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On September 26, 2011, Ray Comfort, Founder, President and CEO of Living Waters Publications(LWP) launched the “180” movie; a 33-minute documentary that transforms hearts with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and provides historical information that’s helping save unborn babies' lives.

In only four short months, “180” has been translated into 19 languages, has had more than 2.1 million views on YouTube, more than 36,000 “likes” on its active Facebook page, with more than 7,000 people sharing and interacting with other avid pro-lifers and members of the “180” team.

I was recently blessed to interview Ray Comfort, who’s become a modern day William Wilberforce for the pro-life movement. Just as William Wilberforce worked tirelessly to abolish the enslavement of innocent men, women and children, Ray Comfort works tirelessly to abolish the murdering of millions of innocent pre-born babies.

I absolutely love this movie and urge everyone to watch it and share it.

Why do you think “180” has gone viral in such a short time?

Ray: It’s totally unique. In past years, many Christians have done tremendous things for the pro-life cause. But “180” does more than alert awareness, it actually changes people’s minds about abortion by providing information they’ve never heard before.

Most of this generation has been brainwashed by only hearing one side—a woman’s choice.

Is the primary concentration of “180” the number of “likes” or “shares” you can get on Facebook, comments on the movie, or lives being transformed by Christ for the sake of the unborn and the unsaved?

Ray: Our agenda isn’t primarily about changing people’s minds about abortion. I don't want people watching the movie and still be pro-homosexual marriage, pro-pornography, pro-fornication. I want them to have a heart change through the power of the Gospel so that their worldview is the same as God’s. When the engine is on the right track, the carriages of the worldview will come into line.

What are the top two messages you want people to glean from “180”?

Ray: First, it’s wrong to kill babies in the womb. Second, everlasting life is a gift of God to all who repent and trust in Jesus.

How does LWP’s approach on the subject of abortion differ from secular pro-life organizations?

Ray: Genesis 9:6 says that if we shed the blood of man, your blood should be shed. You can’t murder a horse, dog or cat. The word “murder” is reserved for human beings. We’re not animals as evolutionists would have us believe. We are unique in God’s creation in that we have an inherent knowledge of right and wrong.

Dogs don’t set up court systems; they couldn't care less about justice and truth. Only man does that because he’s made in the image of God. Consequently, when you say you shall not kill, you stir up His God-given conscience within you. The word “conscience” means with knowledge. So every sane human being knows it’s wrong to kill a baby in the womb. And that’s why “180” is unique, because it appeals to that intuitive God-given knowledge each of us have.

What is “180” Wednesdays and Sundays and how did they come about?

Ray: “180” Wednesdays was created to keep the momentum going and designed to be a day where those who care about the unborn focus on getting the message out on Wednesday.

Millions of people have viewed it on YouTube and nearly 700,000 DVD’s have been sold; we see this as just the beginning. There are 6 billion people who need to see this movie.

The first “180” Sunday was held on Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, January 22, 2012 at Calvary Chapel in Downey, California with approximately 4,000 in attendance.

What we’re offering is for either me or someone on the staff to show “180” during a Sunday church service and we’ll give a message afterward. This is extremely effective because there’s no need for registration or advertising. It’s just a matter of the Pastor giving us his pulpit so that with the help of God, we can transform his church from being passive about pro-life and evangelism to being passionate about both issues. We’ll also bring special packets with us which include: “180” DVD’s, God has a Wonderful Plan for Your Life, and a pack of 100 Lincoln Trillion dollar bill tracts.

Do you have a personal message you’d like to share?

Ray: Yes. One reason “180” has gone viral is because pro-life people and Christians are seeing the potential of social media to reach people. We can move mountains with a mouse, so get on your Facebook page, your email, Twitter and other forms of social media and send out our “180” link to friends, family and enemies; you could save a life. Go to HeartChanger.com to find out all the ways you can help.

Personally, I’m not going to rest until the legalization of killing babies in the womb is stopped in our country.


It’s imperative that everyone watch this movie, regardless of relationship status. Abortion not only affects young girls and single women, but as I shared in a recent article, abortion can have devastating effects on married women as well.

If you’re currently pregnant or have had an abortion and need counseling from people who care about you rather than how much money they can make, contact these local centers for help:

Real Options for Women, 700 E. Park Blvd., Ste 206, Plano, TX 75074 | Phone: 972-424-5144

Mid Cities Pregnancy Center, 8251 Bedford-Euless Rd, Ste 220, North Richland Hills, TX 76180 | Phone: 817-577-4387 or 1111 W. Airport Freeway, Ste 229, Irving, TX 75062 | Phone: 214-441-3460

Dallas Pregnancy Resource Center, 12959 Jupiter Rd, #260, Dallas, TX 75238 | Phone: 214-343-9263 or 6500 Greenville Ave, #405, Dallas, TX 75206 | Phone: 214-369-6281 or 3901 Holystone St, Dallas, TX 75212 | Phone: 214-905-9068

Why Jesus? is Dr. Ravi Zacharias latest book, released today, January 25, 2012. This is a well-researched, intriguing and informative book that will set free the minds of all who are confused about who Jesus really is.


People like Oprah Winfrey, Deepak Chopra and Rhonda Byrne have infected the minds and hearts of many, leading them astray to worship false gods and believe in a false Jesus. These religious misunderstandings can cause much strife in marriages and sometimes lead to divorce. That’s why it’s critical for us to have books like Why Jesus? to help educate our society that’s saturated with false hope and mass confusion.

With the heart of a compassionate father and the intellect of an astute scholar, Dr. Zacharias gives us the rarely understood background of how Eastern mysticism has defiled our Western theology and how the massive power of media has muddled the truth about eternal life and how to obtain it.

Why did you write the book and who is your target audience?

Dr. Zacharias: I wrote the book because there’s a great deal of confusion regarding spiritual matters due to the power of media, especially in the West. Who is God? Who are we? What is our purpose? All these questions remain unanswered. I want to reach the genuine seeker of spiritual well-being. My goal is to satisfy the hunger and longing for those who are seeking the truth.

In one sentence, how would you express why you think the New Spirituality is so captivating?

Dr. Zacharias: Because it makes you your ultimate authority; it allows you to play God without having to bow down to His authority.

In your book, you briefly mentioned why you believe Christianity in America has made the New Spirituality so appealing. Do you also believe it’s due to the false, man-centered Gospel that is preached (i.e., if you have any problems, try Jesus and He’ll fix your life)?

Dr. Zacharias: Absolutely. The way was paved in the ‘70s from self-help books that promised to make you understand your temperament so you could help yourself. In contrast, the journey with Christ begins with repentance and seeing yourself as God sees you—we’re all ultimately depraved. We all want Canaan without going through the wilderness.

The New Spirituality requires no one to see evil or depravity for what it is, instead they just tell you to involve yourself in some religious activity like chants, or prayers or meditations that are all a complete abuse of the human intellect. It appeals to people through the use of icons of pop-media and they harness the wills and attentions of millions.



If in your book, you wrote how Eastern mysticism is completely erroneous, why did you state in one of your speaking engagements that Henri Nouwen was one of the greatest saints who lived in our time, when Nouwen is known to have been influenced by Thomas Merton and others who practice Eastern mysticism?


Dr. Zacharias: I regret having said that. At the time, I based my comment on Nouwen’s story of the prodigal son which I felt was on target. But later as I learned more about Nouwen and Merton, I found their writings to be very troubling. I believe that doctrinally, Nouwen lost his way. I used to read Malcolm Muggeridge too until I read his book, “Jesus Rediscovered”. Muggeridge was morally and culturally a good thinker, but he was not theologically sound.


On page 228, you mention Oscar Wilde asking for the Eucharist so he could get right with God. Are you saying that you believe a person can be saved by taking the Eucharist or by any other Catholic beliefs?


Dr. Zacharias: Absolutely not. Only through repentance and faith in Christ can anyone be saved. No religious activity will be sufficient, only true faith in Jesus Christ alone. When I wrote that, I was trying to express that for Wilde, this was the ultimate expression of him trying to make things right with Christ because at the end of his life, in his heart, he knew that he lived as a reprobate. Whether Wilde is now in Heaven, I don’t know. God doesn’t tell me these things.


You questioned how the Church will maintain its teaching while still displaying God’s love to the fallen world (page 215). Does this include loving one another enough to rebuke those who are in sin (1 Corinthians 5:12-13)?


Dr. Zacharias: Yes, this is very important and very good. Painful correction and wounds of a friend are legitimate and are necessary. We all need accountability. King David had many prophets who held him accountable when he sinned. I’ve never seen a prophet in Solomon's life. I think that was one of the biggest problems.


On pages 264-265, you mention Gerald L. Sittser’s book, Water from a Deep Well, stating that he lists the best known Christian mystics in his book. How are you using the term “mystics” here?


Dr. Zacharias: When I say “Christian mystics” I mean that Christians today have lost the legitimate side of the mystical that is in accordance with sound doctrine. Like in marriage, the romantic side is very real, but has to be addressed by the will, not just feelings. As Christians we’ve forgotten how to be still and know that the LORD is God (Psalm 46:10). Many Christians have so busied themselves with programs and activities that they no longer know how to be silent and meditate on God’s word or recognize the mysteries that are in the Person of Christ. I’m not speaking of the esoteric or gnostic, I’m speaking of the meditative and reflective that conforms with sound doctrine.

Dr. Zacharias is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM). He was born in India in the late ‘40s, immigrated to Canada with his family in the late ‘60s, has three grown children and currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife Margie whom he’s been married to for nearly 39 years.

He’s authored or edited more than 20 books, with several translated into Russian, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Spanish and other languages.

You can listen to Dr. Zacharias on his weekly radio programs, “Let My People Think”, aired on more than 1,700 outlets worldwide or “Just Thinking”, aired on more than 400 stations.

Dr. Zacharias is a highly sought after, world renown Christian author and speaker of apologetics whose demeanor is rare and refreshing. The first thoughts I had after my interview were: this man is unashamedly abandoned to Christ, humble and full of grace.

If you’d like to hear him speak in person, Dr. Zacharias will be at the First Baptist Church of Dallas on Sunday, April 15, 2012. For more information, please click HERE.

Listed below are local and online bookstores where you can purchase this dynamically truth-filled book:

Mardel
Barnes & Nobles
Christianbook.com (hardcover and audio CD)
Amazon

**Special note: For those who have concerns about Dr. Zacharias, his commitment to Christ and the true Gospel due to his 2004 speaking engagement at the Mormon Tabernacle, please don’t be foolish and make judgments based on what you’ve read or heard from someone else. Rather, educate yourself properly with the truth. You can watch his message in it’s entirety on YouTube by clicking this link: Ravi Zacharias Speaking to LDS 1 of 7 and/or read his note here: A Note from Ravi about the Mormon Tabernacle Event.

I’ve personally read the note and watched all seven videos and clearly heard Dr. Zacharias preach the true Gospel of Jesus Christ as well as make a clear distinction that the Christ of the Mormons is not the Christ of the Bible. The title of his message says it all: “The Exclusivity and Sufficiency of Jesus Christ”.
Common emotions that occupy our hearts when one year is ending and a new one is beginning are: longing for the things of old, or hoping for better things in the future. Most often, these ideas are based on what we want and only the things we can conjure up from our own, finite minds.

Wouldn’t you prefer to remember the old and look on to the new with the mind of infinite God, rather than be entrapped by the limitations of your own thoughts, dreams and aspirations? Especially for the most important relationship God has established on this earth—your marriage?

Marriage is the only relationship that God uses to express the holy union and beautiful love of Christ for His Body, the Church (every Christian). Don’t tarnish this glorious gift from God with your personal desires and thoughts. Rather, use your freedom in Christ to love, do good and bless your spouse without any regard for self-fulfillment.

“Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that He might present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such blemish.”
~Ephesians 5:24-27 (ESV)

Instead of making another list of New Year’s resolutions we may never keep, let's make realistic resolutions based on the One who can never fail; the Lord Jesus Christ!
  1. Resolve to be more grateful, loving and kind (Eph 4:32; Gal 6:9-10).
  2. Resolve to give without considering what you might receive in return (Luke 14:14).
  3. Resolve to offer yourself as a living sacrifice to God, rather than serving others only because it’s convenient for you (Rom 12:1-3).
  4. Resolve to consider others better than yourself and their needs above yours (Philippians 2:3-4).
  5. Resolve to daily recount all of God’s wondrous deeds, rather than focus on your trials or triumphs (Psalm 9:1-2; 2 Cor 10:5, 12:9-10).
All these are yours in Christ. So what are you waiting for? Take hold of it! (Philippians 3:12)

Happy 2012 everyone!


"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear...And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works...And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

~Eph 4:29; Heb 10:24; Col 3:14-17

I am grieved by the communication motives of professing Christians; including me.

What motivates us to communicate? Is it be bring glory, honor and praise to God, or to bring all these things to ourselves? Do we write books, blog posts, articles, Facebook and Google Plus statuses; post comments, use Twitter, and have private and public conversations in order to exhort believers to know God more (Jer 9:23-24) so we can love Him and others better (Mk 12:29-31), or do we communicate with others only to make a point and appear wise and mature in Christ (James 3:13-18)?

Is our only motive to convict others of their sins and constantly provoke Christians to judge one another because externally, they don't seem to practice their love for God with the same religious activities we do (James 4:11-12)? Or do we communicate so others will commend us and feed our already overactive egos? While this is true for those in this world, but may this not be so for the children of the Most High!

If we, as God's holy and dearly loved children, communicate only to glorify our viewpoint, then we ought to close our mouths, move away from our keyboards and bow our knees to God, fervently beseeching Him to help us with our prideful, self-centered hearts, before we speak to anyone else. If we do this, perhaps we'll be surprised to find we're the ones who need to repent to God, as well as humbly request the gracious forgiveness of others.

"whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies — in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. to Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
~1 Peter 4:11

As Christians, we are to live and die to Christ (Rom 6:10-11; 14:8). We are no longer enslaved by our futile thinking and the wisdom of this world (James 3:13-16), rather, we are granted  a rich and glorious gift—the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16b). This exceedingly gracious gift from God our Father has freed us to serve and love God with our whole hearts, souls, minds and strengths and love others as the Lord has commanded; and especially to those in the household of faith (Heb 11:6, Gal 6:10).

"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another."
~Gal 5:13-15

Are we to lovingly come alongside other saints in Christ who are obviously in sin (i.e., prideful, disrespectful to authority, practicing sexual immorality, lying, thieving, gossiping, etc.)? Absolutely! But how? By the Word of God and through prayer, we must seek counsel from the Holy Spirit so we can speak with incorruptible words, wisely discern what's most edifying to the hearer, and impart God's grace to them, with love, mercy, understanding and compassion, just as Christ our God has so kindly treated us.

If we speak the holy, good and perfect Word of God in loving rebuke, it will afflict the hearer, just as it ought (Proverbs 27:5-6, 2 Cor 7:9-10, Heb 12:11), but causing someone grief doesn't necessarily mean what you've said or how you said it was displeasing to God (Gal 1:10), though it may be displeasing to the one whom you rebuke. 

The Word of God, when used correctly (2 Tim 2:15) will cut and judge the attitude of our hearts (Heb 4:12-13) causing deep, and often humiliating pain. But Christ, who is the Word, like a masterful surgeon, not only cuts to reveal the disease (sin) that needs to be removed, but also binds the wound with His steadfast love, comfort and gentle mercy (2 Cor 2:7-8) to all those who have a humble and contrite heart, for God lifts up the humble, but He opposes the proud (Ps 51:17, Is 57:15, 1 Peter 5:5).

If we (that includes me) can only communicate through our personal frustrations, childlike/erratic emotions, petty annoyances, and presumed offenses we think others have committed against us, rather than through humility and love issued from the pure and sincere heart we've inherited from Christ (1 Tim 1:5), then may God put His hand over our mouths, keyboards and pens so that we might not grieve the Spirit of the one with whom we have been sealed for the day of redemption (Eph 4:30).

"Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. For a dream comes with much business, and a fool's voice with many words...The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice...A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion."
~Ecc 5:1-3, Prov 12:15, 18:2

If we're not communicating for God's glory alone, it is better to say nothing at all, rather than be considered a fool by God Almighty, as well as those He allows to witness the sewage that falls out of our mouths; revealing what's in our unrepentant and prideful hearts.
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