Barack Obama is likely to run for president in 2008 and speaking from the pulpit of one of America's most well known evangelical churches is likely to be footage that could be used over and over in trying to dissuade Christians from thinking about moral issues that real Christians truly feel concern for.

It should also be noted that Rick Warren knows better. Both he and his wife Kay have appeared on my broadcast in days gone by. Through some of our combined efforts with World Vision, my radio listeners have raised literally millions of dollars towards the AIDS crisis in Africa. And the truth be told, evangelicals in North America contribute more monies towards the very issue Warren professes worry over than the whole of Barack Obama's liberal friends combined.

There is definitely something for Barack Obama to gain by appearing in Rick Warren's pulpit - the implied endorsement and blessing for the 2008 presidential race. There is definitely something for Rick Warren to gain in promoting Barack Obama and giving him time behind the altar of God's word - power and access to a future heavyweight contender for the highest office in the land.

Sen. Barack Obama, a pro-abortion rights Democrat contemplating a presidential run, on Friday received a warm embrace from one of America's best-known evangelical pastors and an enthusiastic ovation from a national gathering of church leaders not traditionally welcoming of liberal social views.

Obama delivered a speech rich in references to Christian faith, moral imperative and common purpose, urging churches to join with allies among the secular to fight the spread of AIDS and other social ills.

"My Bible tells me that when God sent his only Son to Earth, it was to heal the sick and comfort the weary," Obama said.

Tim Morgan, deputy managing editor for Christianity Today, who watched the speech, said Obama spoke about his faith with a natural ease that resonated with the audience.

"He almost speaks here like a pastor. The amazing thing is he does it so well," Morgan said. "That's why he gets a standing ovation from an ardently, ardently pro-life audience."

Several church leaders in attendance said they came away with a favorable impression.

"You can tell he has a Christian perspective….Caring for people is the no. 1 thing about being a Christian," said John Smith, senior pastor of Crossroads Church in Loveland, Colo. "It didn't feel like he was politicking. It felt like he was a person of faith, and he felt comfortable talking about that."