Pastor Joel Hunter's Prayer, Democratic Convention '08

[miamia1891]

?? shouldn't judge, but there's only one way to close a prayer. IN JESUS NAME.

[iwire8664]

I'll never go to Northland again.

[iwire8664]

I'll never go to Northland again.

[Streetfisher]

Galatians 1:6 if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!

10For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a slave of Christ.

[maxtimus]

talk about a wolf in sheeps clothing!!!!!!!

[truth4U2C]

@DannyWilsonsLaundry Well Said...Peace

[MyDadsRubberBroke]

And Jesus said to the devil, I am no part of this world... read Jas. 4:4 and John 15:19

[n2dpun]

How are you people soo ignorant?(i'm referring to the people saying negative things about Joel) God himself said love your enemies... the only way to get someone to see the love of Jesus is to show them kindness through yourself. Pastor Joel is an amazing preacher.

[jaykarroll]

@n2dpun Joel Hunter is a heretic

[paulsjcho]

What a worthless, meangless, and pointless prayer!

[followwaytruthlife]

This pastor is one of the members of the members of the "Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, composed of religious and secular leaders and scholars from different backgrounds. There are 25 members of the Council, appointed to 1-year terms." This was established when Obama Signs Executive Order on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

[7parakletos]

This is nothing but pure blasphemy to the Almighty God. Jesus is the way the Truth and the life (John 14:6). Joel Hunter did not fulfill his calling as a pastor and speak the Truth. I am praying for this man.

[7parakletos]

This is nothing but pure blasphemy to Almighty God. Jesus is "the way, the Truth and the life" John 14:6. This pastor did not fulfill his duty as a pastor and speak the Truth. I am praying for this man.

[barbsnow37]

Answered Prayers...thank you Jesus....Barack Obama, your servant and now President-elect of the United States...For those who are without love and forgiveness..forgive them and let us learn to love one another as you have loved us.

[j5jeffw]

That's my pastor! Go McCain!!! and no to Obama.

[abigailrainier]

'can't wait to see how God will judge this man lowering the name of the Lord Jesus Christ as equal to pagan gods.

[TexasLady04]

A minister? Right...Bull crapulance

[geisler78]

.....A "Pastor?" right... no comment...

Yeah, I'm SURE Jesus would have wanted people to pray to other faiths, etc. and use Him as a crutch. WHAT THE HECK???

[truth4U2C]

What about the unborn? did you pray for their protection....

[maikai86]

He prayed for "all life" especially the "most vulnerable..the babies, the children."

[truth4U2C]

Yea I heard him, it sounded loving, but he is in support of a leader who is for all types of abortion. Get real, be honest, seek the truth, don't compromise, this kind of public display done in the name of Christ is not of Christ because it goes against God's word. This pastor is mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:5 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

[ATLpirate]

Puke. Gag. Vomit. Barf.

[elaine31347]

I love Joel Hunter's closing benediction. Awesome. I'm an evangelical Bible believing, Christ following born again Christian who is voting for Obama this fall. I guess that I am not a Christian robot. Just thought I'd let you all know...That's where my vote is going.

[biolabranden]

Amen Stranderandpilgrim.

"The problem is not that Pastor Joel prayed at the DNC but rather when he did pray he compromised the Christian faith by validating other religions. As you stated, Jeus would never refuse a sincere invitation, but He would NOT have encouraged their false worship, rather He would have corrected it, and pointed them to the ONLY TRUE AND LIVING GOD, just as the Apostle Paul did in Acts 17:23."

[annaparks]

Why do some of you believe that those of us who are not Christians are supposed to validate you (Christians)but you are not willing/able to validate us?

Love thy neighbor as thyself Christians!

[tawanda34]

Hi again, Anna. Don't misunderstand what is happening here. You have walked in on a pretty heated "family" discussion in a very public forum here. It isn't about wanting or withholding validation about beliefs. Joel is a rather public figure, who as a minister of our faith, represents us when he gets up and prays in front of 35mil people. Some of us aren't happy with the way we were represented and we are working some things out here.

[tawanda34]

It is not about you or other faiths. The DNC asked him (they could have asked another spiritual leader who openly embraces all faiths), he represents us and how he ended the prayer has left some of us concerned. You like to remind us to love others (a great concept)Working this out is actually part of the loving- because I don't feel it is loving to let others perish in darkness, and if someone I trust to lead said something misleading I feel convicted to share my heart.

[tawanda34]

Please understand, Anna. We aren't trying to force anything on you. We sincerely believe that Jesus is the only way to have a relationship with God, without that we believe that you will perish. We share our hearts (sometimes aggresively, clumsily or offensively) because we don't want others to perish. We do act like idiots at times (and like I said before I support you right to freedom here) but please know we do what we do because we do love and care.

[annaparks]

Hi tawanda,

I believe that what you say is coming from a sincere heart and that you do mean well. I also hear that you're having a hard time understanding why your minister would open his heart to the greater community in a way that perplexes you.

Now, imagine that I am telling you that you will perish if you do not follow MY spiritual path because it is the ONLY path to salvation and that I am only trying to save you from perishing.

[annaparks]

Spirituality should not be a competition. You know, like my God is better than your God sort of thing. That is how these discussions sometimes come across. Yikes.

I was brought up Christan. Went to Christian school. I chose another path even though I still have great respect for Jesus. I do not fear "perishing" because of my choice. Just as you "know" in your heart that you have found the one true path, I "know" in my heart that there are many true paths.

[annaparks]

So, tawanda, I don't know but perhaps your pastor has a deeper understanding than you realize. Those of us who are not Christians are repeatedly called to be compassionate towards those who believe they have found the one true way. And btw, it's not just Christians who believe they've found the one true way.

Ideally, we'd keep all religion out of politics and law. Separation of church and state. A lot of the war like problems come from one religion or ideology fighting against another.

[tawanda34]

Thank you Anna for understanding that I am not trying to be hateful here, and thank you for taking the time to reply...

It seems to me that in believing that many paths lead to (??? God, heaven- I don't know what your personal goal is) your personal views allow for all to be right in their beliefs.That comes across as tolerant and kind. Whereas my beliefs may come across as offensive because I claim that there is only one way to have a relationship with God- which is Jesus...

[tawanda34]

That view would be arrogant if it was of my invention, but it is not- Jesus said it of himself. I believe him. I am not trying to be elitist. Actually in my journey in accepting Christ- I have been absolutely broken- emptied out.

I don't know the circumstances you are in- that you continually are asked to have compassion for us- in general I feel that we are pretty misunderstood and hated by the world for our love of Jesus. (It's ok- he told us it would be like that)

[tawanda34]

You said you respect Jesus. That actually confuses me. What do you respect him for? Jesus said he is God- and the only way to be saved. If that isn't true- wouldn't you think it would be evil to lead people to believe that about himself? Evil, or at least crazy? If I didn't believe in him, and believe what he said was true- I don't think I could just sum him up as a good teacher or a loving person in light of what he said of himself.

[tawanda34]

And regarding Joel (he was my pastor for 20 years, but I no longer live in the area), what you suggest that he might believe is not what he taught from the pulpit for all those years- maybe he does believe it now (how would I know), but it doesn't appear to be so from his own blog in regards to that prayer (you can see it on Northland's site). So I am back to my original concerns... (that I don't think he addressed in that letter)but I do appreciate you and your contribution to this discussion.

[annaparks]

Hi again tawanda,

I believe the Creator is greater than any one faith. I could never participate in a religion that denies the validity of others' faith or even non-faith if that is what they choose. Our soul is at the core of who we are and just as you want to be respected at your core, so do others.

It feels terribly disrespectful to many of us when we hear some Christians claiming the one and only path. Especially when they want to make laws that affect all of us based on their path.

[annaparks]

That is one of the areas where compassion comes in. It is quite a challenge sometimes to find compassion for those who confuse church and state, for example. And at election time it is especially challenging.

Also, I have a family member who is much less tolerant towards other beliefs than you. It is very difficult to be around her as she wants to talk and talk about her Christian faith but will not tolerate one minute of me talking about my faith.

[annaparks]

She appears threatened by anything that doesn't match her beliefs. So again, a challenge to find compassion.

My goal is to continue to grow spiritually. I have a fulfilling relationship with God and am not threatened by others' faith. Just frustrated at times. See above.

I don't believe that you (Christians) are hated by the world for your love of Jesus. I'm going to speak frankly here. It is the intolerance and hypocricy of some Christians that brings about hateful feelings in others.

[annaparks]

Those Christians who go about their business loving Jesus and showing deep respect for others don't tend to be hated.

I do respect Jesus. I believe his main message was one of love and compassion for all. A high ideal. His message too often gets lost.

Regarding your old pastor, I believe he showed great love and compassion in his closing. I would guess Jesus is pleased.

Thanks for this open exchange, tawanda. I do appreciate the effort that goes into this!

[tawanda34]

Hi, Anna. I hear you. I understand that you (me and everyone else) wants to be respected and appreciated for who they are and what they believe. I am truly sorry that you aren't heard by you family member- that's tough. Now I understand why you were saying you feel like you are constantly called on to be compassionate, but don't receive the same courtsey. I am from a BIG family- and even when we agree it takes tolerance and compassion when we all get together (we're a fierce clan-...

[tawanda34]

someone would sooo get hurt otherwise).

I know when I say Jesus is the only way to have a relationship with God- it is hard not to feel like it is an attack or arrogant or disrespectful. That is truly not my intent- I don't feel I'm better than anyone, and I honestly have a hard time explaining it, but it is closer to feeling like I was destitute and he rescued me. In that I owe a debt I can't pay. I have nothing to be arrogant in- because of that. I do have joy, but even that is a gift...

[tawanda34]

I believe that the Creator is infinte, greater than all- I believe that he created us for relationship with himself and each other- and in his compassion for us he sent Jesus to bridge a gap that we could not cross so that we could have a relationship with him. I don't believe that God can be contained by a finate person's faith, but that faith is a gift God gives us.

[tawanda34]

Regarding what you said about laws that people make based on their faith- I believe that what you believe about yourself, God (or lack thereof), and mankind informs your morals, beliefs and conduct. I don't think that you can really seperate how you feel about what laws should be passed from your faith (whatever faith that may be). I used to be a counselor and there was a theory that you could "leave yourself at the door" and be the equivilant of a sterile "sounding board" for a client..

[tawanda34]

I believe that's a myth. I am who I am and can't leave that any where, so I found it better to be aware and up front with my clients. (ie- if they present with a particular issue they want to discuss that I have strong feelings about, I found it better just to be honest about my feelings so that they could decide if I was a good fit for them- instead of trying to guide them to my point of view). So I think we are going to have to deal with "faith" informed laws as long as humans are making them

[tawanda34]

Anna- I know you are pouring alot of yourself and your time in to this conversation, and I appreciate you, your openness and how you are able to communicate issues so close to your heart in such a kind manner. I hope you will not take offense when I say I am praying for you- and hope the best for you.

[annaparks]

Hi tawanda,

You are right. We do all make judgements based on our values, faith, heart, all that. However, I strongly believe that it is wrong to force personal faith on others including through politics and law. A respect for all faiths is necessary for freedom. If we try to force our own faith on others, what happens to that freedom? That is why I think it was so important that Pastor Joel closed his prayer the way he did. I do not want to live under a dictatorship. Christian or otherwise.

[annaparks]

It is true that I vote based on my principles and values. And now we are into politics. I cannot fathom voting for someone who would choose to prolong this killing in Iraq. It feels so very wrong. Immoral. As I watch people suffering terribly (many dying prematurely) over lack of health care, losing their homes, their jobs, knowing that it didn't have to play out this way, I am so disheartened with those at the helm and those who refuse to see how badly this agenda has hurt people.

[annaparks]

tawanda, I am not offended that you are praying for me. I cannot control who/what you pray for. However, I do hope you are not praying for me to see the light and become a Christian. That would feel disrespectful - you know, boundaries and all. And I will pray for you, as well. But not so that you will give up your faith for mine. I pray for your highest good and trust God to know what that is.

Thank you again for your care and effort. I appreciate this honest exchange.

[annaparks]

tawanda, also I want to tell you I am sorry you were feeling so desolate and am very happy you found joy through Christ. It helps me understand why you feel as strongly as you do about your faith and respect your sense of loyalty to the one who has rescued you.

You are being true to your path. I respect and honor that.

[tawanda34]

Hey, Anna! Sorry about the delay- big weekend. Thanks for your kind response.

I don't want to live in a dictatorship either-like we talked about earlier- I like my freedom so it is necessary that I protect yours... and I get the feeling that we would get along regarding our compassion for humanity, but not point for point politically- my brother deployed the the middle east this AM and while I don't agree with every decision re this war- I am very proud of him and what he is trying to do...

[tawanda34]

Actually I like the idea of other people in the world enjoying the freedom we have here.

Re Joel- I don't think his prayer really reinforced our freedom, and I do desire for all Christians to be respectful to others but I disagree with how he went about it- for while some are mad that he included others and others are mad that "in Jesus's name" was heard over all I have some issues with the theological implications of his wording- which are contrary to the Bible...

[tawanda34]

I am praying only that you know the truth- not "my" truth- but truth because I believe all truth is God's truth- and truth leads to freedom.

I was wondering- which specific teachings of Jesus are the ones you like most?

[annaparks]

Hey tawanda,

I will send protective thoughts to your brother and hope and pray he comes home safe and healthy.

I think we have come to the inevitable impasse here. You know, that one where we just agree to disagree. We've come full circle. I really have enjoyed our conversation. I believe it's good to challenge ourselves to listen to others who have a different perspective than our own once in awhile. So, again I appreciate your effort here and wish you the very best!

[tawanda34]

Thanks, Anna. I appreciate your honesty and the things you've been willing to share so openly- and the time it took to do so. I have enjoyed talking with you too.

May you be blessed.

[fromthecorner2]

Tawanda34, your sarcasm is unwarranted and, like all this dissention, is further example of why it is important for a strong leader to maintain his convictions in the face of your kind of adversity. Acts 10:28-29 Peter challenges his vision from God of travelling to Caesarea to pray w/the Gentiles -- the "unclean"..."but God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection." Don't twist grace to suit your opinion.

[tawanda34]

Actually fromthecorner, if you read what I said with a sarcastic tone, I apologize. It was a honest question- I don't claim to know everything about everything when it comes to the bible and wanted to give you an opportunity to back up what you said which was "show me an example where Jesus...turned away anyone who sincerely invited him to pray"- I just asked you where he Jesus set the example that Joel followed here- perhaps you saw it as sarcastic because you didn't like the question...

[tawanda34]

Furthermore, I don't mind that he prayed at the DNC- although I know there are some who will see it as an endorsement- that will not carry alot of weight with the world as a whole, but it carries alot of weight with those of us impacted by his ministry- but again, even if he did or didn't endorse this canidate- I don't think he was wrong to do that- I do however question how he chose to lead the assembly in the finish of the prayer- and I think it is wise to seperate those issues...

[tawanda34]

Lastly fromthecorner, the scripture you referred to in Acts where Peter is told by God to pray with the unclean- if you read further you would understand that the "unclean" is referring to Gentile Christians who did not hold to Jewish law (something that Jewish Christians still kept at this point) therefore were considered unclean. Their status in Christ as brothers was now more important than whether they were clean and Peter was to embrace them and pray with them.

[tawanda34]

So, fromthecorner, democrats or people of "other faith traditions" don't fit the term "unclean" as layed out in this scripture. Actually, unless you are keeping the Jewish law- you and I are the unclean.

[fromthecorner2]

Strongly suggest that those of you, especially Northland members, who are stirring up dissention regarding Pastor Joel's call to prayer, examine your own hearts. Show me an example in the Bible where Jesus turned his back, or turned away anyone who sincerely invited him to pray... go to Acts 10, a divine example of Peter's response in the face of a similar situation. God Bless Joel Hunter - a sincere man of integrity.

[tawanda34]

Please don't take this disrespectfully... I am sincerely interested. Can you please share the scripture you are referring to... the one where Jesus is asked to pray for a group and joins in and leads them as they supplicate another god.

[strangerandpilgrim]

The problem is not that Pastor Joel prayed at the DNC but rather when he did pray he compromised the Christian faith by validating other religions. As you stated, Jeus would never refuse a sincere invitation, but He would NOT have encouraged their false worship, rather He would have corrected it, and pointed them to the ONLY TRUE AND LIVING GOD, just as the Apostle Paul did in Acts 17:23. You reference Acts 10 and I believe our call as Christians is clear upon reading the scripture below:

[strangerandpilgrim]

Acts 10:42And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

These few words bring life to the listeners. What a missed opportunity.

[ElectricMan5]

He said he wanted the end of the prayer to be personal. He said that everyone can finish it in the way their own culture finishes it. Yet he still overpowers EVERYONE in the crowd by saying HIS CHRISTIAN prayer over the loudspeakers. That really makes it personal, right?

[scottarmstrong1971]

Good grief, the DNC asks him to come and pray, he tries to be inclusive in very creative way and you complain that he does what anyone would do with a microphone in front of them? He is a pastor and pastors emphasize that name when they close prayers--nothing unusual about that.

[scottarmstrong1971]

sorry, was not clear, this is a response to ElectricMan

[LivingFrameMedia]

Jesus knew everything yet, he still talked to us in the course of respectful conversation, in the midst of this error was rooted out. Jesus stood and watched falseness and called it out, for those in HIS religion! Those that needed Him and the Kingdom of God, He showed it to them, personally. We owe that to the lost, God's elect not yet home. We don't know who they are but we can trust God does.

I hope this letter as a fellow servant of Christ will bring us to Faith in Him and good works.

AMEN

[LivingFrameMedia]

If we wag the sins of the world in thier face, we would be accurate. If we include ourselves in that equation, it is the only way it works. Without Christ we are goners. Each one of us 'church folk' are going to be asked to give an account of what we did with the Gospel, I believe that. It is said, the fields are white and the workers are few. What does that mean? Let's ask God together, read the word and see what that means. Jesus comes to us personally. So must we to this country.

[LivingFrameMedia]

I do admit that I personally and our nation as 'the called out ones' all need to repent and put God first. People that do not know Christ will only care to know Him if we who are his ambassadors stand in the foxhole of the spiritual war and intercede for them personally. We must take the initiative, we must before this country puts us on the defense. We have the ball and we need to advance it, this is why we need Grace because we have so much strength. We have it for those not yet included.

[LivingFrameMedia]

It's Mike again. "You will know them by thier fruits," Jesus said that. With this as the only focus, the biggest distractor here is spending too much time on what Dr. Hunter did.

Mirror principal 101: If we do not have relationships that would cause us to pray in rooms with and for others not like us, perhaps we are taking the Great Commission in reverse. Dr. Hunter is just doing what he was invited to do. So I pray that we all are invited to seek God in places where there are needs for Christ.

[tawanda34]

I appreciate what you mean Mike- we don't want to strain gnats and swallow camaels here, but I do believe that what Joel did is significant and merits some questions (now I don't think that they should be done with the venom I have see on here) and please know anything coming from me is from the perspective of someone who was there for 20 years-a few of those years I spent defending Joel's style of leadership on a seminary level because I had grown in it and seen its effectiveness-

[intertunetv]

So what are we to fear? Earnest prayers of a nation or waiting until we all agree before we share in solidarity? Before we cast out this Christian Patriot, our Rev. Dr Joel why not be reminded of something Jesus once said:

"what will it matter if he remain until I come, you follow me."

I highly doubt that Jesus' name proclaimed in a room of false Gods and ignorence is nullified by thier presence or mention.

Our Christ rose from a grave and we bear it witness in our testimony of His Grace.

[intertunetv]

The bottom line is this. We are all Americans that care enough to serve this country. If people want to seek God's help, they will pray. It takes true faith to pray with people that serve another God than you. It takes courage to be true to him when it is unpopular. It takes the kind of love that God provides through the sanctification of the Holy Spirit for people to see the difference.

It takes the authority given to us in our own lives to testify to the truth.

[intertunetv]

The trick is to actually care enough about real needs in people's lives. Be there, show love and BE the gospel, as we are led by the Holy Spirit, trusting He will be the truth people see. By the power of our testimony, we speak and by invitation and through the course of interest provided by friendship, people ask more about 'this Jesus you speak of.' We saw it with Paul at Mars Hill.

[intertunetv]

Wow. Is it me or is it getting hot in here. For the record, my name is Mike and I am happy to be speaking with you guys tonight. I appreciate all the instruction and the wise rebukes. It matters and I thank you for them.

I guess you would have to know Dr. Hunter to know what motivates him. I will put it to you like this. If your congregation reaches into places all over the world, you might make friends that have different beliefs.

[strangerandpilgrim]

What I meant by recycled requests is that Dr. Joel is petitioning God for certain things during the prayer that were already mentioned by other Dem. speakers such as the enviroment economy disadvantaged & peace. He was singing to the choir. His 1 opportunity to mention unborn babies fell short. Democrats dont hold back any punches when they want you to hear their policies. Why are Christians hesitant to hold back the best news ever. FYI polytheistic is satanic, read the 1st commandment! Deu 6:4

[strangerandpilgrim]

Dr. Joel says "give us a reverence for all life" and he mentions babies, at 0:52 into the speech. If Dr. Joel wanted to leave no doubt he would have said "unborn babies" but that would have offended, because abortionists don't consider the babies in the womb to have life until they are born. It also would have offended to pray exclusively to Jesus. I am so grateful that the early Christians were not compromisers and faced death so that we would have the opportunity to hear the TRUTH & not lies.

[strangerandpilgrim]

The research can be found on the nathanchitty youtube link I referenced. Johnlitton says Pastor Joel has turned his back on babies. Anyone who might be on the fence regarding abortion and possibly looking for some verification that it is ok to abort just got the ok. If the Bible is "not precise" and Obama is "technically correct" as Dr. Joel says then why not abort. And anyway just like starlightmedia1 said its just faith so who can really know. (To be continued).

[lisaslegacy26]

With that in mind, I have done lots of research, have attended Northland for 15 years, and Dr. Hunter's messages have changed. You can shout from the rooftops that you are pro-life and and a registered republican, but it means nothing if you give the appearance of supporting the most liberal Senator in the US that has voted against medical assistance for babies that survive abortions. Many of the interviews that Dr. Hunter have conducted via tv/internet recently leave room for many questions

[naturalskinsolutions]

amen Lisa. What is he doing? Ending this prayer and telling people of all faiths to close the way they do in their own religion??? This is the most liberal president we have ever had and it's obvious now he would love to stamp out Christianity. Eliminating National Day of Prayer, bowing to arab kings. Oya!

[gaterbate]

watch?v=1UEOZGFzPas

[intertunetv]

I can't help but think when we insist to the world our way is 'the right one' that this 'right way' cannot abide other views. It it takes His Grace & Truth to see God's way clearer than ours, I do see people turning to the only Gospel leading to salvation through open, public prayer. On the road to our country putting him first, I think we need to learn the rules of the road and tell people about our Lord 'as we are going' making disciples. This will cause people to ask these kind of questions.

[intertunetv]

Dr. Hunter will clarify what he did. Makes me remember the day when Elijah met the 1000 prophets of Ba'al on the mountain. He watched them rant and rave trying to get them to get 'god' to rain down fire and consume a sacrifice. Elijah watching this display waited, watched and then prayed for God to reveal himself. He did and hearts turned toward him.

I have to think a prayer ending in Jesus name from believing hearts no matter what counts OUR sacrifice accepted. Christ is totally sufficient.

[annaparks]

Isn't it great that we live in a country that you can read other spiritual texts and choose the one that is right for you? You are not persecuted for your faith in America. Please understand that others want the same thing you want here. To love and have faith in God as they understand God. That is not evil. That is treating your neighbor as you would want to be treated.

[tawanda34]

Anna- please see previous comments- I'm proud to be an American and I support religous freedom. I will defend your rights to believe as you choose (you are going to anyway). Now I am proud to exercise my right to free speech. I support your rights, I have a responsibilty to do so since I enjoy them myself- I am also a Christian, and while I support your rights, please do not confuse that with me denying the other responsiblity I have to share what I have found to be the truth.

[annaparks]

tawanda,

Thank you for your respectful response. I believe we are both responsibly sharing what we have found to be the truth. Your faith is not the same as mine but we both agree that we have the right and responsibility to speak our truth. Peace be with you and with me.

[tawanda34]

Thank you.

[annaparks]

As I read these comments, I am sensing a lot of fear that a prayer that welcomes all faiths is opening the door to evil or Satan. Have you read about spirituality outside the bible? Have you read any other religious or spiritual texts? I ask that you consider the possibility that a truly all powerful, all loving and all knowing God would not be a jealous and intolerant God who feels threatened by the love and faith of those who are not Christians.

[tawanda34]

Yes. I have read about sprituality and spiritual texts outside the Bible- and when all was said and done I still believe the Bible. If you believe the Bible is the word of God, you can't believe what you just said. God isn't threatened- He is holy and very clear on how to have a relationship with him.

[Kingrexsocc]

Blasphemy. It' simple. He's telling us we're all praying to the same God for most of the prayer, but then we're praying to seperate ones for a personal touch.

Totally wrong. He should leave his role as Pastor because that is Blasphemy.

[intertunetv]

A strong statement for an important topic. That was our prayer that we invited others into. How does it blaspheme God to allow others to pray according to their tradition? It seems like he made room for others to pray to the god of their pre-existing choice. It seems to me that the end of sealing asking for God's help publicly came 'In Jesus name.'

[tawanda34]

Good question. The Bible tells us that God is the one true living God. When Joel invited others to pray (another word for worship) according their faith tradition so that it is a "collective prayer" he is essentially saying that he believes that the important thing is the prayer- not who we are praying to. Are prayers to false gods effective? It seems to me that Joel is making a statement that those prayers are going to be received as same as prayers to Jesus.

[tawanda34]

This is America, and you have a right to worship cabbage heads if you want to- I will even defend you right to that, but as a Christian I feel that we do violence to the intent of the gospel when we (for the sake of unity) deny Jesus's own words- that he is the only way. My biggest fear is that others will feel validated in beliefs that will only gain them hell. Will the God of the Bible answer a prayer that was addressed to Satan, Lakshmi, or Allah in the same collective breath?

[tawanda34]

The Bible says God will not share his glory with another- and I believe that Joel believes that too, so I am waiting with many others to hear Joel address this.

[intertunetv]

People with minds that are already made up may or may not look at something that seems different. The biggest risk for an 'Evangelical leader' would be to deny Christ publicly. For Dr. Hunter to do something as ecclesiastically nontraditional as this will not defy the need for clarification. I look forward to the furtherance of the discussion of who Jesus is and what matters most to Him in the public square. The Gospel will be proclaimed as it is every day in this world that our God owns.

[Lookingforfourfor]

Upon really thinking about it, i seem to have a change of heart. A lot of powerfull, good nations were destroyed for worshipping a god other than the one and only true God we know to be truth.

There can only be one god, and he is jealous, and will NOT share his glory with anything or anyone else.

The bible says you cannot please man AND God.There can be NO improvising. He is a PASTOR, he is WELL within his right to only talk about The true God and give no one else a choice, it was HIS time

[intertunetv]

Servants of Christ would do well to bend our ear to listen to the concerns of other citizens of this country. As God gives us rights under the constitution of this nation, it also gives others the right to pray to their gods. Our living God has made us citizens of His kingdom first, yet responsible to the laws and mandates of our land. It is a testament to who our God is when we are willing to care about the beliefs of others. That is how eternally significant conversations start imho.

[strangerandpilgrim]

If you really cared about others and their beliefs you would show them their error not promote it. That is true love, not letting them die in their sin. If you really "bend" your ear to listen to the citizens of this country you will find that they dont want Jesus. They do love their gods and as you state they have the right to pray to them. If you are really a servant of Christ as you say then obey your Lord and truly love your neighbor by sharing the gospel. Its the only hope anyone has.

[tawanda34]

I sat under Joel's teaching for 20 years as an active member of Northland when I lived in Florida. I am disturbed that so many attack him or defend him without more information. I certainly have some questions for him after that prayer. As it stands now, without more information I can say that I am deeply disappointed. God will not share his glory with false gods & I think it is wrong to act as if prayers to other gods are effective like prayers to the one true, living God.

[lisaslegacy26]

Tawanda34 - The comments you have posted here are sound biblically, as well as respectful! I appreciate it greatly, and it has blessed me today. As a long time member at Northland, I am very disappointed in Pastor Joel's recent direction, not just this one instance regarding the prayer, but many other topics as well that are well documented. I have been praying for he and his family, as I truly believe that he is sincere, but sincerely misdirected. Please be praying for his congregation.

[tawanda34]

Thank you, Lisa.  I will be praying with hope.

[intertunetv]

I believe Dr. Hunter is within his Biblical rights to be inviting and humble in the public square. He invited all people of

faith to end the prayer the way they normally would. For the Christians in the audience, including him - it was ended in 'Jesus name.' Let it be shown here that by God's sovereign design that Dr. Joel, an evangelical that loves God's people had the microphone. If we can pray in Jesus name publicly, anyone who has a different religion has the right to be true to theirs.

[Marchofdapigz]

I am so proud to say Joel Hunter is my pastor. I know that must have been hard for him, but I know he has been called out by God for a special purpose in this time and important election, no matter what party you belong to. Jesus was present, even if it was a bowl full of Democrats! If this helps turns one persons heart towards Him and to the issue of abortion, all is well. Thank you Pastor Joel, job well done faithful servant.

[jnai]

2 Timothy 3:1 - 5 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

[Athandel]

The writer of the comment below was logged on to my account (Athandel) somehow and left that message while I was gone. It does not reflect Truth nor my beliefs

There is only one True God and one Jesus sent by Him which nullifies Satan.

Satan is defeated.

The Lord Jesus Christ's shed blood on the cross and His resurrection makes that True and complete.

Understanding this, the lier who wrote that comment has no authority or power to write on this account or on this site ever again.

[Athandel]

The writer of the comment below was logged on to my account (Athandel) somehow and left this message while I was gone. It does not reflect Truth nor my beliefs

There is only one True God and one Jesus sent by Him which nullifies Satan.

Satan is defeated.

The Lord Jesus Christ's shed blood on the cross and His resurrection makes that True and complete.

Understanding this, the lier who wrote that comment has no authority or power to write on this account or on this site ever again.

[KERTER21]

I am so proud of my Pastor Joel Hunter.

[strangerandpilgrim]

On fox news discussing the saddleback debates Joel Hunter calls the Bible "not precise" and says Obama was "technically correct" on when life begins. According to God life does begin at conception and actually God knew us BEFORE He formed us.

Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee.......

search nathanchitty on youtube appx 3 mins in to view the fox news interview.

Evangelical, pro-life,registered republican?

[Lookingforfourfor]

God knew us before we were formed, but i dont believe that scripture means we were created before conception. We were just a plan of his will. Unless you believe there are a line of souls waiting in line for a body and an appropriate family..which could be true, the fact of the matter is we really do not know 100 percent. If anything, God told us to go forth and fill the earth. Abortion is counter to that command, however that law itself was old testament, and i'm not sure if its in effect now

[strangerandpilgrim]

Your interpretation of scripture is wrong. However, if we go along with your view and we are "just a plan of His will" then destroying someone who is Gods will is not something you should do. I am sure that God is not pleased with abortion. However you state you are not sure, so if you are not sure then please consider erring on the side of life.

[Lookingforfourfor]

I'm sure God is pro life, i'm just trying to see how you can prove it with the bible. That is what the Atheists want you to do..

[strangerandpilgrim]

Atheists dont believe in God or the Bible so if I showed them 100 times that God loves all life from the Bible it still wouldnt matter. What does matter is that Dr. Hunter and all Christians need to focus on reaching lost souls at every opportunity. Having people all shout out their gods names in symphony mixed in with Jesus doesnt count as reaching lost souls. That counts as confusion and the Bible says God is not the author of confusion.

[Lookingforfourfor]

Truth. I was just pointing out we cannot be 100 percent sure we were alive before conception. God made Adam first, but hey knew eve before he made her.

[Athandel]

May be there were Satan worshipers in the crowd. He was conveying, it doesn't matter who you pray to, as long as you are sincere, your prayer counts. Whoever your god happens to be,a cat, tree, Allah, yourself. Jesus was mingling w/ the crowds, but He was telling them the truth, "Go and sin no more" (not overseeing their sin); Why didn't Obama ask Rev. White to bless him? If Hitler was to ask Joel to pray, would he do it?

[Athandel]

The writer of the comment below was logged on to my account (Athandel) somehow and left this message while I was gone. It does not reflect Truth nor my beliefs

There is only one True God and one Jesus sent by Him which nullifies Satan.

Satan is defeated.

The Lord Jesus Christ's shed blood on the cross and His resurrection makes that True and complete.

Understanding this, the lier who wrote that comment has no authority or power to write on this account or on this site ever again.

[lisaslegacy26]

strangerandpilgrim - I think you have some good insight in your comments. However, what I do notice on these comment posts is that most of the readers are short on scripture knowledge, and long on opinion and emotion! Which explains why some of your blogs have received thumbs down. But I think you are right on with what the Word has to say!

[Lookingforfourfor]

I think he did just fine. You gotta remember, your dealing with democrats here; political correctness and fairness towards all religions is important. Jesus said your for me or against me, but the scripture also says when a smart man speaks, nothing he says can be used against him. He ended his speach, with the words "IN JESUS NAME"..and no one (except some members of the body of christ, what a shame) have said anything negative about him.

[zippilicious]

..that made me sick to my stomach. Jesus is THE ONLY way to the Father. He did not come to bring peace, but a sword. God is love, but He is also a God of justice.

[BMW4GTR]

More prepared statement than prayer. Like he was reading it. Stiff. Not like him. Guarded, over thought, too concerned with political correctness. Joel is much better than that. Such compromising opens the gate and the flock is lost. He is too good a preacher to be entangled in politics. Power can ruin the best. If Paul had flinched or recanted, he'd be disregarded as a mere fanatic. Did Joel flinch with that weak ending? It appears so. Jesus tell us, "You are either for me or against me."

[annaparks]

This was a beautiful and loving closing which acknowledges that we are a country of many faiths.

[bebopredux]

He's putting works before Faith. That somehow "we" can change things.

[faxchase]

In that closing he has denied Christ and the Living G-D by acknowledging flase gods and has encouraged prayer to false gods.

There is one way and in doing that he has shown approval to demons and their gods and put them on a level with the One True and Holy Living G-D.

This has the apperence of good but has it's roots in evil. Shame on him.

[plgable]

wrong - Billy Graham called him.

No one is more pro-life than Dr. Hunter.He answered the call to pray-doesn't mean he supports one party or another. Like Dr. Hunter said - he'd pray for the Federation of widget makers if they called on him to pray. He's a pastor - that's what he does. We are all called to go shine our light among men - what good would it do God's mission for us if we only kept amongst those who believe and act as we do. it takes courage to do what Dr. Hunter did.

[strangerandpilgrim]

I do believe Joel is pro-life and a kind man. This is why he should stay out of politics and get back into the Bible. It would have taken courage to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, not give some recycled requests that offend no-one. Unfortunately Joels encouragement to pray to false gods were not a light but rather a dark deception. Praying to false gods is not The Lords plan for anyone and you would never find any example in the Bible of anyone promoting this satanic idea. Pray for Joel.

[intertunetv]

I hear everyone's concern here and I just want to bring out a point. He was invited to give the 'benediction' not preach a sermon. I agree it is somewhat a sermonette in a sense what he gave. I surmise that he was wanting to connect the things of civic duty to be highlighted by the christian world view. Grace might give us salvation through faith yet that love should reach it's destination. Works is a way we reach out to the world with the Gospel and show Christ's love in the public square.

[mother66]

Sorry to bring up the obvious, but how is "pray this prayer to your own god" a Christian world view? Are we that blind? Hunter did great damage to the Name and the cause of Christ last night.

[lovemommyof2]

He called Billy Graham, he said.

The ailing evangelist, said he thought it was a "magnificent opportunity" and that he was "proud that somebody of your stature gets to do this." That was undoubtedly reassuring to Hunter who has received tremendous criticism for praying at the Democratic convention.Graham's advice: "Just say what God gives you."

[lisaslegacy26]

"proud that somebody of your stature gets to do this", does that sound like humility to you in a spiritual realm? Its unimaginable that Pastor Joel would have been comfortable quoting that information about himself! Troubling indeed!

[johnlitton]

I believe this is likely the biggest mistake in the life of Dr. Joel Hunter. To turn his back on the babies who will be aborted through the democratic policies and "plain vanilla" stance on religion. I implore you to return (and quickly) to the message that 'none can come to the Father, but through the Son' and to boldly fight the fight to protect the unborn children as Jesus would have us do. For me, ... NOBAMA

[strangerandpilgrim]

Nothing Dr. Hunter requested in this prayer is different from what the politicians have been saying. Anyone of thousands in that arena could have delivered the same request and just sprinkled in God. If Dr. Hunter was really called from God to be on the national stage and deliver a prayer he would have told everyone in the audience that neither Obama or McCain have the answers. Only Jesus. He died so we could be forgiven. Please repent and trust Jesus. What a missed opportunity to be the light.

[rem944]

Way to go Pastor Joel. I agree with intertunetv, God has so clearly called you. Thank you for responding to that call, and thank you for your prayer. Your sermons on the podcase continue to inspire me.

[GoodNews4You]

Jesus says "I am the truth, the way and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me".

America was a country founded on Christianity...but now it's lost it's morals and Christian values....becoming just like

the rest of the world.

I'm not against other religions,

but I follow Jesus...and I don't agree

with this Pastor's gesture of closing

the prayer with multiple faiths.

He could have just said "in Jesus name".

It's better to obey God, than please men

of other religions.

[somethingpirate]

I'm also proud of Dr. Hunter! What a great example of being the Church Distributed in the world.

[intertunetv]

I am so proud to see our pastor out responding to God's calling on His life. I

am sure not everyone will understand but it encourages me greatly. I know who 'moves Him around by the chest.'