16 November 2011

Presbyterians Week Headlines

[1] Why Paterno Will Matter: A Theological Reflection on the Sad Case at Penn State

[2] John Calvin a Radical Socialist?

[3] Occupy Portland [Oregon] Demonstrators Arrested with Bombs Meant for Police

[4] Bill Keller of Liveprayer.com Says 2012 Presidential Election will be Satan vs. Satan

[5] Up to 150 Church of Scotland Ministers Ready to Leave Kirk over Homosexual Ordination

[6] The Christian Pundit on the Choice of Authority in Harmonizing the Historicity of Adam and Eve with Evolutionary Theory

[7] Inheritance Publications Offers Remembrance Day/Veteran’s Day Package for Remembering the Mighty Acts of God

[8] Full-Length English Edition of Wisdom and Wonder: Common Grace in Science & Art by Abraham Kuyper is Released

[9] 2011 Confessional Presbyterian Scheduled for Release

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[1] Why Paterno Will Matter: A Theological Reflection on the Sad Case at Penn State

by Dr. Michael A. Milton

Joe Paterno's career is over. It did not end well.

Writing in the midst of a cauldron of charges and investigations about child abuse, is not easy. Writing with certainty about anything in such times is not wise. I therefore make no pronouncements other than this: Paterno will matter.

By that, I mean to say, his legacy will matter. I don't just mean his legacy as a Brown educated coach, Brooklyn-accent, Easterner who preferred reading classics to hunting deer in a blue collar Western PA place called "Happy Valley." I don't mean his legacy as the man who not only impacted the football reputation of that college but, as Bill Pennington put it in the New York Times, "was Penn State."

His legacy will include his concern for players, his development work in raising the academic influence of Penn State, and his character; not the character in the sense of the Columbo-like figure (with thick glasses) that roamed the sidelines like just another professor on campus who just happens to rule over big time football in America, but the character of the man. That character which is so large and good that it shapes others' character. All of those things matter.

Now some may remember, years from now, this tragic incident. Maybe a lapse in judgement. Maybe things we don't know. Yes, surely things we don't know. Will that be his legacy as well?

Legacies are about the impact that people leave on other people. We do not know if this alleged crime against a child and the failure to report it -- surely the greatest tragedy of all in this sordid story -- that ended Paterno's career will loom so large that it overshadows the other facets of what was already a great legacy.

But we know this -- at least those who know Jesus Christ know this -- sin stains even God's greatest creations. That is what happened in the fall of Mankind. And if that were all of the truth we knew in our worldview lens, as we looked at this, and as we looked at life, then we would be of all men most pitiable.

But the gospel of Jesus Christ is that the legacy of shame was overcome at the cross, when God became Man to live the life we could not live and "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Cor. 5.:21 ESV). That is the gospel -- the Good News.

Embedded in every shameful story of our lives, our families, is the reality of that stain of sin. And that is why Christ came: to remove the stain with His own pure life and give that life to all who will turn from themselves and receive His life and His death for their sin. That is the gospel. And the gospel changes legacies. And for the children of abuse, the families in pain, and even one of the greatest coaches of our time, that is really all that matters now.

Michael Anthony Milton (Ph.D., University of Wales) serves as the chancellor/CEO elect of Reformed Theological Seminary (one of the largest accredited seminaries in the country), a U.S. Army chaplain and the James M. Baird Jr. chair of pastoral theology at RTS/Charlotte. He is an author, songwriter, singer, ordained minister, former pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga, Tenn., and he previously served as the president of RTS/Charlotte. Dr. Milton also hosts a national Bible teaching television program, Faith for Living, broadcast on the NRB Television Network, and a radio program broadcast on several stations in the southeast. For 16 years he served in the business world and has also served as a top-secret Navy linguist.


+ Christian News Wire, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20006, 202-546-0054, newsdesk@christiannewswire.com

+ Reformed Theological Seminary, 2101 Carmel Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28226, 704-366-5066, Fax: 704-366-9295


[2] John Calvin a Radical Socialist?

Setri Nyomi, General Secretary of the World Communion of Reformed Churches , in a lecture on the role of the church in the 21st century delivered at Princeton Theological Seminary on 15 November 2011 said that 16^th Century theologian John Calvin would have supported the “Occupy Wall Street” protesters.

Nyomi said: “Calvin expressed opposition to all forms of social oppression resulting from money. Today, it is the global economic systems and practices that have more sophisticated forms of effects….The church of the 21st century needs to align itself with voices of justice…even if it means being out there in the streets.”

Nyomi additionally quoted the Accra Confession: “We believe the economy exists to serve the dignity and wellbeing of people….Therefore we reject the unregulated accumulation of wealth and limitless growth that has already cost the lives of millions and destroyed much of God’s creation.”


+ World Communion of Reformed Churches, 150 route de Ferney, Post Office Box 2100, 1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland, 41-22-791-6240, Fax: 41-22-791-6505, info@reformedchurches.org

+ Princeton Theological Seminary, 64 Mercer Street, Princeton, New Jersey 08542-0803, 609-921-8300


[3] Occupy Portland [Oregon] Demonstrators Arrested with Bombs Meant for Police

A 14 November 2011 KMTR.com article titled “I-5 Traffic Stop Yields Incendiary Devices and Gas Masks” reports that three Klamath Falls, Oregon, men stopped for speeding on I-5 by a traffic safety officer were found to have incendiary devices, gas masks, and fireworks in the car intended to be used against the Portland, Oregon, police when the officers confronted Occupy Portland protestors.

The materials included firecrackers and two commercially manufactured fireworks mortars encased in canning jars that were designed to spread glass shrapnel when exploded. Additionally, a small quantity of marijuana was seized from the car.

Charges against the three men include Unlawful Possession of Fireworks, Unlawful Possession of [a] Destructive Device, Unlawful Manufacture of [a] Destructive Device, and Possession of less than one ounce of marijuana.


+ KMTR, 3825 International Court, Springfield, Oregon 97477, 541-46-1600, newsdesk@kmtr.com


[4] Bill Keller of Liveprayer.com Says 2012 Presidential Election will be Satan vs. Satan

Bill Keller, Internet Evangelist and the founder of LivePrayer.com, says the 2012 Presidential election will be Satan vs. Satan, meaning God is finished with the United States!

Keller says that the most likely match-up in the 2012 Presidential election will be Mitt Romney vs. President Barack Obama, meaning it will be Satan vs. Satan. Keller states that many may call this characterization extreme, but that is exactly what it will come down to.

Keller said: “During President Obama's nearly three years in office, he has proven by his words and deeds to be a true enemy of God. He has been the most pro-death President in history through his support of the killing of innocent babies, he has been a staunch ally of the radical homosexual agenda, and a true friend to the enemies of Israel.”

Keller continued: “While Mitt Romney has been willing to change his core beliefs on critical spiritual issues like abortion and gay marriage, he has never denounced his beliefs of the satanic Mormon cult! As a ‘Temple Mormon,’ Romney not only wears the magical underwear bearing satanic markings, but has taken a blood oath to the Mormon cult over anything else, INCLUDING THE U.S. CONSTITUTION!”

Keller continued, "Romney, like fellow cult member Glenn Beck and all in their cult, truly believe they will die and become the god of their own planet and have sex with an endless supply of women to create millions of spirit babies, in addition to other ridiculous fantasies their cult teaches. Romney and Mormons also believe in the ‘White Horse Prophecy’ of their cult's founder Joseph Smith, claiming the U.S. will be in total chaos, a Mormon will become President, and to save the nation suspend the Constitution and enact a Mormon theocracy."

Keller concluded, “This is not about politics, it is about SOULS. Every person will die, and it is the goal of Satan to lead their eternal soul to hell.” Keller believes that if the election for our next President comes down to Romney and Obama, it means that God has finally had enough of our nation killing 4,000 innocent babies each day, embracing sexual perversion, the destruction of God's Holy Institution of Marriage and the family, and people worshipping every false god and idol man has created in his evil imagination, and [God thus] will take His hand of protection and blessing off our the United States.”


+ Liveprayer.com, 6660 46th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33709, Contact Page

+ Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 50 East North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150, 801-240-2640, Contact Page

+ The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20500, 202-456-1414, Fax: 202-456-2461, Contact Page


[5] Up to 150 Church of Scotland Ministers Ready to Leave Kirk over Homosexual Ordination

A 14 November 2011 article Severin Carrell in The Guardian titled “Gay Clergy Row Threatens Mass Resignations from Church of Scotland” reports that up to 150 ministers from the Church of Scotland (COS) may leave the Kirk due to objections to the ordination of homosexuals. The disaffected clergy may eventually form a new denomination.

The schism is the largest in the COS since 1843 when 474 ministers left to form the Free Church of Scotland.


+ The Guardian, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU, England, 44-20-3-353-2000, reader@guardian.co.uk

+ Church of Scotland, 121 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4YN, Scotland, 0131-225-5722

+ 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


[6] The Christian Pundit on the Choice of Authority in Harmonizing the Historicity of Adam and Eve with Evolutionary Theory

Associate Reformed Presbyterian pastor and Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary professor the Rev. Dr. William VanDoodewaard on 10 November 2011 published “Enns’ Clarity and Consistency” on his The Christian Pundit blog. The article summarizes and comments upon discussions on hermeneutics and the creation/evolution debate in light of Peter Enns’ recent presentation to a group of New York area Presbyterian Church in America pastors.

The article can be accessed at:

http://thechristianpundit.org/2011/11/10/six-days/


+ The Christian Pundit, William.VanDoodewaard@puritanseminary.org

+ Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, 1 Cleveland Street Suite 110, Greenville, South Carolina, 29601, 864-232-8297, Fax: 864-271-3729

+ Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, 2965 Leonard Street Northeast, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525, 616-977-0599, Fax: 616-285-3246, info@puritanseminary.org

+ Presbyterian Church in America, 1700 North Brown Road, Suite 105, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043, 678-825-1000, Fax: 678-825-1001, ac@pcanet.org


[7] Inheritance Publications Offers Remembrance Day/Veteran’s Day Package for Remembering the Mighty Acts of God

Inheritance Publications is offering a Remembrance Day/Veteran’s Day package of books and DVD’s so that in addition to remembering the World Wars and the soldiers fighting during those times to preserve or achieve freedom, the ultimate freedom that comes from God, freedom from sin and freedom to serve Him, can too be recalled - so to remember the mighty acts of God and to teach these to your children.

The package includes one copy each of :

-- League of Grateful Sons - The Second World War at Iwo Jima - CA$16.00

-- It Began with a Parachute – Children’s book - CA$7.90

-- In This Hour - Adult Historical Novel about World War II and the Floods of 1953 - $13.90

-- Theatre in Dachau – Adult eyewitness account - CA$12.90

Buy all four items and receive a fifteen percent discount:

http://www.telusplanet.net/public/inhpubl/webip/amazon.htm


+ Inheritance Publications, Box 154, Neerlandia, Alberta T0G 1R0, Canada, 780-674-3949, Fax: 775-890-9118


[8] Full-Length English Edition of Wisdom and Wonder: Common Grace in Science & Art by Abraham Kuyper is Released

The first full-length English-language publication of Abraham Kuyper's writings on common grace is slated to be released during the annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) in San Francisco, California, 16-18 November 2011. Wisdom & Wonder: Common Grace in Science & Art explores the views of the Dutch theologian on the relationship between the Christian faith, culture, and God's preserving work in the world.

The book is available for pre-order now on the Christian's Library Press website at US$24.99 for hardcover and US$14.99 for paperback, and will be available for purchase in stores and online beginning 21 November 2011.


+ Christian News Wire, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20006, 202-546-0054, newsdesk@christiannewswire.com

+ The Acton Institute, 161 Ottawa Avenue Northwest, Suite 301, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, 616-454-3080, Fax: 616-454-9454, info@acton.org

+ Evangelical Theological Society, 2825 Lexington Road, Box 927, Louisville, Kentucky 40280, 502-897-4387, Fax : 502-897-4386, Contact Page


[9] 2011 Confessional Presbyterian Scheduled for Release

The 2011 Confessional Presbyterian is scheduled to be released in late November 2011.

A list of the contents is available at:

http://www.cpjournal.com/2011/05/the-confessional-presbyterian-7-for-2011/


+ Naphtali Press, Post Office Box 141084, Dallas, Texas 75214, naphtali@naphtali.com

9 November 2011

Presbyterians Week Headlines

[1] Church of Scotland Minister Joined by Free Church of Scotland Moderator and Roman Catholic Priest Lead Ecumenical Service at October 2011 Gaelic Music Festival

[2] PCUSA’s Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary to Go Tuition Free in 2015 for Master’s Degree Students

[3] November 2011 Reformation Voice Available for Download

[4] Children’s Book The Quest for Comfort: The Story of the Heidelberg Catechism by William Boekestein is Published by Reformation Heritage Books

[5] Trinity Foundation Announces 2011 Christian Worldview Essay Contest Winners

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[1] Church of Scotland Minister Joined by Free Church of Scotland Moderator and Roman Catholic Priest Lead Ecumenical Service at October 2011 Gaelic Music Festival

An October 2011 article in the Hebrides News titled “Main Mod Events” reports that the ecumenical church service for the 2011 Western Isles Royal National Mod, a Gaelic music festival, held Sunday 16 October 2011 at Martins Memorial Church (Church of Scotland) (COS) in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland, was led by COS minister the Rev. Iain M. MacDonald of Cross Church of Scotland in Ness, Isle of Lewis, Scotland, and assisted by the current Free Church General Assembly moderator of the Free Church of Scotland the Rev. James MacIver and by Roman Catholic priest Father Calum MacLellan of Eriskay, Scotland.


+ Hebrides News, Box 100, Stornoway, Scotland HS1 2YZ, info@hebrides.biz

+ Church of Scotland, 121 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4YN, Scotland, 0131-225-5722

+ 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


[2] PCUSA’s Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary to Go Tuition Free in 2015 for Master’s Degree Students

Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (LPTS) (Presbyterian Church (PCUSA)) announced 4 November 2011 that the school will not charge tuition for students in its master’s degree programs in divinity, marriage and family therapy, and religion beginning in 2015. LPTS’s yearly tuition is currently around US$10,200.


+ Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, 888-728-7228, Fax: 502-569-8005

+ Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, 1044 Alta Vista Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40205, 502-895-3411,Fax: 502-895-1096, lmarch@lpts.edu


[3] November 2011 Reformation Voice Available for Download

The November 2011 Reformation Voice is available for download at the Heidelberg Reformation Association website.


+ Heidelberg Reformation Association, Rev. Howard Sloan, Secretary, 5543 Business 220, Bedford, Pennsylvania 15522


[4] Children’s Book The Quest for Comfort: The Story of the Heidelberg Catechism by William Boekestein is Published by Reformation Heritage Books

The Heidelberg Catechism has been taught to children for hundreds of years, encouraging them to seek Christ as their true source of comfort. But how did this catechism get written? In The Quest for Comfort: The Story of the Heidelberg Catechism, William Boekestein and Evan Hughes combine history and art to retell the events that led to making the catechism. By sharing the stories of Caspar Olevianus, Zacharias Ursinus, and Frederick III and how they came to Heidelberg, children will gain a greater appreciation of the Christian faith as it is expressed in the Heidelberg Catechism.

The Quest for Comfort: The Story of the Heidelberg Catechism is available from Reformation Heritage Books for US$7.50 plus shipping charges.


+ Reformation Heritage Books, 2965 Leonard Street Northeast, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525, 616-977-0599, orders@heritagebooks.org


[5] Trinity Foundation Announces 2011 Christian Worldview Essay Contest Winners

The Trinity Foundation has announced the winners of the 2011 Christian Worldview Essay Contest.

The First Prize of $3000 plus 15 books goes to Emmanuel Cumplido of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, for his essay “Hope in the Midst of Despair: An Essay on Gordon Clark’s 1966 Wheaton Lectures”.

The Second Prize of $2000 plus 10 books goes to Ryan Hedrich of Lawrenceville, Georgia, for his essay “The Good Work of Philosophy”.

The Third Prize of $1000 plus 5 books goes to Racheal Parker of Greentown, Indiana, for her essay “Philosophical Contrast: Revelation versus the Vain Imaginations of Men”.

All entrants had to read the book Introduction to Christian Philosophy / “The Wheaton Lectures” (contained in Christian Philosophy and Clark and His Critics) by Dr. Gordon H. Clark and write an essay about the book.

The topic for the 2012 Christian Worldview Essay Contest is Without a Prayer: Ayn Rand and the Close of Her System by John W. Robbins.

Additionally, The Trinity Foundation has published For the King: The Trinity Review, 1999-2008 edited by John W. Robbins and Thomas W. Juodaitis, available for US$39.95, and under the current sale flyer - buy one get two free. For the King is The Trinity Foundation’s biggest book yet, 624 pages in 8 1/2 x 11 oversized cloth bound hardback. For the King is the third ten-year compilation of The Trinity Review. Against the World and Against the Churches were the first two.


+ The Trinity Foundation, Post Office Box 68, Unicoi, Tennessee 37692, 423-743-0199, Fax: 423-743-2005, tjtrinityfound@aol.com

2 November 2011

Presbyterians Week Headlines

[1] Christian Observer Highlights for November 2011

[2] Former Free Church of Scotland Minister Inducted 29 October 2011 into the Pastorate of a New Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland Congregation in Stornaway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland

[3] Church of Scotland Moderator Joins Syncretistic Group to Hear Pope Benedict XVI Speak in Assisi, Italy

[4] Presbyterian Church of Ghana Official Condemns British Prime Minister David Cameron’s Threat to Cut Aid to Countries that Do Not Accept Pro-Homosexual Legislation

[5] Burmese Army Targets Christian Civilians in War on Insurgents - Troops Attack Churches in Kachin State Conflict

[6] Influence of Muslim Brotherhood Within Obama Administration Exposed by Egyptian Writer Dr. Essam Abdallah

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[1] Christian Observer Highlights for November 2011

New articles in the Christian Observer for November 2011 include:

-- Grace Presbyterian Church (PCA) of Lexington, Virginia, Moves to New Building – by Christian Observer Managing Editor Bob Williams – Fifty-nine year-old Grace Presbyterian Church (PCA) of Lexington, Virginia, moves into their new church building after ten years of planning; and,

-- Sex Education and Homosexuality? – by Christian Observer Contributing Editor Dr. Joe Renfro – the Homosexual Agenda as it is being played out in the public schools, and the bullying being done by the homosexual lobby to anyone professing traditional Judeo-Christian tenets of human sexuality;

Plus, regular features including weekly Sabbath School Lessons and Westminster Shorter Catechism lessons by Christian Observer Assistant Editor Dr. Robert LaMay, and Daily Devotionals by T.M. Moore, dean of the Centurions Program of the Wilberforce Forum and principal of The Fellowship of Ailbe.

.
+ Christian Observer, Post Office Box 1371, Lexington, Virginia 24450, christianobserver@christianobserver.org


[2] Former Free Church of Scotland Minister Inducted 29 October 2011 into the Pastorate of a New Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland Congregation in Stornaway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland

A 31 October 2011 Stornoway Gazette article titled “Minister inducted to New Western Isles Church” reports that on 29 October 2011, former Free Church of Scotland (FCS) minister the Rev. David Karoon was inducted into the pastorate of a new Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland (RPCS) congregation in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland - the first RPCS congregation in the Western Isles of Scotland – and the first RPCS congregation in the Scottish Highlands since 1876.

Mr. Karoon left the FCS after the denomination voted to add uninspired hymns and instrumental music to what had been until then exclusive a capella psalmody.


+ Stornoway Gazette, 10 Francis Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis HS12XE, Scotland, 01851-702-687, newsdesk@stornowaygazette.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

+ Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland, c/o the Rev. Andrew Quigley, RPCS Clerk, Linden House, Westermavisbank Avenue, Airdrie, ML6 0HD Scotland, 01236-753971, SAndrewQ@aol.com


[3] Church of Scotland Moderator Joins Syncretistic Group to Hear Pope Benedict XVI Speak in Assisi, Italy

Church of Scotland Moderator the Right Reverend David Arnott joined with 300 religious leaders including Buddhists, atheists, humanists, Lutherans, Methodists, and a plethora of other nominal Christians and non-Christians in Assisi, Italy, as Roman Catholic Pope Benedict XVI led a day-long prayer service for world peace.

Mr. Arnott said: “It was a much bigger event on a world scale that any of us thought or imagined it would be and was a wonderful occasion. Repeatedly voices were heard condemning the link between violence and religion.

“True religion is the way of peace. True religion is peace. Not only were there people present from every world church and faith, the Pope had invited indigenous religions from Africa and also non-believers and humanists to take part.

“This was a splendid example of cross cultural co-operation and a paradigm for our own church, where we too need to embrace our society much more fully. We need to learn to co-operate with everyone at every level to build the community and society we wish in Scotland.”

Arnott also visited Rome as a guest of the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity.


+ Church of Scotland, 121 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4YN, Scotland, 0131-225-5722

+ The Vatican, Città del Vaticano, Rome, Italy, 39-6-69-88-35-11, Fax: 39-6-69-88-54-47, Contact Page


[4] Presbyterian Church of Ghana Official Condemns British Prime Minister David Cameron’s Threat to Cut Aid to Countries that Do Not Accept Pro-Homosexual Legislation

A 1 November 2011 Ghana Broadcasting Corporation article titled “Ghana: British PM Under Attack for Gay Rights Comments” reports that the Rev. Dr. Bugri Nagbo, Northern Regional Chairman of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, has condemned recent comments of British Prime Minister David Cameron threatening to cut off aid to countries that do not accept pro-homosexual legislation.

Dr. Nagbo said that Ghana is a decent and well-behaved country, and that it is imperative that Ghana maintain its sovereignty and not kowtow to pressures to exchange legislation for money. He called for all political parties, religious organizations, and youth groups to stand against such ungodliness, as acquiescence to these pressures will doom the country of Ghana.

Dr. Nagbo additionally said that countries that offer aid to developing countries in exchange for discarding their cultural values, are engaging in racism and in bullying behavior. He too advised the government of Ghana to disregard the comments of the British Prime Minister, as the government would lose its popularity if they were to enact pro-homosexual legislation in exchange for foreign aid money.


+ Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Post Office Box GP 1633, Accra, Ghana, 233-21-786567, Fax: 233-21-773247, dg@gbcghana.com

+ Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Post Office Box GP 1800, Accra, Ghana, 233-21-662511, Fax: 233-21-665594, pcghg@yahoo.com


[5] Burmese Army Targets Christian Civilians in War on Insurgents - Troops Attack Churches in Kachin State Conflict

By Michael Ireland
Senior Correspondent, ASSIST News Service

NEW DELHI, INDIA (ANS) -- Compass Direct News (CDN) reports that a recent attack on Christians and church buildings by Burmese soldiers in Kachin state showed that Christian civilians are targeted in the military offensive against insurgents.

“Targeting of Christians is not unusual in Burma’s conflict zones,” Nawdin Lahpai, editor-in-chief of the Kachin News Group, told Compass by phone, referring to the Oct. 16 military firing at a church, detention of a priest and four parishioners, and burning of church property in Kachin state.

“The incident reflects the long-time policy of the Buddhist-Burman-majority Burmese government, which discriminates against the ethnic Christian minority,” Lahpai said.

CDN explains that about 90 percent of the roughly 56 million people in Burma (also known as Myanmar) are Buddhist, mostly from the Burman ethnic group.

CDN stated that armed and unarmed ethnic Kachins have struggled for independence or autonomy from successive military-led regimes for decades.

Compass also stated that in the Oct. 16 attack, about 150 soldiers stormed Nam San Yang village in the Daw Phung Yang area of Bhamo District in Kachin state, which borders China, according to Mizzima, a Delhi-based news organization run by Burmese journalists.

Compass added that members of a Catholic church who were preparing for Sunday mass heard gunfire and saw soldiers approaching them. They lay on the ground as the army men opened fire at them. No one was hurt.

The soldiers caught Catholic priest Jan Ma Aung Li and four other men. “They said that all males in the village were people’s militiamen and KIO staff,” Mizzima quoted Aung Li as saying.


+ Assist USA, Post Office Box 609, Lake Forest, California 92609, 949-380-1558, danjuma1@aol.com

+ Compass Direct News Service, Post Office Box 27250, Santa Ana, California 92799, 949-862-0304, Fax: 949-752-6536, info@compassdirect.org


[6] Influence of Muslim Brotherhood Within Obama Administration Exposed by Egyptian Writer Dr. Essam Abdallah

NEW YORK, Nov. 1, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Dr. Essam Abdallah, an Egyptian liberal intellectual, today stated in his article published on FamilySecurityMatters.org's website, that the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), Hamas, Hezbollah, the Iranian regime and the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Syria, Tunisia, Libya and Jordan now comprise what is becoming the greatest Islamist radical lobby ever to penetrate and infiltrate the White House, Congress, the State Department and the main decision making centers of the US government.

Dr. Abdallah says that “all of this is happening at a time when the US government is going through its most strategically dangerous period in modern times because of its need to confront the Iranian Mullahs regime, which is expanding in the Middle East, as well as penetrating the United States, via powerful and influential allies.” He also points out that Islamist dominance is spreading throughout the Mediterranean, and then makes the explosive charge that “These developments wouldn't have happened without the approval of the United States.”

Dr. Abdallah also points out that, at the same time, the visit of Maronite Patriarch (the Maronites are an Eastern rite Catholic Church) Rahi to Washington was canceled while Coptic Christian churches are being destroyed in Egypt, and “Coptic demonstrators are massacred at Maspero in Cairo by the Egyptian military, demonstrating that the goal is to suppress Christians in the Middle East, who are...paying a high price for the revolts of the Arab Spring.” Millions of Iraqi and Middle Eastern Christians are fleeing their homelands as a result of events in Iraq, and some are even facing not only ethnic cleansing but a form of genocide.

In commenting on Dr. Abdallah's article, Carol Taber, President of FamilySecurityMatters.org, said this. “My question to this administration is "Who has orchestrated this mishandling of Middle Eastern policy in a manner that is so dangerous to the interests of the United States? Why do we seem to be siding with Islamist forces that are dedicated to the Islamization of the Middle East, and not to other elements and people who are dedicated to those values America holds dear? And why?”


+ Christian News Wire, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20006, 202-546-0054, newsdesk@christiannewswire.com

+ Family Security Foundation, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue, Northwest, #298, Washington DC 20006, Renee@FamilySecurityMatters.org

26 October 2011

Presbyterians Week Headlines

[1] Bibles for Russia Founder Alfred McCroskey, 76, Dies 18 October 2011

[2] ARP Second Presbytery Fall 2011 Meeting Characterized as “a Garish Hudibrastic Burlesque of Presbyterianism”

[3] Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary 2012 Conference ‘Rejoicing in Growth: Church Planting & Evangelism’ Scheduled 13-14 January 2012

[4] Former Hindu and Physician Writes Book about Dying PCA Pastor’s Wife whose Witness God Used to Lead Him to Salvation in Jesus Christ

[5] Vatican Calls for World Economic Governance to Overcome “Idolatry of the Market”

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[1] Bibles for Russia Founder Alfred McCroskey, 76, Dies 18 October 2011

Alfred McCroskey, who founded Bibles for Russia, Inc. (BFRI) in 1988, died 18 October 2011 at age 76.

BFRI is a Christian foreign missions board, specializing in taking short-term mission teams to "plant and grow churches" across the former Soviet Union. In January 2010, the goal set in 1988 by BFRI of planting 1000 new churches was reached. Along the way, and in cooperation with local churches, BFRI additionally ministers to orphans, street children, prisoners, school children and their teachers, hospital and mental institution patients, “unreached people groups,” unsaved young people, and students preparing for Christian ministry.

Mr. McCroskey’s funeral was held 22 October 2011 in Florence, Alabama. He is survived by his wife Jean, and sons Mark and David McCroskey.


+ Bibles for Russia, Inc., Post Office Box 69, Florence, Alabama 35631, 256-718-3660, Fax: 256-718-3662, info@biblesforrussia.org


[2] ARP Second Presbytery Fall 2011 Meeting Characterized as “a Garish Hudibrastic Burlesque of Presbyterianism”

ARPTalk(51.1), titled “An Open Letter to the “Star Wars’ Cantina Presbytery” (Second Presbytery),” was published by the Rev. Dr. Chuck Wilson on 20 October 2011as a review of the 11 October 2011 Fall 2011 Stated Meeting of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARP)’s Second Presbytery. After attending this meeting, Dr. Wilson concluded that an earlier characterization of Second Presbytery he had felt was “cutting sarcasm,” that being “The Star Wars’ Cantina Presbytery,” was in fact an accurate description of Second Presbytery because the 11 October meeting demonstrated that the presbytery is “a gallimaufry of various blends and shades of strangeness that makes Second Presbytery a caricature of a presbytery that is then a caricature of itself – a garish Hudibrastic burlesque of Presbyterianism!”

Dr. Wilson’s descriptive came about as a result of presbytery deliberations upon a memorial presented by three Second Presbytery churches asking for an investigation of four Second Presbytery Elders that are directors of the Erskine College Foundation (ECF), an organization formed after the March 2010 “Snow Synod” to support efforts by Erskine College partisans against the ARP General Synod, and whether or not the elders’ involvement in the ECF is in violation of their ordination vows as Elders in the ARP Church.

Dr. Wilson describes the emotions against the memorial as verging on “hysteria,” and the “performance by Mr. Neely Gaston, former Executive Vice President of ETS, [being] the most bizarre show of the day….[as with] a red face, neck veins bulging, and voice warbling, [Gaston] once again declared the actions of the “Snow Synod” illegal as he attempted to read page-after-page from South Carolina law.”

Dr. Wilson describes several other occurrences including an ARP pastor who read an e-mail from President David Norman and Erskine Board of Trustees Chairman Joe Patrick to the presbytery stating that the matter of the ECF was an Erskine matter and informing the presbytery that those at Erskine were dealing with it. No one seemed to notice that what the pastor did was a violation of presbytery’s protocol and “out of order.” Dr. Wilson writes “the audacity of the action was such that everyone was caught by surprise. Likewise, at the time, no one seemed to notice that Erskine matters took precedence over and trumped Second Presbytery in the oversight of its own house. In fact, Erskine (the tail of the dog) wagged the dog (the church).”

Dr. Wilson described three “extraordinarily distressing issues that arose from this debate that have been publicly demonstrated on the floor of Second Presbytery for all to see,” which included what he called “Erskinolatry,” summarized in Erskine partisans’scriptural addenda to the Ten Commandments: “(11) Thou shalt be nice”; and “(12) Thou shalt say no critical thing about Erskine no manner the depth of the evil, for in so doing our god is pushed over on his face.”” The second and third distressing issues were the presbytery’s obsession with “peacekeeping” to the exclusion of confessional integrity, and the level of ignorance of Presbyterian polity demonstrated by Elders from the two churches attended by the subject ECF directors.

Dr. Wilson concluded ARPTalk(51.1) with an illustrative story:

“When Raphael was painting his famous Vatican frescoes, a couple of cardinals stopped by to watch the master and criticize his work. “The face of the Apostle Paul is too red,” said one of the churchmen. Raphael retorted, “Paul blushes to see into whose hands the church has fallen.””


+ ARPTalk Blog, 864-882-6337,wilson6114@bellsouth.net

+ Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, 1 Cleveland Street Suite 110, Greenville, South Carolina, 29601, 864-232-8297, Fax: 864-271-3729

+ Erskine College, 2 Washington Street, Due West, South Carolina 29639, 864-379-2131, 864-379-2167, norman@erskine.edu


[3] Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary 2012 Conference ‘Rejoicing in Growth: Church Planting & Evangelism’ Scheduled 13-14 January 2012

The Second Annual Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary Lecture Series, ‘Rejoicing in Growth: Church Planting & Evangelism’ is scheduled for 13-14 January 2012 at the seminary in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

The program includes:

SPEECHES - Friday, 13 January 2012 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

-- Rev. Henk Drost – “Spreading the seed of the Word: Reformed Foundations for Evangelism”

-- Rev. Ross W. Graham – “Reformed Church Planting in the 21st Century”

-- Rev. Henk Drost – “Developing Missionary-Minded Congregations”

-- Rev. Ted Van Raalte – “Motivating Reformed Churches to Multiply: The 2011 Metro Vancouver Church Planting Initiative”

SEMINAR SESSIONS - Saturday, 14 January 2012 (8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)

-- Rev. Ross W. Graham – “Six Things to Remember about Planting a Reformed Church”

-- Rev. Ted Van Raalte – “Practical Steps for Church Planting in Urban Centers: Lessons from the Reformation”

-- Rev. Jim Witteveen – “The Prince George Canadian Reformed Mission Project”

-- Rev. John van Popta - Reaching your Neighbours: Evangelism and Video Programs

Further information and registration for the conference is available at:

http://www.canadianreformedseminary.ca/general/2012_conference.html


+ Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary, 110 West 27th Street, Hamilton, Ontario L9C 5A1, Canada, 905-575-3688, Fax: 905-575-0799

+ Canadian Reformed Churches, comments@canrc.org


[4] Former Hindu and Physician Writes Book about Dying PCA Pastor’s Wife whose Witness God Used to Lead Him to Salvation in Jesus Christ

Nationally renowned oncologist Dr. Kashyap Patel, MD, has treated thousands of patients over the years, but none quite like Anne Sanford. Despite having had a number of patients who fought cancer with grace and bravery, in Anne he found such a remarkable spirit that it affected his own outlook on medicine and his religious views.

Once a Hindu, a near death experience prompted Dr. Patel to investigate what gave some patients genuine acceptance of suffering. After delving into his meticulous patient journals, he found his answer in Anne, the wife of a church pastor in Rock Hill, South Carolina, whose astonishing faith during virulent leukemia awakened his own faith. “I found her story so touching that with the blessing of Anne’s family, I decided to share it with the entire world so that all could feel the wonder Anne inspired in those around her,” explains Dr. Patel.

Anne’s husband is the Rev. Dr. Shelton Sanford, pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church (Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)) in Rock Hill, South Carolina, a position he’s held for twenty-five years. “In the providence of God, she was called to suffer with an aggressive form of leukemia,” says Dr. Sandford. “Upon Anne’s diagnosis, her greatest desire was to be a faithful witness to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Anne’s witness has continued long after her death as is evident by the content of this book.”

According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, more than 43,000 people developed leukemia in 2010 and, like Anne, it’s a battle many do not win.

Raindrops to an Ocean: The Amazing Last Days of Anne Sanford (Ambassador International; October 2011; US$12.99/softcover) explains the profound, eternal impact a pastor’s wife had on her doctor.


+ Ambassador International, 427 Wade Hampton Boulevard, Greenville, South Carolina 29609, 864-235-2434, Fax: 864-235-2491, info@emeraldhouse.com

+ Presbyterian Church in America, 1700 North Brown Road, Suite 105, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043, 678-825-1000, Fax: 678-825-1001, ac@pcanet.org


[5] Vatican Calls for World Economic Governance to Overcome “Idolatry of the Market”

A 24 October 2011 update of a Reuters article by Philip Pullella titled “Vatican Calls for Global Authority on Economy, Raps “Idolatry of the Market”” reports that on 23 October 2011, the Vatican's Justice and Peace department issued an eighteen-page document titled “Towards Reforming the International Financial and Monetary Systems in the Context of a Global Public Authority,” which calls for global governance of the world’s economy and a “central world bank” to rule over the world’s financial institutions.

The document condemned what it calls “the idolatry of the market” and “neo-liberal thinking” which considers only technical solutions to economic problems, when “behaviours like selfishness, collective greed, and hoarding of goods on a great scale,” are the actual problem. The document additionally stated that global economics need an “ethic of solidarity” among rich and poor nations.


+ Reuters, 3 Times Square, New York, New York 10036, 646-223-4000, general.info@thomsonreuters.com

+ The Vatican, Città del Vaticano, Rome, Italy, 39-6-69-88-35-11, Fax: 39-6-69-88-54-47, Contact Page

19 October 2011

Presbyterians Week Headlines

[1] WWI Presbyterian Chaplain Awarded Commonwealth of Virginia’s Highest Decoration

[2] Bible Scholar Dr. Joel M. Hoffman Claims All English Bible Translations Are Flawed

[3] Crystal Cathedral Creditors Committee Sues Schuller Family Members and Other Insiders for Allegedly Questionable Financial Dealings

[4] Washington State Federal District Judge Orders Release of Names of 137,500 Petitioners for 2009 Repeal of Same-Sex Marriage Law

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[1] WWI Presbyterian Chaplain Awarded Commonwealth of Virginia’s Highest Decoration

Ninety-Three years after Virginia National Guard (VNG) Chaplain 1^st Lieutenant Thomas McNeill Bulla died from combat wounds received while rescuing wounded soldiers in ‘no man’s land’ in WWI’s Meuse-Argonne Offensive in France, family members on behalf of the heroic chaplain received the Commonwealth of Virginia’s highest decoration, the Virginia Distinguished Service Medal, at a 17 October 2011 ceremony at the First Presbyterian Church (Presbyterian Church (PCUSA)) in Emporia, Virginia.

After attending Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia, Bulla in 1911 became the pastor of First Presbyterian Church until WWI when he volunteered to be a chaplain in the VNG. As a member of the VNG 29th “Blue and Gray” Division, 1^st Lt. Bulla sailed to France in June 1918. On 8 October 1918, the 29^th Division began participation in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, where Chaplain Bulla began to repeatedly expose himself to enemy fire by entering ‘no man’s land’ to help wounded soldiers to safety. On 15 October 1918, Chaplain Bulla was struck by enemy fire while rescuing the wounded, and died from his wounds on 17 October 1918.

The VNG Public Affairs Office said of Chaplain Bulla’s actions: “This was duty neither required nor expected of an Army chaplain.” The U.S. Army has never recognized Chaplain Bulla for his sacrifice.


+ Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System, 3845 Pleasantdale Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30340, 877-384-3724, Fax: 678-421-6611, gbonaccorso@dvidshub.ne

+ Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, 888-728-7228, Fax: 502-569-8005

+ Union Theological Seminary-Presbyterian School of Christian Education, 3401 Brook Road, Richmond, Virginia 23227, 804-355-0671, Fax: 804-355-3919


[2] Bible Scholar Dr. Joel M. Hoffman Claims All English Bible Translations Are Flawed

Bible scholar and translator Dr. Joel M. Hoffman on 14 October 2011 published “Five Ways Your Bible Translation Distorts the Original Meaning of the Text” in the Huffington Post where he claims:

“From the Ten Commandments to the Psalms to the Gospels, English translations of the Bible distort the original meaning of the text: The Ten Commandments don't forbid coveting. Psalm 23 is not primarily about sheep or a shepherd. And God didn't give his only begotten son because he loved the world so much.”

Hoffman identifies etymology, internal structure, and cognates as the “three pillars” of Bible translation, warning that they “don't work very well.” He adds that historical translations and misunderstood metaphors further “degrade all English Bibles.” As a result, he writes, English Bible translations “conceal what the Bible originally meant.”


+ Christian News Wire, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20006, 202-546-0054, newsdesk@christiannewswire.com

+ Dr. Joel M. Hoffman, 718-834-1080, 815-642-4375, joel@lashon.net


[3] Crystal Cathedral Creditors Committee Sues Schuller Family Members and Other Insiders for Alleged Questionable Financial Dealings

A recent Los Angeles Times article by Nicole Santa Cruz titled “Crystal Cathedral Creditors Committee Sues Church Insiders” reports that the creditors committee for the Crystal Cathedral bankruptcy has filed suit against the Rev. Robert H. Schuller, members of his extended family, and other Crystal Cathedral insiders for allegedly questionable financial dealings that negatively affect the final settlement of the bankruptcy.

The creditors committee says that that Schuller family members borrowed US$10 million between 2002 and 2009 from an endowment fund, and continued receiving large salaries and benefits after the church began to struggle financially. Because of these actions, the creditors committee has proposed that Schuller family creditors be paid only after every other creditor is paid off in the bankruptcy settlement. Schuller family creditors want to be paid in the bankruptcy settlement at the same time as the other creditors.


+ Los Angeles Times, 202 West 1st Street, Los Angeles, California 90012, 213-237-5000, Fax: 213-237-7679, Contact Page

+ Reformed Church in America, 4500 60th Street Southeast, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512, 800-968-6065, questions@rca.org


[4] Washington State Federal District Judge Orders Release of Names of 137,500 Petitioners for 2009 Repeal of Same-Sex Marriage Law

An 18 October 2011 article by Karla Dial of CitizenLink titled “Judge: Washington Group Must Release Petition Names” reports that on 17 October 2011, U.S. District Judge Benjamin Settle of Tacoma, Washington, ruled that the 137,500 names of the people that signed Protect Marriage Washington (PMW)’s 2009 petition for Referendum 71, repeal of the Washington State same-sex marriage law, can now be publicized.

Homosexual activist Brian Murphy had threatened to put all the names on two searchable websites, whosigned.org and knowthyneighbor.org, to make it easier for others to harass them, so PMW had sought an exception to the Washington State law making all petition signatures a matter of public record.

The judge said PMW failed to show “serious and widespread threats, harassment, or reprisals” would be likely. Marriage advocates who witnessed the wave of harassment and even violence in California after a marriage protection amendment passed in 2008 said Settle’s ruling was “naïve.”

Ron Prentice of ProtectMarriage.com said:

“For the court to dismiss the potential for harassment and intimidation is ridiculous. Prentice added that California Proposition 8 advocates received “threatening phone calls to their home at all hours of the day and night and vandalized homes and cars….Businesses were called to protest their employment of so-called bigots and haters and even realtors had their open houses picketed. Places of worship were vandalized and services were interrupted by protesters…. In Washington, the democratic process will be significantly hindered as many people will not feel safe to simply sign their name in agreement with a moral cause for fear of retaliation. One hundred thirty-seven thousand people are frankly at risk, and the opposition doesn’t forget.”


+ Focus on the Family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80995, 800-232-6459

+ Protect Marriage Washington, Post Office Box 501, Arlington, Washington 98223, 360-631-1894, Contact Page

+ ProtectMarriage.com, 915 L Street, Suite C-259, Sacramento, California 95814, 916-446-2956, info@protectmarriage.com

+ U.S. District Judge Benjamin Settle, Union Station Courthouse, 1717 Pacific Avenue, Room 3100, Tacoma, Washington 98402, 253-882-3850, info@wawd.uscourts.gov

12 October 2011

Presbyterians Week Headlines

[1] PCUSA Ordains First Openly Homosexual Minister

[2] Thousands of U.S. Military Chaplains Refuse to Perform Homosexual Weddings

[3] Orthodox Presbyterian Church Seeks to Begin a Church in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

[4] PCA Pacific Northwest Presbytery Finds Teaching Elder Peter Leithart Not Guilty of Federal Vision Charges

[5] Ligonier Ministries Adds Three Series by R.C. Sproul, Sr., to Free Listening Selections

[6] GPTS to Present Lecture “The Religion of Radical Environmentalism: How to Overcome its Threats to You, Your Family, Your Church and Your Society” on 28 November 2011

[7] Liveprayer.com Founder Bill Keller Says Mormonism is a Cult and No More Christian Than Islam

[8] Secret U.S. Government Panel Places Americans on “Kill List”

---

[Editor’s Note: Presbyterians Week is late this week due to a deficit of thirty-hour days and ten-day weeks.]


[1] PCUSA Ordains First Openly Homosexual Minister

A 9 October 2011 Reuters article by Brendan O'Brien titled “Presbyterian Church Ordains First Gay Minister” reports that on Sunday, 9 October 2011, Scott Anderson was ordained as minister of the Covenant Presbyterian Church (Presbyterian Church (PCUSA)) in Madison, Wisconsin, becoming the first openly homosexual person to be ordained in the PCUSA.


+ Reuters, 3 Times Square, New York, New York 10036, 646-223-4000, general.info@thomsonreuters.com

+ Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, 888-728-7228, Fax: 502-569-8005


[2] Thousands of U.S. Military Chaplains Refuse to Perform Homosexual Weddings

An 11 October 2011 article by Giacomo on Godfather Politics titled “Thousands of Chaplains Refusing Pentagon Directive” reports that in response to a 30 September 2011 Pentagon directive to all military chaplains to perform same-sex weddings and to make military chapels available for same-sex weddings, both the Catholic Archdiocese for Military Service and the Chaplain Alliance for Religious Liberty issued statements that the chaplains represented by the organizations would not perform or participate in same-sex weddings.


+ Godfather Politics, Contact Page

+ Catholic Archdiocese for Military Service, 1025 Michigan Avenue Northeast, Washington DC 20017, 202-719-3600, Fax: 202-269-9022, archbishop@milarch.org

+ Alliance Defense Fund, 15100 North 90th Street, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260, 800-835-5233, Fax: 480-444-0025


[3] Orthodox Presbyterian Church Seeks to Begin a Church in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

A 6 October 2011 article by Iris Hersh in the Chambersburg Public Opinion titled “Orthodox Presbyterian seeks to Begin a Chambersburg Church” reports that Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) minister the Rev. John Mallin held a 7 October 2011 meeting at the Comfort Inn in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, concerning the start of an OPC church in Chambersburg.

Mr. Hersh reported that: “The denomination's doctrinal standards are the Westminster confession of faith and cataclysms.” (emphasis ed.)

The editor, who enjoys a good malapropism far more than is prudent, discovered early in his Christian walk that the Westminster Catechisms actually were cataclysmic, as the catechisms completely demolished the false doctrines the editor had learned as a child.

Additionally, the editor believes that spell checkers will be the dearth of us all.


+ Chambersburg Public Opinion, 77 North 3rd Street, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania 17201, 717-264-6161, Contact Page

+ The Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 607 North Easton Road, Building E, Box P, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania 19090, 215-830-0900, Fax: 215-830-0350


[4] PCA Pacific Northwest Presbytery Finds Teaching Elder Peter Leithart Not Guilty of Federal Vision Charges

A 7 October 2011 article by Don Clements in The Aquila Report titled “PCA’s Pacific Northwest Presbytery Finds TE Peter Leithart Not Guilty of Federal Vision Charges” reports that a 7 October 2011 trial by the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)’s Pacific Northwest Presbytery found Teaching Elder Peter Leithart not guilty of five charges related to Leithart’s alleged promulgation of Federal Vision theology.


+ The Aquila Report, c/o Metokos Press, 211 Main Street, Suite 108, Narrows, Virginia 24124, 540-726-8223, operations@theaquilareport.com

+ Presbyterian Church in America, 1700 North Brown Road, Suite 105, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043, 678-825-1000, Fax: 678-825-1001, ac@pcanet.org

[5] Ligonier Ministries Adds Three Series by R.C. Sproul, Sr., to Free Listening Selections

Ligonier Ministries has added three more of R.C. Sproul, Sr.’s teaching series to the Ligonier website’s free listening selections:

-- Pleasing God

-- The Mystery of the Trinity

-- The Last Days According to Jesus


+ Ligonier Ministries, 400 Technology Park, Lake Mary, Florida 32746, 407-333-4244, Fax: 407-333-4233


[6] GPTS to Present Lecture “The Religion of Radical Environmentalism: How to Overcome its Threats to You, Your Family, Your Church and Your Society” on 28 November 2011

On 28 November 2011 at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Taylors, South Carolina, Dr. E. Calvin Beisner, founder and national spokesman for the Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation, will present a lecture on “The Religion of Radical Environmentalism: How to Overcome its Threats to You, Your Family, Your Church and Your Society” at 7 p.m. in Room 209 of the seminary. The Cornwall Alliance is a coalition of clergy, theologians, religious leaders, scientists, academics, and policy experts committed to bringing a balanced Biblical view of stewardship to the critical issues of environment and development.

Dr. Beisner is an author and speaker on the application of the Biblical world view to economics, government, and environmental policy. He has published more than ten books and hundreds of articles, contributed to or edited many other books, and been a guest on television and radio programs. A ruling elder in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, he has spoken to churches, seminars, and other groups around the country for nearly twenty years. Dr. Beisner has testified before Congressional committees as an expert witness on environmental matters.

+ Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, 200 East Main Street, Post Office Box 690, Taylors, South Carolina, 29687, 864-322-2717, Fax: 864-322-2719, info@gpts.edu

+ The Cornwall Alliance, 9302-C Old Keene Mill Road, Burke, Virginia 22015, 703-569-4653, Contact Form

+ The Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 607 North Easton Road, Building E, Box P, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania 19090, 215-830-0900, Fax: 215-830-0350


[7] Liveprayer.com Founder Bill Keller Says Mormonism is a Cult and No More Christian Than Islam

Bill Keller, founder of 2.4 million-subscriber LivePrayer.com, is calling on Mormon cult member Mitt Romney to quit lying about being a Christian. Keller made national news in 2007 for saying, “a vote for Romney is a vote for Satan!” Keller has demanded that Mormon Presidential candidate Mitt Romney quit lying to people that he is a Christian.

Keller applauds First Baptist Dallas Pastor Robert Jeffress for caring enough about the eternal souls of men to publicly state the truth that Mormonism is a cult. Keller says, “The fact is, the beliefs and teachings of the satanically inspired Mormon cult are totally inconsistent with Biblical Christianity. Romney and Mormons use the words 'god' and 'jesus,' yet the god and jesus of the Mormon cult are NOT the God and Jesus of the Bible! They view the Bible as a flawed and incomplete book usurped by the writings of their cults founder, Joseph Smith, who history shows was a racist, pedophile, polygamist, and murder!”

Keller continues, “Mormon doctrine teaches their 'god' used to be a human who rose to god-like status, just like Romney and all Mormons believe they will too after their death. The 'jesus' of the Mormon cult is the natural offspring of their 'god' Elohim who had sex with Mary, meaning their 'jesus' is a created being and NOT a deity as the Bible teaches, and is the brother of Lucifer.”

Keller concludes, “I could care less what fantasies Romney and those in his cult choose to believe, but I do care that they lie to people saying they are a Christian, when a person who believes in the teachings of the Mormon cult are no more a Christian than a Muslim is. Most appalling are prominent Christians who have sold out the faith to help Romney and other Mormons perpetuate their lie that they are Christians, aiding that cult to lead ignorant souls to hell for eternity.”

Keller said that he is not worried about being politically correct since at stake are the eternal souls of men, saying “According to the Bible, not Bill Keller, those who believe in a false Gospel like the Mormon's teach, will die and be in hell for all eternity.”

Keller has challenged Romney and another high profile member of the Mormon cult, Glenn Beck, to a public debate about Mormon doctrine, but those challenges have gone unanswered since “they will never publicly debate a Christian theologian about what their cult teaches since it would stop their ability to lie to the public that they are a Christian.”


+ Christian News Wire, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20006, 202-546-0054, newsdesk@christiannewswire.com

+ Liveprayer.com, 6660 46th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33709, Contact Page

+ Mormon Temple, 50 East North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150, 801-240-2640, Fax: 801-240-1550, Contact Page


[8] Secret U.S. Government Panel Places Americans on “Kill List”

A 5 October 2011 Reuters article by Mark Hosenball titled “Secret Panel Can Put Americans on ‘Kill List’” reports that a secret panel of senior U.S. government officials determines what U.S. citizens should be put onto a kill or capture list; said list then being given to the U.S. President.

The panel is a subset of the White House’s National Security Council.

Kill List member and Islamic militant Anwar al-Awlaki was killed in late September 2011 in Yemen by a U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) drone strike.


+ Reuters, 3 Times Square, New York, New York 10036, 646-223-4000, general.info@thomsonreuters.com

5 October 2011

Presbyterians Week Headlines

[1] New Christian Observer Articles for October 2011

[2] Free Ebook “The Book of Revelation Made Easy” by Kenneth L. Gentry Offered by Nicene Council

---

[1] New Christian Observer Articles for October 2011

New articles in the Christian Observer for October 2011 include:

-- Should Cornerstone Ministries Investments Have Existed? – Part Two – by Bob Wildrick – In Part Two of a three-part series, Cornerstone Ministries Investments, Inc. (CMI), creditor Bob Wildrick reviews the twenty-five year relationship between the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and the now Chapter 11 bankrupt CMI and its predecessors, by examining PCA, federal, state, and bankruptcy court documents, along with CMI publications and letters, to further illustrate how the PCA facilitated and still facilities CMI’s “[US]$142 million Ponzi Scheme” that defrauded 3500 investors;

-- The Masks of Pluralism in Public Education – by Christian Observer Contributing Editor Dr. Joe Renfro – examines how the secular humanists of the public education establishment use the mask of pluralism to seemingly promote Islam and other religions, with the actual goal of diluting and marginalizing Christianity and Judeo-Christian values;

Plus, regular features including weekly Sabbath School Lessons and Westminster Shorter Catechism lessons by Christian Observer Assistant Editor Dr. Robert LaMay, and Daily Devotionals by T.M. Moore, dean of the Centurions Program of the Wilberforce Forum and principal of The Fellowship of Ailbe.

.
+ Christian Observer, Post Office Box 1371, Lexington, Virginia 24450, christianobserver@christianobserver.org



[2] Free Ebook “The Book of Revelation Made Easy” by Kenneth L. Gentry Offered by Nicene Council

A free ebook, “The Book of Revelation Made Easy” by Kenneth L. Gentry, is being offered by the Nicene Council at the following URL:

http://puritanrising.com/


+ Nicene Council, Box 411, Draper, Virginia 24324, 866-735-9582,
admin@nicenecouncil.com