Religion Today Summaries, October 14, 2002

Chad Nykamp | Published: Oct 15, 2002

Religion Today Summaries, October 14, 2002

Monday, October 14, 2002

In Today's Edition:

  • Falwell’s Comments On Mohammed Politically-Incorrect But Accurate
  • Churches Around The World To Observe Day Of Prayer For Persecuted Church
  • Latin American Christians Take The Gospel Message To The Streets
  • Champions For Christ Is Transforming Athletes Into Ministers


Falwell’s Comments On Mohammed Politically-Incorrect But Accurate

(Agape Press) When Jerry Falwell tagged Mohammed as "a terrorist and man of violence and war," critics began launching attacks on the popular conservative Christian leader. But Bill Lind of the Free Congress Foundation echoes what Falwell said about Islam's founder. Lind says Mohammed's own words in the Koran should be examined. In the text, Mohammed calls himself the "opposite of Jesus Christ." In addition, Lind says, Mohammed advocates the killing of non-Islamists and says the Koran is full of such attitudes and directives. For example, Mohammed encouraged followers to "kill any Jew that falls into your power." Lind says Mohammed was a warrior and killer -- and so Mohammed is definitely not a moral model of peace.

Churches Around The World To Observe Day Of Prayer For Persecuted Church

Churches around the United States and the world will focus on support of suffering Christians on Sunday, Nov. 10, during the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). On that day thousands of church congregations from all denominations will join in prayer for the Persecuted Church. IDOP is one of the largest prayer events in the world and has been observed since 1996. A total of 10 Christian agencies collaborate to sponsor the event.  “In my many talks with persecuted Christians around the world, I always ask them what can we in the West do most to support them in their walk with the Lord,” states Terry Madison, president/CEO of Open Doors USA. “And . . . number one on the list is prayer. They want us to pray with them and for them. But not just one day a year!”

Latin American Christians Take the Gospel Message To the Streets

(CBN.com) Latin America's Christians are on the move. They are stepping out of the four walls of the church and taking their message to the streets. Entire cities have noticed the change, and for many Latin poor, the change is happening just in time.  Power to Change is a campaign that linked churches in 14 Bolivian cities.  Besides the traditional evangelistic methods, the campaign introduced "Houses of Prayer", a grass-roots effort by Christians to change their neighborhoods.  They found the most effective outreach strategy was simply getting Christians to talk with people at Power to Change kiosks located throughout the city.  Pastor David Hernandez said only 29 people from his congregation got involved in the power to change project. They met and talked with a total of 6,000 people, and 4,000 of those people prayed to receive Christ.  The one-month evangelism effort throughout Bolivia led 104,000 people to pray and invite Jesus to change their lives. The churches are now taking time to help and disciple those who have made salvation decisions.

Champions For Christ Is Transforming Athletes Into Ministers

(Charisma News)  Champions for Christ (CFC), a low-profile ministry that is credited with transforming athletes not just into role models, but also into ministers, continues to grow and make an impact on the spiritual lives of athletes around the world.  With more than 100 NFL, 20 NBA and 10 NHL members, CFC is "a growing presence in big-league sports," "ESPN The Magazine" observed. Bill McCartney, founder and president of Promise Keepers, believes CFC is "on the cutting edge of what God is doing in the kingdom" in ministering to players, who often times have fame, fortune and a plethora of temptations.  "These guys are awesome," McCartney, 62, said. "There's fire in their camp. You can't be around these guys and not be ignited for the Lord. You tell a tree by its fruit, and this ministry bears good fruit."

 

Religion Today Summaries, October 14, 2002