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Presbyterians Week Headlines
[1] Christian Pastors and National Leaders Travel to Houston, Texas on Tuesday 28 October 2014 to Hold News Conference Calling for Mayor Parker to Withdraw Subpoenas to Local Pastors
[2] R.C. Sproul’s Crucial Questions Series Free from Logos
[3] Trinity Foundation Publishes Thales to Dewey: A History of Philosophy, The Works of Gordon Haddon Clark in eBook Format
[4] Downtown United Presbyterian Church in Rochester, New York Welcomes First Homosexual Minister
[5] Boko Haram Muslims Murder Thirty-One Christians during Worship in Nigeria
[6] News from the Deepest Recesses of Hell
[7] The Thinning Blue Line
[8] Raging Heathen and Vain Imagining
[9] The Religion of Peace
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[1] Christian Pastors and National Leaders Travel to Houston, Texas on Tuesday 28 October 2014 to Hold News Conference Calling for Mayor Parker to Withdraw Subpoenas to Local Pastors
The City of Houston, Texas has demanded pastors turn over all their speeches, presentations and other materials related to their comments on the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO).
The Christian Defense Coalition, the National Clergy Council and the League for the Defense of Pastors held a news conference Tuesday, 28 October 28 2014 at 10:00 a.m. in Houston, Texas, went to Mayor Parker's office in hopes of securing a face to face meeting to share their concerns. The mayor agreed to the meeting and met with the pastors at 3:30 p.m. local time.
The faith leaders additionally discussed launching a national campaign to address Houston's troubling crushing of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and religious freedom should Houston fail to withdraw the subpoenas.
Rev. Rob Schenck, President of the National Clergy Council, stated:
"Regardless of what the mayor's and city's intentions are or were, this is an egregious violation of a fundamental human rights and constitutionally protected freedom. History proves violations like this must be challenged early and relentlessly.
"Church leaders of all denominations are organizing to support our colleagues in Houston. We will not rest until justice is preserved and protected."
Reformed Presbyterian minister the Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, added:
"Mayor Parker, it is troubling that your city has moved forward with such invasive actions which trample religious freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment. This appears to be an attempt by your Administration to intimidate and silence pastors, churches and community leaders will disagree with you on HERO.
"It is our hope that Houston would foster policies that would create an atmosphere of tolerance and openness in the public square and embrace the principles of free speech and the First Amendment.
"It is important for you to understand that pastors and churches all across America and standing in solidarity with the 'Houston Five,' as we fully understand this is not just an attack on five local pastors but an attack on every church and pulpit in America.
"In light of that, if the City of Houston continues to move forward with these subpoenas, potential fines and imprisonment for these pastors who refuse to comply, we will give a national call inviting thousands of Christians to come to Houston and stand for religious freedom, the First Amendment and free speech."
Rev. Keith Tucci, President of the League for the Defense of Christian Pastors, shared:
"The intolerance and misuse of power will not be treated as an inconvenience but a violation to worship God freely."
For more information call the Rev. Patrick Mahoney at 540-538-4741
+ National Clergy Council, 109 Second Street Northeast, Washington DC 20002, 202-546-8329, Fax: 202-546-6864, Info@FaithandAction.org
+ Christian Defense Coalition, Post Office Box 77168, Washington DC 20013, 202-547-1735, ChristianDefense@gmail.com
[2] R.C. Sproul’s Crucial Questions Series Free from Logos
Logos Bible Software is offering R.C. Sproul’s Crucial Questions series for free at the following link:
http://click.logosmail.com/t/4798686/22536728/74051/13/?e5e2987d=NDc5ODY4Ng%3d%3d&x=5f0ebd90
+ Logos Bible Software, 1313 Commercial Street, Bellingham, Washington 98225, 360) 527-1700, Fax: 360) 527-1707, customerservice@logos.com
+ Ligonier Ministries, 400 Technology Park, Lake Mary, Florida 32746, 407-333-4244, Fax: 407-333-4233
[3] Trinity Foundation Publishes Thales to Dewey: A History of Philosophy, The Works of Gordon Haddon Clark in eBook Format
The Trinity Foundation has published Thales to Dewey: A History of Philosophy, The Works of Gordon Haddon Clark in eBook format, which is available for download for US$4.00 at:
http://www.trinitylectures.org/thales-to-dewey-history-of-philosophy-the-works-of-gordon-haddon-clark-book-p-212.html?_ga=1.71658971.918777921.1414458081
"Greek philosophy began on May 28, 585 B.C., at 6:13 in the evening." With this arresting statement, Dr. Clark begins his masterful and unparalleled account of the history of Western Philosophy. Thales to Dewey does not attempt to be an encyclopedia of philosophy, but focuses primarily on the theories of knowledge advanced by the major philosophers. By focusing his book in this fashion, Dr. Clark is able to present the most important ideas of the philosophers clearly and adequately, rather than confusing the reader with cursory accounts of too many ideas. This is the best one-volume history of philosophy in print. No Christian should be without it.
+ The Trinity Foundation, Post Office Box 68, Unicoi, Tennessee 37692, 423-743-0199, Fax: 423-743-2005, tjtrinityfound@aol.com
[4] Downtown United Presbyterian Church in Rochester, New York Welcomes First Homosexual Minister
A 24 October 2014 WROC article titled “Rochester Church Welcomes Their First Gay Pastor” reports that Downtown United Presbyterian Church (DUPC) in Rochester, New York on 24 October 2014 welcomed lesbian Pat Youngdahl at the church’s new pastor. Twenty-three years before, after DUPC appointed Jane Spahr as pastor, the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) high court forbade Spahr's pastoral appointment after discovering Spahr was a lesbian.
+ WROC, 201 Humboldt Street, Rochester, New York 14610, 585-288-8400, feedback@rochesterhomepage.net
+ Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, 888-728-7228, Fax: 502-569-8005
[5] Boko Haram Muslims Murder Thirty-One Christians during Worship in Nigeria
A 24 October 2014 The Gospel Herald article titled “Muslim Extremists Boko Haram Kill 31 Christians during Worship in Nigeria” reports that Boko Haram Muslims dressed in military uniforms on 19 October 2014 stormed two churches in Taraba state and murdered thirty-one worshipers.
Christian Reformed Church of Christ in Nigeria president the Rev. Caleb Ahema said that this was the seventh attack on Christian communities in Wukari Local Government Area since February 2014, and added:
"The attack on Christians in Taraba state is a planned genocide against Christians by Islamic insurgents who have invaded the southern part of the state, inhabited mostly by Christians, since February."
+ The Gospel Herald, 1250 Oakmead Parkway, Suite 210, Sunnyvale, California 94085, 650-336-7086, Contact Page
+ Christian Reformed Church of Nigeria, Post Office Box 31, Takum, Taraba State, Nigeria, 234-802-479-1381, Fax: 234-73-57719, crcnheadquarters@yahoo.com
[6] News from the Deepest Recesses of Hell
-- Former University of Arizona Professor Guy McPherson Says We Must Destroy Modern Civilization to Save Earth from Global Warming
-- U.S. Federal District Court Allows Continued Harassment of Pro-Life Advocates by Jackson, Mississippi Police
-- Not Just Doctors, Scotland Bill Would Allow Anyone to Do an Assisted Suicide
-- The Terrible Reality of Sexual Abuse and Human Trafficking
-- Eighty-Five-Year-Old French Man Fined over US$6,000 for Urging Woman Not to Have Abortion
-- Mixed Martial Arts Fighter Stabbed Pregnant Ex-Girlfriend in the Stomach for Refusing Abortion
+ LifeSiteNews.com, Incorporated, 4 Family Life Lane, Front Royal, Virginia 22630, 888-678-6008, Contact Page
+ Christian News Wire, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20006, 202-546-0054, newsdesk@christiannewswire.com
+ LifeNews.com, Post Office Box 270841, Fort Collins, Colorado 80527, news@lifenews.com
+ Assist USA, Post Office Box 609, Lake Forest, California 92609, 949-380-1558, danjuma1@aol.com
[7] The Thinning Blue Line
-- Insane Honolulu Cop Violently Attacks Innocent Bystanders
-- Manate County, Florida Police Use Helicopters, K9′s and Military Force to Find Teen Who Stole a Pack of Cigarettes
-- Attorney Calls Stettin, Wisconsin Deputies Response to Property Seizure 'Excessive', Lawsuit Filed
-- California Highway Patrol Officer Accused of Stealing Explicit Photos of Arrestees Called Thefts a “Game”
-- NYPD Officer Mistakes Fellow Cop for Suspect and Kicks Him in the Head
-- Man Asks Chicago Cop to Stop Cursing in Public, Cop Breaks Man’s Hip
+ The Liberty Crier
+ The Anti-Media, Contact Page
+ Ben Swann, Contact Page
+ Addicting Info, addictinginfo@rocketmail.com
+ The Free Thought Project, contact@thefreethoughtproject.com
[8] Raging Heathen and Vain Imagining
Articles from the past week regarding kings and rulers setting themselves against the LORD and against his anointed:
-- Barack Obama, Vatican Issue Ecumenical Statements Wishing Hindus a ‘Happy Diwali’
-- White House Emergency Alert Interrupts Television Viewers across America
-- IRS Sets Precedent for Governmental Gun Seizure without Charges
-- Russia Prepares Militarization of Arctic Ocean after Huge Oil and Natural Gas Strike
-- U.K. Police State Targets Dissidents: Government to “Impose Extreme Disruption Orders on Individuals”
-- Amtrak: Purchasing Train Tickets with Cash is a “Suspicious Activity”:
Employees Told To Report Travelers Who Appear Calm or Nervous
-- Top United Methodist Council Affirms Reinstatement of Minister Who Officiated Same-Sex ‘Wedding’
-- Roman Catholic Pope Francis Says Genesis Account of Creation Is Not True
-- USA Today: The Real Danger is Christian Extremists
-- The I.R.S. Can Seize Accounts Simply on Suspicion, No Criminal Charges Required
-- National Effort to Bully Churches into Silence before Elections with IRS Threat
-- Mexican Mayor Accused of Masterminding Disappearance of Forty-Three Students
-- The Criminalization of Christianity Is Here
-- U.S. Food and Drug Administration Document: Implantable Radiofrequency Transponder System for Patient Identification and Health Information
-- U.S. Department of Homeland Security Engages in Panty Raid, Confiscates Kansas City Royals Underwear
+ Christian News Network, Post Office Box 30000, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, Contact Page
+ Infowars.com, Post Office Box 19549, Austin, Texas 78760, 512-291-5750, writers@infowars.com
+ Patriot Outdoor News, Contact Page
+ Now the End Begins, Contact Page
+ The D.C. Clothesline, dean.garrison.99@gmail.com
+ Godfather Politics, 457 Nathan Dean Boulevard, Dallas, Georgia 30132
+ Ben Swann, Contact Page
+ Clash Daily
+ The Washington Post, 1150 15th Street Northwest, Washington DC 20071, 202-334-6000, Contact Form
+ WND, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, #351, Washington DC 20006, Contact Page
+ U.S. Food and Drug Administration , 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20993, 888-463-6332, druginfo@fda.hhs.gov
[9] The Religion of Peace
Articles from the past week about the religion of peace:
-- U.S. Pays Billions to Child-Beheading ‘Freedom Fighters’
-- Revere, Massachusetts Christian Parent Upset School Teaching “No God but Allah”
-- Taliban kills Seven at Afghan court, Taking Advantage of Security Gap Left by Withdrawing NATO-Led Forces
-- Iraq: Islamic Jihadists Murder Thirty-Eight in Car Bombings
-- U.K.: Seventy-Five-Year-Old Man Charged with “Racially Aggravated Harassment” for Saying “I’m Not Muslim” at Airport Security Check
-- Over 800 Killed in Kurdish, U.S.-Led Coalition Battle against ISIS in Kobane; Nearly 500 Dead from ISIS
-- Nigeria: Islamic Jihadists Abduct Thirty Teenagers
-- Report: Islamic State Used Chlorine Gas against Iraqi Security Forces
-- Muslim Leader Says “Entire Earth” will be “Subordinate” to Caliphate
-- Jihad in America: Muslim Convert Beheads Co-Worker in Oklahoma
-- U.S. Journalist Murdered after Exposing Turkey’s Support for the Islamic State
-- California Marine Is First Service Member to Die in Iraq on Mission against Islamic State
-- Muslim Man Sets Little Girl on Fire for Wearing Lipstick
-- Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary to Adjust Bylaws to Allow for ‘Flexibility’ in Admitting Non-Christian Students
-- Muslim Terrorist Kills American Baby and Hospitalizes Several Other People
-- Iran Hangs Woman Accused of Killing Man She Says Abused Her
-- Jihad In Queens: Hatchet-Wielding Muslim Man Shot Dead after Attacking Three Cops in Queens
+ Godfather Politics, 457 Nathan Dean Boulevard, Dallas, Georgia 30132
+ Atlas Shrugs, writeatlas@aol.com
+ Jihad Watch and Dhimmi Watch
+ The Christian Post, National Press Building, 529 14th Street Northwest, Suite 420, Washington DC 20045, 202-347-7734, info@christianpost.com
+ The Washington Post, 1150 15th Street Northwest, Washington DC 20071, 202-334-6000, Contact Form
+ Jews News, Contact Page
+ Christian News Network, Post Office Box 30000, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, Contact Page
+ Assist USA, Post Office Box 609, Lake Forest, California 92609, 949-380-1558, danjuma1@aol.com
+ Girls Just Wanna Have Guns, Contact Page
Presbyterians Week Headlines
[1] Faith Organizations Announce National Campaign Because of Houston's Mayor Parker’s Refusal to Withdraw Subpoenas Sent to Local Houston, Texas Pastors
[2] I'm Not Homophobic, Says Free Church of Scotland's David Robertson
[3] Free Church of Scotland Opines on Several Governmental Matters
[4] Former Pella, Iowa URCNA Pastor and Convicted Sex Offender Patrick Edouard Begins Prison Sentence
[5] Naphtali Press Offers First New Edition since 1648 of The Westminster Assembly's Grand Debate
[6] Reformation Trust Offers The Trinitarian Devotion of John Owen by Sinclair Ferguson
[7] News from the Deepest Recesses of Hell
[8] Articles from LifesiteNews.com
[9] The Thinning Blue Line
[10] Raging Heathen and Vain Imagining
[11] The Religion of Peace
---
[1] Faith Organizations Announce National Campaign Because of Houston's Mayor Parker’s Refusal to Withdraw Subpoenas Sent to Local Houston, Texas Pastors
The City of Houston has demanded pastors turn over all their speeches, presentations and other materials related their comments on the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance. (HERO)
The Christian Defense Coalition, the National Clergy Council and the League for the Defense of Pastors thus held a news conference in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday, October 20.
The news conference was held on the public sidewalk in front of the U.S. Supreme Court west entrance on First St. NE.
Copies of the letter to Mayor Parker were made available at the news conference.
The group shared their plans to send a delegation of national Christian leaders and pastors to Houston on Tuesday, October 28 in an attempt to meet with Mayor Parker and other City officials.
The faith leaders also discussed launching a national campaign to address Houston's troubling crushing of the [U.S. Constitution’s] First Amendment and religious freedom should they fail to withdraw the subpoenas.
Rev. Rob Schenck, President of the National Clergy Council, stated,
"Regardless of what the mayor's and city's intentions are or were, this is an egregious violation of a fundamental human right and constitutionally protected freedom. History proves violations like this must be challenged early and relentlessly.
"Church leaders of all denominations are organizing to support our colleagues in Houston. We will not rest until justice is preserved and protected."
Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, added;
"Mayor Parker, it is troubling that your city has moved forward with such invasive actions which trample religious freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment. This appears to be an attempt by your Administration to intimidate and silence pastors, churches and community leaders who disagree with you on HERO.
"It is our hope that Houston would foster policies that would create an atmosphere of tolerance and openness in the public square and embrace the principles of free speech and the First Amendment.
"It is important for you to understand that pastors and churches all across America and standing in solidarity with the 'Houston Five,' as we fully understand this is not just an attack on five local pastors but an attack on every church and pulpit in America.
"In light of that, if the City of Houston continues to move forward with these subpoenas, potential fines and imprisonment for these pastors who refuse to comply, we will give a national call inviting thousands of Christians to come to Houston and stand for religious freedom, the First Amendment and free speech."
Rev. Keith Tucci, President of the League for the Defense of Christian Pastors, shares;
"The intolerance and misuse of power will not be treated as an inconvenience but a violation [of the ability] to worship God freely."
For more information or interviews call:
Rev. Patrick Mahoney at 540-538-4741
+ Christian Defense Coalition, Post Office Box 77168, Washington DC 20013, 202-547-1735, ChristianDefense@gmail.com
+ Faith and Action in the Nation’s Capital, 109 Second Avenue Northeast, Washington DC 20002, 202-546-8329, Fax: 202-546-6864, Info@FaithAndAction.org
[2] I'm Not Homophobic, Says Free Church of Scotland's David Robertson
A 16 October 2014 Christian Today article by Mark Woods titled “I'm Not Homophobic, Says Free Church of Scotland's David Robertson” reports that the Rev. David Robertson, recently nominated Moderator of the Free Church of Scotland (FCS), recently wrote an article defending himself of the charge that he is anti-homosexual for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Intersex (LGBTI) website KaleidoScot.
Robertson said of marriage:
"The Bible teaches that marriage is a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman, for the purpose of mutual companionship, the good of society and the procreation and upbringing of children. This is the position that Western Society has held and on which our culture has been based on for almost 2000 years. I object to being called homophobic just because I continue to hold to that view. Advocates of 'Queer theory' have long sought the destruction of marriage as an institution that they consider patriarchal and harmful. Ironically I think same sex marriage provides that for them. It is my belief that such a destruction of marriage will be harmful for all people, whatever their sexuality."
Answering the charge that his appointment by the FCS was a ploy to draw Church of Scotland members disaffected by the Kirk’s liberal policies towards homosexuals, Robertson stated:
"I don't want people to join the Free Church because they are homophobic. I want them to join us because they believe in Jesus and share our vision to reach all of Scotland with the Gospel. If they come to us expecting continual attacks on homosexuals they will be disappointed."
"I have always welcomed homosexual people into my church on the same basis I welcome heterosexual people. I believe that all of us, without exception (including myself) are broken, bruised and sinful people who need the new life and forgiveness offered by Jesus Christ."
"Please let's seek to understand and not demonise one another."
+ Christian Today, 200 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4YB, England, 020-7378-5705
+ Free Church of Scotland, 15 North Bank Street, The Mound, Edinburgh, Scotland EH1 2LS, 0131-226-5286, Fax: 0131-220-0597, catherine@freechurchofscotland.org.uk
+ Church of Scotland, 121 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4YN, Scotland, 0131-225-5722
[3] Free Church of Scotland Opines on Several Governmental Matters
A 20 October 2014 The Herald article titled “Voting Age Should Be Cut to Sixteen, Says Free Church” reports that Free Church of Scotland, In its submission to the Smith Commission on Scottish Devolution, said that Scotland should be given more power over immigration, abortion, alcohol and gambling, and that the voting age should be cut permanently to sixteen.
The FCS submission said that the FCS recognizes that there is no clear Biblical basis for its views, but added:
"The case of immigration policy, however, is perhaps an exception to our general approach since the emphasis of the Bible is clearly to offer succour to victims and to welcome and look after the stranger in our midst.”
+ The Herald, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow, Scotland G2 3QB, 0141- 302-7000, Fax: 0141-302-7117, On-lineEditor@theherald.co.uk
+ Free Church of Scotland, 15 North Bank Street, The Mound, Edinburgh, Scotland EH1 2LS, 0131-226-5286, Fax: 0131-220-0597, catherine@freechurchofscotland.org.uk
[4] Former Pella, Iowa URCNA Pastor and Convicted Sex Offender Patrick Edouard Begins Prison Sentence
A 16 October 2014 Journal Express by Steve Woodhouse titled “Edouard Turns Himself In” reports that Patrick Edouard, former pastor of Covenant Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa, on 16 October 2014 turned himself in to the Marion County Jail to begin serving the sentence for his convictions on three counts of sexual exploitation and charge of entering into a pattern/scheme/practice to engage in sexual exploitation as a counselor or therapist.
Edouard, in October 2012, was sentenced to one year in prison for each of the sexual exploitation charges and five years for the pattern/scheme/practice charge. Edwourd appealed the District Court convictions to the Court of Appeals, which overturned the convictions. The Supreme Court of Iowa subsequently overturned the Court of Appeals decision and upheld his conviction from District Court.
+ Journal Express, 122 East Robinson Street, Knoxville, Iowa 50138, 641-842-2155, Fax: 641-842-2929, publisher@journalexpress.net
+ United Reformed Churches in North America, c/o the Rev. Bradd Nymeyer, 227 1st Avenue Southeast, Sioux Center, Iowa 51250, 712-722-1965, statedclerk@urcna.org
[5] Naphtali Press Offers First New Edition since 1648 of The Westminster Assembly's Grand Debate
Naphtali Press is soon to go to press with a new edition, the first since 1648, of The Westminster Assembly's Grand Debate. The limited-time, republication price is US$19.95 plus appropriate postage. Added postage is US$4.50 (USA), US$19.50 (Canada) and US$23.50 (all other International).
Order at the Pre-publication price by following the appropriate link:
USA Media rate via USPS US19.95 plus US4.50 postage (http://tinyurl.com/ona9jv6)
Canada, priority mail, US19.95 plus US19.50 shipping
(http://tinyurl.com/pr5g5wc)
All other International destinations, US19.95 plus US23.50 shipping (http://tinyurl.com/ntcddvy)
This work contains a lesser known set of documents produced by the Westminster Assembly of Divines, arguing for and against the Presbyterian form of church government. Discontented with the majority’s Presbyterian views, the Congregationalist members produced dissenting papers to which the Assembly replied, giving a more detailed view of the matters debated than the snatches of information recorded in the Assembly’s Minutes.
Presented in five sections The Grand Debate includes the following exchanges between the Congregationalist ‘dissenting brethren’ and the Presbyterian majority of the Assembly: I. Reasons against the proposition that many churches may be under one Presbyterial government from the example of the church at Jerusalem, and the Assembly’s reply; II. Reasons against … from the example of the Church at Ephesus, with the Assembly’s reply; III. Reasons against the subordination of church synods, with the Assembly’s reply; IV. Reasons against the Assembly’s limitation on the power of individual congregations to ordain, with the Assembly’s reply; V. Four papers by the Congregationalists presented in the committee formed to come to an accommodation, with answers by the representatives of the Assembly.
The text has been edited for modern spelling and usage. The bibliographical references have been traced. Notes have been added throughout keying the text to the Assembly Minutes, Gillespie’s notes, Lightfoot’s journal, and other sources. Cross references linking the arguments in the dissenting brethrens’ papers to the Assembly’s replies and vice versa have been added in the margins. All the Latin has been translated marginally or in footnotes.
In the original text the Assembly quotes and often summarizes and paraphrases the Independents’ argument without any distinction—all set in the italic face, as was all other emphasis. Much of this over-italicization has been removed for this edition. Any apparent quotations appear within double quotation marks. Obvious paraphrases, proposed objections, or words placed in the mouth of the opponent are set within single quotation marks.
An appendix presents an updated version of research into the theological resources available to the Westminster Assembly, presenting in better form the Assembly’s working library borrowed from Archbishop Laud’s study, and adding reference to the personal libraries of William Greenhill and Lazerus Seaman.
+ Naphtali Press, Post Office Box 141084, Dallas, Texas 75214, naphtali@naphtali.com
[6] Reformation Trust Offers The Trinitarian Devotion of John Owen by Sinclair Ferguson
Reformation Trust is offering The Trinitarian Devotion of John Owen by Sinclair Ferguson in the following formats:
Hardcover - US$12.80 plus shipping
http://www.ligonier.org/store/the-trinitarian-devotion-of-john-owen-hardcover/
ePub (eBook Download) - US$7.20
http://www.ligonier.org/store/the-trinitarian-devotion-of-john-owen-epub-download/
MOBI (eBook Download) - US$7.20
http://www.ligonier.org/store/the-trinitarian-devotion-of-john-owen-mobi-download/
The writing and teaching of John Owen, a 17th century pastor and theologian, continues to serve the church. Daily communion with God characterized his life and equipped him for both ministry and persecution.
In The Trinitarian Devotion of John Owen, the latest addition to the Long Line of Godly Men series, Dr. Sinclair Ferguson offers careful reflection and insight for Christians today as he highlights Owen’s faith in the triune God of Scripture. We’re reminded that regardless of our circumstances we can know God, enjoy Him, and encourage others.
+ Ligonier Ministries, 400 Technology Park, Lake Mary, Florida 32746, 407-333-4244, Fax: 407-333-4233
[6] Monegerism Website Offers Links to 150 Free Christian Ebooks
Monergism.com, a subsidiary of the Christian Publication Resource Foundation, believes the Church should have open access to scripturally and theologically-sound, edifying Christian literature, and that one need not be held back from having a significant Christian library because of cost. The Monergism ministry involves providing quality Christian literature in accessible formats for free. Most of these eBooks are high quality and available in both ePub and .mobi (Kindle) formats with actively linked tables of contents:
http://www.monergism.com/over-150-free-ebooks-listed-alphabetically-author
+ Christian Publication Resource Foundation, Post Office Box 491,
West Linn, Oregon 97068, Contact Page
[7] News from the Deepest Recesses of Hell
-- Woman Who Killed Her Babies and Packed Them in Boxes Charged with Six Murder Counts
-- Best Selling Author John Grisham Says “Not All Men Who Watch Child Porn Are Pedophiles”
-- Euthanasia in Belgium Kills the Equivalent of 50,000 People in the U.S.
+ LifeNews.com, Post Office Box 270841, Fort Collins, Colorado 80527, news@lifenews.com
+ Right Wing News, Contact Page
+ LifeSiteNews.com, Incorporated, 4 Family Life Lane, Front Royal, Virginia 22630, 888-678-6008, Contact Page
[8] Articles from LifesiteNews.com
Articles from the past week from LifesiteNews.com:
-- Idaho Ministers Face Fines, Jail Time for Refusing to Perform Same-Sex ‘Marriages’
-- Judges Overturn Marriage Protection Amendments in Arizona, Alaska, and Wyoming
+ LifeSiteNews.com, Incorporated, 4 Family Life Lane, Front Royal, Virginia 22630, 888-678-6008, Contact Page
[9] The Thinning Blue Line
-- Sleeping Seven-Year-Old Girl Shot in Head during No-Knock Detroit Police Raid on Wrong Home
-- Denver, Colorado Cops Pepper Spray Innocent Woman and Two Children
-- Thirty-Three Stockton, California Police Officers Fire 600 Bullets into Car Knowing It Contained a Hostage
-- NYPD Assault Arrest Musician for Playing a Song Even after Verifying He Hadn’t Broken Any Laws
-- Seven Lima, Ohio Cops Brutally Beat Nineteen-Year-Old to Unconsciousness
-- Tawas, Michigan Couple Jailed for Raising Chickens
-- Waycross, Georgia High School Student, Forced to the Ground at Gun Point for Not Wearing Seat Belt
-- Waller, Texas Police Officer Pepper Sprays Man for Filming outside of His Own Home
-- Boston Cop Did Not Want to Be Filmed: Assaults Man, Breaks His Camera and Wipes Bloody Elbow on Him
-- Pregnant Woman in Labor Forced to Ground Held at Gunpoint By Cops for Speeding to Hospital
-- Family Dumbfounded After Rocky Ford, Colorado Cop Breaks Down Door And Kills Resident: No Explanation Given
+ Police State USA
+ The Free Thought Project, contact@thefreethoughtproject.com
+ Copblock, Contact Page
+ The Liberty Crier
[10] Raging Heathen and Vain Imagining
Articles from the past week regarding kings and rulers setting themselves against the LORD and against his anointed:
-- The Barbarians Are At the Gates
-- Obama Now Says Same-Sex Marriage Guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution
-- Hong Kong Christians Protest Communist Takeover
-- Obama Administration Quietly Prepares 'Surge' of Millions of New Immigrant IDs
-- Kentucky Judge Rules that Christian Must Print Homosexual T-Shirts
-- Nurses Union Demands Obama Become Medical Dictator
-- Coeur d'Alene, Idaho to Ministers: Marry Homosexuals or Go to Jail
-- Police in New York State Demand Facebook Profile and Password When Applying for Gun Permit
-- Nine Scary, Real Technologies That Will Soon Be Implanted inside You
-- U.S. Department of Defense Creates Military Team to Deal with Ebola in U.S.; 'We Actually Do Have the Legal Authorities'
-- U.S. Soldiers Sent to Fight Ebola in Africa Will Not Get Hazmat Suits
-- National Science Foundation Spends US$1 Million Looking For Right-Wingers on Twitter
-- Obama Plans to Transfer Ebola-infected Foreigners to U.S. for Treatment
-- Obama to Allow 100,000 Haitians into America without a Visa
-- U.S. Soldiers Get Four Hours of Ebola Training before Shipping Out to West Africa
-- Southern Oregon University Threatens Students Passing Out U.S. Constitution outside ‘Free Speech Zone’
+ John McTernan’s Insights, Contact Page
+ Now the End Begins, Contact Page
+ BlogTalkRadio, Contact Page
+ Breitbart.com, 149 South Barrington Avenue #401, Los Angeles, California 90049
+ American Vision, Post Office Box 220, Powder Springs, Georgia 30127, 770-222-7266, Fax: 770-222-7269, mail@AmericanVision.org
+ Godfather Politics, 457 Nathan Dean Boulevard, Dallas, Georgia 30132
+ Patriot Outdoor News, Contact Page
+ CNSNews.com, 325 South Patrick Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, 877-267-6397, newsdesk@cnsnews.com
+ Bizpac Review, Contact Page
+ Patriot Update, Contact Page
+ Red Alert Politics, 1015 15th Street Northwest, #500, Washington DC 20005, info@redalertpolitics.com
[11] The Religion of Peace
Articles from the past week about the religion of peace:
-- Vicar of Baghdad: 'Americans Have to Realize All of Their Intervention Has Totally Been Wasted'
-- Yazidi Women Raped By ISIS Beg America to ‘Please Bomb Us’ to End Our Misery
-- U.S. Humanitarian Aid for Kurds, Going to ISIS Instead
-- ISIS Massacred Every Man and Boy over Fifteen in Syrian Muslim Town
-- The U.S. Is Aiding ISIS with Taxpayer Money
-- Tanzanian Teacher Murdered in Church, Pastor and Wife on Zanzibar Attacked by Extremists
-- Understand Concept of ‘Infidel’ to Understand Risks of Islamic Radicalization
-- Reports of New ISIS Atrocities: Chemical Attacks, Hacking Limbs, Beheading a Boy with Down Syndrome
-- Priest Kidnapped, Dozens Killed amidst Renewed Violence in Central African Republic
-- Thousands of Years of Christian Culture Are Being Destroyed
-- Pakistani Court Upholds Death Sentence for Christian Mother Convicted of 'Blasphemy'
-- Canada: Muslim Acting “In the Name of Allah” Runs Down Two Soldiers, Flips Car after Chase, Charges Officers with Long Knife, Is Shot
-- Iraq: Sunni Jihadists Murder Thirty-Three People, including Seventeen Shi’ites at Mosque in Baghdad
-- Yemen: Shi’ite Jihadists Attack Home of Sunni Politician, Murder Twelve
-- U.S. Senator John McCain Will Push for Ground Troops in Iraq, Syria if Republicans Win the U.S. Senate
-- UK: Eighteen-Year-Old Girl Jailed for a Year for Putting a Slice of Bacon on the Door Handle of a Mosque
-- U.K.: Christian School “Downgraded For Failing to Invite an Imam to Lead Assembly”
-- Islamic State Jihadis “Using Yazidi Virgins for Sex”
-- Congo: Islamic Jihadists Murder at Least Twenty-Two, Including Eight Children
-- Arab Uprisings May Doom Middle East Christians
-- ISIS Begins Crucifixions in Northern Syria
-- White House Celebrates another Muslim Holiday For The First Time
-- The Shia-Sunni War Reaches Lebanon
-- U.K.: 1,700 Female Genital Mutilation Victims since April, over 140,000 Victims in the U.K.
+ Now the End Begins, Contact Page
+ Ben Swann, Contact Page
+ The Daily Caller, 1050 17th Street Northwest # 900, Washington DC 20036, 202-466-3004, media@dailycaller.com
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+ Assyrian International News Agency (Nineveh Software Corporation, 2317 West Farwell, Chicago, Illinois 60645, 773-575-5863, Fax: 773-761-8534)
+ Jihad Watch and Dhimmi Watch
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+ Atlas Shrugs, writeatlas@aol.com
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+ Patriot Update, Contact Page
Presbyterians Week Headlines
[1] Dr. Joel McDurmon Says City of Houston Demand for Sermon Transcripts Is Basic Court Procedure Only for Ministers Involved in a Specific Lawsuit’s Pretrial Discovery
[2] Church of Scotland Lewis Presbytery Votes against Ministers in Same-Sex Relationships
[3] Regarding Marriage
[4] Why I Will No Longer Sign Charleston County [South Carolina] Marriage Licenses
---
[1] Dr. Joel McDurmon Says City of Houston Demand for Sermon Transcripts Is Basic Court Procedure Only for Ministers Involved in Specific Lawsuit’s Pretrial Discovery
Recent news stories from Fox News, WND, and others have raised alarm about the City of Houston, Texas’ demand for sermon transcripts of pastors involved in a lawsuit against the city, and some of the news stories have implied that the city is looking to have oversight of all pastors’ sermons.
Dr. Joel McDurmon of American Vision has written a 15 October 2014 article titled “Is Houston Demanding Oversight of Pastors’ Sermons? No.” that clarifies the reasons for the demand of the sermon transcripts and other information from pastors involved in the lawsuit:
http://americanvision.org/11407/houston-demanding-oversight-pastors-sermons/
Unlike American Vision, the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) says that Houston’s demands to see what these pastors were preaching from the pulpit and to examine the pastors’ communications with their church members and others concerning the city council’s actions are a legal overreach, especially for the pastors not directly involved in the lawsuit, saying.
“City council members are supposed to be public servants, not ‘Big Brother’ overlords who will tolerate no dissent or challenge,” said ADF Senior Legal Counsel Erik Stanley. “In this case, they have embarked upon a witch-hunt, and we are asking the court to put a stop to it.”
“The city’s subpoena of sermons and other pastoral communications is both needless and unprecedented,” said ADF Litigation Counsel Christiana Holcomb. “The city council and its attorneys are engaging in an inquisition designed to stifle any critique of its actions. Political and social commentary is not a crime; it is protected by the First Amendment.”
In his 14 October 2014 Acton Power Blog article titled “City of Houston to Pastors: Show Us Your Sermons”, Joe Carter says:
“Texas law makes it clear that the discovery process in a legal proceeding “may not be used as a fishing expedition.” Houston’s city attorneys are certainly aware of this fact, so why are they seeking the sermons and communications of pastors who aren’t even involved in the lawsuit?”
“The apparent answer, as ADF notes, is that the Houston city government “has embarked upon a witchhunt.” They are trying to send a message to area pastors that criticism of city policies from the pulpit can result in their being dragged into court. This is a despicable display of government overreach and an attempt to stifle both religious freedom and political speech. If this violation of citizens rights isn’t checked in Houston, other cities will get the message that irrelevant legal actions can be used to harass church leaders who dare to challenge our “public servants.””
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+ The Acton Institute, 161 Ottawa Avenue Northwest, Suite 301, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, 616-454-3080, Fax: 616-454-9454, info@acton.org
[2] Church of Scotland Lewis Presbytery Votes against Ministers in Same-Sex Relationships
A 15 October 2014 Stornoway Gazette article titled “Church of Scotland Lewis Presbytery Vote against Ministers in Same-Sex Relationships” reports that the Church of Scotland’s Lewis Presbytery has unanimously voted against the proposal from the General Assembly of the Kirk that would have permitted people in same sex partnerships to become Ministers in the church.
The Lewis Presbytery additionally advised the Kirk General Assembly that the Overture, if passed by the Kirk presbyteries would lead to members who base their beliefs on the Bible feeling their views were being excluded from the Church of Scotland.
+ Stornoway Gazette, 10 Francis Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis HS12XE, Scotland, 01851-702-687, newsdesk@stornowaygazette.co.uk
+ Church of Scotland, 121 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4YN, Scotland, 0131-225-5722
[3] Regarding Marriage
By the Rev. Dr. Michael Milton
Alfred Austin (1835-1914), the Poet Laureate of England, who followed Alfred, Lord Tennyson, wrote, “Creeds were to them but chains to break; No formulas their thirst could slake.”{1}
There are many, today, who see “creeds and theological formulae” scattered, broken in pieces on the steps of courthouses through the land as the highest courts preferred the apparent safety of judicious silence over the clear precedent of world history, the great religions, and English law regarding marriage. Their silence was like thunder.
Hearts are broken that a nation has succumbed to the puerile demands of pitiable, but deceived boys and girls who cry for approval of those acts that are heretofore unspeakable. In our hasty decision to abandon the unambiguous testimony of Creation—and are we to be stoned for, also, adding that we are blatantly defying the God of that creation?—we have launched out into a dark and foreboding place, in which there is no turning back and no going forward. We have lost our way. The judicial hardening of hearts and self-induced searing of a national conscience will always seal the citizens’ exile from that Edenic land where once they ran freely through the sunlit uplands. Those who pass that way are consigned to the darkness they choose.
It is getting dark, now, little children.
One can put no positive “well, at least . . .” preacher-speak on this tragedy. Sin is exceedingly sinful. Shame is irreducibly shameful. Like being a witness to a horrific tragedy in our own home, we can only whisper a Doxology in the darkness, “God, have mercy. Christ have mercy.”
But it has been dark before. God’s mercy is greater than all of my sins.
“And all the wickedness in this world that man might work or think
Is no more to the mercy of God than a live coal in the sea.”{2}
Jesus of Nazareth, the God-Man, is, surely, now—if believers ever trusted in other powers to save us—the undiluted, singular, supernatural gift of light for our world, regarding marriage and all matters of faith and life.
Shall the institution of marriage that has lasted five thousand years endure? Or shall it be covered over by this fast-growing, freely-spreading breed of wild rose, a rose with no fragrance, made from its cutting?
“Let not the roses lie
Too thickly tangled round my tomb,
Lest fleecy clouds that skim the summer sky,
Flinging their faint soft shadows, pass it by,
And know not over whom.”{3}
{1} Alfred Austin. Soliloquies in Song. MacMillan and Company, 1882. Accessed October 07, 2014. “Poets’ Corner,” page 126. http://www.archive.org/stream/soliloquiesinson00austiala/soliloquiesinson00austiala_djvu.txt.
{2} Donald Davie, “William Langland (1130-1400),” in The New Oxford Book of Christian Verse (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1981), 12.
{3} Alfred Austin. Alfred Austin: Poems. “A Last Request.” PoemHunter.com, 2012. Accessed October 7, 2014.
+ Faith for Living, 3122 Fincher Farm Road, Suite 100, Box 552, Matthews, North Carolina 28105
[4] Why I Will No Longer Sign Charleston County [South Carolina] Marriage Licenses
With the news today that Charleston County Probate Judge Irvin Condon will issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, I have decided that I will no longer sign marriage licenses issued by his office. Although I actually live in Berkeley County, where the authorities are not unilaterally defying the Constitution of South Carolina, the parish that I serve is located in Charleston County.
When I read of his decision I seriously considered engaging in civil disobedience -- of officiating at weddings regardless of whether or not the couple had a license or not. While some clergy will include phrases like "By the authority vested in me by the State of South Carolina..." when pronouncing a new couple man and wife, I've never done so in the marriages at which I have officiated in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Texas, for several reasons, among them: 1. I am a Minister of the Gospel and get my authority from the Church, not from the State; and 2. Those words are not contained in the Book of Common Prayer. A cursory check of the Book of Common Prayer and the various Constitutions and Canons to which I am accountable revealed the following:
The Book of Common Prayer of the Reformed Episcopal Church contains the following, identical to the 1928 Book of Common Prayer:
¶ The laws respecting Matrimony, whether by publishing the Banns in churches, or by License, being different in the several States, every Minister is left to the direction of those laws, in every thing that regards the civil contract between the parties.
¶ And when the Banns are published, it shall be in the following form:
I publish the Banns of Marriage between N. of ___, and N. of ___. If any of you know cause, or just impediment, why these two persons should not be joined together in holy Matrimony, ye are to declare it. This is the first (second or third) time of asking. -- Rubrics at the end of the form for the Solemnization of Holy Matrimony
The Constitution and Canons of the Reformed Episcopal Church read as follows:
Ministers of this Church shall be careful to observe the law of the State or Province governing the civil contract of marriage in the place where the service shall be performed, and they shall conform to the laws of this Church governing the solemnization of Holy Matrimony. -- Canon 34, Section 1
The Constitution and Canons of the Anglican Church in North America read as follows:
The Clergy shall ascertain that the man and woman, parties to the marriage, have a valid marriage license. -- Title III, Canon 7, Section 3, Article 4
I am a priest under authority and while the extent to which I care whether or not the government of Charleston County has licensed a marriage that I officiate has been dramatically diminished by this foolhardiness, I have to respect the law of the Church. It's worth noting that even if I were inclined to conduct a same-sex union -- and I'm not -- I am forbidden to do so by the Canons of both the Reformed Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church in North America and, in fact, my Diocese unanimous passed a resolution clarifying that just last month.
I won't sign licenses issued by Charleston County because of what happens when a clergyman does so -- something of which few people are aware. When I officiate a wedding I do so as an officer of the Church, but when the service is over and I gather with the newly married couple and witnesses and sign the license I have actually taken off my clerical hat (my Canterbury cap?) and donned that of an ex officio marriage registrar, performing duties authorized as a courtesy by the State. My fear -- and I don't think it unreasonable in light of some court decisions in recent litigation -- is that I could potentially be opening myself up to action if I refused to perform that duty for same-sex couples. Because of that, I'll require couples in Charleston County and any other jurisdictions that have granted same-sex marriage licenses to provide me a copy of a license signed by a judge, notary public, or some other civil official before I'll officiate at the religious service.
Alan Wilson, the Attorney General of South Carolina has announced his intentions to seek a stay from the South Carolina Supreme Court to prevent Judge Condon from issuing these licenses; I hope that he is successful -- the coming days will certainly be interesting to watch as this plays out.
Drew Collins is the Vicar of the Church of the Atonement, a Reformed Episcopal parish in the Anglican Church in North America in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. His roots in the Carolinas run deep as he was educated at Georgia Military College, Coastal Carolina University, and Erskine Theological Seminary.
+ Drew’s Views
+ Anglican Church in North America, 1001 Merchant Street, Ambridge, Pennsylvania 15003, 724-266-9400, admin@theacna.org
