Hosts Sam Rohrer and Gary Dull discuss the Iran Nuclear Agreement. How does an agreement differ from a treaty and how has President Obama used this to his advantage? What does this deal mean for the US and it’s allies? Listen to this program to hear more breaking news on this historic event!
Within the last several weeks, a new Cracker Barrel restaurant has
opened in our area. Complete with a new interior design and exterior
appearance, this updated take on an already successful franchise has
culinary attendees lining up for the experience. Because the Kistler
family has frequented many a Cracker Barrel over the last 30 years, I
can honestly say that I am somewhat of an expert on the topic. Almost
without exception, we’ve found the Tennessee-based chain to be
incredibly consistent in all aspects of restaurant service! So, the
comments that follow are NOT meant to be critical! They just need to be
made for the purpose of making a larger point.
After enjoying a dining experience twice at our new Cracker Barrel, I’ve
noticed a distinct difference between the new location’s atmosphere and
service from those that are older. Perhaps most prominent is the
attitude of the wait staff. Though all employees are in training, the
smiles, eagerness to serve, and overall pleasantness make dining at the
new location a much preferred choice! A recent Cracker Barrel
experience, at a well-established location, underscores my point.
Rather than appearing excited to be there, the wait staff seemed tired,
overworked, and almost regretful that Betsy and I were even there. Even
the language used was tired and worn.
What makes my observations poignant is the fact that ministries can
suffer much the same unfortunate fate as a successful restaurant chain.
Rather than being thrilled to serve our Lord, and people, thru committed
adherence to God’s truth, we can become passionless and tired, even
responding in a less than excited way toward visitors. Rather than
eagerly anticipating each opportunity for collective worship and hearing
of the proclaimed word, we can (in weary, old location Cracker
Barrelesque fashion) unconsciously slip into a mundane, “I’ve done this
before” mode. The tragic result is that those to whom we minister can
pick up on our tired, passionless attitude.
Recently, I spent several days at one of our nation’s newer Christian
college ministries. Everyone with whom I interacted exuded a contagious
joy–such as was the case with Solomon’s servants–a joy that impressed
the Queen of Sheba. This ministry, especially it’s global media
operations, have a crystal clear understanding of why they exist! I
didn’t meet one individual who appeared displeased that I unexpectedly
entered their world. No, they were genuinely excited to see a visitor
to their area of ministry–so much so that it was difficult to get away
from them. When I spoke briefly at a staff chapel, they were
phenomenally and eagerly receptive of my message! Throughout the day,
as I encountered those who were in attendance at the chapel, I was
repeatedly thanked for coming and speaking! Such anticipatory
excitement hasn’t always been the case with other Christian ministries
I’ve visited. Far too often, I’ve felt somewhat like an intruder
because I interrupted their day’s work. Yet, people ARE the ministry!
They ARE the reason we enter ministry in the first place. They must
NEVER be viewed as unnecessary interruptions in our otherwise busy day!
So, to our new Cracker Barrel, as well as to my recently met new friends
in ministry, I say a giant “job well-done!” Simply keep up the great
work you are doing! Your understanding of Whose you are and why you
serve is coming through LOUD AND CLEAR! May EVERY genuine believer in
Christ exhibit the same contagious enthusiasm!
NOTE: The word “enthusiasm” comes from the compound Greek word “en”=in,
“Theos”=God–in other words, literally “God within.” When we are
possessed by Him, how can we be any way other than exuberant!
Dave Kistler
President, HOPE Ministries International
President, North Carolina Pastors Network (NCPN)
Stand in the Gap hosts discuss the financial disaster in Greece, the widening GOP Presidential candidate field, and the Iran Nuke Deal—all from a biblical and constitutional perspective.
American Pastors Network President, Sam Rohrer recently spoke with KDKA Radio’s Mike Pintek about some of the pressing issues and pertinent ramifications of the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on same-sex marriage.
Rohrer, who is also President of the Pennsylvania Pastors Network (PPN, www.papastors.net) said the Court’s recent 5-4 decision will eventually force churches and other religious organizations to either compromise their faith convictions or face the specter of losing their tax-exempt status.
“Everyone should be aware that there’s more than a moral consideration to this marriage ruling. Because the Court usurped and stepped over their Constitutional authority, vis-à-vis the matters of the 10th Amendment—the ability for states to make laws that are within their jurisdiction and to rule them all out of order—is a violation of civil law, the Constitutional law!” Rohrer said on the Pittsburgh radio program. “I would submit that every aspect of freedom as we know it, being the range of the First Amendment or the Second Amendment or any of the Amendments, have now been violated by the actions of this Court because they’ve made themselves the law over and above the Constitution. So, every aspect of what we consider civil freedom or religious freedom has been jeopardized by the action of this Court.”
Rohrer went on to say that those working to defend and protect religious liberty may look to the freedom of religion clause of the First Amendment—but the First Amendment may protect religious freedoms only to a point. The Supreme Court essentially overruled the 10th Amendment by overriding the laws already set forth by the states and voters within those states. Therefore, Rohrer says, all other Amendments are open to attack as well.
“Do we not think, therefore, that any of the other Amendments are not equally jeopardized?” Rohrer told Pintek. “Just as Justices Thomas and Scalia indicated, there was no jurisdiction for the Court to rule; they had no power; they had no right. And yet they exercised their will in trying to make this kind of application when, in this case, it has nothing to do with any kind of historical precedent. And as Justice Scalia said, there is no precedent in the history of the Court to rule such kind of an action on this type of a matter, which, in the case of marriage, has been established, as (Justice) Roberts said, for millennia.”
Rohrer added that he would expect litigation against religious colleges that decline to provide housing for same-sex couples, faith-based adoption agencies that have policies against matching children with same-sex couples, and eventually, pastors and churches who will not perform or host same-sex weddings.
Additionally, even if litigation is not successful, the government could attempt to revoke the tax-exempt status for those organizations that do not comply with the new Court opinion, Rohrer added.
“All of these are absolutely legitimately predictable because of the nature of the ruling,” he said. “It will be a matter of ‘you cannot discriminate against, therefore, you must permit.’ This is how it will go; you can see it. The ramifications of this law are broad and deep. The fact of the matter is, the very people who think this is a win will find out that their own civil freedoms have been jeopardized by the actions of this Court. It’s just the nature of the ramifications of undoing law as we have had them in the Constitution. This is a big deal,” Rohrer concluded on the Pittsburgh and surrounding area radio program.
Guest Anna Harmon, Constitutional Attorney for Aaron and Melissa Klein, gives an update on the case brought against them for refusing to bake a wedding cake for a lesbian couple. Other topics include the removal of the Confederate Flag at the State House in SC, the surprising rise of Donald Trump in the polls, troop cutbacks, and more!
Guests Aaron and Melissa Klein, owners of Sweet Cakes by Melissa, join the program to tell their story and share why they will not keep silent or give in to those who want to deprive them of their religious and constitutional rights as Christians, American citizens, and business owners.
Find out how you can sign a petition pledging your support for the Klein’s.
This program originally aired on May 20th. Dr. Charles Dunn, who worked with the Reagan, Bush, and Clinton administrations shares his thoughts on presidential leadership and executive action. He is an author, international lecturer, teacher and leader. He is the author of the book titled “The Upstream Christian In A Downstream World.”
Aaron and Melissa Klein, owners of “Sweet Cakes By Melissa”, the Oregon
bakers who refused to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding, have not only
been fined $135,000 for their Biblical stand, they’ve also been issued a
“cease and desist” order by Brad Avakian, Commissioner of the Oregon
Bureau of Labor and Industry. The gag order demands that the Kleins
refrain from talking about their views on marriage to anyone!
In response to this preposterous order, Aaron Klein doubled down in
stating that he and his wife will not comply with the demand. Legal
representation for the Kleins is claiming that Avakian has violated the
Kleins’ free speech rights, especially noting the commissioner’s desire
to “rehabilitate” the Kleins with respect to their views on marriage.
If anyone thought that last month’s ruling on same-sex marriage at the
Supreme Court would end with attempting to legalize homosexual marriage
only, this situation with the Kleins should end that incorrect idea!
No, advocates of same-sex marriage will not be content until they
silence those of us who stand unequivocally for God’s definition of
marriage!
Unbelievably inconsistent and hypocritical is the attempt to
“rehabilitate” the Kleins, while simultaneously denying the possibility
of such rehabilitation of homosexuals. In other words, it’s legitimate
and legal to attempt to change Christian’s beliefs, but it’s not so for
those who are enslaved in the homosexual lifestyle! It’s okay for
Christians, like the Kleins, to have their beliefs denied, even changed,
but it’s not okay for Christian ministries to counsel homosexuals,
offering them a better way–deliverance from their sinful behavior!
It is imperative that we, as believers in Jesus Christ, do as did the
Apostle Paul (Acts 22) and refuse to allow a sinful and subversive
government/culture to run roughshod over our rights as citizens! So,
stand up, speak up, and graciously (but VERY directly) resist! Our
right to practice our faith freely is at stake! And, may God’s
preachers provide the path ahead for God’s church to Biblically resist
that which attempts to usurp God’s rightful position of authority!
Dave Kistler
President, HOPE Ministries International
President, North Carolina Pastors Network (NCPN)
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