Are we, in 2013, a Christian nation?  Former Vice-Presidential candidate Darrell Castle, Esq. says "No".  I had an opportunity to ask the former Constitution Party VP candidate several questions about his Party, current U.S. politics, and whether or not America has turned its back on God.  Mr. Castle has been a member of this political "3rd-party" since its founding, and is currently the Party's media response director.  Many pigeonhole the Constitution Party as being the very right-wing end of the Republican Party; an ultra-conservative offshoot.  They have typically offered a Presidential candidate since their inception- although they have never managed as many votes as Ross Perot did in 1992. Many Republicans and/or Conservatives believe that running a CP candidate (for President, Congress, Governor, etc) helps the liberals win said political post due to splitting the conservative vote. Is that the case? Why or why not? If the CP does in the end-game help liberals, why run a… [more]

Last fall I had the opportunity to make a new friend in my life. Pastor Steve Sjogren was the guest speaker at our pastors conference. When I first started listening to Steve I was immediately struck with the fact that this man was not your normal guest speaker you would find at a pastors conference. Although he at one time pastored one of the largest Vineyard churches in our fellowship, the man I saw was what he himself would call an "irregular" person. You see, a while back, while Steve was still pastoring the Cincinnati Ohio Vineyard church, he had a near death experience. That N.D.E. forever changed his life. Heaven's Lessons Recently Steve asked me to read his new book published by Thomas Nelson and review it. I told him that I am not a book reviewer but because we had become friends, I would share with all of you what I thought about the book. What I did not expect was to be so touched and transfixed by the book. I honestly could not put it down and I am not a big book re… [more]

These days politics is all around us, like it or not.  From the year-long Presidential election of 2012 to the State of the Union address- just last night.  That said, some Christians feel uncomfortable engaging in the political landscape and discussion.  But by doing that are we indirectly steering this nation into the wrong direction?  Should we have more active involvement?  To take it a step further, should we have a viable 3rd political party which is (above all) a "Christian" party?  Would a successful Christian political party (in power) lead to a theocracy? To help answer this I researched a relatively small, but growing, political party called the Christian Liberty Party, or CLP.  I spoke with their National Communications Director, Maynard Eyestone, and here is an excerpt from our conversation: It seems that there are similarities between the CLP and the Constitution Party.  What are the main differences? In our opinion, the most important difference is this:… [more]

Recently I was asked to chime into the discussion concerning some views and beliefs of Brian McLaren. He is called by some people, an Evangelical leader. Maybe I have gotten old. Maybe I am just too "old school" to understand certain things about what is called "post modern Christianity" or the "emergent church". But to me, what I read and saw was not what I would consider views and beliefs that fit into the broad definition of Evangelical, of whom I have been a part for going on 34 years. In an interview done by Glass House Theology, Brian was asked some questions that caught my attention. Primarily the question asked of him concerning his views on atonement. Here is an excerpt from that interview. Q: In your book, “A New Kind Of Christianity,” you describe how, while a pastor, people would come to you and ask “good questions” that eventually unraveled your set doctrines. Can you tell us one that stuck with you and how it informed your reassembled beliefs? How did you make s… [more]

To suffer humanizes us. It teaches compassion for one another and dependence on God. It is suffering that at once afflicts us and binds us together. Earlier this year a lone gunman opened fire on moviegoers in Aurora, Colo. More recently, a man opened fire in a shopping mall in Oregon. Every time these things happen people ask things like, “Was God in the movie theater, the shopping mall, or in my suffering?”  Recently, a terrible car accident occurred only several hundred feet from my house. It left a 28-year-old bride a widow and a 14-month-old without her daddy. When the tragedy lives in Oregon, I can keep it at bay. When it moves onto my street, it moves into my heart. I find myself once again asking the question that has plagued me for years. Where is God in our pain? At the funeral of the man who died in the car accident, I listened to another pastor trying to shine the light of Christ in the darkness of life. On the news, I listened to agnostic sentiments from news peop… [more]

Author, Speaker, Husband, Father and believer in Jesus, Zig Ziglar passed from this life into the next this morning in a Plano Texas hospital after a short battle with Pneumonia according to Laurie Magers, his executive assistant. This was followed by a joint statement issued by Dr. Tony Evans, the Senior Pastor of the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship with his wife Lois Evans, who said "We have lost a giant of the faith". Who Is Zig Ziglar? Zig Ziglar was born in Gary, Indiana, to parents John Silas Ziglar and Viola Ziglar. He was the tenth of twelve children. In 1931, when Ziglar was five years old, his father took a management position at a Mississippi farm, and his family moved to Yazoo City, Mississippi, where he spent most of his early childhood. In 1932, his father died of a stroke, and his younger sister died two days later. Ziglar served in the Navy during World War II (circa 1943 to 1945). He was in the Navy V-12 Navy College Training Program, attending the University of Sou… [more]

Lifeway Christian Resources has informed Rachel Held Evans that her new book entitled " A Year of Biblical Womanhood" and subtitled "How a Liberated Woman Found Herself Sitting On a Roof, Covering Her Head, and Calling Her Husband Master", will not be stocked at Lifeway Christian Bookstores. I came across this story of all places, on a blog called the friendly atheist. In his story, he was using this story to try to prove that Christians are intolerant. So I started digging deeper into this story before posting it on this blog. As most of you know, I try to take a big tent policy on this website. We have contributing authors from many different backgrounds. I also like to pride myself in helping Christian bloggers of all stripes to accomplish the will of God in their lives and with their blogs. This time I am going to have to take exception to what Rachel Held Evans has and is doing and put all the facts on the table. The Problem With Rachel Held Evan's Book. Rachel is an admitt… [more]

The contemporary Christian group Casting Crowns has announced that they have received notification from RIAA that their debut album by the same name "Casting Crowns" has reached double platinum status. They enter a group of only 8 other Christian artists who have earned this high distinction. Others in this group include P.O.D, Switchfoot and Mercy Me. Casting Crowns has dominated Billboards top selling contemporary Christian groups since 2007 This news comes on the heels of a very successful tour called the "come to the well" tour and after being named Billboard's top Christian group and top Christian album "come to the well" in 2012. My favorite Casting Crowns Song Tour dates for Casting crowns for the rest of 2012 September 21 Anchorage, AK Anchorage Baptist Temple September 29  Charlotte, NC Christian Music Day October 4  Johnstown, PA War Memorial Arena October 5 Roanoke, VA Extraordinary Women Conference October 6 Hiawassee, GA Georgia Mountain … [more]

Denzel Washington has always been one of my favorite Hollywood actors. I was especially impressed with his role in the movie called "The book of Eli". (I do not recommend this movie for children.) What I did not realize was Denzel Washington's faith in Jesus. Recently Denzel and his wife Paulette was interviewed by Tracy Smith on CBS Sunday Morning. In that interview both he and his wife talk about their role that they played on the latest audio Bible called "The Bible Experience". Although neither of them became deep in their theology in the interview, it was apparent that Paulette Washington was a strong supporter of the traditional family. Here is that interview on CBS. Video of Denzel and Paulette Washington on CBS Sunday Morning This interview caused me to dig a little deeper into what would motivate Denzel Washington and his wife to be so excited about this project and why they didn't mind being associated with a project that was outside of the Hollywood mainstream. … [more]

Over and over again as I talk to pastors and other Christian leaders, I hear the same thing. None of us see a way for America to come out of it's troubles except there be a return to the faith of our fathers. This return will only come by prayer. So when I received this story in my email box about Charlie Daniels and how he sees the same thing, I thought I should share it with you. Charlie Daniels wrote on September 10th in CNSNews an blog post on His Blog how he sees that America will be brought to her knees either by prayer or by ruin. Here are some excerpts from that post. America will be brought to her knees By Charlie Daniels I know that I view the world through a whole different prism than somebody who is half my age or younger. Things that didn't cross my mind a few decades ago seem terribly important to me now. Living through a world war, the Iron Curtain, the threat of nuclear annihilation, recessions, booms, Jim Crow days, civil rights struggle and the explosive g… [more]

As everyone knows here, I am a big Billy Graham Fan. Every time he is mentioned in the news, I get an email alert about it. Well today the Chicago Tribune ran a column from Billy Graham who is answering a question from a reader who wants some recommendations concerning self-help books.  I loved Billy Graham's response. Here are some excerpts from that story! What is the greatest self-help book? Q: Can you recommend some self-help books that might help me get my life together? A: Yes, I'd like to recommend to you the greatest "self-help" book ever written: the Bible!  Every other self-help book will only give you the author's ideas, but the Bible gives you God's wisdom on how to live. Can you think of anything more important? What will the Bible tell you? It will tell you first of all that God created you -- and He created you for a purpose. What is it? His purpose is for you to know Him and live for Him, by making Him the center and foundation of your life. When we l… [more]

It has been 15 years since a Christian Artist has hit #1 on Billboard. It was LeAnn Rhime in 1997 with "You light up my life". This week TobyMac,  aka Toby McKeehan, broke that very long dry spell with his album "Eye On It". When I heard this, I did a little digging and found a video of Toby talking about hitting #1. Here is that video. TobyMac talks of being #1 on the Billboard Charts   How many of you are fans to TobyMac? In all honesty, I stopped keeping up with the Christian music scene about 20 years ago, so although I have heard of TobyMac, I am not all that familiar with his music. I know that he was part of DC Talk back in the day and that he does some rap music, but I am not an expert. So you educate me this time. What do you think of TobyMac? Why are you a fan? Give me your thoughts! Blessings! Pastor Duke P.S. If any of you are really into the Christian music scene, I would love to talk to you about being a contributing author that covers Christian m… [more]

If you are like me, many of you loved the fact that Colton Dixon did not compromise his faith and beliefs while on American Idol. Well that faithfulness to God has paid off with a new record deal at Christian record company, Sparrow Records. In a story I found on Zap2It, they report that the ink is dry on the contract. (Where I don't go to find a story! LOL) Here are some excerpts from the story. Colton Dixon Signs Record Deal Season 11 finalist Colton Dixon, whose early ouster during Top 7 week shocked many fans, has been signed to Sparrow Recordings. The singer announced in a YouTube video that the ink has dried on his contract and an album is coming later in 2012. "I am beyond excited to say that I have signed with EMI CMG/Sparrow Records as my record company," he says in the video. "Gosh, I can't believe this is happening. I will have a record out really soon." "We're definitely planning to release [an album] by the end of the year, and it's gonna be in the Christian wor… [more]

As if sex cover-ups, lying, and pink hair wasn't enough, now TBN is firing employees that do not walk the company line on their own time. In a story I found on Religion Today, TBN founders and owners, Paul and Jan Crouch have fired an employee for offering support and comfort to their own granddaughter Brittney Koper. Brittany is the one that is suing TBN for financial mismanagement, fraud, physical intimidation and sexual harassment. The TBN scandal is quickly becoming a reenactment of  the Jim and Tammy Bakker scandal of the 1980's. Brittany's sister Carra Crouch filed a suit as well stating that Paul and Jan Crouch covered up a rape incident that happened to her when she was 13 to protect the reputation of TBN. I have personally shown video of Paul Crouch, right after the lawsuit was filed by Brittany claiming that "God kills those opposed to TBN", so honestly the story of Johnathan Rovetto comes as no surprise to me. It has become painfully obvious that Paul and Jan Crouc… [more]

As much as I question some of the decisions and statements that Rick Warren of Saddleback Community Church makes, on this decision I stand in agreement with him. I think Rick Warren is finding out that politicians will say anything to the community of faith to get their vote. Billy Graham found this out concerning Richard Nixon. Rick Warren announced yesterday that the scheduled debate between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney has been cancelled because of the "uncivil discourse" between the two candidates. For those of you that live in Wyoming, that means mud slinging. In an article I found on the Orange County Register says that Warren pulled the plug on this years event because of the negative campaigning being done by both candidates. Hooray for Rick Warren! It is about time that somebody stood up to the garbage being said on and off the air about other people. America is tired of this garbage and it doesn't prove you are the one that is fit for the job. In my opinion it proves yo… [more]

You may know her from her famous hit single R.E.S.P.E.C.T but Aretha Franklin has always been a gospel music singer. Last night she was recognized for her contribution to gospel music at the 2012 GMA Gospel Music Awards Show at the Trinity Music City Auditorium in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Gospel music has always been a favorite of mine and so I thought I would share with you the story from Christianity Today and share with you one the more popular gospel music songs that she performed. Aretha Franklin Singing Gospel Music. Legendary singer Aretha Franklin was last night inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Joining her in the list of this year's inductees are Dallas Holm, The Hoppers, Rex Humbard, Ricky Skaggs and Love Song. They were officially inducted during a ceremony at the Trinity Music City Auditorium in Hendersonville, Tennessee. The evening was hosted by Jason Crabb and Jaci Velasquez. Michael W Smith, The Isaacs and Jamie Grace were among t… [more]

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association released a new prayer letter written by Billy Graham a couple of days ago. In this letter he expresses his grave concerns for the spiritual health and well-being of our country. I wanted to share some of this letter with you and then let you go read it in it's entirety if you so desire. I was struck by the fact that what Billy Graham is concerned about is what the team at Taber's Truths has been concerned about. We all in our different ways are concerned with the spiritual condition of our country especially with things like the lack of shame concerning sexual sins and the millions of babies being murdered each year. It breaks his heart and it breaks ours. So take a moment to hear what God is speaking to us through such an awesome and humble man as Billy Graham. Billy Graham Says His Heart Breaks For America  by Billy Graham Some years ago, my wife, Ruth, was reading the draft of a book I was writing. When she finished a section descr… [more]

Sheriff Andy Taylor of Mayberry RFD graduated to heaven yesterday at the age of 86. Andy Griffith, best known for his role in the hit TV show called the Andy Griffith show in the 1960's. Andy passed from this life into the next at his home on Roanoke Island NC after an undisclosed illness.  "Andy was a person of incredibly strong Christian faith and was prepared for the day he would be called home to his Lord," the actor's wife, Cindi Griffith, said in a statement. Andy was laid to rest on his beloved island. A brief history of Andy Griffith. When Andy Griffith was a child in Sunday School in Mt. Airy, North Carolina where he was born and raised (and one of the inspirations for Mayberry), he "would sing 'Jesus Loves Me' so loud that everybody would notice." His life and work was a testimony to his faith. Even when he suffered from Guillain-Barr syndrome he told Guideposts: I firmly believe that in every situation, no matter how difficult, God extends grace greater than th… [more]

I ran across a great story today in the Huffington Post. As some of you may know, the Huffington Post is not a place where there is much written that is pro-Christian or pro-Bible. Usually the articles range from criticizing Christianity and questioning the Bible. However this story just shows you how the Bible can actually change your life if you will just allow it to. Craig Kanalley went on a spiritual quest. He decided that he was going to read the Bible in 100 days. He took his Ipad and downloaded the Bible from Ibooks and decided he would read 1% of the Bible every day for 100 days. His telling of the journey is worth repeating here. So I will share just a few excerpts from his story but I seriously recommend that you read the entire story for yourself. Reading the Bible in 100 days changed Craig Kanalley's life Craig Kanalley Senior Editor, Big News & Live Events, The Huffington Post I felt I needed a shake-up in my life. And that's what happened. I decided to make a … [more]

Today I found a video of Benny Hinn asking for forgiveness for his teaching of God, ministry, then family. Benny made the same mistake many pastors and evangelists make in putting the needs of the ministry over the needs of his family. In this video, he humbly takes responsibility for his mistake. As most of you know, I am not a big fan of Benny Hinn, but in this instance, I applaud him for what He was willing to do and the right direction that he has taken. Now on to the video. Benny Hinn Announcing Reconcilliation With Wife Suzanne On Video I think we can all give God thanks for the reconciliation that has happened in the Hinn family. Regardless if you are a Benny Hinn fan or not, I think we can all celebrate and give God thanks for bringing reconciliation to the Hinn family. Let's continue to keep them in prayer.  Blessings! Pastor Duke… [more]