Obama was born. I tend to discount her claim that he is ineligible to serve as president due to his place of birth because I don't feel Obama could have gotten this far and been elected if he were not an American citizen. But there are persistent questions about it that could be put to rest if Congress would investigate as they investigate many other important issues. I'm passing the report along mostly for your information.

The financial problems we are currently experiencing have a greater significance than a typical credit crunch or mortgage crisis. They are a precursor to a tremendous battle that will take place at what the Bible calls Armageddon (see Rev. 16:14,16). In order to understand them, we must learn to discern the times, as the sons of Issachar did in biblical days (see 1 Chron. 12:32), and view them in light of the Word of God.

As a businessman, I take great interest in Hagee’s book. What happens on Wall Street or in international markets affects me and those who work with me. Plus, I have some investments in the stock market for my retirement years, and I don’t want to see them wiped out. Whether you own a business as I do or work for someone else, I know you too want to understand what is going on.

Let me give you my perspective. I may be able to help you comprehend something about what the media sometimes hysterically call a financial meltdown.

The stock market has plummeted before, and I believe it will recover. So I’m not planning to revamp my stock portfolio. I expect the value of the stocks to increase in the future. I still remember the dot-com bubble that burst a few years ago, the recession of 1992, and the terrible “stagflation” of the 1970s when I was just beginning my career.

Our current situation has come as no surprise. Considering some of the bad loans that were made, the creative instruments Wall Street created, and the overblown real estate market, it was only a matter of time until something drastic happened to correct the mistakes. But the panic that has set in has made the problems worse, even though our federal government has spent billions of dollars to try to stabilize the market.

I think we can expect that America will come out of this bear market and financial slump just as it has before. But every time we experience a downturn, people want our government to do more. Year by year we become more of an international market, depending on international banks to help stabilize the financial situation. If it doesn’t improve, people panic.

When people panic, they look for a strong leader who will give them what they want and make their financial problems go away. Do you see the pattern that develops? A global economy and global crises make people yearn for a global leader to solve their problems. Suddenly you have the scenario the Bible says leads to the rise of a man called the Antichrist, who leads us into the Battle of Armageddon!

If you don’t think this is possible, look at history. It was the terrible inflation and financial problems after World War I in Germany that made the people turn to Hitler. Not only could it happen again, but according to the Bible, it will happen again.

That’s why it’s important to understand what is going on. All of us are at risk because we live in a complex, world-financial system that causes us to be dependent on others to provide the groceries we buy and deliver the gas we put in our cars. We are dependent on others to have the money to buy the goods and services we sell or to pay our paychecks. When any part of the system breaks down, we are vulnerable like everyone else. Period.

So we must do what we can not only to survive but also to thrive in difficult economic situations such as the current bear market on Wall Street, which may be part of the bigger financial Armageddon that is coming.

The first step is to rein in our fear. Financial crisis can lead to collapse simply because people become afraid and panic. We must understand that God’s Word is true whether stocks are up or down and whether credit is tight or abundant.

Long before President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in his 1933 inaugural address, said in reference to the depressed economic condition of our nation, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” God Himself had given us the admonition not to fear. He said through the prophet Isaiah, “‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you. … When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. … Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you” (Is. 43:1–4, NKJV).

Next we must understand that there are different levels of economic problems. The first is a normal negative cycle in the markets. Such cycles come and go, and things usually get better. But at the same time, they set us up for a greater danger, what author Larry Bates calls “the new economic disorder,” in which world banks control the money, cartels control oil, and evil leaders set the scenario for the coming Antichrist.

When Armageddon comes, no one will escape it, because world events will crash together with biblical prophecy in the final conflict of the ages, as Hagee explains in his book. Ye there is hope for believers who understand that the Rapture will take away Christians “in the twinkling of an eye.”

Of course, it’s that knowledge that has also led generations of Christians to be passive and simply wait for the Second Coming to whisk them away from all the troubles of the world. Their attitude is like that of the preacher who joked, “It’s easier to think about the ‘sweet by-and-by’ than it is to deal with the nasty now-and-now.”

Maybe the problems we’re experiencing will wake up the church. Maybe godly leaders will emerge in government and the economic community to provide answers based on the principles of God’s Word that will change the tide or at least slow it down.

Some Christians in the world—believers in the Sudan, Communist China, or India, where there has been so much violence against Christians, or in the Muslim world where Christianity is banned—may think Armageddon has already begun. Americans, on the other hand, believe they are somehow immune. They think, Surely these problems won’t happen to us. We’ve been blessed with relative peace and prosperity so long we believe they are our rights. Yet bad things can happen and are happening. As the leader of the free world, America is not exempt.

Consider 9/11. We never thought we would be attacked on our own soil, but we were. I believe many other events that have been prophesied will take place, and we can only prepare.

As people the world over become more and more hostile to the gospel, and as those who are evil get into power and take away our freedoms, Christians must do what the Jews did in Europe, where they were persecuted for years—engage in professions and trades we can take with us when things get bad. The trend that developed during those years explains why many Jews are in banking, jewelry and so on rather than farming today.

So what can Christians do? Start businesses. Get involved in the process to change things rather than being subject to the whims of big business.

Then run your small business in a way that can handle a downturn. Have reserves; keep debt low; make fallback plans. In the process, be able to help others as the Bible says.

Too often Christians, like the men Moses sent to spy out the Promised Land (Num. 13:32–33), have seen themselves as grasshoppers in their own eyes—in this case, as being at the bottom of the economic totem pole just waiting for the Rapture. This image is not accurate, and the Bible has answers for the mess we’re in. That’s why Hagee’s book is so important. Read it and share it with friends. Follow the advice he gives.

Remember that, no matter what happens, we are to do as the nobleman in the Bible instructed his servants, and “occupy till [our Master] come[s]” (Luke 19:13, KJV).

As usual, I want you to post your comments on the blog, both to what I wrote, and also what Janet writes below. And let us know what you think of John Hagee's book. This wasn't meant to be a sales pitch, but I did want to make it easy for you to order from Hagee's ministry or from Amazon.com. I also hope we can get "word of mouth" going on this important message.

Steve Strang
Publisher, Charisma magazine

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Report from Janet Folger Porter

This may be the most important thing we can do in the next four years. Fight for freedom while we still have it. Please spread this message far and wide.

And remember, Goliath lost.

God bless you,

Janet Folger Porter

"So have no fear of them; for nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, or kept secret that will not become known." Matthew 10:26

"We often pray in the place of risky obedience"

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1 last chance to fight for our Constitution

Posted: November 18, 2008
1:00 am Eastern
© 2008

Former Deputy Attorney General Philip Berg filed a lawsuit addressing the citizenship status of Barack Obama before the Democratic National Convention and copied Democratic Chairman Howard Dean. It should have alerted them that there was a possible problem before they selected their nominee. But that problem was ignored. Other lawsuits filed before Nov. 4 were also ignored, placing us in what could be a constitutional crisis.

The good news is the real election hasn't taken place yet. The Electoral College doesn't meet until Dec. 15. That gives us less than a month to find the answers to the looming questions regarding whether Barack Obama meets the constitutional requirements for the office of president.

The courts don't seem to be in any hurry to take up their responsibility as guardians of the Constitution, so now Congress must step in. You see, members of Congress are sworn to uphold the Constitution, and when they vote in January to confirm (or reject) the vote of the Electoral College, they can't very well do that unless they know for certain that the basic constitutional requirements for office have been met.

An ad running this week in the Washington Times Weekly asks three questions America needs to know: "Was Barack Obama really born in Kenya?" "Is he really a citizen of Indonesia?" And, "Does the Constitution still matter?"

As I wrote about last week, there are many reasons to doubt whether Barack Obama meets the requirements for the office of president. First, there's that pesky tape from Sarah Obama, Barack's grandmother, where she says, "I was in the delivery room in (Mombosa) Kenya when he was born Aug. 4, 1961." Secondly, there's the matter of U.S. law. If only one parent was an American citizen, as in Obama's case, the law at the time of Obama's birth required one parent to have been an American citizen for at least 10 years – five of which had to have happened after the age of 14. Since Obama's mother was only 18 at the time of Obama's birth, he would not qualify as an American citizen if his grandmother is right about him being born abroad.

Thirdly, there's no original birth certificate – just a "certification of live birth" posted on a website experts say is forged and altered. Fourthly, there's the issue of Indonesian citizenship, which is a prerequisite to attending school there. Add to that the fact that Obama's stepfather, Lolo Soetoro, is listed as his father on his Indonesian school records. If he had U.S. citizenship, according to Indonesian law, he would have lost it when he attended school there or if he was adopted by his stepfather as his records indicate.

As the ad proclaims, "The Constitution matters" and is still worth defending. All we are asking is that Congress takes their oath to defend it seriously. If Obama can prove he meets the basic but essential constitutional requirements, fine, he'll serve legally. But if he cannot provide simple proof, then he cannot. We're not asking for the world here, just the original birth certificate that each of us delivers when getting a passport, driver's license or Social Security card. If we can't tell the clerk at the post office to check out the digital photo of a certificate posted online, neither should the guy running for president. Members of Congress: If you have taken an oath to defend the Constitution, now's the time to keep it.

But I know the reasons for your hesitancy. I've faced them myself and have come to the conclusion that if one of our founders, Patrick Henry, could proclaim, "Give me liberty or give me death," we can face our fears and stand for the document they penned that outlines our God-given rights to freedom. What if we asked our Founding Fathers, many of whom lost everything in the battle for our nation, if they think the Constitution is still worth defending? They already answered that question with their lives.

But what about the objections?

"Obama won the popular election." So did Al Gore. But George W. Bush is still president. That's because the Electoral College decides – and in this case, it hasn't yet. In fact, the electors can't fulfill their solemn oath to uphold the Constitution unless they know the candidates meet the basic constitutional requirements for office.
"This should have happened long before now." That's true, but the cases filed before Nov. 4 were ignored by the courts, and the answers to these basic questions were never answered. There is still time for those answers since the real election has not yet happened.
"They'll be riots in the streets." This objection is much like the reaction of Kenya to Obama's candidate of choice, Raila Odinga, who incited violence and the burning of hundreds of churches (not a single mosque) when he lost the race. Obama raised a million dollars for this upstanding guy and assigned a Senate staffer to help him. To bring the violence to an end, the Kenyan government put Odinga – the guy who lost the election – in office to keep him from burning more churches. They failed the first rule of the playground: Confront the bully; don't appease him. Threats of violence must be met with fierce resistance, not appeasement.
"I better not be public on this because I'll become a target." News flash: If you believe in life, liberty and the family, you already are a target. The henchmen are selected; the gallows for our freedoms are already being built. And the only candidate in history to never move an inch to the center during the campaign has no intentions of changing his agenda of outlawing our viewpoint with the "unfairness doctrine," "thought crimes," "The Employment Non Discrimination Act" the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act and all the rest. As I wrote about in my book, "The Criminalization of Christianity" (which will surely come true if we don't act now), "Never fail to do the right thing for fear that the opposition will attack you in response. The other side can and will attack you anyway, at a time of their own choosing rather than yours, regardless of whether you act."
"We'll just beat him in four years." In four years, we won't be able to recognize what's left of our country. And if you think taking on this issue right now is hard, try doing it when our radio airwaves are shut down and our freedoms are stripped from us, as he has promised to do. And with Obama's promise to pass the so-called Freedom of Choice Act as "the first thing" he does, you can say goodbye to the notion of protecting unborn children again – and goodbye to every law in all 50 states that notifies parents, keeps our tax dollars from footing the abortion bill and prevents even a single partial-birth abortion.
"They'll say I'm a 'racist' and call it 'sour grapes.'" Our Founding Fathers faced death, we face name-calling. Right now our U.S. soldiers are being shot at for the freedoms guaranteed in our Constitution. If the Constitution isn't worth undergoing some name calling, then the oath taken to defend it means nothing.
"Somebody else will do it." They haven't. And time is running out.
"It's not my responsibility." The lower court in Philadelphia threw out Phil Berg's case (which is now before the U.S. Supreme Court) based not on the merits, but on the issue of "standing," and pointed to the need for Congress to act. If the questions of constitutionality are not met before Congress is called upon to uphold the vote of the Electoral College, they cannot fulfill their oath and duty to uphold and defend the Constitution. If we are willing to ignore the constitutional requirements for the highest office in our land, what else are we willing to forgo? That part about free speech? Freedom of the press? Freedom of religion?
"We deserve what we got." That's true, so did the people of Nineveh who asked, "Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish?" If you're unfamiliar with the story recorded in Jonah, God didn't give the Ninevites what they deserved; and even though the judgment was pronounced against them, when they fasted, prayed, sought God and turned from their wicked ways, God had mercy and spared them from judgment.
"It's impossible." With God, all things are possible. Eight years ago the election was called for Al Gore, and he never took office. If God is the same today as He was yesterday, He can still split the sea, raise the dead, stop the sun and reverse the results of the popular vote if the basic requirements of the Constitution are not met in the candidate.
"He's constitutionally qualified." Great. Then it won't be hard to prove it.

The Electoral College votes on Dec. 15 – we now have less than 30 days of freedom left. How will you spend it? Will you "safely" keep quiet about our nation's most important document, or will you step forward to defend it?

There's a replica of William Wallace's sword hanging on my wall. It reminds me of his words captured in the movie "Braveheart":

William Wallace: I am William Wallace. And I see a whole army of my countrymen, here in defiance of tyranny. You've come to fight as freemen, and freemen you are. What will you do without freedom? Will you fight?

Man: No … we will run … and we will live.

William Wallace: Aye. Fight and you may die. Run and you'll live – at least a while. And, dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one chance, just one chance, to come back here and tell our enemies, that they may take our lives, but they'll never take our freedom!

Congress, you were elected for such a time as this. Don't miss your moment in history to defend the Constitution you were sworn to uphold. Not extreme. Not fringe. Just constitutional. A thorough investigation must be conducted to ensure the basic constitutional requirements for the office of president have been met. It is not just your right – it is your duty. And you have less than 30 days to act. You have the freedom right now that you will never have again. You can fight to defend the Constitution of the United States, or you can run. As William Wallace asked, the question is: Will you fight?

Call your representative in Congress at 202-224-3121 and ask them to hold immediate congressional hearings to investigate and ensure the basic constitutional requirements for the office of president have been met.
Fast and pray.
Place the "Three Unanswered Questions" ad in newspapers across the country and post it online everywhere.
Donate to defend the Constitution. We'll place more ads if you'll help: www.f2a.org.
E-mail this to everyone on your list, and call on the media to report this constitutional crisis.

This ad ran on page 5 of the November 17th, 2008 edition of the Washington Times National Weekly | Click to Download

Aftermath of the Election

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:15:00 +0000

November 13, 2008
By Steve Strang

For those of us who believe the Bible and believe in traditional values, the most encouraging thing to come out of the recent presidential election was the passage of state constitutional amendments in Florida, Arizona and California that define marriage as between one man and one woman. The passage of these amendments shows that the country is not totally going to the left because there were quite a number of Obama supporters who voted for traditional marriage.

The reaction, however--in California especially--has been rather extreme from radical gay groups who are trying to demonize those who stood for traditional marriage. They're voicing their anger and criticism with the help of the media, who is making them out to be victims.

From time to time I like to share things that come across my desk. Today I’m passing along an article by Brian Fitzpatrick, in which he articulates very well exactly what's happening in California. You’ll find it further down in this blog.

I’m also sharing what Larry Stockstill, senior pastor of Bethany World Prayer Center in Baton Rouge, La., wrote on his blog a few days ago. His comments are from a more spiritual point of view and look at the political situation as it relates to the larger body of Christ. Stockstill helps us to see some of the good things that have come out of this election and gives some perspectives that I think are important. You can read his comments by clicking here or by going to the continuation page of this blog.

I invite you to forward this e-newsletter to friends and to encourage them to subscribe. There are a few thousand of you who receive the Strang Report because you're on my personal Outlook contact list. We encourage you to subscribe to it because I won't send it to my contact list perpetually. I'm happy to say that the list of subscribers has grown from 38 last January to 7,746 in October, not including my personal contact list.

As always, you're invited to add your comments below. It is interesting for me to see that some of my newsletters have received only a few blog comments, but the one I wrote on Sarah Palin on October 2 has received 1,452 comments as of today. The average number of comments is around 128 per blog. That just shows you're reading these reports—and I appreciate your responses, even when you don't agree with me.

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Celebration and Concern
November 11, 2008
By Larry Stockstill

Solomon, the wisest king in history, had a problem: “one baby and two mothers.” He called for a sword and the real mother begged to keep the baby alive. The other woman argued to cut the baby in half and give each mother a piece. The Presidential election of 2008 has been just such a dilemma for the body of Christ. Honest, well-meaning Christians have differed on political direction for America. Where are we and where do we go from here?

CELEBRATION!

Some great things that are cause for celebration have occurred in the last few days since last Tuesday’s results of Barack Obama’s election were final:

1. Senator Obama, in looking this week for a Presidential “dog” for his children, jokingly referred to himself when he said, “I hope they don’t get a mutt like me!” This relaxed, casual reference to his African father and white mother shows his comfort with his identity and race. After all, what is race in the sight of God but something wonderful and beautiful? God delights in our colors and kinds, our flavors and strengths. As a missionary in Nigeria at 23 and in my 25 years of pastoring a multi-racial church, I have spent most of my adult life fighting not only “racism” but “racial strife.” Perhaps the long, cold winter of stereotypes is coming to an end.

2. It took millions of white voters to elect Senator Obama. This has amazed and thrilled to tears the small minority of black Americans and given them hope that “we can work together.” As I watched President Bush host Mr. and Mrs. Obama in the White House yesterday, I rejoiced in how the transition is early and hope is high. There was a “man of color” in the Oval Office! Perhaps the sense of hardened racial suspicion is starting to give way.

3. The cultures of the world rejoiced again in America. Celebrations from Indonesia to Kenya hailed a new spirit and face for the land of the free and home of the brave. Our enemies were in consternation and our friends were celebrating! Perhaps a new era of favor for Americans worldwide is replacing the anger and resentment I often feel when traveling the world and world missions will benefit.

CONCERN:

1. “PRAY”

a. FOREIGN POLICY: This new President has already been “called out” by Russia and other enemies. He will certainly be immediately tested for his resolve to face down those who only understand force and who have stated their desire is to conquer and rule the world.
b. ECONOMY: He certainly has his plate full here! America and the entire world seem on the edge of recession or outright collapse. Millions are hurting and need immediate help. However, by many Senator Obama is being looked to as an economic “Messiah” who will immediately lower their monthly payments, raise their income, cover all their insurance needs and improve gas prices all in the first 100 days! His ambitious economic agenda will take years, not months. In addition, NO PRESIDENT CAN REMOVE A CORRECTIVE JUDGMENT FROM GOD, and if America is facing discipline (as I believe is beginning) we must pray for mercy and repentance or certainly no plan by man will work.
c. MORALITY: In areas of morality, the church is called to be “prophetic” (as John the Baptist was with Herod) and not “political.” This is true regardless of who it is, or we could be following a man into the position of becoming God’s enemy. It is my humble opinion that Senator Obama is on the wrong side of the abortion, stem cell, and gay rights agenda. He stated in the debates that his Supreme Court appointments will uphold Roe v. Wade. His transition staff is preparing, on his first day in office, to remove all restrictions to abortion now in place as executive orders. His stated position is that he opposes gay marriage, and yet he opposed “Proposition 8,” the marriage amendment that amazingly passed in California 52% to 48% limiting marriage to “a man and a woman.” This legitimate election stated the will of the people, yet this past weekend over 20,000 angry homosexuals protested in the streets (1000 of them picketed Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church because he supported proposition 8). This is moral chaos, and we must pray that our new leader’s eyes be opened to the moral dangers of these positions. God can change his heart and show him that if the judgment of God comes upon our economy it will “trump” the best minds in Washington and their bailouts.

2. “STAY”
a. Christians need to stay together. Lifetime relationships in the body of Christ cannot be challenged by an election. We are one body, indivisible by race, color, or economic circumstances.
b. In times of shaking, stability is what is needed. I have lived long enough to see spiritual and political leaders, revivals, Y2K, electronic marvels, foreign enemies, music, plaid pants and platform shoes all come and go. It is usually the weak and immature who yell the loudest while the mature and seasoned respond and don’t react. Relax, it’s going to be fine.

3. “OBEY”
a. NEVER lose sight of the Great Commission. Jesus did not command us to establish a party or a person. He told us to “go and make disciples.” No political party or election will solve America’s problems: only a revival. I believe 2009 is the “Year of the Harvest” as confirmed by a fellow pastor in Chicago who has seen over 2,500 souls come to Christ in the last three weekends.
b. We are called to our specific task and function in the Body of Christ and that is all you will be judged for in eternity. Be busy about that work while fervently praying for our desperate political and economic situation in America. That’s something you CAN do to change the situation.

The “one baby” is the “one Body” of Christ. Those who are not mature about that “baby” will rush in to divide it and give a “piece” to each party. The result will be to kill the beautiful body of Christ in the process. The “real mother” (faithful American Christians) will beg for mercy, unity, and wisdom from the King for the baby to live. Get on your knees, believer, and cry out for the Body of Christ to live through this. We WILL “pray together, stay together, and obey together.”

“Put your sword away.”

Larry Stockstill
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Media Have a Proposition for Calif. Churches: You're Bigots
Brian Fitzpatrick
Tuesday, November 11, 2008

The liberal media worked overtime against California’s marriage amendment, Proposition 8, which the voters passed 52 to 48 percent. After the Nov. 4 vote, the media quickly jettisoned professional objectivity--and respect for democracy-- to spin a yarn about the pain of victimhood. Now they are working to elevate angry gay protesters who are vilifying opponents and targeting churches.

As reported by CMI’s Colleen Raezler, ABC, NBC and CBS aired a total of 13 news stories on Prop. 8 in the five days following the vote. Six of the stories, nearly half, emphasized the reactions of the roughly 18,000 same-sex couples whose California “marriages” have been invalidated. Only four Prop. 8 supporters made it on air, compared to 15 opponents. None of the networks could spare even 15 seconds of precious air time to explain why keeping intact the foundational institution of human society might be a good idea.

The worst example we’ve seen of TV reporting on Prop. 8 protests came from the local CBS station in Palm Springs, Calif. On the grounds of City Hall, furious “gay” protesters knocked a Christian cross out of an elderly woman’s hands and stomped on it. The woman remained calm and collected. When reporter Kimberly Chang tried to interview her, protesters screamed and blocked the camera with their signs. Hilariously, the station identified the victimized woman as “Phyllis Burgess, Involved in Prop 8 Rally Altercation.” That’s like saying Poland was involved in a border altercation with Nazi Germany. In a masterpiece of moral equivalence, CBS anchor Kris Long told viewers, “There’s a lot of anger and a lot of hate, quite honestly, on both sides.”

Print journalists have more freedom, time and space than their broadcast colleagues, so they should have produced a more balanced account of the Prop. 8 controversy. They did, for roughly 48 hours.

Initial press reports last Wednesday and Thursday included statements by Prop. 8 supporters and the vital fact that a 70-30 majority of African-American voters pushed Prop. 8 over the top. By Friday, Nov. 7, however, news reports focused on “civil rights” street theater by fuming Prop. 8 protesters. The villains of the piece, Catholics, evangelical Protestants and especially Mormons, no longer were allowed to explain their views or even to defend themselves against ugly charges of bigotry. The pivotal support of black voters quickly dropped out of the story.

Newsrooms apparently followed the lead of the editorial pages. A Nov. 6 New York Times editorial condemned “the ugly outcome of these ballot fights,” referring to votes in three states--California, Florida and Arizona--to uphold one man-one woman marriage. According to the Times, “the immediate impact of Tuesday’s rights-shredding exercise is to underscore the danger of allowing the ballot box to be used to take away people’s fundamental rights.”

In this editorial, the Times broke new ground in political philosophy. Who needs all that Founding Fathers blather about government requiring the consent of the governed when razor-thin 4-3 judicial majorities are creating new human “rights?” Maybe America needs some new rules regarding court-concocted “rights.” When a court decides to override public opinion and thumb its nose at the moral order created by nature’s God, shouldn’t we require at least a 5-2 majority? But I digress.

The Chicago Sun-Times editorial board chimed in on Nov. 7, describing popular support for one man-one woman marriage as “discrimination and nonsense.” The New York Times ran seven letters to the editor on Prop. 8 – six by opponents.

On Saturday, Nov. 9, the Los Angeles Times posted a story headlined “Anti-Prop. 8 protests spring up in California.” A photo showed angry protesters waving signs accusing Mormons of “hatred,” and proclaiming “I am a second class citizen.” The Times quoted several speakers at an anti-Prop. 8 rally, including a woman who called traditional marriage supporters “bigots, bigots, bigots.” Ignoring minimal standards of decency, not to mention journalist ethics, the Times gave Prop. 8 supporters no opportunity defend their honor.

A Nov. 10 AP/New York Times story, “In California, More Protests Over a Vote On Marriage,” focused on 1,000 protesters gathered Sunday outside Saddleback Church, the evangelical Protestant megachurch pastored by Rick Warren. The story described protesters as “advocates of equal rights for gay people.” A “volunteer” from the Human Rights Campaign, a gay pressure group, accused Saddleback of spreading “misinformation” and telling “obvious lies.”

The reporter didn’t try very hard to allow Saddleback to respond: “A message for comment left at the church’s main office, which was closed on Sunday, was not immediately returned.”

A secular reporter can be forgiven for not knowing that Christian church offices are usually closed on Sundays. But shouldn’t he have learned, somewhere along the line, that churches themselves are open for business? The reporter was on the Saddleback campus. If he had bothered to peek through the windows, he surely would have seen a few people milling about. Did it not occur to this intrepid soul to walk into the church and ask Pastor Warren to reply?

Perhaps he was too busy bonding with those angry protesters.

A Historic Election

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 21:59:00 +0000

By Steve Strang

Congratulations to Barack Obama on his historic election as the first African-American president of the United States. I had the privilege of meeting him last June. He is a very likable person who seems reasonable. Let's pray that he governs from the center and not from the far left.

I supported Sen. John McCain mainly because of his stands on the pro-life issue and the issue of traditional marriage. To me these issues are more important than economic concerns, immigration problems, environmental policy and so on. I believe reasonable people can disagree on those subjects, but there are a few fundamental issues that we as believers must have strong convictions about.

Otherwise, however, I was a reluctant supporter of McCain. I didn't understand the purpose of many of his policies or why he seemed so distant from conservative Christians. It wasn't until he named Sarah Palin as his running mate that his candidacy excited conservative Christians like me.

The Bible tells us to pray for those in authority. We have an opportunity now to live out our faith by praying for our new president. Pray that he will have a change of heart on many of the foundational issues. My colleague Lee Grady sent out an article today titled "10 Ways to Pray for Barack Obama," which you can read by clicking here.

We have seen some former presidents change while they were in office, rise to the occasion and become great leaders. We have also survived liberal and mediocre presidents who didn't, such as Lyndon Johnson and Jimmy Carter.

And we have seen in the last year that having a self-professed "evangelical Christian" in the White House may have helped a little, but it did not do a lot to change the moral character of our country. In fact, though I personally admire President Bush and thank God for his strong leadership on the war against terror, I, like many Americans, have been disappointed in him in many ways. Undoubtedly his unpopularity contributed to McCain's defeat.

This year, with everything that's happening politically, it would have been difficult, if not impossible, for any Republican to beat almost any Democrat. I have no doubt that Hillary Clinton would have won over Mitt Romney--or Mike Huckabee, whom I supported. People in America obviously want a change. The scary thing for those of us who believe the Bible and want conservative values is that the change may move the country too far to the left politically and morally.

Thankfully the marriage amendments that were on the ballots in Arizona, Florida and California all passed. Here in Florida a proposed amendment to the state constitution must receive 60 percent of the vote to pass--which is the highest percentage requirement in the nation. These amendments were clearly based on a moral issue—the definition of marriage as the union of a man and a woman--and we can thank God our prayers were answered. I think the fact that all three amendments passed shows that voters just want a change in the White House rather than that our country as a whole is shifting toward the left.

African-Americans can be proud of this historic moment. As I have written before, I think it's time for an African-American to be in the White House. I have worked hard for racial reconciliation throughout my entire adult life, and I will continue to do so.

I regret that in the heat of the political battle some who read my Strang Report felt I was insensitive to the feelings of African-Americans. I regret using the unfortunate term "so-called Christians" when speaking of those who disagree with me. I apologize to anyone I offended.

At the very longest, Obama will be president for only eight years. At the end of his term or terms in office, those of us who believe in Christ will still be brothers and sisters in Christ regardless of who is leading our country and what policies are in place.

I hope this election is a wake-up call for the body of Christ. Though "conservative Christians" did play a part in the political process, often those who get involved are people who are simply conservative politically--not necessarily born again. In fact, many of the activists are so strident in their views that they do not help the cause of Christ.

We really need to see people changing in this country on a personal level. You and I may not influence the halls of Congress, but we do influence people in our families, our workplaces and our churches.

I'm concerned about some of the prophecies that came out during this election. Earlier this year several "well-known" prophets were predicting that Rudy Giuliani would be president. More recently several were predicting, although quietly, that McCain would win against all odds, as Harry Truman did in 1948. I received an e-mail a few hours after the election from one who had issued such a prophecy, apologizing for the error and saying he is going to take a time of reflection to pray about what God is saying.

I recognize that all prophets "see through a glass darkly," and it's human nature to project upon the Almighty the things we want. Maybe it's also human nature to have "wishful thinking." But when we confuse it with hearing from the Lord, it's not good.

I have been amazed at the number of responses I've received to the Strang Report, especially to some of the things I have "cut and pasted" from other sources. This morning I received quite a few e-mails that I thought would interest you. One is "Understanding the Psychology of Post-Election Distress Syndrome" by Dwight Bain, a nationally certified counselor whom I have known for several years. You can read his article below.

My friend Mat Staver, who was very active in helping to get the marriage amendment passed in Florida, issued a press release sharing his values on rebuilding the base and advancing conservative values. Click here to read his comments. He believes the passage of all three marriage amendments shows that conservative values still matter.

James Pinkerton, whom I enjoy watching on Fox News, wrote a short but insightful analysis of why McCain lost, which seemed to ring true as I read it. Click here to read the analysis.

Finally, former Gov. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas, whom I supported strongly during the primaries, sent out an e-mail titled "We Will Be Back In Strength." Click here to read his comments, which include the following: "Politics is not an event but a process. Sometimes we lose the events, but it never gives the right to stop being faithful to our principles that enlisted us in the process. We shall live to fight another day."

As always, we welcome your comments on the blog. Please forward this to your family and friends, and ask them to sign up for the Strang Report.

______________________________________________

Understanding the Psychology of Post-Election Distress Syndrome
By Dwight Bain, Nationally Certified Counselor

A major election leads to major change—psychologically, that is. No matter who wins an election, the unexpected emotional let down or explosive reaction after the ballots are counted can be overwhelming to many, especially the aged or over-involved who can be set up for crushing amounts of what I call P.E.D.S. or Post-Election Distress Syndrome.

This election has likely been the most stressful of any during our lifetime because of numbing news fatigue and continual media over-exposure, yet the real problems are yet to come. Personal anxiety, professional panic and poorly thought out decisions are on the horizon regardless of your political persuasion.

Why such a gloomy projection?

It's based on how this election process has been so overwhelming much of the time with months of negative news, never ending data to process and confusing choices to make on complex issues while partisan experts are shouting every half-hour on news/talk stations that we are all doomed if their candidate doesn't win. Not to mention the huge challenge on who is trust-worthy, since you often don't know who will say something inappropriate on YouTube and crash their credibility, leaving you feeling very alone to make some major decisions without leaders who lacked the strength of character to stand on their convictions instead of popular opinion polls.

Mountain top experiences guarantee the next step is always the valley

Think of a major campaign like climbing a major mountain range. You prepare for years and climb for months to finally reach the top. Once there the view is great. You take some pictures, but you can't stay on a mountain top, so no matter which way you head, it's down in any direction. After the mountain top comes the valley, which is a normal part of life. The danger is that for many people the downward slide is so unexpected. Most actual mountain climbing accidents happen on the way down, and I project that there will be millions of people who are unprepared for the emotional upheaval they are about to experience after the election is over.

Everyone will feel some degree of emotional let down once the issues have been decided and the acceptance speeches are given. That's normal, however for some the removal of posters, signs, balloons and banners will lead to a free fall of depressing emotions. If someone has been a 'news junkie' the last few months it will be especially stressful. Those feelings of distress will come out in one of two ways.

Two possible reactions to post-election distress

1) Anger –
Which can lead to violence and impulsive decisions. People who feel violated by the election process will often turn to dumping volcanic levels of anger at someone or something to find relief for the pressure inside. This can lead to devastating decisions, impulsive rage or using the wrong words in front of the wrong people and losing credibility or worse a job. This can happen in men or women, young or old, but is most commonly seen in more extroverted personalities and it tends to blow up and blow out fast.

2) Apathy –
This is a more dangerous reaction, since it can lead from distress to the early stages of depression. Stuffing emotions inside is like burying them alive and they just keep building up, yet instead of blowing up and out, they blow in. This leads a person to feel emotionally numb, and often can cause an individual to commit a series of very quiet, yet very harmful self-destructive acts. Eating for comfort, drinking to numb the pain, hooking up with the wrong partner to try and forget about the election or just refusing to answer the phone, closing the mini-blinds and checking out on life like a hermit hiding in a dark cave.

The best choice after an election is completed is Acceptance. It's over and now it's time to move on with whatever leaders and issues the majority of voters selected. You can't change the outcome of an election, but you can freak yourself out with fears about the future apocalypse predicted by many. Don't do that! Life will go on, and your world will continue. God is bigger than any politician and isn't in a panic, so trust in heaven's agenda and not that of Washington and you'll immediately find a deeper level of peace.

What happens in your house is way more important than what happens in the White House since you can't control what political leaders do, but you can control you. Let this journey off of the political 'mountain' be one of a growing sense of perspective as you remember that after the valley there will be another mountain to climb. There will be another day to vote on national issues and when the dust settles your life will usually be about as good as you choose to make it. This approach takes the power to control your mood away from the politicians or the media, so you can build a better life without losing sleep or energy from the dangers of post-election distress syndrome.

Reprint Permission- If this article was helpful you are invited to share it electronically or in print with your own list at work or church, forward it to friends and family or post it on your own site or blog. Just leave it intact and do not alter it in any way. Please include the following paragraph in your reprint and thanks for helping us to help others to stay calm during this season of change.

"Reprinted with permission from the LifeWorks Group, www.LifeWorksGroup.org eNews (Copyright, 2004-2008, by the LifeWorks Group)"

About the author- Dwight Bain is dedicated to helping people achieve greater results. He is a Nationally Certified Counselor, Certified Life Coach and Certified Family Law Mediator in practice since 1984 with a primary focus on solving crisis events and managing major change. He is a member of the National Speakers Association and partners with media, major corporations and non-profit organizations to make a positive difference in our culture. Access more counseling and coaching resources designed to save you time by solving stressful situations by visiting his counseling blog with over 150 complimentary articles and special reports at www.LifeWorksGroup.org

The Consequences of This Election Are High, So Pray

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:36:00 +0000

By Steve Strang

My inbox is full of e-mails from many Christian leaders calling for prayer and fasting and warning that if Sen. Barack Obama is elected, there are serious consequences for everything from right to life, to national security, to turning America toward European-style socialism.This week's report is a compilation of what I think are the most serious warnings. It is also a call to pray and to believe for a miracle to see John McCain get elected.

Meanwhile I'm being bombarded by some very strong negative comments from so-called “Christians”--most of them black--who are supporting Obama because he's black and blasting anyone who won't vote for him as racist. This is sad to me because I've worked all my adult life to build bridges of reconciliation to the black community. Click here to read Kim Daniel's important word on the election from a black woman who is not afraid to buck the trend of nearly everyone in the black community.

The first and most important item is a statement from Dutch Sheets about the spiritual ramifications of this election. You can read that at the end of this report. And you can click on the links below to download a prophetic song by Klaus Kuehn and a prayer from Dutch. Forward this and the entire Strang Report to your family and friends.

http://klausmusic.com/free/klaus_battle_hymn_dutch_sheets_prayer.zip
http://klausmusic.com/free/klaus_battle_hymn.zip

As always you're invited to leave your comments on our blog.

Prophetic leaders are hesitant to say publicly they believe God will give McCain a surprising win, much as Truman defeated Dewey in 1948. But that is what I'm hearing through e-mails and phone calls, even though the polls are saying Obama is ahead in key states.

Some Christian leaders are also predicting a nasty round of race problems and even riots over this election. Let's pray that the predictions are wrong.

I’m including an analysis by my friend Mike Evans on the effect that an Obama presidency would have on Israel and predicting he would sell out the Israelis as Jimmy Carter sold out the Shah of Iran in the 1970s. To read it, click here.

Also at http://www.valuevotersusa.com/ there is a video worth watching and passing on. More than 750,000 have viewed it on YouTube in less than a week, and thousands of churches downloaded the video and showed it in their churches last Sunday.

Finally, click here to read a report I received from a financial advisor I respect--Eric Reinhold--on the serious consequences financially if Obama takes us down the road to socialism. I will also include information from the Traditional Values Coalition questioning those who “groomed Obama” as a youth. You can read it by clicking here.

For those of you in California, Lou Engle is holding TheCall in San Diego on Saturday, Nov. 1. Click here for more information, and help us get out the word to those you know in California.

Meanwhile, read the recent report from my colleague Lee Grady on Obama's connection to Odinga, a socialist in Kenya, by clicking here.
____________________________________________________________

Letter from Dutch Sheets:

The Stakes Couldn’t be Higher

October 27, 2008

With the upcoming elections 8 days away, satan has worked hard to deflect attention off of the real issue. This has been relatively easy through the economic meltdown and an unpopular war. Many Americans, including Christians, will vote based on these two issues. While these things are obviously important, they pale in light of the real issue—the Supreme Court.

The cover story of USA Today, on Thursday of last week, spelled this out quite clearly. It stated that the real legacy of the next president won’t be the economy or the war, but the Supreme Court. The next president of the United States will appoint at least 2, and maybe 3, Justices in his first term. If he serves 2 terms, it could be 5 Justices—there are 5 of the 9 on the Court 70 years old or older! Since the trend is to appoint younger and younger Justices, the next president will most likely shape the court for the next 30-40 years! This means we are not voting only for a president, we are voting for the Court we want for the next generation! The vote we cast on November 4th will do more to shape the culture we give our children and grandchildren than any other vote of our lifetime! Perhaps some succinct bullet points will help us see this clearly:

• Without question, no institution, organization, or agency has shaped the current culture of America in the last 50 years more than the Supreme Court. You don’t need millions of people, the majority in Congress, or the President to shape the culture of America. You only need 5 people—the majority of the Supreme Court. Five people can kill 50 million babies (the number aborted since Roe vs. Wade), legalize homosexual marriage, remove parental rights, put God out of schools and government, rob from us our godly heritage, etc.
• It is now split—sometimes 5-4 toward life, family, morality, our godly heritage, the intent of our forefathers when they wrote the Constitution; sometimes 5-4 toward death, immorality, legislating their beliefs from the bench (though not their constitutional role or right, this is easy—they simply say the Constitution is a fluid, living document and therefore must be changed to accommodate the times), removing God from our nation, etc.
• 2-3 Justices will retire over the next 4 years, their replacements chosen by the next president; possibly a couple more will step down 5 to 8 years from now, making it 5 potential Justices that could be appointed by the next president if he serves 2 terms. This will determine how the Court rules for a generation.
• The first two Justices to go will almost certainly be Stevens who is 88 years old and Ginsberg who is 75 and ill. They are the two most liberal and are no doubt waiting to retire, hoping for a president that will replace them with 2 more liberals. These two replacements alone, if they are good, conservative judges could shift the Court toward righteousness for many years.
• Conclusion: our vote this November 4th will be not for a president, not for the economy, not for ending our involvement in Iraq. Our vote will be for what we want America to look like 40 years from now!

The ramifications of this are staggering! We are no doubt reaping great judgment now in America—diseases, family breakdowns, violence, a death culture, destructive weather, and much more—because of abortion alone…not to mention expelling God and His laws from our schools and government. I don’t know that we can survive another 40 years of this without completely losing our godly heritage and destiny. The economy will recover and the war will end no matter who is elected president—but this is not the case with the Court and the soul of this nation.

If you don’t know where the candidates stand on the Court and the kind of Justices they would appoint, read the USA Today article. It makes their positions very clear. Share this information with every friend and acquaintance you have. And finally, pray like never before for God’s will to be done in this election. We CAN win this war and we MUST NOT lose this war. Pick up your word, go to war and let’s make history together.Here are some practical suggestions to consider:

Fast (a meal a day; a day this week; a Daniel fast; 3 days; TV; etc.) and spend the time praying.
Agree in prayer with someone everyday for God’s will to be done.
Hold nightly prayer meetings
Take time in every gathering to pray. (Take 15 minutes in every service to pray for the elections. Turn an entire service to harp and bowl style intercession—worship and prayer combined.)
Join 2 or more friends on a conference call and pray for 15, 20, or 30 minutes.
Pray on the way to work (and on the way home).
Pray before you go to sleep.
Pray before church services.
Ask God to give you His strategy—He will!

For God and Our Great Nation,
Dutch Sheets

Pray About the Elections

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 19:48:00 +0000

This is one of the most important elections in my lifetime. This week I have lots of information from various sources on some of the issues involved.

One of the most important votes is on the definition of marriage between one man and one woman both here in Florida as well as in California and Arizona. Click here to watch an interesting video about proposition 8 in California sent to me by the American Family Association.At the very end of this blog is a word that came from Dutch Sheets about his calling the body of Christ to prayer in the next 2 weeks up until the election. He believes, as I do, that this election can shift if people pray. It is so important that I'm running it below in it's entirely instead of some of the ads and other materials that we normally run. Please read it, send it to friends, and respond.

Here is a sobering interview by Tony Perkins on the effect that legalizing same sex marriage will have on how we raise our children. The video is about 7 minutes and worth watching.
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1815825713/bctid1819819843

My friend John Stemberger is leading the charge for passage of Amendment 2 here in Florida. This is the link to his website which has a lot of useful information.
http://www.yes2marriage.org/learn-more/brochures-and-flyers/

Also, below is some information from Mat Staver of Liberty Counsel which is asking people to sign a petition saying they will vote for Amendment 2 and forwarding this to five friends. If you know someone who lives in Florida, please help us by emailing it to them.
____________________________________________________________

For weeks, Liberty Counsel has been working to create a network of grassroots Florida citizens who have taken a stand for marriage. I'm thrilled to report that we now can reach by email well over 100,000 Florida citizens who have expressed an interest in voting for the marriage amendment (Amendment 2)!

I believe these 100,000 plus citizens could make history in the next two weeks by rallying hundreds of thousands more to stand for marriage on November 4.But it all starts with you. Please go here to join with thousands of other Florida citizens who are pledging to vote YES on Amendment 2:

http://www.libertyaction.org/r.asp?u=12360&RID=14674276

After you sign the pledge, please take a moment to "Alert 5 to Keep Marriage Alive."

This is absolutely crucial. Anti-marriage groups are doing everything possible to defeat Amendment 2. They are using deception and scare tactics. They are even falsely telling senior citizens that they will "lose benefits" if the marriage amendment passes. That's why I'm asking you to take a stand with thousands of other Florida citizens right now by taking the marriage pledge.

Go here: http://www.libertyaction.org/r.asp?u=12360&RID=14674276

With your help, we can inform and equip hundreds of thousands of Florida citizens before Election Day. Thank you for taking your stand!

Mathew Staver, Founder and Chairman

Liberty Counsel
____________________________________________________________

Letter from Dutch Sheets

Dear Praying Friend,

In 2000, I wrote the 2nd most important letter of my life—a call to prayer for the elections of that year. I’m now writing what may be my most important letter. I knew the importance of those elections in 2000 was beyond any in my life up to that point and that the spiritual warfare surrounding them would be unlike anything any of us had ever seen. That letter was read by millions of people and I believe millions of them responded by praying. I also believe the prayers turned the tide.You may question whether President Bush was the right choice; obviously, he has made some blunders in his tenure as president. But two of his decisions alone left no doubt he was God’s choice: Roberts and Alito.

These two Supreme Court Justices have proven critical in the process of breaking the hold of humanism, death and anti-God agendas that have ruled the Court for 50 years. I assure you that more devastation—the shedding of innocent blood, immorality, decay of the family and an erosion of our godly heritage—has flowed into our nation through that institution than any other door in America. Many times more. The poison allowed into America through their decisions is beyond any of our abilities to articulate. The reality in America is that you don’t need to control Congress or the White Hose to rule the nation. You only need 5 people – 5 out of 9 on the Supreme Court. And for decades those who disagree with just about everything you and I stand for have been in control!In Bush’s two terms, the process of turning this around began with the appointments of Roberts and Alito. Now, we win some cases 5-4 and lose some 4-5. (We barely outlawed partial birth abortion. The vote of one judge saved thousands of babies from this horror.) We need one more conservative Justice for a consistent majority, then more to build a strong majority.

In Obama’s own words, “the next president will appoint at least one, perhaps two or more Supreme Court Justices.” He’s right. Almost certainly two or more older, liberal Justices are waiting until after the elections to retire, in hopes of Obama winning and appointing more liberals to replace them. And he certainly would. He voted against the confirmation of Roberts and Alito. So did Biden. And Biden led the fight against Justice Thomas several years back, another of the 4 solid conservatives. Make no mistake about it, the two of them do have a litmus test for Supreme Court Justices, and a major part of that test is Roe vs. Wade. McCain and Palin, on the other hand, both have very strong pro-life positions. This alone makes the choice for President simple. To vote for the 2nd and 3rd most liberal senators (Obama and Biden), both of whom are firmly and blatantly pro-abortion, would be unconscionable.Obama has actually said that if he wins, he would like his first action as president to be the signing of the Freedom of Choice Act, which would eliminate every other law against any aspect of abortion (partial birth abortion, parental notification, etc., etc.). And with a democratic majority in the House and Senate, pretty much any legislation he and Biden want to pass will be a slam-dunk. There are many other unrighteous positions they hold but this position alone makes the choice easy. If they win this election, it will set America back decades in the cause of life and the restoration we seek.

Just as many of you do, I too, want to see a first black President, but not Senator Obama. To allow that noble and godly desire, the economy or one’s position on the war to trump this issue of life and death for the innocent unborn is simply wrong. The scriptures teach that if we choose first to exalt righteousness and turn from evil, God promises to heal our land (see Proverbs 14:34; 2 Chronicles 7:14). It is righteousness that exalts a nation, not wealth, prosperity or armies. If we will finish the process of removing the curses of death and anti-God laws off of America by electing a president that will continue to shift the Court, God will grace us with breakthrough in other areas such as the economy, the war against terrorism, etc. My faith is not in a person, and certainly not a political party, for the healing of America, but I know God’s word and His ways well enough to know that our decisions do move Him to action or inaction. Now to the heart of my reason for writing this letter (I realize I am “preaching to the choir”—most of you who know or listen to me are conservative enough to vote for McCain and Palin.)I have not written any appeals for prayer concerning this election because:

1) others have, and
2) I believe our movement has matured to the point that the prayer base of the Church is already praying.

But I now feel the need to raise my voice. I am appealing to you to pray for these elections the next two weeks like you’ve never prayed for any in the past. Faithfully. Passionately. Boldly. Ask God for His mercy and grace. We deserve His judgment for removing His influence and authority from our government, schools, homes and businesses; for the killing of 50 million babies; for leading the world in the consumption and exporting of pornography; for passing laws to reject His; etc. But mercy triumphs over judgment and in His wrath He remembers mercy. In 2000 we actually lost the popular vote and won the election—talk about grace! Please pray for this grace to be released again.

But I am also asking you for something more than normal prayer. For those of you who understand spiritual warfare, I am asking you to also include this aspect of prayer. There is no doubt that we have entered a Daniel 10 moment in time: “Then he said to me, ‘Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, I have come in response to your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia’” (Daniel 10: 12-13 NAS). The spiritual warfare in this election is incredibly fierce, and just as it was in Daniel’s day, is all about the restoration of a nation. And also like Daniel, we must keep praying until we win the battle in the heavens.In August of this year I predicted that September would mark a shift in momentum for these elections. This happened with the appointment of Sarah Palin as the Vice Presidential nominee (who is a true Esther in our generation), but when the economy began its meltdown and the media ramped up their unprecedented attacks on Palin, that momentum wasn’t sustained. But we can see it turn again if we approach this battle as the spiritual warfare it truly is and bind the evil forces involved (see Matthew 16:18-19). The reality is that this election can be the breakthrough we need to fully shift the Court (and ultimately our nation) or it will be an immeasurable setback that could take many years to reverse—if ever. Please understand what I am saying: if we engage in this battle and do what I am asking—in mass—we will win; if we do not, we will lose. I, for one, don’t intend to allow the latter. I am in Washington, D.C. now (October 20-22) with Lou Engle and a team of prayer leaders from around the nation to war for this election. Join us! Lose some sleep, miss some meals— pray! Pray like never before for these elections. And as you do, involve yourself not only in petitioning prayer but also in spiritual warfare. Use your God-given authority over the plans and strategies of Satan’s kingdom. Bind all witchcraft that is working to control the outcome, including occult powers that are suppressing truth. Release Christ’s Kingdom rule in every way the Holy Spirit leads you.

Don’t be deceived and don’t lose hope (if you have to, turn off the TV.) It is not too late to turn these elections. God is plenty powerful enough to do so. The real question is will we rise to the level of prayer and spiritual warfare necessary to release that power. And remember, we don’t need a majority of Christians who are willing and able to do this—only a praying remnant. We can do it!Here are some practical suggestions to consider:

1) Fast (a meal a day; a day a week; a Daniel fast; 3 days; 10 days; TV; etc.) and spend the time praying.
2) Agree in prayer with someone everyday for God’s will to be done.
3) Form/participate in prayer groups regularly. Churches could pray everyday.
4) Take time in every gathering to pray. (Take 15 minutes in every service to pray for the elections. Turn an entire service to harp and bowl style intercession—worship and prayer combined.)
5) Join 2 or more on a conference call and pray for 15, 20, or 30 minutes.
6) Pray on the way to work (and on the way home).
7) Pray before you go to sleep.
8) Pray before church services.
9) Ask God to give you His strategy—He will!

In His grip,

Dutch Sheets
____________________________________________________________

This is Steve again. This week is a potpourri of things emailed to me. For those who stayed with me this long, here is something from "the other side" showing the radical left is nervous about losing the vote on traditional marriage in California. It was forwarded to me by a friend and I thought it was both encouraging and an interesting insight in how they view people with traditional values.
____________________________________________________________
Here is a heartening letter to the editor of San Diego's Gay and Lesbian Times. Keep praying, fasting, and fighting.

Subject: Queer community faces 'political emergency' on Prop 8

Letters to the Editor
(Published Thursday, 16-Oct-2008 in issue 1086)

“Today we face a political emergency in the Queer community. The defeat of Proposition 8 by all legal means available is our immediate priority. NOTHING – not even the Presidential election – is more important.”

Dear Editor:

Rex Wockner’s article “Polls flip on California marriage, Gays losing now” (October 9) doesn’t mention the scariest aspect of the new polls showing anti-marriage Proposition 8 ahead: the gain of support occurred almost entirely among young voters (ages 18 to 34). Before this poll, marriage equality advocates had always assumed that the youth were on our side; that even if today’s cohort of voters was against same-sex marriage, the bigots would slowly die off and eventually there would be a clear majority on our side as young people, raised in an atmosphere of live-and-let-live acceptance of Queer people, entered voting age and replaced them.

Well, as on so many issues the Left sat on its hands and hoped, and the Right put their noses to the grindstone and organized. An October 10 dispatch on the Christian Newswire by Trish Teves [http://www.protectmarriage.com/article/traditional-marriage-initiative-makes-gains-with-young-voters] boasts that the Yes on 8 forces have set up a special Web site to appeal to youth directly, iProtectMarriage.com, which “directs users to MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, and BlueChowder, encouraging young people to register to vote, get informed about Prop. 8, and tell their friends to vote Yes on 8.” As a result, according to the SurveyUSA poll, voters 18 to 34 are now MORE likely than older voters to support Proposition 8 – 53 percent in favor to 39 percent opposed.

Today we face a political emergency in the Queer community. The defeat of Proposition 8 by all legal means available is our immediate priority. NOTHING – not even the Presidential election – is more important. Passage of Proposition 8 will kill the chances of same-sex marriage anywhere in the U.S. outside of New England forever – or at least long enough that no one now living will see it. The future of Queer equality will be far better if Proposition 8 is defeated and John McCain is the next President than if it passes and Barack Obama is the next President.

Accordingly, the Queer community nationwide in the U.S. should divert ALL its resources into a massive campaign to raise a war chest capable of matching that of the Proposition 8 supporters and defeating this initiative at the polls while there is still a chance to do so. Proposition 8 is the deal-breaker, the vote that will determine whether or not marriage equality for same-sex couples EVER becomes a reality in the United States. Our opponents understand that and are acting accordingly. Are we?

Mark Gabrish Conlan

Publisher, Zenger’s Newsmagazine
http://www.gaylesbiantimes.com/?id=13302

Christian Response to Financial Crisis

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:33:00 +0000

By Steve Strang

I've never seen anything like the financial crisis that has hit Wall Street and our nation in the last month. If you're like me, you have investments for your retirement, and you feel helpless to know what to do. Probably the worst action to take would be to sell everything because history has proven that the economy will probably rebound.

Last Sunday I had the privilege of visiting Abba's House (Central Baptist Church) near Chattanooga, Tennessee, pastored by Dr. Ron Phillips. During the service Phillips introduced his pastor of stewardship, Alan Johnston, who has a very impressive financial background and is an expert in what's happening on the stock market.

Johnston shared with the congregation that the worst thing that can happen is for people to react out of fear. You can see for yourself what he said by clicking on the link to the video below.

View Video

Below I share some thoughts and financial insights from Michael Cozakas, who is a part of Apostle C. Peter Wagner's network and the founder of Eagle's Heart Ministries. I have shared his comments with several people, and they felt it would be good information to pass along.

Meanwhile, click on the ad below announcing a conference call with Larry Bates, one of our authors who wrote a book several years ago titled The New Economic Disorder. I will report more about his book in a future Strang Report.

Long before President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in his 1933 inaugural address, said in reference to the depressed economic condition of our nation, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself," God Himself had given us the admonition not to fear. He said through the prophet Isaiah, "'Fear not, for I have redeemed you. …When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. … Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you'" (Is. 43:2-4, NKJV).

Johnston says that historically there have been 10 cycles during which the stock market has fallen even more than it has this month. Each time it does, there is usually a reason. This time it is the credit crunch and the banking failures that have recently taken place. However, the government has stepped in to stabilize things, and it's probably just a matter of time before things return to normal.

As Johnston shared with the congregation at Abba's House, we should continue in faith, continue our giving and look to the Lord, who is our real source, not the stocks we own or the economy in the country in which we live.

I urge you to forward this video by Alan Johnston to as many people as possible. We must get the word out. In order to understand the times in which we're living, we must learn to discern them, as the sons of Issachar did (see 1 Chron. 12:32), and view them in light of the Word of God.

Please leave your thoughts on the blog.

The Economic Bailout
By Michael Cozakas

October 2008

I was in Norway during the most recent economic events that have caused such a stir throughout the world. I heard people tell me that the U.S. financial markets were collapsing and unprecedented losses would occur. When I realized the nature of the problem I reflected on what was causing this catastrophic event to occur.

What Happened?

First and foremost, I believe this is a godly correction and it is a good thing for our economy. The mortgage meltdown, which has caused most of this, was brought on by some greedy people [who] departed from sound economic practices. The bankers that caused this put many people into mortgages that they could not afford or qualify for. They convinced people that if they purchased homes beyond their earning capability they would realize an increase in their quality of living.

The bankers developed mortgage packages with artificially low interest rates that made the loan payments for the first few years affordable and easy to make. No one ever looked past the initial rate as the people were told that they could always refinance, and they really should move up and enjoy their new lifestyle. To make the problem worse, the bankers then released loan packages called "stated income loans" that had no income verification. These loans were given to borrowers based on what they said they earned. It is, and has been, common banking practice to verify everything a borrower states so that people are held accountable to their word.

Many people were convinced by the bankers, the mortgage companies, and the mortgage processors, that they should get the home of their dreams and take full advantage of the American dream. As we all know, these practices moved the banking community away from good stewardship principles, and they were motivated by their greed.

As the loans came due, and the market conditions changed, their dream homes become a curse. Because they were living well beyond their means, they suffered through foreclosures, bankruptcies and personal financial devastation. This caused the mortgage meltdown to occur, which affected our old and stable financial institutions; thereby creating the current economic conditions. Suffice it to say, there was nothing godly in anything our financial institutions did. Praise the Lord, He brought about a correction.

Most of us understand good stewardship, and most of us understand when something is not right. We all are given a moral compass. As these events occur, which will shape our life for generations, we need to see that God is in this so we all have real hope that this is moving by the hand of God for our good.

The Bailout

Interestingly enough, while I believe God caused this, I can also see God's grace at work here. When I first heard that our elected officials were faced with approving a 700 billion dollar economic bailout to help our financial institutions survive, I was relieved that our government was actually going to do something to help—then I quickly realized that the taxpayer base would pay it back. The number is so large, it will affect us and our children. This cannot be good, and why should we help financial institutions that strayed away from sound banking practices? They caused the problem; they should suffer through the chaos as this is righteous.

History

Shortly after that, I read an article that said this is not the first time that the U.S. government has bailed out the economy. In fact, this is the fourth time, and every time the government has bailed out the economy the people eventually prospered.

The first time this occurred, the economic bailout was suggested by and administered by Alexander Hamilton. The government purchased properties, held on to them, and then sold them for a profit; thereby replenishing the treasury. We know Alexander Hamilton to be a man of God and this was his idea. In a time of crisis, we work together for the good of the country where we live.

The last time this occurred was during the '80s when the S&L [savings and loan] meltdown occurred. A similar set of circumstances happened, and our government stepped in and bailed out the problem. The government formed a company that held the properties and then they were sold at a profit. The money was repaid at a profit for the people.

When I started to see the truth of this, I realized that while God drove a correction that was needed, He also opened a door that, based on history, could actually profit the people in time. While I don't believe our financial institutions deserve anything, I do believe that we should seize the hope that God has given us. I also believe that this is a great time of fear for the country. The media has learned that people pay more attention to it when the news is bad, so the media has learned to play on our fears.

Faith, Hope and Trust

This is a time for the body of Christ to hold onto our faith and trust the Lord and His ways. I know that through faith and trust, we will overcome this and our character in Christ will grow more day by day. I also believe that those people who have no relationship with the Lord will be driven to seek Him and find their faith. The old adage that says there are no atheists in a foxhole tells us that in a time of crisis the people seek their God. I believe more people will be driven to the church and more people will find their God.

As believers, it is our responsibility to let people see the Spirit of the Lord that abides in us. We must show our faith as we go through these difficult times. As people around us walk in fear, we can walk in faith and keep our peace, joy and righteousness. When people see the character of Christ in us by the way we conduct ourselves in this time of crisis, they will ask the questions that will truly lead them to their God.

I think this is an incredible time of faith and restoration for all people. This is a time when God is gathering the faithful to lead the unfaithful to a place of peace. We are not in a time of catastrophic doom—so don't let the media rob you of your faith!

We are in a time of great change, but we all know that great change is required and we all know that God is committed to our growth. Don't let the enemy rob you of your hope. Let your faith and trust in the Lord our God grow day by day as we work together to build His Kingdom.

Michael Cozakas
COO, ICWBF
3941 Park Dr. Suite 20-293
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
E-mail: Michael@icwbf.com
www.eaglesheart.org

Life As We Know It Will End If Obama Is Elected

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:01:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:35:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:31:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:46:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:42:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:53:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:57:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 20:18:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 21:13:00 +0000

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.

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