A Texas pastor has been in the news spotlight ever since he gave a forthright answer to reporters last Friday.

Dr. Robert Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas, was requested to introduce Texas Governor Rick Perry at the Values Voter Summit in Washington. After Perry’s speech, a reporter asked Pastor Jeffress what he thought about Mormonism (which happens to be the religion of Mitt Romney). Jeffress answered directly, “Mormonism is a cult.”

As soon as Pastor Jeffress’ comment hit the wires, the man was attacked and maligned. Bill Bennett referred to Mr. Jeffress as a bigot. Governor Perry quickly distanced himself from the remarks and from Jeffress. And the media has blasted Jeffress all weekend.

But let me ask you, is it really “bigoted” to make an honest statement concerning your convictions? Pastor Jeffress did not say hateful remarks about Romney as a person. He didn’t even make derogatory comments about Mormons. He simply stated what has long been the position of evangelical Christians. (more…)

Recent news has reported increased pressure on Israel. From within and without, she is being pushed to accept a Palestinian State with her own borders drawn at indefensible lines. If we look at this situation through the lens of Bible prophecy, it’s not difficult to imagine that this pressure may force Israel into the false peace treaty needed for the fulfillment of Ezekiel 38–39.

On September 10, Ethan Bronner of the New York Times in the article, “Beyond Cairo, Israel Sensing a Wider Siege” wrote:

With its Cairo embassy ransacked, its ambassador to Turkey expelled and the Palestinians seeking statehood recognition at the United Nations, Israel found itself on Saturday increasingly isolated and grappling with a radically transformed Middle East where it believes its options are limited and poor.

The prophecy in Ezekiel 38–39 tells of nations launching an attack against Israel, possibly just after the peace of the first half of the Tribulation has ended (Daniel 9:27). The prophecy assumes two conditions: Israel would be in her land (already fulfilled), and there would be an assumed peace (possibly coming soon). As I wrote in my book Understanding the Times:

In contrast to the necessarily tense, ever-ready, and thoroughly prepared posture of Israel today, she will be caught off guard by this battle.

But doesn’t the recent news increase the tension Israel faces with her neighbors? Perhaps, but nations which have been more tolerant of Israel in the last several decades are becoming increasingly radically Islamic. Eli Shaked, a former Israeli ambassador to Cairo was quoted in the Times article, “Egypt is not going toward democracy but toward Islamicization. It is the same in Turkey and in Gaza. It is just like what happened in Iran in 1979.” (more…)

Ten years and one day ago, a street sign of downtown New York stood in the shadow of the south tower of the World Trade Center. The sign marked the intersection of the streets Church and Liberty.

Today, the sign still stands. But now it is at the corner of Ground Zero.

Today, we remember the horrific events of 9/11/01. We grieve the loss of life. We thank the heroic first responders who courageously gave their lives to rescue others. And, as a nation, we rebuild and renew ourselves to preserve freedom.

The signpost of Church and Liberty streets in New York reminds us, as Christians, of an important truth regarding freedom: God wants His churches to proclaim liberty.

Jesus Himself came to “proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound” (Isaiah 61:1, c.f. Luke 4:18). He brought the truth which sets the hearts of men free (John 8:32).

Our nation is increasingly turning away from God—even in the commemorative services for 9/11. We seem to have forgotten our Christian heritage, and we are losing our moral compass. (more…)

For a nation that has adopted a mantra of tolerance, someone seems to have missed the memo. In the 9/11 commemorative services at Washington National Cathedral, representatives from several religions will be leading—including a Buddhist nun, an Imam, a rabbi, and a Hindu priest—but no Protestant or evangelical Christian. President Obama will be attending and delivering his remarks on Sunday evening. (Click here to read the article from Fox news.)

This is yet another reminder that our culture is becoming less tolerant of Christianity. Instead of “one nation under God,” we have become a nation under “the gods”—something like ancient Rome.

Although a large percentage of our country still identifies themselves as evangelical Christians, this program designed to promote diversity fails to even acknowledge evangelicals.

Our nation was founded on biblical principles, and our government was carefully crafted to give liberty of religion to all. But many today are using that liberty to silence biblical Christianity. (more…)

I’ve never been more thankful to be an American. I’m thankful for the men who pledged their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor” to sign the Declaration of Independence and then gave of themselves in unspeakable sacrifice to birth this great nation.

These men understood that patriotism meant so much more than grabbing the family rifle and charging the red coats. It involved giving whatever was necessary to uphold the God-given values of freedom and equality which they had come to embrace. For many, patriotism meant giving their lives, their families, and their fortunes. They purchased freedom at a heavy personal expense.

I’m thankful for the heritage of these patriots, statesmen, and soldiers who embraced and upheld freedom—even at the expense of themselves.

I’m thankful for men and women around the world today (some from our church family) who are sacrificing for continued freedom. (more…)