FaithTalk Magazine Fall 2015 by SalemMediaGroup

The Times, They Are A-Changing PAGE 6

Honoring The Designer Through Marriage PAGE 15

The Only Hope For Survival Is Revival PAGE 39

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BARBARA YODER GENERAL MANAGER 5211 W. Laurel St. Tampa, FL 33607 ph- 813-349-8232 f - 813-639-1272 barb@salemtampa.com www.salemtampa.com www.LetsTalkFaith.com www.am860TheAnswer.com www.am930TheAnswer.com

As a young man Francis Bellamy, a bi-vocational Baptist minister, penned the original words to the Pledge of Allegiance in 1892 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ discovery of America. That year, the pledge became part of flag salute ceremonies at schools all across the country and continued as class started each day. Later in life, Bellamy moved here to Tampa where he lived until his death in 1931. In 1954, President Eisenhower encouraged Congress to add “under God” to the pledge as concern of secularism began. However, today we are seeing the clear evidence of that concern playing out in our courts, schools and streets. Recently, my husband and our two sons were talking about these issues and politics and, out of the blue, one son quoted one of George Washington’s foundational beliefs in the early beginnings of our country. It lead me to wonder what our first President and the founders would think about the current condition of these United States. In 1796, Washington was quoted as saying “It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.” As many of our Presidents have been, he was a man of deep faith. Still, we know that hearts are changed for Christ not by government’s activities but through the day to day impact that faithful believers have through relationships at work, in families, in church, in our neighborhoods. However it is my hope and prayer to again have leaders that devote their allegiance to God and lift up prayers like this prayer from the Prayer Journal of George Washington… “Almighty God” began George Washington. “I yield thee humble and hearty thanks that thou has preserved me from the danger of the night past and brought me to the light of the day, and the comforts thereof, a day which is consecrated to thine own service and for thine own honor. Let my heart, therefore, Gracious God, be so affected with the glory and majesty of it, that I may not do mine own works, but wait on thee, and discharge those weighty duties thou requires of me. Give me grace to hear thee calling on me in thy word, that it may be wisdom, righteousness, reconciliation and peace to the saving of the soul in the day of the Lord Jesus. Grant that I may hear it with reverence, receive it with meekness, mingle it with faith and that it may accomplish in me, Gracious God, the good work for which thou has sent it. Bless my family, kindred, friends and country, be our God and guide this day and forever for His sake, who lay down in the grave and arose again for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. May you be blessed by the wisdom of the wonderful writers and services of our supportive sponsors contained throughout this issue of FaithTalk Magazine.

BARBARA J. YODER GENERAL MANAGER FaithTalk 570 & 910 WTBN LETSTALKFAITH.COM

FALL 2015

One Nation Many Gods

by Bill Bunkley

6 The Times, They Are A-Changing

by R.C. Sproul

12 Does Our Country Still Have Hope?

by June Hunt

15 Honoring The Designer Through Marriage

by Dennis Rainey

18 Reflecting The Saviour’s Light

by Charles Stanley

by Stephen Rummage

by John MacArthur

21 What Does It Mean To Be A Christian Citizen 27 Defining Discernment

30 Commonly Asked Questions About

Homosexuality & Same-Sex Marriage by Jim Daly

35 The Avoidable Tragedy

by Michael Youssef

39 The Only Hope For Survival Is Revival

by Ken Whitten

Inspiration behind the theme for this edition of FaithTalk Magazine “If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under.” -Ronald Reagan 4

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FALL 2015

One of the oldest mysteries of bottom of the face, I get the sensation theoretical thought is the question: of time moving so swiftly toward the future at number six. Then, instantly, the second hand is past it, and what a moment ago was future now lies in the past. Sometimes when Immanuel Kant defined time and I experiment with such exercises, I space as “pure intuitions.” We see time want to call for the clock to stop. But it as inextricably related to matter and will not stop — it cannot stop. As the motion. Without matter and space axiom declares, “Time marches on.” [matter and motion], we have no way to measure the passing of time. Everything in creation is subject Time, it seems, is always in to time. Everything in creation is motion. It can never be stopped. mutable. Everything in creation goes through the process of generation Historically, we have and decay. God and God alone is measured the passing of time eternal and immutable. God and God with various material objects: alone escapes the relentless onslaught the sundial, which displays the of time. movement of shadows across its face; the sand pouring We not only measure moments in through the hourglass; the time, but we measure periods that hands moved by gears within a take place in terms of ages, eras, and watch and the minute and hour hands epochs. In our own generation, we moving around a circle of numbers. I have seen various transitions of the think of staring at a large wall clock human cultures in which we find and watching the sweeping motion of ourselves situated, hurled against the second hand. I look at twelve on the backdrop of time (as Martin the dial and wait for the second hand Heidegger indicated in his epic book to pass it. My eyes glance below to Being and Time). We say that times the number six, and I know that the are changing. That doesn’t mean that second hand has not reached it yet, time itself changes. There are still sixty but as the hand sweeps towards the seconds in a minute, sixty minutes

What is time?

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in an hour, twenty-four hours in a day. But cultures are constantly shifting in their patterns, in their values, and in their commitments. In my life I have witnessed dramatic changes to the culture in which I find myself. I can think of where I was and what I was doing when I heard of the announcement of the death of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. I remember where I was and what I was doing when I heard the news on the radio of the United States testing its first atomic bomb (before Hiroshima and Nagasaki). I remember where I was and what I was doing at the end of World War II, the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the Russian launch of Sputnik into space, and the news of man’s first walk on the moon. But what I remember perhaps more than anything is an entire decade — the decade of the 1960s — in which the United States of America went through an unbloody revolution that changed the culture so dramatically that people who lived before that decade feel like aliens in a culture dominated by a post1960s worldview. The revolution of the ’60s spelled the end of idealism and ushered in several radical changes in the culture, including the sexual revolution. The sanctity of marriage was more explicitly undermined. Clean, wholesome speech in the public sphere became increasingly rare. The sanctity of life with respect to the unborn underwent attack legislatively, and moral relativism

became the norm in our culture. the contemporary world. The church itself has adopted the very With this moral relativism relativism it seeks to overcome. came technological advances that What is demanded by times such also altered our daily lives. The as ours is a church that addresses knowledge explosion rocked by the the temporal while at the same advent and proliferation of the use time remaining tethered to the of the computer has brought a new eternal — a church that speaks, culture of people who live more comforts, and heals all things or less “online.” This relativisitic mortal and secular without itself culture brought with it a culture of abandoning the eternal and the eros and heightened addiction to holy. The church must always pornography, as well as a culture face the question of whether of drugs with the subsequent its commitment is to sanctity invasion of addiction and suicide. or profanity. We need churches filled with Christians who are not The times in which we live enslaved by the culture, churches are times that are exceedingly that seek more than anything to challenging to the church of please God and His only begotten Jesus Christ. The great tragedy Son, rather than to attract the of the church in the post-1960s applause of dying men and women. revolution is that the face of the Where is that church? That is the church has changed along with the church Christ established. That face of the secular culture. In a fatal is the church whose mission is to pursuit of relevance, the church minister redemption to a dying has often become merely an echo world, and that is the church we of the secular culture in which it are called to be. God help us and lives, having a desperate desire our culture if our ears become deaf to be “with it” and acceptable to to that call. Dr. R.C. Sproul is chairman and founder of Ligonier Ministries, lead teacher on the Renewing Your Mind radio and online program, airing on FaithTalk 570 & 910 WTBN at 9:30 am, and the author of the book and series Abortion: A Rational Look at an Emotional Issue.

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FALL 2015

LetsTalkFaith.com MORNINGS WITH BILL CARL WEEKDAYS 12:00 am Hope In The Night with June Hunt (Tuesday - Friday) 2:00 am Jay Sekulow Live 2:30 am Focus On The Family with Jim Daly, Juli Slattery, & John Fuller 3:00 am Verse By Verse with Pastor Steve Kreloff 3:30 am In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley 4:00 am Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef 4:30 am Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah 5:00 am Family Life Today with Dennis Rainey 5:30 am Joni And Friends with Joni Eareckson Tada 5:45 am Just Thinking with Ravi Zacharias 6:00 am Verse By Verse with Pastor Steve Kreloff 6:30 am Grace To You with John MacArthur 7:00 am Focus On The Family with Jim Daly, Juli Slattery, & John Fuller 7:30 am Pathway To Victory with Dr. Robert Jeffress 8:00 am Moving Forward with Dr. Stephen Rummage 8:30 am Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah 9:00 am Living Truth with Pastor Ken Whitten 9:30 am Renewing Your Mind with Dr. R.C. Sproul 10:00 am Bibleline with Pastor Ralph “Yankee” Arnold 10:30 am Hope For The Heart with June Hunt 11:00 am In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley 11:30 am Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef 12:00 pm Jay Sekulow Live 12:30 pm Faith In Practice with Dr. A.R. Bernard

MID-DAYS WITH CASEY BELL 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 2:30 pm 3:00 pm

Grace To You with John MacArthur Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah Chris Brown’s True Stewardship Verse By Verse with Pastor Steve Kreloff iWork4Him with Jim & Martha Brangenberg

WEEKDAY EVENINGS 4:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:30 pm 7:00 pm 7:30 pm 8:00 pm 8:30 pm 9:00 pm 10:00 pm 10:30 pm 11:00 pm 11:30 pm

The Bill Bunkley Show Living Truth with Pastor Ken Whitten Pathway To Victory with Dr. Robert Jeffress Focus On The Family with Jim Daly, Juli Slattery, & John Fuller Adventures In Odyssey with Whit & the Gang Bibleline with Pastor Ralph “Yankee” Arnold Faith In Practice with Dr. A.R. Bernard The Eric Metaxas Show Moving Forward with Dr. Stephen Rummage Living Truth with Pastor Ken Whitten Renewing Your Mind with Dr. R.C. Sproul Grace To You with John MacArthur

The FaithTalk 570 & 910 WTBN Program Schedule is subject to change at any time. Please visit www.LetsTalkFaith.com for our most up-to-date programming information.

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LetsTalkFaith.com SATURDAYS 12:00 am 2:00 am 2:30 am 3:00 am 3:30 am 4:00 am 4:30 am 5:00 am 5:30 am 7:00 am 7:30 am 8:00 am 9:00 am 9:30 am 10:00 am 10:30 am 11:00 am 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 4:30 pm 5:00 pm 5:30 pm 6:00 pm 9:00 pm 11:00 pm

Hope In The Night with June Hunt Jay Sekulow Live Focus On The Family with Jim Daly, Juli Slattery, & John Fuller Verse By Verse with Pastor Steve Kreloff In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah Paws & Tales Grace To You with John MacArthur Renewing Your Mind with Dr. R.C. Sproul Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah Ask An Attorney with Joe Pippen Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef Jene’s Tropicals with Jene Van Butsel Bibleline with Pastor Ralph “Yankee” Arnold Hope for the Heart with June Hunt Walking In Faith with Pastor Jack Cromwell Exciting Central Tampa Baptist Church with Pastor Jeffrey Singletary Love First Christian Center with Dr. Jomo Cousins This Day In The Word with Pastor Jon Couch The Universe Next Door with Dr. Tom Woodward Townhall Weekend Journal Higher Praise with Pastor Stephen Nunn Baldwin McCullough Live with Kevin McCullough & Steven Baldwin Steve Brown Etc.

SUNDAYS 12:00 am 1:00 am 2:00 am 2:30 am 3:00 am 6:00 am 7:00 am 7:30 am 8:30 am 9:00 am 9:30 am 10:00 am 10:30 am

In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley Focus On The Family with Jim Daly, Juli Slattery, & John Fuller Jay Sekulow Live Moving Forward with Dr. Stephen Rummage Keep The Faith with Keith Stevens & Donna Cruz Townhall Weekend Journal Family Life This Week with Dennis Rainey Answers From The Bible with Pastor Charles Andrews Road To Reality with K.P. Yohannan Heart Of Messiah with Rabbi Steven Weiler Moving Forward with Dr. Stephen Rummage Bibleline with Pastor Ralph “Yankee” Arnold Grace To You with John MacArthur

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11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:30 pm 7:00 pm 8:00 pm 9:00 pm 10:00 pm 11:00 pm

Ministry Impact Worship Service Focus On The Family with Jim Daly, Juli Slattery, & John Fuller Ministry Spotlight with Bill Carl The Eric Metaxas Show Ask The Experts Best Of Ask An Attorney with Joe Pippen Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef Exciting Central Tampa Baptist Church with Pastor Jeffrey Singletary The Bill Bunkley Show Weekend Edition Ministry Impact Worship Service The Christian Outlook with Don Crowe Townhall Weekend Journal Late Night with Pastor Al Davis FALL 2015

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FALL 2015

Does Our Country Still Have Hope? By June Hunt Hopelessness flourishes in the soil of uncertainty... It’s true – we live in “uncertain times.” Every week we hear about more senseless laws, more unjust treatment, more broken families…as our culture moves more and more away from God and His truth. I’ve personally heard people say, “America has NO hope. Can things change? NO. It’s too late for change!” So…how should we respond to such predictions? First, we must distinguish between Cultural hope and Christian hope. Cultural hope is merely an optimistic desire that something will be fulfilled. It’s not guaranteed hope. This hope is uncertain because it’s based on changeable people and changeable circumstances. Cultural hope leads us to think that things will get better with the next job, the next leader, the next election, the next season of life. June Hunt is one of the world’s leading biblical counselors. An author, singer and speaker, also founder of HOPE FOR THE HEART. Tune in Tuesday-Saturday at Midnight for Hope In The Night, also Monday-Friday at 10:30 am for Hope for the Heart on FaithTalk 570 & 910 WTBN. 12

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This kind of hope is not only circumstantial, but it’s largely beyond our control. Even the things we think we have control over… our health, home, job, finances, kids…can be greatly affected by factors outside our grasp. Outside of the Lord and His Word, everything is changeable and everything is breakable. That is why I often say, “Never have as your foundation anything that can be taken away from you.” All of us are just a phone call away from tragedy...a breath away from eternity. The only thing certain about cultural hope is the fruit that it will bear: disappointment, discouragement, and disillusionment. If your hope is in something uncertain, you will certainly be let down. Christian hope, on the other hand, is a guaranteed assurance that God will fulfill His promises. It’s guaranteed hope because it is anchored in the unchanging Word of God–The Bible and the unchanging Son of God–Jesus Christ. Cultural hope leaves us adrift on the seas of life, tossed about by waves of circumstance. Instead, Christian hope is “an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Hebrews 6:19). It leads us to say, “no matter what the circumstances, God will be faithful to fulfill His promises.” Unlike cultural hope, Christian hope will not disappoint us (Romans 5:5). Candidly, the fruit of Christian hope is much sweeter… LETSTALKFAITH.COM

1. Hope provides us joy in any situation. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12 NIV 2011). 2. Hope generates faith and love. “We have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people—the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven” (Colossians 1:4–5 NIV). 3. Hope causes us to live like Jesus. “All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure” (1 John 3:3 NIV). 4. Hope inspires us to persevere and endure hardships. “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 1:3 NIV). 5. Hope uplifts our downcast soul. “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 43:5 NIV). 6. Hope prompts us to praise God.“As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more” (Psalm 71:14 NIV). 7. Hope anchors our soul during the storms of life. “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Hebrews 6:19 NIV). 8. Hope moves us to take action with great boldness. “Since we have such a hope, we are very bold” (2 Corinthians 3:12 NIV). 9. Hope develops our patience.“If we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently” (Romans 8:25 NIV). 10. Hope establishes our sense of security and safety.“You will be secure, because there is hope.” (Job 11:18 NIV).

In truth, Christian hope is a rock-solid, blood-bought, Godguarded, fruit-producing, faithinspiring, immovable anchor that keeps us steady and secure in uncertain times. The headlines can be disheartening. The changes can seem constant. The obstacles can feel overwhelming. But are we hopeless? The resounding answer from Scripture is NO! Amidst the blaring noise of our culture, through His inspired Word, God shouts, “There is hope for you!” But it’s not cultural hope. It’s not in our jobs, our economy, our government, our law makers, our education, our technology, our plans, or even our loved ones. Our hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our hope is in God’s unchanging, lifegiving Word. Our God is “the God of hope!” (Romans 15:13). So don’t let today’s oppressive headlines smother your hope. Though our country continues to change, our hope has not. Hope is alive and well because Jesus is alive and well. So lift up your eyes and set your gaze on Him. Hold onto hope, as David did, “My hope is in you all day long” (Psalm 25:5). And continue to extend the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world. My prayer for you, dear friend, echoes Paul, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you” (Ephesians 1:18 NIV). FALL 2015

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Honoring the Designer Through Marriage

By Dennis Rainey

“If two men are in love, and If we want to defend the centurieswant to declare their commitment, old understanding of marriage, we why should we keep them should start by looking carefully from marrying each other?” at what God has to say about it. When we speak of the “sanctity “If two gays want to be married, of marriage,” we mean to say that aren’t they upholding the institution marriage is a holy and sacred of marriage rather than weakening institution created not by man, but it?” by God. That means that no matter what legislators or justices say, the “If a pair of homosexuals want definition of marriage is not ours to to marry and provide a home for tamper with. children who would otherwise be without a family, then how can that Before laying out a defense for be wrong?” marriage we need to make two very important points: In our ongoing cultural conversation about homosexuality First, we in the Christian and same-sex marriage, we will community need to apologize for continue to have friends and family the way we have interacted with the members who will be asking us LGBT community. As those who questions like these. Unfortunately, have been forgiven by God through many Christians today lack the Christ’s sacrificial death on our ability to clearly articulate their behalf, we must exhibit the love of views on marriage. We often find Christ to all men and women. We it difficult to respond to questions can stand for the truth and be loving or arguments made by those who at the same time. This we must do. disagree with us. LETSTALKFAITH.COM

Second, our authority to speak to the needs of our nation today is the Word of God. The Scriptures teach that there are absolutes and that there is such a thing as right and wrong. Truth is never tolerant of a lie. The real battleground around this debate on homosexual marriage begins with the question: Who is your authority? We believe that the timeless truth of Holy Scripture gives us the authoritative blueprints for life. We respect those who wish to deny the truth of Scripture. We would ask for a mutual respect in return. Mirroring God’s image Two different passages in the first two chapters of Genesis tell of the purposes God set forth for marriage. The first is Genesis 1:26-28: Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over FALL 2015

all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” The first critical purpose for marriage described here is to mirror God’s image. God made humanity to mirror His image on Planet Earth. The Hebrew word for “mirror” means to reflect God, to magnify, exalt and glorify Him. We are to be God’s representatives to a world that desperately needs to see who He is. For example, the union of a man and woman reflects the image of God by forming a picture of the intimate relationship between Jesus Christ and His followers. This is a theme that appears throughout the New Testament in passages such as Ephesians 5:22-33. A husband’s love and sacrifice for his wife, for example, are pictures of Christ’s love and sacrifice for the Church. It’s important to emphasize two things here. First, marriage is not about us; it’s about God. From the beginning our purpose— as individuals and as couples in marriage—is to glorify God. We were created with the capacity to enjoy a relationship with God and to love and serve Him. As Jesus says in Matthew 22:37, the

greatest commandment is, “You shall love the Lord your God with Homosexuals have suggested all your heart, and with all your for years that their practice is an soul, and with all your mind.” acceptable alternative lifestyle. Many claim that their sexual attraction Second, God ties His image to is something they were born with. human sexuality. Marking human Some have even suggested that God beings as distinct from the rest of made them as homosexuals. While creation, Genesis 1 says “In the the impact of nature vs. nurture can image of God He created him—male be debated, God makes it clear in and female He created them.” In Scripture that acting on homosexual other words, our gender differences attraction is sin. as men and women are part of how we understand who God is. The practice of homosexuality isn’t a preference or an uncontrollable Specifically, our gender differences desire—it’s actually a stark reflect God as three persons confirmation of a person’s rebellion with one essence. In his book, A against the Designer. Romans 1:21Christian View of Homosexuality, 27 tells us that, as humans failed to Glenn Stanton explains: honor God, their “foolish heart was darkened” and “they exchanged the The members of the Trinity exist truth of God for a lie, and worshiped in community together at the most and served the creature rather intimate level, for while they are Three, than the Creator ... For this reason they are One. They love one another God gave them over to degrading passionately. Their relationship is passions; for their women exchanged exclusive and permanent, i.e., from the natural function for that which eternity; there have always been is unnatural, and in the same way three members and they don’t delete, also the men abandoned the natural exchange or add partners. Another function of the woman and burned important aspect of the Trinity’s in their desire toward one another, relationship is that of “distinguishable men with men committing indecent peculiarity.” This means that while acts and receiving in their own the members of the Trinity are of the persons the due penalty of their same essence, they are peculiar and error.” distinguishable from one another in their primary characters, much like The issue of sexual behavior isn’t males and females at the human level. a matter of simple preference. Our This means that humanity is uniquely sexual choices and behavior reflect fashioned out of these characteristics on the image and glory of God. of the Trinity (relationship, love, Our stand against homosexuality is intimacy, relational exclusivity, ultimately a stand for the wisdom permanence and distinguishable and perfection of the created design peculiarity) for these things. and a choice to honor the Designer.

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FALL 2015

Reflecting the Savior’s Light Kindling Hope In a Dark World

By Charles Stanley

Aren’t lighthouses beautiful? I have traveled around the world and have seen all kinds of amazing, breathtaking scenes, but a quaint lighthouse remains one of my favorite sights. I suppose that’s why I have taken so many photographs of them. To me, there’s just always been something peaceful, something lofty about a lighthouse. Let me ask you: What purpose does a lighthouse serve? Who benefits from its light? What would happen without it? Well, I can think of two crucial functions. First, a lighthouse identifies a safe harbor. In the black of night, the piercing light points weary sailors to the comfort of home. Second, the light alerts ships to the pending danger of rocks or unexpected landfall. Without this beam, the vessels would surely crash. With this image in mind, isn’t it interesting what Jesus says in Matthew 5:14-16? He proclaims, “You are the light of the world . . .[Therefore] let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good

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works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” This is true, not just for individual believers but for churches as well. Think about that image for a moment. What if every church body in the world were actually a lighthouse? What would that look like in the community? How would that change the nation? The world? I believe that the Lord is stressing two things in this passage of Scripture: our resource and our responsibility. It is as if He is saying, “You are not powerless. I’ve given you everything you need. You already have the light within you. Now, you have the responsibility of shining that light before all men. It is your job to send out the beam of truth in your family, workplace, social circle, and community. I’m sending you out to point others to Me.” When the church has this kind of vision, it makes a tremendous impact on the world around it. As an American, I see that quite clearly in the founding of our country. The heroes who laid the foundation for this great nation were men and women who had a strong faith in God. Moreover, it was their intention that subsequent generations would also understand and embrace the Word of God, by whose principles this nation was established.

Regardless of what some people believe, I do not think America has taken a turn for the worse overnight. I believe that we’re just now witnessing the bitter fruit of a generation of bad decisions. We have a new crop of leaders who are sworn in with their hands on the Bible, and yet we see little to no evidence of the Bible’s hand on their lives. These are the men and women of the generation that was told prayer had no place in school, unborn babies could be killed as a matter of convenience, evolution adequately explains the universe, and God’s Word isn’t really reliable. Today’s leaders have been told their whole lives that God doesn’t have a place in “the real world,” and we’re now seeing the consequences of this generational slide. They make decisions in their own best interests, not the best interests of the people whom they serve. They are leaders, but they are leading us nowhere. And it is little wonder why—those who walk in darkness simply do not know where they’re going. We are in a bad pattern of short-term, immediate-gratification thinking. And sadly, decisions that are being made today will have lasting consequences. Our children, grandchildren, and their descendants will live with the full-grown fruit of today’s decisions, but we aren’t looking long-term. We’ve reached the point as a nation—and as a church—where we are scared to offend anyone. We want to be accepting. We want to be open, nonjudgmental, nonconfrontational, and inoffensive. But listen carefully: The church of the Lord Jesus Christ offends by nature. Either we will offend almighty God by living in rebellion, or we will offend the wicked who walk in darkness. As believers in Jesus Christ, you and I—no matter where in the world we live— have to make a decision. We can lie down and bow to the world, or we can stand up, speak out, and take action in the name

of Christ. It’s time that we, as the church, made a decision about whom we’re going to offend. You see, we believers cannot blame politics or the media for what’s wrong with this country and the world around us. If we want to make things right for our children, we have to lay the blame where it is most uncomfortable—on ourselves. The church has not only allowed these things to happen but has actively participated. The message of “acceptance no matter what” has crept into the sanctuary and polluted the pulpit. When a pastor stands before the congregation and preaches a little sermonette for fear of talking too long or saying anything too strong, he has just weakened the church and the nation. It is time for believers of all nations to stand up and speak out in the name of Jesus. First Peter 4:17 declares that repentance doesn’t begin with the wicked, but rather, with the church. We must turn away from the bad choices of the past century and turn back toward God. The United States can become a mightier nation—any nation can become a mightier nation—if the church will lead the charge. But it depends on you—not the universal church, not your local congregation, but you. What will you do? How will you turn the tide?

The church of the Lord Jesus Christ offends by nature. Either we will offend almighty God by living in rebellion, or we will offend the wicked who walk in darkness.

This article is reprinted with permission from In Touch Magazine, the bimonthly publication of In Touch Ministries. To receive a free subscription, please visit intouch.org/magazine. Tune in at 3:30 am and 11:00 am to the teachings of Charles Stanley on FaithTalk 570 & 910 WTBN. LETSTALKFAITH.COM

FALL 2015

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What Does It Mean to Be a

Christian Citizen? By Dr. Stephen Rummage Pastor of Bell Shoals Baptist Church

The message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the witness of the Church have been foundational to the United States of America. Followers of Jesus Christ have been salt and light in our nation - a purifying, preserving, illuminating, and restorative force to keep America standing. However, if asked if America is a godly nation right now, sadly, we would have to answer “no.” We can be very thankful for what our nation has stood for in the past, and we can be thankful for what America still stands for in many places, but we are by no means a godly nation. Our hearts should be broken to see biblical marriage under attack in the highest places in our country. We can expect more challenges to religious liberty and to biblical truth in the days to come. God’s Word says that things will continue to get worse until the time Jesus returns. That doesn’t sound very encouraging, does it? However, God would not have us wring our hands and pace the floor over the moral decay of our country. We are not to give up LETSTALKFAITH.COM

hope, because our hope is not found in the morality or even in the spiritual vitality of our nation, but in the unshakeable cross of Calvary and the unchanging, infallible, inerrant Word of God. As followers of Jesus Christ, God calls you and me to a high standard as citizens of His kingdom first, and then, of this country. God’s Word addresses our conduct as citizens very clearly. In Romans 13:1-2, the apostle Paul gives these instructions:

written only for those who first received it, but for us as well. Many may find these commands uncomfortable. How, then, are we to obey? First, remember that God is sovereign, whether a nation is godly or ungodly, when rulers are right and when rulers are wrong. Nothing ever diminishes God. Daniel understood this. His declaration while in Babylonian captivity was, “[God] changes times and seasons; [God] removes kings and sets up kings; [God] gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.” (Daniel 2:21). God is always in complete control.

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities Secondly, we are to honor resists what God has appointed, authorities, from the policeman and those who resist will incur on the corner to the president in judgment. the White House. When we honor authority, we honor God. God These instructions were written calls us to submit to governing in the first century to followers of authorities in order to honor Him, Jesus Christ who were living under to avoid punishment, to protect the rule of an immoral, totalitarian our conscience, and to show regime, and yet, God commanded respect. them to submit to the authorities who ruled over them. God’s Word Third, we are to make changes is living and eternal, and was not where we can. We can and should FALL 2015

vote. We can run for public office at all levels. We can stay informed, and respectfully make our wishes known. Jeremiah 29:7 says, “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Above all, remember that our primary calling is not to bring about governmental reform or even moral change in our society. Our primary calling is to reach

people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We should pray for all people, including our leaders, toward that end. In 1 Timothy 2:14, Paul instructed Timothy: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is

pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” The early church had no political clout. But they did have spiritual power through prayer, and an eternal influence through the Gospel. God worked through them to turn the world upside down! He can do the same through us as we pray and share the truth of Jesus with others.

Stephen Rummage is the Senior Pastor of Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon, Florida. He is a frequent guest speaker for churches and conferences across the United States. His daily radio teaching ministry, Moving Forward, airs on FaithTalk 570 & 910 WTBN at 8:00 am and 10:00 pm.

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One Nation

Many Gods By Bill Bunkley

Each year on the Fourth of July, America celebrates her birthday. Parades, picnics and family gatherings all across the land are all part of the festivities. Old Glory in her red, white and blue is the dominant themes of the day. But for Orthodox Christians, on July 4, 2015, were we celebrating “One Nation Under God” as a contemporary reality, or were we celebrating a nostalgic memory of a past era. Many are contemplating whether America could repent of her rebellion against the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob. Could we experience one more Great Awakening? Or will God continue to look away from her sin and further remove his hand of blessing. Over the years, America has transformed herself into a nation of many gods. Just watching those around us reminds us of the many idols, material possessions and of course sporting obsessions that people worship and bow down to daily. America’s narcissistic view of life is why so many have turned their back on the One who is the 24

real source of our blessings and provision. Capping the nation’s Exodus, not to God, but away from God, was this summer’s historic decision by the United States Supreme Court to redefine the Biblical definition of marriage. Five unelected supreme bureaucrats arbitrarily decided to legalize same-sex marriages. They rewrote the Constitution instead of interpreting it, as the founding fathers had originally intended. This single act served to galvanize America’s new Declaration of Independence, not from other nations, but from God Himself. The ripple effect of the court’s action, both intended and unintended, will result in a wave of confusion for our country’s future generations. With this paradigm shift, Orthodox Christians in America will no longer be able to live an invisible life. The world will demand to know if one believes in the sanctity of marriage, a one-man-one-woman Biblical definition of marriage. Or if one will yield to accepting same-sex marriage as a way of going along

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to get along with the culture. One’s conviction about the sanctity of Biblical marriage will bear witness to others about their Christian walk. Make no mistake about it. God is going to use the court’s decision to sift those who call themselves Christians. I believe that this sifting of Christians will be an important chapter in history. Of all the nations of the world where Christ is present, we in America are some of the weaker vessels in the fellowship. Unlike persecuted believers around the world, most American Christians have never defended their faith by confessing Jesus at a moment when doing so would be extremely costly. We are clueless about real persecution.

It is the books and the letters of the New Testament that give us tremendous insight on how to live for Christ in the hostile seas of the future. precisely who the remnants of the faithful followers of Christ are. It is from these courageous believers that the seeds of one more Great Awakening will be sown and later grow if it is God’s will.

Today we are one nation with many gods, reminiscent of ancient Israel. At times, it is surprising that God has not treated us more harshly than he has. Paganism, Contrast that with our Christian brothers and sisters humanism, atheism, hedonism and other anti-Christian in Syria, Iraq and northern Africa who are constantly at practices are the reigning gods of this fallen world. risk of being confronted with that question every day by the radical Muslim extremist group ISIS. I marvel at the But all of these false avenues of life ultimately leave witness and example set by these Christians who have one on a dead-end street. That’s the dirty little secret demonstrated to the world their willingness to die for that Satan never reveals to the pleasure seekers. But it Christ. And die they have. is these victims of Satan’s deception that constitute the But I believe God wills to toughen us up. He will mission field for God’s remnant. use this time of sifting to prepare His church for the It is the books and the letters of the New Testament challenging times ahead. It that give us tremendous insight on how to live for Christ will be a time of separating in the hostile seas of the future. Paul, in particular, the wheat from the chaff. describes his steadfast devotion to sharing Christ, no matter what physical obstacles surrounded him. Carnal Christians, as well as those self-described It is in following Paul’s example that we, the remnant Christians who have a of Bible-believing Christians in America, will be cafeteria style of scripture effective in giving His hope to this lost world. Living the adherence, will soon have a life of a Christian will be a determined one, no longer decision to make. Will they one on autopilot. Remember the impact of those twelve follow the God and Jesus poor, mostly uneducated first-century souls. They of the Bible, or will they were obedient to Christ and in doing so change the follow the false god and the world forever. Imagine what God’s remnant can do in false son of god they have America, if we only get serious about the task at hand. tragically embraced? And if we do get serious, maybe once again it could The result of this sifting indeed be said of America “One Nation Under (The will allow us to know True) God”. Tune in to The Bill Bunkley Show weekdays from 4:00 - 6:00 pm on FaithTalk 570 & 910 WTBN. His commentary “Something to Think About” can also be heard daily on am 860 and 930 The Answer as well as on FaithTalk 570 & 910 WTBN. LETSTALKFAITH.COM

FALL 2015

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Defining Discernment

By John MacArthur

In its simplest definition, discernment is nothing more than the ability to decide between truth and error, right and wrong. Discernment is the process of making careful distinctions in our thinking about truth. In other words, the ability to think with discernment is synonymous with an ability to think biblically.

According to the New Testament, discernment is not optional for the believer-it is required. The key to living an uncompromising life lies in one’s ability to exercise discernment in every area of his or her life. For example, failure to distinguish between truth and error leaves the Christian subject to all manner of false teaching. False teaching then leads to an unbiblical First Thessalonians 5:21-22 mindset, which results in unfruitful teaches that it is the responsibility and disobedient living-a certain of every Christian to be discerning: recipe for compromise. “But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.” The apostle John issues a similar warning when he says, “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1).

Unfortunately, discernment is an area where most Christians stumble. They exhibit little ability to measure the things they are taught against the infallible standard of God’s Word, and they unwittingly engage in all kinds of unbiblical decision-making and behavior. In short, they are not armed to take a decidedly biblical stand against the onslaught of unbiblical thinking and attitudes that face them throughout their day.

iscernment − the ability to think biblically about all areas of life — is indispensable to an uncompromising life.”

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FALL 2015

Discernment intersects the Christian life at every point. And God’s Word provides us with the needed discernment about every issue of life. According to Peter, God “has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3). You see, it is through the “true

knowledge of Him,” that we have been given everything we need to live a Christian life in this fallen world. And how else do we have true knowledge of God but through the pages of His Word, the Bible? In fact, Peter goes on to say that such knowledge comes through God’s granting “to us His precious and magnificent promises” (2 Peter 1:4). Discernment -- the

ability to think biblically about all areas of life -- is indispensable to an uncompromising life. It is incumbent upon the Christian to seize upon the discernment that God has provided for in His precious truth! Without it, Christians are at risk of being “tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14).

John MacArthur is founder and featured teacher of Grace to You. A fifth-generation pastor, John is also the pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and president of The Master’s College and Seminary. You can hear him daily on “Grace to You,” on FaithTalk 570 & 910 WTBN at 6:30 am and 1:00 pm.

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FALL 2015

Commonly Asked Questions about Homosexuality & Same-Sex Marriage By Jim Daly

Prior to the United States Supreme Court’s decision in June concerning same-sex marriage, we’ve been receiving inquiries from sincere Christians who want to know how to best navigate this sensitive topic with their children, neighbors, coworkers or friends. Perhaps you have some of the same questions. As such, I thought it might be helpful to share with you some of these commonly asked questions along with our response. Q: Isn’t it true that Jesus never said anything about homosexuality and same-sex marriage? A: Homosexual leaders often point out that the Bible doesn’t record Jesus ever directly talking about homosexuality or same-sex relationships. In their reasoning, this undermines Christian support of traditional marriage. However, their arguments don’t hold up under more careful consideration. For starters, Christians believe the entire Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit, so the Gospels are not more authoritative than those books of the Bible that prohibit homosexual behavior. This means that verses that do reference and admonish homosexual behavior – Scriptures like 1 Timothy 1:9-10 – are just as an inerrant part of God’s Word as are the recorded words of Jesus. But while Jesus didn’t specifically address homosexuality in the Gospels, He did clearly list heterosexuality as God’s created intent for human sexuality. In Mark 10:6-9, Jesus says, But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two 30

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but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” Q: How can Christians be opposed to “marriage equality”? A: This question assumes the law is currently treating heterosexual and homosexually identified people differently. That’s an incorrect assumption. Current law allows for a man, no matter if he’s heterosexual or homosexual, to marry a woman, no matter what her sexual orientation may be, provided they are of age, not closely related by blood, etc. That’s equal treatment under the law. The question before the courts is therefore not really about “marriage equality.” Instead, it’s if we, as a country, should redefine the historical and legal understanding of marriage as the lifelong union of a man and a woman. Q: How does same-sex marriage impact me? A: Like other social issues that deviate from God’s design, same-sex marriage impacts more than the two people who want to get married. For instance, while abortion and pornography may not impact you directly, the legalization and practice affects the culture you live in by lessening the value of human life and sexuality. It also fosters confusion about what it means to be a boy or girl, man or woman. Same-sex marriage hurts children who, according to research do best when raised in a home with their married mother and father, are denied either a dad or a mom. It negatively impacts faith-based adoption agencies that are forced to close their doors when faced with the choice of violating religious tenets or

placing children in homes with same-sex parents. Photographers, bakers, inn keepers, florists and others who politely decline to use their talents and businesses to participate in same-sex ceremonies experience harassment, legal challenges and crippling fines. Parents who want a say in what their young children are taught in school about homosexuality find legalized same-sex marriage is a trump card that overrides their parental rights. Proponents of same-sex marriage will continue to claim no one is hurt. There’s ample evidence that’s not true, and the track record for protecting children’s rights, religious freedom, free speech and parental rights on this topic does not bode well for the future.

you know and care about. However, your point of view deserves a hearing, too. Indeed, if we truly love our neighbor, how can we withhold God’s blueprint for human flourishing in this vital matter? Finally, remember that this is part of a larger spiritual struggle that doesn’t begin or end with you. Your response is a word of witness upholding God’s design for sexuality, marriage and family, and you never know what seeds of truth will be planted in your faithfulness to speak up. Q: But the polls indicate acceptance of same-sex marriage is growing rapidly. Is the issue already lost? I just don’t want to be on the wrong side of history!

Q: I don’t believe same-sex marriage is biblical or right for society but I also don’t want to offend my A: History is long. In the end, I want to be on God’s friends and family who disagree. How can I speak side of history. Nothing else matters. Regarding the what I believe with love and truth? polling, two things. Many polls are designed to make it appear as though the debate is over. Second, we A: It’s clear that the topics of homosexuality and don’t look to polls to determine what is right and same-sex marriage generate a high level of energy wrong. and passion. People on both sides hold strong For the Founding Fathers, religious freedom opinions, so one good guidepost to follow is found was the bedrock upon which our government in Romans 12:18, “… as far as it depends on you, live was first established. As such, religious freedom peaceably with all” (ESV). That doesn’t mean avoid is a fundamental right given by God, not the conversation but engage from a place of peace; government. Therefore, to strip religious liberties not unbridled emotion. Bring salt and light into the from people is a break with the contract of this dialogue (Mark 9:50) along with peace and try to country. And that action, if taken by the court, extract any “heat” you may feel about the topic. You ultimately means our God given right to the “freedom can’t control if someone is offended by your view; you of religion” is really a right bestowed by government can control how you present yourself and the cause of not God! There was no mention or additional Christ on this issue. writings at the time our nation was created about Whether you interact on social media or around the need to provide a way for homosexuals to attain the dining room table, be prepared with a few points marital status, but there was clearly the intent to allow that express your concerns about legalizing same-sex people to practice and express freely their faith. For marriage. Listen to the other viewpoint. Be respectful. us as Christians, this is the issue. What people do But don’t be shy about presenting your position with sexually is out of our control. We can only warn and kindness. No one likes conflict, especially with people persuade, and always do so in humility and love.

Jim Daly is the president and host of the National Radio Hall of Fame broadcast, Focus on the Family. He and his wife, Jean, were married on August 24, 1986, a sun drenched day in Santa Ana, California. They have two sons, Trent and Troy. Focus on the Family airs weekdays starting at 2:30, 7:00 am and 7:00 pm on Faith Talk 570 & 910 WTBN.

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FALL 2015

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The Avoidable

Tragedy

By Michael Youssef

This article is an excerpt adapted from Dr. Michael Youssef ’s newest book, God, Help Me Overcome My Circumstances. Visit www.LTW.org to learn more or order your copy today.

y any objective standard, America in the twenty-first century is a nation in spiritual and moral decline. Many observers date the beginning of American decline back to 1962, when the Supreme Court outlawed prayer in public schools. Others date it to 1973, when the Supreme Court legalized unrestricted abortion. These court decisions unleashed a tidal wave of harmful effects on our nation—not the least being the estimated fifty-six million human lives destroyed by legal abortion as of 2013. But while court decisions can cause serious harm to society, it is truly the people themselves who determine the moral and spiritual strength of a nation. “We the People” can choose to say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” And “We the People” can also reject God and his truth. We choose whether or not to pray, to live righteously, to witness for Christ, and to raise our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. If we are not at odds with our culture, then we are at odds with God. Remember the warning of James: “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4). Some people look at the cultural decline all around us and call it progress. According to this progressive mindset, an enlightened and progressive society tolerates rampant abortion, pornography, sexual promiscuity, unwed parenting, same-sex marriage, indolence and dependence, and irresponsible, unsustainable debt. If we continue down the slope of moral and spiritual decline, we will suffer the same fate as Israel in the time of the judges. If America passes away, it will not be conquered by invaders, destroyed by nuclear war, or dismembered by terrorists; it will be destroyed from within by the spiritual defection and moral compromise of her people, just as Israel was destroyed from within by compromise with the Canaanites. And it will be an incomprehensible tragedy that we, like ancient Israel, could have avoided through faithfulness to God. That’s why we must cry out to God for the next generation.

“If we are not at odds with our culture, then we are at odds with God.” DR. MICHAEL YOUSSEF

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If you think you are grieved by the decline of your culture, by the sin and immorality that surrounds you, by the suffering and sadness that pervades this fallen world, how much more must our loving Father grieve over us and our nation? Truth be told, God’s most difficult battle is not with the pagans; it is with his own people. He agonizes over his rebellious children who turn their backs on him and use his grace as a license to sin. Don’t repeat the pattern of Israel in the days of the judges. Don’t let your children, your grandchildren, or the children you influence become another generation who did not know the Lord (Judges 2:10). Be faithful to God and transmit your faith to the next generation. Here are some suggestions for teaching your faith to the children you influence: 1. Worship with your children. This means more than merely going to church together once a week. Begin a daily habit, in the morning or before bedtime (or both), of coming together for family worship. Read Bible stories together. Share your feelings of thankfulness, prayer requests, and stories of what God is doing in your life. Sing Christian songs together. Pray together. Discover the joy of daily family worship. 2. Instruct your children. Find a family devotional book that is appropriate for the age level of your children. Read Bible stories together, then discuss them. Find ways to apply stories of the Bible to the lives of your children. If a child is facing an intimidating challenge at school or in music lessons or in Little League, encourage that child with a story about David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17), Daniel in the lion’s den (Daniel 6), or Peter and John before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4). 3. Pray regularly with and for your children. Pray at meals and at bedtime. Pray when your child is hurting. Thank God together during happy moments. Find ways to acknowledge God’s presence so that your children will continually be aware of his love and mercy in their lives. The Scottish Reformation leader John Knox was such a bold man of faith that Mary, Queen of Scots, once said of him, “I fear his prayers more than I do the armies of my enemies.” In 1572, as Knox lay on his deathbed, he called to his wife, Margaret, and said, “Read me that Scripture where I first cast my anchor.” She read to him from John 17, the high priestly prayer of Jesus before he went to the cross. That prayer comforted him, and he began to pray for his family, for his fellow countrymen, for those who had rejected the gospel, for those who had recently received the good news, for God’s people who were facing persecution, for the wife and children he left behind, for future generations of believers. Margaret listened as John prayed. His voice grew weaker and weaker until finally his lips ceased to move. John Knox died as he had lived, constantly interceding, continually praying, until he finally passed into the presence of his Lord. That is a great way to live, a great way to die, and a great way to bequeath a heritage of faith, godliness, and prayer to the next generation.

Tune in to Dr. Michael Youssef program Leading The Way weekdays at 4:00 and 11:30 am on Faith Talk 570 & 910 WTBN. Excerpt adapted from: GOD, HELP ME OVERCOME MY CIRCUMSTANCES. Published by Harvest House Publishers. Eugene, Oregon 97402. www.harvesthousepublishers.com. Copyright © 2015 by Michael Youssef. Used by Permission.

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FALL 2015

Spotlighting Local Ministries on FaithTalk 570 & 910 WTBN

“Jesus said to them ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation’” – Mark 16:15

FaithTalk 570 & 910 loves the local church and wants to highlight the great work that is taking place every single week in churches all around the Bay. We would love to know about your church and how we can honor you as a Ministry Impact Award church. Fill out the short form at LetsTalkFaith.com/MinistryImpactForm Ministry Impact Award: Church Service Airs Sundays at 11am and 8pm Ministry Impact Award: Pastor’s Interview Airs Sundays at 1pm 38

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The Only Hope for Survival is

Revival By Dr. Ken Whitten

Senior Pastor, Idlewild Baptist Church, Lutz, FL

If the average age of civilization in history is 200 years America could be living on borrowed time. I love America and I’m not a “sky is falling” type of pastor, but you’d have to live on another planet not to see we live in a nation that may be in the Spiritual Cardiac Care Unit and close to being on life support. America’s biggest problems are not budget deficits, war, or crime. Her greatest problem is sin. Her greatest enemy is not Iraq, Iran, China, North Korea, or Russia. Her greatest enemy is herself. The biggest threat is not terrorism, atheism, or humanism. The biggest threat is God.

leadership, balanced budgets, or voice of Touching Lives ministry, stricter laws of morality. Her only says it this way, “Sometimes I think hope is Revival. we talk and act and live like the church is depending on the world to What may surprise many is in get right. It is not the church that God’s Word, in 2 Chronicles 7:14, should be waiting for America to get He gives us a prescription and a right, but America that is waiting promise for that hope. That’s not for the church to get right. It is the the surprising thing. The surprise lazy, lukewarm and lifeless church is the condition to the promise that needs revival.” So how do we begins not with the sinners, but get it? Let me suggest 3 ways. with the saints. If MY People… It’s not the sinner that needs revival. 1. We Must Repent of Pride A sinner needs regeneration. It is “who are called by My name, shall the saint who needs revival. The humble themselves….” The word Psalmist was right when he said, “humble” literally means “to bend “Will you not revive us again, that the knee.” When people demand Your People may rejoice in you?” we remove the words “under God” (Psalm 85:6) from our Pledge of Allegiance

could it be it is because in the heart My friend, Dr. James Merritt, of rebellious people we do not America’s hope is not better senior pastor of Cross Pointe want to be “under” authority and government, new political Church in Duluth, GA and the we hate the word “God” because LETSTALKFAITH.COM

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we desire Him totally out of the picture? We are too good to have the Ten Commandments on the walls of our State Houses, we are too wise to hang them in the halls of our schoolhouses, and too proud to hang them in our courthouses. Our independence can be summed up in one word…Pride. Maybe when we consider 9/11, Enron, the falling stock market, fires in California, and the Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage, then perhaps we ought to look back at the verse preceding in vs. 13, “When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land or send pestilence among My people…” It is pride that causes us to be prayerless and causes us to be prejudice. Pride polarizes, paralyzes, and politicizes. Pride says, “I don’t need God.” I can start my day without God’s Word or prayer, and when I am wrong I refuse to apologize. In the middle of PRIDE is “I”.

2.We Must Respond in Prayer

3.We Must Return in Purity

“...and pray, and seek My Face,” “….and turn away from our means His presence. What we wicked ways.” need afresh in our lives, marriages, schools, cities, and our families is Repentance is the road to God’s presence. revival and revival is the route to repentance. Dr. Russell Moore, Hypocrisy becomes self- SBC President of Ethics and evident, and we do not even see it. Religion, Liberty Council says it best. He says, “We as the church We say we need money for need to be ready to help with the education—so we legalize and refugees of the sexual revolution.” promote gambling. We say we We live in a broken world, and need to stop teenage pregnancy— God is demanding that we as His so we hand out condoms and people be broken as well. open abortion clinics. God’s call to His people is to We say we ought to protect live holy and humble, broken our children from predators and and bent, prayerful and hopeful. pedophiles, so what do we do? God’s prescription is His presence We defend internet pornography and His promise. He promises as free speech. forgiveness and fruitfulness. His Presence is what brings healing. But what would happen if we walked in humility with our This prescription will make a families and friends, and we sick church well, a well church cried out to God and told Him strong, and a wicked nation right. we are sorry for our pride, our Our only hope for survival is prayerlessness, and our sin? What Revival. May His mercy give us could happen if we responded to space for grace and allow us one God in prayer? more spiritual awakening for His sake, His name’s sake, and for His Glory? Selah! There, think about it!

Pastor Ken Whitten is the Senior Pastor at Exciting Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz-Tampa. You can visit Idlewild Sunday mornings at 9:15 and 11am. Find out more at LivingTruthMinistry.org. Listen to Pastor Whitten’s Living Truth Ministries program on FaithTalk 570 & 910 WTBN weekdays at 9:00 am and 6:00 pm.

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March 20th, 2015: WTBN’s Women of the Word Luncheon Featuring Debbie Stuart at A La Carte Event Pavilion - Tampa

April 14th, 2015: WTBN’s 1st Annual Pastors Masters Golf Tournament at Westchase Golf Club - Tampa

2015 National Day of Prayer: Lord, Hear Our Cry WTBN joined thousands of people from across the country in prayer at this year’s Prayer Rallies across the Bay.

Sandi Patty in Concert at Bell Shoals Baptist Church WTBN joined Bell Shoals Baptist Church as they presented Sandi Patty in Concert on July 2nd.

FAITHTALK 570 & 910 WTBN

The Bill Bunkley Show Live Broadcast from Word of Life Youth Camp - Hudson

Live Broadcast from The Concerned Veterans for America: Defend Freedom Tour The Bill Bunkley Show Live Broadcast from the Pepin Hospitality Centre here in Tampa in honor of all Veterans.

WTBN at Clearwater Threashers Baseball Game WTBN at the Faith & Family Night that also featured a great concert by Moriah Peters

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