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March 31, 2016 Truth2Freedom Briefing Report (US•World•Christian)
President Obama commuted the sentences of 61 federal prisoners Wednesday and went to lunch with seven former inmates who were released after having their sentences shortened — examples, Obama said, of the importance of second chances.
Recession worries and central-bank stimulus in Europe and Japan have given fresh life to a three-decade-long rally in global debt. Bonds worldwide are off to the best annual start since at least 1996. They've earned 3.1 percent this quarter and added more than $2 trillion of market value, according to a Bank of America Merrill Lynch index that tracks securities ranging from corporate and government obligations to mortgage-backed debt.
The leader of a key group of 170 House Republicans Wednesday blasted a committee's plan to help Puerto Rico with its $70 billion debt as "bankruptcy-style involuntary restructuring," casting doubt on how soon Congress can reach a deal.
The number of applications for unemployment benefits in the U.S. climbed last week to a two-month high, a sign of more moderate labor market progress. Initial jobless claims increased by 11,000 to 276,000 in the week ended March 26.
A nonprofit with ties to Senator John McCain received a $1 million donation from the government of Saudi Arabia in 2014, according to documents filed with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
China may surpass the U.S. to become the world's largest crude importer this year, according to Fuliang Zhong, vice president at Chinese trader Unipec.
Consumer comfort declined last week to a three-month low as Americans' attitudes about the economy and their financial prospects deteriorated.
North Korea is the only Asian country known to have tested nuclear devices in this century, and it claims to have nuclear bombs small enough to be loaded onto ballistic missiles that can reach as far as the continental U.S. This has created fears in neighboring South Korea and Japan that they are the most realistic targets of North Korea's nuclear weapons and that they should beef up their military capabilities to tackle the threat of annihilation.
AP Top Stories
Beijing's defense ministry on Thursday warned the US navy to "be careful" in the South China Sea and criticized a newly signed defense agreement between Washington and the Philippines.
An FBI affidavit alleges the owner of a Dallas-area hospice ordered nurses to increase drug dosages for patients to speed their deaths and maximize profits.
Iraq's counter-terrorism forces backed by army troops and U.S.-led coalition air strikes advanced towards the western town of Hit on Thursday in an attempt to dislodge Islamic State militants.
Communist Vietnam named a woman for the first time to the influential role of chairperson in its rubber stamp National Assembly — the country's fourth most powerful position — state media said.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday appeared likely to rule that property owners can challenge the federal government in court over the need for permits under a national water protection law in a case involving a company's plans for a Minnesota peat mine.
Austria on Wednesday moved to further tighten migrants' access to the country by placing tough new restrictions on asylum eligibility and making it easier to reject asylum seekers at the border.
Gold has seen its biggest three-month gain since the third quarter of 1990, showing gains of more than 15 percent so far this year. And if it continues its winning streak, gold could be heading for its best quarter in close to 30 years, according to Reuters.
A registered nurse has been arrested in Italy on suspicion of murdering 13 patients, in a case described as "the killer on the ward", police say.
New York City's council is considering legislation to restrict where performers dressed as characters like Elmo and Spiderman can solicit business. The costumed performers now roam freely in Manhattan's busy Times Square, the heart of the theatre district.
Argentina's President Mauricio Macri has won approval for a repayment deal which should put an end to the country's 15-year battle with holdout creditors.
The highest court in South Africa has ruled that President Jacob Zuma violated the constitution when he failed to repay government money spent on his private home. It gave the treasury 60 days to determine how much he should repay.
More than 60 years after the end of the Korean War, the remains of 36 Chinese soldiers who died fighting against South Korea are being returned home.
Rights group Amnesty International has accused Qatar of using forced labor at a flagship World Cup 2022 stadium.
WND
The Library of Congress will no longer use the term "illegal alien" or "illegal immigrant," due to pressure from Dartmouth College students who insisted the descriptions were discriminatory. Instead, the Library of Congress is going to refer to those in the country illegally as "non-citizens" and "unauthorized immigrants," in the likes of subject headings and other research markers and guides.
A New York professor has sparked a debate among educators over whether or not algebra is too hard and should be dropped from the curriculum.
The Obama administration is set to release another dozen detainees at Guantanamo Bay in the coming weeks, including at least one who was previously dubbed one of the "worst of the worst" in America's war on terror, and who has lost half his body weight during a years-long hunger strike.
Top News – 3/31/2016
Pentagon Confirms New North Korean ICBM
North Korea has developed a new long-range mobile intercontinental ballistic missile that the Pentagon says moves the country's leader Kim Jong Un closer to the goal of building missiles capable of striking the U.S. mainland with nuclear warheads. The new missile is called the KN-14 by the Pentagon and is a longer-range variant of the KN-08 road-mobile ICBM first made public in 2012.
Islamic Military Alliance Vows To "Dry Up Terrorists"
He also said the attendance of 39 Muslim nations, not all of which were members of the coalition, "sends a strong message on importance and nature of the alliance," adding that such force is needed in the face of "ISIS recreating Muslims and Arabs to put them in confrontation with the world."
Forget 'Waiting 20-25 Years': Dutch PM Says Ukraine Can Never Join EU
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte says that Ukraine should never be allowed to join the European Union.
CIA fighting the Pentagon in Syria
The fractured situation in Syria is looking even more bleak as forces allied with different parts of the US defense establishment are fighting against each other. The Los Angeles Times reports that the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is supported by the Pentagon, has been clashing with the CIA-backed Arab Fursan al-Haq militia near Aleppo.
German historian accuses AP of Nazi collaboration
Historian Harriet Scharnberg claims the Associated Press reached agreement with Hitler's regime that it could not publish information that might weaken the Third Reich, while the Nazis used AP photos for anti-Semitic propaganda.
Bionic heart patch to mend a broken heart
Israeli scientists have developed a proof-of-concept bionic patch to monitor and repair diseased hearts. Ben Gruber reports. (Video)
Israel cuts power to Jericho over ongoing PA debt
With more than 1.7 billion shekels of unpaid electric bills, Israel will slash power supply to Jericho beginning Thursday.
1st time ever: UN head to be selected after open debates
Candidates for the UN Secretary General's office will for the first time have to present their agendas at a series of open and informal debates later this year. The move is designed to make the selection process more transparent and unbiased.
Russia, US agree to dethrone Assad, send him into exile
According to the Al-Hayat pan-Arab newspaper in London, Russia has agreed to a long-standing demand of Syrian opposition forces that Assad be removed from power.
Russia vows 'totally asymmetrical' response to major US troop build-up in Europe
Russia's envoy to NATO has vowed a "totally asymmetrical" response if the alliance stands by a plan to deploy new armored units to Eastern Europe. Citing Russian "aggression" as a pretext, the US has announced "continuous troop rotations" starting 2017.
Reports of explosion/bomb threat at Sweden's second-largest airport, Landvetter
Reports have emerged of an explosion in the domestic area of Sweden's Landvetter airport. The hall has been evacuated, according to local media. The airport, located outside Gothenburg, received a bomb threat in the morning. As a result, police were placed in high visibility areas, police spokesperson Peter Adlersson told Expressen.
Moderate earthquake, 5 mag has occurred near Calama in Chile
A moderate earthquake magnitude 5 (ml/mb) has occurred on Thursday, 41 kilometers (25 miles) from Calama in Chile. The temblor was picked up at 04:53:28 / 4:53 am (local time epicenter). A tsunami warning has not been issued.
Scottish mosque figures linked to banned sectarian group
Leading figures at two Scottish mosques have held office in a proscribed organisation, the BBC can reveal. Sipah-e-Sahaba (SSP) has previously committed massacres in Pakistan. Head of religious events at Glasgow Central Mosque Sabir Ali and the leader of Polwarth Mosque in Edinburgh Hafiz Abdul Hamid have both occupied senior positions in its UK branch.
Central African Republic abuse: UN looks into 'bestiality' report
UN officials say they are investigating "extremely troubling" claims of sexual abuse by peacekeepers in the Central African Republic (CAR). Last year, there were 69 allegations of child rape and other sexual offences by peacekeepers from 10 missions. One advocacy group says it has passed on new reports to the UN that a soldier made four girls have sex with a dog.
US, Russia come to agreement on Assad's departure from Syrian presidency
The United States and Russia have agreed to let Syrian President Bashar Assad seek refuge in another country as part of a future political solution… An unnamed senior diplomatic source with knowledge of the agreement told al-Hayat that US Secretary of State John Kerry has already informed a number of his Arab counterparts on the understanding, but stressed that "the timing of the move and its political context is still not clear."
New York City Rat Problem Out Of Control? Subway Rodent Attacks 7 Train Rider
It's the stuff of New Yorkers' nightmares. New York City's growing rat problem became a personal crisis for one subway rider this week after he woke up on the train to find a large rat crawling up his body and onto his neck.
At least 5 killed in raid after Pakistan attack
Pakistani counterterrorism police killed at least five people Wednesday and arrested scores more in what it described as an intensified crackdown following a suicide bombing at a public park in the eastern city of Lahore.
Why the Fed rate talk was 'a bunch of nonsense'
The Federal Reserve was never hiking rates four times this year. Investors didn't believe it, and now Fed Chair Janet Yellen has all but explicitly acknowledged it.
Coalition has 'momentum' against IS group: Pentagon official
A top Pentagon official on Wednesday said Islamic State jihadists in Iraq and Syria are losing the lengthy fight against the US-led coalition, even as the jihadists continue to mount attacks overseas like the one in Brussels last week.
French minister compares veiled women to 'negroes who supported slavery'
A French government minister on Wednesday compared women who wear the veil to "negroes who supported slavery" amid a backlash against the growing trend for Muslim-orientated fashion.
French seize weapons cache in Indian Ocean that may have come from Iran
The French seized a large weapons cache on a ship headed for Somalia on March 20, authorities said. It's the second large weapons seizure in the region this month, and both may have been headed to Yemen from Iran.
Top Headlines – 3/31/2016
Roller-coaster first quarter ends with shares, dollar under pressure (Read More)
Oil prices slide as U.S. crude stocks hit record (Read More)
GE Files to End Fed Oversight After Shrinking GE Capital (Read More)
FDA Eases Rules for Abortion Pill, Making Access Simpler (Read More)
Kremlin denies report of Russia-U.S. deal on Assad's future (Read More)
Thirst for Gasoline Fuels Oil Rally (Read More)
Landlords in last-minute rush to beat stamp duty rises (Read More)
CEO of SunEdison's Spinoffs Leaves (Read More)
Zuma Counts on ANC Protection After Court Says He Violated Law (Read More)
Hong Kong Retail Sales Plunge the Most in 17 Years (Read More)
U.K. Economy Shows More Momentum; Current-Account Gap Widens (Read More)
Hong Kong Appeal Tribunal Fines Moody's $1.4 Million for Report (Read More)
Bank of Japan runs groupthink risk as board dissenters depart (Read More)
Distorted Markets: Why Banks Are Better Off Than You Think, And Real Estate Isn't (Read More)
Twitter Insiders Pitched Standalone Messaging App Idea (Read More)
Why a Chatbot Creeped Out Microsoft's AI-Focused CEO (Read More)
Students clash with police at protests against French labour reform (Read More)
U.S. May Let Govts, Banks Use USD for Business With Iran (Read More)
German Unemployment Unchanged as Refugees Bolster Labor Force (Read More)
China set to deploy world's longest-range nuclear missile (Read More)
BlackRock Is Said to Plan About 400 Job Cuts as Growth Slows (Read More)
The Investor Who's Betting on Brazil's Corruption Scandal (Read More)
Wage Surge in Hot U.S. Labor Markets Sending Hopeful Sign to Fed (Read More)
Deutsche Bank Says CIB Head Urwin May Be Worth More Than Cryan (Read More)
Quartet envoys in Jerusalem to work toward restarting peace talks
260 Ukrainian immigrants set to arrive in Israel
Army demolishes home of Hebron terrorist who murdered Israeli
Israeli Arabs warn gov't: Razing Beduin settlement is 'declaration of war'
US condemns UN call for list of firms operating in West Bank
Palestinian film claiming Israel digging under al-Aksa threatens to inflame tensions
Egyptian forces destroy 3-kilometer-long tunnel on Gaza border
Claim: Israeli Aircraft Struck Islamic State Targets in Egypt's Sinai
Why hasn't ISIS attacked Israel?
Intel group: ISIS urges attacks on German chancellery, Bonn airport
ISIS Claims Responsibility for Attack in Russia, Reportedly Killing 10
Report: US and Russia agree to Assad's departure to another country
Kremlin denies report of Russia-US deal on Assad's future
Assad rejects Syria 'transitional body' demanded by opposition
Assad: Syria transitional govt must include regime and opposition
Assad says ready to hold early elections if Syrian people want it
Migrant arrivals to Greece rise sharply despite EU-Turkey deal
French fashion mogul Pierre Berge hits out at 'Islamic' clothing accusing them of taking part in the "enslavement of women"
Khamenei says missiles, not just talks, key to Iran's future
World powers to UN: Iran missile tests pose threat to Israel
US and EU powers send letter to UNSC over Iranian missile launches
US senator concerned over UN, Iran missiles and nuclear pact
US may allow dollars to be used in Iran business deals
Report: Saudi Arabia buys drones from Israel through South Africa
U.S. says it will not recognize South China Sea exclusion zone
One dead, dozens wounded in wave of bombs in south Thailand
Obama, Asian leaders to huddle on North Korea nuclear threat
Nuclear terrorism fears loom over Obama's final atomic summit
The killer robot threat: Pentagon examining how enemy nations could empower machines
Giant remote-controlled cyborg beetles could replace drones
U.S. to Fight Cyber Attacks With 'Brain-Inspired' IBM Chip
Why the Fed rate talk was 'a bunch of nonsense' – The Federal Reserve was never hiking rates four times this year
Oil Declines as Rising U.S. Crude Stockpiles Expand Global Glut
Planet Nine is fact or theoretical myth, Astromers are in clash
Could 'Planet X' Cause Comet Catastrophes on Earth?
5.4 magnitude earthquake hits near Saparua, Indonesia
5.0 magnitude earthquake hits near Calama, Chile
5.0 magnitude earthquake hits near Lae, Papua New Guinea
Cotopaxi volcano in Ecuador erupts to 20,000ft
Colima volcano in Mexico erupts to 18,000ft
Kerinci volcano in Indonesia erupts to 16,000ft
Mt Etna volcano in Italy erupts to 15,000ft
Sinabung volcano in Indonesia erupts to 12,000ft
Alaid volcano on the Kuril Islands erupts to 10,000ft
Chikurachki volcano on the Kuril Islands erupts to 10,000ft
Kanlaon volcano in the Philippines erupts, travel restricted
At least 7 injured after tornadoes, severe weather rip through parts of Oklahoma
Mexico City temporarily restricts all cars after smog alert
Custom 3-D printed scalp, hair helps cancer survivors feel like themselves again
Measles case shuts down California elementary school
Long-Term Antibiotics Fail Again in Lyme Disease
Scientists take aim at Zika through mapping its genes
New Source Of Transplant Organs For Patients With HIV: Others With HIV
New F.D.A. Guidelines Ease Access to Abortion Pill
Donald Trump's claim he evolved into 'pro-life' views, like Ronald Reagan
Trump walks back statement on women being punished for abortion if procedure banned
Virginia Governor Vetoes Bill to Defund Planned Parenthood Abortion Giant
Planned Parenthood raises concerns with Alaska abortion bill
British magistrate fired for opposing gay adoption: 'I believe we need to stand and say what is right'
California sisters who run a medicinal marijuana business pictured smoking cannabis
Bible charity vows to continue translation work after murders of four employees
First graders suspended after plotting to kill classmate
At least 10 reported killed, 150 believed trapped after overpass collapses in India
One-Third Of All Americans Don't Make Enough Money To Even Cover The Basic Necessities
Do you remember the days when it seemed like almost everyone in America was middle class? Unfortunately, those days are long gone and the grinding down of the middle class in the United States appears to be accelerating. According to a brand new study that was just released by Pew Charitable Trusts, household spending increased by 14 percent between 2004 and 2014, but median household income decreased by 13 percent during that same time period. Both of those figures were adjusted for inflation. What this means is that the cost of living has steadily gone up, but our incomes have gone down. In fact, as you will see below approximately one-third of all Americans don't even make enough money to pay for the basic necessities at this point. The middle class is being squeezed like never before, and very few of our leaders seem to care. (Read More…)
Robert Kiyosaki And Harry Dent Warn That Financial Armageddon Is Imminent
Financial experts Robert Kiyosaki and Harry Dent are both warning that the next major economic crash is in our very near future. Dent is projecting that the Dow will fall to "5,500 to 6,000 by late 2017″, and Kiyosaki actually originally projected that a great crash was coming in 2016 all the way back in 2002. Of course we don't exactly have to wait for things to get bad. The truth is that things are not really very good at the moment by any stretch of the imagination. Approximately one-third of all Americans don't make enough money to even cover the basic necessities, 23 percent of adults in their prime working years are not employed, and corporate debt defaults have exploded to the highest level that we have seen since the last financial crisis. But if Kiyosaki and Dent are correct, economic conditions in this country will soon get much, much worse than this. (Read More….)
'God's Not Dead 2' Star Melissa Joan Hart: 'Hollywood Gave Me Grief for Playing Strong Christian Woman Who Stands Up for Faith'
Posted on March 31, 2016 by Gospel Herald
Melissa Joan Hart, star of the upcoming faith-based film "God's Not Dead 2", has said that she has received a great deal of "grief" from Hollywood for playing a Christian woman who stands up for her faith.
Franklin Graham Tells Islamic Extremists Who Targeted Christians in Easter Bombing: 'The Grave Has No Hold on Believers'
The Rev. Franklin Graham has issued a strong warning to the Islamic extremists responsible for the attack that killed 70 Pakistani Christians, mostly women and children, on Easter Sunday in Lahore, stating that soon, "every knee" will bow to Jesus – not Allah.
5 Places the Enemy is Invading Your Church
Posted on March 31, 2016 by Crosswalk
Satan's sole purpose has always been to overtake the world with evil; his invasion is succeeding, not just in the world, but also in the church.
Why humility is at the heart of Christianity
Posted on March 31, 2016 by Christian Today
If you know you're humble, you'll be quite proud of yourself because humility is hard. But if you're proud, you aren't humble.
Prophecy News in Review Video
View Short Video summarizing current prophecy-related news.
Temple of Baal: Is Satan Marking His Territory?
It is clear as you read the excerpt from the NY Times, that it brought great mourning and sadness that this evil temple was destroyed. The war between good and evil is not blurred any longer. It is blatant and there is no gray area. Can you see the excitement in the NY Time's piece when they speak about this structure coming to Times Square?
This is absolutely demonic.
The Daily Discovery (March 31, 2016)
ARTICLES I LIKE FROM AROUND THE WEB:
(Click title to go to full article)
Andy Stanley's Problem with the Bible – "Andy Stanley knows the Bible. As the son of the popular Baptist pastor, Dr. Charles Stanley, he has grown up under Bible teaching and preaching. As a pastor of a very large megachurch, North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia, Andy Stanley has spent much time reading and studying the Bible. So, why does it seem that Andy Stanley has a problem with the Bible on so many different levels? Over the past few years, Andy Stanley has managed to stay in the light of controversy regarding his positions on key issues of the faith. Is Andy Stanley operating by the old adage, "There's no such thing as bad publicity"? While Stanley may not be seeking bad publicity, the fact is, he has managed to keep controversy stirred up around him in recent years. Exactly where did Andy Stanley go off course? As we examine the controversial statements made by Andy Stanley, there seems to be a clear connection to the way he approaches to the Bible."
We're More Honest With Our Phones Than With Our Pastors – "A recent article from the New York Times says, rightly I'm sure, that We're More Honest With Our Phones Than With Our Doctors. Writing from the confluence of medicine and technology, Jenna Wortham explains that 'in recent years, mobile technology has granted me and countless others the ability to collect an unprecedented amount of information about our habits and well-being. Our phones don't just keep us in touch with the world; they're also diaries, confessional booths, repositories for our deepest secrets. Which is why researchers are leaping at the chance to work with the oceans of data we are generating, hoping that within them might be the answers to questions medicine has overlooked or ignored.'"
Making My Theology Work: An Introduction – "Today on Parking Space 23, I want to introduce a new and deeply personal series, 'Making My Theology Work.' My wife has a chronic neurological disorder called CDEM (it is kind of like MS, although the disease action that produces the actual injuries in the brain is different) which causes her nearly constant, widespread, varied, and at times quite severe pain. She also has limited mobility, most days she walks with a cane, although some days require a walker, and some even a wheel chair. Although there is no cure (there are treatments that may help) there is hope, because our hope is in God, and He has promised for His people there will be a pain free, tear free, eternity with Him (Revelation 21:3-4); our hope is in Him and that Great Day. Until then, we live in this fallen world, striving to please Him, and to honor Him with our lives and hearts. This intermittent series will be about how we do that in the context of suffering and chronic illness in the home and in our marriage. My Prayer is that many will be blessed and encouraged by it."
What do you do when the 'elders' ask you to pray? – "Many moons ago, in the comment thread of the first part of the Shack Up (on the Cripplegate), an LDS (or 'Mormon') commenter showed up and we had a little back-and-forth. In the post, I claimed that no other world religion has writings that claim 'to actually be written by God by means of people who were writing on behalf of, and empowered and guided by, the Spirit of God himself.' The commenter suggested that the book of Mormon did indeed claim to be inspired, as according to the above definition. I asked for citation, and he gave a series of references that I challenged as insufficient. Not being swayed, he then proceeded to try to argue for adding to scripture. Here's a summary of his argument…"
Has Ken Ham Embraced Evolution? – "Yesterday Kenneth Keathley, a professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, described on his blog how Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis has changed his position on one key element of evolution (see 'Ken Ham Embraces Evolution'). He pointed to an article in the latest issue of Answers magazine, a publication of Answers in Genesis, and said, 'The article is noteworthy because it argues for macro-evolution; the theory that the species of today evolved from prior, extinct species.' If true, this is indeed a substantial and noteworthy shift. Not surprisingly, Dr. Keathley's blog post was soon distributed through social media where some people reacted with more than a little surprise. But I don't think Ken Ham or his organization have actually embraced evolution of the kind Keathley describes."
Chris Rosebrough – It is Finished!
There are Many Deceived Church Goers
The Carnal Christian?
"All death can do to the believer is deliver him to Jesus. It brings us into the eternal presence of our Savior." – John MacArthur
Hope Will Put You to Work
Faith, hope, and love are some of the most basic activities of the Christian heart, but can you explain them to someone? Loving others well depends on defining our terms well.
Paul Tripp | Christianity, Homosexuality, and Transgenderism
The post Paul Tripp | Christianity, Homosexuality, and Transgenderism appeared first on ChurchLeaders.com.
Sexual Confusion: the New Religion
Promoting transgenderism is now classified as child abuse because gender ideology harms children. Sadly, this will not matter to those who selfishly only care about their own depraved interests. According to the American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds): "conditioning children into believing a lifetime of chemical and surgical impersonation of the opposite sex is normal, is […]
A La Carte (March 31)
Today's Kindle deals include An Infinite Journey by Andrew Davis ($0.99); Love Into Light by Peter Hubbard ($0.99); The Shorter Catechism Made Simple by Andrew Conway ($0.99); The End of Reason ($2.99) and Walking from East to West ($1.99) by Ravi Zacharias; Igniting the Fire by Jake Hanson ($1.99); Demolishing Supposed Bible Contradictions by Ken Ham ($2.99).
Pillar New Testament Commentaries
Westminster Books is offering a great deal on the Pillar New Testament Commentary series. This is a top-notch series edited by D.A. Carson and suitable to anyone who wishes to better understand God's Word.
My Side, Your Side, or Neither
You may benefit from this reflection on church conflict. "Both sides will convince themselves that they are more than just right; they will convince themselves that God is on their side. When the inevitable resolution comes, the 'winners' will rejoice in God's vindication. Meanwhile, the 'losers' will consider themselves martyrs who will one day experience God's eschatological vindication. Thus, in victory or defeat, both sides refuse to give up their claim that God was on their side."
You Don't Deserve This
Ray Ortlund: "So you're a faithful pastor. You're walking with the Lord. You're preaching the gospel. You're loving the people. You're trying to evangelize, teach, pray, be an example, lead, do your job. You're not perfect, and you admit it, but your heart is given to the Lord. And there is a faction in your church set against you."
Band of Bloggers
Band of Bloggers is filling up fast. If you're at T4G (or even just in Louisville) be sure to check it out. And be sure to check out the list of free books you'll receive…
Admit It: Atheists Have a Point
Here's a call for honesty. "We can diminish our credibility—not to mention the perceived reasonableness of the gospel—when we fail to admit that the opposition has some decent arguments. If we underestimate the strength of the objections, or overstate our own case, we ultimately make matters worse."
Why Don't We Follow All the Laws?
Christians are often charged with picking and choosing the Old Testament laws they follow today. J.D. Greear explains why not all laws are equal.
This Day in 1980. 36 years ago today, John Piper published his first book, Love Your Enemies. *
ICWA, Lexi, and the Worst of American History
You may have heard of Lexi, the little girl who was taken away from her foster family (who attend John MacArthur's church). Jesse Johnson gives a summary of what happened and why it matters.
My Son's Autism Changed Everything
There is both challenge and encouragement in this article.
There is nothing whatsoever surprising about sin. Holiness, however, is the most surprising thing in the world. —Ligon Duncan
Pillar commentary sale
Westminster Bookstore has an amazing deal going a terrific commentary series. Get them while you can!
My Son's Autism Changed Everything—Even Our Church
Sandra Peoples:
Back in 2010, we held our three-year-old son's hand and walked in to a meeting with a school psychologist, occupational therapist, and speech pathologist. We walked out holding our autistic son's hand.
That moment changed everything in our lives. Our family dynamics shifted as we opened our home to four different therapists each week. Dinner became not only time to eat together, but also to help James regain the language skills he had lost ("Who is this? Daddy. Say 'Daddy.'"). I settled into the idea of working from home to be available to him. Since insurance only covered a portion of his therapies, we adjusted our finances to cover the rest. We began to look into the future as a family of three, rather than envisioning me and my husband as eventual empty-nesters. I also turned to the Psalms and Job more and more.
How to Uncheapen Grace in Your Church
Jared Wilson:
When we take up our ministry crosses and die to our visionary selves and follow Christ's way of "doing church," we show how costly grace really is. We show how powerful it really is.
Ironically, however, the way to show the enormous costliness of grace is not to heap on people an enormous burden of instructions. The logical mind wouldn't think it should work this way. But you demonstrate how valuable grace is by emphasizing grace over the spiritual "to do" list. If you want to uncheapen grace, actually, you will throw it at everything.
If instead we treat grace like it's just for conversion, we hold it cheap. If we assume grace, we hold it cheap. If we "of course" grace, we hold it cheap.
How do you respond to dissenting opinions?
Good reminder from James Kinnard.
Why Don't We Follow All of the Old Testament Laws?
JD Greear:
It's pretty common these days for people to dismiss Christians as inconsistent because"they follow some of the rules in the Bible and ignore others." The challenge usually sounds something like this: "When the Bible talks about certain sexual behaviors as sin, you quote that; but when it says not to eat shellfish or that you should execute people for breaking the Sabbath, you just ignore it. Aren't you just picking and choosing what suits you best?"
Ray Ortlund:
So you're a faithful pastor. You're walking with the Lord. You're preaching the gospel. You're loving the people. You're trying to evangelize, teach, pray, be an example, lead, do your job. You're not perfect, and you admit it, but your heart is given to the Lord. And there is a faction in your church set against you.
Hope for a Hopeless Marriage
Chad Lindon:
When we had our first child in 1996, I wanted to be a good dad and a good husband. The problem was that I didn't want to give up anything for either. In case you were wondering, selfishness doesn't beget good relationships (Jam 3:16), and all of mine were train wrecks. I didn't know it at the time, but what I needed most was to die (Rom 6:11), not physically but spiritually. I needed to die so that through Christ I could be resurrected and redeemed (Rom 6:4). Only He could redeem my relationship with God, and only he could redeem my marriage. I needed a gracious, merciful, loving Savior. I needed Jesus, and Sandy did too.
Whither Honor?
This is challenging stuff from Kevin DeYoung.
Four Warnings for Your Twenties | Marshall Segal, Desiring God
"The same temptations that were murdering the believers under Moses are waging a spiritual war against believers today: entertainment, sexual immorality, impatience, and contentment."
Why Mark Dever Thinks You Should Use Alec Motyer's New "Psalms of the Day: A New Devotional Translation" | TGC
Mark Dever's foreword to Alec Motyer's new devotional on the Psalms.
My Son's Autism Changed Everything—Even Our Church | Sandra Peoples, ChristianityToday.com
"I came to see special needs families as an unreached people group."
Seeing Christ In All of Scripture | Lane Keister
"This short book clarifies the doctrinal issues surrounding the recent debates at Westminster [Seminary]like no other resource of which I am aware. Get a copy of it."
Six Biblical Methods For Handling Stress | Elizabeth Moyer, Institute for Faith, Work and Econmics
"Stress takes an undeniable toll on our whole self. Most of all, stress derails our relationship with God, distracting us from his provision, providence, and goodness. These biblical methods are not novel or groundbreaking. Instead, they are steadfast tools that help us re-center our hearts on the Lord."
The Unappreciated Blessing Of Busyness | David Qaoud, Gospel Relevance
"Is busyness always a bad thing?"
The enormous power of the unconscious brain | Chris Baraniuk, BBC
"A lot of the things we do in everyday life don't need to involve our conscious mind. In many cases, the more we use it, the less effective we become."
One Man and One Woman: Marriage and Same-Sex Relations by Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley
For your non-Kindle book buying, please consider using Reformation Heritage Books in the USA and Reformed Book Services in Canada. Good value prices and shipping.
Demolishing Supposed Bible Contradictions Volume 1 by Ken Ham ($2.99)
Beginning at Moses: A Guide to Finding Christ in the Old Testament by Michael P. V. Barrett ($0.99)
God's Unfailing Purpose: The Message of Daniel by Michael P. V. Barrett ($0.99)
Prudential Relationship Reconnect in Singapore
If you want proof of how much we need face-to-face contact for healthy relationships, watch this moving video of a social experiment which examined whether simply looking at someone for four quiet, uninterrupted minutes could create a sense of closeness and empathy.
Our Time is Short
Read: Recommitting Your Life To God and Jesus Christ – Restoration and Forgiveness With God and Jesus Christ (Updated Version)
God made everything out of nothing, including you and me. His main purpose in creation was to bring him pleasure.
The chief way in which we as humanity do this is through loving, obeying, and enjoying him perfectly.
Instead of this, we have sinned against our loving Creator and acted in high-handed rebellion.
God has vowed that he will righteously and lovingly judge sinners with eternal death.
But God, being merciful, loving, gracious, and just, sent his own son, Jesus Christ, in the likeness of man to live as a man; fulfilling his perfect requirements in the place of sinners; loving, obeying, and enjoying him perfectly.
And further, his son bore the eternal judgment of God upon the cross of Calvary, as he satisfied the eternal anger of God, standing in the place of sinners. God treated Jesus as a sinner, though he was perfectly sinless, that he might declare sinners as perfect.
This glorious transaction occurs as the sinner puts their faith (dependence, trust) in the Lord Jesus Christ as their substitute. God then charges Christ's perfection to the sinner, and no longer views him as an enemy but instead an adopted son covered in the perfect righteousness of his son.
God furnished proof that this sacrifice was accepted by raising Jesus from the dead.
God will judge the world in righteousness and all of those who are not covered in the righteousness of Christ, depending on him for forgiveness, will be forced to stand on their own to bear the eternal anger of God.
Therefore, all must turn from sin and receive Christ Jesus as Lord.
There is no greater message to be heard than that which we call the gospel. But as important as that is, it is often given to massive distortions or over simplifications. People think they're preaching the gospel to you when they tell you, 'you can have a purpose to your life', or that 'you can have meaning to your life', or that 'you can have a personal relationship with Jesus.' All of those things are true, and they're all important, but they don't get to the heart of the gospel.
The gospel is called the 'good news' because it addresses the most serious problem that you and I have as human beings, and that problem is simply this: God is holy and He is just, and I'm not. And at the end of my life, I'm going to stand before a just and holy God, and I'll be judged. And I'll be judged either on the basis of my own righteousness–or lack of it –or the righteousness of another. The good news of the gospel is that Jesus lived a life of perfect righteousness, of perfect obedience to God, not for His own well being but for His people. He has done for me what I couldn't possibly do for myself. But not only has He lived that life of perfect obedience, He offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice to satisfy the justice and the righteousness of God.
The great misconception in our day is this: that God isn't concerned to protect His own integrity. He's a kind of wishy-washy deity, who just waves a wand of forgiveness over everybody. No. For God to forgive you is a very costly matter. It cost the sacrifice of His own Son. So valuable was that sacrifice that God pronounced it valuable by raising Him from the dead – so that Christ died for us, He was raised for our justification. So the gospel is something objective. It is the message of who Jesus is and what He did. And it also has a subjective dimension. How are the benefits of Jesus subjectively appropriated to us? How do I get it? The Bible makes it clear that we are justified not by our works, not by our efforts, not by our deeds, but by faith–and by faith alone. The only way you can receive the benefit of Christ's life and death is by putting your trust in Him–and in Him alone. You do that, you're declared just by God, you're adopted into His family, you're forgiven of all of your sins, and you have begun your pilgrimage for eternity.
The Gospel In A Nutshell
Now, with regard to this rule of faith—that we may from this point acknowledge what it is which we defend—it is, you must know, that which prescribes the belief that there is one only God, and that He is none other than the Creator of the world, who produced all things out of nothing through His own Word, first of all sent forth; that this Word is called His Son, and, under the name of God, was seen "in diverse manners" by the patriarchs, heard at all times in the prophets, at last brought down by the Spirit and Power of the Father into the Virgin Mary, was made flesh in her womb, and, being born of her, went forth as Jesus Christ; thenceforth He preached the new law and the new promise of the kingdom of heaven, worked miracles; having been crucified, He rose again the third day; (then) having ascended into the heavens, He sat at the right hand of the Father; sent instead of Himself the Power of the Holy Ghost to lead such as believe; will come with glory to take the saints to the enjoyment of everlasting life and of the heavenly promises, and to condemn the wicked to everlasting fire, after the resurrection of both these classes shall have happened, together with the restoration of their flesh. This rule, as it will be proved, was taught by Christ, and raises amongst ourselves no other questions than those which heresies introduce, and which make men heretics.
Tertullian, "On Prescription Against Heretics," Chapter XIIl
The Gospel on 5 Fingers
Can you explain the gospel in 30 seconds? In one minute? In five minutes?Here's one way I have found helpful. The five main components of the gospel can be remembered on 5 fingers of one hand. Here they are:
1) Jesus' birth
2) Jesus' life
3) Jesus' death
4) Jesus' resurrection
5) Jesus' ascension
Obviously each point can be elaborated on depending on how much time you have. Here's the short version:
1) Jesus' birth – Jesus, God himself, the creator of the universe, the Messiah, became a human being – took on flesh, and was born of a virgin.
2) Jesus' life – Jesus lived a life of perfect obedience to his Father. Though he was tempted in every way as we are, he never once sinned.
3) Jesus' death – on the cross, Jesus himself took all our sins and paid for them. God the father counted all our sins to Jesus as if he himself had personally committed them. Then Jesus bore God's wrath towards sin – the punishment we deserved – as a substitute for us.
4) Jesus' resurrection – within 3 days, Jesus rose physically from the dead, proving that his sacrifice for sins have been accepted by God, since the punishment for sin was death. Jesus was seen by numerous people after he rose including 500 at one time (1 Corinthians 15).
5) Jesus' ascension – Jesus ascended physically into heaven where he reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords. And someday he will return to the earth.
That's the gospel, the good news, and if we believe in Jesus Christ and this good news and call upon him he will save us from our sins and give us eternal life.
That's a simple way to remember the gospel – five fingers. Even a child can do it. So ask God to give you opportunities to share his good news today.
Ready to start your new life with God?
Who do you think that I am?
With that brief question Jesus Christ confronted His followers with the most important issue they would ever face. He had spent much time with them and made some bold claims about His identity and authority. Now the time had come for them either to believe or deny His teachings.
Who do you say Jesus is? Your response to Him will determine not only your values and lifestyle, but your eternal destiny as well.
Consider what the Bible says about Him: Read more
CanIKnowGod.com is a website inspired by LifesGreatestQuestion.com, with new content, images, audio and video that will help you understand more about who God is and how to know Him. The site is mobile responsive and has an infinite scroll which makes for a very user-friendly experience. After you indicate a decision on CanIKnowGod.com, you are directed to a page that details what it means to have a new and transformed life through Jesus Christ. There's even a Facebook page for daily updates, encouragement and scripture sharing.
Have you ever felt a little lost and wished there was a quick-start guide to your relationship with God? This is it!
30 Day Next Steps
John Beckett, a leading Christian businessman, has written a series to read over 30 days for new believers.
New Believers Guide
The New Believer's Guide is a series of articles designed to show you how to walk in the new life Christ has given you— a life of faith and freedom.
Jesus Booklet
Jesus is the Savior of the world. Discover who Jesus is today in this series.
About Christianity
Know Jesus Christ and your life will be transformed
The Perseverance (Security) of the Saints
Notice all the Scripture references!
It is not just a handful of texts that teach the perseverance of the saints: the entire gospel sustains and confirms it. The Father has chosen them before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4), ordained them to eternal life (Acts 13:48), to be conformed to the image of his Son (Rom. 8:29). This election stands (Rom. 9:11; Heb. 6:17) and in due time carries with it the calling and justification and glorification (Rom. 8:30). Christ, in whom all the promises of God are Yes and Amen (2 Cor. 1:20), died for those who were given him by the Father (John 17:6, 12) in order that he might give them eternal life and not lose a single one of them (6:40; 17:2); he therefore gives them eternal life and they will never be lost in all eternity; no one will snatch them out of his hand (6:39; 10:28).
The Holy Spirit who regenerates them remains eternally with them (14:16) and seals them for the day of redemption (Eph. 1:13; 4:30). The covenant of grace is firm and confirmed with an oath (Heb. 6:16–18; 13:20), unbreakable like a marriage (Eph. 5:31–32), like a testament (Heb. 9:17), and by virtue of that covenant, God calls his elect. He inscribes the law upon their inmost being, puts his fear in their heart (Heb. 8:10; 10:14ff.), will not let them be tempted beyond their strength (1 Cor. 10:13), confirms and completes the good work he has begun in them (1 Cor. 1:9; Phil. 1:6), and keeps them for the return of Christ to receive the heavenly inheritance (1 Thess. 5:23; 2 Thess. 3:3; 1 Pet. 1:4–5).
In his intercession before the Father, Christ acts in such a way that their faith may not fail (Luke 22:32), that in the world they may be kept from the evil one (John 17:11, 20), that they may be saved for all times (Heb. 7:20), that their sins will be forgiven them (1 John 2:1), and that they may all be where he is to behold his glory (John 17:24). The benefits of Christ, which the Holy Spirit imparts to them, are all irrevocable (Rom. 11:29). Those who are called are also glorified (8:30). Those who are adopted as children are heirs of eternal life (8:17; Gal. 4:7). Those who believe have eternal life already here and now (John 3:16). That life itself, being eternal, cannot be lost. It cannot die since it cannot sin (1 John 3:9). Faith is a firm ground (Heb. 11:1), hope is an anchor (6:19) and does not disappoint us (Rom. 5:5), and love never ends (1 Cor. 13:8).
Herman Bavinck, Reformed Dogmatics: Holy Spirit, Church, and New Creation, volume 4 (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2008), 270.
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This entry was posted in Christian News/Blogs/Articles Collection, News/Opinion/Commentary Collection on March 31, 2016 by Truth2Freedom.
Almost 40% of GOP 'Evangelical' Voters Don't Believe Bible Is Literal Word of God
According to the 2014 data, 39 percent of self-identified evangelical voters in the Republican Party do not believe the Bible is literal Word of God.
The analysis was based off of the question many political observers had regarding the strong support Republican front runner Donald Trump purportedly has among people who identify as evangelical Christians.
This entry was posted in Christian Living, Culture, Truth2Freedom Headline Alerts on March 31, 2016 by Truth2Freedom.
Evangelicals divided, a movement fractured, Part 1
Evangelicalism as a movement is rushing headlong toward theological ambiguity, which is another way of saying apostasy. ~ Michael Horton
The failure of modern evangelicalism is the failure to understand the holiness of God. ~ R.C. Sproul
At one time the word evangelical was used to differentiate Protestantism from Roman Catholicism and the Orthodox Church. For decades evangelicals were often identified with the right-wing of the Republican party as well as the Christian Right. But that ain't necessarily so anymore.
At one time most evangelicals were primarily interested in electing candidates with Judeo-Christian values….until Purpose-driven pragmatism slithered into the visible Church. Just like the typical pragmatist, Christian pragmatists hold that "the value of something is established by its practicality, functionality, and usefulness. Therefore, that which is impractical is rejected as having lesser value or no value as compared to that which works. Pragmatism has been considered in various fields of study such as law, politics, psychology, religion, and education." (Source)
So now there's a battle brewing between the conservatives and the pragmatists. Conservatives insist on applying the "values voter" litmus test to candidates while pragmatists insist on supporting candidates who, they believe, would tenaciously push the conservative agenda through Congress. A candidate's morals and character is of no particular concern.
Just to be clear, the pragmatist will always insist on compromise.
A Witch's Brew
Several years ago I penned a piece that I hoped would help explain the downgrade in the Church. I thought supermarket shopping would be a clever way to paint a word picture. In my piece I pointed out that there's a "diabolically inspired supermarket of truth and error in the postmodern Church." So take a stroll with me, once again, up and down the Aisles as we shop for the ingredients to make Syncretism Stew….
Aisle 2-Charismatic Confusion;
Aisle 3-Pentecostal Pandemonium;
Aisle 4-Enlightened Emergents;
Aisle 5-Purpose-driven Pragmatism;
Aisle 6-Secular Strategies…to suck in seekers;
Aisle 7-Twelve-steps…to "group think"
Aisle 8-Preposterous Pop Psychology
Aisle 9-Discernment Disintegration
Aisle 10-Predatory Pastors.
On and on it goes.
And I added this reminder:
The Body of Christ trusts its Shepherds to feed them healthy nutritious foods, yet many of them are literally starving their sheep to death! A diet of "Bible Light" does not nourish the soul – it causes spiritual malnutrition! A shepherd's job is to lead the flock in Christian life and faith. (Source)
Tragic, isn't it?
Loose Definitions of Evangelical
Syncretism in evangelicalism started happening when elements of various religious beliefs were integrated into mainline denominations. As syncretism spreads, creeds, confessions and doctrine get tossed aside resulting in a fundamental change of beliefs. When Truth declines, false teaching flourishes. The wily serpent uses syncretism to separate God from His people.
Before I move away from syncretism, I want to stress that evangelicals have been assimilated into the world because of it. More on how assimilation happens in a moment.
So, has evangelical lost its meaning as some suggest? Or is it still possible to nail down the term? The answer is yes and yes. But in order to fully understand what it means we must go back in time to when the movement first began. It is my hope that after reading this article with the simply stated facts it contains and perusing the research articles which are linked, the reader will come to know what evangelical originally stood for; likewise, those who identify as "evangelical Christian" will know if they can truthfully make that claim.
Uber liberal Washington Post's Michelle Boorstein wrote a piece entitled "Why Donald Trump is tearing evangelicals apart." In it she quotes David Kinnaman, president of the Christian research firm Barna. "Loose definitions of 'evangelical,'" says Boorstein, "have ballooned the group's size from a more accurate 7 to 11 percent of the U.S. population to roughly a quarter. Author of a new book about how conservative Christians feel sidelined, Kinnaman said he has talked with and appeared before thousands of people in recent weeks on his book tour "and I've not found a single person supporting Trump. How is he a thing among evangelicals?"
According to Boorstein:
Kinnaman said this election "is the most tribal election we've ever seen" and will redraw future evangelical lines. Institutional evangelicalism, he said, doesn't want this because they like the political and cultural power that comes with being perceived as huge.
But, he said, "We can't have our cake and eat it too. We want to be big, but not too big as to be associated with all that's wrong with Christianity."
Kinnaman's recent experience where he couldn't find a conservative Christian that supported Donald Trump could representative of much larger population. I'll leave that question and the 2016 election until part 2.
What Evangelicals Believe And Why They Believe It …
This entry was posted in Christian Living, Postmodern Church/Apostasy on March 31, 2016 by Truth2Freedom.
What the Gift of God's Presence Means for Us
A sitting silently at the feet of Jesus is of more worth than all the clatter of Martha's dishes. (C. H. Spurgeon)
It was a rare occasion. My husband and I were home on a Saturday, with nothing to do, so I decided to get caught up on some chores. He sat in the living room reading and then watching TV while I cleaned. I was busy organizing, de-cluttering, deep cleaning, moving furniture around, dusting, vacuuming, etc. and was just about to move on to the dishes when he said,
"Would you just come here and be with me?"
Now, you need to know, my husband loves a clean house. There are two quick ways to his heart: cooking a new recipe and freshly mopped floors. He loves the smell of Pine Sol and Pledge. I thought I was loving him by doing these things for him, when I realized that what he really wanted that day was just to be with me.
This whole life with God is him pursuing us, to dwell among us, to be with us.
More than a clean house or a home cooked meal, he wanted me to be present. To be with him, sitting beside him, enjoying a day home together.
So it is with our Heavenly Father. Often we think that God wants to use us, instead of simply being with us. We think God wants us working for him instead of walking with him. This whole life with God is him pursuing us, to dwell among us, to be with us.
Prior to sin entering the world, Genesis 2 ends with this verse: "And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed" (Genesis 2:25).
Naked and not ashamed. Fully known and completely loved in God's presence.
Then, sin enters in and breaks fellowship with God, destroying the position of peace man and woman had in his presence. The result of sin, the end of Genesis 3 reads,
Then the Lord God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—" therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life. (vv. 22-24)
Prior to sin: peace and enjoying God's presence.
After sin: death and being cast out from him.
Thankfully, the story doesn't stop there. Although sin casts us out of God's presence, the cross brings us back to him.
In fact, the rest of the narrative of the Bible is God's plan of redemption, in buying back a sinful people to enjoy his presence once again, through Jesus Christ. He has always been after peace with his people, dwelling among them, to be with them.
If you skip a rock through the Bible, you'll see this theme:
And [God] said, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." And he said to him, "If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here."
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God is with us].
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone.
You have multiplied the nation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
"…fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you…"
Revelation 21:3-5
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
God's desire has always been to be with his people. He chases after us, pursues us, redeems us, renews us to be with us. We think what matters most to God is what we achieve for him, yet his desire is for us to be with him. He redeemed us for relationship; he dwells among us so that we delight in him; he is God with us in Christ to share the greatest gift of his presence.
What other verses come to mind about how God has dwelt among us?
For the Person Struggling with Doubt
God Still Speaks, But Are You Listening?
Where Joy Is Found
The post What the Gift of God's Presence Means for Us appeared first on Unlocking the Bible.
This entry was posted in Biblical Lesson/Teaching, Christian Living on March 31, 2016 by Truth2Freedom.
3 Ways the Spirit Works in Us
The Holy Spirit is the least understood member of the Trinity. We can read about the Spirit in the Bible and still come away scratching our heads. In Genesis 1 & 2, the Spirit is hovering over the unformed world. In John 3, Jesus compares the Spirit to wind. In Matthew 3, the Spirit attends Jesus' baptism in some dove-like shape. We come away with the idea that the Spirit is pretty important, but we still don't know what to make of Him.
I say "Him" because the Spirit is not this impersonal, mystical force. The Spirit is actually a person. As such, we can actually have a relationship with Him. As we're "walking" with the Spirit, here's what He does for us:
1. He guides us into truth
Jesus said, "When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will glorify Me" (John 16:13-14). We can think of "glorifying" as magnifying. We're able to see something bigger and with more detail than usual. This is what the Spirit does with Jesus in our lives. Another way to say it is the Spirit makes Jesus famous. Practically, the Spirit does that by illuminating Scripture, which means He confirms the truth of Scripture and shows us how it all points to Jesus.
2. He convicts us when we sin
One way you can be certain the Holy Spirit is with you is the fact that you can't enjoy your sin. When I became a Christian, it was really easy to give up drugs and alcohol, but that was not the case with sex. I remember the Spirit speaking to me one time after sinning in that area (again). It wasn't audible, but it was a clear, "This is not who you are anymore." That conviction was so strong and powerful. "Okay, I get it!" That was the work of the Holy Spirit leading me into holiness. It doesn't happen overnight, but it does happen.
3. He empowers us to overcome sin
Do you have anyone in your life who has this constant need to be right and loves pointing out all the ways you're wrong? Maybe it's a classmate, co-worker, or even a relative. We try to avoid them as best as we can, but somehow, they're always there. Thankfully it's not that way with the Spirit. Yes, He speaks the truth and shows us our sin, but He also helps us overcome it. We are not on our own in the fight against sin. The reason we sin is we love it. The Spirit works on our hearts and causes us to desire the things that God desires. He gives us a greater love.
The Spirit is a Divine person, so our knowledge of Him can never be exhausted. There will always be an element of mystery. But because the Spirit is a person, we can know Him. Like any relationship, our knowledge of Him can grow. If we make a habit of listening for His voice, we'll find abundant life now, not just at some point in the future.
Originally published at DarrinPatrick.org
Source: 3 Ways the Spirit Works in Us
This entry was posted in Christian Living on March 31, 2016 by Truth2Freedom.
I Slept with My Girlfriend — Now What?
Pastor John counsels a dating couple who have failed sexually.
Source: I Slept with My Girlfriend — Now What?
This entry was posted in Christian Living, Counseling on March 31, 2016 by Truth2Freedom.
What Happened to Worship?!?
Source: What Happened?!?
H/T to Ralph M. Petersen
This entry was posted in Christian Living, Ministry on March 31, 2016 by Truth2Freedom.
Doctrines of Demons
Must we know the enemy if we are going to do effective spiritual warfare? According to Anton Bosch of Anton Bosch Ministries "our knowledge base on demonology (the study of demons) is rapidly being expanded by means of extra-biblical sources, over-active imaginations, science-fiction books and even Hollywood. All these weird ideas are rapidly being added to Scripture to form a picture never revealed by God."
In this piece, Bosch examines the unbiblical teaching found in many charismatic churches regarding Satan and his demons and he sets the record straight.
TMS: Sola Scriptura and the Church Fathers
In his denial of the deity of Christ, Arius was arguably the most notorious heretic of the early church.
Though Arius's heretical views were soundly condemned by the Council of Nicaea (in A.D. 325), the controversy he sparked raged for another fifty years throughout the Roman Empire. During those tumultuous decades, the defenders of Trinitarian orthodoxy often found themselves outnumbered and out of favor with the imperial court. Yet they refused to compromise.
Among them, most famously, stood Athanasius of Alexandria—exiled on five different occasions for his unwavering commitment to the truth. He was joined by the Cappadocian Fathers: Basil of Caesarea, Gregory of Nazianzas, and Gregory of Nyssa.
But how did these early Christian leaders know that the doctrine they were defending was, in fact, a truth worth fighting for? How did they know they were right and the Arians were wrong? Was it on the basis of oral tradition, a previous church council, or an edict from the bishop of Rome?
No. They ultimately defended the truth by appealing to the Scriptures.
Gregory of Nyssa makes that point explicit in a letter to Eustathius. The Arians claimed that their tradition (or "custom") did not allow for the Trinitarian position. Gregory responded with the following:
What then is our reply? We do not think that it is right to make their prevailing custom the law and rule of sound doctrine. For if custom is to avail for proof of soundness, we too, surely, may advance our prevailing custom; and if they reject this, we are surely not bound to follow theirs. Let the inspired Scripture, then, be our umpire, and the vote of truth will surely be given to those whose dogmas are found to agree with the Divine words. (Dogmatic Treatises, Book 12. On the Trinity, To Eustathius.)
When Arian custom ran contrary to Trinitarian custom, to what authority did Gregory appeal? The Scriptures.
As Gregory rightly understood, Scripture is a higher authority than tradition. That is why he appealed to the Word of God as the final arbiter in the debate over Arianism.
In so doing, Gregory provides a vivid illustration of the principle of sola Scriptura, twelve centuries before the Reformation. Of course, Gregory was not the only church father who shared in that conviction.
Though many others could be cited, here is a small sampling from eight church fathers who shared Gregory's perspective on the authority of Scripture.
1. Irenaeus of Lyons (d. 202)
We have learned from none others the plan of our salvation, than from those through whom the Gospel has come down to us, which they did at one time proclaim in public, and, at a later period, by the will of God, handed down to us in the Scriptures, to be the ground and pillar of our faith. (Against Heresies, 3.1.1)
2. Tertullian of Carthage (c. 160–235) [in defending the truth of the Trinity against the heretic Praxeas:]
It will be your duty, however, to adduce your proofs out of the Scriptures as plainly as we do, when we prove that He made His Word a Son to Himself. . . . All the Scriptures attest the clear existence of, and distinction in (the Persons of) the Trinity, and indeed furnish us with our Rule of faith. (Against Praxeas, 11)
3. Hippolytus (d. 235)
There is, brethren, one God, the knowledge of whom we gain from the Holy Scriptures, and from no other source. For just as a man if he wishes to be skilled in the wisdom of this world will find himself unable to get at it in any other way than by mastering the dogmas of philosophers, so all of us who wish to practice piety will be unable to learn its practice from any quarter than the oracles of God. Whatever things then the Holy Scriptures declare, at these let us look; and whatsoever things they teach these let us learn. (Against Heresies, 9)
4. Dionysius of Alexandria (ca. 265):
We did not evade objections, but we endeavored as far as possible to hold to and confirm the things which lay before us, and if the reason given satisfied us, we were not ashamed to change our opinions and agree with others; but on the contrary, conscientiously and sincerely, and with hearts laid open before God, we accepted whatever was established by the proofs and teachings of the Holy Scriptures. (Cited from Eusebius, Church History, 7.24.7–9)
5. Athanasius of Alexandria (296–373) [After outlining the books of the Bible, Athanasius wrote:]
These are fountains of salvation, that they who thirst may be satisfied with the living words they contain. In these alone is proclaimed the doctrine of godliness. Let no man add to these, neither let him take ought from these. For concerning these the Lord put to shame the Sadducees, and said, 'Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures.' And He reproved the Jews, saying, 'Search the Scriptures, for these are they that testify of Me.' (Festal Letter 39, 6–7)
6. Cyril of Jerusalem (315–386) [After defending the doctrine of the Holy Spirit]:
We ought not to deliver even the most casual remark without the Holy Scriptures: nor be drawn aside by mere probabilities and the artifices of argument. Do not then believe me because I tell thee these things, unless thou receive from the Holy Scriptures the proof of what is set forth: for this salvation, which is of our faith, is not by ingenious reasonings, but by proof from the Holy Scriptures…Let us then speak nothing concerning the Holy Ghost but what is written; and if anything be not written, let us not busy ourselves about it. The Holy Ghost Himself spoke the Scriptures; He has also spoken concerning Himself as much as He pleased, or as much as we could receive. Be those things therefore spoken, which He has said; for whatsoever He has not said, we dare not say. (Catechetical Lectures, 4.17ff)
7. John Chrysostom (344–407)
Let us not therefore carry about the notions of the many, but examine into the facts. For how is it not absurd that in respect to money, indeed, we do not trust to others, but refer this to figures and calculation; but in calculating upon facts we are lightly drawn aside by the notions of others; and that too, though we possess an exact balance, and square and rule for all things, the declaration of the divine laws? Wherefore I exhort and entreat you all, disregard what this man and that man thinks about these things, and inquire from the Scriptures all these things; and having learnt what are the true riches, let us pursue after them that we may obtain also the eternal good things; which may we all obtain, through the grace and love towards men of our Lord Jesus Christ, with Whom, to the Father and the Holy Spirit, be glory, might, and honor, now and ever, and world without end. Amen." (Homily on 2 Corinthians, 13.4)
8. Augustine of Hippo (354–430)
Whereas, therefore, in every question, which relates to life and conduct, not only teaching, but exhortation also is necessary; in order that by teaching we may know what is to be done, and by exhortation may be incited not to think it irksome to do what we already know is to be done; what more can I teach you, than what we read in the Apostle? For holy Scripture establishes a rule to our teaching, that we dare not "be wiser than we ought;" but be wise, as he himself says, "unto soberness, according as unto each God hath allotted the measure of faith." Be it not therefore for me to teach you any other thing, save to expound to you the words of the Teacher, and to treat of them as the Lord shall have given to me. (The Good of Widowhood, 2)
Augustine (again):
For the reasonings of any men whatsoever, even though they be [true Christians], and of high reputation, are not to be treated by us in the same way as the canonical Scriptures are treated. We are at liberty, without doing any violence to the respect which these men deserve, to condemn and reject anything in their writings, if perchance we shall find that they have entertained opinions differing from that which others or we ourselves have, by the divine help, discovered to be the truth. I deal thus with the writings of others, and I wish my intelligent readers to deal thus with mine. (Augustine, Letters, 148.15)
Clearly, the doctrine of sola Scriptura was championed by Christian leaders long before the Reformation.
Those interested in studying this topic in more detail will benefit from William Webster's in-depth treatment of this subject, found here.
The post Sola Scriptura and the Church Fathers appeared first on The Master's Seminary.
This entry was posted in Biblical Theology/Doctrine, Church History on March 31, 2016 by Truth2Freedom.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you
by Mike Ratliff
4 You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose:" He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us"? 6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, " God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble." 7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double- minded. 9 Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and…
This entry was posted in Christian Living, Reblogged Guest Post on March 31, 2016 by Truth2Freedom.
The U.S. Supreme Court called for additional briefing in a divisive clash over contraceptives and Obamacare, issuing an unusual order that suggests at least one justice may be eyeing a possible compromise.
The main Brussels airport remained closed on Wednesday as officials completed work on temporary repairs more than a week after suicide bombs ripped through the departures hall.
Worldwide, animals consume more antibiotics than humans, an amount researcher's estimate will jump 67 percent in the 20 years through 2030 as India, China, Brazil and other developing countries expand livestock production to meet unprecedented demand for animal protein. While antibiotics are helping to sustain intensive food production, doctors worry their uncontrolled use on farms is turning animals into reservoirs of hard-to-kill bacteria that can spread rapidly and globally.
Mitsubishi Electric Corp., a supplier of air-to-air missiles to Japan's armed forces, is looking to adapt the technologies it originally developed for military use to help autonomous driving cars detect obstacles and avoid collisions.
Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen spelled out on Tuesday what she means by data dependence, asserting her leadership of the U.S. central bank with a clear message that interest rates will be raised at a cautious pace.
Days after President Obama's historic visit, the leaders of Cuba's Communist Party are under highly unusual public criticism from their own ranks for imposing new levels of secrecy on the future of social and economic reforms.
A Delta Airlines employee at Palm Beach International Airport was arrested Saturday after authorities say he was caught with more than $282,000 in a backpack. He told them that he was being paid about $1,000 to hand over the backpack to an "unknown person in a bathroom inside the airport's sterile area," according to the affidavit. He had allegedly done similar drop-offs in the past year and had earned almost $4,000 for his work.
Seven people have been charged in the murder of a 20-year-old forklift operator who was killed in his home two months after winning nearly a half million dollars in a Georgia state lottery. The Ben Hill County Sheriff's Office said in a statement on Monday it did not provide a motive for the killing, or whether or not Burch was singled out because of his lottery winnings.
A farmer has lost 25 tons of fish after they were sucked into a sinkhole. Tens of thousands of fish disappeared underground after the hole opened up in the pond of a farmer in China. The overnight incident rid his pond of most of its water and the loss of more than 10,000 fish.
A 50-year-old American Airlines co-pilot had a blood-alcohol level twice the legal limit and was having trouble with his cockpit seat just before an aborted takeoff from Detroit Metropolitan Airport over the weekend, according to police reports.
The Philippines may invest in its first-ever submarine fleet to help protect its territory in the disputed South China Sea, President Benigno Aquino said Wednesday.
Poland's foreign minister says the government stands by its commitment to take in 7,000 refugees, on condition they are checked for security and are willing to settle in Poland.
A New York man was charged with drug trafficking and other crimes after authorities in Vermont discovered the equivalent of more than 1,400 bags of heroin hidden in his body, state police said.
Boeing Co will eliminate about 4,000 jobs in its commercial airplanes division by the middle of this year and another roughly 550 jobs in a division that conducts flight and lab tests.
French President Francois Hollande has dropped plans to change the constitution to strip militants convicted of terror attacks of their French nationality.
The FBI is resisting calls to reveal how it identified people who used a child pornography site on the Tor anonymizing network. The agency was ordered to share details by a Judge presiding over a case involving one alleged user of the site.
Lawmakers in the US commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are moving to enact "sweeping" gun control legislation, days after a court struck down its ban on handgun possession.
The Venezuelan National Assembly has passed an amnesty bill which could free dozens of jailed opposition leaders.
A top Australian university has rejected claims it is trying to rewrite the nation's colonial history. Students are being encouraged to use the term "invaded" rather than "settled" or "discovered", and avoid the word "Aborigines".
Jade Hameister has begun her mission to become the youngest person ever to complete the Polar Hat Trick. The 14-year-old is hoping to cross the North Pole, South Pole and the Greenland Crossing. It will see the Australian school girl from Melbourne trek on three separate trips over the next two years.
A senior Nigerian official has told the BBC that a would-be suicide bomber arrested in Cameroon is not one of the missing Chibok schoolgirls.
Myanmar's new president has been sworn in, the first elected civilian leader in more than 50 years.
North Korea issued a strongly worded message against the United States, saying the regime was more than ready to unleash a nuclear attack if poked – the technology is all there.
The sponsor of the Georgia religious freedom legislation vetoed by Gov. Nathan Deal says he is "extremely disappointed" in Deal after lawmakers bent over backward to craft a bill to satisfy the governor and the business community and protect limited freedoms for clergy and institutions of faith. "I think the message the governor sent with the veto is that it's open season on people of faith in Georgia."
Three San Jose Earthquakes, Did You Feel Them?
The USGS reports Tuesday evening quakes: At 8:51 p.m. there was a 3.2 magnitude At 8:24 p.m. there was a 2.5 magnitude At 8:23 p.m., there was a 2.4 magnitude All three centered about 10 miles east of San Jose, 14 miles east of Santa Clara.
Richard Page, the magistrate recently fired for preferring to place children for adoption with heterosexual couples rather than same-sex ones, has to fight not only his dismissal but insults and lies thrown at him by TV host Piers Morgan.
ISIS has already attacked Europe's soft underbelly three times; while the terrorist group has repeatedly threatened Israel, it has yet to attack Israelis on Israeli soil; Because of deterrence or perhaps a Mossad conspiracy, ISIS has held off from attacking the Jewish state.
California: '100 shots' by men chanting 'Allahu Akbar'
Deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office and other agencies responded to a report of "Allahu Akbar" chanting, turban-wearing men shooting assault rifles, handguns and shotguns in a remote desert area, officials have confirmed.
Kanlaon erupts, travel restricted
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday started imposing a travel restriction in the immediate area of Mount Kanlaon in Negros Oriental after it erupted twice on Tuesday evening.
Bashar al-Assad says the transitional government of his war-torn country should include both the regime and opposition, according to an interview published on Wednesday, according to AFP.
Kremlin Considering Netanyahu Visit in April
The possibility of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Russia is being considered, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the press on Wednesday, TASS reported. Commenting on several media reports that claimed that Netanyahu's visit to Russia is planned for April 21, Peskov said: "The possibility of Mr Netanyahu's visit to Moscow is being considered.
Iran's top leader on Wednesday said missiles were key to the Islamic Republic's future, offering support to the hardline Revolutionary Guards that have drawn criticism from the West for testing ballistic missiles. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei supported last year's nuclear deal with world powers but has since called for Iran to avoid further rapprochement with the United States and its allies, and maintain its economic and military strength.
"Made Out Of Sand" – A Dramatic Look Inside A Newly Built Chinese Apartment
While real estate is all about "location, location, location," it appears there are sometimes more prescient factors that any prospective buyer should pay attention to. Amid yet another government-fueled housing bubble, it seems in their haste to fulfil a rapacious demand for property in which to gamble their hard-grafted assets, Chinese construction companies have cut a few corners. As the following stunning video shows, a "newly constructed apartment" crumbles before the owners' eyes as the 'concrete' walls turn to sand…
The Biggest Party in Brazil's Ruling Coalition Has Quit
The biggest party in Brazil's ruling coalition has elected to swiftly detach itself from the government of President Dilma Rousseff in what amounts to a damning vote of no confidence in the scandal-plagued leader.
Top German Journalist Admits Mainstream Media Is Completely Fake: "We All Lie For The CIA"
With the increasing propaganda wars, we thought a reminder of just how naive many Westerners are when it comes to their news-feed. As Arjun Walia, of GlobalResearch.ca, notes, Dr. Ulfkotte went on public television stating that he was forced to publish the works of intelligence agents under his own name, also adding that noncompliance with these orders would result in him losing his job.
Did the FBI Just Unleash a Hacker Army on Apple?
hen the tech giant wouldn't unlock a San Bernardino terrorist's iPhone, the FBI initiated legal action—then found another way to get the information it needed. In the end, the FBI didn't need Apple's help to extract information from a dead terrorist's iPhone. Hackers, the FBI says, did the government's work for it.
Obama seeks to loosen restrictions on opioid abuse medication
President Obama announced several new administration actions aimed at combating the country's deadly opioid epidemic at the National Rx Abuse and Heroin Summit in Atlanta on Tuesday.
Bad News Is Great News: Cautious Yellen drives world stocks near 2016 peaks (Read More)
Yellen Spurs Global Stock Rally as Oil Rebounds, Dollar Tumbles (Read More)
Trump drops pledge to back Republican presidential nominee other than himself (Read More)
Second judge says Clinton email setup may have been in 'bad faith' (Read More)
Brussels Airport Remains Shut as Police Hunt Third Attacker (Read More)
Europe Traders Aren't Waiting Around to See If Rebound Holds (Read More)
Western Digital Bond Sale Is Test for Junk Market (Read More)
Owe Back Taxes? Lose Your Passport (Read More)
Most Americans support torture against terror suspects (Read More)
Europe's Bond Shortage Means Draghi Is About to Shock the Market (Read More)
Tata confirms plan to sell UK steel businesses (Read More)
Corporate Bond Yields Touch Record Lows in Europe's Periphery (Read More)
Zuma's Friends the Guptas Face Probe by South African Police (Read More)
Another Condo Bust Looms in Miami (Read More)
Obama Announces New Measures to Combat Heroin, Painkiller Abuse (Read More)
Foxconn agrees to buy Sharp after slashing original offer (Read More)
Hackers Breach Law Firms, Including Cravath Swaine and Weil Gotshal (Read More)
You can't make it up. UN names democratic Israel as world's top human rights violator
Palestinians ask UN to investigate Israel killings
International mediators said working on Hamas, Israel prisoner swap
EU Ambassador: Labeling 'settlement' products isn't a boycott
Rivlin: BDS doesn't believe in Israel's right to exist
Shapiro: US vigorously opposes BDS
Jewish Group Prepares New Battle Against Israel Boycott
Israel and China commit to completing free-trade agreement
US, allies say Iran missile test 'in defiance of' UN resolutions
US and allies urge UN action against Iran for missile tests
Islamic State cell uncovered in east Jerusalem
Israel on alert for attacks by Islamic State fighters in Sinai
ISIS plans attacks on Jewish kingergardens in Turkey
Pentagon, State Dept. Orders Families of Personnel to Leave Turkey
Russia's Putin, Iran's Rouhani agree to cooperate closely on Syria
Top US General: 'No Doubt' Russia Stabilized Syrian Regime
China appoints first special envoy for Syria crisis
German rail service to roll out 'women-only' train cars amid fears over migrant assaults
Catholic priest's fate unclear after reports ISIS would crucify him
EgyptAir hijacker arrested in Cyprus; officials call him an 'idiot,' not a terrorist
EgyptAir passenger took selfie during hijacking
Pirates hijack ship off Philippines, take 10 hostages, officials say
FBI Investigating Reports Of 17 Muslim Men Chanting "Allah Akbar," Firing Off Shots In Apple Valley
Campaign rhetoric on Muslims harms U.S. security efforts: Homeland Security chief
Paul Ryan Tells Sean Hannity He Will Not Support Any Cuts To Muslim Immigration: 'That's Not Who We Are'
States' rights advocates eye convention to bypass Congress, amend Constitution
Rubio Makes Unprecedented Bid to Keep Delegates for Contested Convention
Cubans handed cash, Social Security card, food stamps, Medicaid at U.S. border
North Korean nuclear threats spotlight US missile defense
North Korea fires short-range missile along its coast
North Korea Tells Citizens to Prepare Themselves for Famine
China newspaper editor 'resigns over media control'
Apple wants the FBI to reveal how it hacked the San Bernardino killer's iPhone
Newspapers Gobble Each Other Up to Survive Digital Apocalypse
Fed's Williams urges U.S. central bank to stay on track with rate rises
Yellen Says Caution in Raising Rates Is 'Especially Warranted'
Stocks close at 2016 highs as Yellen strikes cautious tone
Negative interest rates put the global economy on a razor's edge
States moving to restore work requirements for food stamp recipients
US nuke plant shut down after malfunction
Taxpayers Are Footing Bill for Solar Project That Doesn't Work
There's Even More Evidence Planet Nine Is Hiding in Our Solar System
Amateur Astronomer Captures Mystery Object Crashing Into Jupiter
Flyby Comet Was Way Bigger Than Thought
5.5 magnitude earthquake hits near Bitung, Indonesia
5.3 magnitude earthquake hits near L'Esperance Rock, New Zealand
5.1 magnitude earthquake hits near Curup, Indonesia
5.1 magnitude earthquake hits the Mid-Indian Ridge
5.0 magnitude earthquake hits near Carlsberg Ridge
5.0 magnitude earthquake hits near Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen
Several earthquakes shake central Oklahoma
Santa Maria volcano in Guatemala erupts to 17,000ft
Kanlaon volcano in the Philippines erupts to 13,000ft
Chikurachki volcano in the Kuril Islands erupts to 10,000ft
WHO downgrades Ebola health risk
'Uber for birth control' service to deliver HIV prevention drug Truvada
Supreme Court seeks alternative ways to deal with contraceptive coverage
Hillary Clinton: I Would Not Appoint Someone to the Supreme Court Who Didn't Support Abortion
Utah governor signs bill requiring abortion anesthesia beginning at 20 weeks
North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper won't defend transgender law in court
Transgender Man Sues Barbershop for Discrimination
A Gateway Could Be Opened When the Temple of Baal Is Erected in Times Square
Mike Oppenheimer – Did Jesus Identify Himself as God?
Bucket collectors linked to church with history of fraud, abuse
Drug Lord 'El Chapo' Guzman Reading Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life in Prison
Catholic Author Raises Two Million to Get Souls Out of Purgatory
Teachers unions back bill allowing adult males to shower with young girls in Massachusetts
Absurd: Cuomo Bans State Travel to NC Because Transgenders Can't Use Whichever Bathroom They Want, Encourages Travel to Cuba Where They're Harassed and Detained
Townhall reports:
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is apparently so disturbed by the fact that transgender people in North Carolina cannot choose which restroom or locker room to use based on their gender identity that he has banned all non-essential travel to the state.
The ban, which took effect upon the signing of the order Monday, requires all New York state agencies, departments, boards and commissions to review any requests for state-funded travel to North Carolina. Any such travel that is not essential to the enforcement of New York state law or public health and safety will not be allowed.
UN Condemns Israel As Worst Violator of Women's Rights in the World
Even While the Arab world treats their women worse than animals . . .
Surely flaws could be pointed out in any country, but to single out Israel while making no mention of the dozens of other countries in the world that are serious violators of women's rights is absurd. Just consider, for example, places like Syria, where women are being raped and tortured as a tactic of war; or Saudi Arabia, where they cannot drive a car or interact with men—the latter of which could get them charged with prostitution and jail time and/or lashes as a punishment;
A Dangerously Deluded Pope
And Francis' response to the brutal war on Christendom and the West? He kisses the feet of people from the very religion responsible for it. Then again, this is a man who has called the Brussels bloodbath a "gesture of destruction," thereby making it sound as if this latest Islamic terror attack was nothing more than a passing nuisance. If this is the kind of "moral infallibility" that the head of the Vatican can muster these days, his flock is doomed. Francis doesn't just want European Christians to "turn the other cheek"; he wants them to emulate him by bending the knee to people many of whom make no secret of their desire to murder or subjugate all non-Muslims. Any minute now the pope might grab a guitar and launch into a soulful rendition of "Give Peace a Chance."
April 19: Temple Of Baal In New York Is Going Up Same Day The Blood Sacrifice To The Beast Begins
I am about to share with you some absolutely astounding information. It turns out that the exact day when reproductions of the arch that stood in front of the Temple of Baal are going to be erected in Times Square in New York City and in Trafalgar Square in London is also the exact day when a very important occult festival related to the worship of Baal begins. April 19th is the first day of a 13 day period of time known as "the Blood Sacrifice to the Beast" that culminates on the high occult holy day of Beltane on May 1st. In some parts of the world, Beltane is much better known as "May Day", and it has been described as the "Illuminati's second most sacred holiday". As you will see below, we have indeed witnessed a disturbing series of "blood sacrifices" during the second half of April in recent years, and many people wonder if there is a connection. (Read More…)
Depressing Survey Results Show How Extremely Stupid America Has Become
Ten years ago, a major Hollywood film entitled "Idiocracy" was released, and it was an excellent metaphor for what would happen to America over the course of the next decade. In the movie, an "average American" wakes up 500 years in the future only to discover that he is the most intelligent person by far in the "dumbed down" society that he suddenly finds himself in. Sadly, I truly believe that if people of average intellect from the 1950s and 1960s were transported to 2016, they would likely be considered mental giants compared to the rest of us. We have a country where criminals are being paid $1000 a month not to shoot people, and the highest paid public employee in more than half the states is a football coach. Hardly anyone takes time to read a book anymore, and yet the average American spends 302 minutes a day watching television. 75 percent of our young adults cannot find Israel on a map of the Middle East, but they sure know how to find smut on the Internet. It may be hard to believe, but there are more than 4 million adult websites on the Internet today, and they get more traffic than Netflix, Amazon and Twitter combined. (Read More….)
Feel you may be losing your faith? 10 Bible verses to sustain you through hard times
Have you found yourself wondering if God is real? And if he exists, is he good? Here are some Bible verses that may help.
Why promising God will bless you if you tithe misses the point about giving
Perry Noble's NewSpring church is encouraging its members to tithe by offering a 90-day money back guarantee.
The Future of Music in the Church
Posted on March 30, 2016 by Christianity Today
Music changes in every generation and we should appreciate it.
The Devil, You Say!
The Monday After Easter (2016)
If Jesus is Alive
A Centurion's Testimony
Why the Little Sisters of the Poor Should Win
It's pretty common these days for people to dismiss Christians as inconsistent because "they follow some of the rules in the Bible and ignore others." The challenge usually sounds something like this: "When the Bible talks about certain sexual behaviors as sin, you quote that; but when it says not to eat shellfish or that you should execute people for breaking the Sabbath, you just ignore it. Aren't you just picking and choosing what suits you best?"
I've found that this objection carries a lot of weight, and not just with non-Christians. Many Christians have a hard time answering it … which is why we just secretly hope it never comes up.
One of the most helpful ways to think about this is to look at the types of laws there are in the Old Testament. The 16th-century Reformer John Calvin saw that the NT seemed to treat the OT laws in three ways. There were Civil Laws, which governed the nation of Israel, encompassing not only behaviors, but also punishments for crimes. There were Ceremonial Laws about "clean" and "unclean" things, about various kinds of sacrifices, and other temple practices. And then there were the Moral Laws, which declared what God deemed right and wrong—the 10 Commandments, for instance.
For OT Israel, all three types of laws blended together. Breaking a civil or a ceremonial law was a moral problem; conversely, breaking a moral law had a civil (and often ceremonial) consequence. But they only went hand-in-hand because Israel was in a unique place historically, as both a nation and a worshiping community. "Separation of church and state" wasn't one of their core tenets. That's not the case for the Church today, so the way we view the Law would have to look different.
All of this helps explain what often seems contradictory about the NT view of the Law. On one hand, Jesus said the Law was perfect, that heaven and earth would pass away before the Law would fail (Matt 5:18). On the other hand, the Apostle Paul points out that those who are born again are actually released from the Law (Rom 7:1-6; Gal 3:25). As Jesus himself put it, he came to fulfill the Law (Matt 5:17).
What does it mean that Jesus fulfilled the Law? It means that every law pointed to him, and he completed everything they pointed to. Thinking of Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law helps us see why we keep some of the OT commands and "ignore" others.
The Civil Laws, for instance, were set up so the nation of Israel could thrive. Jesus actually emerged from this nation, but he started a new Israel—a spiritual Israel, the Church. We're no longer bound by the civil codes of Leviticus because God doesn't have a nation-state on earth anymore. Of course, we may wisely look at some of the principles in Israel's civil laws as we think of our own societal politics (principles about public health, caring for the poor, etc.), but the specific rules were all fulfilled in Jesus.
The Ceremonial Laws illustrate for us God's holiness, our unholiness, and what God would do about it. The entire sacrificial system should have ingrained into Israel's minds just how large the gap was between sinful humanity and a perfect God—and just how costly it would be to bridge that gap. And as the book of Hebrews shows us, the sacrifices were all fulfilled in Jesus' perfect life and death. If we accept Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice, we don't need the lesser sacrifices anymore. In fact, it would actually be offensive to go back to them, because that would communicate that Jesus' sacrifice wasn't sufficient.
The Moral Laws are fulfilled in Jesus as well, in that he kept all of them perfectly, every day, always, for his entire life. But unlike the civil and ceremonial laws, which were more time-bound, these laws reflected God's assessment of good and evil, right and wrong. They reflect God's character, and since his character doesn't change, his views on morality don't either. In fact, whenever Jesus mentioned the moral laws, he either reaffirmed them or intensified them! To follow Jesus is to love what he loved, including the moral law.
Now, even though we still defend the moral laws of the Old Testament, we have to keep in mind that Jesus fulfilled it all. The Christian is not under obligation to keep the moral law as a way of earning her way to God. Instead, she is changed by the presence of God's Spirit to desire to keep God's laws. Because God isn't just after obedience; he's after a whole new kind of obedience, an obedience that comes from love and delight in God. Christians keep the moral commands, not because "it's the law," but because they love God and want to be like him.
So the next time someone starts saying that you're arbitrarily picking and choosing from the Bible, arm yourself with the civil/ceremonial/moral. You aren't being arbitrary. You're being faithful. You're reading the Old Testament how the New Testament teaches you to. So eat your shrimp without guilt, and don't throw away your 10 Commandments just yet.
For more, be sure to listen to the entire message here.
5 Methods for Fighting Half-Hearted Prayer
The Puritans were prone to give five methods for fighting our natural tendency to lapse into half-hearted prayer:
1. Give priority to prayer. Prayer is the first and most important thing you are called to do. "You can do more than pray after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed," John Bunyan writes. "Pray often, for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge to Satan."
2. Give yourself—not just your time—to prayer. Remember that prayer is not an appendix to your life and your work, it is your life—your real, spiritual life—and your work. Prayer is the thermometer of your soul.
3. Give room to prayer. The Puritans did this in three ways. First, they had real prayer closets—rooms or small spaces where they habitually met with God. When one of Thomas Shepard's parishioners showed him a floor plan of the new house he hoped to build, Shepard noticed that there was no prayer room and lamented that homes without prayer rooms would be the downfall of the church and society. Second, block out stated times for prayer in your daily life. The Puritans did this every morning and evening. Third, between those stated times of prayer, commit yourself to pray in response to the least impulse to do so. That will help you develop the "habit" of praying, so that you will pray your way through the day without ceasing. Remember that conversing with God through Christ is our most effective way of bringing glory to God and of having a ready antidote to ward off all kinds of spiritual diseases.
4. Give the Word to prayer. The way to pray, said the Puritans, is to bring God His own Word. That can be done in two ways. First, pray with Scripture. God is tender of His own handwriting. Take His promises and turn them inside out, and send them back up to God, by prayer, pleading with Him to do as He has said. Second, pray through Scripture. Pray over each thought in a specific Scripture verse.
5. Give theocentricity to prayer. Pour out your heart to your heavenly Father. Plead on the basis of Christ's intercessions. Plead to God with the groanings of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:26). Recognize that true prayer is a gift of the Father, who gives it through the Son and works it within you by the Spirit, who, in turn, enables it to ascend back to the Son, who sanctifies it and presents it acceptable to the Father. Prayer is thus a theocentric chain, if you will—moving from the Father through the Son by the Spirit back to the Son and the Father.
This excerpt is taken from Living for God's Glory: An Introduction to Calvinism by Joel Beeke.
Movie Trailer: Jesus the Game Changer
The following trailer introduces a 10 episode TV/DVD series to be released in July 2016 by Olive Tree Media entitled "Jesus the Game Changer." This series features over 30 academics, authors, and researchers who share how the life and teachings of Jesus changed the world and why it matters.
Gay Marriage Isn't About Justice, It's About Selma Envy – "Why do so many young adults paint absurd caricatures of Christians who request government protection of their religious freedoms, arguing their true goal is to ban gay men from sitting at the local lunch counter? Why do they spread falsehoods about legislation, insisting that bills like the one recently signed by Indiana Gov. Mike Pence will unleash a Republican-led Jim Crow revival aimed at the LGBT community? Why do so many people, Gen Xers and younger, invent a monster of anti-gay bigotry and keep screaming the monster is real despite a mountain of contrary facts standing before them?"
The Top 10 Books on Reconciling Divine Sovereignty and Free Will – "Trying to grasp the theological conundrum of God's sovereignty and human free will is like pitting Batman against Superman. A standoff seems inevitable. Surely one of the two must be sacrificed. Historically, Arminians and others have answered this dilemma by positing a version of free will known as libertarianism, which sacrifices a robust view of God's sovereignty. Some Calvinists sacrifice free will altogether in order to preserve a high view of divine sovereignty. However, many others have championed an entirely different way of making sense of human freedom without compromising the sturdiness of God's meticulous providence. This view is known as compatibilism, and it seeks to clarify the matter from a biblical perspective."
Pay Attention, Christians. They're Coming After The Churches Now. – "It may be a matter of some interest to you that the American left is now openly declaring its intention to shutdown your church and outlaw your religious expression entirely. If you've been paying attention, you won't be terribly shocked by this revelation. They plan to come after the churches. That's what they've always wanted, and now they intend to do it."
Schreiner, the Threefold Division, and the Law of God – "With all the discussion surrounding the legitimacy of the use of law in evangelism, one of the issues that surfaces time and again is whether the Mosaic Law should be divided into three parts. I don't think anyone disagrees with the notion that the tripartite division of the Law into moral, civil, and ceremonial components is a helpful informal categorization of the various commandments God has given to Israel. Where theologians part ways is whether to make such categories theological constructs by which to build one's doctrine of the Old Covenant Mosaic Law's relationship to the New Covenant believer in Yahweh."
Paul Luedke – The Indispensable Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:12-19)
Wretched Radio reviews the video, "Why I hate religion, but love Jesus"
The silly Muslim concept that the Bible is corrupt
"I don't know what your marriage looks like. Ours looked hopeless, but it wasn't. We were so far away from Christ that divorce seemed inevitable, but it wasn't. We are living proof that there is hope and that God can take wreckage and build something lasting and beautiful through Christ."
6 Great Threats to the Christian Family
"Some of the deadliest enemies of the Christian family come from within rather than from without."
5 Ways To Protect Your Kids At Church
"There are some things your church can do to protect the kids in your care. "
8 Great Women Of Science History
"As a public service, enjoy this selection of eight women presented in historical order as pioneers in STEM to inspire a new generation towards interest in these fields."
Mike Rowe: 'Free' College A Myth That Smears Trade Schools
"The real problem with higher education is our culture's obsession with labeling four-year college as the only respectable way to enter adult society, and the reason Democratic candidates are so keen on college is because it seems to benefit them."
Europe at the Edge of the Abyss
Lengthy but excellent article on how America can avoid Europe's fate.
Harper Collins Atlas of Bible History $1.99.
Gospel-Centered Teaching: Showing Christ in all of Scripture by Trevin Wax $2.99.
A Model of Christian Maturity by Don Carson $1.99.
Preaching to a Post-Everything World by Zach Eswine $2.99.
At Home in the Hebrides
Here's where I used to live and pastor. Tears.
Kindle deals for Christian readers
Walking with God by Richard Baxter—99¢
A Model of Christian Maturity by D.A. Carson—$2.99
Preaching to a Post-Everything World by Zack Eswine—$2.99
Doxology and Theology by Matt Boswell—$2.99
Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job by Hugh Ross—$2.99
Gospel-Centered Teaching by Trevin Wax—$2.99
Has Ken Ham Embraced Evolution?
The short answer is no.
Jason Helopoulos:
The Christian family is under constant assault. Western hemisphere Christians have awakened to this reality in recent years as Western nations embrace everything from homosexual union as marriage, to legally forbidding parents from disciplining their own children, to restricted parental rights regarding health care. As serious as these issues remain, some of the deadliest enemies of the Christian family come from within rather than from without.
No Boys, It's Not A Ghost
Mark Altrogge:
It's the middle of the night, the disciples are miles out to sea. The wind is howling and the waves are battering their little boat. They're drenched. Rowing with all their might. Getting nowhere. Then they see something. Can barely make it out in the darkness. It looks like the faint outline of a man. Is it a man standing up in a boat? No there's no boat. Is it someone walking along the shoreline? No, they're 3-4 miles from shore. What is it? The apparition is coming directly toward them. In terror they cry out "It's a ghost" (Matthew 14:26).
Kids react to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
This is great:
Faithlessness Shrinks You Down To a Grasshopper
Trevin Wax:
Thinking too little of God sometimes leads you to think too little of yourself.
For years, I thought it was the other way around. I always thought that seeing God as big meant I needed to see myself as small. Or, to put it another way, the bigger my vision of God grows, the more my vision of myself will shrink.
While it's true that an oversized view of yourself can be a sign that you have an undersized view of God, it's also true that an undersized view of God can make yourself smaller.
I really, really don't like Daredevil Season 2
Marty Duren:
Generally speaking I'm a fan of the superhero genre. I'm old enough to remember sitting enthralled at green body-painted Lou Ferrigno growling as the Hulk. I can remember Super Friends, Adam West and Burt Ward (aka, Batman and Robin), and the original Spiderman (Spiderman, friendly neighborhood, Spiderman) cartoon.
I was never a huge fan of Daredevil in the comics. My money was on Hulk, Fantastic Four and a couple of others. When Netflix released Daredevil last year I gave it a try and was mostly pleased.
Season 2? Not a fan, even though I wanted to be.
Helping the Young Engage The Sermon
Joe Thorn:
At Redeemer Fellowship we are big on expository, experiential, theologically rich, gospel-centered preaching. But for a number of reasons (perhaps I'll explain why in a future post) we don't provide outlines. We don't even try to alliterate our main points. We do make the main idea of every sermon clear, and seek to unpack the passage and its implications in a natural way that helps the listener work through the entire message, rather than focusing on an outline.
This story of hope in a hopeless situation may be an encouragement to you.
The Joy and Pain of Consistent Parenting
Parenting in a nutshell: "This morning I awoke at 12:30AM to the blood-curdling screams of my two-year old daughter. She wanted a new band-aid for her toe. Her screaming fit caused her one-year old brother to wake up as well."
Preaching or Counseling?
Pastors and church leaders would do well to read and consider Ed Welch's article on preaching and counseling.
Four Warnings for Your Twenties
"The same temptations that were murdering the believers under Moses are waging a spiritual war against believers today: entertainment, sexual immorality, impatience, and contentment. … These four warnings were lived out by Israel, but meant by God for you, and for me."
This Day in 1661. 355 years ago today, Presbyterian preacher and author Samuel Rutherford died. *
Are You a Self-Starter, But Not a Self-Finisher?
It's a question that well worth asking yourself. If you don't know the answer, ask a few people who know you well. (I recently had some trusted friends tell me something very similar to this.)
All of these ought to be implemented in every church.
Exercising an Idle Mind
I'm really enjoying Kelly Needham's writing these days. "Most days my mind is ready and active to tackle the challenge of overanalyzing any situation, whether it be my marriage, my children, recent conversations or exchanges I had with so-and-so, future plans, and more. There's never a lack of things to think about. But an idle, purposeless thought life creates a downward spiral of self-focused thoughts and fantasies about problems that aren't yet in existence. An idle mind can very often be the devil's playground."
One scandalous hypocrite makes the world suspect that all professors are so. —Thomas Watson
Boeing to cut 4,000 jobs by mid-2016
Posted: 30 Mar 2016 06:48 AM PDT
Boeing will eliminate about 4,000 jobs in its commercial airplanes division by the middle of this year as it looks to control costs, a company spokesman told…
Read more at End Time Headlines.
'The Fosters': Gays 'Don't Have a Choice' Whether or Not to Be Gay
So, The Fosters decided to give up on their 8-10 episode run of trying to be a real drama, complete with compelling storylines and witty dialogue, and…
Mark Zuckerberg Says 'Love' Will Defeat Islamic State
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has spoken out against the "fear and distrust" caused by recent Islamist terror attacks and has called for more "love" as a means…
North Korea Now Ready for 'Pre-Emptive Nuclear Strike' on U.S.
North Korea has once again asserted that it will use its nuclear weapons arsenal against the United States. Unlike previous statements, however, a note from the rogue…
(Michael Snyder) Ten years ago, a major Hollywood film entitled "Idiocracy" was released, and it was an excellent metaphor for what would happen to America over the…
Meteor sightings reported from Florida Keys to Jacksonville
When the bright green streak of light shot across the pre-dawn sky above South Florida, Steve Reznick didn't know what to think. "It happened it an instant,"…
Over a Dozen Dead dolphins wash up on Georgia's Black Sea coastline
More than a dozen dead dolphins have washed up on Georgia's Black Sea coastline, with authorities unsure why. A total of 19 dead dolphins were spotted this…
Mysterious Explosions Heard In Massachusetts
A series of what people described as loud explosions were heard in Agawam and Suffield, Connecticut on Saturday and Sunday night. Residents and police reported that they…
Kanlaon Volcano erupts, remains under alert level 1
The Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Oriental province erupted at 6:20 p.m. on Tuesday (March 29), the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said in an advisory….
Austrian newspaper: It's Time To Discuss Whether Islam Should Be Banned In Europe.
A statement by Wolfgang Fellner in the daily Austrian newspaper "Österreich" has created outrage among local Muslims. In a recent edition the journalist stated: "Now we must…
Franklin Graham Reminds Demonized Islamists What Philippians 2 Says
(Jennifer Leclaire) Franklin Graham has never been known to mince words. The fervent, effective prayers of this righteous man are impacting the nations—and this righteous man is…
Border Fence Down: Border Patrol Union Says Breach Brings Terrorist Concerns
The head of the National Border Patrol Council says a breach in the fence along a ten-mile area in remote areas of the Mexico-Arizona border should cause…
Transgender Advocacy Groups Sue Over North Carolina Law Overturning Controversial 'Bathroom Bill'
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and two transgender advocacy groups have filed a federal lawsuit against officials in North Carolina following the signing of a law…
(Michael Snyder) I am about to share with you some absolutely astounding information. It turns out that the exact day when reproductions of the arch that stood…
Senate to Vote on Making Bible Official Book of Tennessee
A contentious bill seeking to declare the Holy Bible the official book of Tennessee is headed back for a vote in the full state Senate. The measure…
Washington state's only nuclear power plant unexpectedly shut down
Washington state's only nuclear power plant has been shut down after operators received an indication that a system used to cool equipment wasn't working. Officials said there…
New report warns of serious earthquakes in the Midwest
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake rattked nerves in Crescent, Oklahoma Tuesday. There are no reports of damage. The quake hit just hours after the release of a disturbing new…
Capitol Shooter Declared Himself a 'Prophet of God'
U.S. Capitol police arrested Pastor Larry Dawson after he allegedly pulled a weapon on police. Dawson was shot and wounded and is in stable, but critical, condition…
New Evidence of a Mystery Object on the Periphery of Our Solar System
(Michael Snyder) An astronomer at Caltech says that new evidence has been discovered that indicates that there is a massive planet lurking somewhere on the outer edges…
Anonymous Call for President Xi to Quit Rattles Chinese Leaders
An anonymous letter calling on President Xi Jinping to resign for the good of China and his own safety seemed to be digital rumor-mongering when it appeared…
Mysterious Celestial Object Slams Into Jupiter
Astronomers have captured video evidence of a collision between Jupiter and a small celestial object, likely a comet or asteroid. Though it looks like a small blip…
Image of rib steak goes viral in Mexico after horns and face of Satan were spotted in the meat
This rib steak has become the most famous in Mexico after people commented on its striking resemblance to the face and horns of the Devil. A local…
Capitol lockdown for second day
Police briefly shut down two Washington, DC streets and an entrance to the United States Congress visitor's center on Tuesday while they investigated two suspicious packages left…
17 Middle Eastern Men Detained After Firing Off Hundreds Of Rounds in CA.
Federal and local law enforcement authorities Tuesday are investigating after 17 men were detained for reportedly firing off hundreds of rounds in a remote part of Apple…
DEVELOPING: Pentagon Orders Military Families Out Of Southern Turkey
The State Department and Pentagon ordered the families of U.S. diplomats and military personnel Tuesday to leave posts in southern Turkey due to "increased threats from terrorist…
Village Massacres Strain Nigeria Further, as Traditional Nomads Fight Modernisation
Franklin Graham Responds to Pakistan Attack: 'Islam Has Reared Its Ugly Head Again'
Georgia Governor Vetoes Religious Liberty Bill Denounced as Anti-Gay
Church Expels Alabama Gov. and Female Staff Member over Alleged Affair
After 33 Years, Court Rules That Malaysian Man Can Renounce Islam, Embrace Christianity
Malaysian Court Upholds Right to Convert from Islam
Evangelicals Least Engaged in Presidential Election, Study Finds
Chris Pratt Installed Life-Sized Cross Over Easter
ISIS Reportedly Crucified Priest on Good Friday
Reba McEntire Credits God for Getting Her through Divorce
Why I Despair over Pakistan's Intractable Blasphemy Laws
3 Reasons Why Christianity Doesn't Need to be Cool
The NFL, the NBA, and Big Bucks
What Does 'Batman V Superman' Say about Us?
How to Pray like Jesus When Your World is Falling Apart
Manipulating the Force — Herescope
MAINSTREAMING THE MYSTIC FORCE
Part 3 – Manipulating the Force
Read Part 1: Star Wars Awakens
Read Part 2: Merchandi$ing the Force
By Gaylene Goodroad
"But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces…."
Daniel 11:38a
Exhibit: Kylo Ren (the Dark Side) and Rey
(the Light Side) engaged in lightsaber duel[62]
Almost everyone has seen karate demonstrations in which martial artists break boards, cinder blocks, or bricks with chops or kicks. I've done it lots of times…. I knew it served a valid purpose by giving people a dramatic and memorable demonstration of the power of ki…. It's clear that learning a martial art involves coming into possession of a certain amount of powerful force.
~ Chuck Norris, Martial Arts Master*
JEDI TRAINING: LEARNING TO CONTROL THE KI FORCE
Another aspect of advanced martial arts training connected to the Ki Force, that is prevalent but not overt in the Star Wars saga, is a form of meditation in motion[63] called mushin, "mind of no mind", or "no mind". One martial artist simply states it this way: "Mushin no shin is a state into which very highly trained martial artists (e.g. samurai fighters) are said to enter during combat."[64]
Mushin is an altered state of consciousness that enables the martial artist to harness ki and defeat the opponent. This state of mind is akin to teaching on the Presence or entering the silence in Contemplative Spirituality.[65]
By the time I became a brown belt in Okinawa Kenpo (see Part 1), I came to realize that I had been initiated into a religious pursuit, rather than just a physical sport. By that time, all of the fundamental techniques were conditioned and honed. Thereafter, the focus of my black belt training was replete with mystical mushin drills, such as sparring in the dark and grappling while blind-folded. Further advancement was not possible without deeper meditation and inner intuitive exercises. The focus shifted from seeing my opponent, to sensing him. This ability is a form of occult mysticism called clairsentience.[66]
via Manipulating the Force — Herescope
This entry was posted in Culture, Opinion/Commentary on March 30, 2016 by Truth2Freedom.
Merchandi$ing the Force — Herescope
Part 2 – Merchandi$ing the Force
~ Jesus, Acts 26:18
Exhibit: Star Wars X-Wing X-mas sleigh 2015.
In the background is the Death Star moon[41]
The next generation of Star Wars toys, collectibles, books, and apparel is in range.
StarWars.com is thrilled to announce that Star Wars: The Force Awakens products will land in our galaxy on September 4, 2015, at 12:01 a.m. — "Force Friday" — with stores around the world opening their doors at midnight for a special celebration of all things Star Wars.
It will be a day long remembered. "Every lightsaber, every action figure, every LEGO set tells a story for generations of Star Wars fans, and this global event is a celebration of those stories. We're excited to be part of the countdown to this enormous movie moment…"
~ StarWars.com[40] [bold added]
Star Wars merchandise for children, Christmas 2015
THE 'FORCE' ARRIVED FOR CHRISTMAS
Consumers around the globe will note how 2015 became 'a very Star Wars Christmas' for retail outlets everywhere, as fans piled in movie theaters in December to watch the latest Star Wars adventure, The Force Awakens, which reunited characters from the original Star Wars Trilogy and introduced new ones to the current generation. Giant Yoda dolls, Stormtrooper action figures, Millennium Falcon toy models, Darth Vader cookie jars, X-wing knife blocks, and even Death Star waffle irons filled the store shelves. "May the Force be with you," trumped "Merry Christmas" as even greeting card vendors tapped into the Star Wars Force frenzy.
Exhibit: A very Star Wars Christmas card 2015[42]
Forbes online reported that Disney, who purchased Lucasfilm from George Lucas for $4 billion in 2012, would generate considerably more money from the licensing of Star Wars merchandise than from box office sales already over $2 billion in just three months since the release of The Force Awakens in December of 2015:
Analysts predict Star Wars merch will generate some $3 billion in sales in 2015, and $5 billion over the next 12 months. Disney kicked up its marketing to a higher level Sept. 4 with Force Friday, an engineered shopping day pegged to the launch of a new line of Star Wars toys. It produced holiday-esque sales that bettered Amazon's Prime Day and neared Black Friday levels, even without any deals, according to Adobe. There were 15 million visits to websites selling Star Wars products between September and November, Adobe says. It helps that Disney licensees have expanded the range of merchandise to goods traditionally targeted at girls, including cosmetics (a "The Dark Side" mascara by Covergirl) and jewelry (a Stormtrooper necklace at Kay Jewelers). Even fast-fashion mainstay Forever 21 has a line of Star Wars sweatpants and shirts. "… it seems clear that Star Wars merchandise is moving millions."[43][bold added]
The most recent estimates, put the Star Wars franchise net worth near $10 billion.[44] While moviegoers and consumers continue to tap into the Force, smart marketers have cashed in on lucrative licensing agreements with Disney.
via Merchandi$ing the Force — Herescope
Star Wars Awakens — Herescope
Part 1 – Star Wars Awakens
"And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein."
Exhibit: The Force Awakens poster[2]
A Jedi's strength flows from the Force… Use the Force…
For my ally is the Force. And a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us… You must feel the Force around you. Here, between you…me…the tree… the rock…everywhere!
Concentrate… feel the Force flow. Through the Force, things you will see. Other places. The future… the past. Old friends long gone….[1]
~ Grandmaster Yoda to Jedi apprentice Luke Skywalker
– Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
THE FORCE AWAKENS TO ANOTHER GENERATION
The recent phenomenal success of Disney's record-breaking blockbuster, The Force Awakens,[3] coupled with several other popular sci-fi sagas within the Star Wars franchise for nearly four decades (with future sequels in the works), has cemented the core belief of the film's mystical life Force into the cultural consciousness for generations to come. But few realize that the same wraithlike energy wielded by Star Wars characters like Obi Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Kylo Ren, and Rey, is also promoted, practiced, and marketed through martial artists of all stripes—even under a Christian label.
via Star Wars Awakens — Herescope
Have We Become Our Jobs?
On what do you base your identity?
Most often, these days, our identity is associated with our work. An article in the Chicago Tribune ("Just can't escape the daily grind" by Charles McNulty, February 21, 2016) argues that even today's movies are all about our jobs. Spotlight, this year's winner of the Oscar for best picture, is a prominent example of this trend. McNulty puts it this way:
Taken collectively, the somber message of these movies…is that we have become our jobs. "I think, therefore I am" has been updated to "I work, therefore I exist."
Remember that God is orchestrating your experiences according to his purpose.
Technology has made employees accessible around the clock. Workplace settings are increasingly open and they encourage community, which is great, but this might also mean a narrowing of the worker's life to fellow workers. Money and status are seen as the marks of success, so we work harder, smarter, and longer.
Maybe it's because I don't have a job in the traditional sense that this unsettles me. I know better, but there are days when I feel like a nobody. There are also many people who are looking for work or who are grossly underemployed. What does a society that values work as identity communicate to them? And as for the retired, they are what they used to do.
Following are three truths for a more accurate view of ourselves and our work.
Truth #1: Your job is not central to your identity.
Christians have one, and only one, marker that is central to their identity: We are children of God. That's it. Everything else is peripheral.
Through what Jesus did on this earth, by living a perfect life and dying for the imperfections of everyone else, those who receive his offer of salvation are given the privilege of living as children of God. We can take no credit for that fact; we can only be eternally grateful that Jesus did the work and we get the reward. That is an astonishing reality.
Paul, a key figure in the early church and author of much of the New Testament, had been a diligent and zealous Pharisee until he met Jesus. He was intelligent, well-schooled, and had respectable status as a first century Pharisee.
Jesus changed all of that. Paul resigned from his post as a Pharisee and became an Apostle for Jesus. Paul is known worldwide as a pastor, a church planter, a writer, an evangelist, a brilliant theologian, and by the way, he supported himself by making tents.
Paul saw himself first as a chosen and adopted son of God; not as an Apostle or a theologian or a tent maker. He couldn't get over it. One of Paul's masterpieces is the eighth chapter of Romans, and in it he gives us a glimpse of what it means to be a child of God:
…but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ… (Romans 8:15-17)
Our work in this frustrating and flawed world cannot be compared to our future as a child of God, a fellow heir with Christ. Imagination fails us when we think about what we will inherit, but trust me, it will be far better than any job.
How will your friends and family remember you? I hope they know that you are first a child of God.
Truth #2: God's design for your work is perfect.
Your work will probably change several times throughout your life. My job in my twenties was different from what I did in my forties, and that was different from what I do now. I am learning that God has designed every step along the way. I have yet to figure out how it will all fit together, but I believe it will.
Moses, who by God's design was raised in Pharaoh's house, left Egypt at the age of 40 after having murdered an Egyptian, and he settled in Midian for forty years. Then, after Moses surely thought he was done, God called him to go back to Egypt to release the Hebrews. Moses was reluctant, to say the least. Only after God refused Moses' resistance, offered proof, and secured the help of his brother Aaron did Moses take the job.
Moses was eighty years old when he went to Egypt and spoke to Pharaoh, and God used another forty years or so to work him into the tremendous leader that he became.
Don't be discouraged if you are unsure of your calling at any point along the way. Imagine how Moses felt at age seventy-nine.
Truth #3: Your work is important.
Once we're sure of our identity as God's child, and we're confident of his oversight, then we can concentrate on the work that God has put before us.
Jesus was a carpenter until age thirty. Can you imagine his work? If the Son of God benefited from working as a carpenter before he did what he had entered the world to do, his work was important.
Your work is important to God and to the world around you.
Too often I get these three truths backwards.
When I place my identity in my work, God gently reminds me of my identity: Through Jesus Christ I am a child of God. That's all that matters in the end.
When I am frustrated with finding my calling, it helps me to remember that God is orchestrating my experiences according to his purpose. Rest in that truth.
And when I am tempted to give up, I remember that my work is important.
Only from a clear identity as God's child and a perfect trust in his oversight can I get up every day and work to the best of my ability.
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)
Which of these truths mean the most to you? Are there others you would add?
A Prayer for a God-Honoring Work Life
Three Ways to Love Your Neighbor through Your Work
God's Will for Your Life
The post Have We Become Our Jobs? appeared first on Unlocking the Bible.
Who is Sunday Adelaja – and why should he be avoided?
Chris Rosebrough last year reviewed a sermon given by Sunday Adelaja.
Who is Sunday Adelaja?
Sunday Adelaja claims he founded the Embassy of Gof of at the age of 33 and "built what has become the largest church in Europe". [Source]
Frankly, Sunday Adelaja is a fraud – not a Christian. After extensively reviewing a number of his sermons and materials, we have concluded he is a flat out fake. A wolf. He is an Apostle in the global 'New Apostolic Reformation' (NAR) cult and peddles their notorious false 'Gospel of the Kingdom' and their false 'Seven Mountian Mandate' commission. He considers himself an Apostle and ruthlessly pushes the Prosperity gospel and Word of Faith gospel.
In this below sermon review – you will hear him peddle the CLASSIC NAR heresy and Word of Faith gospel: that believers in Christ are little gods. When you listen to this review, notice how he progresses…
This entry was posted in Postmodern Church/Apostasy, Reblogged Guest Post on March 30, 2016 by Truth2Freedom.
Do you posses the treasure or something else?
32 Remember Lot's wife. 33 Whoever seeks to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. (Luke 17:32-33 NASB)
Believe it or not, there are parallels of God's grace in remembering Abraham and thereby saving Lot from destruction and remembering Christ when at the final judgment and thereby saving all those for whom He is their propitiation. In light of this let us look at why so much of what seems so right and innovative in today's Church is nothing more than possessing heaps of overthrow while those who refuse to compromise in worship, preaching, witnessing, and making disciples are the ones who truly possess the treasure of the Kingdom of God.
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal's plan to veto a "religious freedom" bill has supporters vowing that the issue isn't going away.
The governor has signed a bill that makes Utah the first state to require doctors to give anesthesia to women having an abortion at 20 weeks of pregnancy or later.
State Medicaid programs for the poor would have to cover treatment for drug abuse under a rule the Obama administration will issue today, as the U.S. government grapples with an epidemic of painkiller and heroin abuse that kills tens of thousands of Americans a year.
Opposition to free trade is a unifying concept even in a deeply divided electorate, with almost two-thirds of Americans favoring more restrictions on imported goods instead of fewer. The latest Bloomberg Politics national poll shows the issue unites the country like few others, across lines of politics, race, gender, education, and income.
Reports of errant drones flouting U.S. regulations including flying too close to passenger airliners and other aircraft surged late last year to an average of four incidents per day, according to Federal Aviation Administration data.
Home values in 20 U.S. cities kept climbing in January, a sign the limited supply of available properties may push prices out of reach for some buyers.
A recently declassified Pentagon office that gives the military services seed money to test new ways of employing existing weapons, platforms and sensors plans to issue a call to the defense industry for new ideas. It will be the Strategic Capabilities Office's first major attempt to enlist industry input since it was set up in 2012 and then declassified in February by Defense Secretary Ash Carter, its director.
Police shot a man after he pulled a weapon at a U.S. Capitol checkpoint as spring tourists thronged Washington, authorities said. The suspect was previously known to police, who last October arrested him for disrupting House proceedings and yelling he was a "Prophet of God."
The U.S. said it has gained access to the data on the iPhone used by a terrorist and no longer needs Apple Inc.'s assistance, marking an end to a legal clash that was poised to redraw boundaries between personal privacy and national security in the mobile Internet age.
Pakistan has decided to launch a paramilitary crackdown on Islamist militants in Punjab, the country's richest and most populous province, after an Easter Day bombing killed 70 people in the provincial capital Lahore, officials said on Monday.
A Taiwanese man suspected of decapitating a four-year-old girl was beaten by an angry mob, as the case sparked fresh debate Tuesday about the death penalty for child-killers.
Ten Indonesian sailors have been kidnapped in waters of the conflict-wracked southern Philippines by Islamic militants who have demanded a ransom for their release.
California Governor Jerry Brown announced a deal with legislators and labor leaders on Monday to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2023, saying the nation's most-populous state would lead the way toward higher pay for the working poor.
A woman facing eviction from her Northern California apartment poured gasoline over her body and set herself on fire in a blaze that nearly killed her and almost destroyed the four-unit property where she lived, fire officials said Monday.
One scientist thinks that we'll stop having sex to make babies within 30 years. The romantically named 'procreative sex' will be a thing of the past for humans, because technology will have developed far enough that designer babies will become the norm. Rather than lighting a few candles and sticking a Marvin Gaye song on, prospective parents will head to a lab and provide the raw materials (sperm, skin cells) and scientists will put an ideal embryo together for them, rather than risking an imperfect offspring via traditional methods.
It will take months to reopen Brussels airport fully, its CEO has warned, as staff return to the site a week after it was targeted by Islamist bombers.
Evidence that Australia's Great Barrier Reef is experiencing its worst coral bleaching on record has renewed calls for the UN to list it as "in-danger".
French naval forces patrolling the northern Indian Ocean have seized a ship full of weapons they say was heading towards Somalia.
More than 200 people have been detained in Pakistan in the hunt for those behind the Easter Sunday bombing that killed at least 70 people in Lahore. Punjab's law minister said those held were among more than 5,000 questioned in a sweeping counter-terror offensive.
The hijack of a domestic Egyptian flight that caused it to be diverted to Cyprus has ended with all hostages released and the hijacker surrendering.
President Obama's campaign to mainstream the communist regime of Cuba has included the removal of the island nation from a list of terror sponsors, visits there by Secretary of State John Kerry and the president, a commission to establish how the U.S. can promote "normalization" and agreements to share "science," mail, flights and even law enforcement. But it's taking a lawsuit to pry out of the Obama administration details about American prisoners of war who "may have been held captive by Cuban government or military forces" there.
A German railway has initiated "women and children-only" carriages in the wake of migrant sex attacks across the country. Its new ticket option was created with general safety in mind, as opposed to a response to crime committed by Arab and North African migrants.
Federal authorities arrested more than 1,000 people in a five-week operation aimed at disrupting transnational gangs across the United States. The operation was nationwide, but the majority of the seizures and arrests took place in Los Angeles, San Juan, Atlanta, San Francisco, Houston and El Paso areas.
"It's almost like having six hands on a clock all moving at different rates, and when you happen to look up, they're all in exactly the same place," Brown said in a statement on January 20. "Basically it shouldn't happen randomly. So we thought something else must be shaping these orbits."
Pro-lifers: Satanic activism proves abortion is evil
The Satanic Temple's nationwide campaign of mockery against Christians continued over Easter weekend with its Detroit chapter holding a blasphemous protest in defense of abortion.
Moderate earthquake 5.5 mag, 142 km NE of Bitung, Indonesia
A moderate earthquake magnitude 5.5 (ml/mb) strikes 142 km NE of Bitung, Indonesia (88 miles) on Tuesday. The 5.5-magnitude earthquake has occurred at 17:18:11 / 5:18 pm (local time epicenter). The epicenter of the earthquake was roughly 56.84 km (35 miles) below the earth's surface.
Franklin Graham Tells Terrorists Who Killed Christians on Easter: 'Every Knee Will Bow to Jesus'
The Rev. Franklin Graham is responding to the news that Islamic terrorists killed 70 Pakistani Christians, mostly women and children, on Easter Sunday in Lahore by stating that the world will not bow down to Islam; but instead "every knee" will bow to Jesus.
What if a supermajority of states could override a federal law or Supreme Court ruling? That's just one idea being proposed by advocates of a "convention of states" to amend the U.S. Constitution. "The American people are mad and they're looking for a way to say, 'No more,'" said Brooke Rollins, president and CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative think tank. "Our founders, in their brilliance, gave us a tool to do that. And it's Article V."
North Korea test fired a short-range missile on its east coast on Tuesday, South Korea's military said, amid heightened tension over the isolated country's nuclear and rocket programs.
Moderate earthquake, 5 mag has occurred near Longyearbyen in Svalbard and Jan Mayen
A moderate earthquake magnitude 5 (ml/mb) has occurred on Tuesday, 119 km ESE of Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen (74 miles). The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 km (6 miles) below the earth's surface. The 5-magnitude earthquake has occurred at 12:32:08 / 12:32 pm (local time epicenter).
The U.S. economy remains on track for a gradual path of rate hikes and fears over the impact of a slowing global economy and bouts of financial volatility are overdone, San Francisco Federal Reserve President John Williams said on Tuesday. "Others' economic fates do not spell our own," …"My view is essentially, let's just stay on track. Let's not get sidelined by the noise and distraction commentary can sometimes cause."
Islamic State terrorists are planning to carry out attacks in kindergartens and Jewish schools in Turkey… Hours earlier, Israel upgraded its travel advisory to Turkey a week after the terror attack in Istanbul in which 3 Israelis were killed. The information on the planned attack was obtained after the arrest of six ISIS militants in the city of Gaziantep last week.
North Koreans told to prepare for new 'arduous march'
In a proclamation that will strike fear into the hearts of the North Korean people, state media has ordered the citizenry to prepare for a new "arduous march". The term was first coined by the North Korean leadership in 1993 as a metaphor for the four-year famine that decimated the nation from 1994.
ISIS 'crucifies Catholic priest on Good Friday' after kidnapping him from old people's home where four nuns were shot dead
The Indian Catholic priest kidnapped by ISIS-linked terrorists in Yemen earlier this month was crucified on Good Friday, it has been claimed. Father Thomas Uzhunnalil, 56, was taken by Islamist gunmen, reportedly linked to ISIS, who attacked an old people's home in Aden, southern Yemen, killing at least 15 people, on March 4.
Governor of Georgia vetoes 'religious freedom' bill
The governor of the US state of Georgia has vetoed a "religious freedom" bill after facing pressure from business interests. The bill would have allowed faith-based organisations to refuse service to gay and transgender people. Disney, the National Football League, Coca-Cola and others threatened to pull business out of the state.
China's Vice Premier to Rivlin: China takes Israel very seriously
"China takes Israel very seriously," China's Vice Premier Liu Yandong told President Reuven Rivlin on Tuesday. Recalling her previous visit in 2014, she said that she had been deeply impressed by Israel's social and economic achievements and the goodwill towards China by the people of Israel. She had returned with a very warm feeling towards Israel, she said.
EgyptAir hijacker asking for release of female prisoners in Egypt
The hijacker of an EgyptAir airplane that was diverted to Cyprus on Tuesday has asked for the release of female prisoners in Egypt, the Cyprus state broadcaster reported. A conflicting report published earlier by Cypriot state media said that the motives of the hijacker appeared personal and he had asked to contact his ex-wife, who lives in Cyprus.
German train operator introduces women-only carriages amid fears over 'migrant sex attacks'
A German rail service is rolling out "women-only" train cars following a series of violent sexual attacks against woman in the western city of Cologne. The Mitteldeutsche Regiobahn rail company says the segregated train cars are designed to make women traveling alone or with small children feel safe, according to Europe Online Magazine.
13-Year-Old Boy Who Protested Gang Violence Among Dead in Chicago
Killed on Friday was 13-year-old Zarriel Trotter, a victim of collateral damage from a fight between two groups of gang members. Trotter was standing on the sidewalk several yards away from the men, when one pulled a gun and fired during the heat of the argument. Instead of hitting one of his targets, the gang member's bullet found the 13-year-old student. Trotter was hit in the lower back and later died from his wound.
FBI breaks into San Bernardino gunman's iPhone without Apple's help, ending court case
The U.S. Justice Department announced Monday it has successfully accessed data stored on the iPhone that belonged to the San Bernardino gunman without Apple's help, ending the court case against the tech company. The surprise development effectively ends a pitched court battle between Apple and the Obama administration.
As North Korea rattles its nuclear saber, threatening to bomb the U.S. at "any moment," a nerve-jangling question hangs in the air: If Pyongyang did launch a nuclear-armed missile at an American city, could the Pentagon's missile defenses overcome their spotty test record and shoot it down beyond U.S. shores?
Alaska volcano ash cloud covers 400 miles, cancels flights
Strong winds Monday pushed an ash cloud from an Alaska volcano into the heart of the state, grounding flights and limiting travel to western and northern communities off the road system.
The head of an organization representing Jewish communities worldwide says it is launching a new initiative to counter the anti-Israel boycott movement on college campuses. Ron Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, says his group will dispatch activists to as many as two dozen campuses around the world to train students on how to organize and respond to anti-Israel activity. He says he expects the initiative to begin next fall.
Headline of the day: Oil prices fall as investors' faith in rally wanes (Read More)
Europe shares, dollar gain as investors look to Yellen (Read More)
Chinese Bidder for Starwood Has Mysterious Ownership Structure (Read More)
Germany wants refugees to integrate or lose residency rights (Read More)
BlackRock Joins Pimco Warning Investors to Seek Inflation Hedge (Read More)
Goldman Sachs and Bear Stearns: A Financial-Crisis Mystery Is Solved (Read More)
Contract Workforce Outpaces Growth in Silicon-Valley Style 'Gig' Jobs (Read More)
Hugh Hendry has a friend: China Bull Who Beat 99% of All Bond Funds Says Yuan Drop Is Over (Read More)
Obama says journalists partly to blame for tone of presidential race (Read More)
Newt Gingrich: Wives spat is Trump's 'wake-up call' (Read More)
Europe's Higher-Yielding Bonds Benefit as ECB Prepares QE Boost (Read More)
Brazil party set to abandon Rousseff, making impeachment more likely (Read More)
Under the Hood of Japan's Jobs Data: Part-Timers on Low Pay (Read More)
Filed Your Taxes? Good. (Or Is It?) (Read More)
For banks, ECB policy experiment opens north-south divide (Read More)
Once-Secret Pentagon Agency Asks Industry to Help Find New Ideas (Read More)
Lenders 'Freaking Out' Over London Luxury Home Woes (Read More)
Japan public divided as laws easing limits on military take effect (Read More)
Banker Accused of $25 Million Fraud Arose From a Gilded Legacy (Read More)
Fed's Williams Sees Gradual Hikes as U.S. Economy Stays on Track (Read More)
Temple Institute launches historic new program to register eligible members of priesthood, to prepare for return of service in Holy Temple
PM: High Court rejection 'threatens' future gas development
Boycotts will disappear when Israel advances peace, EU envoy says
Trump: Palestinians must stop terror for peace deal
Israeli Military Ranks 9th Most Powerful Globally on Defense Site List
Iran vows to pursue missile program despite new US sanctions
Netanyahu: I Will Attack Iran Alone if Necessary
NSA chief 'makes secret Israel trip to talk Iran, Hezbollah cyber-warfare'
Report: Abiding by Egypt's demands, Hamas secretly pulls forces out of Sinai
Netanyahu halts return of Palestinian terrorist bodies to their families
Israel advises its citizens to leave Turkey immediately due to terror threats
Report: ISIS planned attacks on Jewish children in Turkey
'ISIS is planning a major attack in Israel'
With the advances of Assad's army, and the recapture of Palmyra, ISIS now finds itself threatened on three sides
Former head of military intel: Russian army still in Syria
Syria says ready to cooperate with US against terrorism
Kerry defends Obama's Brussels response, says GOP campaign rhetoric an 'embarrassment'
Tears for Brussels but not Pakistan: How celebs and politicians (didn't) react to Lahore attack
As Pakistan Mourns, Prime Minister Vows to Defeat Militants
Terror Network's Web Sprawls Beyond Brussels and Paris
More Than 50 Jihadists 'Planning Attacks In UK'
Britain must defend its Christian values against terrorism, David Cameron says
NY Bill for monitoring refugees gains support in wake of Brussels attacks
Bloody tide: Terror deaths increased 8-fold since 2010, says study
Yemen war: Rebels and Saudi-led coalition swap prisoners
China orders military to end all paid outside work in push to make the world's largest standing military more professional and battle ready
US Capitol on lockdown after reports of shots fired
Suspect shot, in custody after drawing weapon at Capitol complex, officials say
Times Square evacuated after suspicious package found; New York City bomb squad on scene
Abandoned luggage at Miami International Airport leads to evacuation
Trump threatens lawsuit over lost Louisiana delegates
Top Kasich aide: Romney tried to help broker backchannel with Cruz campaign
The Democratic convention in Philadelphia could be messy too
Clinton makes Supreme Court vacancy a campaign issue, warns about Trump
Donald Trump: Hillary Only 'Being Nice to Obama' Because She 'Wants to Get Protected' from Looming Indictment
Grassley hits back at Clinton: 'The FBI's going to question her'
MSNBC Guest Argues It's a 'Higher Bar' to Prosecute Clinton Because She's Running for President
FBI hacks into terrorist's iPhone without Apple
French town installs 'talking CCTV cameras' to scare off litterbugs
Saudi land purchases fuel debate over US water rights
Japan's negative rates a looming headache for central bank
Health insurance premiums rising faster than wages
5.6 magnitude earthquake hits near Nikolski, Alaska
5.3 magnitude earthquake hits near Visokoi Island
5.2 magnitude earthquake hits near Mouzaki, Greece
5.0 magnitude earthquake hits near Tanahmerah, Indonesia
Oklahoma is Now as Much of an Earthquake Risk as California
Manmade earthquakes put millions at risk, report says
Pavlof volcano in Alaska erupts to 40,000ft
US scientists develop mouse model to test Zika vaccines, drugs
Georgia Gov. Vetoes 'Pastor Protection Act' After Threats From Disney, Marvel, Hollywood Entertainers
Parents Upset Elementary Students Taught Inappropriate Topics – Depression, divorce and transgender issues crossed the line
Minnesota Teacher Suspended For Bashing Crossdressing, Welfare
Saudi doctor arrested for flying rainbow flag, claims he didn't know gay pride symbolism
It's Not Just Times Square – Altars to Baal Will Be Built Around the World
3-D printing to bring Syrian arch destroyed by ISIS back to life
China official says Dalai Lama 'making a fool' of Buddhism
Happy Belated Easter from Oprah Winfrey's New Age Christ! – The Crucifixion Never Happened
Joel Osteen Says He's Not Cheating People by Not Preaching About Hell
US Capitol shooting suspect calls himself 'a prophet of God'
Muslims Have Slaughtered over 10K Christians and Destroyed over 13K Churches in Nigeria
Belgian Soldiers Deployed to Fight Terrorists Had No Bullets In Rifles
Corporate Debt Defaults Explode To Catastrophic Levels Not Seen Since The Last Financial Crisis
If a new financial crisis had already begun, we would expect to see corporate debt defaults skyrocket, and that is precisely what is happening. As you will see below, corporate defaults are currently at the highest level that we have seen since 2009. A wave of bankruptcies is sweeping the energy industry, but it isn't just the energy industry that is in trouble. In fact, the average credit rating for U.S. corporations is now lower than it was at any point during the last recession. This is yet another sign that we are in the early chapters of a major league economic crisis. Yesterday I talked about how 23.2 percent of all Americans in their prime working years do not have a job right now, but today I am going to focus on the employers. Big corporate giants all over America are in deep, deep financial trouble, and this is going to result in a tremendous wave of layoffs in the coming months. (Read More….)
Can the people regain the power to elect the president?
Americans could use the method the Founders gave them, if they chose
ALAN KEYES — [Note to the reader: In my Daily Caller column last week, I promised to use this column to review the approach to presidential elections that rejects the elitist faction's sham "two party system." I have posted an article on my blog on the purpose of the "Electoral College." Reading it at some time, before or after reading this column, will be of use.]… (more)
Faithful leaders – Easter reflection (Alan Keyes)
Raids uncover evidence of Europe-wide jihadist cell
CBS NEWS — In the wake of the bombings in Belgium this week – – and increasing criticism of officials for their inability to thwart those attacks – – police in the last 24 hours have made at least four arrests in a series of raids in Belgium and four other countries across Europe…. (more)
Incubators of Islamic supremacism
ANDREW C. MCCARTHY — With no hope of winning an argument on the facts, demagogues resort to the argument ad hominem. Too often, it works. And in the modern "progressive" West, no demagogic tactic works better than branding one's political adversaries as racists…. (more)
GOP convention security gears up amid fears of threats
MCCLATCHY DC — Organizers for the Republican National Convention are preparing security for the gathering in Cleveland in July amid an unusually combustible environment, in which the threat of terrorist attacks is now joined by the unpredictable behavior of foes and supporters of GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump…. (more)
Thousands call for carrying guns at Republican convention (Newsmax)
2 Wisconsin polls show Cruz leading Trump
NEWSMAX — Two new polls in Wisconsin are showing Texas Sen. Ted Cruz with narrow leads over Donald Trump in the race for the GOP presidential nomination. In a statewide Emerson College Polling Society survey conducted from March 20-22 of 439 likely GOP primary voters, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.6 points:… (more)
Why Wisconsin is a better fit for Cruz than for Trump (John Fund)
Sanders' Saturday sweep revives falling hopes
WASHINGTON EXAMINER — Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders handily won the day, sweeping two Democratic caucuses held on Saturday and appearing set to win a third. But the independently affiliated lawmaker's surge may prove shortlived, as front-runner Hillary Clinton heads into vital coastal states where she leads in polls with what remains a nearly insurmountable lead in delegates…. (more)
Three for three: Sanders wins Hawaii, Washington, Alaska (USA Today)
North Korea threatens nuke strike on Washington
WASHINGTON EXAMINER — North Korea released a video Saturday threatening a nuclear attack on Washington, D.C., and also warned that its military is ready to attack Seoul's presidential palace unless South Korean President Park Geun-hye apologizes for "treason" and executes officials responsible for what Pyongyang says are plans to attack its leadership…. (more)
Judge who ordered 10 Commandments removed strikes down restrictive Alabama abortion law
ABC NEWS — A federal judge has permanently struck down an Alabama law that required abortion doctors to obtain admitting privileges at a local hospital… (more)
Flashback: Federal judge Myron Thompson rules Ten Commandments monument 'unconstitutional' (Southern Poverty Law Center, Nov. 18, 2002)
Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore defies Federal Judge Myron Thompson over Ten Commandments display (CBS News, Aug. 16, 2003)
The irrelevance of the 'denounce' industry
WES VERNON, RA ANALYST — It's a good thing the politicians who formed our Constitution more than two centuries ago were not politicians of the cheaper kind. That was a time when they could have initially pondered picking this newly formed nation's chief executive via the simple expedient of crowning a king… (more)
Statesman or phenom – America clamors for a king (Michael Breschiani)
Obama: No difference between capitalism and communism
PJ MEDIA — President Barack Obama confirmed all conservative doubts and worries about him in comments to young people in Argentina on Thursday. Not only did he say that the differences between communism and capitalism are intellectual rather than practical, he also declared that people should choose from either system whatever idea best suits the moment. This is the kind of thinking that created Marxism in the first place…. (more)
Final result of Hegelian dialectic? Obama on capitalism vs. communism: 'Just choose from what works' (Washington Times)
SHOCKING! Obama tells Argentinian youths there's little difference between socialism, Marxism and capitalism [VIDEO] (The Gateway Pundit)
World burns as Obama does tango with dancer who posed for Playboy (Conservative Firing Line)
Ted Cruz 'sex scandal' has Donald Trump's dirty little fingerprints all over it [VIDEO]
POLITICUS USA — The source for the Ted Cruz sex scandal tabloid rumors is owned by a very close friend of Donald Trump. The fact that the story comes from one of Trump's pals highlights that there is no dirty trick that is off limits to the Republican frontrunner…. (more)
Text of Trump operative Roger Stone's allegations in National Enquirer article (photocopy)
Trump spokeswoman Katrina Pierson tweets unconvincing non-denial of involvement in #CruzSexScandal (Salon)
Donald Trump's alliance with the National Enquirer (New York Magazine)
Ted Cruz sex scandal – Cheated on wife with five women, claims National Enquirer: fact or fiction? [VIDEO]
MARK DICE — Allegations of a #CruzSexScandal is blowing up on the Internet after the National Enquirer tabloid just published an article claiming Ted Cruz has cheated on his wife with five different women. Is this the biggest smear in the history of presidential campaigns, or is there any truth to it? Here's the latest…. (more)
Watch full remarks: Cruz addresses media in Oshkosh, WI, on 'Trump dirty tricks' [VIDEO]
YAHOO NEWS — Republican presidential candidates Donald Trump and Ted Cruz turned to Twitter to defend their wives' honor after a Super PAC put out an ad featuring Trump's wife nude and Trump threatened to "spill the beans" on Cruz's wife…. (more)
Donald Trump is beneath contempt (Bryan Fischer)
Top jihadist claims Islamic State has agents working in Western airports
BREITBART — The Islamic State has agents working in Western airports, metro stations and "very sensitive facilities in the world," a leading Islamic State-allied militant claimed in an exclusive interview…. (more)
Ash Carter: ISIS on the run in Syria; No. 2 killed in U.S. raid
NEWSMAX — Islamic State fighters were on the retreat in the strategic Syrian city of Palmyra on Friday, as the United States said it likely killed several senior leaders of the militant group this week including its top finance officer…. (more)
Fla. Gov. Scott signs law ending funding to abortion clinics
NEWSMAX — Florida Governor Rick Scott on Friday signed a law that cuts off state funding for preventive health services to clinics providing abortion and imposes abortion restrictions already being tested before the U.S. Supreme Court…. (more)
Newsmax CEO Ruddy: Lightweight Reince Priebus a 'disaster' for GOP
NEWSMAX — Reince Priebus is an amateur and lightweight who has been a "disaster" as chairman of the Republican National Committee, says Chris Ruddy, CEO of Newsmax Media…. (more)
The insane campaign of John Kasich
JEREMY CARL — The GOP primary is a battle between Donald Trump and Ted Cruz. This has been fairly obvious since at least Super Tuesday, and it is overwhelmingly obvious today…. (more)
When conservatives needed allies, Donald Trump sided with Obama
GLENN BECK — As the election of 2008 approached, America was in crisis. And as we would soon learn, that crisis would not go to waste. Years after Bill Clinton disingenuously claimed that the era of big government was over, Obama won his party's nomination by promising its furious revenge…. (more)
Dr. Carson diagnoses Trump fever on 'The View'
WASHINGTON EXAMINER — Ben Carson was panned as possibly the worst campaign surrogate ever after giving a series of cringe-worthy quotes in defense of Donald Trump on "The View" Thursday…. (more)
Trump the unelectable
WASHINGTON EXAMINER EDITORIAL BOARD — Many of Donald Trump's supporters labor under the impression that he is not only electable, but is the most electable candidate in the Republican field. If you find yourself believing this, we'd like to show you what the polls, which take up most of Trump's campaign rhetoric, actually have to say on the matter…. (more)
Prankster bought snivelingcoward.com, routed to Trump's Twitter
WASHINGTON EXAMINER — Ted Cruz called Donald Trump a "sniveling coward" Thursday after the billionaire businessman repeatedly attacked the Texas senator's wife, Heidi Cruz, and someone on the Internet is getting in on the action…. (more)
Sasse fires at 'fake tough guy' Trump
WASHINGTON EXAMINER — Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., went after Donald Trump's attacks on Heidi Cruz's appearance and threats to spill the beans about her past Thursday. In a pair of tweets, Sasse called Trump a "fake tough guy" while calling on all those with a sister, wife or daughter to "reconsider supporting this tiny little man."… (more)
NY court dismisses Cruz birther lawsuit
NEWSMAX — A New York appeals court on Thursday upheld a lower court's dismissal of a suit seeking to remove Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz from the state's primary ballot because of his Canadian birth…. (more)
Keyes: Ted Cruz a 'natural-born citizen' [VIDEO – see 10:35] (Alan Keyes)
Indiana governor approves tough new abortion regulations
WASHINGTON EXAMINER — Indiana Gov. Mike Pence enacted legislation late Thursday that will further expand the state's abortion restrictions. House Enrolled Act 1337 effectively prohibits a woman from getting an abortion following the diagnosis of a disability, like Down Syndrome, in the fetus. It would also ban abortions for the purpose of sex selection…. (more)
Can Governments Act Like Foreign Enemies?
"False flag" attacks are usually undertaken to get the public so emotionally stirred up or enraged that they will support some government action (sometimes a war or martial law) that they would have otherwise strongly opposed. Two questions that discerning people should ask after every major terrorist attack are: 1) Was this a false flag attack – designed to elicit a certain desired reaction (or response) by the people or government or to advance some group or government's agenda? And 2) Who had the most to gain from this event – who had the strongest motive? (And who had the most to lose?) In many instances, the person, entity, or government accused of the dastardly deed had absolutely nothing to gain and everything to lose from the attack. So, who, or what government, did stand to gain from it?
"False flag terrorism" is defined as a government attacking its own people, then blaming others in order to justify acting or going to war against the people it blames. Or, as Wikipedia defines it: "False flag operations are covert operations conducted by governments, corporations, or other organizations, which are designed to deceive in such a way that they appear as if they are being carried out by other entities, groups, or nations than those who actually planned or executed them."
The term comes from the old days of wooden ships, when one ship would hang the flag of its enemy before attacking another ship. Because the enemy's flag, instead of the flag of the real country of the attacking ship, was hung, it was called a "false flag" attack. Leaders throughout history have acknowledged the danger and/or the effectiveness of false flags:
"This and no other is the root from which a tyrant springs; when he first appears he appears to be a protector." – Plato
"If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy." – US President James Madison
"Terrorism is the best political weapon, for nothing drives people harder than a fear of sudden death." – Adolph Hitler
"Why of course the people don't want war…. But after all it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship…. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked , and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country." – Hermann Goering, Nazi leader
"The easiest way to gain control of a population is to carry out acts of terror. [The public] will clamor for such laws if their personal security is threatened." – Josef Stalin
(Excerpt from McAlvany Intelligence Advisor, November 2015)
Agenda 21 & George Soros
For Americans there are two things of which many Christians seemingly are unaware: "Agenda 21" and "George Soros." Both have had a huge effect on the direction of the United States for the last 15 to 20 years and to disregard them as just "conspiracy theories" could literally lead to our downfall as a world power—or even the loss of freedoms we take for granted.
But understanding what and who they are, and the detrimental influence they have had on our country, is absolutely necessary to know…unless you want to take an ostrich approach to our problems.
Obama's Love Affair with Communism – David Limbaugh
Actually, it's not that stunning to people paying attention. Many of us warned about Obama's Marxist sympathies before he was first elected president, and we've repeatedly pointed it out during his presidency. Obama was raised and mentored by communists and spent many years engaged in community organizing (radical leftist activism). He established himself as the most liberal member of the Senate. Yet our warnings were met with cries of extremism, irrationality and, of course, racism.
The Prophet Beck
What about the Mormon "White Horse Prophecy"?
Maybe you're an evangelical and voted for Donald Trump. A lot of evangelicals did throughout the Deep South, real estate that was supposedly Cruz Country. Or maybe you're a mainline protestant or a Catholic who cast ballots for… Trump. Shame on you, said talk show host, Glenn Beck, because you're out-of-step with your Christianity. You're part of the problem, the problem being the coming scourge of Donald Trump.
Or you were, until Beck walked back his criticism on Friday. The backlash to Beck's remarks has been of biblical proportions.
By Marsha West Evangelicalism as a movement is rushing headlong toward theological ambiguity, which is another way of saying apostasy. ~ Michael Horton The failure of modern evangelicalism is the failure to understand the holiness of God. ~ R.C. Sproul At one time the word evangelical was used to differentiate Protestantism from Roman Catholicism and […]
The post Evangelicals Divided, A Movement Fractured, Part 1 appeared first on Berean Research.
Teaching Your Children To Be Apologists
Sharon Lareau of Chapter 3 Ministries offers ways in which parents can prepare their children to make a defense for the hope that is in them (1 Peter 3:5). But before parents can do that, they must be able to "contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints." (Jude 1:3) Besides […]
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Celebrating the Atonement and Resurrection While Promoting Contemplative Prayer — A Profound Contradiction
By Lighthouse Trails In 1922, liberal pastor and theologian Harry Emerson Fosdick stated the following words in his sermon titled "Will the Fundamentalists Win?": "It is interesting to note where the Fundamentalists are driving in their stakes to mark out the deadline of doctrine around the church, across which no one is to pass except […]
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Now Sleeps that Sword for Me
By Mike Riccardi Maybe it's just me, but I've found that around Easter time it's very easy for our thoughts to be occupied with the events of Resurrection Sunday—sometimes even to the exclusion of the events of Good Friday. That may be for a number of reasons. Perhaps it's because the church's time together on […]
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Jesus Calling Devotional Bible?–Putting Words in Jesus' Mouth–And in the Bible
The blockbuster book Jesus Calling has sold more the 15 million copies. Jesus Calling was published in 2004 and has remained on bestseller lists ever since. According to the book's publisher, "After many years of writing her own words in her prayer journal, missionary Sarah Young decided to be more attentive to the Savior's voice and […]
The post Jesus Calling Devotional Bible?–Putting Words in Jesus' Mouth–And in the Bible appeared first on Berean Research.
The idolatry of greatness & how it's ruining your life
"There's an epidemic running through this country. It's subtle and quiet and often cleverly disguised as 'The American Dream. It's the idolatry of greatness," says blogger Kayse Pratt. In our self-centered culture most people are caught up in wanting to be somebody special. even great. And Christians are not exempt from this. Kayse demonstrates how […]
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Um, about that "jesus" Glenn Beck believes in…
Uh-oh, this report will perhaps open some eyes of those who say Glenn Beck may surely be an undercover Christian, or that he may at least be close to accepting the truth about his false religion from those evangelicals who allegedly are sharing it with him. No, Beck knows exactly whom he worships, and it […]
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Apologetics Tactics: The Unger Move – "Those who frequent Veritas Domain might be familiar with Lyndon Unger. Mr. Unger is a Calvinistic Dispensational Presuppositionalist. He blogs on WordPress under the name MennoKnight and is a regular contributor at The Cripple Gate. John MacArthur has also mentioned his research. Before he became (in)famous(?), Lyndon once shared with me a good and simple apologetics tactic. I'll call it the 'Unger Move.' Again, it's not a complicated karate chop but remember, sometimes the simple move goes a long way."
Jesus Calling Devotional Bible?–Putting Words in Jesus' Mouth–And in the Bible – "The blockbuster book Jesus Calling has sold more the 15 million copies. Jesus Calling was published in 2004 and has remained on bestseller lists ever since. According to the book's publisher, 'After many years of writing her own words in her prayer journal, missionary Sarah Young decided to be more attentive to the Savior's voice and begin listening for what He was saying. So with pen in hand, she embarked on a journey that forever changed her—and many others around the world. In these powerful pages are the words and Scriptures Jesus lovingly laid on her heart.' The Jesus of Scripture? Really?"
The Case for an Exegetical Sermon Series – "Hershael York: I don't preach a topical series often, and when I do, they are still textual and expository. I confess that sometimes I need to preach something from the Bible's metanarrative and let my church see threads of connection and commonality that intersect across books and testaments. I probably do one topical series for every two book studies. Topical series are always shorter, normally six to twelve weeks, and my book series can go for a year, so it probably is only about 10 percent of the time. I recently completed a series called 'A Man Like Us' about the life of Elijah, using James' statement about the prophet as the entry point to then walk through the different narratives about Elijah's life. Elijah did great things for God, but he was a man like us. He grew weary and despaired of life—because he was a man like us. He was a great man who needed God's grace and mercy—because he was a man like us."
10 Lessons on Parenting Little Ones – "My youngest child is about to turn 10 years old and will soon be joining her two siblings in the double digits. This means that Aileen and I have graduated—we have graduated from parenting little ones to parenting big ones. Lots of parenting remains, of course, but the little years are now in the past. These little years have been the best and the worst years, the easiest and the hardest. They have been full of both joys and tremendous difficulties. At times we have done well and at times we have done poorly, I'm sure. And now they are behind us. Before it all grows hazy through the inevitable march of time, we decided to think of a few lessons we learned about parenting through the little years. Maybe you will find them helpful."
Seven Reasons Why We Should Not Accept Millions of Years – "There is an intensifying controversy in the church all over the world regarding the age of the earth. For the first 18 centuries of church history, the almost universal belief of Christians was that God created the world in six literal days, roughly 4,000 years before Christ, and destroyed the world with a global Flood at the time of Noah. But about 200 years ago some scientists developed new theories of earth history, which proposed that the earth and universe are millions of years old. Over the past 200 years Christian leaders have made various attempts to fit the millions of years into the Bible. These include the day-age view, gap theory, local flood view, framework hypothesis, theistic evolution, progressive creation, and so on."
Charlie Paxton – He's Still In Control
Religion That Sends You To Hell!
Do Christians and Muslims Worship the Same God?
The post The Daily Discovery (March 29, 2016) appeared first on Entreating Favor.
Today's Kindle deals include A Model of Christian Maturity by D.A. Carson ($2.99); Preaching to a Post-Everything World by Zack Eswine ($2.99); Doxology and Theology by Matt Boswell ($2.99); Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job by Hugh Ross ($2.99); Gospel-Centered Teaching by Trevin Wax ($2.99). New from GLH Publishing is Walking with God by Richard Baxter which is starting out at $0.99.
Ligonier is offering this month's issue of Tabletalk as a free download in various formats. It deals with the timely subject of Islam.
15 Reflections from My 15 Years of Experience as a Pastor
Brian Najapfour offers up 15 excellent reflections based on his 15 years of pastoring.
Trevin Wax: "Thinking too little of God sometimes leads you to think too little of yourself. For years, I thought it was the other way around. I always thought that seeing God as big meant I needed to see myself as small. Or, to put it another way, the bigger my vision of God grows, the more my vision of myself will shrink. Wrong."
Will Phoebe Have Down's Syndrome in Heaven?
This is a short but powerful reflection in which a father answers his son.
The Hardest Thing About Being a Missionary
It turns out that the hardest thing about being a missionary is also the hardest thing about being a pastor. That leads this pastor/missionary to a meditation on loving people even when it is difficult.
Love and Entitlement
Over the last little while, Melissa has been penning a lot of small articles like this one that reflect on the nature of true love compared to versions that are fraudulent or ridiculous. This time it's "making sure that our relationships are about US getting what WE want, and if the other person can't deliver on our list of demands, then they just aren't worthy of us."
This Day in 1788. 228 years ago today, evangelist and hymn writer Charles Wesley died. *
Homophobia Has No Place in the Church
"Simply put, homophobia means a fear of homosexuality and, more specifically, homosexual people. And while it is not the same as loving, biblical opposition to certain behaviors or beliefs, this fear-based attitude often leads to unhelpful stereotypes, prejudice, and even cruel mistreatment. So let's call a spade a spade. Homophobia exists, and it has no place in the church."
How Clinton's Email Scandal Took Root
The Washington Post has a long and interesting explanation of how Hillary Clinton's email scandal began and took root.
Syria and My Prayerlessness
I think we have all had these moments: "My heart sank on Sunday morning when someone prayed aloud for the Syrian refugees. I had forgotten all about them." I appreciate Laura Booz's reflection and determination.
In the Bible we find no gap between the call to follow Jesus and the call to engage in mission. —J.D. Greear
What are the Habits of Wealthy People
Skip over the money-making motivation and get to the key insight applicable to all: try to improve 1% each day in a .
Will Phoebe have Down' s Syndrome in heaven? – Reformation21 Blog
Paul Levy: "In January 2015 our third child Phoebe was born and, as a complete surprise to us, Phoebe has Down's Syndrome. The last year has been, and continues to be, an enormous roller coaster full of joy and sorrow too."
Gay Marriage Isn't About Justice, It's About Selma Envy
"Why do so many people, Gen Xers and younger, invent a monster of anti-gay bigotry and keep screaming the monster is real despite a mountain of contrary facts standing before them?"
Keep Your Man Parts Out Of My Bathroom
"The North Carolina General Assembly is making a stand against an invasive ordinance the city of Charlotte passed, which would allow transgender people to use any bathroom they choose. That means if a man says he identifies as a woman, he's free to use the ladies' restroom, even if he still does it standing up."
How To Focus Deeply In A Distracted World with Cal Newport
"Deep work" is the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task and it's one of the most valuable skills in our economy.
New Booklets
How Can I Cultivate Private Prayer? by Joel Beeke.
See also Is the Trinity Practical? by Ryan McGraw.
Expository Apologetics by Voddie Bacham $1.99.
Three James Herriot Classics including All Creatures Great and Small. Good writing, enjoyable reading $3.99.
Lies They Teach in School: Exposing the Myths Behind 250 Commonly Believed Fallacies by Herb Reich $1.99.
Pilot Thanks God for the Plane Crash that Changed his Life
New Report Indicates North Korea 'Probably' Has Miniaturized Nuke
Some U.S. intelligence analysts now believe that North Korea "probably" possesses a miniaturized nuclear warhead, several U.S. officials told CNN. The assessment has yet to become a…
PAVING THE WAY: A cashless society can't fix our monetary woes
Recent technological advancements point to a looming cashless society, with a recent survey indicating that most Australians expect to break free from paper-notes and coins by 2022….
While Islamic State (ISIS) attacks in Europe and massacres in Syria and Iraq have dominated the headlines in recent months, the radical Islamic terror group may be…
Obama's next gift to Iran means breaking another promise to America
President Obama's Iran policy can be summed up in four words: All carrots, no sticks. Endless carrots, too — even ones his team told Congress the Iranians…
Top Jihadist Claims Brussels, Paris Are Terror Rehearsals for 'Big' Attack Inside U.S.
The deadly terrorist attacks in Brussels last week and in Paris last November are dress rehearsals for a coming "big" attack inside the United States, a leading…
Max Lucado on what happens when you die
(Max Lucado) Several years ago I received an urgent call to visit a dying man in the hospital. I didn't know Peter well, but well enough to…
Reba McEntire Credits God, Christian Faith for Getting Her Through Rocky Divorce
Country music star Reba McEntire credits God and her Christian faith for getting her through a two-year split from her husband and subsequent divorce she says she…
Feds to fine schools for not following Michelle Obama's lunch rules
The federal government is taking steps to fine schools that do not comply with first lady Michelle Obama's school lunch rules. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food…
Was 'Trump 2016' Prophesied in the 19th Century?
(Matt Barber) Why would millions of Americans rally behind a Republican presidential candidate who, according to every poll, and at a rate plunge precisely commensurate with the…
Billy Graham Answers: Is God Done With America?
(Billy Graham) No nation, and no individual, is ever totally beyond hope—no matter how far gone they appear to be. God is sovereign, and He is able…
North Korea test fired a short-range missile on its east coast on Tuesday, South Korea's military said, amid heightened tension over the isolated country's nuclear and rocket…
Spain threatens to drive Gibraltar to COLLAPSE with border shutdown threat
Spain has used the possibility of a Brexit to escalate their long-standing anger over the disputed peninsula with a stunning threat to cut the territory adrift. The…
Parents Upset Elementary Students Taught Inappropriate Topics
A Collin County charter school says it's considering making changes after parents complained that their elementary-age students were taught age inappropriate topics; such as depression, divorce and…
(Michael Snyder) If a new financial crisis had already begun, we would expect to see corporate debt defaults skyrocket, and that is precisely what is happening. As…
Joel Osteen: I'm Not Cheating People by Not Talking About Hell
Joel Osteen, who is known for his effervescent personality and sunny disposition in nearly all matters, says he is not cheating people by not preaching about hell….
Tensions are mounting between Russia, China, and Japan in the Pacific
Japan on Monday switched on a radar station in the East China Sea, giving it a permanent intelligence gathering post close to Taiwan and a group of…
Is Planet Nine real? We may have more than eight planets in our solar system, and it's not because Pluto is getting reinstated. In January, researchers Mike…
Students want Ohio State and other universities to boycott Israel
The Israel-Palestine conflict, never absent from most U.S. college campuses, is fueling especially passionate debate in central Ohio this spring. Much of the argument centers on the…
'Amerigeddon' movie warns of coming chaos
Imagine this: In the not-so-distant future, a large-scale electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack on the U.S. energy grid wipes out all power in the country. Electronic devices cease…
Cops ransack man's home for anti-Islam tweet
A man who tweeted about stopping a Muslim 'women' (sic) in the street and challenging her to "explain Brussels", has said he will sue the Metropolitan Police…
DEVELOPING: Anti-Trump demonstrators protest at Wisconsin hotel
Dozens of protesters entered the Holiday Inn Express on Monday evening as part of an anti-Donald Trump protest, according to Gazette reporter Nick Crow, who was on…
Justice Department cracks iPhone; withdraws legal action
The FBI said Monday it successfully used a mysterious technique without Apple Inc.'s help to hack into the iPhone used by a gunman in a mass shooting…
Brits More Likely to Believe in Ghosts Than in a Creator
British people are more likely to believe in ghosts then a creator, and self-identified Christians are more likely to believe in aliens than then devil, according to…
After Brussels Attacks, Christian Persecution 'New Reality'
Belgian authorities continue their search for additional accomplices in last week's terror attacks. Given the scope of the threat, many believe the next attack is not a…
Manmade earthquakes put millions at risk
Earthquakes from fracking and drilling for oil have made Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico and Arkansas nearly as quake-prone as naturally high-hazard areas of California, a…
BREAKING NEWS: It's open season on people of faith in Georgia
Georgia's Republican governor stunned the state's religious community Monday by vetoing legislation that would have protected preachers who refuse to perform LGBT marriages. "It's open season on…
Christians Must Unite Now Against Gay Bullies and Their Allies
The mayor of San Francisco has banned all publicly funded city employees from traveling to North Carolina. The NFL is threatening to block Atlanta, Georgia, from hosting…
'God's Not Dead 2′ Too Heavy on Subplots, Debate over Jesus' Existence
Brussels Pastor: 'Our City is in Pain'
Infamous Drug Lord 'El Chapo' Reading Rick Warren's 'The Purpose Driven Life' while in Prison
Muslim Man Who Expressed Goodwill toward Christians is Murdered
ISIS Recruiting Appeals to Those Searching for Meaning, Purpose
Court Seems Tied in Religious Nonprofits Case
Pediatricians' Group: Transgender Kids Need Help, Not New Hormones
Franklin Graham Applauds NC Gov.'s New Transgender Law
New Study Finds People of Faith Less Likely to Use Drugs
Christian Women Face Double Vulnerability Due to Gender and Religion
The Great Cover-up: Evidence for Christ's Crucifixion and Resurrection
Disney to Boycott Georgia over Gay Marriage Bill
Joel Osteen Makes No Apology For His Refusal To Preach On Hell Or Other Bible Doctrines
"Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day." 1 Corinthians 4:12-14 (KJV)
"You know, it's not hellfire and brimstone. But I say most people are beaten down enough by life," Osteen said in a special Easter edition of CBS Sunday Morning. "They already feel guilty enough. They're not doing what they should, raising their kids—we can all find reasons. So I want them to come to Lakewood or our meetings and be lifted up, to say, 'You know what? I may not be perfect, but I'm moving forward. I'm doing better.' And I think that motivates you to do better."
Other pastors, however, believe fire and brimstone preaching may be what the church needs again.
"To the shame of much of today's church, there has been a firm and steadfast rejection of any truth that doesn't result in people feeling happy affection for God,"writes Pastor John Burton. "While a core message of mine has to do with enjoyable and permeating intimacy with Jesus, I understand that it is not a mutually exclusive one. That teaching when it stands alone, apart from the full counsel of God's Word, produces a people who don't understand the fear of the Lord, the severity of their lifestyle decisions or the intensity and nearness of eternity."
Despite criticism, Osteen forges ahead.
"Our general message speaks to staying in peace and being respectful and staying full of joy and staying positive," he tells northjersey.com. "I don't get specific about the politics, but our core message deals with [how] every day, you have to choose to be happy; you have to overlook things that are done wrong and things that are said." source
Lakewood Church Pastor Joel Osteen says he isn't cheating anyone by not talking about Hell and repentance, insisting that people feel guilty enough already, and he wants to lift up believers instead of bringing them down.
When asked in an Easter Sunday interview by CBS News' "Sunday Morning" program "Do you feel like you're cheating people by not telling them about the Hell part? Or repentance part?" Osteen answered: "No, I really don't, because it's a different approach."
This entry was posted in Postmodern Church/Apostasy, Truth2Freedom Headline Alerts on March 29, 2016 by Truth2Freedom.
"Core Christianity" by Michael Horton: A Review
The Reformed Reader Blog
Michael Horton's newest book, Core Christianity, is not exactly a systematic theology. Neither is it exclusively a biblical theology or a book on practical theology. Horton's Core Christianity is all three put together in around 170 pages. Horton said he wrote this book with the purpose of helping Christians understand the reason for their hope so they will be able to talk to others about that hope (p. 14). There are twelve chapters in this book, including an intro and conclusion. (As a side, there's another Christian book with the same title written by Elmer Towns. I haven't read that one so I can't comment on any overlap!)
In Horton's terms, the main themes of the book can be summarized in four words: a) the drama of redemption, b) the doctrine of Scripture, c) doxology (praise/worship), and d) discipleship. The chapters unfold like this:
1) Jesus is…
This entry was posted in Biblical Theology/Doctrine, Reblogged Guest Post on March 29, 2016 by Truth2Freedom.