Vision Christian Newswire

Giants' and Patriots' Players say their Relationship With God is More Important than the Super Bowl

2012-02-05T17:17:34Z

THE GOSPEL LIGHT MINUTE

with Daniel Whyte III

The New York Giants and the New England Patriots will meet today in Indianapolis for Super Bowl 46. And for so many Americans, this is almost the biggest event of the year. But some of the men who play on the field will be quick to tell you that football -- even the Super Bowl -- is not the main thing in life.

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Devin Thomas, a wide receiver for the New York Giants who was a decisive player in the NFC Championship Game that sent the Giants to the Super Bowl says, "Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior and I put Him first. He's given me this opportunity to showcase on a large scale about the work He has done in my life."

Danny Woodhead, running back for the New England Patriots and two time Harlon Hill Trophy Winner, says "Without my relationship with Christ nothing else really matters. This is obviously the greatest situation to be in in football and in my athletic career but my faith comes first."

Prince A-mu-ka-ma-ra, cornerback for the New York Giants, says "My faith has helped me because I know it's an audience of one and that I'm just performing for Jesus."

Matthew Slater, wide receiver and special teams captain for the New England Patriots, says, "I'm a true believer that God is in control. You know, Romans 8:28 says that God is going to work everything together for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. So, you have to at the end of the day just trust the plan. And trust that we don't always know what the plan is but it's not up to us to know what the plan is. It's God's plan."

Hakeem Nix, wide receiver for the New York Giants and one time NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month, says "I'm all in. I'm all in with Christ ... He put me here to exalt Him and humble myself."

Deion Branch, wide receiver for the New England Patriots, two time Super Bowl Champion, and one-time Super Bowl MVP, says "Life is bigger than football. You can't do this forever. What I'm going to be is a God-fearing Christian."

This is the "Chief of Sinners," Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society International. These six football players realize that there is more to life than football -- they realize that the most important thing in life is knowing Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour and following God's plan for their lives. Just like they gave their lives to Christ, may I encourage you to do the same. Here is how:

1. Accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God's law. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 7:20: "For there is not a just man upon earth that doeth good, and sinneth not." Romans 3:23 reads: "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." In fact, I am the chief of sinners, so don't think that you're alone.

2. Accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death..."

3. Accept the fact that you are on the road to hell. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 10:28: "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." The Bible says in Revelation 21:8: "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

5. Accept the fact that God loves you more than you love yourself, and that He wants to save you from hell. Jesus Christ said in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

6. With these facts in mind, please repent of your sins, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and pray and ask Him to come into your heart and save you this very moment. The Bible states in the book of Romans 10:9, 13: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

If you are willing to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, please pray with me the following simple prayer: Heavenly Father, I realize that I am a sinner and that I have done some bad things in my life. For Jesus Christ sake, please forgive me of my sins. I now believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ died for me, was buried, and rose again. Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and save my soul and change my life today. Amen.

Congratulations on doing the most important thing in life and that is accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour!

Believe by faith. Share the faith. and Keep the faith! God Bless You!

Daniel Whyte III has spoken in meetings across the United States and in twenty-three foreign countries. He is the author of sixteen books. He is also the president of Gospel Light Society International, a worldwide evangelistic ministry that reaches thousands with the Gospel each week, as well as president of Torch Ministries International, a Christian literature ministry which publishes a monthly magazine called The Torch Leader. He is heard by thousands each week on his radio broadcasts, The Prayer Motivator Devotional and the Prayer Motivator Minute, as well as Gospel Light Minute X, the Gospel Light Minute, and the Sunday Evening Evangelistic Message. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Theology from Bethany Divinity College, a Bachelor's degree in Religion from Texas Wesleyan University, and a Master's degree in Religion from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been married to the former Meriqua Althea Dixon, of Christiana, Jamaica for twenty-five years. God has blessed their union with seven children. Find out more at www.danielwhyte3.com.

Rosa Parks -- A Woman Praised

2012-02-05T17:16:19Z

THE GOSPEL LIGHT MINUTE X

with Daniel Whyte III

Proverbs 31:30 states, "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall

be praised".

Rosa Parks was the first woman to lie in state in the Capitol rotunda of the United States of America. Mrs. Parks is the first black woman to be chosen to have a statue in Statutory Hall in Washington, D.C. And she is one of the very few women who has had not just one, not just two, but three funeral services. Why was this humble and quiet lady so praised at the end of her life?

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How did it all begin? Rosa Parks, who was known by all to be a Christian lady and a woman who had a "meek and quiet spirit", on a very memorable day in December of 1955, in the segregated city of Montgomery, Alabama, refused to give up her seat to a white man, when asked to get up. Many have said, "she sat down so that we all could stand up." She was not boisterous, she did not fuss and fight, but won that battle through the "content of her character" and through a Godly and quiet spirit.

After this incident, she lost her job and was persecuted. However, she never said a mumbling word. She never pitched a fit. She never sought the spotlight. And she never tried to profit from her fame. How could Rosa Parks do this? She did it because she knew the Lord, feared the Lord, and served the Lord. And this is why she will forever be "A Woman Praised."

Rosa Parks made a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Do you want to know the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour as well? Here's how:

2. Accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death..."

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Congratulations on accepting Jesus Christ as your Saviour! You have now accepted the same Jesus Christ that Rosa Parks professed, and you will live with Him forever.

Remember, friend, Believe by faith. Share the faith. and Keep the faith!

Daniel Whyte III has spoken in meetings across the United States and in twenty-three foreign countries. He is the author of sixteen books. He is also the president of Gospel Light Society International, a worldwide evangelistic ministry that reaches thousands with the Gospel each week, as well as president of Torch Ministries International, a Christian literature ministry which publishes a monthly magazine called The Torch Leader. He is heard by thousands each week on his radio broadcasts, The Prayer Motivator Devotional and the Prayer Motivator Minute, as well as Gospel Light Minute X, the Gospel Light Minute, and the Sunday Evening Evangelistic Message. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Theology from Bethany Divinity College, a Bachelor's degree in Religion from Texas Wesleyan University, and a Master's degree in Religion from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been married to the former Meriqua Althea Dixon, of Christiana, Jamaica for twenty-five years. God has blessed their union with seven children. Find out more at www.danielwhyte3.com.

Musical Selection

Song: "Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)"

Album: Until The Whole World Hears

Artist: Casting Crowns

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Senator Marco Rubio Introduces Bill Protecting Religious Organizations from ObamaCare

2012-02-01T11:38:42Z

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced a bill called the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 2012 that will expand the nearly nonexistent exemption for religious employers in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly known as ObamaCare.
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In a failed attempt to respond to complaints, the DHHS has given religious organizations one year to adapt to the ObamaCare mandate. Sen. Rubio's proposed bill will protect religious organizations from ObamaCare's mandate to provide contraceptives, sterilization services, and abortion-inducing drugs.

Sen. Rubio said, "This is a common sense bill that simply says the government can't force religious organizations to abandon the fundamental tenets of their faith because the government says so." The text of the legislation is available here on the Liberty Counsel website.

Mathew Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, said "ObamaCare is a direct attack on the moral and religious beliefs of our nation. One year will not change religious tenets that have been in place for thousands of years. This administration has pressed its radical pro-abortion agenda on the American people and around the world. Senator Marco Rubio's bill is designed to protect religious organizations and protect the right of conscience. ObamaCare is an assault on our freedom."

SOURCE: Liberty Counsel

BCNN1/BCBC National Bestsellers List - February 2012

2012-02-01T11:16:53Z

Bestselling authors, Valorie Burton (Successful Women Think Differently -- Nonfiction) and Vanessa Davis Griggs (Forever Soul Ties -- Fiction) lead the bestsellers list of Black Christian authors on the February 2012 edition of the Black Christian News/Black Christian Book Company National Bestsellers List. BCNN1.com has also released the February 2012 edition of the BCNN1/Amazon.com Kindle E-book Bestsellers List. This list ranks African-American Christian e-books based upon their sales rankings in the Amazon Kindle e-book store. Also, BCNN1 is releasing the February 2012 edition of the BCNN1/Barnes & Noble Nook E-book Bestsellers List. This list ranks African-American Christian e-books based upon their sales rankings in the B&N Nook e-book store.

Your Super Bowl Ticket is No Comparison to God's Ticket to Heaven

2012-01-29T12:20:53Z

THE GOSPEL LIGHT MINUTE X

with Daniel Whyte III

As you may know, Superbowl tickets can cost over $10,000. One man paid $70,000 for a Superbowl ticket. But may I offer you God's ticket to Heaven? You don't have to pay for it, and that's a good thing, because you could never afford to buy it! It's free, but only because someone has already paid the ultimate price for it. ]]>

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God loves you and not only wants you to have a fulfilling life on earth, He also wants you to live with Him in Heaven forever. He's the one who offers you a paid-in-full ticket. No one wants to go to hell where there will be no joy and no pleasures whatsoever, and God doesn't want anyone to go there either. The Bible says in 2 Peter 3:9 that God is "not willing that any should perish".

But there is a problem with getting that free ticket. We have all done wrong--we have all sinned, haven't we? God's Word says in 1 John 1:8, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves". Sin pollutes--it makes us unclean, unfit for God's presence in that wonderful, perfect place called Heaven. Sin penalizes--it separates us from a sinless God. Romans 6:23 says, "for the wages of sin is death".

In short, our sinfulness blocks the delivery of the ticket that we need to get into Heaven!

Who paid for it?

Wait! There's good news! Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to earth to be born and to live His life without sin. 1 Peter 3:18 says, Jesus "once suffered for [our] sins, the just [One] for the unjust [all of us!], that He might bring us to God". When God "laid on Him the iniquity [sins] of us all", Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?". The answer is simple and profound: Jesus was separated from God because He took your place and mine on the cross, and by dying He paid in full the "wages" our sins had earned.

Then He rose from the dead, was seen by hundreds of people, and is alive today so you can know Him and receive the gift of eternal life--your ticket to Heaven. That's right! The Bible says this about all who believe in His name in John 1:12: "as many as received Him [Jesus], to them gave He power to become the sons of God".

That is fantastic! You can become a "new" person--born of God--to start a brand new life that pleases God. And, of course, all God's children have a ticket to Heaven!

Do you want it?

It is no accident you are hearing this message today. God has made sure you can receive it. The whole issue is, did Jesus pay for all your sins or didn't He? God said He did. Trust God that it is so. John 3:36 says, "He that believeth on the Son [of God] hath everlasting life".

Just as a man says, "Yes, I will take this woman to be my wife," God wants you to tell Him, "Yes, I will take Jesus to be my Savior. I believe that He is the only way to Heaven." The Bible says in 1 John 5:12, "He that hath the Son [Jesus] hath life".

If you believe that God's way to Heaven is the only way and that Jesus Christ died for you, was buried, and rose again, you can "claim your ticket" by telling God in words like these:

Dear God, I have sinned. I know I have offended You in many ways. I am so sorry. I believe that Jesus suffered and died for my sins, paid my debt in full, and rose again. Jesus, I believe in You and thank You for what You've done for me. Please save me from the penalty of my sins, and give me a new birth and the power to live for You. Thank You for this offer to spend eternity in Heaven with You!

Remember what John 3:36 says: "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life."

Congratulations on doing the most important thing in life and that is accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour!

Remember, friend, Believe by faith. Share the faith. and Keep the faith!

Daniel Whyte III has spoken in meetings across the United States and in twenty-three foreign countries. He is the author of twenty books. He is also the president of Gospel Light Society International, a worldwide evangelistic ministry that reaches thousands with the Gospel each week, as well as president of Torch Ministries International, a Christian literature ministry which publishes a monthly magazine called The Torch Leader. He is heard by thousands each week on his radio broadcasts, The Prayer Motivator Devotional and the Prayer Motivator Minute, as well as Gospel Light Minute X, the Gospel Light Minute, and the Sunday Evening Evangelistic Message. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Theology from Bethany Divinity College, a Bachelor's degree in Religion from Texas Wesleyan University, and a Master's degree in Religion from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been married to the former Meriqua Althea Dixon, of Christiana, Jamaica for twenty-five years. God has blessed their union with seven children. Find out more at www.danielwhyte3.com.

Musical Selection

Song: "Heaven"

Album: Mary Mary

Artist: Mary Mary

Click here to buy this song >>>

Donna Richardson-Joyner: There's No 'Falling Off the Wagon' With God

2012-01-29T12:19:57Z

THE GOSPEL LIGHT MINUTE
with Daniel Whyte III

She is one of the most prominent American fitness and aerobics instructors. She has the #1 inspirational Fitness Video in America, "Sweating in the Spirit" followed by "Body Gospel". She has starred in more than 25 award winning videos including the best selling "Buns of Steel". She was appointed to the Presidential Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition under both President Bush and President Obama. She was inducted into the Fitness Hall of Fame and was named by Essence Magazine as "one of the twenty five most inspiring women in America". ]]>

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She is also in the Guinness Book of World Records for creating and leading the world's largest line dance, with over 50,000 participants at Bishop T.D. Jakes' Megafest conference in Atlanta, Georgia. On top of all of that, she is a wife and a mother. She is the wife of the hardest working man in radio, the "Flyjock", Tom Joyner, and together they have raised two great sons. Her purpose and passion in life is to educate, empower, and energize women, children and families about living a healthy lifestyle.

Growing up in the church, she came to a new level in her relationship with Jesus Christ when troubles in a relationship caused her to do some soul searching. She often encourages her audiences to honor God by taking care of their bodies. She says of her work, "For the past 20 years, I have traveled to over 30 countries helping people get healthier. My greatest challenge was here - my family, my church, my community, and our country. Most people have tried everything, but there was one missing ingredient: God. While it is easy to 'fall off the wagon', there is no such thing as falling off the wagon with God. There's only the chance to be caught by Him." Her name is Donna Richardson-Joyner.

This is the "Chief of Sinners," Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society International, and just as Donna Richardson-Joyner gave her life to Christ, may I encourage you to do the same. Here is how:

2. Accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death..."

4. Accept the fact that you cannot do anything to save yourself! The Bible states in Ephesians 2: 8, 9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast." Donna Richardson Joyner is obviously a very hard working woman. Not only that, she is married to the hardest working man in radio. But she does not claim that she is working her way to Heaven. She has received salvation as a free gift from God through Jesus Christ, and so must you.

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Believe by faith. Share the faith. and Keep the faith! God Bless You!

Daniel Whyte III has spoken in meetings across the United States and in twenty-three foreign countries. He is the author of sixteen books. He is also the president of Gospel Light Society International, a worldwide evangelistic ministry that reaches thousands with the Gospel each week, as well as president of Torch Ministries International, a Christian literature ministry which publishes a monthly magazine called The Torch Leader. He is heard by thousands each week on his radio broadcasts, The Prayer Motivator Devotional and the Prayer Motivator Minute, as well as Gospel Light Minute X, the Gospel Light Minute, and the Sunday Evening Evangelistic Message. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Theology from Bethany Divinity College, a Bachelor's degree in Religion from Texas Wesleyan University, and a Master's degree in Religion from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been married to the former Meriqua Althea Dixon, of Christiana, Jamaica for twenty-five years. God has blessed their union with seven children. Find out more at www.danielwhyte3.com.

The Elephant Room: 7 Pastors Share How They Came to Know Jesus Christ

2012-01-27T15:12:44Z

Seven pastors of some of the largest churches in the U.S. shared their own personal testimonies of conversion to Christianity in a few short, concise sentences during the final session of a theological roundtable at Harvest Studios in Aurora, Ill., Wednesday.

(L-R) T.D. Jakes, Jack Graham, Mark Driscoll, James MacDonald, Wayne Cordeiro, Steven Furtick, and Crawford Loritts appear at "The Elephant Room" 2012 roundtable on Jan. 25, 2012.

]]> During the "Speed Round" of the Elephant Room Round 2 - a gathering of seven prominent church leaders in the Christian community - pastors were asked to give short answers to several questions asked one at a time. Their answers gave a revealing look at their personal lives, not commonly known in some cases.

The all-day conference moderated by pastors James McDonald and Mark Driscoll was designed to challenge participants on perceived theological and teaching style differences. Although the leaders never engaged in a heated conversation, some of the thoughts shared at the conference have become fodder for further debate.

The final round was a chance for the pastors to simply give short answers to several questions on a more personal side. The lead question for the half-hour session was, "How did you come to know Jesus Christ?"

Their answers as transcribed from a recording of the Elephant Room Round 2 by The Christian Post are below.

Crawford Loritts, senior pastor of Fellowship Bible Church in Roswell, Ga.:

"I was 13-and-a-half years old. I have a sister that was older than me and she really surrendered her life to Christ and I saw a change in her heart and life. She invited me to the church where that had taken place even though I had grown up in a Christian home. I went there and saw the infectious love of the Lord Jesus in those people. I came back the next Sunday. Altar call was given and the pastor said to me, 'Son, what is it that you want from God?' And I said I want to be saved. That's how I got started."

Steven Furtick, co-founding pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte:

"My mom raised me in church. I got dragged to a Baptist revival when I was 16. A guy there named Jody took me aside and told me about having an authentic relationship with Jesus. I got saved and got real radical and addicted to what I am doing today - trying to influence people for Jesus at age 16."

Wayne Cordeiro, founding pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship in Honolulu:

"I thought Christians were freaky and so I would hide from them a lot. I went to college and I loved music. God used music and brought a Christian group and when I heard them use their music and share their songs and their stories I thought Christians must not be that bad. It really opened my heart. I still use a lot of music and use a lot of arts to present the Gospel."

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Source: Christian Post | Alex Murashko

Former NFL Coach Tony Dungy Shares Super Bowl Halftime Video on Adoption

2012-01-25T12:34:55Z

Pro football TV analyst and NFL Super Bowl XLI winning coach Tony Dungy is hoping that a large number of Christians hosting parties for this year's Super Bowl will include showing their guests his 3-minute video asking Americans to take a look at the world's orphan crisis and adoption.

]]> "The big win on Super Sunday would be to raise awareness about the millions of children who need a family. I would love to see thousands of local community groups and circles of friends gathering together to stop and consider how they can help," said Dungy, who was the head coach of the 2007 Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts.

Dungy is involved with The Adoption Journey Project, a collective of organizations who want to break down the barriers to adoption. The groups include Bethany Christian Services, Lifesong for Orphans, and Lifeline Children's Services.

The video message available for free download at http://www.adoptionjourney.org/dungyhalftime and in a DVD includes a personal message from Dungy and his wife, Lauren, aimed at helping more couples consider adoption.

Marc Andreas, vice president of Marketing at Bethany Christian Services, the largest adoption agency in the country, told The Christian Post Monday that he is hoping that the video will make more people aware of the "global orphan crisis of kids that need mom and dads."

"With more than 100,000 children in need of a stable and loving family in the U.S., if just a fraction of groups gathering to watch the 'big game' influence just one family to adopt, we would make a huge dent in this social crisis," Andreas said.

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Source: Christian Post | Alex Murashko

Nigeria Under Pressure as Country is Strained by Violence

2012-01-24T13:21:47Z

The assault bore the hallmarks of long-term planning: Cars loaded down with heavy explosives and driven by those willing to die, men wearing security uniforms and ready to shoot any official who believed they belonged to the government they despise.

Pictured: People walk past the entrance gate of the Murtala Mohammed specialist hospital, were victims of last Friday suicide bombing are receiving treatment in Kano, Nigeria. ]]> The coordinated attack in Nigeria's second largest city by the radical Islamist sect known as Boko Haram has shown its metamorphosis from a group that sent out lone motorcycle-riding gunmen to one that deployed scores of killers who moved with military precision. Nigeria's ill-equipped police and military have been unable to confront this growing threat to peace in Africa's most populous nation.

"Nigeria has never seen anything like this before," said Elizabeth Donnelly, an analyst at the London-based think tank Chatham House. "It's something so diffuse, so amorphous. It's very nimble and really hard to understand and pin down."

Boko Haram killed at least 185 people during its attack Friday on Kano, a city of more than 9 million that has political and religious importance in Nigeria's Muslim north. Suicide bombers targeted police stations and men wearing police or other uniforms gunned down officials, witnesses said.

Police said they discovered 10 vehicles in the city wired with explosives before they detonated. Officers also recovered about 300 explosives packed into aluminum cans, as well as eight drums each containing 770 pounds (350 kilograms) of explosive each, local police commissioner Ibrahim Idris said.

The large amount of explosives and the attacks on multiple locations including police stations, a secret police headquarters and immigration offices shows the attack was well planned. It also shows that Boko Haram wants to make the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian, appear unable to control the country, analysts said.

It "signaled an escalation of the Boko Haram threat not only for its sophistication, lethality and coordination but for the brazenness of the attack on a city considered sacred ground by millions of Muslims," said Philippe de Pontet, an analyst for the Eurasia Group. The "near-simultaneous bombs in Kano (are) focused on more traditional adversaries - the government, the police and local supporters of the Jonathan administration. Boko Haram is seeking to delegitimize the administration."

But government itself remains unable to stop Boko Haram. Nigeria's federal police force lacks the forensic capability to investigate massive crimes like the Kano bombing. More than a fourth of its manpower is relegated to serving as drivers and personal assistants to the country's elite, Human Rights Watch says. Many of those who remain man checkpoints and roadblocks designed to collect bribes from passing motorists.

A study published in February 2011 by the U.S. Air Force's Air War College suggests the country's military strength of 76,000 suffers from mismanagement and a lack of funding.

The military is also stretched, with soldiers deployed to the east of here in the spiritual home of the sect; in the country's restive middle belt, where communal violence has killed thousands in recent years; in the oil-rich southern delta, where militants and criminal gangs run rampant; and in Nigeria's commercial capital, Lagos, to quell unrest against the government.

"I think being overstretched is a real worry at the moment," Donnelly said. "I think that's why a plan needs to be got together. There needs to be some sort of strategy because clearly this is not sustainable.

"I think the question in everybody's mind is as well, you know: 'After Kano, where's next?'"

---

SOURCE: JON GAMBRELL
Associated Press

Jon Gambrell can be reached at http://www.twitter.com/jongambrellAP

Giffords to Finish Meet-and-Greet Halted by Attack

2012-01-23T19:46:01Z

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is finishing the meet-and-greet political event Monday that erupted in a deadly shooting spree a year ago.

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The announcement Sunday of her appearance in Tucson comes the same day the democrat revealed she plans to resign her congressional seat.

Giffords' office says the congresswoman will finish the Congress On Your Corner event. In a private gathering, she will meet with some of the people who were at the Jan. 8, 2011 event in a Safeway parking lot when a gunman killed six people and wounded 13 others, including Giffords.

Those attending will include some of the wounded, others who helped them, and people who subdued the attacker.

Also Monday, Giffords will visit a family assistance center that was set up after she was seriously wounded.

Her office says the visit will be her final act as congresswoman in her district.

SOURCE: The Associated Press

Things That Must be Believed (Part 4)

2012-01-23T00:25:58Z

SUNDAY EVENING EVANGELISTIC MESSAGE

WITH DANIEL WHYTE III

John 14:3 says, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."

Philippians 3:20-21: "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." ]]>

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Last week, we finished part 3 of our series titled "Things That Must Be Believed." In this series, we are discussing the essentials of the Christian faith -- these are things that you cannot deny and still have Christianity. Just as a reminder, allow me to refresh your memory of the six essentials that we have already covered:

1. The Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ -- that Jesus Christ was not conceived by the natural union of a human man and woman, but supernaturally conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary. The Bible says in Isaiah 7:14, "Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel."

2. The Deity of Jesus Christ -- that Jesus Christ is God. According to Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:23 Jesus Christ is "God with us". While He was on this earth, Christ showed that He was God by demonstrating his eternality, his equality with the Father, his omniscience, his omnipresence, and his omnipotence.

3. The Substitutionary Death of Jesus Christ -- that Jesus Christ died on the cross in the place of sinners who were guilty and condemned by God. The Bible says in II Corinthians 5:21, "For he hath made him -- Jesus Christ -- to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." If Jesus Christ did not die on a cross in the sinner's place to pay the sinner's debt, then we don't have a way to be saved.

4. The Physical Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the Dead -- that Jesus literally, physically got up from the grave three days after He had been killed. The Bible says in Romans 10:9, "That if thou shalt confess with they mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." That which separates Christianity from all other religions is the resurrection. Every religion has a founder who lived and died and is still in the tomb. But Christianity has a Founder who lived and died and was buried, and after three days and nights arose from the dead.

5. The Verbal Inspiration of the Bible -- that the Bible is God's Word through and through. Second Timothy 3:16 says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." My friend, if you destroy the Bible, you destroy all other doctrines.

6. The Fact that Salvation For Lost Mankind Is Only by God's Grace Through Faith In Our Lord Jesus Christ Who Died On the Cross, Was Buried, and Rose Again For Our Sins. The Bible says in Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." The Word of God clearly teaches that lost sinners are saved by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and His death, burial, and resurrection.

Today, we are going to discuss the seventh and final essential in this series, which is: THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST.

THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST

If Jesus Christ does not come again, then many, many verses in the Bible would be untrue. In John 14:3, Jesus said, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." In Philippians 3:20, Paul said, "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." Jesus is coming again.

There are 20 times as many references to the second coming of Christ in the Old Testament as there are to His first coming. Then in Paul's epistles, he speaks of baptism only 13 times but of the second coming at least 50 times.

Among the last words Jesus uttered before He left this world were the following in John 14:1-3: "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."

At His ascension in Acts 1:10, the Bible states, "And while they (the disciples) looked stedfastly toward heaven as Jesus went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."

It is believed that these men in white apparel were angels, and that they said, "This same Jesus...shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." How did Jesus leave? Visibly. He will return visibly. He left in a body; He will return in a body. He left from the Mount of Olives; and as the Bible predicts in Acts 1:12 and Zechariah 14:4, He will return to the Mount of Olives.

Philippians 3:20 says, "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." And Hebrews 9:28 says, "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation."

The Bible is filled with promises of Jesus' second coming. In Revelation 22 -- once in verse 7, once in verse 12, and again in verse 20 -- Jesus says, "Behold I come quickly," "Behold, I come quickly," Surely I come quickly..." And the Bible closes with the Apostle John saying in Revelation 22:21, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."

Friends, one verse in every thirty in the New Testament refers to the second coming.

An old-fashioned preacher brought a wonderful sermon on the second coming; and, at the close of the service, one of these little, young, modernistic, potato-string backbone, rose-water squirting preachers, who start nowhere and end up in the same place, said to the old preacher, "I want you to know that I can't get that out of the New Testament."

The old-fashioned preacher smiled and said, "You sure can't, Buddy. It's in there to stay!"

There are 259 chapters in the New Testament, and over 300 references to the second coming of Jesus Christ. Yes, the promise of the second coming of Christ is in the Bible to stay.

The second coming of Jesus Christ is an essential truth that must be believed.

Before we close, let's review one more time the essential truths of Christianity that we have looked at in this series. Ask yoiurself if you really believe what the Bible says about these matters. They are as follows:

The Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ
The Deity of Jesus Christ
The Substitutionary Death of Jesus Christ
The Physical Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the Dead
The Verbal Inspiration of the Bible
The Fact that Salvation For Lost Mankind Is Only by God's Grace Through Faith In Our Lord Jesus Christ Who Died On the Cross, Was Buried, and Rose Again For Our Sins
The Second Coming of Jesus Christ

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Now, if Jesus Christ were to return today, are you ready to meet Him? If you do not know for sure that you will go to heaven when you die, allow me to share with you from God's Word how you can accept the free gift that Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead to give to you.

1. Accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God's law. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 7:20: "For there is not a just man upon earth that doeth good, and sinneth not." Romans 3:23 reads: "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."

2. Accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death..."

3. Accept the fact that you are on the road to hell. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 10:28: "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." The Bible says in Revelation 21:8: "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

4. Accept the fact that you cannot do anything to save yourself! The Bible states in Ephesians 2: 8, 9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is a gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast."

5. Accept the fact that God loves you more than you love yourself, and that He wants to save you from hell. Jesus Christ said in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

6. With these facts in mind, please repent of your sins, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and pray and ask Him to come into your heart and save you this very moment. The Bible states in the book of Romans 10:9, 13: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

If you are willing to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, please pray with me the following simple prayer: Heavenly Father, I realize that I am a sinner and that I have done some bad things in my life. For Jesus Christ sake, please forgive me of my sins. I now believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ died for me, was buried, and rose again. Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and save my soul and change my life today. Amen.

Daniel Whyte III has spoken in meetings across the United States and in twenty-three foreign countries. He is the author of seventeen books. He is also the president of Gospel Light Society International, a worldwide evangelistic ministry that reaches thousands with the Gospel each week, as well as president of Torch Ministries International, a Christian literature ministry which publishes a monthly magazine called The Torch Leader. He is heard by thousands each week on his radio broadcasts, The Prayer Motivator Devotional and the Prayer Motivator Minute, as well as Gospel Light Minute X, the Gospel Light Minute, and the Sunday Evening Evangelistic Message. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Theology from Bethany Divinity College, a Bachelor's degree in Religion from Texas Wesleyan University, and a Master's degree in Religion from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been married to the former Meriqua Althea Dixon, of Christiana, Jamaica for twenty-five years. God has blessed their union with seven children. Find out more at www.danielwhyte3.com.

Song: "Going Up Yonder"

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Artist: Walter Hawkins

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Song: "Glad I'm Saved"

Album: Live The Life

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The Lord has Sent You an Invitation to Heaven -- Will You Accept It?

2012-01-22T12:13:41Z

THE GOSPEL LIGHT MINUTE X
with Daniel Whyte III

You are cordially invited to join the family of God and to enjoy all its benefits for now and eternity. R.S.V.P.

]]>

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Did you know that God has already sent a special invitation to you? He doesn't require that you dress up to approach Him or turn over a new leaf to impress Him. You can come just as you are. Yet this is the most important invitation you will ever receive.

The Lord had His invitation placed in Isaiah 55:6: "Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near". Jesus Himself invites you in Matthew 11:28, "Come unto me, ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest".

Are you afraid to come to Him, fearful that you won't measure up? The truth is, He already knows each of us inside and out--our strengths and potential, our fears and weaknesses. He also knows all the things that we would like to hide from Him...and from the rest of the world! Yet God, who is totally pure and holy and who hates our sins, still loves us. He wants us to turn in belief to Him "from darkness to light... that [we] may receive forgiveness of sins". Jesus said in John 8:12, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life".

To make forgiveness possible while still meeting the demands of justice, God's perfect Son, Jesus Christ, died in our place. We no longer have to suffer the punishment we deserve for our sins. Instead, Jesus promises in John 5:24 that "He that heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath eternal life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life", from sin's darkness to God's eternal light!

God invites you to enjoy new life in His family, beginning the moment you trust Him as your Savior: John 1:12 says, "But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name". Will you receive Him into your life now--or will you risk missing all He offers you for eternity?

God is inviting you. How will you respond?

If you are willing to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, please pray with me the following simple prayer: Heavenly Father, I realize that I am a sinner and that I have done some bad things in my life. For Jesus Christ sake, please forgive me of my sins. I now believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ died for me, was buried, and rose again. Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and save my soul and change my life today. Amen.

Congratulations on doing the most important thing in life and that is accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour!

Daniel Whyte III has spoken in meetings across the United States and in twenty-three foreign countries. He is the author of twenty books. He is also the president of Gospel Light Society International, a worldwide evangelistic ministry that reaches thousands with the Gospel each week, as well as president of Torch Ministries International, a Christian literature ministry which publishes a monthly magazine called The Torch Leader. He is heard by thousands each week on his radio broadcasts, The Prayer Motivator Devotional and the Prayer Motivator Minute, as well as Gospel Light Minute X, the Gospel Light Minute, and the Sunday Evening Evangelistic Message. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Theology from Bethany Divinity College, a Bachelor's degree in Religion from Texas Wesleyan University, and a Master's degree in Religion from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been married to the former Meriqua Althea Dixon, of Christiana, Jamaica for twenty-five years. God has blessed their union with seven children. Find out more at www.danielwhyte3.com.

Musical Selection

Song: "Heaven"

Album: Heaven

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Manny Pacquiao: Without Christ, 'I Am Nothing'

2012-01-22T12:12:41Z

He is a professional boxer and politician who has won six world titles and is the first to win the lineal championship in four different weight classes. He was named "Fighter of the Decade" for the 2000s by the Boxing Writers Association of America. He is also a three-time BWAA "Fighter of the Year", winning the award in 2006, 2008, and 2009. Currently, he is the WBO Welterweight Champion. ]]>

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Aside from boxing, he has participated in acting, music recording, and politics. In May 2010, he was elected to the Philippine House of Representatives in the 15th Congress of the Philippines. Many believe that one day he will be president of the Philippines.

He says of the recent change in his life, "If I had died last year or in the last two years, I am sure I would've gone straight to Hell...My faith in God was there 100 percent but behind it, after prayers, I would still do evil things." The change came about because of a dream that led him to give up gambling, alchohol and womanizing. He said, "I was in a beautiful forest when a bright light was shone upon me. A voice asked me, 'Son why are you going away from me?' I woke up crying. I remember I was crying in my dream and when I touched my pillow, it was wet." After waking up, he looked through the Bible and found that God sometimes speaks to people in dreams. He said, "I told myself this dream is real and I have to change my life. The change came not just because I desired it, but because God changed me." He goes on further to say, "Being a Christian means accepting Christ as your Savior, your God. That's why you are called a 'Christian.' If you remove Christ, there's only 'IAN' and that means 'I am nothing." His name is Manny Pacquiao (PAK-ee-ow).

This is the "Chief of Sinners," Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society International, and just as Manny Pacquiao gave his life to Christ, may I encourage you to do the same. Here is how:

1. Accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God's law. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 7:20: "For there is not a just man upon earth that doeth good, and sinneth not." Romans 3:23 reads: "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." In fact, I am the chief of sinners, so don't think that you're alone.

2. Accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death..."

3. Accept the fact that you are on the road to hell. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 10:28: "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." The Bible says in Revelation 21:8: "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

4. Accept the fact that you cannot do anything to save yourself! The Bible states in Ephesians 2: 8, 9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast."

5. Accept the fact that God loves you more than you love yourself, and that He wants to save you from hell. Jesus Christ said in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

6. With these facts in mind, please repent of your sins, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and pray and ask Him to come into your heart and save you this very moment. The Bible states in the book of Romans 10:9, 13: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

If you are willing to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, please pray with me the following simple prayer: Heavenly Father, I realize that I am a sinner and that I have done some bad things in my life. For Jesus Christ sake, please forgive me of my sins. I now believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ died for me, was buried, and rose again. Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and save my soul and change my life today. Amen.

Believe by faith. Share the faith. and Keep the faith! God Bless You!

Daniel Whyte III has spoken in meetings across the United States and in twenty-three foreign countries. He is the author of sixteen books. He is also the president of Gospel Light Society International, a worldwide evangelistic ministry that reaches thousands with the Gospel each week, as well as president of Torch Ministries International, a Christian literature ministry which publishes a monthly magazine called The Torch Leader. He is heard by thousands each week on his radio broadcasts, The Prayer Motivator Devotional and the Prayer Motivator Minute, as well as Gospel Light Minute X, the Gospel Light Minute, and the Sunday Evening Evangelistic Message. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Theology from Bethany Divinity College, a Bachelor's degree in Religion from Texas Wesleyan University, and a Master's degree in Religion from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been married to the former Meriqua Althea Dixon, of Christiana, Jamaica for twenty-five years. God has blessed their union with seven children. Find out more at www.danielwhyte3.com.

South Carolina Rep. Tim Scott Says Christians Are 'Greatest Minority Under Assault Today'

2012-01-18T08:02:31Z

Rep. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) addressed a crowd gathered Monday at a South Carolina Tea Party conference and resolutely concluded that "the greatest minority under assault today are Christians. No doubt about it."

]]> Speaking between appearances by GOP presidential candidates, including former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Scott also weighed in on the 2012 race, saying that any of the remaining hopefuls would be better than President Barack Obama.

"The only thing we really have on our minds is beating Barack Obama in 2012," Scott said, according the Patch.com. "I don't care if it's Santorum or Gingrich or Romney, as long as we put someone in the White House who is currently not in the White House."

Though Scott has yet to announce his support for a particular candidate, his comments about supposed anti-Christian sentiment in the United States would appear to put him in some agreement with Gingrich.

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SOURCE: The Huffington Post

John Piper Reflects On MLK Day

2012-01-16T09:55:32Z

The biblical doctrine of human depravity is a great antidote to racism. I have seen this recently in two very different articles. One is by Andrew Walls called "The Evangelical Revival, the Missionary Movement, and Africa" (The Missionary Movement in Christian History, Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, pp. 79-101). He points out that the Great Awakening in America and England (1730s and '40s) gave rise to the modern foreign missionary movement. One of the ways it did so was by clarifying the unity between the sinful homeland and the sinful heathen.

]]> There was no difference between the spiritual state of a pleasure-seeking duchess (though baptized and adhering to the prevailing religious system of the higher and middle classes) and that of a South Sea Islander. That spiritual parity of the unregenerate of Christendom and the heathen abroad had important missionary consequences. . . . A consistent view of human solidarity in depravity shielded the first missionary generation from some of the worst excesses of racism. (p. 79)

In other words, a dark view of our own depraved hearts, and a sense of brokenness before God, and a dependence on mercy in Christ make it harder for us to view others humans--whatever race--as less advantaged before God. The doctrine of total depravity unites us in desperate dependence on mercy. The early missionaries--with all their flaws and biases--knew this. And it helped them count others better than themselves for the sake of Christ (Philippians 2:3).

The other illustration of how the doctrine of depravity works against racism comes from a review of the book, A Stone of Hope: Prophetic Religion and the Death of Jim Crow by David L. Chappell. Elisabeth Fox-Genovese shows how the theological convictions of the black leaders of the civil rights movement were very different from those of the white liberals who supported the movement. Liberalism as a movement has a high degree of confidence in human reason and in the inevitability of human progress away from barbarism. So they saw the civil rights movement in those terms and supported it.

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SOURCE: Crosswalk

John Piper, Desiring God