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Chick-fil-A Day 'Beyond Anything I Could Have Imagined,' Says Huckabee

By Paul Stanley

Former Arkansas Gov. and Fox News analyst Mike Huckabee said Wednesday's "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day" exceeded his wildest expectations. "It's gone beyond anything I could have imagined," Huckabee told Fox News.

Thousands of Evangelicals to Gather for 'Charlotte714' Before Democratic Convention

By Michael Gryboski

A major evangelical Christian gathering is set to take place in Charlotte, North Carolina on the day before the Democratic National Convention.

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US

Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day: Faithful Go on Meal-Buying Frenzy

By Alex Murashko

As Stanley Magana arrived at the Chick-fil-A restaurant that he chose to drive to from 30 miles away with his family on Wednesday, he and his wife became emotional. Chick-fil-A franchises from coast to coast were reported to have massive crowds during all three mealtimes as Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day, led by former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, appeared to be a huge success.

Birth Control Mandate Begins; Poll Shows Catholics Mostly Agree With Bishops' Concerns

By Napp Nazworth

The Health and Human Services mandate that employer sponsored health coverage include birth control begins Wednesday. Pew Research Center released a poll the same day showing that most Catholics who are aware of the controversy over the mandate share their bishops' concerns that it violates religious freedom.

Tea Party Helps Ted Cruz 'Cruise' to Victory in Texas Senate Primary

By Paul Stanley

Tea party activists can add another notch to their belt now that they've given Republican Ted Cruz a victory over the party's establishment candidate in the Texas race for U.S. Senate. The 13-point victory over Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst signals a new day for the movement – not only in Texas but also in other red states.

US Not a Christian Nation, But 'Fertile Ground' for Evangelism, Say Christian Leaders

By Katherine Weber

After surveying a number of selected Christian leaders across the U.S., the National Association of Evangelicals has found that although 68 percent of these leaders do not believe the United States is a Christian nation, they do see it as one of the most fertile grounds for evangelism.

Richard Land Announces Plans to Retire From ERLC in 2013

By Paul Stanley

Dr. Richard Land, who was once named one of America's 25 most influential evangelicals and who has led the Southern Baptists Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission since 1988, announced on Tuesday that he would be stepping down from his current post next year.

Church & Ministries

Graham Festival to Reach Inmates for the First Tim

Billy Graham Ministry Plans Largest North American Evangelistic Event in 60 Years

By Alex Murashko

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association announced plans to hold the largest North American evangelistic event in more than 60 years of Billy Graham's ministry on the week of his 95th birthday next year.

Dan Kimball Talks 'Churchland,' Judgmentalism, Restoring Hope in the Church

By Lillian Kwon

Pastor Dan Kimball's first encounter with an evangelical Christian consisted of a talk about death, heaven and hell, the lake of fire and praying for salvation. He was only in eighth grade at the time and didn't know anything about Christianity or the Bible. All he knew was that he didn't want to be thrown in the "lake of fire."

Greg Laurie: People in Heaven Know What's Happening on Earth

By Alex Murashko

After the death of his son four years ago, evangelist Greg Laurie became a lot more interested in heaven, he said during his sermon at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, Calif., Sunday.

SBC President Fred Luter Has 'Incredible' Meeting With Billy Graham

By Katherine Weber

The Southern Baptist Convention's newly elected President Fred Luter recently visited with renowned evangelist Billy Graham, an experience which the Louisiana native described as "incredible" and similar to meeting Moses on Mount Sinai.

Joel Osteen Describes His Pastoral Approach as 'Less Hellfire'

By Katherine Weber

Pastor Joel Osteen has recently spoken on his sometimes criticized approach to preaching, saying that ultimately the opportunity to impact his fellow man is the most important part of his ministry, as it is both "humbling and rewarding."

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Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day: Half a Million to Show Up at Restaurants

Wednesday marks Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day and Christians across the country plan to express solidarity with the restaurant following the fallout over gay marriage. According to the Support Chick-fil-A Facebook page, more than ...

Pastor Jack Schaap formerly of First Baptist Church of Hammond, IN during this undated file photo.

Jack Schaap Fired From First Baptist Hammond Church Reportedly for Adultery

Pastor Jack Schaap of First Baptist Church of ...

A line of patrons wraps around the building at a Chick-fil-A restaurant in North Canton, Ohio during Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day on Aug. 1, 2012.

Chick-fil-A Fans Flock to Buy Chicken, Appreciate Chain's Biblical Stance

If Facebook can be any sort of indicator, it can ...

'Obama's America 2016' Movie: If Obama Wins a Second Term, Where Will We Be?

Black Pastor: Gay Marriage Issue Will Increase in Importance in November Election

More News

Calif. Pastor Recounts 'Adventures in Churchland;' Says Don't Give Up on Church

1,000-Member Colo. Presbyterian Church Considering Dismissal From PCUSA

A church in Colorado with about 1,000 members is ...

New York University Next to Kick Chick-fil-A Off Campus?

Nearly 16,000 people have signed a petition to ...

Pat Robertson: Democratic Party Has 'Death Wish' Adding Gay Marriage to Platform

Lawsuit: Lord's Prayer at Council Meetings Causes Canadian Man Anguish

A Canadian atheist has filed a $5,000 lawsuit against his municipal council because its members recite the Lord's Prayer at the start of every meeting, which causes him "anguish, discrimination, exclusion, rejection and loss of ...

Namibia Mulls Relaunch of Bible Classes in Schools to Counter 'Moral Decay'

Namibia is considering reintroducing Bible ...

Traditional Marriage Backers Ask Supreme Court to Review Calif. Prop 8 Ruling

Syrian War Spreads to Christian Areas as Death Toll Mounts

The rebel uprising against Syria's President ...

Jack Schaap Fired From First Baptist Hammond Church Reportedly for Adultery

Pastor Jack Schaap of First Baptist Church of ...

'#Chickfila' Trends on Twitter as 'Appreciation Day' Sees Americans Line Up

The term "#chickfila" was a top Twitter's Trend ...

Court Upholds Ariz. Law Banning Abortion After 20 Weeks

A judge has ruled that Arizona's recently passed ...

Black Pastor: Gay Marriage Issue Will Increase in Importance in November Election

Bachmann Statements 'Have No Place in Our Politics,' Says Clinton

Hillary Clinton on Monday defended the State ...

Md. Pastor Jailed for Dodging Debts; Ordered to Pay Worshippers $630K

A Southern Maryland pastor who amassed millions ...

Entertainment

U.S. Olympic swimmer Nathan Adrian celebrates at the London Aquatics Center after winning the 100-meter men's freestyle on August 1 at the 2012 Olympic games.

Nathan Adrian Sets US Olympics Record; Outshines Phelps and Lochte

By Katherine Weber

U.S. Olympian swimmer Nathan Adrian, often overshadowed by his more famous teammates Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte, burst into the spotlight Wednesday when he won the gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle at London's Olympic Aquatic Center.

Bristol Palin on Upcoming 'DWTS' Appearance: 'God Provides Opportunities for Me'

By Sami K. Martin

Bristol Palin has signed on for the new All-Star season of "Dancing With the Stars," which will bring back fan favorites for the competition. Although she has received criticism for participating in another reality TV series, Palin insisted that God provided this particular opportunity.

Kirk Cameron 'Loves, Prays for All' Despite Claims of Protesters at NJ Marriage Event

By Katherine Weber

Protesters gathered in front of the Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove, N.J., last Friday to rally against actor Kirk Cameron's presence at a Christian conference, claiming his expressed convictions on marriage are harmful to gays and lesbians.

Tim Tebow Holds His Own Against Stephen A. Smith's Criticisms

By Christine Thomasos

Tim Tebow's throwing motion and low completion rate last season have caused many to question his skills on the field and now the New York Jets backup quarterback is speaking up for himself against one of his toughest critics.

World

Residents, who have fled their homes, gather in the center of Damascus July 19, 2012.

US Advises Rebels to Avoid Creating Power Vacuum in Syria

By Anugrah Kumar

The White House is advising Syrian opposition to seek not to completely dissolve President Bashar al-Assad's security and administrative apparatus after his expected ouster or killing, a mistake that the United States did in Iraq leading to further turmoil.

Terrorist Group Releases India Missionary

By Jeff Schapiro

Pastor Ponnachan George, a senior leader of Gospel for Asia in India, is recovering in a hospital today after being held hostage for nearly a week by a terrorist group before he was finally released on Sunday.

Oxford University Amends Dress Code for Transgender Students

By Stoyan Zaimov

Oxford University in England has decided to change its strict academic dress code to accommodate transgender students – meaning that males will be able to attend classes wearing skirts, while women can opt for a suit and tie.

Hong Kong Christian Schools Protest 'Re-Education' Plan, Pro-Communism Handbook

By Myles Collier

Parents and educators alike took to the streets of Hong Kong over the weekend to protest what they are calling a propaganda campaign aimed at "brainwashing" school children into supporting the communist-run country.

New Zealand Pastors Create Sports Bar Church Service Complete With Beer Drinking

Panic Over 'The Dark Knight Rises' Shooting Leads to Miami Man's Arrest

The Aurora, Colo., shooting during "The Dark ...

Rihanna Visits 'Jesus' Before Ending European Yacht Trip

Rihanna, 24-year-old chart-topping Barbadian ...

'Zombies' Confront Westboro Baptist Church at Military Base Protest

The latest protest by the Westboro Baptist Church ...

Kim Kardashian Enjoys 'The Book of Mormon' With Kanye West

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, reality television ...

Michelle Obama Olympics Speech Ends With Lift From Wrestler Elena Pirozhkova (PHOTO)

Oprah Winfrey Snaps at Twitter User: 'I've Put 500 Black Men Through College'

Pastor Marvin Sapp to Release 'Single Dad' Reality Show

Marvin Sapp, 45-year-old pastor and gospel ...

Ailing Iranian Pastor Being Denied Hospital Treatment in Jail

An Iranian pastor serving a six-year term in prison for his faith is being denied hospital treatment for severe bleeding due to stomach ulcers, a Christian rights group has said, warning he might otherwise succumb to the illness ...

Singapore Pastor Kong Hee Granted Permission to Travel Overseas

Kong Hee, pastor and founder of Singapore's City ...

Life-Sized Noah's Ark Open to the Public

A life-sized replica of Noah's Ark is now open to ...

Christians Say Forced Conversions to Islam Happening in Gaza

Christians in the community of Gaza in Palestine ...

New Zealand Lawmaker Cites Obama Influence on Same-Sex Marriage Bill

As the same-sex marriage debate continues in New ...

Protestant Churches in Brazil Experience Mixed Growth, Decline; Huge Increase for Pentecostals

Micah Challenge Releases 'The Jesus Agenda' to Help End Poverty by 2015

Micah Challenge, a new initiative dedicated to ...

Church Bells Ring Across Britain to Mark Start of London Olympic Games (VIDEO)

Romney in Europe Seeks to Rebuild With Nations Obama Dissed; Israel a Key Focus

UK Hotel Manager Who Replaced Bible With 'Fifty Shades' Novel Calls Response 'Un-Christian'

David Cameron Warns Church About 'Locking Out' Gays in Push to Redefine Marriage

CP Cartoons

Tech & Biz

NBC, Twitter Under Fire for Banning Critic of Olympics Coverage

By Nicola Menzie

Twitter has come under fire for identifying British journalist Guy Adams to NBC and allegedly suggesting a complaint be filed against him for tweets critical of the network's Olympics coverage. When NBC followed its suggestions, Twitter suspended Adams' account.

High School Student Creates SharePrayer App, Encourages Believers to Pray, Intercede

By Vincent Funaro

A high school student recently created and launched SharePrayer, an application for iOS and Android that allows believers to post prayer requests in a newsfeed similar to Facebook's.

Galaxy Nexus Offered for Free at Best Buy Retail Locations

By Vincent Funaro

Android fans anxious to get an early taste of Android 4.1, JellyBean can pick up the Samsung Galaxy Nexus smartphone at Best Buy for free.

Is Samsung Developing an 11.8-inch Galaxy Tab?

By Vincent Funaro

Samsung plans to release an 11.8-inch Galaxy Tab with a high-definition display sometime in the near future.

Katie Couric and Jimmy Buffett Sing Duet on Stage (VIDEO)

Drake to Produce New Aaliyah Album, Release Single Featuring Late Singer?

iPhone 5 Displays Shipped This Month

Jets Narrowly Avoid Midair Collision Near D.C., Investigation Ongoing

Atheist Group Forces Ohio City to Remove Cross From Logo

Kristen Stewart Turns to Jodie Foster After Cheating on Robert Pattinson

Meek Mill Talks Girlfriend, Admits 'Rihanna is My Type'

Marilyn Monroe Mystery, Missing FBI Files Revive Murder Theory

Samsung Galaxy S2 Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0.4 Update Schedule Released

Skateboard Company and Asian Slur T-Shirt Causes Outrage

Are You Blocking God From Converting You?

By Dan Delzell

Anyone can be converted to Christianity....even you. If you have already been converted through faith in Christ, then you are thankful for it. That spirit of thankfulness is part of the proof that you have truly been converted. If you have not yet been converted, you have no idea how you will look at things after your conversion. You have not been there yet....all you have are preconceived ideas of what it must be like....and most of them are probably wrong.

FAMILY

New Documentary Highlights Broken International Adoption System

By Napp Nazworth

At a Congressional preview hosted by Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) Tuesday, guests had the opportunity to view "Stuck," a documentary exposing the broken system of international adoption. Some of the families and adopted children featured in the film were also there, along with Foster Friess, a billionaire philanthropist who helped fund the film.

COLUMN

Will China Stop Forcing Abortions?

By Jim Daly

There is a big difference between 13 million abortions per year in China and nearly 1 million per year in the United States. Or is there? Regardless of the country or the circumstance, the babies involved are not consulted and the resulting loss of life is the same.

OPINION

Race and the Gospel in Mississippi

By Russell D. Moore

As a Mississippian and as a Baptist Christian, I cringed the other day when I heard that the First Baptist Church in Crystal Springs had moved a couple's wedding ceremony to another venue, to keep a controversy from erupting in the church.

OPINION

The Stone Throwers vs. the Caring Spirit

By June Hunt

Anyone can develop a critical spirit by focusing on the failures of others, and obviously no one is without fault. But faultfinders feel justified in playing dual roles: both judge and jury. Meanwhile, those being judged feel unjustly criticized … compared … condemned.

INTERVIEW

'Obama's America 2016' Movie: If Obama Wins a Second Term, Where Will We Be?

By Alex Murashko

Produced by Gerald R. Molen, who was the producer of the Academy Award Best Picture "Schindler's List," the film shows D'Souza "immersed in exotic locales across four continents" as he "races against time to find answers to Obama's past and reveal where America will be in 2016."

CHURCH

Dealing With Five Common Objections to New Member Classes

By Thom S. Rainer

There is good anecdotal evidence and older research evidence to indicate new member classes are good for the health of congregations. One of the common objections to new member classes, however, is a lack of time or resources.

COLUMN

Aurora Aftermath

By Lane Palmer

How do we anchor ourselves in the aftermath of the Aurora massacre that left us adrift in a sea of anxiety, doubt, fear and questions about the presence of an all powerful and loving God?

TESTIMONY

Former Supermodel Kathy Ireland: Jesus Loves Women and Honors Them

By Jennifer Riley

Supermodel-turned-business-mogul Kathy Ireland would be the first to tell you that the beginning of her modeling career in Paris is more glamorous sounding than it actually was. But out of that lonely, uncomfortable time, her life changed forever because she found a new best friend: Jesus Christ.

LIVING

A Mom's Response to the Aurora Shootings

By Penny Young Nance

As believers, we must help our children, relatives, coworkers, and neighbors see God's miracles amidst the chaos. Take Fox Denver's report that the gunman's largest, most deadly gun jammed. How many more lives were saved due to this mishap?

OPINION

Rahm Emanuel: High Priest of Chicago

By Wallace Henley

The mayor donned priestly regalia – in spirit if not physically – when he declared his outrage over the support for traditional marriage voiced by Chick-fil-A's president, Dan Cathy. The establishment media choir howled as usual in the same key that Cathy's position is "anti-gay," and the Chicago mayor-high priest rose to the pulpit.

CHURCH

Learning to Live Without Your Denominational Moniker

By Dan Delzell

If you are a Christian who prefers to stick with definitions which are found in the Bible when explaining your faith to others, try doing this sometime. Ask the spiritual leader at your church, "Is it fine if I never use our denominational label, but instead only identify myself as a 'Christian' when talking to others about my faith?" The answer you are given will tell you a lot about the amount of spiritual freedom in your congregation.

DANGEROUS CALLING

When Should You Grieve in Ministry?

By Paul Tripp

Ministry, this side of eternity, will be marked by moments of grief like Samuel's. Perhaps it will be the death of a vision, the need to discipline a trusted and influential leader, the knowledge of someone plotting against your God-given authority, sinful division among leaders, a resistant congregation, or a catalog of other difficulties that can obstruct and divert the ministry of a pastor and his congregation.

OPINION

You Believe in Karma

By Tullian Tchividjian

To conclude that suffering people have somehow heaped up trouble for themselves on the Cosmic Registry and that God is doling out the misery in direct proportion would be more than mistaken; it would be cruel.

OLYMPICS

London 2012 Olympics Opens With Spectacular Ceremony: 10 Christian Athletes to Watch (PHOTO)

By Christine Thomasos

Team USA has garnered Christian athletes in multiple sports for the 2012 London Olympic Summer Games. Here, some of the top competitors in an array of different sports highlighted for their faith and testimonies.

MISSIONS

Korean World Mission Conference Celebrates Milestone of 20,000 Korean Missionaries Worldwide

By Katherine T. Phan

Prominent evangelical leaders in the U.S. joined famous Korean pastors at the Korean World Mission Conference, the largest gathering of Korean missionaries worldwide, in the Chicago area this week to celebrate a critical milestone in the world's fastest missionary movement. The number of Korean missionaries in 169 countries has exceeded 20,000 — more than doubling in 10 years.

EDITORIAL

The Penn State Debacle: What Now?

By Dr. Richard D. Land

First, let me put my cards face up on the table. I am a very dedicated college football fan. Let's put it this way. My favorite sports are college football, spring football, and college recruiting.

YOUTH MINISTRY

Teen Mania Celebrates 25 Years of Global Missions Work

By Jeff Schapiro

Teen Mania Ministries is celebrating 25 years of sending young people on foreign missions trips through its Global Expeditions program, which has taught thousands of teenagers that they don't have to wait until they are adults in order to be used by God.

COLUMN

Born to Love: Trumping Tolerance

By Miles McPherson

Don't think, though, that Lady Gaga, one of the best-selling music artists of all time, was singing from a biblical worldview. "Born This Way" is an anthem for the philosophy that dominates today's culture: Tolerance. There is no right or wrong. Anything goes — so go with it.

MARRIAGE

Counterfeiting Money and Marriage

By Robert Morrison

Marriage works like that, too. In Northern Europe, researcher Stanley Kurtz found, when governments began to counterfeit marriage by forcing people to accept same-sex couplings as marriages, we saw the total number of true marriages dropping. Counterfeit marriages drove out true.

POLITICS

Despite the Rhetoric, Research Shows Decline in Gun Culture, Gun Violence

By Napp Nazworth

The recent shooting massacre in Aurora, Colo., has fed into a perception that America is becoming increasingly violent amid a gluttonous gun craze. Actually, the opposite is true, Patrick Egan, assistant professor of politics and public policy at New York University, points out in a post for The Monkey Cage, a political science blog.

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