January 2022 |
All text by Zorek Richards
unless otherwise noted |
Jan 31, 2022: Stand To Reason: How God Is Solving the Problem of Evil
What’s God doing about the problem of evil? First, God has given three institutions to restrain the impact of evil in the world: the family, the church, and the government.
What’s God doing about the problem of evil? First, God has given three institutions to restrain the impact of evil in the world: the family, the church, and the government.
| Localizing sin in a class, group, or people leads to Phariseeism. It becomes not a problem of Christ vs. fallen humanity, but us against their evil world. Moreover, too often false views of the world’s problems have us study evil as an outside or alien problem, us against them. Our Lord warns against the study of “the depths of Satan,” or “the deep things of Satan,” so the study of conspiracies is off limits for Christians. The law-word of God, the bible, not Satanic conspiracies, must be our study. We win by God’s grace, not by the knowledge of evil. Too many people who call themselves Christians can tell you more about conspiracies than about the word of God; this is evil. We need to have a biblical perspective on good and evil lest we become evil ourselves.
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- January 30, 2022:
- Texas Senator Ted Cruz is such phoney xenophobic hypocrite. When shootings happen in American grocery stores or schools he ignores them and defends his sacred 2nd amendment. But when a "Muslim" may be the culprit he places blame on the Biden administration.
Jan 30, 2022: Desiring God: In Love with the Life You Don’t Have
The secret to happiness, some have wisely said, is to want what you already have.
How many of us can truly say with C.S. Lewis’s character in Shadowlands, “You know, I don’t want to be somewhere else anymore. I’m not waiting for anything new to happen . . . not looking around the next corner and over the next hill. I’m here now. That’s enough.”
The secret to happiness, some have wisely said, is to want what you already have.
How many of us can truly say with C.S. Lewis’s character in Shadowlands, “You know, I don’t want to be somewhere else anymore. I’m not waiting for anything new to happen . . . not looking around the next corner and over the next hill. I’m here now. That’s enough.”
Jan 30, 2022: The Dispatch: Why Christians Bond With Corrupt Leaders
We were talking broadly about the Christian community’s persistent connection to corrupt leaders (inspired by this remarkable Vanity Fair profile of Jerry Falwell Jr.), and Skye used a brilliant biblical analogy, one that explains both God’s mercy and our very human tendency and temptation to bond with the wrong people.
We were talking broadly about the Christian community’s persistent connection to corrupt leaders (inspired by this remarkable Vanity Fair profile of Jerry Falwell Jr.), and Skye used a brilliant biblical analogy, one that explains both God’s mercy and our very human tendency and temptation to bond with the wrong people.
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Jan 30, 2022: Crux: At a time when truth is political Play-Doh, the Christian’s called to something else
As we continue to make our way through Ordinary Time, the Church draws from the Bible and composes a lesson and a challenge each week. |
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Jan 30, 2022: Christian Post: Brian Houston steps down as global senior pastor of Hillsong
Brian Houston has stepped down as the leader of the global multisite Hillsong Church, saying he will remain absent for the rest of this year as he faces trial for allegedly concealing sex abuse committed by his father decades earlier. Phil and Lucinda Dooley will be new interim global pastors.
Brian Houston has stepped down as the leader of the global multisite Hillsong Church, saying he will remain absent for the rest of this year as he faces trial for allegedly concealing sex abuse committed by his father decades earlier. Phil and Lucinda Dooley will be new interim global pastors.
Jan 30, 2022: News 24: The Supreme Court’s Christian conservative revolution is upon us
Justice Amy Coney Barrett had been a member of the Supreme Court for less than a month when she cast the key vote in one of the most consequential religion cases of the past century.
Justice Amy Coney Barrett had been a member of the Supreme Court for less than a month when she cast the key vote in one of the most consequential religion cases of the past century.
Jan 30, 2022: The Dispatch: Christians, Too, Must Oppose ‘Great Replacement Theory’
As an ugly conspiracy theory re-emerges, we stand at a “never again” moment.
The “great replacement theory” is gaining traction far too close to the American mainstream. This conspiracy theory suggests that welcoming immigrants is part of a plan to replace the political power and culture of white people living in Western countries.
As an ugly conspiracy theory re-emerges, we stand at a “never again” moment.
The “great replacement theory” is gaining traction far too close to the American mainstream. This conspiracy theory suggests that welcoming immigrants is part of a plan to replace the political power and culture of white people living in Western countries.
Jan 30, 2022: Ghandara: Attack In Northwest Pakistan Kills One Christian Priest, Leaves Another Injured
One priest from a Christian church in northwest Pakistan has been killed and another injured after their car was ambushed by unknown militants in the capital of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province on January 30.
One priest from a Christian church in northwest Pakistan has been killed and another injured after their car was ambushed by unknown militants in the capital of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province on January 30.
- January 29, 2022:
Before I became a Christian my dominant interest was in music. Not as a musician..but just the powerful meaning and energy involved with music. Though I tried, I could not play a tune on a guitar if my life depended on it. I have battled with issues of being bi-polar as long as I can remember. Music calmed my soul and seemed to help me get by. But that was all it did: Help me get by. No direction...no real practical value ....but a placebo just to help me get by in a life that was a struggle. My dad had died, my mom had nervous breakdowns all the time, and I forged her name to a check to buy food for me and my brother while she was in the hospital...and I only mention that because that brought me to the attention of authorities. As a 17 year old I saw the inside of a jail cell for the first time. An experience I never wanted to repeat (and something I rarely, if ever, talk about). Having memorized the words to "Hold Your Head Up" or other songs had no long term value. I started to wonder if there was a God and if He is there....where is He? I was philosophically stupid but intellectually stimulated and, being bored, I quit high school early and got scores high enough to get me into a Tech college. When my high school class was graduating I was finishing my first semester of college. My pursuit of the God who is there began.
In the end, worship is a response to what we value most. And whatever it is that we worship will change us. Remaining somewhat skeptical.... but walking away from atheism was a life changer for me. Lots of great things happened after that...but, so as to not paint an unrealistic picture of reality, life is often loaded and layered with problems. That which we worship is what we turn to during those times. Power, money, sex, etc have been warring against mans relationship with God since Eden. We have such a short time here on earth to face and deal with these things.
It was Mother Teresa who once said: "You will never know God is all you need until He is all you have." Amen
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Jan 29, 2022: Blog & Mablog: The Forgotten Duty
Forgiveness of sin is forgiveness of sin, not redefinition of sin (Rom. 13:8-10). “Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven” contains a glorious truth. But, misapplied as it frequently is, it also represents a travesty of biblical living.
Forgiveness of sin is forgiveness of sin, not redefinition of sin (Rom. 13:8-10). “Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven” contains a glorious truth. But, misapplied as it frequently is, it also represents a travesty of biblical living.
Jan 29, 2022: Persecution: Christians in Nigeria Face Continued Persecution from State Governments
Technically a secular nation, Nigeria’s federal constitution contains protections for freedom of religion and belief, including the right of citizens to change their religion and the right to “manifest and propagate [one’s] religious belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance.”
Unfortunately, many Nigerians today are not given access to these freedoms.
Technically a secular nation, Nigeria’s federal constitution contains protections for freedom of religion and belief, including the right of citizens to change their religion and the right to “manifest and propagate [one’s] religious belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance.”
Unfortunately, many Nigerians today are not given access to these freedoms.
Jan 29, 2022: Vatican News: Pope: Pandemic an opportunity to improve worker solidarity
Pope Francis meets with members of the Italian Leather Chemists Association, and urges them to minimize the environmental impact of leather production while conserving their professional heritage.
Pope Francis meets with members of the Italian Leather Chemists Association, and urges them to minimize the environmental impact of leather production while conserving their professional heritage.
Jan 29, 2022L Gospel Coalition: Don’t Blame the Pandemic for Low Church Attendance
Data collected in the summer of 2020 by Barna found that about one-third of practicing Christians (32 percent) “have dropped out of church for the time being.” A Gallup poll taken last March also found that, for the first time in eight decades, Americans’ membership in houses of worship dropped below 50 percent. Only 47 percent of adults in the United States claimed to be a member of a church, mosque, or synagogue, a 23-point decline since 2000.
Data collected in the summer of 2020 by Barna found that about one-third of practicing Christians (32 percent) “have dropped out of church for the time being.” A Gallup poll taken last March also found that, for the first time in eight decades, Americans’ membership in houses of worship dropped below 50 percent. Only 47 percent of adults in the United States claimed to be a member of a church, mosque, or synagogue, a 23-point decline since 2000.
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| I had always thought that a lost soul referred to the soul’s destination, not its condition….We are not lost because we are going to wind up in the wrong place. We are going to wind up in the wrong place because we are lost….The soul integrates the will and mind and body. Sin disintegrates them. In sin, my appetite for lust or anger or superiority dominates my will…. Sin ultimately makes long term gratitude or friendship or meaning impossible. Sin eventually destroys my capacity even for enjoyment, let alone meaning….This is what it means to lose your soul. It is not a cosmic threat. It is a clinical diagnosis. It is not “I could end up there.” It is “I could become that.”
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- January 28, 2022:
One necessary action in accomplishing righteousness is to put off evil:
"Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." -James 1:21.
Also: Ephesians 4:22-24: "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
Instead of "Filthiness," other translations use the words "abomination" "uncleanness" "immoral behavior" "filthy habit" "vile and evil influences" of which a revealing expanded word study could be done of all the above.
As society moves further along from any fixed standard of morality we must continually renew our commitment to moral Biblically defined standards. It is an inevitable fact that as man moves through time the standards of morality decline. Some translations use the words "moral filth" which sounds like two contradictory words but the implication is that what society calls "moral" will be redefined further and further away from the Biblical standard of which we are to aspire. God has promised that would happen as the end of the end times continually moves toward us. The end times, the apocalypse, the tribulations, coming of the antichrist, or whatever we use to describe it comes with a decrease in true moral righteousness. That's not one of the promises we usually embrace when we are claiming promises but it is a fact and mentioned in numerous places throughout scripture.
The verse from James is a constant, regardless of where we are on this trip through life on planet earth. Filthiness and evil has an enemy and it's foundation is truth "which is able to save your soul" and requires meekness to receive. Meekness is a quiet receptor of our human nature which brings us quietly before the Lord and opens our heart to hear and learn. There's no arrogantly going before God and demanding what we want to know or have...just seek Him quietly and tenderly. You will be glad you did because a fraction of a second after we have breathed our last breath it is too late and everything that brought us to there will be called into account.
Lee Strobel said the following in an announcement that he was headlining the 2022 Louisiana Baptist Evangelism Conference: “Evangelism is even more important today, but so is apologetics, or offering reasons for why we believe what we believe...My friend J. Warner Wallace, an atheist detective who came to Christ after his investigation of the Gospels, went so far as to say, ‘evangelism in the 21st Century is spelled apologetics.’ I think he’s on the right track. We need to help people know why we believe that Jesus is the unique Son of God. That’s going to be vitally important as we face a nation and world that are skeptical and sometimes even hostile toward our faith.” I agree and disagree with this. Apologetics is good to learn.. Sharpens the Bible knowledge. But, I believe every Christian has a testimony and a need to "testify" and give witness of why he or she believes what they do. But the commission in Acts 1:7–8 states Jesus said to the disciples, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Maybe conferences like the one Strobel mentions is helpful for some, but for the vast number of people who cannot attend such conferences...God has provided a way that keeps your testimony real that has no urgent need for conference. In 3 words: "Read Your Bible.": 2 Timothy 3:16–17: All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
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Jan 28, 2022: Word & Way: Pope Denounces Fake News about COVID & Vaccines
Pope Francis denounced fake news about COVID-19 and vaccines Friday (Jan. 28), blasting the “distortion of reality based on fear” but also urging that people who believe such lies are helped to understand true scientific facts. |
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Jan 28, 2022: Baptist Messenger: GUEST COLUMN: EDMOND, FIRST HOSTS ABOLITION CONFERENCE, FEB. 5-8
Abolition is a grassroots movement among churches to abolish abortion in Oklahoma. The tenets of abolition are built upon the following five principles. First, abolition is biblical. Rather than leaving the Bible out of engagements, abolitionists ground God’s Word as the foundation for everything that they do. The concept of abolitionism (the removal of evils) is derived from the Word of God. It follows from the call to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8).
Abolition is a grassroots movement among churches to abolish abortion in Oklahoma. The tenets of abolition are built upon the following five principles. First, abolition is biblical. Rather than leaving the Bible out of engagements, abolitionists ground God’s Word as the foundation for everything that they do. The concept of abolitionism (the removal of evils) is derived from the Word of God. It follows from the call to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8).
Jan 28, 2022: Baptist Message: Bahamian church campus nearly restored
A Louisiana Baptist-led effort to help St. Matthew Baptist Church rebuild three years after Hurricane Dorian leveled their facility is nearing completion.
A Louisiana Baptist-led effort to help St. Matthew Baptist Church rebuild three years after Hurricane Dorian leveled their facility is nearing completion.
Jan 28, 2022: Baptist News Global: Pledging allegiance to the kingdom of God
It is no small thing to grow up in a religious tradition that claims for itself the title, “the one true church.” To be taught that I alone was right while all my friends were wrong and on the road to eternal perdition was for me a troubling proposition, so troubling, in fact, that it has defined the plotline of my life.
It is no small thing to grow up in a religious tradition that claims for itself the title, “the one true church.” To be taught that I alone was right while all my friends were wrong and on the road to eternal perdition was for me a troubling proposition, so troubling, in fact, that it has defined the plotline of my life.
Jan 28, 2022: Culture Watch: IS TAXATION THEFT?
I have several things in mind as I write this piece. First, the issue found in my title is commonly heard, especially among libertarians.
I have several things in mind as I write this piece. First, the issue found in my title is commonly heard, especially among libertarians.
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Jan 27, 2022: ABC Religion & Ethics: Holocaust graphic novel Maus banned in Tennessee school district
A Tennessee school district has voted to ban a Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel about the Holocaust due to "inappropriate language" and an illustration of a nude woman, according to minutes from a board meeting.
A Tennessee school district has voted to ban a Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel about the Holocaust due to "inappropriate language" and an illustration of a nude woman, according to minutes from a board meeting.
Jan 27, 2022: Agodman: We Consecrate Ourselves with all we are and Have to God to Serve Him in the Body
In order for us to serve God, we need to consecrate to Him with our whole being; we need to consecrate all we are and have to God for His service, presenting our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, well-pleasing to God, which is our reasonable service. Amen!
In order for us to serve God, we need to consecrate to Him with our whole being; we need to consecrate all we are and have to God for His service, presenting our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, well-pleasing to God, which is our reasonable service. Amen!
Jan 27, 2022: Adventist Review: Southern Students Receive Film Award during Sundance Film Festival
Three senior animation students in the School of Visual Art and Design at Southern Adventist University received the Windrider Best Undergraduate Student Film Award during the Windrider Summit and the Sundance Film Festival Experience 2022. The Windrider Summit, which was held virtually this year, is an official partner of the Sundance Institute. Christian students and leaders from around the world come together for screenings and thoughtful conversations around faith and film.
Three senior animation students in the School of Visual Art and Design at Southern Adventist University received the Windrider Best Undergraduate Student Film Award during the Windrider Summit and the Sundance Film Festival Experience 2022. The Windrider Summit, which was held virtually this year, is an official partner of the Sundance Institute. Christian students and leaders from around the world come together for screenings and thoughtful conversations around faith and film.
Jan 27, 2022: ABC Religion & Ethics: The tyranny of righteous indignation
Righteous indignation disavows the golden mean. Instead, it creates a counterfeit version of virtue in which the extreme is presented as the ideal. This distortion leads otherwise good people, with good motives, in the service of a good cause, to do abominable things. Worse still, those who act abominably are encouraged to think that their conduct is excused because done “in good conscience”. Yet another counterfeit.
Righteous indignation disavows the golden mean. Instead, it creates a counterfeit version of virtue in which the extreme is presented as the ideal. This distortion leads otherwise good people, with good motives, in the service of a good cause, to do abominable things. Worse still, those who act abominably are encouraged to think that their conduct is excused because done “in good conscience”. Yet another counterfeit.
Jan 27, 2022: Christianity Today: Anti-Trafficking Ministries Now Fight QAnon Conspiracies Too
What myth-believing Christians don’t want to hear is Dewees’s experience as a trafficking survivor. When her experiences don’t match what they’ve read on the internet, some trust the internet rather than the survivor in front of them.
What myth-believing Christians don’t want to hear is Dewees’s experience as a trafficking survivor. When her experiences don’t match what they’ve read on the internet, some trust the internet rather than the survivor in front of them.
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Jan 26, 2022: Salon: COVID-19 is making us less religious — with some curious exceptions
In times of crisis, humans often turn to faith for reassurance. Oddly, the COVID-19 pandemic might go down in history as an exception — when, according to some research, many people actually turned away from faith, and became less religious.
In times of crisis, humans often turn to faith for reassurance. Oddly, the COVID-19 pandemic might go down in history as an exception — when, according to some research, many people actually turned away from faith, and became less religious.
Jan 26, 2022: Religion News Service: Former AME Zion bishop Staccato Powell charged with fraud in $14 million scheme
Staccato Powell, the former president of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church’s board of bishops, has been federally charged with fraud and conspiracy connected to allegations of his mishandling the properties of congregations in California and fraudulently gaining millions of dollars for personal use.
Staccato Powell, the former president of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church’s board of bishops, has been federally charged with fraud and conspiracy connected to allegations of his mishandling the properties of congregations in California and fraudulently gaining millions of dollars for personal use.
Jan 26, 2022: Church of the Pentecost: Be Fully Dressed In God’s Armour – Apostle Danzerl Advises Christians
Apostle Joseph Danzerl, Kete-Krachi Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, has admonished all Christians to always be dressed in God’s armour so that they do not fall prey to the devil’s schemes.
Apostle Joseph Danzerl, Kete-Krachi Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, has admonished all Christians to always be dressed in God’s armour so that they do not fall prey to the devil’s schemes.
Jan 26, 2022: Vatican News: Christians across the world join in prayer for Ukraine
Answering Pope Francis’ appeal for Christians to mark Wednesday as a special day of prayer for peace in Ukraine, the World Council of Churches joins in pleading for dialogue instead of threats.
Answering Pope Francis’ appeal for Christians to mark Wednesday as a special day of prayer for peace in Ukraine, the World Council of Churches joins in pleading for dialogue instead of threats.
Jan 26, 2022: Religion News Service: How the Capitol attacks helped spread Christian nationalism in the extreme right
When supporters of former President Donald Trump rallied near the White House on Jan. 6 of last year, a boisterous pocket of young men waving “America First” flags broke into a chant: “Christ is King!” It was one of the first indications that Christian nationalism would be a theme of the Capitol attack later that day, where insurrectionists prayed and waved banners that read “Proud American Christian.”
When supporters of former President Donald Trump rallied near the White House on Jan. 6 of last year, a boisterous pocket of young men waving “America First” flags broke into a chant: “Christ is King!” It was one of the first indications that Christian nationalism would be a theme of the Capitol attack later that day, where insurrectionists prayed and waved banners that read “Proud American Christian.”
| (Warning: historical-theology nerd pun) Q. What does one have if he has 2,000 hippopotamuses? A. Augustine of Hippo! (I-guess-a-ton of hippos) |
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| And what about preaching that is designed to keep our congregations happy so that we won’t stir upset among our listeners and “weaken the church”? Did Jeremiah determine his impact by the number of books sold? |
January 25, 2022:
The one thing all the millionaire and billionaire pastors of the mega churches in America have in common is that they all push tithing on their congregations. I went to a mega church in Kansas City that would not let you be involved in any ministry unless your financial tithing information was in the office. (Though I left it beforehand, It eventually fell apart and the pastor fled to Canada..last I heard). I've looked up tithing in the Bible and Malachi says nothing about making your pastor a millionaire through tithing. But that seems to happen most of the time. And related...I have never given any offering to a church with expectation to get a receipt for tax deduction. Seems to me that would make my offering, to use Bible language, "unclean."
The one thing all the millionaire and billionaire pastors of the mega churches in America have in common is that they all push tithing on their congregations. I went to a mega church in Kansas City that would not let you be involved in any ministry unless your financial tithing information was in the office. (Though I left it beforehand, It eventually fell apart and the pastor fled to Canada..last I heard). I've looked up tithing in the Bible and Malachi says nothing about making your pastor a millionaire through tithing. But that seems to happen most of the time. And related...I have never given any offering to a church with expectation to get a receipt for tax deduction. Seems to me that would make my offering, to use Bible language, "unclean."
Jan 25, 2022: Crosswalk: Prison for a Pro-Bible Tweet? Christian Legislator Goes on Trial in Finland
A Finnish Christian politician who faces possible prison time for a Bible-affirming tweet said Monday ahead of her trial that she was concerned about the “eternal life” of individuals when she wrote the social media post.
A Finnish Christian politician who faces possible prison time for a Bible-affirming tweet said Monday ahead of her trial that she was concerned about the “eternal life” of individuals when she wrote the social media post.
Jan 25, 2022: Grand Canyon Synod Evangelical Lutheran: Faith Communities Support Equitable COVID-19 Testing Distribution
Faiths4Vaccines are asking its partners to get the word out about federally distributed COVID-19 tests, which began distribution this week.
Faiths4Vaccines are asking its partners to get the word out about federally distributed COVID-19 tests, which began distribution this week.
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Jan 25, 2022: Christian Today: Christians threaten MSPs with legal action over conversion therapy ban
The Christian Institute (CI) is ready to take legal action against the Scottish Parliament if it moves ahead with a proposed ban on so-called conversion therapy. |
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Jan 24, 2022: Word & Way: Will Baptists Have a Permanent Foothold on the Jordan River?
The Secretary-General of the Baptist World Alliance, Dr. Elijah M. Brown was disappointed. During a four-day visit to Jordan in January local Baptist leaders took him to the Baptismal site.
The Secretary-General of the Baptist World Alliance, Dr. Elijah M. Brown was disappointed. During a four-day visit to Jordan in January local Baptist leaders took him to the Baptismal site.
Jan 24, 2022: AlterNet: 'Accelerant of polarization': Far-right 'Christian nationalists' still consider Trump their strongest ally
The Christian Right has had a stranglehold on the Republican Party ever since President Ronald Reagan allied himself with the Rev. Jerry Falwell and the Christian Broadcasting Network’s Pat Robertson in the early 1980s, and in 2022, some of former President Donald Trump’s strongest supporters are far-right white evangelicals. Those evangelicals, according to NPR’s John Burnett, believe that Trump is still their best chance to keep their movement alive.
The Christian Right has had a stranglehold on the Republican Party ever since President Ronald Reagan allied himself with the Rev. Jerry Falwell and the Christian Broadcasting Network’s Pat Robertson in the early 1980s, and in 2022, some of former President Donald Trump’s strongest supporters are far-right white evangelicals. Those evangelicals, according to NPR’s John Burnett, believe that Trump is still their best chance to keep their movement alive.
Jan 24, 2022: Presbyterian Outlook: Presbyterians for Middle East Peace condemns remarks by Stated Clerk
On Saturday, January 15, the American Jewish community was assaulted once again as a terrorist entered a synagogue during a time of worship and took the rabbi and several congregants hostage, believing that he could convince authorities to release prisoners held in jail.
On Saturday, January 15, the American Jewish community was assaulted once again as a terrorist entered a synagogue during a time of worship and took the rabbi and several congregants hostage, believing that he could convince authorities to release prisoners held in jail.
Jan 24, 2022: Relevant Magazine: Jerry Falwell Jr.: ‘People Think I’m a Religious Person. But I’m Not.’
In a lengthy profile at Vanity Fair, former Liberty University president Jerry Falwell Jr. has opened up about his spectacular fall from the height of evangelical superstardom.
In a lengthy profile at Vanity Fair, former Liberty University president Jerry Falwell Jr. has opened up about his spectacular fall from the height of evangelical superstardom.
Jan 24, 2022: Proverbs 31 Ministries: Let This Be the Year You Start Loving Your Life
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 (ESV)
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 (ESV)
Jan 24, 2022: Mockingbird: REMEMBERING CHILDHOOD
At the opening of Rob Reiner’s classic coming-of-age film Stand by Me (1986), we meet lead protagonist, Gordie Lachance, sitting in a jeep, reflecting on a news clipping about the untimely death of his childhood friend, Chris Chambers.
At the opening of Rob Reiner’s classic coming-of-age film Stand by Me (1986), we meet lead protagonist, Gordie Lachance, sitting in a jeep, reflecting on a news clipping about the untimely death of his childhood friend, Chris Chambers.
Jan 24, 2022: Premier Christianity: Reports of the Church of England’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. Here’s where it is thriving
Church attendance may halved in the past two decades, but Sunday morning numbers only tell one story, says the Bishop of Islington. The Church is alive, growing and having an impact, he says
Church attendance may halved in the past two decades, but Sunday morning numbers only tell one story, says the Bishop of Islington. The Church is alive, growing and having an impact, he says
Jan 24, 2022: Good Men Project: Are You Too Ugly for TikTok?
The viral app filters our kids’ faces with a beauty algorithm straight out of Black Mirror while we’re busy focusing on Facebook’s misdemeanors.
The viral app filters our kids’ faces with a beauty algorithm straight out of Black Mirror while we’re busy focusing on Facebook’s misdemeanors.
Jan 24, 2022: Premier Christian: Thousands of German Christians leaving faith due to "church tax"
People in Germany are opting out of Christianity due to being taxed for their beliefs.
People in Germany are opting out of Christianity due to being taxed for their beliefs.
Jan 24, 2022: Posessing The Treasure: Are You Ready?
42 “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. Matthew 24:42 (NASB)
42 “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. Matthew 24:42 (NASB)
Jan 24, 2022: Packing House Redlands: Matthew 26:33–34: “Peter answered and said to Him, ‘Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.'”
Peter meant every word of his bold declaration of faithfulness. But he didn’t realize he was being completely self-sufficient in that moment and was leaning on his own abilities to resist fear and temptation.
Peter meant every word of his bold declaration of faithfulness. But he didn’t realize he was being completely self-sufficient in that moment and was leaning on his own abilities to resist fear and temptation.
Jan 24, 2022: Persecution: Not Forsaken
Hanan was kicked out of her home in Egypt by an abusive husband, leaving the Christian mother of six without social status and sidelined as a religious minority and single woman.
Hanan was kicked out of her home in Egypt by an abusive husband, leaving the Christian mother of six without social status and sidelined as a religious minority and single woman.
Jan 24, 2022: Mission Network News: Winter brings another crisis to Afghanistan
Afghans face yet another crisis as temperatures drop. Without food or heat, millions risk death by starvation or hypothermia.
Afghans face yet another crisis as temperatures drop. Without food or heat, millions risk death by starvation or hypothermia.
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| Of course, Elliot died in 1965, but he makes a good explanation as to why I do not like to accept anonymous comments or argue with people who seem to just like to argue. The great T.S. Eliot summed it up perfectly in After Strange Gods: A Primer of Modern Heresy (pp. 11-12): "In such matters, as perhaps in everything, I must depend upon some good-will on the part of the reader. I do not wish to preach only to the converted, but primarily to those who, never having applied moral principles to literature quite explicitly - perhaps even having conscientiously believed that they ought not to apply them in this way to 'works of art' - are possibly convertible. I am not arguing or reasoning, or engaging in controversy with those whose views are radically opposed to such as mine. In our time, controversy seems to me, on really fundamental matters, to be futile. It can only usefully be practised where there is common understanding. It requires common assumptions; and perhaps the assumptions that are only felt are more important than those that can be formulated. The acrimony which accompanies much debate is a symptom of differences so large that there is nothing to argue about. We experience such profound differences with some of our contemporaries, that the nearest parallel is the difference between the mentality of one epoch and another. In a society like ours, worm-eaten with Liberalism, the only thing possible for a person with strong convictions is to state a point of view and leave it at that." |
| The point of Christianity is not to know the final score before everyone else does; it is enough for us to know that God will ultimately stand in complete triumph. Instead, He has called us to glorify Him by putting on the image of His Son (II Corinthians 3:18). We must be careful that we do not let ourselves be distracted from what is most important.
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In my office at home I have a “demotivational” poster. It is a picture of the hulk of a part of a ship sticking out of the ocean, where it has obviously sunk. This wreck is a constant reminder that someone made a terrible mistake. And the caption under the picture is this: “MISTAKES: It could be that the purpose of your life is only to serve as a warning to others.” I have this in my office as a reminder – a reminder that my life could be like that. I don’t want that for me, and I don’t want that for you. But that’s what the wilderness generation of the Israelites are: a warning to all of what following them in their mistakes will do (cf. Ps. 78:6). - Jeremiah Bass; Baptist Bible Hour
| Doubt is to be deployed against the complacency of unbelief as much as against the complacency of belief.
A vital faith is never entirely free of purifying doubt which in some persons, at some times, extends to the brink of despair. Christ on the cross experienced the deepest depth of Incarnation in the feeling of being forsaken and abandoned by God. Can a Christian then expect his faith to be free of doubt?
A fruitful doubt is not a sterile skepticism but a questioning attitude that holds open the possibility that its questions be answered. If you cannot believe, then you cannot. The matter can't be forced. But the unbeliever oughtn't rest in the complacency of unbelief any more than the believer in the complacency of belief. Seek, and you may or may not find. But seek.
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| Biblically.." there’s really nothing that would lead us to conclude that the COVID-19 vaccine is the mark of the beast. Read: Revelation 13:11–18. The mark of the beast is not something that people accidentally take. This is really about idolatry and false worship. The “number of a man” there is a reference to humanity: Man was created on the sixth day, and God rested on the seventh day. Six throughout the Bible is the number of imperfection—the number of man—and if we put our hope in man, we will be condemned."
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| “Paul called believers to be sympathetic toward those they disagreed with (Rom. 14) and condemned heretics by name (1 Tim. 1:19–20; 2 Tim 2:17). John called believers to love one another (1 John 3:11–18) and to not welcome false teachers into their homes as to share in their evil work (2 John 1:10–11). Jesus was patient and tender with the one of little faith (Mark 9:24) and had scathing words for the Pharisees (Matt. 23), telling people to be aware of their hypocrisy (Matt. 16:6). These aren’t contradictions within Scripture. Rather they show us how, as believers, we’re to differentiate between those who believe and teach the true gospel from those who distort it beyond recognition. ”
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People loved The Shack because it replaced the God of the Bible (which deep down they possibly didn’t feel comfortable with, because His ways are beyond our understanding and bad things happen, and it upsets our sunshine version of Christianity) and gave them a God who made them feel good, who took the God of the Bible and said, “That’s not really God, this is what God is like…” and gave them a diluted, false version of Father, Son, Holy Spirit, and a dose of Sophia, Greek goddess of wisdom.
I was sure that anyone with even a modicum of discernment would throw the book in the trash. I had underestimated how wide the door of deception had opened. I lost friends who were pastors who were furious at me for questioning the book. One pastor railed at me, “I haven’t had a relationship with God for years, but now I have my ‘Papa’ back! You can’t take that from me!”
Nothing jarred me more than seeing grown men of God just abandoning clear truth because something tugged their heart, justifying the scriptural butchering by saying, “It’s just fiction, it’s not the Bible!” I confronted someone on this the other night. “What about the satanic Necronomicon. Can I read it? It’s just fiction. Can I read pornography? It’s just fiction.” They thought that a bit extreme. Of course it was. - Gregory Reid
I was sure that anyone with even a modicum of discernment would throw the book in the trash. I had underestimated how wide the door of deception had opened. I lost friends who were pastors who were furious at me for questioning the book. One pastor railed at me, “I haven’t had a relationship with God for years, but now I have my ‘Papa’ back! You can’t take that from me!”
Nothing jarred me more than seeing grown men of God just abandoning clear truth because something tugged their heart, justifying the scriptural butchering by saying, “It’s just fiction, it’s not the Bible!” I confronted someone on this the other night. “What about the satanic Necronomicon. Can I read it? It’s just fiction. Can I read pornography? It’s just fiction.” They thought that a bit extreme. Of course it was. - Gregory Reid
January 23, 2022:
The Daily Mail reports that one of Britain's leading mental health clinics could face legal action after telling a student therapist to watch lectures saying that white people are unconsciously racist, that Christianity is a racist religion, and that the Bible can be blamed for racism because it contrasts 'darkness' and 'light'.
Amy Gallagher, a mental health nurse from south London, has spent more than £20,000 training to become a psychotherapist on a course run by the prestigious Portman Clinic in North London, part of The Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust. But now the 33-year-old is preparing a legal case, saying she believes the Trust is guilty of religious and racial discrimination against her as a white Christian.
The Daily Mail reports that one of Britain's leading mental health clinics could face legal action after telling a student therapist to watch lectures saying that white people are unconsciously racist, that Christianity is a racist religion, and that the Bible can be blamed for racism because it contrasts 'darkness' and 'light'.
Amy Gallagher, a mental health nurse from south London, has spent more than £20,000 training to become a psychotherapist on a course run by the prestigious Portman Clinic in North London, part of The Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust. But now the 33-year-old is preparing a legal case, saying she believes the Trust is guilty of religious and racial discrimination against her as a white Christian.
Jan 23, 2022: The Guardian: Christian dressing and moderation
The topic under discourse is very important for the church and Christians, who want to make heaven. The Lord expects that as believers, our dressing should portray holiness and glory. In fact, God, the first fashion designer, made the first clothing for man and the purpose was to cover his nakedness.
The topic under discourse is very important for the church and Christians, who want to make heaven. The Lord expects that as believers, our dressing should portray holiness and glory. In fact, God, the first fashion designer, made the first clothing for man and the purpose was to cover his nakedness.
Jan 23, 2022: Townhall: Responding to the Latest Christian Leader to Renounce His Faith
As reported by Josh Shepherd on the Roys Report, “Brady ‘Phanatik’ Goodwin, founding member of Grammy-nominated Christian hip-hop group, The Cross Movement, and in recent years an apologetics teacher, stated Monday in a video posted online that he has renounced his Christian faith.”
As reported by Josh Shepherd on the Roys Report, “Brady ‘Phanatik’ Goodwin, founding member of Grammy-nominated Christian hip-hop group, The Cross Movement, and in recent years an apologetics teacher, stated Monday in a video posted online that he has renounced his Christian faith.”
Jan 23, 2022: Gatestone Institute: Indifference to a Christian Genocide
On November 17, 2021, the U.S. State Department removed Nigeria from its list of Countries of Particular Concern.... despite several human rights organizations characterizing the persecution meted out to Nigeria's Christians as a "genocide."
On November 17, 2021, the U.S. State Department removed Nigeria from its list of Countries of Particular Concern.... despite several human rights organizations characterizing the persecution meted out to Nigeria's Christians as a "genocide."
Jan 23, 2022: New York Times: ‘Now There Is No One’: The Lament of One of the Last Christians in a Syrian City
Michel Butros al-Jisri is among the few Christians left from a once-vibrant community in Idlib on the brink of disappearing. The city, in the only territory in Syria still controlled by rebels, is ruled by Islamists.
Michel Butros al-Jisri is among the few Christians left from a once-vibrant community in Idlib on the brink of disappearing. The city, in the only territory in Syria still controlled by rebels, is ruled by Islamists.
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January 22, 2022:
Man Cannot Break Natural Law so he only has life through Jesus Christ
"But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”" --Matthew 4:4
Jesus was stating a fact. A truth. A reality. The body was created with the requirement that it be nourished and fed. Hence, the need for for bread and to drink. It was also through the mouth of God that all things came into existence during creation. Beginning from Genesis chapter one..."In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth..." He set the planet, the stars, the universe into motion all by his word. With it, the natural laws which rule over the earth...like gravity. Man cannot break these natural laws. Hence, it is through the words of God's creation that man can exist and live. Attempting to break those laws results in death, So man cannot live by bread alone....he also has to live with the natural laws God has placed upon the universe in which he resides. The first and foremost law which confronts man is death. Death is caused by sin. It is a natural law that God established at creation. Man must face his mortality. If there's a way around the "sin" problem man may not escape the physical death, but can escape the eternal one. The good news is that there is a way: through Jesus Christ.
So, Jesus, in the verse above, was not reminding Satan of any commandment. He was simply verbalizing a natural reality: Man cannot live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God." Through the mouth of God came life at the beginning and it has never changed.
"For in him we live, and move, and have our being.." Acts 17:28
Man Cannot Break Natural Law so he only has life through Jesus Christ
"But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”" --Matthew 4:4
Jesus was stating a fact. A truth. A reality. The body was created with the requirement that it be nourished and fed. Hence, the need for for bread and to drink. It was also through the mouth of God that all things came into existence during creation. Beginning from Genesis chapter one..."In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth..." He set the planet, the stars, the universe into motion all by his word. With it, the natural laws which rule over the earth...like gravity. Man cannot break these natural laws. Hence, it is through the words of God's creation that man can exist and live. Attempting to break those laws results in death, So man cannot live by bread alone....he also has to live with the natural laws God has placed upon the universe in which he resides. The first and foremost law which confronts man is death. Death is caused by sin. It is a natural law that God established at creation. Man must face his mortality. If there's a way around the "sin" problem man may not escape the physical death, but can escape the eternal one. The good news is that there is a way: through Jesus Christ.
So, Jesus, in the verse above, was not reminding Satan of any commandment. He was simply verbalizing a natural reality: Man cannot live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God." Through the mouth of God came life at the beginning and it has never changed.
"For in him we live, and move, and have our being.." Acts 17:28
| “Humility functions in the fear of the Lord. Such fear makes God large in our eyes. We are completely and continually dependent upon Him. We exist by Him and for Him. We live through Him. In Him we live and move and have our being.
The greater the presence of humility in our hearts, the greater we will see ourselves as debtors to grace and the more in awe of God we will be. James tells us that God 'gives more grace,' asserting that 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble' (4:6). Humility is a conduit of grace.”
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Jan 22, 2022: God TV: 7 SIGNS THE LEAVEN OF HEROD HAS TAKEN ROOT IN YOUR LIFE
In Mark 8:15, Jesus warned the disciples about the leaven of Herod. He explained that the leaven of the Pharisees was hypocrisy but did not elaborate on the leaven of Herod. Since Herod was a political leader, I believe it is likely that the leaven Jesus was warning against was political entanglements.
In Mark 8:15, Jesus warned the disciples about the leaven of Herod. He explained that the leaven of the Pharisees was hypocrisy but did not elaborate on the leaven of Herod. Since Herod was a political leader, I believe it is likely that the leaven Jesus was warning against was political entanglements.
| "One of the trends we should be wary of in our lives and our churches is that tendency to separate the content of Christianity from the emotional experience of it. If we hollow out the doctrinal material of our faith and seek to produce artificial emotional experiences, we will find ourselves dissatisfied and empty. Therefore, you must love God with all your mind. This takes hard work and effort. Yet it proves its worth over time. For it yields great dividends for spiritual development, discernment, maturity, and worship."
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| “Christianity is the only worldview that tells the strong among us to reach back and pick up the weak, pick up the human debris...I’ve always said when the world breaks a man or human being, they just toss them in the trash heap. But when God breaks them, it’s for a reason and builds them back up.”
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| “Unfortunately, our churches have largely dropped the ball in this area. It’s insufficient for youth groups and Sunday school classes to focus on entertainment and simpering devotional thoughts. We’ve got to train our kids for war.”1 The world is at war with us. This is why we need the full armor of God.
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Jan 22, 2022: For Gods Glory Alone Ministries: How does the thief on the cross fit into your theology?
A friend of mine shared this on Facebook: I LOVE IT!!! I stand with this message and preach this message!!! PTL!!!
A friend of mine shared this on Facebook: I LOVE IT!!! I stand with this message and preach this message!!! PTL!!!
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| "Your own discontent is that which arms your troubles with a sting; you make your burden heavy by struggling under it. Did you but lie quietly under the hand of God, your condition would be much more easy than it is. 'Impatience in the sick occasions severity in the physician.' This makes God afflict the more, as a father a stubborn child that receives not correction. Beside, it unfits the soul to pray over its troubles, or receive the sense of that good which God intends by them. Affliction is a pill, which, being wrapt up in patience and quiet submission, may be easily swallowed; but discontent chews the pill, and so embitters the soul. God throws away some comfort which he saw would hurt you, and you will throw away your peace after it; he shoots an arrow which sticks in your clothes, and was never intended to hurt, but only to drive you from sin, and you will thrust it deeper, to the piercing of your very heart, by despondency and discontent."
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...the prosperity gospel is both false and dangerous. It does not take seriously these and other texts which speak of suffering and opposition facing those who follow the crucified Messiah and it takes those texts which speak of abundance, blessing and the end of grief, sickness, suffering and death out of their biblical theological context. It does not keep Christ, his cross and resurrection and his gospel of salvation from sin (with its summons to faith and repentance) front and centre. That's why it's false. There is a reason why Paul spoke of preaching Christ crucified. Yet it is also dangerous because people trust those who teach these things and bankroll them and are devastated when the promises are not realised. This is a well-travelled route away from faith in Christ and that is both tragic and damnable.
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January 21, 2022:
Rev. N. Earnest (from Sri Lanka) writes over on the Episcopal Cafe that "The Church is called to accomplish many things, but if it does not care for its own people, it is not operating as the Church of Jesus Christ. As Christ’s body, the Church and its members are required to care for one another. That is not to say that the Church should disregard needs outside of the body. The Church should extend Christ’s love to all people, but it ceases to function as a church if it does not care for its own."
This is where the church has failed the most, and...if I follow the logical sequence layed out by Rev Earnest, a lot of people look at churches and see everything from a weekend social club to a political action committee. The joy of the Lord is a condition of the heart and not a reaction to good jokes and funny anecdotes. And then what they often call "outreaches" look like parlor games we might have enjoyed in Kindergarten....or something that can be duplicated by any lets-be-friends secularly-goaled organization.
The church is supposed to be better than that. We dont need gimmicks to attract people because by doing that all we do is attract people who like gimmicks. In rare instances we might get them to join your church but we cant trick people into becoming a Christian. Most of the "tares among the wheat" are there by inviting people to some church event a "tare" probably likes. The great commission was not to increase church members but, rather, to help the lost and often weak to the point where in a future event we will al arrive at some day that God will NOT say to them the SEVEN words no man or woman should ever have to hear: "‘I never knew you; depart from me."
Rev. N. Earnest (from Sri Lanka) writes over on the Episcopal Cafe that "The Church is called to accomplish many things, but if it does not care for its own people, it is not operating as the Church of Jesus Christ. As Christ’s body, the Church and its members are required to care for one another. That is not to say that the Church should disregard needs outside of the body. The Church should extend Christ’s love to all people, but it ceases to function as a church if it does not care for its own."
This is where the church has failed the most, and...if I follow the logical sequence layed out by Rev Earnest, a lot of people look at churches and see everything from a weekend social club to a political action committee. The joy of the Lord is a condition of the heart and not a reaction to good jokes and funny anecdotes. And then what they often call "outreaches" look like parlor games we might have enjoyed in Kindergarten....or something that can be duplicated by any lets-be-friends secularly-goaled organization.
The church is supposed to be better than that. We dont need gimmicks to attract people because by doing that all we do is attract people who like gimmicks. In rare instances we might get them to join your church but we cant trick people into becoming a Christian. Most of the "tares among the wheat" are there by inviting people to some church event a "tare" probably likes. The great commission was not to increase church members but, rather, to help the lost and often weak to the point where in a future event we will al arrive at some day that God will NOT say to them the SEVEN words no man or woman should ever have to hear: "‘I never knew you; depart from me."
Jan 21, 2022: Episcopal Cafe: Is the Church a Caring Community?
The Church is called to accomplish many things, but if it does not care for its own people, it is not operating as the Church of Jesus Christ.
The Church is called to accomplish many things, but if it does not care for its own people, it is not operating as the Church of Jesus Christ.
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The Church is called to accomplish many things, but if it does not care for its own people, it is not operating as the Church of Jesus Christ. As Christ’s body, the Church and its members are required to care for one another. That is not to say that the Church should disregard needs outside of the body. The Church should extend Christ’s love to all people, but it ceases to function as a church if it does not care for its own.
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Jan 21, 2022: The Christian Beat: Nate Parrish Announces Thought-Provoking Single Ahead Of Sophomore Album
Nate Parrish is releasing the thought-provoking new single “God Knows” on January 28, the most recent single from upcoming sophomore album Soul Surgery. |
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Jan 21, 2021: Alabama Baptist: Adoptive mom uses medical knowledge to help children with special needs
At a young age, Johnna Breland felt called to be a doctor, but as she grew up, that career never seemed to work out. It was only later that Breland realized God placed that call on her heart for another reason.
At a young age, Johnna Breland felt called to be a doctor, but as she grew up, that career never seemed to work out. It was only later that Breland realized God placed that call on her heart for another reason.
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Jan 20, 2022: Cleveland Jewish News: Anti-Defamation League releases statement on hostage situation
“It seems apparent, given what we know so far, that the hostage-taker chose his target carefully. Reports have indicated that the suspect called for the release of Aafia Siddiqui, a convicted terrorist with links to Al Qaeda who railed against Jews during her trial and blamed her guilty verdict on Israel. Siddiqui is serving an 86-year prison term and is now being held in the Federal Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas. The Center on Extremism team is looking into whether the suspect had connections to Siddiqui and terrorism. We urge law enforcement and prosecutors to investigate the role antisemitism may have played in motivating the suspect.
“It seems apparent, given what we know so far, that the hostage-taker chose his target carefully. Reports have indicated that the suspect called for the release of Aafia Siddiqui, a convicted terrorist with links to Al Qaeda who railed against Jews during her trial and blamed her guilty verdict on Israel. Siddiqui is serving an 86-year prison term and is now being held in the Federal Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas. The Center on Extremism team is looking into whether the suspect had connections to Siddiqui and terrorism. We urge law enforcement and prosecutors to investigate the role antisemitism may have played in motivating the suspect.
| “If you look at history, every time the Church and State get in bed together, it’s the Church that loses in the long term. I fear for the divisions in America now, the way it’s shaping out, especially the Republicans’ being so identified with what are really right-wing causes, and choosing someone like Donald Trump, who is the opposite of what Evangelicals should be.”"
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Jan 20, 2022: Christianity Today: What Liz Cheney Can Teach American Evangelicals
Some people in her own party want Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) to lose her membership on committees and even her place within her party’s conference in the United States House of Representatives, all because she won’t “move on” from her beliefs that the attempts to overturn the last election—leading up to last January’s attack on the Capitol—are a clear and present danger to democracy.
Some people in her own party want Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) to lose her membership on committees and even her place within her party’s conference in the United States House of Representatives, all because she won’t “move on” from her beliefs that the attempts to overturn the last election—leading up to last January’s attack on the Capitol—are a clear and present danger to democracy.
Jan 20, 2022: Daily Citizen: Matt Walsh Speaks the Truth About ‘Gender Ideology’ on Dr. Phil – Upsets ‘Non-Binary’ Activists
Kudos to Matt Walsh, a conservative Christian author and activist, who participated in a Dr. Phil show with two “non-binary,” “transgender” activists. He explained the truth about the false “gender ideology” that has swept across our culture, courageously speaking before a hostile audience.
Kudos to Matt Walsh, a conservative Christian author and activist, who participated in a Dr. Phil show with two “non-binary,” “transgender” activists. He explained the truth about the false “gender ideology” that has swept across our culture, courageously speaking before a hostile audience.
Jan 20, 2022: Christian Post: Indiana pastor, elders accused of covering up child sex abuse resign amid investigation
Pastor Jared Olivetti and ex-elders Keith Magill, Ben Larson and David Carr of West Lafayette’s Immanuel Reformed Presbyterian Church have issued their resignations following allegations of mishandling reports of abuse, the congregation was told during Sunday’s service.
Pastor Jared Olivetti and ex-elders Keith Magill, Ben Larson and David Carr of West Lafayette’s Immanuel Reformed Presbyterian Church have issued their resignations following allegations of mishandling reports of abuse, the congregation was told during Sunday’s service.
| "We all know that the internet is filled with misinformation and disinformation. Yet sometimes even well-meaning people can spread it inadvertently because they don’t recognize it when they see it. Religious and spiritual communities should consider it a sacred duty to quash misinformation, starting with ourselves. While we are at it, we might offer our communities the top 10 sites our congregations or institutions can turn to online for reliable information about our tradition."
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Jan 20, 2022: Christian Headlines: Religious Communities Have a Moral Obligation to Make the Internet
How many times have you heard a sermon from a religious or spiritual leader about the internet that doesn’t simply talk about unplugging, or more recently, how to call into the next Zoom service. How many dharma talks, khutbas, d’var Torah or Gita studies have directly addressed how digital technologies have impacted our civic life and our religious traditions?
How many times have you heard a sermon from a religious or spiritual leader about the internet that doesn’t simply talk about unplugging, or more recently, how to call into the next Zoom service. How many dharma talks, khutbas, d’var Torah or Gita studies have directly addressed how digital technologies have impacted our civic life and our religious traditions?
| "For the citizens of the most powerful country in the world, who enslaved both Native and Black people, to see itself as Israel and not Egypt when studying Scripture is a perfect example of Disney princess theology. And it means that as people in power, they have no lens for locating themselves rightly in Scripture or society—and it has made them blind and utterly ill-equipped to engage issues of power and injustice."
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Jan 20, 2022: Christian Century: Whose Father in heaven?
When Jesus begins the prayer that has come to be called the Lord’s Prayer with the words “Our Father” (Matt. 6:9), who is included in his “our”?
When Jesus begins the prayer that has come to be called the Lord’s Prayer with the words “Our Father” (Matt. 6:9), who is included in his “our”?
Jan 20, 2022: Catholic Standard: Ukrainian crisis threatens peace and democracy in Europe, observers warn
Ukrainian-American Catholics warn a Russian military buildup on Ukraine’s border poses a grave threat not only to that nation, but to Europe and democracy itself.
Ukrainian-American Catholics warn a Russian military buildup on Ukraine’s border poses a grave threat not only to that nation, but to Europe and democracy itself.
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- The Light From Behind the Sun, p. 163" |
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- Bible Blender |
| “This crisis of church leadership and Christian public witness has been decades in the making. The seeds have been sown over many years, and the harvest is finally here.” |
| “The Taliban’s interpretation of Islam considers Christians to be traitors, enemies of the state, enemies of the tribe and community. They are infidels from Islam, and in their mind, the punishment is death...."In September in Afghanistan the Taliban obtained a list of prominent Christians and hunted them. Every Christian who remains in Afghanistan is either on the run or in hiding.” |
January 19, 2022:
The mission of American Family Association states it "is to inform, equip, and activate individuals and families to transform American culture and to give aid to the church, here and abroad, in its calling to fulfill the Great Commission. " The problem with AFA, though is that it is pushing Christian Nationalism as it's methodology. Their vision: "is to be a leading organization in biblical worldview training for cultural transformation." There is some truth to that. That is pretty much what they are doing. "In Jesus name" or with the "power of God", are missing in their efforts, for the most part.
Oklahoma state Senator George Burns, a Baptist, has introduced a bill in the state legislature this month to mandate the use of the King James Bible as the translation for use in public schools. Burns wants classes that teach the Bible as a historical text to no longer primarily use a multi-translation book. Instead, his legislation requires that “the Authorized Version of the Bible, which is more commonly known as the King James Version of the Bible, shall be the primary text of the course.” In addition, his bill making the KJV the Oklahoma Authorized Version includes a provision that “each school district library in this state shall include the Authorized Version of the Bible, more commonly known as the King James Version of the Bible.” More on this over at Project Blitz
The mission of American Family Association states it "is to inform, equip, and activate individuals and families to transform American culture and to give aid to the church, here and abroad, in its calling to fulfill the Great Commission. " The problem with AFA, though is that it is pushing Christian Nationalism as it's methodology. Their vision: "is to be a leading organization in biblical worldview training for cultural transformation." There is some truth to that. That is pretty much what they are doing. "In Jesus name" or with the "power of God", are missing in their efforts, for the most part.
Oklahoma state Senator George Burns, a Baptist, has introduced a bill in the state legislature this month to mandate the use of the King James Bible as the translation for use in public schools. Burns wants classes that teach the Bible as a historical text to no longer primarily use a multi-translation book. Instead, his legislation requires that “the Authorized Version of the Bible, which is more commonly known as the King James Version of the Bible, shall be the primary text of the course.” In addition, his bill making the KJV the Oklahoma Authorized Version includes a provision that “each school district library in this state shall include the Authorized Version of the Bible, more commonly known as the King James Version of the Bible.” More on this over at Project Blitz
Jan 19, 2022: Bills Faith Matters Blog: Should we watch the Olympics while China egregiously violates religious liberty?
The reality is that these games will be hosted by a country that has been brutalizing some of its citizens -- the Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. It's horrifying, and it's one reason President Joe Biden has declared a diplomatic boycott of the games. (Good on him.) For some background, I invite you to read this article from the Deseret News.
The reality is that these games will be hosted by a country that has been brutalizing some of its citizens -- the Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. It's horrifying, and it's one reason President Joe Biden has declared a diplomatic boycott of the games. (Good on him.) For some background, I invite you to read this article from the Deseret News.
Jan 19, 2022: CBE International: No Longer Male and Female: Why Do We Still Separate by Gender in Church?
Several years ago, I was confronted by a male clergy person who dismissed my thesis that the gifting of women in the church was still restricted because of patriarchal gender ideology. He believed that since women could be ordained as priests and deacons in our denomination, it logically followed that women were no longer restricted from using their gifts in the church.
Several years ago, I was confronted by a male clergy person who dismissed my thesis that the gifting of women in the church was still restricted because of patriarchal gender ideology. He believed that since women could be ordained as priests and deacons in our denomination, it logically followed that women were no longer restricted from using their gifts in the church.
Jan 19, 2022: Biblical Recorder: Pastor braves Chicago winter on rooftop
A Chicago pastor has a solution to the violence in the Windy City, and he’s taken to a rooftop to proclaim it.
Southern Baptist Pastor Corey Brooks is spending 100 cold and windy days and nights – Nov. 30 to Feb. 28 – on a rooftop nearly 40 feet above the streets, where he invites people to come and talk with him about their lives, to discuss ideas, solutions and opportunities, despite the all-too-common fatherlessness that can lead to gang life in a search for protection.
A Chicago pastor has a solution to the violence in the Windy City, and he’s taken to a rooftop to proclaim it.
Southern Baptist Pastor Corey Brooks is spending 100 cold and windy days and nights – Nov. 30 to Feb. 28 – on a rooftop nearly 40 feet above the streets, where he invites people to come and talk with him about their lives, to discuss ideas, solutions and opportunities, despite the all-too-common fatherlessness that can lead to gang life in a search for protection.
Jan 19, 2022: Baptist Press: ‘Living inside the cage’: Afghanistan tops Christian persecution list
The Christian refugee hopped on one of the last flights out of Afghanistan to save his life and family. Since the Taliban regained rule there, Christians are hunted down and killed.
The Christian refugee hopped on one of the last flights out of Afghanistan to save his life and family. Since the Taliban regained rule there, Christians are hunted down and killed.
Jan 19, 2022: Baptist Messenger: RITE OF PASSAGE: THE SHOE EVANGELIST
Since my name is Walker, not Runner, and my idea of eating healthy is removing the pepperoni from my pizza, you wouldn’t usually find me at a place like this. I did find it humorous that directly across from this store focused on fitness and health was a Häagen-Dazs® ice cream store (a place where you would have a better chance of finding me). But instead, I entered Fit2Run and was greeted by the shoe evangelist.
Since my name is Walker, not Runner, and my idea of eating healthy is removing the pepperoni from my pizza, you wouldn’t usually find me at a place like this. I did find it humorous that directly across from this store focused on fitness and health was a Häagen-Dazs® ice cream store (a place where you would have a better chance of finding me). But instead, I entered Fit2Run and was greeted by the shoe evangelist.
Jan 19, 2022: Baptist News Global: They spoke out against the Capitol insurrection; one year later, they’re no longer pastors
Brandon Long wanted the doctrine of “redemption” to be the hill he would die on. Instead, the doctrine of evangelical loyalty to Donald Trump was his demise as a pastor.
Brandon Long wanted the doctrine of “redemption” to be the hill he would die on. Instead, the doctrine of evangelical loyalty to Donald Trump was his demise as a pastor.
Jan 19, 2022: Catholic Herald: People's mistakes and sins do not frighten God, pope says at audience
God is not frightened by people's sins, mistakes or failures, Pope Francis said.
What God is afraid of is "the closure of our hearts — this, yes, this makes him suffer — he is frightened by our lack of faith in his love," the pope said Jan. 19 during his weekly general audience.
God is not frightened by people's sins, mistakes or failures, Pope Francis said.
What God is afraid of is "the closure of our hearts — this, yes, this makes him suffer — he is frightened by our lack of faith in his love," the pope said Jan. 19 during his weekly general audience.
Jan 19, 2022: America Magazine: Will Catholic universities survive the upheaval in higher education? The next 10 years will tell.
This article is part of The Conversation, an initiative of America Media offering diverse perspectives on important and contested issues in the life of the church.
This article is part of The Conversation, an initiative of America Media offering diverse perspectives on important and contested issues in the life of the church.
Jan 19, 2022: Ask Dr Brown: 11 Years Ago I Wrote That It’s Not Too Late to Turn the Tide. Was I Wrong?
he last chapter to my 700-page, 2011 book A Queer Thing Happened to America: And What a Long Strange Trip It’s Been was titled, “GLBT and Beyond: Reflections On Our Current Trajectory.” (In those days, it was customary to put the G before the L.) In that chapter, I laid out where LGBT activism was heading, describing just where the trajectory would take us.
Yet, as disturbing as that trajectory was – and has proven to be – the last paragraphs of the book issued a word of hope coupled with a call to action, beginning with these words: “It’s Not Too Late to Turn the Tide.”
he last chapter to my 700-page, 2011 book A Queer Thing Happened to America: And What a Long Strange Trip It’s Been was titled, “GLBT and Beyond: Reflections On Our Current Trajectory.” (In those days, it was customary to put the G before the L.) In that chapter, I laid out where LGBT activism was heading, describing just where the trajectory would take us.
Yet, as disturbing as that trajectory was – and has proven to be – the last paragraphs of the book issued a word of hope coupled with a call to action, beginning with these words: “It’s Not Too Late to Turn the Tide.”
Jan 19, 2022: Alabama Baptist: Afghanistan moves to No. 1 on list of most dangerous countries for Christians
Afghanistan has moved to the top of the list of countries where Christians suffer the most persecution for their faith, overtaking North Korea for the first time in more than two decades.
The 2022 World Watch List, compiled by Open Doors USA, a missions organization that works in the world’s most oppressive regions to empower and equip persecuted Christians, was released today (Jan. 19).
Afghanistan has moved to the top of the list of countries where Christians suffer the most persecution for their faith, overtaking North Korea for the first time in more than two decades.
The 2022 World Watch List, compiled by Open Doors USA, a missions organization that works in the world’s most oppressive regions to empower and equip persecuted Christians, was released today (Jan. 19).
Jan 19, 2022: Agodman: We need to Set aside a Portion of what we Earn for the Lord: He Richly Provides for us
As believers in Christ and members of the Body of Christ, we not only treasure and enjoy Christ as our everything, but we also are faithful to give to the Lord; we need to set aside a portion for the Lord a certain amount in a regular way – this is for Him, not for us, and this is in secret, between us and Him.
As believers in Christ and members of the Body of Christ, we not only treasure and enjoy Christ as our everything, but we also are faithful to give to the Lord; we need to set aside a portion for the Lord a certain amount in a regular way – this is for Him, not for us, and this is in secret, between us and Him.
| Regardless of our own personal political convictions, however, there’s one key warning sign, a canary in the coal mine, that should make us stop and take stock of our attitudes and beliefs. That is, when these beliefs begin to negatively impact the health of Christ’s body and its ability to be faithful to its God-given mission.
Do our political positions lead us to convictions or emotions that divide us from our brothers and sisters in Christ? Are our beliefs and the way we express them fostering discord in Christ’s body? Do our opinions about public issues of the day—whether about the current occupant of the White House or masking and vaccine mandates—generate a spirit of animosity and divisiveness? |