Equipping the saints to fend off Darwin - and to defend creation

A former businessman is helping teach biblical truth to the next generation.

James Gardner was born into a Christian family, raised by parents who were missionaries, and attended missionary boarding schools. He was taught that the Earth was created in six 24-hour days. But when Gardner returned to the United States as a teenager, he began attending public schools -- where evolution was taught.
 
Although Gardner did not believe the theory of evolution, he admits he did come to believe that God could have taken millions of years to create the universe. Several years later, however, Gardner began reading about scientific proof for the Genesis account of creation -- and now he is CEO of Canopy Ministries, which teaches and equips Christians to defend the literal six-day creation and a young Earth.
 
Gardner says many Christians are not equipped to defend God's Word. "Evolution teaches that through death, disease, bloodshed, and struggle -- over millions of years -- particles evolved into people -- that's a short synopsis of it," he explains.
 
But the Bible, he continues, teaches something very different. "It teaches that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth perfect, and [that] man's sin brought death, disease, and bloodshed to the world and it's been going downward ever since," says the ministry founder.
 
"Evolution says everything is evolving upward and getting better; [but] God says no, man's sin is bringing it down," Gardner concludes. He says Christians must realize that evolution and biblical creationism are two opposite worldviews and cannot be compatible.
 
Gardner is a lecturer and adjunct speaker for two prominent apologetics ministries: Answers in Genesis and The Institute for Creation Research. For the last 15 years he has taught extensively in churches, schools, and colleges on the subject of creation vs. evolution, addressing such topics as dinosaurs, Noah's flood, and the creation of the Grand Canyon.
 
One of his favorite presentations, he says, is one entitled: "The Consequences of the Path You Choose." As he is apt to tell his audience: "You can choose what to believe -- creation or evolution -- but you can't choose the consequences of that choice."

Pastors Discuss Their Sexual Addiction in TV Documentary - 'Somebody's Daughter: A Journey to Freedom from Pornography' - Set for this Fall

MEDIA ADVISORY, Sept. 30 /Christian Newswire/ -- Television star David Duchovny shocked the entertainment world and mainstream America recently when he announced he was entering a rehabilitation program for sexual addiction.  Most are aware pornography and sexual addiction have become an epidemic in this country, but it was the first time news of entering a formal rehab program had been associated with the problem.

What most people don't realize, however, is how pervasive pornography and sexual addiction is among professing Christians - both men and women - and even pastors.  According to recent surveys:

• 60 percent of Christian men and 35 percent of women admit to struggling with pornography.  The real statistics are probably much higher. 
• Four out of every seven calls to the "Focus on the Family" help line are pornography-related.
• Thirty-seven (37) percent of pastors admit to the addiction.

Steve Siler, founder and director of Music for the Soul, a not-for-profit Christian ministry committed to providing life-changing healing through music and song, and Christian recording artist John Mandeville, are well qualified to discuss this epidemic plaguing the Church. 

Siler just released "Somebody's Daughter: A Journey to Freedom from Pornography" ( www.SomebodysDaughter.org), a multimedia DVD-CD compilation featuring a television documentary detailing the lives of three men and one couple active in Christian ministry who struggle with and overcome addiction to pornography.  Study guide curriculum for individuals, counselors and churches also is available.

"Somebody's Daughter" is scheduled to air Nov. 30 and Dec. 7 on the ION Television Network (formerly PAX TV).  The documentary also is slated to air on INSP, Faith TV and "It's Time for Herman & Sharron."

The concept for "Somebody's Daughter" was born from a song of the same name written by Mandeville and Siler after Mandeville revealed to Siler his struggle with pornography. After attending a meeting for sex addicts, the two men wrote the song to illustrate that women should be viewed as a creation of a Holy God, and as a starting point for Mandeville's healing.

Siler is also the writer of 400 recorded songs, nine #1 Contemporary Christian Music magazine (CCM) songs and 40 "Top 10" singles.  He has been nominated for four Dove Awards, winning the Inspirational Song of the Year in 2000 with "I Will Follow Christ."

To interview Steve Siler or John Mandeville, please contact Matti Stevenson at (719) 360-0586 or mattistevenson@comcast.net.  Download press kit, including video trailers, at www.somebodysdaughter.org.  To review complete DVD, CD and study guide, contact Ms. Stevenson.

Zondervan Launches Bible Across America Tour,
Invites 31,173 Americans to Handwrite NIV Bible

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Sept. 30 /Christian Newswire/ -- More than 31,000 Americans will have a hand in publishing a new NIV Bible - America's NIV - the first NIV Bible ever written "one-verse, one-person" at a time.

Zondervan, the world's leading Bible publisher, is embarking Sept. 30, 2008 on a 90-city, 44-state cross-country tour - Bible Across America - to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the New International Version (NIV) translation, enlisting the help of the American people to publish its next Bible. A team of four will drive a 42- foot luxury motorhome, generously donated by RV supplier Spartan Motors, more than 15,000-miles, criss-crossing the United States over the next five months.

The Bible Across America tour will make scheduled stops at events, churches, universities, retail stores, American landmarks and other venues to allow people of all ages and walks of life to write a verse in the Bible, which will then be published and sold nationwide. The tour kicks off at Zondervan headquarters in Grand Rapids, Mich. and includes stops ranging from a NASCAR race in Charlotte, N.C. to a young church leaders conference in Atlanta to the National Pastor's Convention in San Diego, as well as signing events in the heart of New York City and for legislators at the Capitol in Washington D.C. (Tour stops and real-time blog updates: www.BibleAcrossAmerica.com)

"The Bible is America's favorite book of all time. And because of its accuracy, clarity and literary quality, the NIV has become the most successful Bible translation of all time. We believe that a completely handwritten version of the NIV Bible by people from all across our country will help America rediscover the Bible in a fresh, new way," said Moe Girkins, president and CEO of Zondervan. "The Bible Across America is a symbol of Zondervan's commitment to make the Word of God more accessible and more relevant to more people. We couldn't think of a better way to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the NIV Bible than by inviting Americans to join us on this monumental tour and open more hearts to the Word of God."

The NIV complete Bible was released in 1978, and since that time has become the most trusted, most widely read contemporary Bible translation today. With more than more than 300 million copies in print worldwide, more people use an NIV Bible than any other English-language translation. The NIV was commissioned by the International Bible Society, which owns the copyright and is a long time partner of Zondervan, and was translated by a team of more than 100 scholars.

Writers of America's NIV will pen a single verse on actual thin- stock Bible paper. Each verse and each page will be published together as a complete America's NIV Bible available in stores nationwide. The Bible will include an unprecedented index of 31,173 contributors, one for every verse of the Bible. Zondervan plans to create two original editions. One original transcript of America's NIV will be offered to the Smithsonian Institution and the second will be auctioned off to benefit the International Bible Society in support of their Bible translation and distribution efforts around the world.

"When the International Bible Society first agreed to sponsor the translation of the New International Version, I don't believe anyone could foresee the embrace and universal acceptance that the translation would receive," said Keith Danby, CEO of IBS-STL Global. "The NIV translation has made the word of God more accessible and understandable, while maintaining the integrity of the original texts and it has impacted the hearts of countless people worldwide in just three decades."

To find an event nearest you, or to suggest a "rolling stop" in your town, please visit www.BibleAcrossAmerica.com and leave the team a message.

Sponsors of the Bible Across America Tour include:

• International Bible Society: one of the largest Bible and Christian literature ministries worldwide, translating the Bible into languages of 1 million or more speakers and distributing Christian resources to engage people with the life-transforming message of Jesus Christ. It is the translation sponsor and copyright holder of the NIV.

• Spartan Motors: designer, engineer and manufacturer of custom chassis and vehicles for the recreational vehicle, emergency-rescue and military vehicle markets. (NASDAQ: SPAR)

• Salem Radio Network: a full-service radio network that serves Christian-formatted and general market news/talk stations through partnerships with more than 1,500 affiliates nationwide.

• Guidepoint Systems: Guidepoint integrates global positioning satellites (GPS), advanced wireless technology, the Internet and 24/7/365 response centers to provide stolen vehicle recovery, driver safety and convenience, vehicle tracking and fleet management services.

About the NIV Translation
The NIV is one of the most distinctive Bible translations. In 1978, following 10 years of intensive translation work, a multi-denominational group of more than 100 scholars from five English-speaking countries, and financed by the New York Bible Society (now IBS-STL Global) created the NIV, an all-new contemporary English translation of the Bible. The first printing of 1.2 million copies was released to consumers as one of the largest book printings in the history of publishing.

About Zondervan
Zondervan is the world's leading Bible publisher. With a vision to see more people engaging the Bible more, Zondervan produces bestselling study, devotional, reference, text, audio, software, and digital Bibles designed to inspire readers at every age and stage of life. Zondervan holds exclusive North American publishing rights to the New International Version (NIV), which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2008. The NIV, the most popular modern English Bible translation, has more than 300 million copies in print worldwide. Over the past 75 years, Zondervan, a HarperCollins company, has grown to be a global leader in Christian communications through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, children's, and new media products. Visit Zondervan Bibles on the Internet at www.zondervan.com/Bibles.

Christian Leaders Turn to TheNewCulture.org for Help in Building Multi-Ethnic Churches and Ministries

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 25 /Christian Newswire/ -- Last week ReNew Partnerships launched TheNewCulture.org--an innovative new website which equips Christian leaders to build multi-ethnic churches and organizations. In its first week the site has received over a thousand visitors from around the world and the praise of many Christian leaders. Chad Brennan, the Director of ReNew Partnerships, explains:

"We have found that most Christian leaders want to see their church or organization become more multi- ethnic but they lack training, resources, and encouragement. Therefore, attempts to build and sustain multi-ethnic communities usually end in failure and frustration. We created TheNewCulture.org to provide an online forum where leaders can find the resources and tools they need to succeed in their efforts."

TheNewCulture.org is being received with enthusiasm by leaders who recognize the danger of continuing to foster ethnically-homogenous Christian organizations in a society that is rapidly becoming multi-ethnic. The U.S. Census Bureau recently projected that in less than 15 years half of all children in the U.S. will be ethnic minorities (Source: U.S. Census News, Aug. 14, 2008). Nearly every major institution and corporation in America is making changes to accommodate the increasing ethnic diversity in our country. However, most Christian organizations have done little to adapt to the changing demographics.

For decades Christian leaders of nearly every denomination and ethnicity have expressed a desire to see more multi-ethnic churches and ministries. It is hard to find a website or brochure of a Christian organization which does not declare, "We welcome people of all ethnicities." But, this open door policy has resulted in very little ethnic integration in Christian organizations. The extensive research of sociologists Curtiss Paul Deyoung, Michael O. Emerson, George Yancey, and Karen Chai Kim show that just 7.5 percent of the over 300,000 religious congregations in the United States are racially mixed. (Source: United By Faith, 2003)

If so many Christians want to build multi-ethnic organizations, why isn't it happening? Chad Brennan explains some of the obstacles:

"Christian leaders are finding out the hard way that an open door approach is not enough. Forming a multi- ethnic organization requires prayer, personal sacrifice, education, and a great deal of intentional effort. There are dozens of sensitive topics that must be addressed including prejudice, power sharing, historical injustices, cross-cultural communication, etc. TheNewCulture.org allows leaders to find excellent, bible-based resources on these critical topics and to connect with leaders of multi-ethnic churches and organizations who have experience in navigating through those stormy waters."

For more information about TheNewCulture.org and the on-site training forums facilitated by ReNew Partnerships contact Chad Brennan.

About ReNew Partnerships
ReNew Partnerships is a multi-ethnic, Christian non- profit organization which provides coaching, training, and resources to help Christian leaders effectively embrace the ethnic diversity in their community and build biblical, multi-ethnic churches and ministries. ReNew Partnerships' staff consult and partner with churches, colleges, and ministries from many denominational and ethnic backgrounds.

God's Truth About Gender

MEDIA ADVISORY, Sept. 24 /Christian Newswire/ -- In his new book, God's Truth About Gender, author and internist Dr. David E. James examines the ways in which dysfunction and cultural lies can alter our perception of what is normal, how we're wired, and what our roles are. It's true that the roles of men and women have changed dramatically over the last thirty years--yet the unique manner in which males and females have been designed hasn't changed since their original creation.

"It's true, different spiritual or behavioral attributes come with each gender. Everyone knows there is an inherent difference between men and women. We think differently, learn differently, and are generally motivated by different ideas," James states. "The differences between the genders go beyond the obvious physical differences, and they are based on the gender given to us by God. This is immutable, regardless of the lie being proclaimed in the world today that claims equality based on similarity."

God's Truth About Gender provides insight into how our gender identities--whether they are based on accurate or skewed perceptions--play into our understanding of our own sexuality. This increase in self-awareness will directly affect who we are and how we relate to others. Armed with this information, we are free to make choices that may lead to greater happiness and, according to the doctor, better health.

In his discussion of gender, Dr. James takes on some of the most hotly debated sexual issues of our time--gender roles, homosexual and transgender behaviors, the influence parents play in the development of their child's gender identity, and marital issues like sex and submission. To Dr. James, marriage is the ultimate example of God's design for gender interdependence. "Both masculine and feminine qualities demand honor, but in different ways. Each is necessary for the existence of the other. Without the other, neither will have what it wants or desires."

God's Truth About Gender is perfect for couples who long to feel the vitality that comes with true intimacy, parents who want to do everything possible to ensure that their children develop a healthy gender identity, or individuals suffering from a gender identity crisis. In the shifting sands of culture, a critical discussion of healthy gender roles and gender identities has often been declared off-limits. This book is a biblically and scientifically informed resource for those who want to learn the truth about gender.

www.genderrealities.com

Joyce Meyer's 'Enjoying Everyday Life'
Now on Country Music Television

MEDIA ADVISORY, September 22 /Christian Newswire/ -- This month, Country Music Television (CMT) welcomes Joyce Meyer's "Enjoying Everyday Life" to its daily television programming.

In an effort to continue a commitment to innovative broadcasting, reaching beyond traditional Christian networks, Joyce Meyer Ministries has enthusiastically accepted an invitation to launch the ministry's television program, "Enjoying Everyday Life", on the widely-popular Country Music Television (CMT) channel. "Enjoying Everyday Life" will now air daily nationwide on CMT at 5:30am Eastern and Pacific.

"Enjoying Everyday Life" is relevant to a remarkably diverse audience. Currently, it is available to two-thirds of the world's population - in over 30 languages worldwide and on almost 500 television and 400 radio stations nationwide. As part of the CMT family of programming, Enjoying Everyday Life now has the potential of reaching more than 87 million additional households.

Because Joyce Meyer Ministries and its supporters are dedicated to reaching beyond the traditional barriers for inspirational programming, "Enjoying Everyday Life" can also be seen each day on other popular networks such as the Discovery Channel and ABC Family.

The invitation of "Enjoying Everyday Life" to air on an additional non-faith based network is an illustration that now, more than ever, many television networks are realizing the importance and value of offering programs that integrate family values and appeal to a great percentage of their viewing audience.

Ginger Stache, Chief Media Officer said, "Enjoying Everyday Life is uniquely relevant and connects people with practical, life-changing messages. We are excited about this new opportunity to share this message of hope and encouragement on CMT."

For complete program listings and information about JMM, please visit: www.joycemeyer.org

The crushing weight of grace

I work for a Christian organization -- and as you can imagine, there is a lot of talk around here these days about the presidential race. Much of the conversation has to do with Sen. John McCain's choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. Will she attract undecided women voters? Does she have enough experience?

However, one issue that I have not heard discussed around here is the revelation that Palin's 17-year-old daughter is pregnant. I've heard conversations about how the media has reported the issue. And I've heard expressions of disgust at the shameful comments that have appeared on some Internet blogs. But I've observed absolutely no finger-wagging or guilt-tripping aimed at the Palin family. That might surprise some outside Christian circles.
 
You see, one thing that real Christians understand is heartbreak and trials. The Bible clearly shows us that troubles are part and parcel of the Christian life. For often they are God's instruments to build our faith, the book of James reminds us. But the thing that I will never fully get over is that He is able to use even our own sins – and those of our children – in that process.
 
For our family one such trial began when our daughter Emory moved away from home to college. By the end of the first semester, my wife Ann and I both noticed how defensive and sullen Emory had become, especially when we would inquire about her new life and friends. Ann began to pray that God would expose Emory's sin and reclaim His covenant child.  Seldom a week goes by that I don't relive in my mind the day He began to answer that prayer with a crushing weight of grace.
 
Ann and I had just returned home from visiting our oldest son and his wife who lived some nine hours away. Our bags were still in the living room when an unfamiliar car pulled into the driveway. The car had barely come to a stop when the back door flew open, Emory rushed out and onto the sidewalk leading to the front door.
 
A dad's instinct told me something was very wrong. We met at the front door. Through tears, she exploded with the news that would change our family's life forever: "Daddy, I'm pregnant!"
 
The days and weeks that followed were consumed by long conversations, long silences, long nights and long prayers. Ann and I struggled to fit our new reality into what we knew was forever true about the character and attributes of God.
 
In the end, we were confirmed in what we already knew about sin: its consequences are profound. At the same time, we were powerfully reminded that even in the midst of the trials we bring on ourselves, God proves Himself to be amazingly gracious to those who seek Him. Sometimes His grace came through His Word; other times in inexplicable providences; and almost daily through close friendships within our circle of fellow believers.
 
Why would God do that? After all, we often pull troubles down on our own head. It is surely some unfathomable part of His being that would fold sinners into His eternal plan to glorify Himself.
 
Emory gave birth 12 weeks before the baby was due. Our granddaughter was only two pounds, one-half ounce when she was born. A tragic stroke of bad luck, some might say. But in reality, this, too, turned out to display God's all-sufficient greatness.
 
If I were to recall all of God's blessings since our first grandchild was born, they would fill a book. I shall mention only two. First, Graci (What else could she be named?) is now a very healthy three-year-old. Secondly, her wonderful mother has returned to Christ.
 
Prayer answered. Mercy shown. God glorified. Worship given.

Rusty Benson is associate editor of AFA Journal. The AFA Journal is a division of the American Family Association, the parent organization of the American Family News Network, which operates OneNewsNow.com.This column appears in the October 2008 issue.

Opinions expressed in 'Perspectives' columns published by OneNewsNow.com are the sole responsibility of the article's author(s), or of the person(s) or organization(s) quoted therein, and do not necessarily represent those of the staff or management of, or advertisers who support the American Family News Network, OneNewsNow.com, our parent organization or its other affiliates.