Crosswalk.com en-us Friday, November 27, 2009 Friday, November 27, 2009 rss.aspx support@crosswalk.com support@crosswalk.com http://media.salemwebnetwork.com/crosswalkredesign/images/display/crosswalk_logo_blue_tiny.gif http://www.crosswalk.com/feedback/ http://www.crosswalk.com/11617205/ I totally agree with you. I really like the way you've put this into words. Must be your 'sweet spot' :) As for me, I'm a teacher and the thing I've always done well is inspire people to be the best they can be. I used to think it wasn't much and surely there was something more 'concrete' that I could do. But now, I think I'll continue doing that, in God's name. God bless you. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 12:00:29 GMT 11617205 roslynct http://www.crosswalk.com/11583148/ "Have you ever looked at pornography of any kind" is not a good question. Watching pornography is a sin, but not as bad as blaspheming the Holy Spirit. It's not right to ask a person if (s)he ever committed a sin - whatever that sin is - that (s)he might already have repented of and already has been forgiven for. If in such a case you would ask the Lord if that person had watched pornography, even if the actual answer should be Yes, His answer would be "No", because He promised us in Psalm 103:12, Jeremiah 31:34 and Jeremiah 50:20 that He would not remember our forgiven sins. It's better to ask: Do you think watching pornography is ever acceptable? If his/her answer is sincerely No, then it's not relevant whether (s)he ever watched pornography in the past or not. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:04:17 GMT 11583148 Dutchyguy http://www.crosswalk.com/11610542/ We can take control of the House of Representatives to restore the 10th Amendment in the next election cycle. To see how, visit: http://laboratoryofthestates.org/call_to_action_story Fri, 27 Nov 2009 02:06:11 GMT 11610542 jabowery http://www.crosswalk.com/11617156/ The signatory leaders need to be very specific about what civil disobedience is not. It is NOT violence, attacks, shootings, etc. It is non-violent, in the same manner of Dr. Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 07:06:54 GMT 11617156 Theophile2 http://www.crosswalk.com/11617142/ A link to this article has been posted on the website GoodNewsNow.com. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:39:18 GMT 11617142 marysunkes http://www.crosswalk.com/11617139/ I appreciated the new (for me) insight into the "fear of God" which is the beginning of wisdom. I am teaching on Psalm 119:1-16 next Sunday, and want to focus (in part) on the fear of God evidenced in verse 8. This article will be helpful in that regard. Thanks. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:15:58 GMT 11617139 John280 http://www.crosswalk.com/11617056/ We just discussed this in our church Bible study recently. Our pastor said it a little differently though: "Character is who you are when no one else is looking." I truly believe that if you can practice being who you want to be when you are alone, it will become much easier to do when the whole world is watching. Another quote that relates to this is "Live your life in such a way that you don't have to hide your diary." I am not perfect; in fact, I used to live a life full of sin. But the consequences of those actions caught up with me, and I am finally living the way God would want me to. I have seen how the consequences of my actions branch out and affect others; and I have decided once and for all that I want to impact the people around me in a positive way, so I need to start living accordingly. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:06:37 GMT 11617056 love_never_fails134 http://www.crosswalk.com/11617136/ It is an unfortunate reality that many homosexuals have bought into the mainstream secular belief that homosexuality is just a preference, similar to one person liking vanilla ice cream while another prefers chocolate. This point leaves out the real perspective of to whom we belong. God created marriage as a singular union between man and woman; there is no other model given in all of human history for marriage. Psychological studies have shown many times that many social ills are much more prevalent in homosexual relationships than in heterosexual; among these are physical abuse, sexual abuse and suicide. It is time to help these people understand that they may be "law-abiding" citizens in the state's eyes, but their lifestyle is breaking the law of the Most High. The consequences of breaking this law are much higher. I sympathize with those who struggle with these unnatural desires, but they are unnatural. They must be opposed as such, if only to reach those struggling w/the desires. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 05:28:04 GMT 11617136 hunnymoney http://www.crosswalk.com/11617145/ How seriously would we take Colson's support for religious freedom if that meant the freedom to use public funds to provide services limited to whites or to same race couples? And why should attempts to discriminate against same sex couples be given any more consideration? Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:59:01 GMT 11617145 kencorbin http://www.crosswalk.com/11617136/ I've read quite a few comments on various websites denouncing The Manhattan Declaration, which I signed this morning. These negative comments and not so thinly veiled threats amaze me. It is my considered opinion that the above declaration is long overdue. For the past fifteen years of which I am aware, the forces of secularism (for lack of a better term) have punished good, law abiding Christians as though they had perpetrated every known evil upon mankind. The double standards to which Christians have been held: shocking. Christians of all stripes find themselves up against sophisticated and ruthless enemies, who do not subscribe to the old adage: live and let live. The Manhattan Declaration takes a much-needed stance. While others may be entitled to their own convictions, they should also know that mine are unwavering: http://theseedsof9-11.com Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:52:33 GMT 11617136 Peggy McGilligan http://www.crosswalk.com/11617000/ While these young women have physically been released, I pray for their safety as they may be targeted by extremist groups. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:48:29 GMT 11617000 St.Jim http://www.crosswalk.com/11617159/ I agree with you that we have become a society that is obsessed with material things. This is something that has been growing for the past 30 years in this country. It's not the success of America or that we have too much money- it's the fact that we have abandoned God in our lives. We put other things first and it is a habit that is being past along to our children. We, as Christians, must be an example of what Jesus wants us to be: loving, giving, and unselfish. There is nothing wrong with having stuff but if it becomes first in our lives then we need to make some changes. I believe that God is making these changes in millions of Americans lives right now by taking many of these material things away from people and refocusing their lives back on him. Whether they (we) will do it or not, I don't know. Thanks for writing this...but I always question PBS as a source for anything, just my opinion. God Bless. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 05:09:09 GMT 11617159 uduke33 http://www.crosswalk.com/11616901/ I will be reading your book with great anticipation! I am a believer living in the "epicenter" of the Twilight phenomenon, and find it discouraging that so many girls (and even MORE so, mothers and grown women), are so attracted to a dysfunctional and even manipulative/controlling relationship. Having lived through an abusive marriage, I cringe every time someone mentions the books or movie- A man who stalks a woman and hangs out in her bedroom is NOT chivalrous even by today's standards- even if he opens doors!! I continue to pray for what this book seems to focus on: That these women would see the book as merely entertainment (At best), and that their TRUE hero and savior, Jesus Christ, would show Himself to them in a loving and powerful way. Thank you in advance, and please pray for those who are bound by the "perfect" image of the vampire, and for me as I seek clarity and wisdom in presenting the truth found in Christ- Fidgety1 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 03:28:05 GMT 11616901 fidgety1 http://www.crosswalk.com/11617156/ Just as Peter and the Apostles in the book of Acts were willing to defend their faith, so must we. I do not want my country trashed by a minuscule percentage of militant individuals. Let Barry Lynn go back to what he was doing before he started persecuting Christians. Hey Barry, News Flash: There is no wall of separation between church and state - it's all a big hype! Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:08:32 GMT 11617156 techcons http://www.crosswalk.com/11617157/ Awesome note, one that I definitely needed to hear. Putting these points into practice won't be easy, but it must start with a decision I must make. With God's help, I'm choosing to rewrite my story. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:37:56 GMT 11617157 UltraJoe http://www.crosswalk.com/1362970/ im thankful for living my children,grandchildren,sisters,brothers,nephew,neices,aunties,cousins.thank god for the people who fight for this country before me after me. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:15:29 GMT 1362970 huffbeverly http://www.crosswalk.com/11617059/ I wish I had written this. According to a radio editorial some years ago, “a man’s religion and the strength of his conviction are his own personal matter” and therefore “religion should not interfere with politics.” Of course, this too is an expression of humanist neutrality designed to silence Christians but allow for every other conceivable worldview to find expression in the public and political arena. Let’s apply the neutrality logic to Germany in the 1930s and 1940s. Should the churches have remained neutral because they were churches and their denouncement of Hitler and policies would have been fundamentally religious? Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:20:32 GMT 11617059 jeff64 http://www.crosswalk.com/11616713/ Who says that it has to bring tears? And just because you didn't have tears doesn't mean others did not. I did! I took my Mom to the OKC matinee on Saturday and we LOVED it! She's read all the books, we've visited some of the locations where they lived, and she still watches TV reruns. I trust that your harsh criticism will not deter others from going to see a musical that brough us great delight. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:11:47 GMT 11616713 TheTuneRoom@gmail.com http://www.crosswalk.com/11580287/ What surprises me is that Solomon had hundreds of wives and a few hundred concubines.I cannot reconcile the "Song" with this data on his married and extra-marital life.I am not judging him.I just cannot reconcile this.Either he is not the author of the "Song" or the data about his married life is incorrect.Scripture supports scripture, so how could this inconsistencey of faithfulness arise between the narrative of the "Song" and his life? Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:59:35 GMT 11580287 tonydibble http://www.crosswalk.com/11616910/ if they're going to require me to get health insurance does that also mean that i'm going to be forced to go to the doctor regularly weather i want to or not Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:37:12 GMT 11616910 slingblade http://www.crosswalk.com/11616586/ Married men can capture that heroic spirit by regarding themselves as knights to their wives queens. When the queen says to go kill the dragon, the knight sets out on a quest. Whether it's a mouse in the garage or a broken washer, it's a dragon to their wives, and they can be heroes by taking out that dragon. Sincerely, Leroy Hurt www.YourUnfinishedBusiness.net Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:44:03 GMT 11616586 LeroyHurt http://www.crosswalk.com/11617073/ A link to this article has been posted on the website GoodNewsNow.com. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:18:23 GMT 11617073 marysunkes http://www.crosswalk.com/11617061/ A link to this article has been posted on the website GoodNewsNow.com. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:15:33 GMT 11617061 marysunkes http://www.crosswalk.com/11596233/ A link to this article has been posted on the website GoodNewsNow.com. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:12:29 GMT 11596233 marysunkes http://www.crosswalk.com/11582544/ I definitely disagree with the statement that the "'Twilight' Books Send the Wrong Message." The relationships in the Twilight Saga will obviously be different than real-life relationships because these are fantasy books meant to engage your imagination. They are not meant to be a guideline for your romantic endeavors. The qualities of these books when magnified in the fantasy world may seem too intense, but when put into perspective are a good message for young adults. I believe that the emphasis on abstinence is highly important for a younger generation (and the 20-something generation). Bella is a confident girl; she is smart and well-behaved and isn't boy-crazy or "looking for love" until Edward comes along. It's his devotion to her and respect for her that wins her over. Her want to be with him "forever" is no different than how we express love for each other expect with a fantasy spin put on it. I think if you communicate with your children these are positive books. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:27:34 GMT 11582544 bmichelle7 http://www.crosswalk.com/11616944/ “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” is a truly exceptional film. Not only was it probably the cleanest PG-13 rated movie I have ever seen, but it was well acted and remained very true to the book it was based off of. I would recommend seeing Twilight before venturing into New Moon and I would really suggest reading the books before venturing into the movies. Either way, I would recommend this movie to men and women of all ages. The values in the Twilight Saga books are carried over to the movie, including but not limited to: rising above your circumstances, devotion, abstinence, and the importance of “making the right choices” in regards to your soul and your eternity after death. Just focusing on the film, I would say that it was a beautiful love story set in an exciting, fantasy world (I would not classify it as horror). The story engages your imagination and gives a whole new spin on "vampires and werewolves," which I appreciate. I would definitely recommend the books and the films. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:18:30 GMT 11616944 bmichelle7 http://www.crosswalk.com/11616397/ Respond. Totally limiting your teens is more libel, in my mind, to make it harder for them when they do face that peer pressure, or those difficult circumstances, because they have never completely been introduced to it before. Allow the teens today to grow, to make and influence new friends, and then make sure they know that you are always their to discuss anything with them. Jesus loves his children here on earth, but he doesn't force us to stay away from the things of this world, but rather he warns us of the dangers and the possible consequences that could come. In the end, we have to make the choice. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:58:35 GMT 11616397 Jesussaves32 http://www.crosswalk.com/11616397/ Part 2: calls us to be knowledgeable about what goes on in the world. Yes, we can try and tell are kids this, but speaking from experience, sometimes we teens just have to learn things the hard way. I definitely understand where it becomes a concern for parents to send their kids to a place where it isn't sure what goes on, but growing up and going out into the world is an unknown journey. As parents, I believe the best thing you can do is guide your teens in the way of the Lord. And that means instructing them and teaching them in the way of the Word and the standards that God has set before us. I do believe that if they get off track during their teen years, that you should prohibit the activity that is causing that, but don't do it until you are sure that there is a problem there. A lot can be learned by general experience and living out of ones faith. I have learned many of my huge life lessons by first experiencing it and then talking to my parents about it and how I should Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:54:47 GMT 11616397 Jesussaves32 http://www.crosswalk.com/11616397/ Post 1: I just got done reading this article, and I have to say that I disagree with a lot being said here. I was homeschooled my entire life, was a strong participant in the church and all the church youth groups, and am now a Youth Ministry Major at a major bible university. Through those years of homeschooling, especially the teenage years, there were many chances where I needed to learn lessons by experience. You say here that youth groups can have a bad influence on our teens because it will persuade them to do things that they were taught not to do. But some of that is a part of growing up. I have seen many teens make it fine through their highschool years and then get to college and the same thing happens. Whether we keep them from youth group or not, they are going to find this at some point in their life. I do not believe that it is the parents job to totally restrict their children from those things that are of this world. Yes God calls us to not be of this world, but He also Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:49:41 GMT 11616397 Jesussaves32 http://www.crosswalk.com/11549804/ This was an good review. I came on to check the accuracy of the movie from a few different sources, because although I had read several Austin novels and studied her in some upper-level English courses, I wasn't sure about her love-life. I really enjoyed the film. I didn't really expect it to be perfectly accurate before I watched it, but just enjoyed it for it's beautiful scenery, plot, and especially the connection between the two main actors. They really did an excellent job. I didn't have trouble believing the love-story. It was tastefully done, unlike in something like Shakespeare In Love. I didn't, however, find the film lacking. Thanks for reviewing! Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:26:02 GMT 11549804 Luna1968 http://www.crosswalk.com/11617136/ DEAR DR. MOHLER: I do not doubt your convictions, and I certainly encourage Christians to conduct their own personal lives as their religious values dictate. But the fact remains that, when it comes to marriage equality for Gay & Straight couples, your "Manhattan Declaration" is antithetical to U.S. Constitution of the United States. You need to ask yourself why law-abiding, taxpaying Gay Americans should be forced to subsidize all the legal benefits and responsibilities that Straight couples enjoy, when we are unable to take advantage of those same incentives to marry? And since when do voters get to decide that the rights that apply to them DO NOT apply to minorities? Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:37:11 GMT 11617136 Chuck Anziulewicz http://www.crosswalk.com/11617059/ Mr. Colson, with all due respect, when you say your proposals are not partisan, you strain credulity. I admired you when you began your prison ministry. That was courageous. It is not courageous to be a mouthpiece for the right wing political ideology you espouse. Why layer your ideology with pseudo-Christian language. Just speak what you think, and listen to what others say. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:13:24 GMT 11617059 phansel http://www.crosswalk.com/11617059/ Maybe the "Religions" should take a break from politics. Why don't we as Christians try walking and talking to God and go from there. Just signing a name for "I am a Christian" doesn't automatically make everything ok! Be real carefull not to cross the fine line of mixing politics and religion! Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:07:47 GMT 11617059 renebrown http://www.crosswalk.com/11617059/ Maybe the "Religions" should take a break from politics. Why don't we as Christians try walking and talking to God and go from there. Just signing a name for "I am a Christian" doesn't automatically make everything ok! Be real carefull not to cross the fine line of mixing politics and religion! Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:07:45 GMT 11617059 renebrown http://www.crosswalk.com/11616944/ Yozach, as Christians we are not called to relate to the Unbeliever. We are called to expose their sins and present the Gospel of our Lord, so that they may see the nature of their folly and turn in repentance to full submission to the Lord. While it is indeed important to understand current events, one does not need to expose himself and others to ungodly influences in order to understand the nature of that influence and counter it. It is like arguing that Christians should view pornography so that we can understand and 'relate' to the sexually immoral. It is like arguing that Christians should engage in adultery in order to understand the adulterer. Such an argument is foolishness. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:50:51 GMT 11616944 Ambient_Riot http://www.crosswalk.com/11616901/ Well, Shari Timmers of Cincinnati obviously doesn't care that the Harry Potter series glorifies the occult into "palatable" entertainment for children and teens, insidiously desensitizing them to the abomination that the occult is to God. Why shield them from the vampire concept if you have opened the door the occult? Ms. McCabe is correct: girls hunger for a hero, attention, safety, and love. Men in general should take a clue from girls' and womens' responses to this genre: females long for men like this, not smart-alecky, aloof, indifferent, preoccupied men. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:30:22 GMT 11616901 vtstevens http://www.crosswalk.com/11616944/ Why are we promoting something that is so not of Christ.. I was appalled to see reviews about a show that deals so strongly with the occult.. I will be cancelling my subscription. FOR ME ..NO COMPROMISE! Obviously that is not the same for Crosswalk. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:08:22 GMT 11616944 keijon3 http://www.crosswalk.com/11616944/ Thanks for reviewing NEW Moon. I think it is important for Christians as a whole to keep up with all current events. How are we supposed to relate to those who haven't known Jesus as Lord if we keep ourselves in a bubble. How could we possible bring someone else to our Lord if we're afraid to go into the world? Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:49:52 GMT 11616944 yozach http://www.crosswalk.com/11616944/ I'm appalled that a Christian website would even acknowledg such garbage as Twilight. This is contrary to everything that we stand for as Christians. What are you thinking. Why would a Christain website give any relivance to such evil as things about vampire, warewolves and such demonic things. This make me sick. Jesus said, we are not of this world nor should we even pretend to be part of this world. What are you people thinking? Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:23:09 GMT 11616944 jal331 http://www.crosswalk.com/11617014/ Well said Rebecca. As a lot of Christians were extolling Carrie's stand for Biblical marriage, there was that inconsistant Hollywood sexuality that she projected. I'm glad someone else noticed. Many Christian woman have bought into the same Hollywood sexuality and don't see the inconsistentency in wearing plunging necklines, thongs, tight jeans and their public witness. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:35:31 GMT 11617014 Grecian http://www.crosswalk.com/11616910/ No, it is totally worse than auto insurance. I have the choice here to ride the bus, ride my mule, or own a car in America. My boss could care less how I get to work as long as I do. Owning a car means I protect those around me in case I do something stupid, or have an accident while driving. Tell me how we have those choices with mandatory health insurance. Just another step in a turning America into a Socialist government, with a boss that wants to oversee every move we make. Sounds like a chip under the skin is next. And a huge step in fullfillment of prophecy. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:30:28 GMT 11616910 tcbnashville http://www.crosswalk.com/11616910/ So let me see if I i got this right: I can avoid car insurance by not buying a car. So I guess I could avoid health insurance by not being a citizen? Ooops! I forgot, illegals are going to get in on this insurance. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:37:20 GMT 11616910 apage4u http://www.crosswalk.com/11617062/ Your example of enduring the hiccups and trying to solve the issue on your own, especially when a perfectly good remedy was easily within reach, is an outstanding example of how we often try to ‘white knuckle’ life’s difficulties when the ultimate remedy is easily within our reach. Great article! Brian W. Walker www.HopeToHoldOnTo.com Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:06:29 GMT 11617062 BrianWWalker http://www.crosswalk.com/11617056/ A link to this article has been posted on the website GoodNewsNow.com. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:04:47 GMT 11617056 marysunkes http://www.crosswalk.com/11616663/ A link to this article has been posted on the website GoodNewsNow.com. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:01:57 GMT 11616663 marysunkes http://www.crosswalk.com/11609815/ Sadness permeates the wait, for me. I don't want to be found sad when at last he comes into my life, but the longer I am asked to wait, the sadder I become... Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:04:11 GMT 11609815 Jeweltonez http://www.crosswalk.com/11601885/ I am in a similar situation. I have been married for 11+ years and been with my husband for 13 yrs. And I am tired. I have 3 children; a lot of stamina but I am completely worn out. My husband is the archetypal jekyll and hyde character; his anger is overwhelming and scary and doesn't take much to trigger it off. It has culminated in physical abuse at times and threats. I feel constantly criticised for not doing what I should do and when I complain or try and get redress for the treatment I receive I am told that no one is stopping me from leaving. I am not sure if I love him anymore because if anything I feel drained and tired. I have even stopped praying although I have God in my thoughts all the time. I don't know what to do or where to start but I need help - in a big way. I went away for a week for work 3 weeks ago and on my way back I had a full blown panic attack on the plane. I couldn't face the idea of coming back. I panic like crazy when he is angry ...where do I start? Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:58:32 GMT 11601885 drsaf http://www.crosswalk.com/11616546/ I think they should have been confiscated. I know Jehovah of the Old Testament didn't use that name. Neither did Jesus Christ our LORD and Savior refer to His Father by the name of allah. Allah is a false god. We worhip the only One and True God. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:32:28 GMT 11616546 St.Jim http://www.crosswalk.com/11616997/ Absence of evidence isn't evidence of absence. But absence of evidence when evidence should be present is evidence of absence. I suppose I could be agnostic about the possible existence of a god who set off the Big Bang in the first place, but I am absolutely atheistic about the Judaic-Christian-Islamic god, because there is absolutely no evidence for this god's existence. I concede Jesus existed (as a apocalyptic preacher who was executed by the Romans for sedition), but there is no contemporary evidence for his miracles or the resurrection (the gospels were written at least 30 years (John 70 years afterwards) after the events supposedly described, and there are no copies from that time too). The thought of someone being executed for someone else's crimes I find morally repugnant. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:15:59 GMT 11616997 bachfiend http://www.crosswalk.com/11617017/ Jerry Bergman is extremely confused. A (scientific) theory is much more than a fact; it explains and connects a large number of facts. It isn't a guess or just speculation; that is a hypothesis. What does carbon12 have to do with irreducible complexity? If Jerry Bergman reckons he has an example of a fossil in the wrong geological stratum then why doesn't he document it fully instead of just insinuating it? Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:15:21 GMT 11617017 bachfiend