Posted on 05/15/2008 10:36:22 AM PDT by Terriergal
An Update on the NDP and the Battle over Jesus Name
Focus on the Family is reportedly planning a two-day program series on the National Day of Prayer on May 13 and 14. They are sending out emails claiming that what everyone has heard is inaccurate about Shirley Dobson and the NDP Task Force. I stand by all that we have said. The facts speak for themselves.
1. Dr. Ravi Zacharias, 2008 Honorary Chairman of the NDP, by his own admission, conformed to government demands that there be a non-sectarian, Jesus-free prayer. That prayer was on the Task Force website for the public to read, and we have posted it at this site. There is no Jesus in that prayer. There was also no inclusion of the name of Christ at Ravi’s White House prayer on the National Day of Prayer.
2. Fact 2 that has already been established is that the National Day of Prayer Task Force sponsors interfaith prayer services that they call “Judeo-Christian”. They have gotten away with it for years and that is why they are shocked that anyone would bring this up now. This “Judeo-Christian” prayer service is what resulted in a liberal, Reform rabbi, Rabbi Bruce Lustig, getting up and opening Dobson’s event by claiming that all religions are equal before God in prayer. Shirley thanked him and the event opened on that footing. This is indisputable, and we have posted the audio online.
Further, while we welcome a wider audience’s awareness of these issues, it will be a major mistake for the Dobsons if they choose to get on the air and reference what we have written and said. Why? Because it will simply introduce many of their listeners for the first time to the reality of what happened. This will not help their cause with born-again Christians in their audience who still care about biblical truth. It will also be ironic if they choose to do this because the Dobsons have steadfastly refused to do any programming of any kind that would mention names in order to warn listeners about the dangers of the false teaching flooding into the church. They don’t like to offend and name names unless they’re talking about liberals in Congress. The evangelical church is off limits. Ryan Dobson is a big fan of Rob Bell, and he told a broadcaster friend of mine that in writing. Bell is the one who told Christianity today that he and his wife were excited to discover that the Bible was not the product of “Divine fiat” but rather a “human product”. If the Dobson family refuses to warn their millions of listeners about men like Brian McLaren showing up at Willow Creek Community Church–a man who rejects the doctrine of hell, the substitutionary atonement and the literal Second Coming of Christ–and in fact have featured Dr. Tony Campolo on their program in the past without ever clarifying that they no longer support him—it will be most interesting to see them warning about Bible-believing Christians by name just because they had the gall to oppose something being promoted by Focus on the Family’s subsidiary, the National Day of Prayer Task Force.
If they choose to go that route, the public will be reminded once again of what the exact issues were regarding the official National Day of Task Force prayer and Dr. Zacharias’s decision, because we will be obligated to make any distortions of the truth plain as widely as possible. Here is a letter sent by Cathy Mickels, author of a book endorsed by Dr. John MacArthur: Spiritual Junk Food: The Dumbing Down of Christian Youth. She was also the state head of Eagle Forum for the state of Washington for many years. She is writing to Jean Truty at the National Day of Prayer who sent out the latest communique.
Dear Jean,
Thank you for responding to my concerns regarding decisions made by the National Day of Prayer committee.
However, I am still very disappointed not only by your response, but also by your suggestion that anyone who calls into question Shirley Dobson’s judgment is divisive to the Body of Christ. Frankly, it’s time for those who are in Christian leadership to acknowledge and consider it is possible for them to demonstrate poor judgment. In this case, it was Shirley Dobson who lacked wisdom, discernment and insight.
I am puzzled why those at FOF would defend sending mixed messages such as the opening remarks of the Rabbi declaring Christians, Muslims and Jews all pray to the same God. This is contrary to God’s word, and some of us take very seriously our responsibility to stand against any lie that breeds or perpetrates this deception. Furthermore, why should anyone at Focus on the Family be surprised that Bible believing Christians challenge the notion of standing arm in arm with those who declare Muslims, Jews or Christians all pray to the same God? Is that a notion validated and embraced in Scripture? Is God pleased with our involvement in ecumenical movements implying it really doesn’t matter who we are crying out to for protection and help?
Per your comments, regardless of how young Shirley Dobson was when she gave her life to Christ, what matters is what decisions she is making today. The spiritual climate in this country is not the same as it was in past years. The blending of different faith perspectives was not an issue years ago, but today we see this compromise everywhere. Consequently, we live in a time where we must not contribute either indirectly or directly to this growing spiritual confusion, which is precisely why Shirley Dobson was wrong.
Unlike the generations noted in Scripture, why does this generation think God will honor or bless our land if Christians stand with pagan religions praying to the “universal god”? What is the matter with us?
I thank God for women such as Ingrid Schlueter and her family who have the courage and boldness to defend the faith regardless of the cost.
I will also use this time to ask Mrs. Dobson’s to reconsider defending a controversial activity in a book called “The Family Compass.” This outrageous activity actually suggests fathers teach their sons the “excitement of sex within the context of marriage” by taking them to a women’s lingerie store to buy a “sexy outfit” for their mommy. In light of the professional opinions stating this activity violates the “universal taboo against sexual expression between parent and child, and breaks down normalcy within the context of family” the activity is still in this book endorsed by Focus. Like Ingrid Schlueter, I learned what happens when you question Focus on the Family, and I also learned, Focus on the Family can be wrong.
With great disappointment,
Cathy Mickels,
Former, longtime Washington state President of Eagle Forum
Posted on May 2008 by Ingrid Schlueter
There is also a good youtube video someone put together on the subject. From a European reader of Slice of Laodicea:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txDEZ42tLM0
Years ago, I lived in the DFW area of Texas and attended a Friday morning men’s Bible study at a large, north Dallas church. Each year, in January & February, Tony Evans would be the guest speaker for 4 - 8 weeks, getting what he called his “annual Anglo fix”.
Evans told of a time he was invited to open the Dallas City Council with prayer and was warned NOT to mention the name of Jesus Christ (that’s His proper name, don’t ya know). Evans replied that he understood the rules. When he prayed at that meeting, he petitioned Jesus Christ by name, in the name of Christ, because there’s not other name, no other Lord Who can hear prayers; asking Christ to convict the people present of sin and call them to repentance, to save people and bring glory to Himself - closing in the powerful name above all names.
He was not asked back.
His point was that it’s far better to be well regarded by the Lord than by “powerful” men. I would add, this applies to “powerful” men in the church as well as those in the world.
Not only should Peter have denied Jesus three times, Paul never needed to spend the rest of his life proclaiming Jesus to both Jews and Gentiles!
Why would either man be crucified by Rome -- it was for the name of Jesus!
Hundreds of Christians prayed and sang the name of Jesus as they were torched, slashed and eaten by wild animals.
Wouldn't it have been much easier not to claim Jesus for all of these martyrs for His name?
Certainly, they would have not "given offense" to those present and saved their own lives in the process (much less not "offending" other non-believers) however, we are told that to lay down our lives for the name of Jesus is to save it.
"If you are ashamed of Me, I shall be ashamed of you before my Father." (paraphrase)
So, in other words, Tony Evans *did* agree not to mention Christ’s name, but it’s OK because he was lying? How Islamic of him.
Understanding the rules is one thing.
Doing what God calls us to do is another.
Understanding doesn’t mean agreement.
Slice has been all over this for several weeks now and I applaud Ingrid Schlueter for her tenacity in sticking with this. That FOF would go this route doesn’t really surprise me, they’ve been about money and power for some time now. That Ravi Zacharias would sign on to it, though, surprised me very much.
absolutely. This is such a slap in the face to Christ, and all those who have given their lives for the truth of the Gospel.
yup.
Rather than saying they’re all about money and power (I don’t know) I think they are all about changing the culture and other pragmatic concerns. They are not first and foremost about the Gospel, and the TRUTH. They don’t even understand that in reversing those two priorities, they negate both. “Seek first the Kingdom of God and ALL THESE OTHER THINGS shall be added unto you.” (rough paraphrase)
That is awesome of him! Wish more would take those kinds of stands.
At least Peter had the excuse of being in fear for his life. Ravi and Shirley deny Jesus Christ before men just so they can continue to hang out with the cool kids (so-called) and get lots of national publicity and accolades.
I hear ya. It is pathetic.
He understood the conditions under which he had been invited.
As I posted elsewhere, can anyone cite an example of a New Testament prayer that ends with “in Jesus’ Name.”???
As Christians, who are we to obey, God or man?
The CHRISTIAN God doesn’t command people to lie and trick their way into leading prayer. I think you’re thinking of Allah, maybe?
The Christian God does not condone lying. Correct.
The Christian God also told us to pray in JESUS’s name.
We are to obey our God. Not man. He was asked to pray CONTRAY to his faith. He did the right thing.
Besides, haven’t you heard of Freedom OF Religion. The Councilman had NO BUSINESS telling someone HOW to pray.
“John 14:12-14 (New International Version)
12I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
John 15:15-16 (New International Version)
15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
Matthew 18:19-21 (King James Version)
19Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
20For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Mark 16:17 (King James Version)
17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;”
He is telling his followers to petition (pray to) the Father in His name.
"In Jesus' Name" is an incantation that is not found in Scripture. It is possible to pray in the name of Jesus without using the incantation.
??? If my name is Joe and I tell you, “ask the Father in my name,” wouldn’t it logically follow that you would say, “Father, I ask for ______________, in Joe’s name.”
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