Archive for category: Release

The Supreme Court placed a dark mark on American history 42 years ago this week with the landmark Roe v. Wade decision in January 1973, which made abortion legal in America.

Since then, National Right to Life estimates that more than 56 million abortions have taken place in America.

The American Pastors Network (APN, www.americanpastorsnetwork.net) says that four decades of abortion have left lasting scars on never-to-be mothers and fathers, families, communities and churches.

“Legalized abortion has been a shameful stain on our society for decades—and actually a ‘legal’ murderous choice in America for 42 years,” said APN President Sam Rohrer, who is also President of the Pennsylvania Pastors Network (PPN, www.papastors.net). “Abortion not only steals life from a human being with a God-given spirit and potential to do great things on this earth, but also leaves many, many wounds on everyone it touches—mothers, fathers, families, churches and entire communities.

“Today,” he continued, “thousands of pastors across the country struggle with the sadness, regret and broken-heartedness of people in their churches who have been deeply scarred by abortion. And perhaps more than anything in our nation’s history, the heartache of abortion, which has led the taking of more than 56 million innocent unborn lives, demonstrates that what is ‘legal’ can often be far from what is ‘right’.  

“Indeed, our Supreme Court’s decision violated our own Declaration of Independence—the basis for our Constitution—which recognizes that each of us has a God-given right to life. This week, we mourn 42 years of a decision that stripped the rights of those who were never given the chance to be born, and we recommit ourselves to speaking the truth about abortion in our churches, in our communities and in our culture.”

Churches, Rohrer added, have the responsibility to speak out regarding the impact and the gravity of abortion. APN offers pastors many resources on abortion so they can address this crucial societal issue with their congregations. These resources, some free and some for purchase, highlight topics such as the history of abortion in America, stories of women who regret their abortions, the pro-life movement in the United States, and the secrets of Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider.

Some of the resources include:

• “180,” a 33-minute DVD (viewable online) that teaches congregations not only to help save the lives of the unborn, but also to help save lives for eternity.
• “Baby Parts for Sale,” a 48-minute presentation that delves into the ugly side of abortion.
• “RC Sproul on Abortion,” an audio message from the longtime pastor, author and theologian.
• “10 Truths about Abortion,” a 60-minute DVD that exposes why abortion is no mere matter of “choice.”

Last week, as the 114th Congress started a new session, lawmakers began anew in their leadership roles to serve the country and work for the best interests of the American people.

And, according to new research, the new Congress is more “heavily religious” than ever. A Pew study found that close to 92 percent identify as Christian—nearly 20 percent more than the general U.S. population. Just one member of Congress identifies as religiously unaffiliated.

American Pastors Network (APN, www.americanpastorsnetwork.net) President Sam Rohrer, a former lawmaker, says that the country’s leaders must strive for the godly leadership that should go along with their religious identifications, including respect for God’s law and a commitment to the rule of law.

“If the Pew study is true and we don’t soon see radical changes in legislation coming from Congress, then it suggests that many who identify as Christian may not hold a biblical worldview,” said Rohrer, who is also President of the Pennsylvania Pastors Network (PPN, www.papastors.net). “Otherwise unborn life would immediately be protected, marriage defined by God would be upheld, religious liberties would be protected and the rule of law would be respected.”

Rohrer recently sat down with Gary Dull, APN board member and Executive Director and Vice President of PPN, and David Kistler, President of the North Carolina Pastors Network (NCPN, www.ncpastors.net), a chapter of APN, to talk about godly leadership on “Freedom Focus,” a radio program from the Faith and Freedom Institute committed to encouraging Americans to return to the values of our founders as proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bible.

“Performance in a position of leadership is not just based on competence from a standpoint of making sure that the process is efficient and transparent,” Rohrer said, “and some past leaders have violated and distorted their own policies by interjecting their own personal opinions so extraordinarily that it deprived other members of their rightful duty to speak to and address issues.”

Kistler also added that godly leadership involves keeping promises rather than making deals, and always working in the best interest of one’s constituents.

In the Pew study, of the 535 members of Congress, 57.2 percent identify as Protestant, 30.7 percent identify as Roman Catholic, and 5.2 percent of Congress is Jewish. Nine representatives refused to answer the survey.

Even Christmas trees make news in December.

For example, one town in Pennsylvania has embraced its “Charlie Brown” tree, and residents have come together to show that even the lowliest of conditions can turn into something special.

Reading, Pa., has decided to keep its “ugly” official city Christmas tree after residents at first balked at the 50-foot Norway spruce with its bare spots and asymmetrical branches. At the outset, the Berks County community wanted to trade in the tree for a more fitting specimen. After all, Pennsylvania is one of the largest producers of Christmas trees in the nation. Even the White House Christmas tree this year came from the Keystone State.

But rather than strive for a “perfect” tree, the city decided to give the tree a little love, just as the characters in the classic holiday special “A Charlie Brown Christmas” did. Workers wrapped the base of the tree in a blue blanket, and this past weekend, city residents gathered together to give the tree some love and some decorations.

It’s a lesson that not everything is perfect at Christmas—and it’s not all about the tree—or even a baby.

The Pennsylvania Pastors Network (PPN, www.papastors.net) reminds all of us that Christmas is not about trees or gifts or even a baby in a manger.

“The prophet Isaiah said, ‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, but He is much more,” said Sam Rohrer, President of PPN and the American Pastors Network (APN,www.AmericanPastorsNetwork.net). “Look beyond the baby in the manger this Christmas; look beyond the tree. As Isaiah said, ‘Upon this baby’s shoulder is laid the government that shall last forever, for this baby is also the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. He’s the King of Kings who will one day rule with a rod of iron.

“While the world entertains the babe in the manger and focuses on the lighted tree, it rejects Jesus Christ as King,” Rohrer continued. “As a baby, He comes in love and offers salvation for all who believe, but for those who don’t, He’ll sit as the Great Judge in all His justice. We must be ready to meet Him at the stable but worship and obey Him like the King He is.”

Politicians, supporters of Israel and the faithful in general are expressing deep concern amid reports that President Barack Obama and his administration are considering sanctions against Israel for new construction in the West Bank.

American Pastors Network (APN, www.AmericanPastorsNetwork.net) says any U.S. sanctions against Israel would be dangerous on many levels.

“We simply cannot ignore the biblical significance of standing with God’s chosen people in Israel,” said APN President Sam Rohrer. “What America does in relationship to the support of Israel is the difference between experiencing God’s blessing or God’s judgment on our nation.”  

“Additionally, from a pure policy perspective, any suggestion of sanctions against Israel is an inexcusable and grave misstep in the United States’ relationship with Israel, who has long been our strongest ally in the Middle East and who continues to be the only truly democratic nation in that region and the only nation in the Middle East that allows true religious freedom.”

Dozens of Members of Congress came out in strong opposition to possible sanctions, with at least 48 Members signing onto a letter demanding the President clarify his actions and intentions.

According to a story on TheBlaze.com, the Obama administration has repeatedly said it disapproves of Israel’s decision to build new homes in east Jerusalem and that this construction undermines the peace process. On Friday, White House officials refused to confirm or deny reports, albeit ambiguous and from anonymous sources, that they are considering sanctions against Israel.

The Times of Israel reprinted a portion of a letter to the President from 48 U.S. Representatives, led by Rep. Mark Meadows of North Carolina.

“Recent reports suggest that your administration has held classified meetings over the past several weeks to discuss the possibility of imposing sanctions against Israel for its decision to construct homes in East Jerusalem,” the letter read. “Israel is one of our strongest allies, and the mere notion that the administration would unilaterally impose sanctions against Israel is not only unwise, but is extremely worrisome.”

Over the weekend, the Rev. Dave Kistler, president of the North Carolina Pastors Network, a state chapter of APN, and president and HOPE Ministries International, wrote about the possible sanctions and the global significance.

“Without doubt, the last three days have been ones of incredible activity on the part of the forces of evil,” Kistler said, referring to further reports of ISIS violence. “As well, in a stunning move, the United States may be seriously considering sanctions against our best ally in the world—Israel—for continuing to build settlements in the West Bank and Gaza. The absolute tragedy is that this proposed move would announce the severing of the final thread that is keeping America from the pit of God’s undiluted judgment—our unequivocal support for God’s chosen people.”

Kistler added that many in the evangelical community are adopting an ambivalent attitude, if not outright animosity, toward Israel, based on an errant belief in “Replacement Theology,” or the teaching that the Christian church has replaced Israel regarding the plan, purpose and promises of God. This doctrine, he says, is all too pervasive within the Christian church. In fact, Genesis 12 is just as applicable today as when it was written: “I will bless those that bless thee, and curse those that curse thee.”

“These developments underscore the desperate need for God’s preachers to stand boldly and proclaim clearly the undiluted word of God,” Kistler said. “Now is the time for God’s men and women to ‘cry aloud, spare not and lift up (their) voice like a trumpet’ in unearthing sin and declaring the whole counsel of God. Anything less will never facilitate revival. And anything less is disobedience to the great God who has called us to be His spokesmen.”