Author Archives: Marsha West

About Marsha West

Marsha West is the owner and managing editor of Christian Research Network, Apprising Ministries (the late Ken Silva’s blog) and On Solid Rock Resources. She is also co-founder of Berean Research. For two decades Marsha was the owner and managing editor of Email Brigade website as well as the EMB News Report, a bi-weekly email report for conservative people of faith. For many years Marsha was a regular contributor to several blogs including CRN, RenewAmerica, News With Views and Web Commantary as well as popular websites she no longer endorses: American Family Association, Worldview Weekend, Stand Up For The Truth, The Christian Post and Christian Headlines. Although Marsha still blogs, her primary focus is CRN. Marsha also writes Research Papers (White Papers) on various topics that are published on CRN, Berean Research and On Solid Rock Resources. Visit Marsha’s other sites: On Solid Rock Resources https://www.onsolidrockresources.com/ Apprising Ministries http://apprising.org Marsha’s RenewAmerica Column http://renewamerica.com/columns/mwest Marsha’s Facebook Page http://facebook.com/marsha.west.77

Colorado to Vote on Initiative Declaring Unborn to Be Persons, as Mother Fights Injustice in Son’s Death

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According to Christian News Network:

Voters in the state of Colorado are set to vote on a ballot initiative that would declare the unborn as persons as a mother who lost her baby in a tragic accident last year is seeking justice for other children just like her son.

As previously reported, Heather Surovick was heading home from her final prenatal appointment in July 2012 when she was struck by a drunk driver—who had been charged with DUI four other times.

When she woke up in the hospital hours later, Surovick was informed that her son Brady, who was days from being born, weighing in at 8 pounds, 2 ounces, died in the accident.

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Roman Catholic Manufacturer Brings Contraception Mandate to the Supreme Court

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Daily Caller reports:

The CEO of Autocam, a Michigan-based manufacturer, will file a petition with the Supreme Court Tuesday requesting the high court review a lower court’s dismissal of the company’s challenge to the HHS contraception mandate.

“The HHS Mandate is forcing me and my family to choose between practicing our religion, losing our family business, or stripping our employees of benefits they need,” Autocam CEO John Kennedy said in a statement Tuesday.

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Southern Baptists Fight Affordable Care Act ‘Contraception’ Regulation

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USA Today reports:

Three non-profit religious organizations, including a division of the Nashville-based Southern Baptist Convention, are suing the federal government over a controversial contraceptives regulation that is a part of the Affordable Care Act.

The organizations Monday announced the class-action lawsuit against the federal requirement that employers cover the cost of contraceptives, including drugs that can cause abortions. The groups argue the requirement infringes on religious liberty.

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Air Force Officials Decide They No Longer Need God’s Help

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World Magazine reports:

The U.S. Air Force appears to be systematically removing the phrase “so help me God” from the oaths of office taken by officer candidates and enlistees.

According to Judicial Watch, a legal watchdog organization, the United States Air Force Academy has removed the phrase from some written materials, including the oath administered to new cadets, because of a single atheist’s objections.

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USC Professor Claims Ray Comfort’s ‘Evolution vs. God’ Documentary Is ‘Biblical Porn’

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Christian News Network reports:

A well-known evolutionary professor stated in a recent interview that those who do not accept evolution are “fundamentally irrational” with “a kind of slightly crazy mindset,” and claimed that a Christian apologist’s evolution-challenging film is “a great example” of “Biblical porn.”

Craig Stanford is a professor of anthropology and biological sciences at the University of Southern California. Known for his outspoken evolutionary and atheistic beliefs, Stanford appeared on The No God Cast Podcast – a weekly program that, according to the show’s website, provides “a platform” from which atheists can “share their stories and speak their minds.” Though the podcast’s weekly audience is rather small, comments Stanford made on the September 20th episode have generated controversy.

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Family’s rescue at Nairobi mall: as if ‘whole world was praying’

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Baptist Press reports:

Katherine Walton was sitting in her backyard during the Skype interview. Her 13-month-old was toddling in and out of the camera, beautiful blond hair shining in the sunlight. Voices in the background of her sons, Blaise and Ian, sometimes interrupted – once to report a scraped knee from the trampoline, other times just to ask a question.

They could have been any American family playing in the yard after school.

Just days ago, however, they were crouching in a grocery store in Westgate Mall in Nairobi, praying that God would protect them from terrorists who were shooting guns and throwing hand grenades. Walton’s 4-year-old Portia has been seen worldwide running to the arms of a rescuer.

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Sin Is at the Heart of What Is Wrong in Your Life

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Marsha West begins her article with a stern warning from A.W. Tozer:

No one has any right to believe that he is indeed a Christian unless he is humbly seeking to obey the teachings of the One whom he calls Lord. Christ once asked a question that can have no satisfying answer, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”

Marsha then illustrates an important aspect of Christianity that is largely ignored by many professing Christians: Repentance. Sadly, believers have failed to realize that every sin we commit is first and foremost against the “One whom we call Lord.” Moreover, God is “independently, infinitely, immutably holy;” therefore our sins separate us from God and in some cases He will turn His face away from those who persist in sin.

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Dean of Washington’s National Cathedral: It’s a Sin to Oppose Homosexuality

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Christian News Network reports:

The dean of the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. claimed during his weekly address this past Sunday that it is a sin to oppose homosexuality.

The message was part of a weekend tribute to the homosexual youth at the National Cathedral, and a commemoration of the death of Matthew Shepherd, whose slaying sparked the passage of the federal “hate crimes” bill signed into law by Barack Obama in 2009. During his speech, Gary Hall blamed churches across the country for influencing American beliefs about homosexuality.

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George and Barbara Witness a Wedding—When a Private Act Sends a Public Message

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Dr. Albert Mohler, President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, has some grave concerns over former president George H.W. Bush and his wife Barbara’s recent attendance at a lesbian wedding as they have clearly come out in support of same-sex “marriage.” Dr. Mohler writes:

The news coverage of the Bushes’ attendance at the same-sex wedding points to a reality that must be understood—and fast. Attendance at a wedding is not a neutral act. The history and context of the wedding ceremony identify all those present as agreeing to the rightness of the marriage and acting as witnesses to the exchange of vows. This is why the venerable language of The Book of Common Prayer, used in the overwhelming majority of Christian weddings, calls upon anyone with knowledge that the proposed union is invalid to speak, “or forever hold his peace.” Anyone remaining silent at that point is affirming the rightness and validity of the marriage, and all who are present are counted as both witnesses and those who celebrate the union.

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‘Reformation Project’ Recruits Volunteers Nationwide to Influence Churches to Embrace Homosexuality

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According to Christian News Network:

A homosexual advocacy group is recruiting volunteers to influence churches nationwide to embrace homosexuality.

The Reformation Project describes itself as “a Bible-based, Christian non-profit organization that seeks to reform church teaching on sexual orientation and gender identity.” Based in Wichita, Kansas, the organization aims to “accelerate the acceptance of LGBT people in the Church.”

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Pastor Chuck Smith Dies of Cancer at 86; Jesus Movement Leader Remembered Fondly

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Christian Post reports:

Calvary Chapel founder Pastor Chuck Smith, considered one of the major catalysts of the Jesus Movement of the ’60s and ’70s, died after a battle with lung cancer at the age of 86 on Thursday.

“My beautiful, beloved, darling Daddy is in Heaven,” his daughter Janette Smith Manderson posted on Facebook early Thursday morning. “He has heard the words, ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.’ Matthew 25:21.”

Smith had been undergoing treatments for cancer off and on for almost two years, but had maintained a full schedule of preaching both from the pulpit at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa and on a radio talk show heard nationwide.

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Obama Administration: Lawmakers, Staff Can Get Abortion Coverage

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According to the Washington Times:

The Office of Personnel Management ruled Monday that members of Congress and their staffs will be able to buy health care plans that pay for abortions, even though the premiums are funded largely by taxpayer money — a move that conservatives say breaks federal law on abortion funding.

Under the terms of Obamacare, lawmakers and their aides are required to ditch their government-sponsored plans and buy insurance on state-based health care exchanges, though unlike most people on the exchanges, the staffers and members will have most of the costs of their premiums paid by their employer — in this case, taxpayers.

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Innovative New Creation Film to ‘Bring Genesis to Life’ With Cutting-Edge 3D Animation

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Christian News Network reports:

Support is pouring in for a Christian ministry’s new Genesis-based movie that is being described as an “incredibly unique,” “breathtaking” project.

“Genesis 3D” is a feature-length documentary film being produced by Creation Today—a Florida-based Christian ministry. Using stereoscopic 3D animation, the movie will portray the universe’s beginning, as recorded in the biblical book of Genesis. “[This project] will bring Genesis to life in a full, stereoscopic, 3D, feature-length film,” says the movie’s director and producer, Ralph Strean, in a recently released promotional video.

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United Methodist Judicial Council to Decide Whether Denomination May Advocate Homosexuality

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Christian News Network reports:

The United Methodist Judicial Council is set to decide on whether resolutions passed at regional conferences regarding the homosexual lifestyle are permissible according to church doctrine or are a violation of the denomination’s rules.

Specifically, the council will decide whether churches within the denomination may support homosexual causes, whether ministers can officiate same-sex ceremonies, and whether regional conferences can urge members to avoid church law regarding homosexuality.

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George H.W. Bush Is Witness at Same-sex ‘Marriage’ in Maine

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The Reliable Source reports:

Another prominent Republican has come out in support of same-sex marriage — or at least, in support of one particular same-sex marriage.

Former President George H.W. Bush and his wife Barbara served as an official witnesses Saturday at the Maine wedding of Bonnie Clement and Helen Thorgalsen, co-owners of a Kennebunk general store. Thorgalsen posted a photo on Facebook of the 41st commander-in-chief signing a set of documents for them at an outdoor celebration: “Getting our marriage license witnessed!”

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Congressman Introduces Bill to Protect Biblical Marriage Proponents From Government Discrimination

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According to Christian News Network:

A Republican Congressman from Idaho has introduced a bill that seeks to protect Christians and other religious citizens from being punished by the federal government for their belief in Biblical marriage.

Representative Raul Labrador announced on Thursday his submission of the “Marriage and Religious Freedom Act,” which already has the support of over 60 Congressman, mainly Republicans.

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Obamacare State Exchanges May Fund 111,500 Abortions a Year With Your Money

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LifeNews reports:

On January 1, 2014 state health exchanges, or the federal or “partnership” versions that will operate in their stead in a narrow majority of states, are required by law to be up and running.

By October 1, 2013 consumers are supposed to be able to begin researching and comparing insurance options in these exchanges. Delays in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act are evident in nearly all areas of the law, including a feature called “multi-state plans” (MSPs) that are designed to be phased in over a four-year period for every state in the Union.

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Christian University Boots Professor After Announcing ‘Gender Identity Change’ From Female to Male

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According to Christian News Network:

An evangelical Christian university has reportedly asked one of its professors to leave the school after she announced that she was changing her gender identity from female to male.

Azusa Pacific University (APU) is a private educational institution near Los Angeles with a student body of nearly 10,000. According to APU’s website, the university is committed to fostering “a strong, clear, unswervingly evangelical Christian worldview that permeates the university and guides its activity,” and holds to “the historic Christian understanding of Scripture” by reaffirming that “sexuality is a gift from God and basic to human identity as well as a matter of behavioral expression.”

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God Wanted Us to Be Rich’: Reality Show to Feature Millionaire Gospel Musician’s Lavish Lifestyle

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Christian News Network reports:

A new reality show is set to launch this fall featuring a Gospel musician and his blended family, who claim that they were called by God to be rich.

Ben Tankard is a best-selling jazz musician, who has won 12 Stellar awards for his instrumental Gospel albums, and has received multiple Dove and Grammy nominations. The Nashville-based musician is now poised to have his own reality show called Thicker Than Water, which will give viewers a glimpse into his lavish lifestyle.

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Pope Francis: Catholics Should Not Be ‘Obsessed’ with Speaking Against Homosexuality, Abortion

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Christian News Network reports:

In an article published on Thursday by the Italian magazine La Civilta Cattolica, Pope Francis explained that he believes the Roman Catholic Church needs to find a “new balance” in reaching unbelievers, rather than focusing on the issues of homosexuality and abortion.

During the lengthy piece, which covered a variety of topics, from being a Jesuit to the role of women in the church, Francis pointed back to comments he made last month when asked how Catholics can reach out to people who are divorced or involved in same-sex relationships.

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Man Who Shot Up Pro-Life Office Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison

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According to Life News:

The man who shot up the offices of the Family Research Council on August 15, 2012, saying he wanted to kill “conservative right-wing Christians,” was sentenced to 25 years in prison today.

Corkins entered the lobby armed with a loaded semi-automatic pistol, 100 rounds of ammunition, and 15 Chick-fil-A sandwiches. He started firing at FRC’s building manager Leo Johnson who heroically tackled the shooter after a gunshot shattered his arm.

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Canadian Commission Rules against Bridal Shop for Refusing to Allow Man to Try on Wedding Gown

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Christian News Network reports:

A Canadian bridal boutique has reached a settlement with a man who identifies as a woman after the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission ruled that the owner broke the law by refusing to allow him to try on a gown for his wedding.

The incident occurred in April of this year as Rohit Singh, who moved to Canada from India three years ago, went to Jenny’s Bride Boutique with his fiance Colin Peace to shop for a gown for their “wedding.”

However, when Singh wanted to try on a particular gown in the women’s changing room, owner Jenny Correia refused to allow him to do so.

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Top 10 Mind-Blowing Images Of Human Life In The Womb

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LifeNews has posted incredible images of human life as it develops inside the womb:

As LifeNews continues to report, pro-life advocates are pushing pro-life listicles on the Buzzfeed social media web site. Buzzfeed gives pro-life groups an opportunity to expose the pro-life message to people who may not otherwise see it through traditional social media.

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Socialist Publication: We Can ‘Change the World’ through Abortion and Gay ‘Marriage’

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LifeSiteNews reports:

A publication of the international socialist movement has explicitly stated it is promoting abortion and gay “marriage” as part of a multi-pronged campaign to “replace global capitalism” with Marxism.

The admission came on Monday in an article entitled “How Can We Change the World?” by Todd Chretien in the Socialist Worker, which is published by the International Socialist Organization. The ISO proudly “stands in the tradition of revolutionary socialists Karl Marx, V.I. Lenin, and Leon Trotsky.”

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Famous Sports Broadcaster Fired over Anti-gay Comments

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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports:

College football analyst Craig James is learning the hard way that politics and sports do not mix well. The former ESPN star has reportedly been fired from his most recent job at FOX Sports Southwest after alleged anti-gay comments he made during a run for Texas’ U.S. Senate seat last year resurfaced. According to the Dallas Morning News, James joined the network in late August but was fired after just one appearance.

During a debate in February 2012, James allegedly said that homosexuals will have to “answer to the Lord for their actions” and argued that being gay was “a choice.” He also chastised his opponent for attending a gay pride parade.

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