Saturday, August 30, 2008

Recent ISI Endorsements

"I thank God for Chris Arnzen and his Christ-centered ministry with IRON SHARPENS IRON. Most grateful am I for his unwavering commitment to the absolute truth of Scripture. Here is a rare voice on the radio today. May the Lord set a wide and open door before this vibrant program for all to hear." ---Dr. Steven J. Lawson, Senior Pastor of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church, Mobile, AL

"Chris Arnzen's love for and confidence in Scripture causes him to address issues without fear while showing great respect for those who may disagree with his views. That's what makes IRON SHARPENS IRON such an informative and beneficial radio program. If you want to hear clear, concise thinking from a biblical perspective, listen to this show!"---Dr. Tom Ascol, author, Executive Director of Founders ministries, Pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Cape Coral, FL

"Chris Arnzen keeps the coals burning with vibrant, thoughtful Christianity. Join the conversation!"--- Jim Elliff, founder & president of Christian Communicators Worldwide



Iron Sharpens Iron" now has an online store! If you enjoy this broadcast, please consider helping us keep the show going by getting some fabulous ISI merchandise. Click on the logo below, or visit the store via this link!

Friday, August 29, 2008

The Pastors' Roundtable

MP3 Available Here

THE PASTORS' ROUNDTABLE


Featuring:



PASTOR BRUCE BENNETT, Grace Gospel Church, Patchogue, Long Island, NY


PASTOR CHRIS HATTON, Blue Point Bible Church, Blue Point, Long Island, NY


PASTOR AL STEIN, Neighborhood Assembly of God, Bellmore, Long Island, NY

Thursday, August 28, 2008

TOM ASCOL: "THE SUFFICIENCY OF SCRIPTURE"

MP3 Available Here

TOM ASCOL, pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Cape Coral, Florida, the Executive Director of Founders Ministries and Editor of the Founders Journal , will address the theme: "THE SUFFICIENCY OF SCRIPTURE".

In regard to the Reformation Principle of "Sola Scriptura" (that the Scriptures alone are the church of Jesus Christ's inerrant, infallible, and sufficient authority in matters of faith and practice), Rome did and does *not* reject the inerrancy of Scripture. In fact, it upholds in its official dogma that a belief in the inerrancy of Scripture is essential. However, Rome did and *does* reject the formal sufficiency of Scripture. Rome, in their denial of the Bible's perspicuity or sufficient clarity, believes that the church needs an infallible authority outside of the Canon to declare what the Scriptures truly teach, and a sacred tradition to provide further guidance in matters of faith and practice. Today, Dr. Tom Ascol will explain why he believes it is not enough to believe in the inerrancy of the Scriptures, but their sufficiency also must be believed. Dr. Ascol will also explain why he believes many Protestants (modern Evangelicals, Pentecostals, Charismatics and Fundamentalists), have, in practice, also violated the the sufficiency of Scripture.

Founders Ministries is a ministry of teaching and encouragement promoting both doctrine and devotion expressed in the Doctrines of Grace and their experiential application to the local church, particularly in the areas of worship and witness. Founders Ministries takes as its theological framework the first recognized confession of faith that Southern Baptists produced, The Abstract of Principles . They desire to encourage the return to and promulgation of the biblical gospel that their Southern Baptist forefathers held dear.

Tom Ascol received a BS from Texas A & M University and the MDiv and PhD degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary . He is editor of the books Reclaiming the Gospel & Reforming Churches and Dear Timothy and has contributed articles and chapters to numerous publications.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

BHAJAN SINGH: "INDIA's HIDDEN HOLOCAUST"

MP3 Available Here

BHAJAN SINGH, Director of the Organization For Minorities of India (OFMI) will address "INDIA's HIDDEN HOLOCAUST."

The vast majority of Americans are totally ignorant of the fact that militant Hindus are brutally murdering our brethren in Christ and other minorities in India. The silence is deafening among our elected officials and those running for political office.

Under British rule in India, ethnic and religious minorities were strategically divided against each other. This was done to prevent the formation of a coalition of minorities which could present a united and powerful front against the British. Post-independence, this strategy was continued by the Indian government. Consequently, hundreds of thousands of Indian minorities have been murdered by the Indian government and extremist groups. Anti-conversion laws, the still thriving caste system, and fake encounters staged by law enforcement all serve to maintain the oppression of India's minorities.

Considering India's emergent status as a global superpower, it is imperative for non-Indians to understand the issues and circumstances of Indian minorities. So the Organization for Minorities of India (OFMI) was created to educate people about situations affecting the major religious and cultural Indian minorities, which include Buddhists, Christians, Dalits, Muslims, and Sikhs. Their organization is composed of various Indian minorities who have joined together to encourage dialogue and understanding between Indian and non-Indian minorities.

According to the President of Dasmesh Darbar, a Sikh house of worship in the Vancouver, BC area:

"The Vancouver Sikh community strongly condemns the recent anti-Christian violence in India. Several people, including a nun in Orissa and a priest in Andhra Pradesh, have been brutally murdered over the past 10 days. This bloodshed is the latest in the war on Christians, Dalits, Muslims, and Sikhs, who consistently suffer blatant human rights abuses at the hands of Hindu extremists...

...On August 16, Father Thomas Pandippallyil's body was discovered in Andhra Pradesh. His body showed signs of torture, including broken legs and hands and eyes torn from their sockets. On August 25, a nun was burned alive when Hindu rioters torched a Christian orphanage in Orissa. Reports continue to emerge of Hindu fundamentalists burning churches and shooting Christians, particularly in Orissa...

...Seven Indian states have undermined both freedom of religion and of speech by outlawing religious conversion and banning promotion of any religion but Hinduism, thus encouraging harassment and assault of Christians, whose religion compels evangelism. A May 2005 case from Voice of the Martyrs further illustrates the risk to Indian Christians: 'The death sentence for the man convicted of murdering Australian missionary Graham Staines and his boys in 1999 was commuted... Seeing this as leniency for those who kill Christians, a Hindu militant and at least two others entrapped and murdered two pastors on the outskirts of Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh.'...

...Hindu fundamentalists are emboldened to commit such offenses by the Indian state's anti-minority policies. These began with Gandhi, who said: 'It cannot be said that Sikhism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism are separate religions. All these four faiths and their offshoots are one. Hinduism is an ocean into which all the rivers run. It can absorb Islam and Christianity and all other religions.' This philosophy was then adopted into Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which says: 'Hindus shall be construed as including a reference to persons professing the Sikh, Jaina or Buddhist religion.'...

...'Gandhi turned his anti-minority ideology into Indian state policy,' said Dasmesh Darbar president Sudager Singh. “With the stroke of a pen, he forcefully converted millions of minorities to Hinduism through Article 25. His position as ‘Father of the Nation’ deserves serious reexamination.'...

...The Vancouver Sikh community urges the launch of international investigations of Indian state complicity in anti-minority violence. We also demand the repeal of Article 25 and unequivocal protection of freedom of religion and the press. Finally, we request the swift apprehension of those responsible for the recent murders."

Today's guest, "Bhajan Singh, a member of the Sikh religion, was born in Singapore. He moved to the United States in the 1980's, where he has been active in the Indian-American minority communities for over 20 years. During that time, Bhajan has monitored the rise of Hindu nationalism and its impact on Indian minorities. He currently resides in California. You can contact him at info@ofmi.org.

Bhajan Singh and OFMI are involved in protesting the erection of a larger than life-size bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi, which is a gift from the Government of India, at James Madison University in Virginia in "recognition of the work of the Mahatma Gandhi Center for Global Nonviolence." The statue will be unveiled and dedicated on October 2, 2008, the International Day of Nonviolence and birth anniversary of Ghandi, by Mr. Ronen Sen, Ambassador of India to the US. This statue is the first of Mahatma Gandhi in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the third at a college campus in the United States of America. Moreover, James Madison University is the first (and only) institution of higher learning outside of India to have a center named after Mahatma Gandhi. This is highly offensive to OFMI and victims of Hindu persecution who view Ghandi as a symbol for racial hatred, not a hero of racial equality.

You can listen to another free, downloadable MP3 of an "Iron Sharpens Iron" interview on a related topic with another Sikh, Col. G.B. Singh (U.S. Army, Retired), author of "Ghandi: Behind the Mask of Divinity" and "Ghandi Under Cross-Examination" by clicking here.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

DR. JAMES R. WHITE: "PULPIT CRIMES: THE CRIMINAL MISHANDLING OF GOD's WORD"

MP3 Available Here

DR. JAMES R. WHITE, founder & director of Alpha & Omega Ministries , a theologically Reformed Christian apologetics ministry based in Phoenix, AZ, will address the theme of his very controversial book: "PULPIT CRIMES: THE CRIMINAL MISHANDLING OF GOD's WORD."

This may be Dr. White's most provocative book yet. White sets out to examine numerous "crimes" being commited in pulpits throughout the land every week, as he seeks to leave no stone unturned. Based firmly upon the bedrock of Holy Scripture, one "crime" after another is layed bare for all to see.

As Dr. White has very aptly put it, "The pulpit is to be a place where God speaks from His Word: what has happened to this sacred duty in our day? Let pulpit crimes be exposed by the light of God's Word."

SOME OF THE SUBJECTS BEING COVERED

Laying Down the Law: The Bible's Teaching on the Nature of Preaching

Prostitution: Using the Gospel for Financial Gain

Pandering Pluralism

Cowardice Under Fire

Felonious Eisegesis

Entertainment Without a License

Cross Dressing: Ignoring God's Ordinance Regarding the Roles of Men and Women


In addition to his labors for the furtherance of the Kingdom of Christ with Alpha & Omega Ministries, Dr. James R. White is a professor, having taught Greek, Systematic Theology, and various topics in the field of apologetics. He has authored or contributed to more than twenty books, including "The King James Only Controversy", "The Forgotten Trinity", "The Potter's Freedom: A Defense of the Reformation & A Rebuttal of Norman Geisler's 'Chosen But Free'", "Dangerous Airwaves: Harold Camping Refuted & Christ's Church Defended" and "The God Who Justifies" (see a complete list of Dr. White's books here ).

He is an accomplished debater, having engaged in more than fifty moderated, public debates with leading proponents of Roman Catholicism, Liberal Protestantism, Homosexual Activism, Oneness Pentecostalism, Islam, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Mormonism, in addition to having collegial, "in-house" debates with friends & brothers in Christ over issues ranging from the biblical subjects of baptism to the doctrines of Calvinism. He is an elder of the Phoenix Reformed Baptist Church, has been married to Kelli for more than twenty-two years, and has two children, Joshua and Summer. Listen to Dr. White's live, call-in Internet program "The Dividing Line" at http://www.aomin.org/.

Monday, August 25, 2008

DR. STEVEN J. LAWSON: "FOUNDATIONS OF GRACE: A Long Line of Godly Men"

MP3 Available Here

DR. STEVEN J. LAWSON, the senior pastor of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama, will address the theme of his latest book: "FOUNDATIONS OF GRACE: A Long Line of Godly Men."

In this first volume, Dr. Steven J. Lawson begins a projected five-volume series that traces the unbroken line of men who have taught the truths of God's sovereign grace throughout history.

Volume one is devoted to the biblical writers as well as to the Lord Jesus Christ. As Dr. Lawson shows, seven key doctrines emerge repeatedly throughout the Bible — divine election and divine reprobation, as well as the doctrines of grace. Beginning with Genesis and continuing through Revelation, Dr. Lawson demonstrates God's sovereignty in the administration of His saving grace.

Prominent Christian leaders give "FOUNDATIONS OF GRACE" glowing endorsements:

"Dr. Steve Lawson is one of the most committed and capable biblical expositors of this generation. The intensity and clarity of his commitment to biblical preaching—to true expository preaching—is the hallmark of his ministry. Beyond this, Steve Lawson understands that the text of the Bible presents a consistent witness to God's sovereignty and the panoramic display of God's glory. All this is evident in his preaching ministry and in his writing ministry as well. Dr. Lawson is a remarkable man driven by a remarkable passion."— R. Albert Mohler, Jr., President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Faithful pastor Steve Lawson, in Foundations of Grace, traverses the rich and varied terrain of the Bible to introduce you to the one true God and his sovereign saving love from the whole of Scripture, in ways that you may never have fully appreciated before. The doctrines of grace and the sovereignty of God are joy-giving, life-changing, Christ-exalting, God-glorifying, missions-motivating, evangelism-encouraging, and discipleship-promoting truths. If you think that the teaching of God’s sovereignty in sinners’ salvation is a man-made idea, you’ll think again after you’ve walked through the Bible with Dr. Lawson. But beware, this truth, when understood and embraced, is soul-transforming, heart-animating, and life-altering. Dr. Lawson himself is a man changed by this truth. He has boldly and bravely and gladly proclaimed it, at great personal cost, but much to the glory of God, the good of the church, and the joy of sinners who have been found by the amazing grace of God. Prepare to delight in the lovingkindness of the Lord, which lasts forever!"— J. Ligon Duncan III, PhD, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, Mississippi, Adjunct Professor, Reformed Theological Seminary, President, Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals

“We live in an age in which the church has once again fallen under Martin Luther’s sharp critique of his contemporary, Erasmus: “Your God is too man-like. . . . Let God be God!” Gripped in mind and heart by the twin truths of God’s total sovereignty and His amazing grace, Steve Lawson compellingly traces these themes from the beginning to the end of Scripture. There is no better way than this to learn theology, and no other way to learn to hold the truth of Scripture with the balance of Scripture and in the spirit of Scripture. Foundations of Grace shows, in a multitude of ways, that the Scriptures are useful “for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.” May it help the contemporary church to rediscover that glorious divine quadrivium!” — Dr. Sinclair B. Ferguson, Senior pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, S.C.

“The doctrines of grace are often misunderstood and mischaracterized. This helpful new book explains them thoughtfully and well. May God use it for His glory and others’ good.”— Dr. D. James Kennedy, Senior minister, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.


“Steven Lawson clearly and comprehensively lays the scriptural groundwork for the doctrines of grace.”— Dr. John MacArthur, Pastor-teacher, Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, Calif. (from his foreword)

“As Dr. Steve Lawson’s reconnaissance of this matter so clearly shows, God’s sovereignty is manifest throughout sacred Scripture. . . . When you finish reading this book, I would wonder and worry if you continue to persist in denying the full measure of God’s sovereignty in our salvation. Dr. Lawson has shown so clearly and conclusively that salvation is of the Lord and of His sovereign grace that he dusted off the spot where the opponents of this doctrine once stood. I, for one, am grateful for this labor of love, and for the elucidation and hope that those who read it will take to heart.”— Dr. R.C. Sproul, Minister of preaching and teaching, Saint Andrew’s Chapel, Sanford, Fla. (from his afterword)

In addition to his pastoral duties at Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama, Dr. Lawson serves on the board of directors of The Master's College and on the ministerial board for Reformed Theological Seminary and teaches with Dr. John MacArthur at the Expositor's Institute. Dr. Lawson has written numerous books, including "The Expository Genius of John Calvin" and "Famine in the Land: A Passionate Call for Expository Preaching."

You can listen to free downloadable MP3s of two previous interviews with Dr. Lawson on John Calvin here and here.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

ISI MAILBOX



Here are some highlights from a letter written to Chris Arnzen, host of Iron Sharpens Iron:




Dear Sir,
I have been totally blessed by listening to your interviews with William Norman Grigg. Do you plan to invite him to speak on your radio show again? I think a great and important topic for discussion would be the subject matter that is contained in his book, Liberty in Eclipse: The Rise of the Homeland Security State, and how that subject matter does and will affect the Christian church in America and also why Christians should be concerned about the rise of the Homeland Security State (also what we could and should peacefully do about it). Thank you for your valuable attention. Sincerely, Michael (Brooklyn, NY)


Hello Michael! Thank you so very much for your encouraging email. You have a truly excellent program idea. Will Grigg is one of my very favorite guests. I'll ask him to mail me a review copy of "Liberty in Eclipse" ASAP. Please keep listening, and keep spreading the word about "Iron Sharpens Iron"! Grace & peace!

In His grip,

Chris Arnzen
Iron Sharpens Iron

Friday, August 22, 2008

WILLIAM SHISHKO: "SUICIDE: A Christian Response" (ENCORE PRESENTATION)

MP3 Available Here

WILLIAM SHISHKO, pastor of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church of Franklin Square, Long Island, NY will address the theme: "SUICIDE: A Christian Response".

Most if not all of us has either had a friend or loved one who has committed suicide, or we know someone who has had someone close to them take their own life. Christians must obviously respond to this issue with great sensitivity and prayerful thought. On the one hand, you have Roman Catholics who believe all those who commit suicide (if they do not live long enough to receive the "sacrament of penance" or the "last rights") will certainly be in hell. Even many Arminian Protestants believe those who commit suicide will certainly be in hell since it is a sin you cannot repent of. On the other hand, many modern Evangelicals preach a gospel that does not necessitate repentance in the heart of the believer, making a choice such as suicide more appealing to the severely depressed individual who has accepted this false notion.

Pastor Shishko will attempt to approach this vital subject with the biblical balance that enables believers to comfort those who grieve after the suicide of a Christian loved one, while at the same time not offering the severely depressed a false peace in finding suicide as a valid option for escape.

During Pastor Shishko's time ministering to the Franklin Square congregation the church has been blessed with significant numerical growth, and has overseen the formation of two mission churches, one in Mount Vernon, NY and the other in Bohemia, NY.

Pastor Shishko has been privileged to serve on various presbytery committees, and also on the OPC denominational Committees on Coordination, Ecumenicity, Home Missions, and Christian Education. Along with his regular pastoral duties he currently serves as one of the instructors for the Ministerial Training Institute, OPC. He is also an Adjunct Faculty member of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Taylors, SC, where he teaches in the department of Applied Theology. He has written numerous articles for the OPC publications NEW HORIZONS and ORDAINED SERVANT, as well as magazines such as The Banner of Truth . His public ministries have taken him to various foreign mission fields, including Suriname, Cyprus, Egypt, Uganda, China, Eritrea, and Wales, and his conference ministries have been carried out in a number of states in our own nation. In addition to these, he continues to make use of his radio training by producing and hosting a variety of programs that are periodically aired in the metropolitan New York area.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

WILLIAM HUGHES: "THE JOHNNY FARESE STORY: THE TRIAL & TRIUMPH OF TRUE FAITH" (ENCORE PRESENTATION)

MP3 Available Here

WILLIAM HUGHES, pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Coconut Creek, FL, will address: "THE JOHNNY FARESE STORY: THE TRIAL & TRIUMPH OF TRUE FAITH."

JOHNNY FARESE has been disabled since birth, is paralysed in both arms and legs, and has been unable to sit up for over 10 years. Johnny lives in Florida with his brother Paul and sister-in-law Janis and their four children. He enjoys a very productive life, is keenly interested in a variety of sports, and has a special involvement in information technology, including the maintenance of his own web site, http://www.farese.com/, which includes what is most likely the most extensive directory of Baptist churches that are theologically Reformed in the entire world.

During today's broadcast, WILLIAM HUGHES, Johnny Farese's pastor, will describe Johnny's deeply moving, inspiring and humbling testimony of growing up since infancy with a life-threatening and debilitating illness, and how Johnny abandoned the superstition and vain hope of Roman Catholicism after discovering the glorious, awesome Grace of Jesus Christ. Pastor Bill will also describe how Johnny jettisoned his former belief that he was the victim of "bad luck" and joyfully embraced the fact that his disability was the design and foreordained plan of an omniscient, Sovereign God.

Johnny Farese cannot conduct live interviews of this length on his own due to the fact that he is unable to swallow and requires a suctioning machine to clear his throat frequently. During this broadcast you will hear a portion of Johnny's testimony in his own voice that has been prerecorded. You can email Johnny at Johnny@Farese.com.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

DAVID WOOD: "MUSLIMS & MORALITY"

MP3 Available Here

DAVID WOOD, an Evangelical Christian apologist specializing in refuting the claims of ISLAM & defending the Christian Scriptures in theological debate with Muslim apologists, will address the theme: "MUSLIMS & MORALITY."

Muslims often have an outward appearance of being even more God-fearing, reverent, dedicated, disciplined and morally pure than the most devout Evangelicals. They have a strict code of ethics regarding abstinence from alcohol and a prohibition of sexual imagery in art, music and entertainment. They go to great lengths to dress modestly, and this is especially true of Muslim women. They are a people devoted to prayer and fasting, and are encouraged by their clerics to lead healthy, active lives with the qualities of kindness, chastity, honesty, mercy, courage, patience and politeness. Muslims profess to have the perfect and complete code for the guidance of individuals and communities alike.

Having said that, however, our guest today, David Wood, will reveal shocking and disturbing information, documented by sources considered to be sacred, irrefutable and impeccable by most Fundamentalist Muslims, regarding the Islamic advocacy of such atrocities as consummated marriages with prepubescent girls (Mohamed married a six-year-old girl and consummated the marriage when she was nine, and his example is still followed today), the Iatola Komani of Iran's grotesque declaration of sexual gratification that can be derived from infants, the validation of raping women (even in the presence of their husbands) who are slaves and captives during times of war, the unquestioned permission of Muslim husbands to punish their wives through physical brutality, the execution of Muslim women who are innocent victims of rape if they are incapable of producing proof of their innocence deemed to be adequate by authorities, and other horrific facts rarely exposed in the media.

David will also demonstrate the clear, stark contrast between the carnal and lustful motives of devout Muslim men to enter an afterlife with 70+ virgins awaiting to gratify them sexually for eternity, and the 180-degree opposite motive of faithful Christians to worship Christ in a sexless Heaven for eternity.

David Wood is a Teaching Fellow in Philosophy at Fordham University. A former atheist, he converted to Christianity after investigating the historical evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus. He is a member of the Society of Christian Philosophers and has written a number of articles on Islam. He runs the blog Answering Muslims.com.

David and Muslim apologist Bassam Zawadi are currently working on a book together contrasting Islam with Christianity. You can listen to a two-day, on-air, theological exchange between David and Bassam by clicking here and here.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

NANCY ALOMODOVAR: "DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: A CHRISTIAN RESPONSE"

MP3 Available Here

NANCY ALOMODOVAR, cofounder along with her husband Pastor Bobby Almodovar of Tulip Reformed Church and Silent Cry Ministries in Ridgewood, Queens, NY, will address: "DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: A CHRISTIAN RESPONSE."

Prior to her marriage to Pastor Bobby Almodovar, Nancy, as a very impressionable, naive and rebellious teenager who was not yet born again, became romantically attached with a young man, with whom she conceived a child, and with whom she eloped at the age of 18, even though he already had demonstrated violent behavior toward her and threatened her life on numerous occasions prior to their secret marriage. Nancy eloped with this abusive young man due to the fact that her strict Christian parents strongly disapproved of their dating relationship and insisted that it be broken off, and the young man suggested to Nancy that their marriage would prevent her parents from further interference with their "love life". Although she feared for her own safety with this young man, she nonetheless believed herself to be "madly in love" with him, and envisioned herself as becoming an agent of the rehabilitation of his frightening and dangerous actions.

Sadly, and predictably, Nancy was no savior or cure for this evil husband, whose brutality rapidly increased to the point of his inviting friends to join in on her torture one day. The beatings she received from her husband would tragically lead to the miscarriage of their unborn baby after falling down a flight of stairs. Nancy eventually escaped the clutches of her tormentor and reunited with her family, by God's grace, and with their enthusiastic support and insistence began divorce proceedings approximately six weeks after her nightmare of a marriage began (which could accurately be described as more of a hostage situation than a legitimate marriage). It is no surprise that today Nancy's ex-husband is serving a life sentence in prison for the kidnapping and unspeakable torture of another young woman he later met after his marriage to Nancy was dissolved.

Nancy later embraced the faith of her parents and was converted to Christ Jesus. Years afterward she met and married her current husband, Pastor Bobby Almodovar, who according to Nancy's testimony truly seeks to live up to the command of the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5:25-27: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless."

Nancy founded Silent Cry Ministries as an outreach to victims of spousal abuse. She only suggests divorce as a final resort and only in limited cases, but strongly urges in all cases of genuine physical violence to immediately call law enforcement to have the abusive spouse or live-in companion removed from the premises, change the locks on the doors, and call your pastor (if you have one) or his wife. You can also contact Nancy Almodovar for counsel and advice at Nancy@SilentCryMinistries.org.

Monday, August 18, 2008

JIM ELLIFF: "RESTORING THOSE WHO FALL"

MP3 Available Here

JIM ELLIFF, founder and president of Christian Communicators Worldwide, will address the theme: "RESTORING THOSE WHO FALL."

In the words of our guest:"Let me tell you why church discipline is important to me....

A number of years ago my minister father left my mother after an adulterous affair with his secretary. I’m telling this story with his permission...

...This turn of events jarred us. We’ve not seen divorce often in our extended family. All of us are believers, and most of us are in the ministry, for four generations. While my father was working as a denominational executive, he began to counsel his secretary about her marriage. She found in him what she could not find in her husband. Soon, compromises entered in and adultery followed. My father did what he had often told us never to do—counsel someone of the opposite sex in a closed room. What seemed impossible to him and to us actually happened. And it happened within months of his retirement...

...The four children gathered, from long distances, at my parent’s home to beg for dad’s repentance. He appeared to repent at that time, but soon backed away from it. Like Lot’s wife, his heart was gone, even though, by his own admission, there was nothing on my mother’s part to cause his sin. He did not turn around. Rather, he divorced my mother, married his secretary, and moved to another city. His retirement years, which at one time were going to be filled with ministerial activity and travel, were now an impossible dream...

...Then came my mother’s death, just two years later. She died of Alzheimer’s disease, the effects of which were not noticeable until after the divorce. She had remained godly, fervent in her prayers for her former husband, and amazingly forgiving. But, to put it mildly, she was devastated, never before imagining that this could possibly happen to her...

...Before she died, father truly repented. With tears of anguish over his actions, he asked the family’s forgiveness. He even came to the bedside of my mother to speak with her prior to her death. But the damage was done. He had lost his job, his reputation, his confidence, his family’s respect, his future ministry, his joy, and even the assurance of his own salvation. He had been a fool...

...We are now twenty-two years beyond that awful period of time. Thankfully, Dad has been restored to Christian vitality, though with scars. His repentance was real and lasting. He has attempted to help others avoid the sinful actions of his past. Recently, as an old man, he stood before the Baptist pastors of one of our states and said that “he was a testimony of failure in the ministry.” But he also spoke of God’s remarkable grace. He spoke on this subject as well at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas, where he had been a student...

... I asked my father this question: 'Dad, we tried to get your church to discipline you when you committed adultery. They would not do it. Do you think it would have stopped you from leaving mother if they had?'...

...Dad, who always takes the blame for his sin himself and would not let anyone else share in it, nonetheless, very humbly admitted, 'I think it would have.'..." Read Jim Elliff's entire article here.

Since the beginning of Christian Communicators Worldwide (CCW) in 1985, Jim Elliff has addressed organizations, groups in educational settings, churches, and pastor's fraternals of various denominations in almost every state of the United States and in numerous foreign countries.

Jim has been privileged to address groups in all kinds of settings—everything from a witch doctor's hut to a Communist meeting hall!Jim has a passion to communicate. He is the author of four books that have been published in the US and overseas, Led by the Spirit, Pursuing God—A Seeker's Guide, Going Under: Discussions on Baptism and Wasted Faith. He has written or edited many booklets which have been published by CCW. Jim’s articles also appear in a variety of periodicals and his messages are frequently heard on radio. He was featured in a seven-part interview called How Children Come to Faith in Christ with FamilyLife Today hosted by Dennis Rainey, and in a five-part series on Revive Our Hearts with Nancy DeMoss. Jim has contributed chapters in several other books, as well as writing extensively for the web. Many of his articles may be found at http://www.CCWToday.org/.

In addition to his writing and travel, Jim began Christ Fellowship of Kansas City, MO. This unique church is made up of home congregations in the Kansas City metro area."Restoring Those Who Fall", a church discipline statement, may be ordered from CCW for inexpensive bulk rates. An electronic copy of "Restoring Those Who Fall" may be found online at http://www.ccwtoday.org/ or http://www.christfellowshipkc.org/.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Recent ISI Endorsements

Chris Arnzen on Iron Sharpens Iron is salt in a decomposing culture, and light in a darkening generation. He takes on challenging and relevant topics that force the listener to search the Scriptures, avoid conforming to the world, and be transformed by the renewing of the mind. He delivers on his claim to sharpen our swords! -- Mark Chanski, Pastor, Reformed Baptist Church of Holland, Michigan, Author of Manly Dominion, In a Passive-Purple-Four-Ball World; and Womanly Dominion, More than a Gentle and Quiet Spirit (Calvary Press)


IRON SHARPENS IRON with Chris Arnzen is a tremendous benefit and blessing to Christians and the whole community. I can't commend and recommend it enough." --Pastor Wayne Rogers, Managing Editor of The Counsel of Chalcedon,
Stockbridge, GA


Despite being a Muslim who strongly opposes the theological beliefs that IRON SHARPENS IRON adheres to and sometimes anti-Islamic stance that it takes, I would have to admit that I had a good experience appearing as a guest on the show. I felt very comfortable with the way Chris and his guests have questioned my beliefs. I appreciate the respect that I received and the courteous and considerate way questions have been put forth to me. Many Muslim speakers and apologists might possibly feel intimidated appearing on a Christian radio show, however I can say with confidence to any of these Muslims out there that they shouldn't be worried about doing so with IRON SHARPENS IRON." ---Bassam Zawadi, owner of www.call-to-monotheism.com


“Chris Arnzen is an outstanding talk show host, who does a splendid job contending for the faith through his radio ministry. His interviewing style is clear, honest, warm and Christ-exalting. I trust that only in eternity will he know the extent of the impact and contribution he has made to the cause of Christ.”--- Johnny Farese, Maintainer of the Reformed Baptist Church Directory (http://www.farese.com/)


"I believe that Chris Arnzen’ radio program IRON SHARPENS IRON is providing Christians with a very helpful and useful means of keeping people aware of developments on the wider church scene. I commend him for what he is doing and fervently hope that it will continue to be owned of God and that it will prepare people to be like the children of Issachar who were 'men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do' (1Chronicles 12:32)."
---Pastor William Hughes, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Coconut Creek, FL (former pastor of South Glasgow Baptist Church, Glasgow, Scotland)


Thank you for your program IRON SHARPENS IRON. In an evangelical environment that tends to scorn a faith that thinks it is refreshing to listen to guests who know not only what they believe but why they believe it, and can engage the culture in a manner that forces unbelievers to recognize the validity of the Christian Faith. Your program also calls evangelicals to examine their own faith and what they are being fed via other psuedo-christian programs... Since both my interview and my husband, Pastor Bobby's time on the Pastors Roundtable, God has done much for Tulip Reformed Church... Our small "house church" tripled in size the first sunday and almost doubled the following week. All this came about through your program and ministry. And, it is indeed a much needed ministry not only here in New York and Long Island but globally. May the Lord continue to bless you abundantly as you serve Him on the airwaves and via the internet."---Nancy Almodovar, Silent Cry Ministries, Tulip Reformed Church, Ridgewood, NY, author of "A Modern Ninety-Five: Questions Today's Evangelicals Need to Answer"


"I have been on WNYG which has for its call sign 'Babylon' several times. Each time I have been gratified to speak the truth into the falsehoods of our generation--to lift up my voice for Zion in Babylon. Chris is a skilled interviewer and invariably has given me the openings I need to say the things that really need to be said. May God continue to bless his labors to buy the truth and sell it not!" ---Dr. Sam Waldron, author, pastor of Heritage Baptist Church in Owensboro, Kentucky, professor of Systematic Theology at Midwest Center for Theological Studies


IRON SHARPENS IRON is like water in a dry & thirsty land; it is a
safehaven, a 'tower' to which a weary radio audience can run for substance &
Truth."---Judy Rogers, Christian recording artist (http://www.judyrogers.com/)


"IRON SHARPENS IRON is one of few radio programs that address major biblical issues of the day without compromising truth. Chris Arnzen has just the right touch in hosting it, making the questions and commentary relevant to the listener while simultaneously bringing out the gifts of the scholar being interviewed. I highly recommend it."---Dr. Joel R. Beeke, President of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan



Iron Sharpens Iron" now has an online store! If you enjoy this broadcast, please consider helping us keep the show going by getting some fabulous ISI merchandise. Click on the logo below, or visit the store via this link!

Saturday, August 16, 2008

ISI Mailbox



Here are some highlights from a letter written to Chris Arnzen, host of Iron Sharpens Iron:



Chris:

I am emailing you from Australia, and would like to thank you for your faithfulness and your commitment to the Word of God as you deliver your radio program Iron Sharpens Iron. I have been a regular listener for 6+ months, first hearing of your program through James R. White blogging that first he was to be your guest. He has appeared several times since then, and he, along with your other guests, has been of tremendous edification and encouragement to me and my wife.

I have emailed the people from 1800 Now Hurt (Dan B.) thanking them for supporting your program and they responded in kind. I was rejoiced today to hear that Tulip Reformed Church has become another sponsor as well.

I do have a question which you may be able to help me in regards to. Is there a reason that your program's MP3s are released often without a description of the show / guests for several days? There are many US programs that I download via podcast, and having only the date of your program with no description makes it difficult when deciding what to listen to as priority with only a short amount of free time available. At the same time, I do appreciate that you make the MP3s available at all, and free of charge.

I must go - but thank you again. You can find me blogging at a new blog I founded with one of the Elders at my church, Cal.vini.st . I have not spoken with my Co-Blogger, but maybe one day in the future (Lord willing), we could call in international and give you a report on the unfortunate Church situation in Australia, but on a positive note, the life of Reformed men living down-under whom are desperate to be faithful in "preach[ing] the Word" (2 Tim 4:2). God is Sovereign and is still reigning in Australia for His glory.
I understand you're very busy, but would love to hear from you Chris,

Soli Deo Gloria,

Nathan


Hello Brother Nathan! I am so very thrilled that you and your wife are being richly blessed by "Iron Sharpens Iron" there in Australia! Please keep spreading the word about the program in the "land down-under."

Thank you as well for letting Dan Buttafuoco's law firm know that you appreciate them sponsoring the broadcast. Without Dan's support, the program could not possibly exist. I'm also delighted you share my joy over the recent sponsorship of "Iron Sharpens Iron" by Tulip Reformed Church in Ridgewood, Queens, NY. Pastor Bobby and his wife Nancy Almodovar are very dear saints, and I thank God for them.

I apologize that some of the MP3s posted on my web site, www.sharpens.org, are not labelled regarding the topic and program description. I hope to make a much greater effort to get all of the appropriate details to my web master on a more timely basis so they can be posted promptly. Your email is a very timely reminder.

I would love to interview you and any leaders of your congregation, as you suggested, for an update on the spiritual and theological climate of Australia. Let's try to bring that plan to fruition very soon.

Please continue to pray for "Iron Sharpens Iron", as it cannot survive without adequate sponsorship. Grace and peace, my brother! I thank our Sovereign Lord for your encouragement.

In His grip,

Chris Arnzen

Friday, August 15, 2008

KAREN PRESSLEY: "ESCAPING SCIENTOLOGY: AN INSIDER’S TRUE STORY" (Encore Presentation)

MP3 Available Here


KAREN PRESSLEY, a convert from the Church of Scientology to Biblical Christianity and Founder of Wings of Love Ministries will give her personal testimony: "ESCAPING SCIENTOLOGY: AN INSIDER’S TRUE STORY."

Prior to her 16-year involvement with the Church of Scientology, Karen worked as a Hollywood fashion designer, as well as a music publisher with her (then) husband Peter Schless. Their work included hit songs like “On the Wings of Love.” Their careers took a turn (early 1980’s) when they fell prey to the deception of Scientology.

After 16 years in Scientology, God’s grace removed the veil of deception from Karen’s eyes. After two prior unsuccessful attempts to escape (1990 and 1993), her third attempt in 1998 led to final disentanglement from the group, but resulted in ex-communication from her friends and divorce from her husband of 20 years. Grace also enabled her escape and miraculous freedom from the cult’s entrapment—including her eventual discovery of the power of prayer and faith in Christ.

Since Karen began her “new life” in 1998, she has traveled from coast to coast sharing the amazing story of her experiences within the Church of Scientology (1982-1998), her three escapes (final in 1998), and the challenges of rebuilding a new life after losing everything she had. Hers is a story of courage, hope, and building character through trials and perseverance.

Reunited with her family in Atlanta, she has a new life: new career, resumed her college education, new marriage, and counts her losses as gain through her new found faith in God.
With a passion to communicate and with boldness to share this story, she has been invited to speak around the country. Her story has touched the hearts of thousands at women’s conferences, church and ministry events, youth groups, colleges and universities.

Pieces of Karen’s personal story as an ex-Scientologist who escaped and and found faith in Jesus Christ have aired on NBC Dateline, CNN (Paula Zahn segment), “Secrets d’Actualite” on M6 Network in Paris, and local Atlanta shows, as well as local and national radio shows. She’s been interviewed by the Los Angeles Times, St. Petersburg Times, Atlanta’s Sunday Paper, and many Christian publications including Baptist Press News, The Christian Index, Missions Mosaic, On Mission Magazine, LifeWay’s Open Windows and more.

Karen plans to release her personal story about her Scientology experiencs in the book, ESCAPING SCIENTOLOGY: AN INSIDER’S TRUE STORY. Until the book is out, abridged versions of her story are available on CD on the products page of her web site. They willl also be available on Amazon.com soon!

Thursday, August 14, 2008

CONRAD MBEWE: "CHRISTIAN IMPERIALISM: Extending the Kingdom of Christ through the Foolishness of the Cross" (Encore Presentation)

MP3 Available Here

CONRAD MBEWE, internationally popular Reformed conference speaker and pastor of Kabwata Baptist Church in Lusaka, Zambia, Africa, will address the theme: "CHRISTIAN IMPERIALISM: Extending the Kingdom of Christ through the Foolishness of the Cross."

Many Christians consider Pastor Mbewe to be one of the most powerful preachers alive today, and he has been nicknamed by some "The Spurgeon of Africa."

As the web site of Heritage Baptist Church of Owensboro, Kentucky, very aptly put it, in describing their current Missions Conference featuring Conrad Mbewe on the same theme:

"Only one nation has the right to enlarge its borders through imperialism. That nation is not a democracy, a republic or even an oligarchy. It's a monarchy, sovereignly ruled by His Majesty, King Jesus...

"...Many of the citizens of this “holy nation” (1 Pet. 2:9) are avid patriots who love their king's glory and long to see His domain extended. These followers of Jesus, whether goers or senders, are compassionate, courageous, zealous laborers who sacrifice to see “the kingdom of this world become the kingdom of their Lord” (Rev. 11:15). But they don't kill to advance His kingdom. They die. They don't cause suffering. They bring suffering upon themselves for spreading their faith. Furthermore, “The weapons of [their] warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds” (2 Cor. 10:4). As joyful subjects of their Sovereign, they refuse to rest until “the whole earth is full of the knowledge of the Lord” (Isa. 11: 9). They have embraced this cause as their mission. Occasionally, they meet together at conferences to strategize, encourage each other and pray for greater effectiveness."

Conrad was born, raised and educated in Zambia. He became a Christian in 1979. During his university days, while studying mining, he realized God was calling him into the Christian ministry and began to spend all his spare time and money acquiring the necessary tools for the pastorate. In 1987 he received a call to pastor the Kabwata Baptist Church where he has labored for the last twenty years, seeing the church grow from thirty–five members to well over three hundred. KBC is presently overseeing the establishment of ten new Reformed churches in Zambia and Botswana. Conrad is the editor of the Reformation Zambia magazine and writes three columns in two weekly national newspapers. He has contributed chapters to a number of books published in the United States, the latest being Dear Timothy—Letters on Pastoral Ministry, published by Founders Press. He is also the principal of the Reformed Baptist Preachers College in Zambia, which was established for the purpose of training ministers for the growing number of Reformed churches. Conrad and his wife Felistas have been married for twenty years and have three adult children.

Our co-host for this interview will be PASTOR MARC GRIMALDI of Grace Reformed Baptist Church of Long Island in Merrick, NY. Pastor Conrad Mbewe is scheduled to preach at Grace RBC on Wednesday night, July 23rd, at 7:30. For more details call (516)379-2408.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

RAVI ZACHARIAS: "NEW BIRTH Or REBIRTH? JESUS TALKS WITH KRISHNA" (ENCORE PRESENTATION)

MP3 Available Here

RAVI ZACHARIAS, internationally renowned Evangelical Christian apologist, author, radio evangelist and founder and chairman of the board of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries will address the theme of his book NEW BIRTH Or REBIRTH? JESUS TALKS WITH KRISHNA .

Co-hosting today's broadcast will be DANIEL P. BUTTAFUOCO, ESQ., of the Law Firm of Buttafuoco & Associates , and founder and director of The Historical Bible Society , the premier sponsors of the "Iron Sharpens Iron" program.

Currently residing in Atlanta, GA, Ravi Zacharias was born in 1946 in India, where he was raised and where he lived until the age of 20 before immigrating to Canada with his family. In Dr. Zacharias's book, which is the latest volume in his "Great Conversation Series," you will take a journey into India's holy city of Mathura. This is the birthplace of Krishna, the name revered and worshiped by millions of Hindus. The teachings of Krishna in the Gita are often referred to as being closest to those of Jesus. But as you walk through the streets and visit the temples, in this imaginary conversation between Jesus and Krishna you will soon see where the message comes close but where the differences lie. Questions of human dignity, Karma, and reincarnation are faced head-on. What is the teaching of this most popular of Hindu books? How does the Gospel differ? New Birth or Rebirth gets to the heart through the mind of these two, both of whom claimed to give the ultimate answers. Jesus and Krishna will engage your intellect and emotions in life's soul- searching struggles. Test for yourself and see where the real answers lie.

For 35 years Ravi Zacharias has spoken all over the world and in numerous universities, notably Harvard, Princeton, and Oxford University. He has addressed writers of the peace accord in South Africa, the president's cabinet and parliament in Peru, and military officers at the Lenin Military Academy and the Center for Geopolitical Strategy in Moscow. At the invitation of the President of Nigeria, he addressed delegates at the First Annual Prayer Breakfast for African Leaders held in Mozambique.

Dr. Zacharias has direct contact with key leaders, senators, congressmen, and governors who consult him on an ongoing basis. He has addressed the Florida Legislature and the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast in Texas, and has twice spoken at the Annual Prayer Breakfast at the United Nations in New York, which marks the beginning of the UN General Assembly each year. As the 2008 Honorary Chairman of the National Day of Prayer, he gave addresses at the White House, the Pentagon, and The Cannon House.

Dr. Zacharias has been a visiting scholar at Cambridge University , where he studied moralist philosophers and literature of the Romantic era. While at Cambridge he also authored his first book, A Shattered Visage: The Real Face of Atheism, updated and republished in 2004 by Baker as The Real Face of Atheism. His second book, Can Man Live without God (Word, 1994), was awarded the Gold Medallion for best book in the category of doctrine and theology, and Jesus Among Other Gods (Word, 2000) was nominated for a Gold Medallion. In all, Mr. Zacharias has authored or edited twenty books, including Walking from East to West: (Zondervan, 2006), The Grand Weaver (Zondervan, 2007), and Beyond Opinion (Thomas Nelson, 2008), which includes contributions from Ravi Zacharias International Ministries’ global team. His latest books are The End of Reason: A Response to the New Atheists (Zondervan, 2008) and the book being discussed during this interview, New Birth or Rebirth: Jesus Talks to Krishna (Multnomah, 2008). Several of his books have been translated into Russian, Chinese, Korean, Thai, and other languages. To see a complete list of books available from Dr. Zacharias' ministry click here.

Well-versed in the disciplines of comparative religions, cults, and philosophy, he held the chair of Evangelism and Contemporary Thought at Alliance Theological Seminary for three and a half years. Mr. Zacharias has been honored by the conferring of a Doctor of Divinity degree both from Houghton College, NY, and from Tyndale College and Seminary, Toronto, and a Doctor of Laws degree from Asbury College in Kentucky. He is presently Visiting Lecturer at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University in Oxford, England.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

PASTOR BOBBY & NANCY ALMODOVAR: "AN INTRODUCTION TO TULIP REFORMED CHURCH: New Sponsors of Iron Sharpens Iron"

MP3 Available Here

PASTOR BOBBY & NANCY ALOMODOVAR, founders of Tulip Reformed Church and Silent Cry Ministries in Ridgewood, Queens, NY, will provide "AN INTRODUCTION TO TULIP REFORMED CHURCH: New Sponsors of Iron Sharpens Iron."

Pastor Bobby will also give a summary of his testimony of having been raised Roman Catholic, later becoming Pentecostal, and eventually embracing the Reformed Faith. Pastor Bobby's wife Nancy will explain that before she came to adopt Reformed Theology, she was raised in a home that can trace its family's connection with Arminian Pentecostal theology all the way back to Edward Irving and his Catholic Apostolic Church, a 19th century precursor of the Pentecostal Holiness movement of the early 20th century. Along their path before becoming Reformed Christians both Pastor Bobby and Nancy also became involved in the Word of Faith movement, the Deliverance movement and other heresies within Pentecostalism before having their eyes opened by the Sovereign Grace of God in order to see the dangerous fallacy of these aberrant teachings.

Nancy is the author of three books, including her very recently published work (her first written as a Reformed Christian) titled "A Modern Ninety-Five: Questions Today's Evangelicals Need to Answer,"the theme of which Nancy discussed along with a more detailed version of her personal testimony during a previously aired interview on "Iron Sharpens Iron", which you can hear by clicking here.

Here's a commendation for "Iron Sharpens Iron" written by Nancy Almodovar:

"Thank you for your program IRON SHARPENS IRON. In an evangelical environment that tends to scorn a faith that thinks it is refreshing to listen to guests who know not only what they believe but why they believe it, and can engage the culture in a manner that forces unbelievers to recognize the validity of the Christian Faith. Your program also calls evangelicals to examine their own faith and what they are being fed via other psuedo-christian programs... Since both my interview and my husband, Pastor Bobby's time on the Pastors Roundtable, God has done much for Tulip Reformed Church...

...Our small 'house church' tripled in size the first sunday and almost doubled the following week. All this came about through your program and ministry. And, it is indeed a much needed ministry not only here in New York and Long Island but globally. May the Lord continue to bless you abundantly as you serve Him on the airwaves and via the internet."

---Nancy Almodovar, Silent Cry Ministries, Tulip Reformed Church, Ridgewood, NY, author of "A Modern Ninety-Five: Questions Today's Evangelicals Need to Answer"

Monday, August 11, 2008

CLARENCE SEXTON: "THE MAKING OF THE MAN OF GOD"

MP3 Available Here

CLARENCE SEXTON, pastor of Temple Baptist Church & founder & president of Crown College in Powell, Tennessee, will address the theme "THE MAKING OF THE MAN OF GOD."

Clarence Sexton is also the author of over 25 books, including "A Christmas Message From Heaven", "A Virtuous Woman", "Bringing Men to Christ" (Student & Teacher's Manuals), "Determine to Have a Christian Home" and more. You can order Pastor Sexton's resources at the Faith for the Family Bookshop.

Today's interview is being conducted to promote a free conference scheduled for tomorrow, (Tuesday, August 12th), at New Durham Baptist Church in North Bergen, NJ on the same theme we are discussing today. Under the heading of "THE MAKING OF THE MAN OF GOD", subtitles that will be addressed at this conference are:

1.) "THE MAN OF GOD RECEIVES UNCONSCIOUS PREPARATION"

2.) "THE MAN OF GOD MAKES CONSCIOUS PREPARATION"

3.) "THE MAN OF GOD IS CALLED TO BE WITH CHRIST"

The first series of messages will be delivered during the Pastors' Conference, 9am-3pm (with a lunch break), and the evening service at 7 o'clock is open to all. For further details call Pastor Frank Cuozzo at New Durham Baptist Church at (201)865-3440.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

ISI Mailbox



Here are some highlights from a letter written to Chris Arnzen, host of Iron Sharpens Iron:

Great Job on this interview. Great Job on this interview.  Listened at work while sorting the mail.  MAN, what is wrong with me that it took this long to hear your radio program?  My friend said it is a PODCAST, I will set up for it.  I love William Hughes and Johnny is so dear, words fail me. -TMS,  Jenison MI

Hi Thomas,

I'm delighted you were so blessed by William Hughes's interview regarding Johnny Farese's testimony. Please keep listening to "Iron Sharpens Iron", and please keep spreading the word about the program in Michigan. Grace & peace!

In His grip,

Chris Arnzen
Iron Sharpens Iron, host

Friday, August 8, 2008

JIM ELLIFF: "ALTAR CALLS: A Command of Christ or the Invention of Man?"

MP3 Available Here

JIM ELLIFF, founder and president of Christian Communicators Worldwide, will address the theme: "ALTAR CALLS: A Command of Christ or The Invention of Man?"

According to our guest, "When modern evangelical churches seek to bring the unregenerate to Christ (and they should do so with passion), they often fall prey to a formula which produces disappointing results. The pattern runs something like this:

-Extending a public altar call

-Praying "the sinner's prayer"

-Giving immediate verbal assurance that one is in Christ on the basis of the sinner's sincerity and the accuracy of the wording of the prayer

-Immediate, or near immediate, public announcement that this person is now in Christ

-Public baptism as a symbol of death to sin and life in Christ

This pattern has been passed down and repeated because few are taking the necessary time to examine both its flight from Scriptural precedent and precept and its dismal effect. When asked to give more careful consideration to its content and outcome, however, we are finding that many, thankfully, are rejecting this inept structure in favor of a better, more biblical one. The above list will seem familiar to every soul-loving believer, but the very evangelistic passion we have for our neighbors and unconverted family members should drive us to lay our present methods up against the truth for a well-needed examination. Like the short-of-breath fifty-year-old who has never been to the doctor, it is time for a major check-up. What then is wrong with the above list?..." Listen today, and learn what Jim Elliff believes is the answer.

Since The beginning of CCW in 1985, Jim Elliff has addressed organizations, groups in educational settings, churches, and pastor's fraternals of various denominations in almost every state of the United States and in numerous foreign countries. Jim has been privileged to address groups in all kinds of settings—everything from a witch doctor's hut to a Communist meeting hall!

Jim has a passion to communicate. He is the author of four books that have been published in the US and overseas, Led by the Spirit, Pursuing God—A Seeker's Guide, Going Under: Discussions on Baptism and Wasted Faith. He has written or edited many booklets which have been published by CCW. Jim’s articles also appear in a variety of periodicals and his messages are frequently heard on radio. He was featured in a seven-part interview called How Children Come to Faith in Christ with FamilyLife Today hosted by Dennis Rainey, and in a five-part series on Revive Our Hearts with Nancy DeMoss. Jim has contributed chapters in several other books, as well as writing extensively for the web. Many of his articles may be found at http://www.ccwtoday.org/.

In addition to his writing and travel, Jim began Christ Fellowship of Kansas City in 2003. This unique church is made up of home congregations in the Kansas City metro area.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

DAVID WOOD: "AN ASSESSMENT OF THE MUSLIM vs CHRISTIAN DEBATE WITH BASSAM ZWADI"

MP3 Available Here

DAVID WOOD, an Evangelical Christian apologist specializing in refuting the claims of ISLAM & defending the Christian Scriptures in theological debate with Muslim apologists, will address: "AN ASSESSMENT OF THE MUSLIM vs CHRISTIAN DEBATE WITH BASSAM ZWADI."

David Wood is a Teaching Fellow in Philosophy at Fordham University. A former atheist, he converted to Christianity after investigating the historical evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus. He is a member of the Society of Christian Philosophers and has written a number of articles on Islam. He runs the blog http://www.answeringmuslims.com/.

Today David will reflect upon his debate with Muslim apologist Bassam Zwadi in Connecticut last Saturday, August 2nd. Both Bassam and David were guests for two days in a row on "Iron Sharpens Iron" on Monday, July 28th and Tuesday, July 29th , prior to their debate in Connecticut.

Bassam and David are currently working on a book together contrasting Islam with Christianity.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

DOUG PHILLIPS: "BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE BALLOT BOX"

MP3 Available Here

DOUG PHILLIPS, President of Vision Forum Ministries , will address the theme: "BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE BALLOT BOX."

Co-hosting this broadcast is Pastor Jim Capo of the Massapequa Church of God, Massapequa, Long Island, NY.

Because Vision Forum Ministries does not endorse individual candidates, it is Doug Phillips' goal during today's interview to help our listeners to develop a distinctively biblical worldview from which they can form their own opinions. Doug's concern is not for whom you vote, as much as it is that you are faithful to God’s Word in your approach to voting. Doug firmly believes a vote is an ethical act for which the individual will be held accountable by his God.

In addition to editing and writing numerous books, Doug founded the Witherspoon School of Law and Public Policy, The Christian Boys’ & Men’s Titanic Society, the National Center for Family-Integrated Churches, the All-American Boy’s Adventure Catalog, the Beautiful Girlhood Collection catalog, and the Vision Forum Family Books and Media catalog (see http://www.visionforum.com/). Doug has appeared on numerous radio and television shows and has spoken at more than 100 home school conferences in 42 states. Along with Dr. John Morris, Doug is pleased to be the featured speaker at the Back to Genesis conferences hosted by the Institute for Creation Research, where he holds the title of Professor of Apologetics with their adjunct faculty. Doug is privileged to serve as one of the shepherds at Boerne Christian Assembly , a local church work in the San Antonio, Texas area which boldly proclaims the sufficiency of Scripture, the sovereignty of God, the continuing relevance of the entire Word of God to all of life, the priesthood of the believer, distinctively Christian education, and the importance of family-reinforcing local churches.

It is interesting to note that Doug Phillips' father, Howard Phillips, a Jewish believer in Jesus Christ and adherent of Reformed Theology, served as Acting Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity under President Richard Nixon. Howard has served as the Chairman of The Conservative Caucus , a conservative public policy advocacy group, since 1974, and is one of the founders of the U.S. Taxpayers Party (which changed its name to the Constitution Party in 1999), a third party associated with conservative, pro-life issues, and constitutional government ideas on both social and fiscal issues (see http://www.constitutionparty.com/). Howard was that party's presidential candidate in the 1992, 1996, and 2000 elections for President of the United States. His 1996 run garnered more votes than any Constitutionalist presidential candidate.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

MARTIN FROMM, RICHARD SAXON, BOB SAXON: "JEW & GENTILE: ONE IN THE BLOOD OF CHRIST"

MP3 Available Here

MARTIN FROMM, ministry leader of Beth Yeshua in Plainview, Long Island, NY , a fellowship of Jews and Gentiles who together worship the one true Messiah, Jesus Christ, will be joined by his close friends RICHARD SAXON, former pastor of Beth Yeshua-House of Jesus in West Sayville, Long Island, NY, and his brother BOB SAXON, who along with Richard is a Gentile actively involved in evangelizing the Jewish people with the Gospel of Christ, to address the theme: "JEW & GENTILE: ONE IN THE BLOOD OF CHRIST."

Speaking of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church in Ephesus: "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us" (Ephes. 2:14). Today, Marty, Richie and Bob will explore the deep implications of this passage and related texts in the Scriptures which speak of Jew and Gentile being made one people as a result of Christ's sacrifice on Calvary's cross.

The Jewish Fast Day, TISHA B'AV, which commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, will also be briefly addressed. Tisha B'Av begins this Saturday, August 9th at sundown.

Marty is also the author of FOR UNTO US A SON IS GIVEN: A Closer Look at the Biblical Foundation for the Messiaship of Jesus and A JOURNEY INTO FAITH: The Schlepp from Moses to Jesus (see http://www.bethyeshuany.org/html/publications.html). Marty was raised in a Jewish home in a very anti-Semitic neighborhood in the Bronx, NY, where as a child he was regularly mocked and beaten for being a Jew. Growing up to hate the name of Jesus Christ even in adulthood because of the false perception he had of what "Christianity" was and who "Christians" were, Marty eventually came to fall in love with the One he once hated after joining his wife at a weekly Bible study led by a Jewish believer in Christ, and embraced Him as his Messiah.

Monday, August 4, 2008

WILLIAM HUGHES: "THE JOHNNY FARESE STORY: THE TRIAL & TRIUMPH OF TRUE FAITH"

MP3 Available Here

WILLIAM HUGHES, pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Coconut Creek, FL, will address: "THE JOHNNY FARESE STORY: THE TRIAL & TRIUMPH OF TRUE FAITH."

JOHNNY FARESE has been disabled since birth, is paralysed in both arms and legs, and has been unable to sit up for over 10 years. Johnny lives in Florida with his brother Paul and sister-in-law Janis and their four children. He enjoys a very productive life, is keenly interested in a variety of sports, and has a special involvement in information technology, including the maintenance of his own web site, www.Farese.com, which includes what is most likely the most extensive directory of Baptist churches that are theologically Reformed in the entire world. 

During today's broadcast, WILLIAM HUGHES, Johnny Farese's pastor, will describe Johnny's deeply moving, inspiring and humbling testimony of growing up since infancy with a life-threatening and debilitating illness, and how Johnny abandoned the superstition and vain hope of Roman Catholicism after discovering the glorious, awesome Grace of Jesus Christ. Pastor Bill will also describe how Johnny jettisoned his former belief that he was the victim of "bad luck" and joyfully embraced the fact that his disability was the design and foreordained plan of an omniscient, Sovereign God. 

Johnny Farese cannot conduct live interviews of this length on his own due to the fact that he is unable to swallow and requires a suctioning machine to clear his throat frequently. During this broadcast you will hear a portion of Johnny's testimony in his own voice that has been prerecorded. You can email Johnny at Johnny@Farese.com.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

ISI Mailbox

Here are highlights from a letter written to Chris Arnzen, host of Iron Sharpens Iron, and his response:

I've seen your name on various websites and the reason I am writing is that I read an answer you gave on "Iron Sharpens Iron." The question related to high profile Protestants that have gone "home to Rome" on the EWTN program "coming home" (I've watched it a few times....). In short, your answer stated that the few high profile, highly educated Protestants going "home to Rome" does not compare to the many who are leaving Rome for Christ. My question (I have not been able to find the answer to this one): Just how many people are leaving the RCC as compared to those leaving Biblical Christianity (or the Protestant Church in general) for Rome? I briefly attended RCIA and they made it seem like there is a tidal wave of Christians going "home to Rome."


Chris Responds:

I don't have any cold, hard statistics about the percentages of Roman Catholics converting to Evangelical Christianity vs. Evangelicals converting to Roman Catholicism, but perhaps one of my apologist friends may know the data.

I can say, however, that here in a largely Roman Catholic area like New York, it is not uncommon to visit Evangelical congregations that are made up entirely (or nearly entirely) of former Roman Catholics, which often includes the pastoral staff itself. The vast majority of Evangelicals I have personally met from America's Northeast are former Roman Catholics. I seriously doubt the reverse is true in the Bible Belt (I'm quite certain we all would have heard by now if there were Roman Catholic congregations springing up in areas heavily populated by Evangelicals where the priests and parishioners were predominantly former Evangelicals).

Having said that, if conversions from Evangelical Christianity to Rome ever do dwarf conversions from Rome to Evangelicalism in their numbers, it proves nothing. Mass appeal for any religion, group or thing doe not signify its true worth. "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it" (Matthew 17:13).

In addition to Richard Bennett's and Joe Mizzi's wonderful ministries, I highly recommend the ministry of Dr. James R. White, which is "Alpha & Omega Ministries," the ministry of William Webster, which is "Christian Resources," the ministry of Eric Svendsen, which is "New Testament Research Ministries," the ministry of Rob Zins, which "A Christian Witness to Roman Catholics," the ministry of Mike Gendron, which is "Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries," the ministry of Ken Silva, which is "Apprising Ministries," and the blog of James Swan . I pray their invaluable resources are a blessing to you during your current trial.I hope to hear you call in sometime soon during a live broadcast of "Iron Sharpens Iron"!

Grace & peace, my brother!

In His grip,

Chris Arnzen

Friday, August 1, 2008

THE PASTORS' ROUNDTABLE

MP3 Available Here

THE PASTORS' ROUNDTABLE


Featuring:



PASTOR RICK GIBILISCO, First Baptist Church, Plainville, CT

PASTOR JOE LoSARDO, Bread of Life Fellowship, Haledon, NJ

PASTOR AL STEIN, Neighborhood Assembly of God, Bellmore, Long Island, NY
Iron Sharpens Iron 30 Day Archive

"As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend"- Proverbs 27:17