NFL Cracks Down on Church Super Bowl Parties
http://www.newsmax.com/insidecover/church_super_bowl/2008/02/01/69382.html
The National Football League is cracking down on churches that have traditionally aired the Super Bowl on big-screen TVs, saying the practice violates the NFL copyright.
“There’s a part of me that says, ‘Gee, doesn’t the NFL have enough money already?’” said Steven Holley, executive pastor of Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield, Mo., which has aired the big game in past years.
Noting that bars are permitted to air the game on big-screen TVs, he added: “It just doesn’t make sense.”
The NFL bans public exhibitions of its games on TV screens larger than 55 inches because smaller sets limit the audience size, the Washington Post reports.
The federal copyright law dealing with the NFL exempts sports bars, according to NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy. He said the ban against other uses of the game is in place because large Super Bowl gatherings lower TV ratings and can affect ad revenue.
In the past, Super Bowl gatherings in churches have replaced halftime show with Christian DVDs and prayer, as churches “use the event as a way to reach members, and potential new members, in a non-churchlike atmosphere,” the Post observes.
John Whitehead, president of the Rutherford Institute — a civil liberties group in Virginia — is seeking sponsors for federal legislation to exempt churches from the big-screen ban.
Dr. Dobson: I Will Never Vote for McCain
http://www.newsmax.com/insidecover/Dobson_vote_McCain/2008/02/01/69333.html
While John McCain has risen to the top of the heap among contenders for the Republican presidential nomination, Focus on the Family founder James Dobson remains adamant that he will not support McCain’s bid for the White House.
Dobson, one of the nation’s most influential evangelical Christians, declared more than a year ago that he wouldn't support McCain under any circumstances, saying McCain didn't support traditional marriage values.
A Dobson spokesman told the New York Times’ David Kirkpatrick Wednesday that he stood by that position, and as a matter of conscience could never vote for the Arizona Senator.
According to the paper, Dobson is joined by a slew of other prominent conservatives who oppose McCain on a number of issues:
Talk radio host Mark Levin urged visitors to the National Review’s Web site to “rally for Romney” to ward off a McCain win, saying: “Conservatives need to act now, before it is too late.”
Talker Rush Limbaugh told listeners on Thursday: “McCain is in a lot of these places not actually the Republican candidate. He is the candidate of enough Republicans, but [also] independents and moderates and probably even some liberals.”
Pat Toomey, president of the anti-tax organization Club for Growth, said in comments reported by the New York Times: “I have yet to see McCain make any attempts to reach out to free market conservatives.”
Conservatives fault McCain for voting against President Bush’s tax cuts and a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, and for supporting embryonic stem cell research, looser immigration rules and stricter environmental regulations.
Conservatives were particularly irked when McCain made a deal with Democrats to break a deadlock on judicial nominations, according to the Times.
Anger over that compromise was rekindled this week when Wall Street Journal columnist John Fund wrote that McCain had privately criticized Bush’s Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito because “he wore his conservatism on his sleeve.” The McCain campaign denied that report.
Following McCain successes in early primary states, however, other conservatives are beginning to warm up to his campaign:
Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist, who previously opposed a McCain nomination, said: “He has moved in the right direction strongly and forcefully on taxes.”
Former McCain foe Tony Perkins, a prominent Christian conservative, told the Times: “I have no residual issue with John McCain,” adding the candidate needed to “better communicate” his stand on social issues.
Richard Land, an official with the South Baptist Convention, agreed, noting that McCain “is strongly pro-life.” He said: “When I hear Rush Limbaugh say that a McCain nomination would destroy the Republican Party, what I want to say to Rush is, ‘You need to get out of the studio more and talk to real people.’”
Huckabee: Romney Shifted on Key Issues
http://www.newsmax.com/politics/huckabee_romney/2008/02/01/69418.html
OKLAHOMA CITY -- Republican Mike Huckabee on Friday defended his previous remark that Mitt Romney didn't reach "political puberty" until recently, saying he was referring to his presidential rival's change of heart on key issues.
Speaking to 600 supporters jammed into a restaurant-bar in Oklahoma City, Huckabee said he has been consistent on issues dear to conservatives such as abortion, gun control and gay rights, while Romney has shifted his positions.
Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, was once "very pro-choice" and supported "strong positions for same-sex-relations," Huckabee said.
"He said on television that he would do more for the gay-lesbian agenda than Ted Kennedy. That's pretty bold. He said on television that he was not part of the Reagan Revolution, said that he was not part of that Reagan-Bush thing. That's on camera."
The former Arkansas governor, who acknowledged making the "political puberty" remark in a cable television interview, said Romney claims to be a gun rights supporter, but cannot be a "true Second Amendment" supporter because he supports an assault weapons ban.
"I think you can't just have a change of opinion on fundamental issues over and over and wait until you're running for president to do it," Huckabee said.
"To say you never thought about the origins of human life until you were nearly 60 years old, I find that hard to believe, even for someone who hadn't run for public office," he added.
Earlier Friday, Huckabee appealed to his Oklahoma supporters to spread the word that he is the most conservative candidate in the race and more attuned to their values.
After winning Iowa on Jan. 3, Huckabee has lost six straight nomination contests and his campaign is rapidly fading.
Romney _ who won Michigan, Wyoming and Nevada, but lost New Hampshire, South Carolina and Florida to John McCain _ expressed concern earlier this week that Huckabee will peel off enough conservatives to deprive him of victory over McCain in next week's Super Tuesday Republican nomination contests in 21 states.
"I think what will happen across the country is that conservatives will give a good thought to whether or not they want to hand the party's nomination over to Senator McCain. He has not been their champion over the last several years," Romney said the morning after losing Florida to McCain in a hard fought contest.
"I think there will be a movement within the Republican party to coalesce around a conservative candidate. Mike Huckabee, of course, might stay in, and that might be one of the reasons he does so is to try and split that conservative vote."
Two Christians Abducted and Beaten by Militants in Madhya Pradesh, India
http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion06827.shtml
Two men, Vijaya Kumar Maurya and Keera Lal, were abducted and beaten by Hindu militants in Madhya Pradesh on January 17, according to a January 22 report from Compass Direct.
At approximately 8:00 a.m., six armed men stormed a house church meeting in the village of Pathigaon and accused the believers present of forcibly converting Hindus. The militants demanded that Maurya and Lal accompany them to the police station. When other believers requested that they go along to the station, the militants beat Maurya and Lal and kidnapped them.
Both men were taken to a jungle, where they were beaten again. They were then taken to a nearby temple. The militants planned to sacrifice the two to the temple god, but decided not to do so after the police informed them that a complaint had been filed against them.
The militants forced Maurya and Lal to call the police and say that they had not been kidnapped and also forced them to sign a paper making the same claim. At approximately 8:00 p.m., both believers were released.
Pray for healing for Maurya and Lal, who both sustained serious injuries. Ask God to embolden Christians in India to proclaim the Gospel even while suffering.
For more information on the persecution facing Christians in India, go to www.persecution.net/country/india.htm.
Michael W. Smith, New Grandfather, Presents President's Volunteer Award to Children's Author
http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion06826.shtml
DALLAS -- As a member of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation-but most significantly as grandfather to a new baby girl-Michael W. Smith, Grammy and Dove Award-winning artist recently presented the President's award to volunteer Roberta Simpson. Simpson, a nana of nine and children's book author, used her acceptance remarks to hand Smith his own copy of "Nana's Bible Stories" as she sounded the call for grandparents to voluntarily read to their smallest grandchildren.
"Don't wait to be asked!" Simpson pled. "Bring books with you, pull a little one under your wing, and fly off to adventure." Today's grandparents are the last generation to grow up without television, Simpson said. "We have a special charge to connect love with love of reading."
And not just reading in general but the Bible in particular. "Lose bible literacy and you lose the key to Shakespeare and Milton, Beethoven and Bach, Rembrandt and Michelangelo, Christopher Wren . . . the list is nearly endless," Simpson said. Her "Nana's Bible Stories," featured in a recent USA Today story, is a collection of classics told from a child's perspective.
Smith already is a convert. "Roberta sees a need and moves toward it, heart, mind and soul. Her passion for both children and the Bible is evident throughout ' Nana's Bible Stories,'" he said. "I'll be reading it to my new granddaughter."
As a member of the President's Council, Smith joins leaders from the private and non-profit sectors, government, entertainment, education and athletics who share deep commitment to strengthening America's culture of volunteer service. President George W. Bush established the Council on Service and Civic Participation in January 2003, on the first anniversary of the USA Freedom Corps. Council members are charged to recognize Americans of all ages and backgrounds contributing through volunteer service.
Keep It Out of My Home -- Don't Undermine the Authority and Strength of the FCC
http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion06825.shtml
WASHINGTON In a previously aired episode of ABC's highly acclaimed and Emmy award-winning NYPD Blue, families across the nation were assaulted with the image of a nude female actress and a young boy on their television screens. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) received numerous complaints regarding this specific incident and today fined 52 ABC affiliates $27,500 per station for broadcasting obscene material.
Shari Rendall, Director of Legislation and Public Policy, said, "This complaint against ABC is one of many languishing at the FCC, and I am pleased that the agency finally took action to protect our families from viewing this filth."
In 2006, Congress acted to authorize the FCC to use its power to impose meaningful, punitive fines against broadcasters. The FCC's authority to keep the broadcast airwaves free of indecent and profane content has been crippled since CBS filed suit after receiving a $550,000 fine for the infamous Janet Jackson "wardrobe malfunction" during the 2004 Super Bowl.
"The FCC should be undeterred in its mission to enforce decency standards. Congress needs to restore the FCC's authority to protect American families held hostage to this onslaught of smut. Indecent broadcasters should not be allowed to determine what programming is appropriate for children particularly when their standards do not reflect the majority of American families," concluded Shari Rendall.
Concerned Women for America is the nation's largest public policy women's organization.
Awana Launches National Campaign to Tackle Crisis Among Today's U.S. Youth
http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion06824.shtml
ORLANDO, FL -- Awana, an international ministry that helps children and youth grow spiritually by learning to apply the Bible to their lives, has launched a national media campaign called Project Joseph to help kids, parents and churches work together to develop strong "spiritual champions" for Jesus Christ. The initiative was unveiled January 25 at the Children's Pastors Conference in Orlando, Fla.
The campaign is modeled after Joseph of the Old Testament, who maintained his faith in spite of challenging circumstances. It features a life map for growing kids spiritually that plots out critical milestones to raising a Modern Day Joseph, while allowing for the uniqueness of each child.
Joining Awana officials in making the announcement was Pat Williams, Senior Vice President of the Orlando Magic and author of a book about Joseph called Unsinkable. Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner provided videotaped remarks to open the event.
"The parallels between Joseph and today's youth are striking," Williams said. "I believe God has provided the ministry of Awana, with its global resources and nearly 60 years of experience, 'for such a time as this.'"
"Joseph is a spiritual champion who demonstrated integrity, courage, wisdom, forgiveness and faith. We believe there is great value in holding up such a flesh- and-blood example of what it means to follow Christ," added Jack Eggar, President and CEO of Awana. "Traditional approaches are not working -- it's time for a change."
Larry Fowler, Executive Director of Global Training for Awana and author of Rock-Solid Kids, presented an overview of the crisis among children and youth, citing studies that show one in two teens will abandon the church after high school. According to Fowler, too many 21st-century youth are looking like another young man who left home -- the prodigal son - - rather than Joseph as they enter adulthood.
"The culture of our churches and homes must change to reflect God's mandate that parents are first responsible for the spiritual training of children. The Joseph biography recorded in Genesis provides a model desperately needed by parents and children's and youth workers alike," said Fowler, whose new book, Raising a Modern-Day Joseph, will be available in February. He also announced results of an independent study of Awana alumni conducted in November 2007 by suburban Chicago-based CTCreative.
The study found Awana to be as important to a participant's spiritual foundation as the rest of the church's activities combined. "Young people who have been consistent in their Awana participation are more committed to the literal truth of Scripture and therefore are more firmly grounded in the fundamental doctrines of their faith," Fowler noted. The study also found that Awana has helped instill a servant's heart years beyond participation in the program. This is evidenced by findings that at every level, Awana alumni volunteer at much higher levels when compared to a national sample of those who do volunteer work in their churches.
For more information about Project Joseph, visit www.moderndayjoseph.org or call 877-HI- JOSEPH. Each week, more than a million children and youth are involved in Awana through 17,000 churches worldwide.
Awana is the only organization with fully integrated evangelism and discipleship programs for kids from ages 2 to 18 that actively involve parents, church leaders and mentors. For nearly 60 years, Awana has been a leader in children's ministry by helping children and youth know, love and serve Christ.
Abortion Opponents in 59 Cities Prepare 40-Day Campaign to Counter Impact of Roe v. Wade
http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion06823.shtml
WASHINGTON -- "As America marks the 35th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade U.S. Supreme Court ruling that imposed abortion on our nation, pro-life advocates in 59 cities across 31 states are preparing to launch the next wave of a unique nationwide pro-life campaign, 40 Days for Life," said David Bereit, national campaign director for 40 Days for Life. "From February 6 until March 14, people across America will join together for 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion, 40 days of constant, peaceful vigil outside abortion facilities and Planned Parenthood offices and 40 days of intensive pro-life community outreach."
The list of 40 Days for Life locations is posted online at: www.40daysforlife.com/location.html
The campaign dates of February 6 through March 16 coincide with the Christian season of Lent. "That's what local groups asked for," said Bereit. "Lent is a season of prayer, fasting, repentance and renewal. It is our prayer that the efforts of the thousands of people who will participate in 40 Days for Life in their home towns will touch hearts and minds, save lives -- and help mark the beginning of the end of abortion in America."
During the first nationally coordinated 40 Days for Life effort in the fall of 2007, communities from coast to coast took part in the initiative. "The results were staggering," said Bereit. "Over 100,000 people united in prayer and fasting, more than 22,000 people took to the streets to participate in peaceful prayer vigils outside abortion centers, abortion facilities experienced sharp setbacks -- some cutting back hours and others closing for days at a time -- and at least 340 innocent children were spared from death by abortion."
Even Planned Parenthood -- the nation's largest abortion chain -- noted the impact of 40 Days for Life during the first wave of the campaign. The organization circulated numerous "crisis" e-mail alerts to abortion advocates around the country, calling for their financial help to fight back against the pro-life campaign. Cecile Richards, national president of Planned Parenthood, described 40 Days for Life efforts as "unprecedented assaults," and the CEO of one large Planned Parenthood operation in New York wrote, "Planned Parenthood is under attack and we need your help to fight back! RIGHT NOW, THE LARGEST ANTI-CHOICE PROTEST WE'VE SEEN IN A VERY LONG TIME is taking place. An extremist group and its 40 Days for Life Campaign has launched a relentless attack on Planned Parenthood health centers" [emphasis included in original].
"Following the tremendous impact experienced during the first wave of 40 Days for Life, we can't wait to see what life-saving results will be accomplished from February 6 until March 16," said Bereit.
Russia sends bombers to Atlantic and Arctic
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/russia.sends.bombers.to.atlantic.and.arctic/16601.htm
Russia on Friday sent 12 air force bombers to take part in naval exercises over the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans, Itar-Tass news agency quoted a spokesman for Russia's air force as saying.
"Twelve long-range aircraft took off today to participate in the concluding phase of exercises with the Russian navy attack group," the Russian air force spokesman said.
He said the bomber group included two Tupolev Tu-160 strategic bombers, codenamed "Blackjack" by NATO, two turbo-prop Tu-95 strategic bombers, codenamed "Bear", and eight Tu-22 bombers.
On Thursday Russia sent eight air force bombers to train over international Arctic waters, testing its in-flight refuelling capacity and combined forces air traffic control with the navy.
Last month Russian warships and bombers took part in military manoeuvres off the Atlantic coast of France and Spain in what Moscow billed as its biggest navy exercise in the area since Soviet times.
Report: U.S. Military Unprepared for Attack
http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/315076.aspx
A recent report stated the U.S. military would not be ready if there was a catastrophic attack on the country.
The 400-page report from an independent commission found the National Guard and Reserves did not have enough "trained and ready forces" available to respond to a chemical, biological or nuclear attack. The report found there was "an appalling gap that places the nation and its citizens at greater risk."
The report also pointed to the strain on the U.S. military from fighting two wars and said the Pentagon must make the National Guard and Reserves a more integral part of the military.
It was also recommended that the Defense Department use soldiers to create an operational force that would be fully trained, equipped and ready to defend the nation.
In response, Air Force Gen. Gene Renuart, chief of U.S. Northern command, said the Pentagon is gathering a team that would do just that.
"The capability for the Defense Department to respond to a chemical, biological event exists now," Gen. Renuart said. "It, today, is not as robust as we would like because of the demand on the forces that we've placed across the country...but I could respond."
Renuart added that over the next year, specific active duty, Guard and Reserve units will be trained and assigned to a response force totaling about 4,000 troops that would include medical and logistics forces.
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