The 3 - February 24, 2013

This week's edition of "The 3" features a development in the tragic story of an American pastor being held in an Iranian prison - a letter that he was able to release to his wife and supporters.   Also, a young American sports legend attempted to avoid controversy and ended up eliciting more controversy this week.  Plus, the top story involves the passing of a legendary Bible teacher, author, and professor, who has taught and mentored a number of top Christian leaders.

3 - Pastor Saeed releases letter from Iranian prison

The eyes of Christians and some key political leaders across the nation are fixed on an American pastor who continues to languish in jail, where he faces brutal torture and pressure to renounce his faith in Jesus Christ.   According to the American Center for Law and Justice, the 32-year-old pastor, husband, and father was able to release a letter to his wife and supporters recently.

Pastor Saeed Abedini has now been imprisoned in Iran nearly five months.  He describes how the “the psychological warfare, a year of not seeing my family, physical violence, actions committed to humiliate me, insults, being mocked,” extremists and other bullying groups in Evin “create another prison within the prison walls.”

According to the ACLJ, Pastor Saeed acknowledges that the beatings and torture are designed to get him to recant his Christian faith – something he says he will never do.  “They are only waiting for one thing…for me to deny Christ,” he wrote. “But they will never get this from me.”

In one instance, a fellow cellmate “attacked” him because he was singing praise songs.

As Pastor Saeed writes, “It is during these harsh conditions, that I deeply need God’s Saving Grace so that I can be the fragrant scent of Christ in the dark house of Evin prison.”

Pastor Saeed’s wife, Naghmeh, told said that, "our worst fears have been confirmed...Saeed is an American citizen who is being pressured and falsely promised freedom if only he will deny his faith in Jesus. We have seen this tactic used in the past. Saeed will never recant his faith in Jesus - even if it means continued torture and abuse. Our primary concern is for his health and well-being with each passing day...The most important thing we can do is pray, continue to raise awareness of his case and continue to work for his freedom."

A petition drive has been launched by the ACLJ, asking the United Nations, European Union, and Council of Europe to mobilize their resources to require Iran to honor its treaties and its constitution.   You can find out more at www.savesaaed.org.

2 - Tebow announces withdrawal from Dallas church ceremony

First Baptist Church of Dallas scheduled 4 special speakers to celebrate the dedication of its new $130 million dollar facility in April.  As far as I know, three of the speakers - James Dobson, David Jeremiah and Jim Cymbala - are in.   One, as the result of false vilification of the host church and personal and professional concerns, apparently, is now - out.   Former Heisman Trophy winner and outspoken Christian Tim Tebow withdrew from the event in the a wake of sports media outcry about the football star speaking at a church that has been characterized as "anti-gay" and "anti-Semitic".   Tebow tweeted out Thursday morning:  "While I was looking forward to sharing a message of hope and Christ's unconditional love with the faithful members of the historic First Baptist Church of Dallas in April, due to new information that has been brought to my attention, I have decided to cancel my upcoming appearance."

Senior Pastor Robert Jeffress, who has been a guest several times on my radio show, was careful not to denigrate Tebow, but he was clearly concerned.  He told The Christian Post told that Tebow informed him in a telephone call Wednesday evening that he was backing out of speaking at the church in April. Tebow reportedly told Jeffress he "needed to lay low and steer clear of controversy" because of both personal and professional issues.  

The pastor says the media has made both he and his church out to be anti-Semitic, anti-gay and hate-filled.  He calls such reports a "complete mischaracterization," and says his beliefs are "hardly radical ideas."  He said, "Those have been mainstream Christian teachings for 2,000 years, and I believe the reason these statements are so controversial is not because the Word of God has changed, but because culture has changed."

He also says Tebow never expressed any concerns about the church's doctrine during their extensive conversations with one another.

"He never mentioned anything he disagreed with about our message at all, but he talked about the controversy, and I think it was related to what was going on in his professional career, and continues to go on," said Jeffress.

By the way, Pastor Jeffress received a standing ovation from his congregation as he stepped to the platform to speak on Sunday.  Todd Starnes of Fox News quoted Jeffress:

“It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve done — you can be forgiven of your sins if you trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior,” he told the church. “That’s not a message of hate — that’s a message of hope.”

Jeffress said he experienced a moment of personal revival during the controversy of the past week.

As long as I am the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Dallas — we are not going to kneel before the altar of political correctness and convenience,” he declared. “We’re going to stand up and boldly proclaim the grace of God and the truth of God without compromise — so help me God that is my commitment.”

So, you can't really regard Tebow's withdrawal as a rejection of traditional Christian teachings on the exclusivity of Christ and Biblical marriage.   His home congregation, First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, holds to the same beliefs, according to Mac Brunson, the Senior Pastor who once led First Baptist, Dallas.  He is quoted in the Baptist Press, citing the Florida Baptist Witness:  "We need to pray for Tim. I spoke with Timmy recently and he still believes deeply in the Gospel we all hold dear. As an NFL football player, God has blessed him with a platform to share the love of Jesus Christ with millions. He will address other issues in his time," Brunson said. "We need to pray for the good people and pastor at First Baptist Church of Dallas. They too have taken a courageous stand for our Lord," Brunson said. "Christ Himself told us that we would be hated by the world because the world hated Him. These are days to be bold for Christ and to love one another."

1 - Hendricks, professor and mentor to host of pastors and church leaders, passes away

For 60 years, Dr. Howard Hendricks served on the faculty of Dallas Theological Seminary.  He passed away on Wednesday at the age of 88.  He was highly regarded as a professor and mentor to a number of prominent Christian leaders.

Hendricks authored or co-authored some 23 books and taught more than 10,000 students. He also served as a chaplain of the Dallas Cowboys football team from 1976-1984.   According to a piece on the Christian Examiner website,  Rick Warren called Hendricks a “friend and mentor to so many of us” upon learn of his death.

Many of Hendricks' students went on to become even more well-known than he was. Among them: Tony Evans, David Jeremiah, Erwin Lutzer, Chuck Swindoll, and the aforementioned Robert Jeffress.

Chuck Swindoll, who is chancellor of  DTS and whose church will host the memorial service on Saturday, March 2nd, said Hendricks "is the one man who has had the greatest impact on my entire life. And there is no doubt in my mind that since the late 1950s to the present day, no other teacher at Dallas Seminary has been more influential to more of our graduates, or more magnetic to more potential students than Dr. Hendricks."

This is truly a man that was so dedicated to his students, and made significant deposits in the lives of his students.   He can be a source of inspiration to all of us as we seek to pour our lives into others, especially younger people, so that they might relate Christ to their generation.

The 3 - February 17, 2013

This week began with news out of Rome, as Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation.   That was no doubt the top story of the week.  And, the annual tradition that has its roots in the Catholic church but which has spread out to other people of faith, as well, began this week with Ash Wednesday.   And, the Lenten season also coincides with some other Christian efforts.   Another key story involves the attempt by the U.S. House of Representatives to change existing law that prohibits houses of worship from receiving Federal disaster aid.

3 - Ash Wednesday marks observance of various Christian efforts

This past Wednesday marked the beginning of a 40-day time period leading up to Easter Sunday known as Lent.   The season begins with Ash Wednesday and continues for 40 days, excluding Sundays.   Lent is characterized by an attitude of sacrifice, reflection, and repentance.    A variety of church traditions have incorporated Ash Wednesday and Lent into their practice leading up to Easter.

Also, there are concentrated efforts that track with the 40-day Lenten season.   One of these is "40 Days for Life", a pro-life effort devoted to bringing together the body of Christ in a spirit of unity during a focused campaign of prayer, fasting, and peaceful activism.  The purpose includes repentance, to seek God’s favor to turn hearts and minds from a culture of death to a culture of life, thus bringing an end to abortion.   The 40-day Fall Campaign last year resulted in 789 lives confirmed saved during the campaign, one Planned Parenthood abortion center closed down, and six workers leave the abortion industry.

This year's 40 Days for Life campaign is taking place in 261 locations across America.  In Alabama, that includes Auburn, Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile and Tuscaloosa.  The 40 Days for Life blog has a piece about a television feature done by Fox 6 in Birmingham, which interviewed Ed Carrick, the local 40 Days for Life coordinator.

The reporter noted that “this is going to be a peaceful movement with no yelling or screaming. They simply want to offer alternatives to abortions.”

Ed talked about his experiences when he first began praying outside the local abortion center.

“I watched as the women come out; they were pretty much devastated,” he said. “Some were in pain. They were definitely at a loss for why they were there and what’s happening to them.

“And I guess to see the pain and suffering in their face, I said I would really like to do something about this, so I kept coming.”

Ed added that churches in the Birmingham community have raised money to fund pro-life pregnancy centers so clients can be supported financially, spiritually, emotionally and medically.

Germantown, Maryland just started its fifth 40 Days for Life vigil outside a facility where LeRoy Carhart travels each week to perform late-term abortions.

According to several reports, 29-year-old Jennifer Morbelli arrived at the abortion center in Germantown from New York state on February 3.   She was also 33 weeks pregnant.  Jennifer was told her child had significant physical anomalies and she was advised to have an abortion.

Because of the very late stage of the pregnancy, the abortion was a multi-day procedure.  After 4 days, on February 7, she was taken to a hospital emergency room early in the morning...and died.

Michael Martelli, a 40 Days for Life leader who serves as director of the Maryland Coalition for Life, is calling on the state to close the abortion center and to suspend or revoke Carhart’s medical license. For now, the business remains open.

Maryland’s chief medical officer and the local police are investigating Jennifer’s death, at the same time when Maryland’s attorney general has just launched a criminal investigation of Carhart on an unrelated matter.

David Bereit, 40 Days for Life’s national director, attended the 40 Days for Life kickoff event in Germantown last fall — and met a baby who had been spared from abortion at Carhart’s facility.

The mother had showed up for her abortion appointment, but the building was not yet open. As people prayed on the sidewalk as part of 40 Days for Life, one of the volunteers asked the woman if she needed help. They directed her to the pro-life pregnancy resource center across the street, where she was told about the many support services available and encouraged to keep her baby.

And, not too far from Germantown, a Washington, DC pastor has initiated a prayer effort to coincide with Lent.  Mark Batterson, Senior Pastor of National Community Church, is the author of a book called, The Circle Maker, and according to the Christian Post, the Circle Maker prayer challenge is a 40 day emphasis on calling out to God.   Batterson says,

Prayer is much like a contract...Those who pray in the will of God and for His glory are creating binding contracts backed by Jesus Christ. It is as if God co-signs the contract, and when people pray together it is as if they are notarizing each other's prayers.

This is an initiative that can help call attention to the importance of prayer in our lives.  There are a variety of resources that can help facilitate spiritual growth during this season.  For instance, YouVersion.com has a Bible reading plan for Lent.   We can take advantage of this special time period to reflect and revitalize our walk with Jesus Christ.

2 - House passes bill allowing FEMA aid to churches affected by Superstorm Sandy

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill on Wednesday that would allow houses of worship to receive federal aid for damage resulting from Superstorm Sandy, as well as future disasters.

According to the Christian Post, the "Federal Disaster Assistance Nonprofit Fairness Act" was passed under suspension of the rules, which meant it needed a two-thirds vote for passage.  It easily met that threshold with 354 members voting in favor and only 72 voting against the bill. The bill will have to be passed in the Senate and signed by the president for it to become law.

The issue came to light after Hurricane Sandy.  Houses of worship were unable to receive the same federal assistance from FEMA as other non-profits who also were aiding victims after disaster.


Americans United for the Separation of Church and State had opposed the bill.  Spokesperson Vanessa Wolbrink wrote that, "Such funding would entangle religion and government by forcing taxpayers to fund religion with which they may not agree, violating the separation of church and state."

Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey contends that FEMA's policy is discriminatory:  "It's about those who helped feed, comfort, clothe and shelter tens of thousands of victims now being told they are ineligible for a FEMA grant. It is unconscionable that foundational pillars of our communities damaged by Sandy – synagogues, churches, mosques, temples and other houses of worship – have been categorically denied access to these otherwise generally-available relief funds. Current FEMA policy is patently unfair, unjustified and discriminatory and may even suggest hostility to religion."   It is hoped that such a strong sentiment on behalf of these houses of worship as expressed in the House vote will carry over to the Senate, as it takes up this bill.

1 - Pope Benedict announces resignation

It was a major piece of news that came unexpectedly and brought immediate, widespread response on Monday - the news that Pope Benedict XVI, who had served in that position since 2005, was resigning effective the end of February.   At the time of the announcement from the Vatican, the Pope was quoted as saying:

After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry.   I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering. However, in today’s world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the bark of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me.

According to UPI.com, on Sunday, the Pope appeared at his study window overlooking St. Peter's Square at 11 local time - during the appearance, Benedict urged followers to "renew" and "refocus" on God.
"The church calls on all its members to renew themselves ... which constitutes a fight, a spiritual battle, because the evil spirit wants us to deviate from the road towards God," he said.

At mid-week, the Pope presided over the traditional Ash Wednesday ritual.

Gregory Erlandson, president of Our Sunday Visitor Publishing, publisher of many of the pope’s books, shared some comments on the osv.com website.  He said that Pope Benedict...

...continued and made a centerpiece of his pontificate the New Evangelization first proclaimed by John Paul II. He saw clearly that the Church itself needed to be reinvigorated and renewed, and it was in this spirit that he assembled the recent synod of bishops in October.

He also wrote:

At the same time, he has been a great theologian pope, and he had his own agenda. During his eight-year pontificate, he used the Chair of Peter as a pulpit from which to address the challenges and the hopes of modern society. His three encyclicals, "God is Love," "In Hope We Are Saved" and "Charity in Truth," all spoke to his concerns, and revealed both a solicitude for modern men and women in the midst of immense cultural transformation and an unshakable faith that our hope remained always and essentially in Christ.

The resignation of the Pope is important to all Christians, according to John Stonestreet on Friday's Breakpoint commentary:

...If nothing else, the Catholic Church provides people with a Christian ideal to oppose. Or, to put it in biblical language, the Catholic Church, when it’s at its best, serves as a “sign of contradiction” to the dominant worldviews of our age.

As Russell Moore, a Baptist theologian, wrote in First Things, Benedict “stood against the nihilism that defines human worth in terms of power and usefulness.” He did this in his defense of then unborn and elderly life as well as marriage. And he did this by opposing the sexual revolution, religious persecution, and torture of prisoners...

Chuck Colson would have agreed with that assessment. And while Evangelicals share these concerns, we often tend to see them as a series of disconnected battles. We’ve missed something that connected them and provided a comprehensive alternative to the nihilism Moore mentions.

That “something” is the belief that human beings are created in the image of God. The culture-wide “dehumanization” that Benedict and his predecessor opposed is, at root, a rejection of God Himself. By putting this rejection in its proper context, we can not only oppose its demonic consequences but offer a life-affirming alternative vision of what it means to be human.

What's next?  There will be a conclave of cardinals that will take place soon after the resignation of Pope Benedict becomes effective.  It is anticipated that a new Pope could be in place in order to perform Mass on Easter Sunday, which is on March 31.

The 3 - February 10, 2013

This week's edition of "The 3", my week-in-review feature, includes a "he said, she said" scenario between a major northern university and a Christian club that claims that it was removed from campus.   Also, the ongoing saga of the Boy Scouts' reconsideration of their long-standing beliefs concerning gays in leadership and membership had another significant step this week.  The top story, from this year's National Prayer Breakfast, involves a well-known neurosurgeon that commented on health care, among other things, sharing a stage with President Obama.

3 - University of Michigan reinstates booted Christian club - well, maybe

The ongoing story regarding the standing of Christian clubs on a university campus yielded another chapter this week, as the University of Michigan had informed the Asian InterVarsity Chrisitan Fellowship that it had slightly revised a policy that would have forced the club to relocate off campus.

Here's the backstory: according to a Religion Today piece, members of AICF were summoned last December before university officials, who told them there was an issue with the section of their club constitution related to leadership.  In order for students to be InterVarsity leaders, they must sign a statement of faith, but the university said that requirement violated its nondiscrimination policy.  

InterVarsity member Sara Chang said the group was given the option of submitting a revised constitution, but she and the other students decided to stand firm in their faith.  As a result, the club says that the university de-recognized the group -- forcing them to relocate off campus.  But, the University is saying that the  chapter did not complete its annual re-registration process by the Sept. 30 deadline, a requirement of all student organizations.  Greg Jao, an InterVarsity national field director, called the university's claim "factually inaccurate," saying the group had not submitted its constitution because the university would not recognize it.

Jao told CitizenLink that the school e-mailed the group Monday with news of an “exception” to the policy for religious organizations.   He said that while the change is encouraging, it is not enough.  Jao related that,  “They have said that the exception affords us no protection if someone complains against the rule...”  Jao said, "This leaves tremendously big hole” in the policy.

AICF will meet with school officials next week to ask for more protection in the revised policy, Jao said.


This is not an unusual scenario - universities, both public and private, have attempted to force Christian organizations to comply with "non-discrimination" or "all-comers" policies.   Because state universities are governmental entities, the organizations have more of a recourse than at a private school, where the respective boards can set their own policies for Christian groups.   But, in attempting to force religious organizations to allow leaders and members that do not reflect their values, it places these groups in an unenviable position and shows the universities to be less-than-respectful of the religious liberties of the members of these various organizations.

2 - Scouts delay decision on gay leaders and members

It was last week's #2 story, and the consideration by the Boy Scouts of America about revising their membership and leadership policies to include gay scoutmasters and scouts continues to generate response and make news.   It was anticipated that the national board of the Scouts would make a decision this week, but instead it decided to "kick the can down the road" - opening the potential policy change up to its national council.

According to the Family Research Council, one of the leading voices encouraging people of faith to get involved in contacting the BSA board and expressing concern about this possible change, the Scout leadership has stated:  "In the past two weeks, Scouting has received an outpouring of feedback from the American public. After careful consideration and extensive dialogue within the Scouting family, along with comments from those outside the organization, the volunteer officers of the Boy Scouts of America's National Executive Board concluded that due to the complexity of this issue, the organization needs time for a more deliberate review of its membership policy."

FRC goes on to say that:

Fortunately for the millions of active Scouts, the BSA intends to involve a much larger group of true stakeholders in its decision. "The roughly 1,400 voting members of the national council will take action on the resolution at the national meeting in May 2013," the organization said. That's welcome news for parents and local councils, who were reluctant to leave the policy's fate in the hands of corporate executives with political ties that run counter to the time-honored values of the Scouts. Although the road to May will be a rocky one, the decision now rests where it belongs: with the people who best appreciate the risks--and the Scouts' longstanding principles.

Christian organizations will no doubt be diligent in encouraging individuals, families, and the numerous churches which host Scout troops, to share their opinion on this critical matter.   For over 100 years, the Scout organization has upheld Christian values, encouraging "duty to God" and moral behavior.    Under intense pressure, the organization is making what many feel is an ill-advised and unnecessary consideration.

1 - National Prayer Breakfast features renowned neurosurgeon

Each year, the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington is an event that brings together people of power connected to the nation's capital, and the President of the United States is one of the two speakers.  The other speaker, the keynote, is someone who has demonstrated an ability to communicate and apply faith to his or her endeavors.  The overall event is designed to place a spiritual emphasis related to activities in Washington.  Although the past speaker list has not been exclusively Christian, the last 3 speakers have been identified with evangelical Christianity - filmmaker Randall Wallace in 2011, Eric Metaxas last year, and this year, a return engagement with famed pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson of Johns Hopkins University.

This was Carson's second address to the gathering.  His first was in 1997, in the presence of then-President Bill Clinton.   If you're familiar with Carson, you expect him to be direct, compassionate, and outspoken.   And, in the presence of President Obama, whose key accomplishment in his 4+ years in office has been the burgeoning health care law, Dr. Carson made some choice comments about...health care.

According to the Drudge Report, he said:

Here's my solution: When a person is born, give him a birth certificate, an electronic medical record, and a health savings account to which money can be contributed -- pretax -- from the time you're born 'til the time you die. When you die, you can pass it on to your family members, so that when you're 85 years old and you got six diseases, you're not trying to spend up everything. You're happy to pass it on and there's nobody talking about death panels.

On debt, according to the Heritage Foundation's blog, The Foundry, Carson said:

“One of our big problems right now is our deficit,” Dr. Carson states. “Our national debt, 16 and a half trillion dollars—you think that’s not a lot of money? Counting one number per second, you know how long it would take to count to one trillion—507,000 years.”

Dr. Carson continued:

I don’t like to bring up problems without coming up with solutions… What about our taxation system? It is so complex, there is no one who can possibly comply with every jot and tittle. That doesn’t make any sense. 

What we need to do is come up with something that’s simple. The inherently fair principle is proportionality: you make 10 billion dollars, you put in a billion. You make 10 dollars, you put in one. Of course, you have to get rid of the loopholes.

Some people say, ‘That’s not fair! It’s doesn’t hurt the guy who made 10 billion dollars.’ Where does it say you have to hurt that guy? He just put a billion dollars into the pot!

And, The Blaze cites this daring line:

“When I pick up my Bible, you know what I see? I see the fairest individual in the universe — God — and he’s given us a system. It’s called tithe.”

While Dr. Carson may not have the persuaded the President to see things from his perspective, what he has done is elevate the national discussion about debt, the deficit, health care, and more.  The coverage of this event has been extensive, and when you recognize Dr. Carson's deeply held Christian beliefs, you see that his approach and demeanor reflect the principles and character of Christ.

The 3 - February 3, 2013

This week's edition of "The 3", my week-in-review feature, includes new developments concerning the government mandate that all employers, regardless of religious objections, provide free contraception and abortion-inducing drugs to their employees.   Also, the Boy Scouts' announcement that their leadership  could be deciding about whether or not to allow local troops to permit gay leaders and members has generated strong response from the Christian community.   The top story: the top football game of the year and elements of faith related to it.

3 - Administration releases HHS mandate exemption policy; Christian legal groups not impressed

Late last week, the Department of Health and Human Services, which has even stated in court that it was planning some sort of religious exemption to its mandate that employers provide free contraception and abortion-inducing drugs in their health care plans, issued a small change in its policy.   Over 130 plaintiffs have filed over 40 lawsuits, and according to a CitizenLink report, the Obama Administration has won in only 4 cases where a temporary exemption has been applied for - those filing suit have won at least 10 temporary injunctions from the mandate. 

Alliance Defending Freedom had two court victories last week - The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit issued a preliminary injunction on Wednesday that blocks enforcement of the Administration’s abortion pill mandate against family-run Grote Industries, an Indiana-based vehicle lighting manufacturer.  And, on Friday, the the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit issued a temporary injunction that blocks enforcement of the mandate against a Minnesota family-run business in Annex Medical vs. Sebelius.  

On Friday, the "new" HHS proposal, according to CitizenLink, explains how “religious” employers like universities and hospitals can receive an accommodation from the mandate based on religious grounds. These employers could opt out of the mandate, which would mean their employees would receive separate contraceptive coverage with no co-pays, but supposedly at no cost to the religious organization.

This is essentially the same proposal that President Obama offered in a speech a year ago. It was highly criticized by opponents of the mandate as nothing more than an “accounting gimmick” to obscure genuine conscience violations.

And the proposal does nothing to protect Christian for-profit business owners.

“The president gave absolutely no relief from the mandate to families who want to earn a living in business and don’t want to violate their faith under a government order,” said Matt Bowman, senior legal counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF). “Instead the government is picking and choosing who can exercise religion.”

In a press release, the Christian Medical Association's CEO, David Stevens, is quoted as saying:  "This latest version of the contraceptives and sterilization mandate remains unacceptable. Since when does the government get to pick and choose which groups will get to enjoy First Amendment protections? Our founders intended the First Amendment to protect every American's freedom to act according to one's conscience. They didn't specify that only groups deemed religious will be afforded this protection; freedom of conscience applies equally to all Americans."

So, Administration officials are appearing that they are trying to try to appease some faith-based groups without actually backing down from their commitment to provide these objectionable drugs.   And, with the court success so far, it appears that there continues to be momentum in favor of plaintiffs who are fighting for their rights of conscience.


2 - Boy Scouts consider changing policy to allow gay members and leaders

The Boy Scouts of America have been under intense pressure to remove a prohibition on gay membership, as well as homosexuals serving in leadership, a policy that was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.  The BSA has now indicated the policy might change - this week, the BSA released a statement saying that, “Currently, the BSA is discussing potentially removing the national membership restriction regarding sexual orientation. This would mean there would no longer be any national policy regarding sexual orientation, and the chartered organizations that oversee and deliver Scouting would accept membership and select leaders consistent with each organization’s mission, principles, or religious beliefs.”  The national board of the Boy Scouts will make a decision on this policy at a meeting in Dallas next week.

According to a report by Warren Smith of WORLD News Group, who has a longtime association with scouting:

The BSA celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2010. It has long excluded both homosexuals and atheists because the Scout Oath requires both “duty to God” and that a Scout keep himself “physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.” The BSA’s position has made it a target of both atheist and pro-homosexual groups. In recent years, pro-homosexual groups have also brought pressure on corporations that support the Boy Scouts with matching gift programs and other financial support. In recent months, UPS, Intel, and Merck announced they would no longer support the organization. 

Christian leaders were swift to speak up about this proposed change, and the phone lines at Boy Scout national  headquarters were jammed.   The Family Research Council went as far as to publish the contact information for board members for the BSA.   FRC said: 

The BSA national leadership were not prepared for the thousands of Americans who were shocked to hear that an organization that could always be counted on for standing for what's right was about to cave-in to homosexual activists and corporations which have been threatening the organization's funding.

For generations, the BSA has shaped our nation's moral character by teaching young men to do their duty to God and country.

According to Baptist Press, leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention, which serve a hosts for numerous Scout troops across the country, were likewise outspoken...

Executive Committee head Frank Page:  "I believe this will be a death blow to Scouting.... I think this is a self-inflicted wound."

In a Jan. 30 column for Baptist Press, Page called for Southern Baptists to pray Sunday, Feb. 3, the established date for Scout Sunday, for the BSA board to defeat the recommendation.

"Focused prayer on Sunday; board meeting on Monday," Page wrote. "What a divine moment!"

Richard Land:  "[W]ith the admission of homosexual Scout leaders, the BSA would place men, who by their own definition are sexually attracted to men, in close, supervisory proximity to teenage boys, which invites real human tragedies. We are not saying homosexuals are pedophiles," Land wrote. "However, how many parents would send their teenage daughters on camping trips with heterosexual male troop leaders? They would not -- not because they believe that such heterosexual men are pedophiles, but because they realize that under such close, supervisory care of men who by definition are attracted to women, human tragedies could, and inevitably would, occur."

So, as the national board opens up its annual meeting this week in Dallas, it could be a very pivotal moment for the Scouting movement, as they face the possibility of redefining their values in a manner that contradicts their moral viewpoint of the past 100 years because of cultural - and corporate - pressure.


1 - Faith on display at the Super Bowl 

Before the 49ers and the Ravens squared off for Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans, there was already an established pattern of faith-related events and statements of Christian devotion by those involved in the game.


On Friday morning, the annual Athletes in Action Super Bowl Breakfast featured the Bart Starr Award being given to Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten.   Witten was named the award winner over fellow finalists Matt Hasselbeck and Justin Tuck.  According to the Christian Post, Witten's SCORE Foundation has funded several building projects in Texas and his home state of Tennessee, and has launched a number of different outreach programs. One program, SCOREkeepers, combats the cycle of domestic violence by placing male mentors in Texas battered women's shelters so the children living in those shelters can have a positive male influence on their lives.   Witten was also named the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award winner during the weekend.

Meanwhile, gospel music was another element of the Super Bowl festivities, as the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration on Friday night was a featured event.   According to report at Examiner.com, it was held at the arena at the University of New Orleans, and musical artists included Donnie McClurkin, Pastor Marvin Winans, Myron Butler, and Lecrae.   The popular NFL Players Choir, made up of current and former players, also performed.   The celebration was hosted by "The View" co-host Sherri Shephred and Grammy winner Kirk Franklin.

Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens received The Lifetime of Inspiration Award for his faith-filled determination to overcome trials and tribulations on and off the field, as well as his remarkable football career. This is only the second time the award has been given.  Tony Dungy, who was featured in FamilyLife's "Stepping Up Super Saturday" event for men at some 1000 churches across America, was the previous winner.

And, as the Christian Post reports, a Christian advocacy group against the commercial sex trade and human trafficking has launched a social media campaign to coincide with the millions of people who will be interacting online during this Sunday's Super Bowl in New Orleans.

Shared Hope International says that, in 2012, there were 12.2 million Super Bowl related posts on social networking websites during and after the game. "As a matter of fact, the halftime show alone garnered 862,000 comments," officials stated.

The organization said that these types of large numbers related to the game means there is "a chance for us together to get in the game and create awareness for the fight against human trafficking, through online advocacy."

Justin Holcomb of Mars Hill Church, writing in the Post, points out that The Super Bowl and other large sporting events like the Olympics and the World Cup are increasingly being recognized as magnets for sex trafficking and sex trafficking and child prostitution. The 2010 Super Bowl saw an estimated 10,000 sex workers brought into Miami, while the 2011 event resulted in 133 prostitution-related arrests in Dallas.

Of course, there are the players themselves, from Ray Lewis on the Ravens, who has admitted the error of his past choices and affirmed his faith in the Lord, to Colin Kaepernick, who has Scripture incorporated into his multiple tattoos.  And, I came across a blog called, "Prayers and Apples", which has a list of faith statements and perspectives from some of the players in the Super Bowl, compiled by writer, Jessica Walters.

Sports Spectrum offered an outreach tool called, "Power to Win 2013", featuring the stories of 3 Super Bowl Champions from the New York Giants: Chase Blackburn, Chris Canty, and Justin Tuck. The DVD was available for Super Bowl ministry events.

There is a strong faith element to major sporting events, and these different intersections of faith with sports can be platforms that God can use in order that He can be exalted and give His people opportunities to share truth.

The 3 - January 27, 2012

This latest edition of my week-in-review feature, "The 3", includes an update on the plight of an American pastor born in Iran, who continued to do ministry in his home country - until he was arrested about 4 months ago...his trial was held this week.   Also, news from the nation's capital is atop the list of stories affecting the Christian community - Christian involvement in the Inauguration at the beginning of the week, and, at week's end, the March for Life, upholding a view of life in the womb consistent with a Biblical perspective.

3 - Iranian pastor's plight continues to confound

Last week, I reported to you about the plight of an American pastor who was born in Iran and had been doing some ministry work in the country.   On his most recent visit, in September, he was arrested on a bus and taken to prison.  The trial for pastor Saaed Abedini began this past Monday, and after two days, the judge in the trial said that he had moved the pastor, presumably for medical reasons.

According to Religion Today, Abedini was sentenced Sunday morning to eight years in prison, citing a Fox News report.  The American Center for Law and Justice said that Abedini was verbally sentenced in Tehran by Iran's infamous "hanging judge" to eight years in prison for threatening the national security of Iran through his leadership in house churches.   He will serve the time in Iran's notorious Evin Prison, known as one of the most brutal.

Saeed's wife, Naghmeh said: "With today's development I am devastated for my husband and my family." "We must now pursue every effort, turn every rock, and not stop until Saeed is safely on American soil."

ACLJ Executive Director Jordan Sekulow said: "Here's the troubling reality: we have a U.S. citizen, who has been beaten and tortured since his imprisonment last fall, now facing eight years in Evin Prison, one of the must brutal prisons in Iran. A harsh sentence in a notorious prison -- likely facing life-threatening torture and abuse at the hands of the Iranian regime. Simply because of his Christian faith."

According to The Christian Post, it had been unclear about the pastor's whereabouts - the judge in the case had said that he was undergoing medical treatment.  Yesterday, a family friend, who was earlier threatened by officials because he was assisting in obtaining bail for the pastor, went to court to retrieve some documents, a court administrator asked him to tell Saeed's lawyer that he needed to come to court because Saeed would be released soon.

Sekulow has said that Iranian officials cannot be trusted:  "The Iranian government repeatedly has lied about the case...A government that has engaged in physical and emotional torture in Pastor Saeed's case means every comment by the Iranian government must be taken as a grain of salt."

Saeed had told his wife in a letter last month that prison authorities were giving him mixed responses. "This is the process in my life today: one day I am told I will be freed and allowed to see my kids on Christmas (which was a lie) and the next day I am told I will hang for my faith in Jesus," Saeed wrote. "One day there are intense pains after beatings in interrogations, the next day they are nice to you and offer you candy."

On Friday, the U.S. State Department and the White House condemned the imprisonment of Saeed, calling on Iran to release him.

Pastor Saeed had appeared in the courtroom on the first day of his trial on Monday. Prosecutors alleged he has a politically subversive influence on young people and therefore poses a threat to national security.  The pastor and his attorney were barred from the court during a hearing on Tuesday, when lay church leaders were reportedly forced to testify against Saeed. 

2 - Inauguration presents opportunities for evangelical involvement

Even though the President highlighted initiatives not broadly supported by evangelical Christians in his Inaugural Address, which a number of experts have termed as unusually partisan in nature, and despite the withdrawal of Passion founder Louie Giglio from the actual Inauguration ceremony on Monday, there was still a significant evangelical presence in Inaugural events.

For instance, North Point Community Church pastor Andy Stanley was one of the speakers featured in a pre-Inaugural service at St. John's Episcopal Church.  Pastor Joel Hunter of Orlando, who has been one of the President's spiritual advisers, was also included.  Hunter had publicly declared his disagreement with the President on the topic of same-sex marriage.  And, in the National Prayer Service the following day at Washington's National Cathedral, the pastor of the largest United Methodist Church in America, Adam Hamilton of Kansas City's Church of the Resurrection, was the featured speaker.  

In the actual inauguration ceremony, a choir from Lee University in Tennessee, as well as the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir from New York City, provided special music.

Apparently, Andy Stanley's comments about Obama being the "Pastor-in-Chief" received quite a bit of reaction, and Mark Galli of Christianity Today spoke with pastor Stanley.   He explained the phrase this way, as he talked about the moment that he saw Obama reaching out to the people of Newtown:

I'm sitting there on my couch watching this, thinking, How is he doing this?  I would be exhausted after a single interaction with a family. All these classrooms. And he sits through all that, and then he gives his speech. I turned to Sandra, and said, "Tonight he is the Pastor in Chief, isn't he?"

[At the pre-inaugural service,] I knew that I didn't want to get up and just launch into a sermon. When you're in an environment where you have no personal connection with anyone in the room—and I certainly didn't—as a speaker, you want to find a personal connection. I thought, Well, here is something that I felt deeply and here we have all these clergy on this stage.

And, regarding the controversy surrounding his good friend Louie Giglio:

Anyone who has respect for our nation or the presidency would have done what Louie did, because at the end of the day, it was the inauguration of the President of the United States. Why would anyone want to do anything to detract from that? That was the honorable thing to do. The group that called Louie out on the message did the very opposite. Whatever you feel about their views, they leveraged their views to detract from the inauguration. They're saying, "Mr. President, how could you invite someone who doesn't believe like we do?" So I just have the utmost respect for Louie's decision. I just hate that it happened the way that it did.

Other church leaders were not especially complimentary toward the President.  Christianity Today, in taking a panoramic look at Christian involvement in the inauguration, said:

Mark Driscoll acknowledged the inauguration with this tweet: “Praying for our President, who today will place his hand on a Bible he does not believe to take an oath to a God he likely does not know...”

On Facebook, Driscoll’s remark—which is received quite a bit of media attention - had nearly 10,000 "likes" a day later.  CT also said:

John Piper, too, tweeted an Obama critique: “President Obama ‘spiritually blind’ or ‘evil hypocrite’ in claiming MLK and disregarding the weakest,” linking to a Washington Times editorial on the president's stance on abortion.

President Obama, while holding to a worldview that is different than that held by many Christians and advocating policies that many regard as unbiblical, has still chosen to reach out to the religious community.   I would hope that the evangelicals with whom he has made contact will speak the truth and have a profound influence on the President.  And, it's critical - and obedient to Scripture - to be in prayer for our President.

1 - March for Life in DC turns out hundreds of thousands to National Mall 

The week in Washington began with hundreds of thousands of people turning out to the nation's capital to view the Inauguration of President Obama.   The week concluded with hundreds of thousands of people in the same city to stand for life.   While the National Park Service does not estimate crowd size, there are some that have said that the March for Life could have drawn over a half-million people to the National Mall, in less-than-comfortable temperatures.


Dave Andrusko, writing for the National Right to Life website, stated:

...Watching the day’s glorious events, there were two more important conclusions that were as inescapable to me as they were welcomed.

First, we have written dozens and dozens of stories about the influx of massive numbers of young people into the Movement as a whole, and to the March for Life, in particular. As you listened to speakers from the podium, including one 19-year-old, you couldn’t help but smile. It was clear that they saw themselves not as part of the Movement but as the Movement!...

Second, all pro-lifers are aware of (and make use of ) modern technology to spread the gospel of the common humanity of the unborn. It was deeply symbolic at many levels that Pope Benedict XVI, tweeting in nine languages, wrote, “I join all those marching for life from afar, and pray that political leaders will protect the unborn and promote a culture of life.”

Finally, I would like to join all those hundreds of thousands of pro-lifers in attendance in praising the memory of Nellie Gray. In a Movement filled with unique and strong personalities, she was one of a kind.

We miss her.

Jeanne Monahan, who replaced Nellie Gray as the head of the march, now serving as President of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund, addressed the crowd, saying, according to a report on the Townhall.com website:  "We are winning with young people. I see it right in front of me today."

Monahan later spoke about her activism in the pro-life movement: “One thing that has continued to resonate with me is that I have people who are close to me and have made an abortion decision and have regretted it profoundly,” she said. “I watch my friends suffer which led me to take the stand that abortion hurts the life of the child but hurts the mom as well.”


At this point, there is terrific passion for the lives of the unborn:  a new generation is embracing the cause, polling data is continuing to show strong pro-life sentiment, the number of abortion clinics in America has declined significantly over the past two decades, and the last 2 years have been significant in the number of pro-life bills that have passed state legislatures.  And, we each have opportunities in our communities to speak out for life, to share the truth about God as the creator of life.

The 3 - January 20, 2013

This week in "The 3", a notable sales record was set by a familiar Christian music artist and worship leader.  And, an American pastor who was born in Iran is set to face trial before a particular strict judge in that country - U.S. officials are demanding his release.   Religious freedom was the theme of an observance across America this past week, and that constitutes the #1 story for the week.

3 - New Chris Tomlin album tops Billboard album sales chart

For the second time in less than a year, a Christian music artist has topped the Billboard 200 album sales chart.   This past week, it was announced that singer-songwriter Chris Tomlin's latest release, Burning Lights, had sold 72,000 copies during its first week, enough to place it in the #1 position.   In September, tobyMac's Eye On It, was atop the weekly chart.
 
This is only the fourth time a Christian CD has ever reached that milestone.  The first, Bob Carlisle's "Butterfly Kisses (Shades of Grace)" was the first Christian music album to hit #1, back in 1997.

According to a piece on the WORLDmag.com website, Burning Lights is the second-highest selling Christian album after Casting Crowns’ Come to the Well sold 99,000 during its first week release in 2011.  Billboard said Tomlin’s first-week sales were helped by this month’s Passion conference in Atlanta, where Tomlin has performed since 1997. Sales from Passion-related purchases and church sales made up 40 percent of the album’s numbers.

2 - Iranian pastor faces trial, U.S. government demands release

Saeed Abedini, a native of Iran and a naturalized American citizen, is expected to enter one of Iran's revolutionary courts Monday to face accusations that he is a threat to national security.  His attorneys say he faces a lengthy prison term and even the death penalty at the hands of one of Iran's most notoriously severe judges.   Saeed was arrested in September by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.


Abedini had moved to the United States in 2005, but continued to visit Iran, under a 2009 agreement with Iran's intelligence police, according to the Christian Examiner, quoting Tiffany Barrans, international legal director for the American Center for Law and Justice, who said that Abedini was allowed to come and go from Iran to build an orphanage, but only if he stayed out of church planting.  By last July, he had visited Iran eight times.
 On Sept. 26, Abedini was arrested by Revolutionary Guard soldiers, and has been kept at Evin prison, where many political prisoners are held.   The Guard soldiers snatched him off a bus, confiscated his passports, and threw him in prison. Since then, supporters say, the pastor has been subjected to solitary confinement and beatings.

Sometime between that eighth and ninth visit, Barrans said, police jurisdiction over Iranian Christian life shifted from the politically controlled intelligence police to the religiously controlled Revolutionary Guard, which answers directly to Iran's grand ayatollah. 

The U.S. government has become involved now, and the White House on Friday called on Iran to release Abedini.  On Friday, U.S. National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor issued a statement demanding Abedini's release.
 
“We remain troubled by the case of U.S. citizen Saeed Abedini, who was arrested by Iranian officials more than three months ago on charges relating to his religious beliefs," Vietor said in the statement. "We call upon Iranian authorities to release him immediately.”

Earlier in the week, On Tuesday, 11 members of the U.S. Senate and 37 members of the House of Representatives sent a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urging the U.S. to bring whatever diplomatic pressure it can to persuade Iran to release Abedini. The United States and Iran do not have diplomatic ties, so any pressure would have to be applied indirectly.

Also,the Commission on International Religious Freedom, comprised of presidential and congressional appointees, demanded Abedini's release in a statement issued Wednesday:
“The national security charges leveled against Mr. Abedini are bogus and are a typical tactic by the Iranian government to masquerade the real reason for the charges: to suppress religious belief and activity of which the Iranian government does not approve,” Commission Chairwoman Katrina Lantos Swett said.


1 - Religious Freedom Day brings acknowledgement of heritage

This past Wednesday, January 16th, was "Religious Freedom Day", marking the passage of the 1786 Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom. The statute, drafted by Thomas Jefferson, formed the basis for the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious freedom.   According to the website, www.religiousfreedomday.com, quoted by CitizenLink, the day is a call for Americans to participate in events and activities in their homes, schools and places of worship.

“Religious Freedom Day is particularly poignant this year — it’s very timely,” said Eric Buehrer, president of Gateways to Better Education, a national organization promoting greater awareness of the day.   Buehrer added, “Wednesday will be a perfect time to give students a civics lesson about their religious freedom at school.”

Candi Cushman, education analyst for CitizenLink, was quoted as saying: “It is ironic that even as the president is expected to make this religious freedom proclamation when there are more than 40 cases involving lawsuits from schools, business and organizations battling with the government over their religious freedoms...They are fighting not to have to implement health care policies in a way that violates their deeply held religious beliefs.”   Indeed, the President did make a Religious Freedom day proclamation, and he was taken to task for making it while the Administration is being sued by more than 110 plaintiffs in 44 cases. 

And, the World Changers organization in Florida observed the day by distributing Bibles in two counties in the state - a court ruling in favor of the ministry paved the way for World Changers to make Bibles available in Collier County, which had attempted to halt the distribution, as well as Orange County, which had allowed the Bibles to be passively distributed in the past.   Not unexpectedly, in response, an assortment of secularist/atheist groups demanded that their materials be made available, as well, which is apparently a provision of the court decree.

The 3 - January 13, 2013

This week's edition of "The 3" includes a response, issued this week, to a secularist group's attempt to have prayer removed from certain occasions at West Point.   Also, a Christian pastor who was invited to pray at the inauguration ceremony for President Obama has stepped aside.   And, the top story - an advocacy group that spotlights persecution of Christians has released its annual list of the top countries where Christians are at risk.

3 - Prayer debate underway at West Point

A prayer controversy involving one of the military's premier academies took another step this week, when the Alliance Defending Freedom sent a letter this past Wednesday on behalf of the Chaplain Alliance for Religious Liberty to the United States Military Academy at West Point.  Americans United for the Separation of Church and State had sent a letter to the school, claiming that invocations at West Point events, including Plebe Parent Weekend, Ring Weekend, Thanksgiving Dinner, the Martin Luther King Award Dinner, and graduation, were unconstitutional and coerce cadets to participate in and endorse religion.

According to an Alliance Defending Freedom website, the letter sent to the Academy stated, “The historical practice of offering prayer, especially at military and university functions at West Point, does not violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.”  ADF mentioned a ruling by the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals stating that invocations such as the ones offered by West Point chaplains and cadets, “solemnize public occasions, express confidence in the future, and encourage the recognition of what is worthy of appreciation in society.”

The letter also explains that, contrary to AU's accusations, “West Point does not require cadets to participate in the invocations or even listen to them” and “two federal courts of appeals rejected the notion that prayers at significant public university events coerce attendees to participate in religion.”

This is another case of a traditional practice that has religious significance that has been challenged by a secularist group.   The Chaplain Alliance has wisely and assertively enlisted the efforts of ADF in order to remind officials that the free expression of religion should not be impeded.

2 - "Giglio Imbroglio" raises questions about role of Christians in the public square

Louie Giglio and the work of the Passion conferences to end modern-day slavery in the form of human trafficking caught the attention of President Obama, and Giglio, pastor of the Passion City Church in the Atlanta area was asked to preside over the Easter Prayer Breakfast at the White House last April.  According to a story on The Christian Post website, at the recently concluded conference in Atlanta, Giglio recently inspired students to raise $3.5 million to support more than 20 global projects that focus on prevention, rescue, and restoration for the 27 million men, women, and children who are victims of slavery.

So, it was not surprising the Giglio was invited to give the benediction at the President's Inauguration Ceremony on January 21st.   After the announcement, it was discovered that in the mid 90's, he had delivered a sermon enunciating orthodox Christian teaching on the topic of homosexuality.  Sensing that this would be potentially be a controversy that would create a distraction and possibly serve to divert attention from the incredible work of Passion, Giglio agreed to step away from the ceremony.

"Though the President and I do not agree on every issue, we have fashioned a friendship around common goals and ideals, most notably, ending slavery in all its forms," Giglio remarked in a letter sent to the White House earlier this week.   There is speculation that there was some pressure from the inauguration committee for Giglio to step down.

Christian leaders stood with Giglio, such as Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council, who said:

"Catholic, Evangelical Protestant, and Orthodox churches all actively proclaim that sexual intimacy within the marriage of one man and one woman is the only biblically-sanctioned human sexual behavior.  Are the scores of millions of Americans who affirm these teachings no longer welcome at the inauguration of our president?

"What is shocking is the intolerance of the Obama team that put such a high priority on forced acceptance of homosexuality that they totally disregard Pastor Giglio's life work combating human trafficking. What we are seeing is the inauguration of a new era of religious intolerance in America.

So, a litmus test has been established - any member of the clergy who is invited to a government-sanctioned event must apparently have a history of not speaking against homosexual behavior.  Honestly, it should not be surprising that an evangelical pastor would hold these views.  Apparently, the President's words about disagreeing agreeably, which he spoke 4 years ago to defend Rick Warren's participation in the inauguration ceremony after Warren faced similar opposition, have vaporized in the wake of his "evolution" on the topic of gay marriage.

1 - Open Doors announces latest list of leading persecutors of Christians

This week, the dynamics of Christian persecution around the world were highlighted as Open Doors released its 2013 World Watch List, which ranks the top 50 countries in terms of their treatment of Christians.   Even though North Korea remained as the country that is the #1 persecutor of Christians, there was significant upward movement by African nations.  According to the Open Doors website, one nation on the continent, Mali, is a newcomer on the list and holds the No. 7 position.  Tanzania (No. 24), Kenya (No. 40), Uganda (47) and Niger (No. 50) also moved onto the World Watch List.  Ethiopia is one of the strongest risers on the list, moving from No. 38 to No. 15.  In addition, the small African country of Eritrea made the Top 10 for the first time at No. 10.   Libya climbed from No. 26 to No. 17.

Fundamentalist variations of Islam have rapidly gained influence on the continent. On the one hand, this was due to focused attacks, such as Boko Haram in Nigeria (No. 13). On the other, the influence of Islam increased through infiltration in different social and economic areas. Open Doors saw a similar pattern in several African countries. 

The top 10 countries on the World Watch List were:
1) North Korea
2) Saudi Arabia
3) Afghanistan
4) Iraq
5) Somalia
6) Maldives
7) Mali
8) Iran
9) Yemen
10) Eritrea.

Syria was just outside the top 10, at #11.

Mali has just undergone a coup, and there is continued unrest in the nation.   Mali was once a French colony, and French troops have moved into the country to try to ease the violence perpetrated by Islamic terrorists.
According to CNN, a new round of French military raids targeted Islamist rebels in Mali on Sunday, and both sides of the battle said they were determined to win.   Islamists control large areas of land and have implemented Sharia law.

The French Defense Ministry said in a statement that, "France's goal is to lead a relentless struggle against terrorist groups...preventing any new offensive of these groups to the south of Mali."

Christians are persecuted in at least 60 countries for their faith. They suffer interrogation, arrest and even death in some of the most dangerous and restrictive countries in the world. For 58 years, Open Doors has supported and strengthened believers worldwide through Bible and Christian literature distribution, leadership training and assistance, Christian community development and prayer and presence ministry. 

The 3 - January 6, 2013

The first edition of  "The 3" for 2013 features another call to stand with a Christian family-owned company, one that is being required by the government to violate its core beliefs.   Also, the topic of adoption has been elevated, in light of a new Russian policy against American adoptions, as well as a permanent extension of tax relief for adoptive families.  The top story is the annual gathering of young adults in Atlanta which drew a very large crowd this year, challenging those attending to make Jesus famous.

3 - Hobby Lobby Appreciation Day shows support for company's stand for religious freedom

Tens of thousands were expected at Hobby Lobby craft stores across America this past Saturday, standing in solidarity with a company whose leadership has decided they will not violate their consciences in the face of a government mandate to provide free contraception and abortion-inducing drugs in their health care plan.

The mandate came down last year, and while religious non-profit organizations were given an exemption from the law going into effect for them, for-profit companies had no such luxury - they would have to provide these drugs or face fines beginning January 1, 2013.   Hobby Lobby, which is owned by the Green family, who are devout Christians, was one of the over 100 organizations filing lawsuits against the Department of Health and Human Services, claiming the mandate violates their religious freedom.   So far, according to the Becket Fund, out of 13 for-profit companies that have filed lawsuits, 10 have received a temporary exemption from having to comply, pending the outcome of their case.

Unfortunately, Hobby Lobby was not one of those, and as of last Tuesday, they were accruing $1.3 million in fines per day, after their appeal of a lower court decision for a temporary injunction was rejected and Supreme Court justice Sotomayor turned back their request to grant relief.  According to the Christian Post, the Hobby Lobby Appreciation Day campaign is being organized by Joe Grabowski, who hopes "the numbers of support on Saturday will at least send a message to the Obama administration and our other elected officials – as well as, hopefully, to the justices on the bench waiting to hear this case..."  By Saturday, some 60,000 people had signed up to be a part of the show of support.   Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, who had championed the Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day in August, also encouraged people to visit Hobby Lobby on Saturday.

2 - Congress passes adoption tax credit in fiscal cliff deal, U.S. families respond to Russian adoption ban

Prospective parents who were in the process of adopting children from Russia were dealt a severe blow the Friday after Christmas when President Vladimir Putin signed a law that banned American families from adopting Russian children.  This is believed to be retaliatory action against criticism by the U.S. of Russia's record on human rights.   Writing for Baptist Press, pastor Tony Merida stated in these excerpts:

-- "In 2011, about 1,000 Russian children were adopted by Americans, more than any other foreign country, but still a tiny number given that nearly 120,000 children in Russia are eligible for adoption."

-- "According to David Satter of the Hudson Institute, 'Russia has more orphans per capita than any nation in the world. Of the estimated 650,000 orphans, an estimated 95 percent are 'social orphans' who have been abandoned by their parents or taken away from them.'"

-- "Americans adopt more children than every other country in the world combined, notes Adam Pertman, executive director of the New York-based Donaldson Adoption Institute."

-- "Americans have adopted over 60,000 Russian children since the fall of the Soviet Union."

He writes that, "Sadly, many families are already in the adoption process and have already spent a significant amount of money, time and energy only to now be shut down by the Russian government."

Citing the New York Times, he writes that adoption agency officials in the United States who work regularly with Russian orphanages said there were about 200 to 250 sets of parents who had already identified children they planned to adopt and would be affected.

Against this backdrop, there was some encouraging news for parents who wish to adopt children.   According to CitizenLink, in the fiscal cliff deal that was passed by Congress and signed by the President this past week, there was a provision that extends the adoption tax credit, set at $10,000 per year. The provision also makes the tax credit permanent.

“In years past, the adoption tax credit was extended on a yearly or semi-annual basis, making a less secure benefit for adopting families,” said Carrie Gordon Earll, senior director of Issues Analysis for CitizenLink. “The change to permanent status is key for making adoption possible for the more than 100,000 children in U.S. foster care, and the millions of children worldwide who need a family of their own.”

Many Christian families are responding to God's call to minister to orphans by getting involved in adoption.  This financial relief can be a useful provision for families who desire to open their hearts and homes to these children.   Also, pray for the situation in Russia to be reversed so that thousands of orphan children will be able to find permanent homes in America.


1 - Passion Conference in Atlanta draws in and sends out thousands of college students and young adults

Last year, some 43,000 college students and young adults attended the first Passion conference to be held in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.  It was announced at that time that the seating arrangement at the Dome would be reconfigured and the seating capacity would be increased.   This year, some 60,000 students from over  2000 colleges and universities from all 50 states and 55 countries came to worship together, to hear from high-profile speakers who would challenge them in their Christian walk, and to give toward the cause of reducing human trafficking - modern-day slavery.   And, indeed, over $3 million were given by this large group to that particular cause.

Some highlights of the conference included messages from these speakers (quoted in The Christian Post):
Francis Chan - "I want the joy of knowing that I am doing something with my life, the joy of battle...It has been a rough year for me and I'm actually grateful for that. I come out of it and say it was a great year. It was difficult, but God has done amazing things, and man, was it good."  Chan said that "If you really want to experience God, go and make disciples..."

Louie Giglio - "The wonderful living Word of God is more precious than anything else that we have...We are praying that at the end of these days you will be astounded by God; that it will not be about Passion or anyone that has been at Passion, but that it will be about the Lord and the fact that He has done something in our lives that no one else can do."

Beth Moore - "Not only is the Gospel good news, it is glad news...Until you receive it, you don't really realize what God has done for you. Today I'm not asking you 'Is it good news?' I'm asking, 'Is anybody glad?'"   She also said, "What Jesus did is enough. And because it is enough, I am glad. God's mercies are new every morning, Christ will come back and He will claim his kingdom, and there is a world coming where there will be no more bad news. As Psalm 126:3 says, 'The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.'"

And, a couple of quotes from John Piper's Twitter feed:

"Our worship is the subjective echo of Jesus' objective worth. The intensity of our gladness echoes the immensity of his glory."   And, "The universe exists for the glorification of Jesus in the admiration of his people"

Christianity Today's website reported that Passion Conference attendees gathered in Atlanta's International Plaza Thursday night for a candlelight vigil honoring the victims of human trafficking worldwide. Nearly 60,000 students surrounded a digital projection promoting the "End It Movement," featuring a spotlight "reaching up to the heavens to proclaim the glory of God."

The beam reached approximately three miles into the sky, and the illumination required Federal Aviation Administration clearance.

In his closing message, based on Ezekiel 37 and the image of the valley of dry bones, Giglio challenged those gathered:  "The issue in the world today is not about you and me waiting on the Lord—it's a lot more about the Lord waiting on you...God is waiting on you right now to get up and stand on your feet—your freedom is for freedom."

Passion 2014 is scheduled to meet again in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta during a weekend in late January or early February 2014.

The 3 - December 30, 2012

This week's edition of my week-in-review feature, "The 3", includes a reminder that believers in Christ are being persecuted all over the world, and Iran is one of those countries that has been particularly noteworthy in its treatment of Christian pastors.   Also, a large student missions conference has taken place this week in St. Louis, drawing thousands to come together and to be strengthened in their faith.   And, the top story - Christmas, which provides a time of celebration for many, but sorrow for some, and this Christmas Day and the preceding days offered great ministry opportunities.

3 - Iranian pastors face more persecution

It's only a few days before the advocacy group Open Doors will release its 2013 World Watch List that ranks countries in the world according to the degree of their persecution of Christians.   Last year, North Korea was #1...again.   And, Iran was #5.  

The way that Iran treats Christians, especially Christian pastors and those who sympathize with them, has been in the news this year primarily because of the plight of Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, who was released from prison just a few weeks ago - he is now back in prison, due to apparently what officials are describing as some sort of technicality.  According to Religion Today, citing ASSIST News Service, sources at Christian Solidarity Worldwide report that Nadarkhani has been returned to jail on the orders of the directors of Lakan Prison, who claimed he had been released several days too early due to the insistence of his lawyer, Mohammed Ali Dadkhah. "We are disappointed to hear Pastor Nadarkhani has been returned to prison in such an irregular manner," said Mervyn Thomas of CSW. "The timing is insensitive and especially sad for his wife and sons, who must have been looking forward to celebrating Christmas with him for the first time in three years."  Dadkhah, by the way, has been sentenced to nine years in prison, reportedly due to his attempts to free the pastor.  

Religion Today also reports that a 32-year-old Iranian who is a U.S. citizen and a Christian convert has been imprisoned without notice of any formal charges while visiting his family in Iran, according to Fox News.  In July, the Rev. Saeed Abedini, who lives in the U.S. with his wife and two young children, was making one of his frequent trips to visit his parents and relatives in Iran when he was pulled off a bus by Iranian authorities, who confiscated his passports and subjected him to intense interrogation, saying he must face a penalty for his previous work as a Christian leader in Iran.  He is currently in prison awaiting trial.  His family members, who are also Christian converts from Islam, are under house arrest.

And the website reports on an Iranian pastor who wrote a letter from prison, ministering to Christians and displaying a positive attitude despite his suffering.  Pastor Benham Irani was leading the Church of Iran in the city of Karaj before his arrest in 2011 for "acting against the interests of national security".  He has reportedly been tortured in prison and was denied hospitalization for a bleeding ulcer.  Several times he was found unconscious in his prison cell, raising fears for his well-being.  His wife and two children have said they are afraid that unless the beatings stop and he is offered proper medical care, he could die in prison soon.


The nation of Iran, which operates under strict Islamic law, is a place that is become quite well-known for its persecution of Christians.   Pray for these and other church leaders who are facing stiff difficulties as a result of their faith in Christ.

2 - Urbana student missions conference brings together a multitude of young adults 

Every three years, thousands of colleges students gather to be encouraged and equipped in their walk with Christ and in sharing the gospel at the Urbana student missions conference.  The Christian Post reports that this year, an estimated 16,000 Christian youth attended opening night of Urbana 2012 at the Edwards Jones Dome in St. Louis Thursday.   InterVarsity Christian Fellowship organizers, who are hosting the event, hope that students will come to a decision about serving God locally or globally.

Tom Lin, who serves as InterVarsity's Vice-President and the conference director, is quoted as saying to the students, "Surrender your plans and allow God to surprise you. God's invitation may be unexpected...You and I are called to share God's Kingdom news not just for our campuses, not just for our cities, but also for the ends of the earth – the unfamiliar places, the unfamiliar cultures, and for unfamiliar friends."

The Post reports that David Platt, senior pastor at the Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, said to the young people at the conference:  "Jesus is the very word of God made flesh … Jesus is all of these things and [yet] we have reduced Him to a poor, puny savior who is just begging for us to accept Him into our hearts."

The first Urbana conference was held in 1946, before it went by that name, which was adopted after moving to the University of Illinois campus at Urbana-Champaign in 1948.   More than 250,000 have been challenged in their participation in global missions since that first conference, which was held in Toronto. 
This is a critical gathering that God has used to stir that hearts of young people to be involved in kingdom work.

1 - Christmas brings celebration, sorrow, and wacky weather 

Christmas Day brings believers in Jesus Christ an opportunity to reflect, to worship, and to spend time with not only family, but fellow church members, as well.    Churches sponsored special musical and dramatic performances during the period leading up to Christmas Day, and there were candlelight services and other special events observed during a unique 3-day period from Sunday through Tuesday.

While it was a time of celebration for many, it was also a time of sorrow for some, including the families of the victims of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, less than 2 weeks removed from the deadly shooting of 26 people, including 20 children. 

And, it was a wacky and deadly weather day, as a massive storm system brought snow and ice to the nation's midsection and severe storms and tornadoes to the Southeastern United States.  There were several deaths reported from the dangerous weather, but not in Mobile, AL, where an EF-2 tornado rumbled through the center of the city, resulting in considerable property damage, but thankfully, no loss of life or life-threatening injuries.  And, the reminder of treacherous weather continues to be felt in the New York City area, where the cleanup from Hurricane Sandy continues, along with the ministry opportunities accompanying it.

And, charitable opportunities abounded during the season, giving Christians and Christian ministries the ability to shine the light of Christ to people in need.    Earlier in the month, a large Miami area church had raised over $600,000 over a 48-hour period to reach out to people in their community.   This is indicative of how we can intentionally give of ourselves in honor of the One who gave it all for us.

The 3 - December 23, 2012

In this week's edition of "The 3", my week-in-review feature, we see the huge box office results for a film based on a book by a Christian author who integrates a faith perspective into his writings.   There was also more court action concerning that divisive mandate that free contraception and abortion drugs be provided in health insurance plans, despite the objections of religious organizations and companies.   And, the top story involves a new study that illustrates the prevalence of Christianity in the world today, and as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, reflecting on these results could propel us to confidently share our faith.


3 - Movie based on Christian author's book sets December box office record

The new movie based on the writings of Christian author J.R.R. Tolkien has set an all-time December record for an opening weekend, with The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.  Tolkien integrated a faith element into his works, including The Lord of the Rings trilogy, as well as The Hobbit, and it is said that through Tolkien's influence, his friend C.S. Lewis came to Christ.

Hannah Goodwyn of CBN.com writes: 

J.R.R. Tolkien's faith permeated his work, starting with The Hobbit.  Bilbo's adventure is more than just a fictional children's story about hobbits, wizards, trolls and goblins. This fantasy shines a light on the evil and good in human nature – greed, suspicion, bravery and loyalty.  Thankfully, that's not at all lost on the cast personifying Tolkien's beloved Middle Earth characters.

She quotes poet W.H. Auden as saying:

If one is to take a tale of this kind seriously, one must feel that, however superficially unlike the world we live in its characters and events may be, it nevertheless holds up the mirror to the only nature we know, our own; in this, too, Mr. Tolkien has succeeded superbly, and what happened in the year of the Shire 1418 in the Third Age of Middle Earth is not only fascinating in A. D. 1954 but also a warning and an inspiration.

The Christian Post reports that the first movie in what will be a trilogy of films based on Tolkien's beloved children's book earned an estimated $84.78 million over Friday, Saturday and Sunday last weekend, according to Box Office Mojo.  This is higher than the previous December record of 2007's "I Am Legend", starring Will Smith.  The premiere also exceeded the $73.3 million debut of "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" in 2003.  (It should be noted that theaters offering 3D/IMAX viewing options might have inflated "The Hobbit's" numbers.)

The movie made another $138 million internationally, bringing up its worldwide total to $222 million after only three days – already making well over its estimated $180 million production budget.

For a "FilmTalk Small Group Bible Study" based on The Hobbit, go to www.movieministry.com or www.moviebiblestudy.com.   And, watch those sites for material on the forthcoming film, Les Miserables, which is said to possess a strong redemptive element.

2 - More activity regarding the HHS contraception mandate: new lawsuit, court victory for 2 schools and 1 company, defeat for another

This week was a very active week concerning the Obama Administration's mandate that employers, including religious employers, provide for free contraception and abortion-inducing drugs in their health care insurance plans.   The week began with the news of Domino's Pizza founder Tom Monaghan filing suit on behalf of his company, Domino's Farms (the pizza chain is now a public corporation).  The following day, there was news out of the D.C. Circuit that a federal appeals court handed Wheaton College and Belmont Abbey College a major victory in their challenges to the HHS mandate.  According to the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, who argued the case on behalf of the plaintiffs:  Last summer, two lower courts had dismissed the Colleges’ cases as premature.  On Tuesday, the appellate court reinstated those cases, and ordered the Obama Administration to report back every 60 days—starting in mid-February—until the Administration makes good on its promise to issue a new rule that protects the Colleges’ religious freedom.  The new rule must be issued by March 31, 2013.


According to the Becket fund, the court based its decision on two concessions that government lawyers made in open court.  First, the government promised “it would never enforce [the mandate] in its current form” against Wheaton, Belmont Abbey, or other similarly situated religious groups.  Second, the government promised it would publish a proposed new rule “in the first quarter of 2013” and would finalize it by next August. The administration made both concessions under intense questioning by the appellate judges.  The court deemed the concessions a “binding commitment” and has retained jurisdiction over the case to ensure the government follows through.

There were also conflicting decisions in separate circuits concerning for-profit companies' suits against the mandate.   These companies face stiff penalties if they do not comply with the mandate by January 1, 2013.
According to the Gleanings blog at ChristianityToday.com: 

The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals refused to grant Christian-owned Hobby Lobby an injunction against the mandate, ruling that the craft chain "has not demonstrated a substantial likelihood of success on the merits" of the case.  This is the second loss for Hobby Lobby, which was appealing a lower court decision to the appeals court.   It now plans to take its case to the U.S. Supreme Court for temporary relief prior to the mandate, and the fines for non-compliance, take effect.   Hobby Lobby could pay some $1.3 million per day in fines.

However, a Missouri federal district court granted a preliminary injunction to a small metal-recycling business, American Pulveriser Company, owned by two evangelicals, ruling that they do have a "substantial likelihood" of winning their case.

The D.C. case has great significance because the court is requiring the government to report its admitted attempts to exempt religious entities from having to violate their consciences and provide these drugs or face stiff penalties.  For-profit companies, on the other hand, will begin paying penalties beginning January 1st for non-compliance, which will result in a significant financial burden and likely increases in the cost of their products.
 
1 - New study shows Christianity tops global religious landscape

This week, the results of a new study by the Pew Forum on Religion in Public Life were released, and the data indicates that almost one-third of the people on the globe claim to be - Christian.   The study, entitled, "The Global Religious Landscape: A Report on the Size and Distribution of the World’s Major Religious Groups as of 2010" shows that of the world's 6.9 billion people, 2.2 billion or 32 percent are Christians.

According to a report on the survey at ChristianExaminer.com, only 12 percent of Christians live in North America, and the vast majority of Christians, 99 percent, live outside the Middle East-North Africa region where Christianity began.

Apart from North America, Christians are geographically dispersed, with 26 percent in Europe, 24 percent in Latin America and the Caribbean, 24 percent in sub-Saharan Africa and 13 percent in the Asia-Pacific region, the study found, based on 2010 data.

Pew reported that the world's population includes 1.6 billion Muslims, 1 billion Hindus, nearly 500 million Buddhists, 400 million adherents of various folk and traditional religions, 58 million adherents the study confined to the category of "other," comprised of many religions including Baha'i faith, Jainism, Sikhism, Shintoism, Taoism and Wicca.

Also, the study states that most of the world's population, 5.8 billion or 84 percent, affiliates with a particular religion, leaving 1.6 billion, or 16 percent, with no religious affiliation.   But many with no religious affiliation hold religious or spiritual beliefs, such as a belief in God or a universal spirit, while not identifying with a particular religion. 

Regarding the United States, the study found that 78 percent, or 243,060,000 of the country's 310,390,000 people are Christian.
 
There is much to be learned from these survey results - for one thing, we can be encouraged at the significant number of people worldwide and in America who claim to be Christians.   This can give us confidence that Christianity is and can be a powerful force in the world today.   But, even at that, Christians only make up one-third of the religious population worldwide...this tells us there is quite a mission field.   And, as we continue to track, there are many - generally between 15 and 20 percent - that say they do not follow any particular religion, although many claim to be spiritual.   There is a great affinity for the divine in the world today, and as we follow the truth of the Bible, then we can help point people who are searching to a knowledge of our Savior.