- Lynn Macaskill - Suzie MacAskill - James MacDonald - Patrick Mahoney - Mama Maggie - Julius Malema - Michelle Malkin - Tracy Smith Malone - Nathaniel Manderson - Ben Mandrell - Andrew Manis - Clinton Manley - Cecil Maranville - Angel Marcial - Amanda Marcotte - Keith Markham - Mike Marlar - George Marsden - Chris Martin - Dave Martin - Lia Martin - Ricardo Martinez - Steven R Martins - Martin E Marty - Mychal Massie - Sam Masteller - Doug Mastriano - David Mathis - Keith A Mathison -
==lynn macaskill================
April 25, 2023: Church Leaders: Christian Group To Organize Prayer, Evangelism Campaign at Sold Out SatanCon
MacAskill’s sister and fellow IFA Boston leader, Lynn, said that “several people [are] receiving words and visions about the angel armies surrounding Boston.”
”Suzie and I have only just come to understand that God has been preparing us for this for some time, which is very comforting as we get close to going into the battle zone,” Lynn said.
MacAskill’s sister and fellow IFA Boston leader, Lynn, said that “several people [are] receiving words and visions about the angel armies surrounding Boston.”
”Suzie and I have only just come to understand that God has been preparing us for this for some time, which is very comforting as we get close to going into the battle zone,” Lynn said.
==suzie macaskill=================
Suzie MacAskill serve as regional leaders in Boston for the Washington, D.C.-based Intercessors for America with her sister Lynn MacAskill.
“I initially went to prayer with a preconceived idea that God would want this to be prayed away. It was following this assumption that I was awakened through the night with a clear sense of ‘this is my harvest field. Since truly seeking God’s will for this event, and not coming with my own ideas, I believe I’ve been able to more clearly hear of his love for those who are lost and his strategy for praying for this event.......My personal sense is that God is doing something new, something powerful, something wonderful, and he is calling his bride to unity as he does this. We pray for a harvest of lost souls to take place as we have never seen before.”
-Suzie MacAskill; Church Leaders: Christian Group To Organize Prayer, Evangelism Campaign at Sold Out SatanCon 3.25.23
-Suzie MacAskill; Church Leaders: Christian Group To Organize Prayer, Evangelism Campaign at Sold Out SatanCon 3.25.23
==james macdonald=================
April 20, 2023: Charisma: Former Megachurch Pastor James MacDonald Arrested for Assault
As reported by The Roys Report, "Disgraced megachurch pastor James MacDonald has been arrested and charged with felony assault and battery in California, after authorities say he attacked a 59-year-old woman, resulting in 'serious injuries.'"
A criminal complaint was filed by the San Diego County District Attorney's office saying "James MacDonald personally inflicted great bodily injury upon Barbara Bass," and continued saying MacDonald "did willfully and unlawfully use force and violence" against Bass.
As reported by The Roys Report, "Disgraced megachurch pastor James MacDonald has been arrested and charged with felony assault and battery in California, after authorities say he attacked a 59-year-old woman, resulting in 'serious injuries.'"
A criminal complaint was filed by the San Diego County District Attorney's office saying "James MacDonald personally inflicted great bodily injury upon Barbara Bass," and continued saying MacDonald "did willfully and unlawfully use force and violence" against Bass.
May 19, 2022: Church Leaders: Kirk Cameron Hosts Disgraced Pastor James MacDonald To Talk Biblical Illiteracy
This week, James MacDonald appeared on an episode of TBN’s “Takeaways with Kirk Cameron” to discuss the problem of biblical illiteracy.
“For 30 years, Doctor James MacDonald served as founding and senior pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, and for more than 20 years, he was the Bible teacher of the broadcast ministry ‘Walk in the Word,’” Cameron said to introduce MacDonald. “He’s a prolific author of more than 15 books, and he joins us today to talk about the crisis of biblical illiteracy.”
This week, James MacDonald appeared on an episode of TBN’s “Takeaways with Kirk Cameron” to discuss the problem of biblical illiteracy.
“For 30 years, Doctor James MacDonald served as founding and senior pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, and for more than 20 years, he was the Bible teacher of the broadcast ministry ‘Walk in the Word,’” Cameron said to introduce MacDonald. “He’s a prolific author of more than 15 books, and he joins us today to talk about the crisis of biblical illiteracy.”
2010: Preaching: The 25 Most Influential Pastors of the Past 25 Years
A quarter-century has brought great changes to the preaching landscape, and today’s list of contributing editors includes names that would have been unknown to most pastors 25 years ago: Rick Warren, Bryan Chapell, James MacDonald, Robert Smith, Dave Stone, James Emery White and Ed Young Jr. (though his pastor dad would have been a good candidate for the original list—and is now among our senior consulting editors).
A quarter-century has brought great changes to the preaching landscape, and today’s list of contributing editors includes names that would have been unknown to most pastors 25 years ago: Rick Warren, Bryan Chapell, James MacDonald, Robert Smith, Dave Stone, James Emery White and Ed Young Jr. (though his pastor dad would have been a good candidate for the original list—and is now among our senior consulting editors).
==PATRICK MAHONEY================ |
- Prayers & Action -
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Patrick J. Mahoney is a nationally and internationally known Christian social, political and human rights activist, and an ordained minister in the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Reverend Mahoney works in Washington, DC and resides in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with his wife Katie. Rev. Mahoney is perhaps best known for his global work in protecting human rights and justice for all as a leader in the pro-life movement. Over the past four decades, he has been outspoken prophetic voice for ending the violence of abortion and ensuring equality for all. That work has included his sponsoring the first ever voter initiative in America, premiering the showing of “Silent Scream” on his local Connecticut talk show and being the former national spokesperson for Operation Rescue. His work has been featured in the national media through such publications as Newsweek, Time Magazine, The New York Times, Washington Post, LA Times, & U.S. News and World Report. Reverend Mahoney has been seen on O’Riley Factor, Good Morning America, The Today Show, Meet the Press, Oprah, ABC Hannity, Fox and Friends, Fox News, the BBC, CBS News, NBC News, CNN, 48 Hours, 60 Minutes, 20/20 and the 700 Club.
Feb 16, 2023: Christian Newswire: Secret Service Threatens Minister with Arrest for Peacefully Demonstrating on a Public Sidewalk in Front of the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, was told yesterday by the Secret Service the sidewalk was not public because Chinese officials said it "was Chinese property."
The Secret Service went on to say Mahoney would be arrested and charged with unlawful assembly because he would be demonstrating on "Chinese property."
Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, was told yesterday by the Secret Service the sidewalk was not public because Chinese officials said it "was Chinese property."
The Secret Service went on to say Mahoney would be arrested and charged with unlawful assembly because he would be demonstrating on "Chinese property."
Sept 9, 2021: KESQ reported that the Pastor who wanted to pray on Capitol grounds on 9/11 anniversary won’t be able to because of security concerns. The Rev. Patrick Mahoney’s short-lived legal challenge prompted Judge James Boasberg of the DC District Court to reflect upon the new reality around the Capitol, which remains restricted following the January 6 insurrection and as federal authorities continue to fear violence and large crowds.
April 17, 2015: New Campaign By Christians: Wear Orange to Church to Support Victims of ISIS is announced by Rev. Patrick Mahoney, who leads the Church on the Hill in Washington, D.C. He started the #orangejumpsuit project to encourage people to wear orange in an effort to raise awareness about Christian persecution.
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Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Christian Defense Coalition, speaks at rally held on January 24, 2015 at the Late Term abortion mill of Leroy Carhart commemorating the 4th anniversary of Carhart coming to Maryland from Nebraska
REV. PATRICK MAHONEY - JANUARY 24, 2015 from Maryland Coalition for Life on Vimeo. |
Sept 30, 2013: Breaking Christian News reported that Rev. Patrick Mahoney is flying to Turkey, and then Iran, hoping to meet with Iranian officials in an attempt to secure a meeting in Tehran with President Rouhani and Iranian government leaders to discuss Pastor Saeed. Rev. Mahoney comments:
"Around the world, every person should be afforded the right to express their faith traditions free from government persecution, harassment and intimidation. No one should have to suffer violence or brutality because of what they believe.
"I am flying to Turkey/Iran in hopes of securing the release of Pastor Saeed who is serving an 8 years prison sentence because of his Christian beliefs.
"I will be appealing to the new Iranian leadership which has expressed a desire to have a more open and moderate attitude toward human rights and personal freedoms and work toward building better relationships with their global neighbors.
"On this historic mission, I will not be going as a representative of the United States government, but rather as a faith leader sharing the heart of Christ and calling upon Iran's leaders to show compassion and mercy and allow Saeed to return to his family in America.
"The power of faith transcends governments and leaders and can transform nations and societies. If I have the opportunity to meet with President Rouhani, I will not be speaking to him on a political level but rather as one faith leader to another."
"Around the world, every person should be afforded the right to express their faith traditions free from government persecution, harassment and intimidation. No one should have to suffer violence or brutality because of what they believe.
"I am flying to Turkey/Iran in hopes of securing the release of Pastor Saeed who is serving an 8 years prison sentence because of his Christian beliefs.
"I will be appealing to the new Iranian leadership which has expressed a desire to have a more open and moderate attitude toward human rights and personal freedoms and work toward building better relationships with their global neighbors.
"On this historic mission, I will not be going as a representative of the United States government, but rather as a faith leader sharing the heart of Christ and calling upon Iran's leaders to show compassion and mercy and allow Saeed to return to his family in America.
"The power of faith transcends governments and leaders and can transform nations and societies. If I have the opportunity to meet with President Rouhani, I will not be speaking to him on a political level but rather as one faith leader to another."
==mama maggie================
March 10, 2023: Religion News: ‘Spiritual exemplars’ change the media narrative about religion
Here are a few of those we profiled:
Mama Maggie runs a huge program for children and families who live in the slums of Cairo that includes 100 nursery schools. A Coptic Christian, she spends up to two months a year in a local monastery praying for the children and the program — with her cell phone nearby to consult with her staff as issues arise.
Here are a few of those we profiled:
Mama Maggie runs a huge program for children and families who live in the slums of Cairo that includes 100 nursery schools. A Coptic Christian, she spends up to two months a year in a local monastery praying for the children and the program — with her cell phone nearby to consult with her staff as issues arise.
==julius malema===============
April 11, 2023: Iol: Evangelical Lutheran church demands apology from Julius Malema over ‘I don’t need a silly cross’… like Jesus comments
The Evangelical Lutheran church has called on EFF leader Julius Malema to publicly apologise for allegedly making what it labelled blasphemous statements that amount to hate speech. The church said Malema made comments such as: “You don't wait for Jesus to come because you are Jesus" and ”l will give blacks free land. Unlike Jesus, I don't need a silly cross to save my people." |
“Based on your utterances, it is clear that you are not a Christian. If you are an atheist or embrace any other religion, we appeal to you to respect the right of Christians to believe in Jesus. Mr Malema, for you the cross is silly and foolish but for us who are saved it is the power of God,” the church said. 4.11.23 |
==Michelle Malkin================
April 27, 2023: Metro Voice: Fox News settlement raises stakes for Christian media influencers
Here’s a look at five Christians who publicly attacked Coomer but later admitted they had no evidence for doing so.
Michelle Malkin
Oltmann’s lack of evidence didn’t bother Malkin, who called Coomer “an unhinged sociopath” using the hashtag #ExposeDominion.
Malkin claims 30 years of journalism experience but didn’t check Oltmann’s wild claims before hosting him on her Nov. 13 livestream show. She said she was taking election fraud claims “from conspiracy theory to conspiracy truth!”
Her Nov. 28 “Hacking the Vote” segment was part of her short-lived “Sovereign Nation” show on the right-of-Fox network Newsmax. The segment was accompanied by a disclaimer admitting the network had “no evidence that Dr. Coomer interfered with Dominion voting machines or voting software in any way…Nor has Newsmax found any evidence that Dr. Coomer ever participated in any conversation with members of Antifa.”
This exchange was typical:
Attorney: Do you believe that you have a responsibility as a journalist to put verifiable facts out, facts that can be verified?
Malkin: I believe that I have an imperative to broadcast stories that are not being covered and to give a platform to people who are being censored for disseminating what is considered dangerous or dissident information but that is of high public interest.
Here’s a look at five Christians who publicly attacked Coomer but later admitted they had no evidence for doing so.
Michelle Malkin
Oltmann’s lack of evidence didn’t bother Malkin, who called Coomer “an unhinged sociopath” using the hashtag #ExposeDominion.
Malkin claims 30 years of journalism experience but didn’t check Oltmann’s wild claims before hosting him on her Nov. 13 livestream show. She said she was taking election fraud claims “from conspiracy theory to conspiracy truth!”
Her Nov. 28 “Hacking the Vote” segment was part of her short-lived “Sovereign Nation” show on the right-of-Fox network Newsmax. The segment was accompanied by a disclaimer admitting the network had “no evidence that Dr. Coomer interfered with Dominion voting machines or voting software in any way…Nor has Newsmax found any evidence that Dr. Coomer ever participated in any conversation with members of Antifa.”
This exchange was typical:
Attorney: Do you believe that you have a responsibility as a journalist to put verifiable facts out, facts that can be verified?
Malkin: I believe that I have an imperative to broadcast stories that are not being covered and to give a platform to people who are being censored for disseminating what is considered dangerous or dissident information but that is of high public interest.
==tracy smith malone=========
‘Like a revival’: UMC bishops talk of ‘a future with hope’ after over 6K churches depart
Moderated by Hamilton, the panel included East Ohio Bishop Tracy Smith Malone, Florida Bishop Tom Berlin and Bishop Mande Muyombo of the Congo Central Conference. The event comes as thousands of UMC congregations have disaffiliated in the past couple of years amid the ongoing debate within the denomination over whether to change its rules to allow for the blessing of same-sex unions and the ordination of noncelibate homosexuals. Although efforts to change the UMC Book of Discipline's stance on these issues have failed, many theological liberal leaders in the denomination have either refused to follow or enforce the denomination's rules.
(Michael Gryboski/Christian Post 10/12/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
Moderated by Hamilton, the panel included East Ohio Bishop Tracy Smith Malone, Florida Bishop Tom Berlin and Bishop Mande Muyombo of the Congo Central Conference. The event comes as thousands of UMC congregations have disaffiliated in the past couple of years amid the ongoing debate within the denomination over whether to change its rules to allow for the blessing of same-sex unions and the ordination of noncelibate homosexuals. Although efforts to change the UMC Book of Discipline's stance on these issues have failed, many theological liberal leaders in the denomination have either refused to follow or enforce the denomination's rules.
(Michael Gryboski/Christian Post 10/12/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
==nathaniel manderson===
Pastor blows up the 'love affair between Donald Trump and American evangelicals'
Evangelical Christians are not going to be convinced by the left to reject Donald Trump, but there's still hope it may happen anyway, according to one former pastor. Nathaniel Manderson, who was educated at a conservative seminary and has been a pastor, a career counselor, and a high school teacher, said in a piece published on Sunday that evangelical Christianity can only be "saved" if it "dumps Trump." "Liberal mockery will never break the spell. My fellow evangelical believers have to look within themselves," Manderson writes in the Salon article. (Raw Story 2/18/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Evangelical Christians are not going to be convinced by the left to reject Donald Trump, but there's still hope it may happen anyway, according to one former pastor. Nathaniel Manderson, who was educated at a conservative seminary and has been a pastor, a career counselor, and a high school teacher, said in a piece published on Sunday that evangelical Christianity can only be "saved" if it "dumps Trump." "Liberal mockery will never break the spell. My fellow evangelical believers have to look within themselves," Manderson writes in the Salon article. (Raw Story 2/18/24) READ MORE>>>>>
==ben mandrell==============
May 19, 2023: Only Sky: The Southern Baptist Convention had its worst EVER membership drop in 2022
On the plus side, Lifeway’s new president, Ben Mandrell, reports that the organization had “revenue growth” last year (p. 62). After how much Thom Rainer, the previous president, apparently mucked things up, I bet Southern Baptist Convention folks will be glad to hear that news.
On the plus side, Lifeway’s new president, Ben Mandrell, reports that the organization had “revenue growth” last year (p. 62). After how much Thom Rainer, the previous president, apparently mucked things up, I bet Southern Baptist Convention folks will be glad to hear that news.
==clinton manley=============
Clinton Manley is a contract editor for Desiring God and a student at Bethlehem Seminary. He lives in Minneapolis, where he is a member of Cities Church.
The Disciplined Imagination
Seminary is often good but rarely safe. An ever-present danger stalks the corridors of higher education — the looming threat that you will know much more and be much less. This danger is a kind of insanity — a shriveling of the soul — that finds potentially fertile soil in propositions, paradigms, arguments, and facts. That is not at all to say theological education should be avoided. But if reason consumes a man’s heart, if his imagination atrophies, then he may know more facts about God but enjoy him less. That means God’s glory is at stake in our sanity. But what is sanity? Well, one philosopher defines sanity as “a proportion with reference to purpose” (Ideas Have Consequences, 54). In other words, the sane mind is the balanced mind — what Paul would call the sober mind (2 Timothy 4:5). The sane man is stable — clearheaded, set in soul, poised to act. Insanity, on the other hand, never finds its feet. The insane man fixates on the peripheral and forgets the bull’s-eye. He is unstable. (Desiring God; Clinton Manley) READ MORE>>>>>
Seminary is often good but rarely safe. An ever-present danger stalks the corridors of higher education — the looming threat that you will know much more and be much less. This danger is a kind of insanity — a shriveling of the soul — that finds potentially fertile soil in propositions, paradigms, arguments, and facts. That is not at all to say theological education should be avoided. But if reason consumes a man’s heart, if his imagination atrophies, then he may know more facts about God but enjoy him less. That means God’s glory is at stake in our sanity. But what is sanity? Well, one philosopher defines sanity as “a proportion with reference to purpose” (Ideas Have Consequences, 54). In other words, the sane mind is the balanced mind — what Paul would call the sober mind (2 Timothy 4:5). The sane man is stable — clearheaded, set in soul, poised to act. Insanity, on the other hand, never finds its feet. The insane man fixates on the peripheral and forgets the bull’s-eye. He is unstable. (Desiring God; Clinton Manley) READ MORE>>>>>
==angel marcial-==============
Feb 17, 2023: Christianity Today: Latino Evangelicals Ask DeSantis to Spare the Life of a Man on Death Row
Among those who signed the letter are Bishop Angel Marcial, president of the Florida Fellowship of Hispanic Councils and Evangelical Institutions; the Rev. Irene Familia, president of the Pastors Association of Volusia County; and the Rev. Ivan García, president of the Fellowship of Evangelical Ministers of Tampa. Signers also included Black clergy leaders, such as Bishop Derrick L. McRae, president of the African American Council of Christian Clergy, and the Rev. Frank Madison Reid III, with the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Among those who signed the letter are Bishop Angel Marcial, president of the Florida Fellowship of Hispanic Councils and Evangelical Institutions; the Rev. Irene Familia, president of the Pastors Association of Volusia County; and the Rev. Ivan García, president of the Fellowship of Evangelical Ministers of Tampa. Signers also included Black clergy leaders, such as Bishop Derrick L. McRae, president of the African American Council of Christian Clergy, and the Rev. Frank Madison Reid III, with the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
==amanda marcotte============
How Republicans convinced themselves America was meant to be a "Christian nation"
As a progressive black sheep who has drifted politically from my lily-white Republican family, I have ample opportunity to witness the damage that the MAGA movement has been doing to people I once considered reasonable-if-conservative. Most of it sadly predictable: People who denounced Bill Clinton's gross-but-consensual affair now make excuses for Donald Trump's sexual assaults. There's the willing participation in conspiracy theories they know full well are nonsense. And, of course, when utterly unable to make any sense of their own political "beliefs," the fallback of dumb "let's go Brandon"-type jokes. What has genuinely surprised me, however, is the way a bunch of folks who were previously not very religious have become all about Jesus. Maybe not enough to go to church, mind you, but enough to start littering their social media posts and other communications with Bible verses and the sentimental religious imagery. Not too long ago, many of these folks used to mock the showy piety of the fundamentalist neighbors. I fully blame the MAGA movement, of course. (Amanda Marcotte/Salon 12/13/23) READ MORE>>>>>
As a progressive black sheep who has drifted politically from my lily-white Republican family, I have ample opportunity to witness the damage that the MAGA movement has been doing to people I once considered reasonable-if-conservative. Most of it sadly predictable: People who denounced Bill Clinton's gross-but-consensual affair now make excuses for Donald Trump's sexual assaults. There's the willing participation in conspiracy theories they know full well are nonsense. And, of course, when utterly unable to make any sense of their own political "beliefs," the fallback of dumb "let's go Brandon"-type jokes. What has genuinely surprised me, however, is the way a bunch of folks who were previously not very religious have become all about Jesus. Maybe not enough to go to church, mind you, but enough to start littering their social media posts and other communications with Bible verses and the sentimental religious imagery. Not too long ago, many of these folks used to mock the showy piety of the fundamentalist neighbors. I fully blame the MAGA movement, of course. (Amanda Marcotte/Salon 12/13/23) READ MORE>>>>>
==Andrew manis================
Andrew M. Manis is emeritus professor of history at Middle Georgia State University and author of A Fire You Can’t Put Out: The Civil Rights Life of Birmingham’s Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth. He is currently working with Mark V. Puroshotham, producer and director of Mercy Pictures, on a documentary based on the book.
Numerous conservative pastors and commentators have declared to their flocks that true Christians must vote Republican if they are faithful. Chief among those is Al Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, who told a conservative political action group this fall that to vote for Democrats makes them “unfaithful to God.”
But what if he’s got it backward? What if voting for today’s iteration of the Republican Party — driven by the business of white supremacy more than actual business interests — makes one “unfaithful to God”? I read a Facebook post from one of my college friends indicating he would vote for Trump because “he was the only one who will protect us Christians.” Republicans must not have heard the news that religious belief, practice and institutions have thrived in the U.S. because they did not enjoy the favor of the government.
Instead, the churches had to work to spread the gospel and strengthen church life in America. Contrast the health of religion in America, where there has been no officially favored religion (even if, historically, most Americans have been Christians), with religion in most European countries where state churches once abounded but are now virtually empty. -Andrew Manis; Baptist News Global; Should ‘real’ Christians really vote Republican today? 11.3.22
But what if he’s got it backward? What if voting for today’s iteration of the Republican Party — driven by the business of white supremacy more than actual business interests — makes one “unfaithful to God”? I read a Facebook post from one of my college friends indicating he would vote for Trump because “he was the only one who will protect us Christians.” Republicans must not have heard the news that religious belief, practice and institutions have thrived in the U.S. because they did not enjoy the favor of the government.
Instead, the churches had to work to spread the gospel and strengthen church life in America. Contrast the health of religion in America, where there has been no officially favored religion (even if, historically, most Americans have been Christians), with religion in most European countries where state churches once abounded but are now virtually empty. -Andrew Manis; Baptist News Global; Should ‘real’ Christians really vote Republican today? 11.3.22
==cecil maranville===========
Cecil Maranville was a minister of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association and now retired.
“And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.’ Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question” (Acts 15:1-2).
The “certain men” are not identified. They were likely members of the Church of God—perhaps people of influence, given the impact their opinion had. Their contention that salvation depended upon physical circumcision created great controversy among the gentiles! It also stirred controversy anew among some Jewish members who were reminded of God’s covenant sign to Abraham.
In support of male circumcision for all who would come into the Church, some Pharisees who were now members of the Church expressed concern about faithfulness to “the law of Moses” (Acts 15:5).
--Cecil Maranville; Life Hope & Truth; Acts 15: How Was the Law Changed?
The “certain men” are not identified. They were likely members of the Church of God—perhaps people of influence, given the impact their opinion had. Their contention that salvation depended upon physical circumcision created great controversy among the gentiles! It also stirred controversy anew among some Jewish members who were reminded of God’s covenant sign to Abraham.
In support of male circumcision for all who would come into the Church, some Pharisees who were now members of the Church expressed concern about faithfulness to “the law of Moses” (Acts 15:5).
--Cecil Maranville; Life Hope & Truth; Acts 15: How Was the Law Changed?
==keith markham================
May 29, 1998: Baptist Press: Utah churches face challenges as part of religious minority
At Mountain View Baptist Church in Layton, Utah, those relationships have been built largely through a wide array of support groups and other programs of interest to the broader community. A Christmas “Walk through Bethlehem” presentation that covers the entire grounds, for instance, has been effective in introducing the church to the community and opening the doors for further contact. The church has found a niche that has allowed it to thrive evangelistically in an area where others have struggled.
“We have not felt any rejection, we have not felt any obstacles that we couldn’t overcome,” said Keith Markham, Mountain View’s pastor. “We have not felt anything except that the Lord is working here and he is letting us work with him.”
At Mountain View Baptist Church in Layton, Utah, those relationships have been built largely through a wide array of support groups and other programs of interest to the broader community. A Christmas “Walk through Bethlehem” presentation that covers the entire grounds, for instance, has been effective in introducing the church to the community and opening the doors for further contact. The church has found a niche that has allowed it to thrive evangelistically in an area where others have struggled.
“We have not felt any rejection, we have not felt any obstacles that we couldn’t overcome,” said Keith Markham, Mountain View’s pastor. “We have not felt anything except that the Lord is working here and he is letting us work with him.”
==mike marlar=====================
Feb 24, 2023: Christian Chronicle: Addressing church decline one child at a time
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Holy Father, we thank thee for this day and all of the blessings of life,” elder Mike Marlar prayed. “We pray for the spiritual growth and development of Miah. As she grows, we pray that you will keep her close to thee, that you will give her the presence and control of your Holy Spirit.”
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Holy Father, we thank thee for this day and all of the blessings of life,” elder Mike Marlar prayed. “We pray for the spiritual growth and development of Miah. As she grows, we pray that you will keep her close to thee, that you will give her the presence and control of your Holy Spirit.”
george marsden
“When I look into my heart, and take a view of my wickedness, it looks like an abyss infinitely deeper than hell.”
― George M. Marsden, Jonathan Edwards
― George M. Marsden, Jonathan Edwards
“Jonathan Edwards is sometimes criticized for having too dim a view of human nature, but it may be helpful to be reminded that his grandmother was an incorrigible profligate, his great-aunt committed infanticide, and his great-uncle was an ax-murderer.”
― George M. Marsden, Jonathan Edwards
― George M. Marsden, Jonathan Edwards
“True saints," Edwards observed with typical God-centeredness, are "inexpressibly pleased and delighted with ... the things of God." Hypocrites, by contrast, revel in themselves. "The hypocrite has his mind pleased and delighted, in the first place, with his own privilege, and the happiness which he supposes he has attained, or shall obtain."58”
― George M. Marsden, Jonathan Edwards
― George M. Marsden, Jonathan Edwards
“Why would a perfect being, such as God, need to create any less perfect beings? The answer, said Edwards, is that God is perfectly loving and so wishes to share that love with creatures capable of love. Edwards's starting point was that a loving God stands at the heart of the universe. So for Edwards the universe is most essentially personal; it is the creative expression of a person. Edwards's emphasis on personality at the center of reality presents a sharp contrast to most modern views. Since the Enlightenment many modern thinkers have built their theories on the premise that the universe is essentially impersonal, controlled by natural laws. Edwards challenged that view with a vital alternative: that at the core of reality is a loving God, and that love is the dynamic behind the creation of the universe and everything in it. Starting with a sense of God's love at the center of reality then shapes the way we think of true virtue. At the core of reality is the beauty of the love of God pouring forth, so that the highest good is to return that love to God.”
― George M. Marsden, A Short Life of Jonathan Edwards
― George M. Marsden, A Short Life of Jonathan Edwards
“I find that a Christian view of history is clarified if one considers reality as more or less like the world portrayed in the works of J. R. R. Tolkien. We live in the midst of contests between great and mysterious spiritual forces, which we understand only imperfectly and whose true dimensions we only occasionally glimpse. Yet, frail as we are, we do play a role in this history, on the side either of the powers of light or of the powers of darkness. It is crucially important then, that, by God’s grace, we keep our wits about us and discern the vast difference between the real forces for good and the powers of darkness disguised as angels of light.”
― George M. Marsden, Fundamentalism and American Culture
― George M. Marsden, Fundamentalism and American Culture
“Christians’ trust in God may be mingled or confused with some culturally formed assumptions, ideals, and values. Inevitably it will. The danger is that our culturally defined loves, allegiances, and understandings will overwhelm and take precedence over our faithfulness to God. So the identification of cultural forces, such as those with which this book is concerned, is essentially a constructive enterprise, with the positive purpose of finding the gold among the dross.”
― George M. Marsden, Fundamentalism and American Culture
― George M. Marsden, Fundamentalism and American Culture
“Martin Marty, a young Lutheran scholar, offered further insights into the situation in The New Shape of American Religion, which appeared in 1959. The so-called revival of religion, Marty explained, was largely a revival of “interest in religion.” Unlike earlier American awakenings, this one was not primarily a renewal of Protestantism but “a maturing national religion”
― George M. Marsden, The Twilight of the American Enlightenment: The 1950s and the Crisis of Liberal Belief
― George M. Marsden, The Twilight of the American Enlightenment: The 1950s and the Crisis of Liberal Belief
“Since God works among imperfect human beings in historical settings, “pure” or “perfect” Christianity can seldom if ever exist in this world. God in his grace works through our limitations; for that very reason we should ask for the grace to recognize what those limitations are. So we may—and ought to—carefully identify the cultural forces which affect the current versions of Christianity.”
― George M. Marsden, Fundamentalism and American Culture
― George M. Marsden, Fundamentalism and American Culture
chris martin
Mar 9, 2023: Baptist Press: Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention names interim executive-director
In January, Chris Martin announced he would be departing to accept a position, effective immediately, with the International Mission Board. He had served Hawaii Baptists for 18 years – the last nine as executive director.
In January, Chris Martin announced he would be departing to accept a position, effective immediately, with the International Mission Board. He had served Hawaii Baptists for 18 years – the last nine as executive director.
dave martin
April 12, 2023: Bharat Times: Trump and Iowa evangelicals: A bond that is hard to break
The Rev. Dave Martin, a Marshalltown pastor, was an outsider in interviews that suggest Trump’s judicial strategy was intended in 2016 to consolidate support within the skeptic group. “Let’s not forget that many years ago he was for legal abortion,” said Martin, who says he will not support Trump in caucus.
Martin also fiercely criticized Trump’s 2016 campaign statement when he dismissed the need to repent.
The Rev. Dave Martin, a Marshalltown pastor, was an outsider in interviews that suggest Trump’s judicial strategy was intended in 2016 to consolidate support within the skeptic group. “Let’s not forget that many years ago he was for legal abortion,” said Martin, who says he will not support Trump in caucus.
Martin also fiercely criticized Trump’s 2016 campaign statement when he dismissed the need to repent.
lia martin
Lia Martin loves to inspire others to lean into the Lord daily. She's a writer, editor, marketer, former Crosswalk.com Faith Editor, and author of Wisdom at Wit's End: Abandoning Supermom Myths in Search of Supernatural Peace. When she's not cultivating words, she loves walking in nature, reading, exploring the latest health trends, and laughing with her two wonderful kids. She blogs at liamartinwriting.com.
Rise up and activate your whole being: “...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us...” (Hebrews 12:1).
The Book of Hebrews confirms that the authority of Jesus supersedes all other voices, idols, or temptations. The writer is encouraging us, even today, to persevere.
It’s saying that even when we’re down, we are still surrounded by a supernatural cloud of witnesses to God’s majesty that will make the enemy his footstool.
When Satan is messing with your mind, you might find it helps to activate your body. Get up, change your surroundings, go for a walk — or even better — run. Cleanse whatever is clogging up your thoughts with the oxygen of God’s creation.
We are whole beings, and when our minds threaten to paralyze our bodies, it may be time to get fresh air.
--Lia Martin; Christianity.com; How Do We Take Our Thoughts Captive? 2.22.21
The Book of Hebrews confirms that the authority of Jesus supersedes all other voices, idols, or temptations. The writer is encouraging us, even today, to persevere.
It’s saying that even when we’re down, we are still surrounded by a supernatural cloud of witnesses to God’s majesty that will make the enemy his footstool.
When Satan is messing with your mind, you might find it helps to activate your body. Get up, change your surroundings, go for a walk — or even better — run. Cleanse whatever is clogging up your thoughts with the oxygen of God’s creation.
We are whole beings, and when our minds threaten to paralyze our bodies, it may be time to get fresh air.
--Lia Martin; Christianity.com; How Do We Take Our Thoughts Captive? 2.22.21
ricardo martinez
November 1, 2023
Inside the anti-LGBTQ effort to put Christianity back in schools
LGBTQ rights advocates warn that the rhetoric emanating out of some churches, where faith leaders and politicians have baselessly accused LGBTQ people of sexually “grooming” children, could lead to violence. “To watch faith weaponized in that way, I think, is really scary,” said Ricardo Martinez, the CEO of Equality Texas, an LGBTQ advocacy group. “That’s not a faith I recognize. It’s not the empathy, the compassion, the grace that I learned attending my church.” (Mike Hixenbaugh and Antonia Hylton/NBC News)
Read More>>>>>
LGBTQ rights advocates warn that the rhetoric emanating out of some churches, where faith leaders and politicians have baselessly accused LGBTQ people of sexually “grooming” children, could lead to violence. “To watch faith weaponized in that way, I think, is really scary,” said Ricardo Martinez, the CEO of Equality Texas, an LGBTQ advocacy group. “That’s not a faith I recognize. It’s not the empathy, the compassion, the grace that I learned attending my church.” (Mike Hixenbaugh and Antonia Hylton/NBC News)
Read More>>>>>
--steven r martins-------------------
Steven R. Martins is the founding pastor of Sevilla Chapel and founding director of the Cántaro Institute in St. Catharines, Ontario. A second-generation Canadian, Steven is of Ibero-American parentage and has worked in the fields of missional apologetics and church leadership for ten years. He has spoken at numerous conferences, churches, and University student events, from York University, Toronto, to the University of West Indies in Port of Spain, Trinidad, and the national Universities of Costa Rica (UNCR and UNC) and the Evangelical University of El Salvador. He is the chief editor of the Celebration of Faith Series, author of Studies in Biblical Apologetics for a Christian Worldview, and has published several other books and monographs. He has also contributed articles to The Gospel Coalition in Spanish and the Siglo XXI journal of the reformed publishing house Editorial CLIR.
Steven holds a Master’s degree summa cum laude in Theological Studies with a focus on Christian apologetics from Veritas International University (Santa Ana, CA., USA) and a Bachelor of Human Resource Management from York University (Toronto, ON., Canada). Steven has served in the past with the Ezra Institute for Contemporary Christianity (EICC) in the roles of staff apologist, writer and director of ministry development and advancement (DMDA) over the course of four years. Steven presently serves on the executive board for Answers in Genesis Canada, and serves pastorally at Harbour Fellowship Church in St. Catharines.
Steven holds a Master’s degree summa cum laude in Theological Studies with a focus on Christian apologetics from Veritas International University (Santa Ana, CA., USA) and a Bachelor of Human Resource Management from York University (Toronto, ON., Canada). Steven has served in the past with the Ezra Institute for Contemporary Christianity (EICC) in the roles of staff apologist, writer and director of ministry development and advancement (DMDA) over the course of four years. Steven presently serves on the executive board for Answers in Genesis Canada, and serves pastorally at Harbour Fellowship Church in St. Catharines.
He says “let the waters under the heavens be gathered into one place,” referring to the fact that God had indeed covered the entire earth with water since the beginning. We find this to be an affirmation, not a contradiction, with the creation account. The waters are no different than what we know of today, as the Hebrew “mayim” refers to the basic element of water; they are the oceans of the Pacific and the Atlantic, but not divided, rather initially created as one. It should also be noted, considering the previous commentaries, that the waters being gathered were the waters beneath the heavens. In the previous passage, waters were separated from waters, and the breathable atmosphere was created as a result of God’s creative handiwork. This led many theologians and apologists to derive a protective layering theory. God is being incredibly precise and exact in that the waters He is gathering are not the waters above the expanse, or above the firmament, but the waters below the earthly heavens.
--Steven R Martins: Bible Commentary – Genesis 1:9
--Steven R Martins: Bible Commentary – Genesis 1:9
--Martin E Marty------------------
Martin Emil Marty (born February 5, 1928) is an American Lutheran religious scholar who has written extensively on religion in the United States.
--mychal massie----------------------
Mychal Massie is an ordained minister who spent 13 years in full-time Christian Ministry. Today he serves as founder and Chairman of the Racial Policy Center (RPC), a think tank he officially founded in September 2015. RPC advocates for a colorblind society. He was founder and president of the non-profit “In His Name Ministries.” He is the former National Chairman of a conservative Capitol Hill think tank and a former member of the think tank National Center for Public Policy Research. In his official capacity with this free-market, public-policy think tank, he has spoken at the U.S. Capitol, CPAC, participated in numerous press conferences on Capitol Hill, the National Press Club and testified in private session before the Chairman of the House Committee on Resources concerning property rights pursuant to the “Endangered Species Act.” Mychal’s blog is called “The Daily Rant.” He has been a keynote speaker at colleges and universities nationwide, at Tea Party Rallies, as well as rallies supporting our troops, conservative presidents, and conservative causes across the country. He is an unapologetic supporter of our right to own and carry firearms. Mychal is also a nationally syndicated op-ed columnist and former host of the top-rated talk show on the Rightalk Radio Network – “Straight Talk with Mychal Massie.” He is a self-employed business owner of 40-plus years. Mychal is an inspirational / motivational speaker and a regularly featured guest on TV / talk radio programs. The online version of his column is carried by WorldNetDaily.com and enjoys a loyal, supportive readership around the world. Mychal has appeared on every major news-talk television and radio program in the U.S., as well as top international news programs.
--sam masteller---------------------
June 12, 2023: Word & Way: With Turning Point Faith, Pastors Use Politics as a Church-Growth Strategy
Other TPUSA partners have merged anti-liberal rhetoric with political defiance. Freedom Life Church in Christiana, Pennsylvania, has hosted multiple TPUSA-branded events, including a “Worldview Weekend” in April. During the gathering, senior pastor Sam Masteller asked local school board candidates to join him on stage, then urged the audience to support them — a move he suggested defied the IRS’ rule prohibiting nonprofits, including churches, from endorsing candidates.
Other TPUSA partners have merged anti-liberal rhetoric with political defiance. Freedom Life Church in Christiana, Pennsylvania, has hosted multiple TPUSA-branded events, including a “Worldview Weekend” in April. During the gathering, senior pastor Sam Masteller asked local school board candidates to join him on stage, then urged the audience to support them — a move he suggested defied the IRS’ rule prohibiting nonprofits, including churches, from endorsing candidates.
--doug mastriano---------------
Douglas Vincent Mastriano (born January 2, 1964) is an American far right politician and retired military officer who has served in the Pennsylvania Senate since 2019, representing the 33rd district. A member of the Republican Party, he was also the party's nominee in the 2022 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election. Born in New Jersey, Mastriano served in the United States Army from 1986 to 2017 and attained the rank of colonel. He ran for U.S. Congress in Pennsylvania's 13th congressional district in 2018, where he finished fourth in the primary. Mastriano won the state senate seat for the 33rd District the following year in a special election. In 2022, he won the Republican nomination for governor and lost to Democrat Josh Shapiro in the general election. Mastriano is a prominent figure in fundamentalist Christian nationalism and has called the separation of church and state a myth. He has made social media posts referencing QAnon and has spoken at events that promoted QAnon and 9/11 conspiracy theories. An election denier and self-professed close ally of former president Donald Trump, Mastriano received national attention for his efforts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election
A Savior Will Arise from Gettysburg and His Name Shall Be Mastriano
Douglas Mastriano, the Republican nominee for governor of Pennsylvania, has faced much criticism for his Christian nationalism—the belief that the United States was founded as a Christian nation and that the purpose of politics is to reclaim this supposed heritage. The criticism is justified. Mastriano is a conservative activist and politician who manipulates the American past to promote his God-and-country agenda.
There is perhaps no clearer example of Mastriano’s Christian nationalist view of American history than a recent video of him giving a tour of the murals in the senate chamber of the Pennsylvania capitol building in Harrisburg. In the video, which was filmed on April 13, 2022 and published earlier this month on Facebook, Mastriano is joined by Abby Abildness, director of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, an organization committed to “igniting an intellectual awakening about prayer and God’s role in America.”
(John Fea/Current 7.22.22) READ MORE>>>>>
Douglas Mastriano, the Republican nominee for governor of Pennsylvania, has faced much criticism for his Christian nationalism—the belief that the United States was founded as a Christian nation and that the purpose of politics is to reclaim this supposed heritage. The criticism is justified. Mastriano is a conservative activist and politician who manipulates the American past to promote his God-and-country agenda.
There is perhaps no clearer example of Mastriano’s Christian nationalist view of American history than a recent video of him giving a tour of the murals in the senate chamber of the Pennsylvania capitol building in Harrisburg. In the video, which was filmed on April 13, 2022 and published earlier this month on Facebook, Mastriano is joined by Abby Abildness, director of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, an organization committed to “igniting an intellectual awakening about prayer and God’s role in America.”
(John Fea/Current 7.22.22) READ MORE>>>>>
May 29, 2022: Denver Post: Christian nationalism on the rise in some GOP campaigns
The victory party took on the feel of an evangelical worship service after Doug Mastriano won Pennsylvania’s Republican gubernatorial primary this month. As a Christian singer led the crowd in song, some raised their arms toward the heavens in praise.
Mastriano opened his remarks by evoking Scripture: “God uses the foolish to confound the wise.” He claimed Pennsylvanians’ freedom would be “snatched away” if his Democratic opponent wins in November, and cast the election in starkly religious terms with another biblical reference: “Let’s choose this day to serve the Lord.”
Mastriano, a state senator and retired Army colonel, has not only made faith central to his personal story but has woven conservative Christian beliefs and symbols into the campaign — becoming the most prominent example this election cycle of what some observers call a surge of Christian nationalism among Republican candidates.
The victory party took on the feel of an evangelical worship service after Doug Mastriano won Pennsylvania’s Republican gubernatorial primary this month. As a Christian singer led the crowd in song, some raised their arms toward the heavens in praise.
Mastriano opened his remarks by evoking Scripture: “God uses the foolish to confound the wise.” He claimed Pennsylvanians’ freedom would be “snatched away” if his Democratic opponent wins in November, and cast the election in starkly religious terms with another biblical reference: “Let’s choose this day to serve the Lord.”
Mastriano, a state senator and retired Army colonel, has not only made faith central to his personal story but has woven conservative Christian beliefs and symbols into the campaign — becoming the most prominent example this election cycle of what some observers call a surge of Christian nationalism among Republican candidates.