Parents admit turning to church to get their children into good school

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Parents admit turning to church to get their children into good school

Almost a third (30%) of professional parents said they know someone who has used ethically dubious means to get their children into a good school.

According to the Sutton Trust’s Parent Power report, published on Thursday, these include techniques such as buying or renting a second home to use that address, or using the address of a relative.

 

The most common tactics for getting into a good school cited by parents include attending church services (31%) in order to get into a religious school, and appealing against admissions decisions (29%).

The report draws on a YouGov survey of 1,017 parents of school-age children who were asked how they choose schools, the strategies they undertake to get into those schools, and the extra support they give their children.

Half of the state school parents polled (49%) reported having been asked for an extra financial donation to their school in the last year.

One fifth (20%) of parents from the highest social group said they know someone who has bought or rented a second home in the catchment area of a good school.

This is compared to just 6% of those in the lowest social class.

A total of 16% of all parents said they know someone who has used a relative’s address.

Both of these strategies are potentially fraudulent.

Attending church and contesting decisions were popular among all social groups, potentially due to the lack of…

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Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.

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How to Deal with Theological Issues in a Revitalization

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SUBSCRIBE TODAY: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play

Theology is important in a church. And sometimes when churches aren’t growing, there can be a temptation to be lighter on theology in exchange for relevancy or growth. Today we discuss why that’s a terrible idea.

Today’s Listener Question:

FROM JESSE

Many churches that are declining have theological issues (problems with liberalism etc). How do you work through these issues in a church replanting/revitalization situation? Is there anything unique about this? Is there a point when the church is theologically too far gone?

Episode Highlights:

  • “When pastoring, start with the Bible and stay with the Bible.”
  • When you start compromising on small theological issues, you’ll eventually start compromising on big theological issues.
  • “One of the wonderful things about teaching through books of the Bible is it forces you to preach hard passages as well as easy ones.”
  • Doctrine should be held mentally and lived out physically.
  • The goal of church discipline is restoration, not removal.

The seven ways you deal with theological issues in a revitalization are:

  1. Hold to biblical truth
  2. Demonstrate grace
  3. Understand “contextual slippage”
  4. Teach and preach deep truths
  5. Demonstrate the consequences of slippage
  6. Deal with persistent heresy
  7. Don’t sacrifice truth on the altar of relevancy

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and

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Click here to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Thom Rainer.

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“Storm of a lifetime” threatens 10 million people

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“Storm of a lifetime” threatens 10 million people

Normally, Apple’s fall launch of a new iPhone and other products would be leading the news. The feature that helps users limit their iPhone use is getting special attention along with some ridicule.

However, today is not a normal day.

A National Weather Service meteorologist calls Hurricane Florence the “storm of a lifetime” for portions of the Carolina coast. He is warning of “the potential for unbelievable damage from wind, storm surge, and inland flooding with this storm.” More than ten million people are under storm watches and warnings this morning.

Yesterday we discussed the theological implications of natural disasters like Florence. Today, let’s turn to practical biblical principles. The storm calls on us to respond in two significant ways.

God’s call to solidarity

As I was watching the news coverage of Florence yesterday, the thought occurred to me: I’m not monitoring this crisis as though someone I love is experiencing it. If members of my family lived on the Carolina coast, I would be much more emotionally engaged in this unfolding tragedy.

Most of us are the same way. We’re concerned for those who experience a disaster, then we go about our day, subconsciously grateful that this isn’t happening to us. In the case of Florence, we might even congratulate ourselves for not living in an area susceptible to hurricanes (though inland regions deal with tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, mudslides, and other natural disasters).

So let’s shift the narrative. If you had family living in the path of the storm, how would you feel? The fact is, you do.

We are all descended from the same Edenic parents, all members of the same human race. If you live in America, you’re part of the “United” States.

In addition, you likely have family or friends who have family or friends in the path of the storm. It doesn’t take much imagination to assume that, out of the 139,000-plus readers of this Daily Article, many are directly…

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Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Denison Forum.

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Skripal poisoning suspects say they visited Salisbury to tour the cathedral

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Skripal poisoning suspects say they visited Salisbury to tour the cathedral

Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov were interviewed by the editor-in-chief of RT (formerly Russia Today), Margarita Simonyan.

Part of the interview aired on the state-funded news channel Thursday morning.

 

When asked why they were in Salisbury, the suspects said: “Our friends had been suggesting for a long time we visit this wonderful town.

“There’s the famous Salisbury cathedral, famous not only in Europe but in the whole world, it’s famous for its 123 metre spire. It’s famous for its clock, one of the first [of its kind] ever created in the whole world which is still working.”

Ash Mills

 

They also said they were in Salisbury for less than an hour due to train delays.

“Of course, we went there to see Stonehenge, Old Sarum, but we couldn’t do it because there was muddy slush everywhere,” Petrov said.
 
“The town was covered by this slush. We got wet, took the nearest train and came back [to London].”
 
Boshirov said. Maybe we did [approach] Skripal’s house, but we don’t know where it is located.”
 
They denied having any Novichok in their possession.
 
When asked by Simonyan whether they also had a counterfeit bottle of designer perfume that UK police said contained the nerve agent, Borishov said: “Is it silly for decent lads to have women’s perfume? The customs are checking everything, they would have questions as…

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Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.

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Mark Wahlberg has daily prayer in the early hours of the morning

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Mark Wahlberg has daily prayer in the early hours of the morning

The Christian actor revealed on social media what a typical day is like for him.It begins with waking up at 2:30 a.m. followed by half an hour of prayer time. 

 The 47-year-old fits in working out twice a day, playing golf, picking up kids from school and having family time all before his bedtime at 7:30 p.m.

@markwahlberg

  Wahlberg said he began the gruelling routine last year in preparation for his role in the film Mile 22, and decided to stick with it.  He said in an Instagram video: “Most of the time I get to work out and do all my stuff while my family’s asleep – especially on the weekends,” he said. “By the time I’ve gotten up, worked out, done all my stuff, played golf, the kids are just waking up and my wife’s sleeping in, so it works out good – but that’s one of the big advantages of getting up early.” In a 2016 interview with The Guardian, Wahlberg said he insists film crews accommodate his weekly Mass services.  He also told the newspaper: “Everything good that has happened to me in my life, whether it’s meeting my wife or the births of my children, happened when I started focusing on my faith.”

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

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Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.

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Report details thousands of Catholic abuse cases in Germany since 1946

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Report details thousands of Catholic abuse cases in Germany since 1946

Spiegel Online and Die Zeit said the report they obtained, commissioned by the German Bishops Conference and researched by three universities, concludes that more than half of the victims were 13 or younger and most were boys.

Every sixth case involved rape and at least 1,670 clergy were involved, both weeklies reported.

 

Die Zeit wrote that 969 abuse victims were altar boys.

The report also says that the actual number of victims was likely much higher, according to the research by experts from the Universities of Giessen, Heidelberg and Mannheim.

The German Bishops Conference said in a written response a few hours later that it regretted the leaking of the report, but that the study confirms “the extent of the sexual abuse” that took place.

“It is depressing and shameful for us,” Bishop Stephan Ackermann said.

He did not further elaborate on the findings of the report, but said the Catholic group would present the study as initially planned on September 25 together with the authors.

Die Zeit wrote that researchers were not allowed to look at the original church files but had to provide questionnaires to the dioceses, which then provided the information.

In their conclusions, the researchers write that there was evidence that some files were manipulated or destroyed, many cases were not brought to justice, and that sometimes abuse suspects, primarily priests, were…

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Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.

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Attaining Intimacy In Marriage (Part 1) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo

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Attaining Intimacy In Marriage (Part 1) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Attaining Intimacy In Marriage By Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Topic: Attaining Intimacy In Marriage (Part 1)

Dear Reader,

Happy new month to you in the name of Jesus Christ! With great joy and happiness, I bring God’s Word your way today. I see God doing something new in your home and family in Jesus’ name. I will be sharing with you a topic which I titled: Attaining Intimacy in marriage.

It is very important that we know that marriage is the mystery of two people becoming one. Intimacy is the pillar of every successful marriage and it is the responsibility of both parties. When we talk about intimacy, the husband and wife should be the most intimate persons and best of friends.

What is intimacy?

Intimacy is the closeness of your relationship with your spouse – emotionally, spiritually, intellectually, sexually, and in many other ways. Intimacy is not an end but rather a journey that lasts throughout your marriage. Intimacy means a warm, close, confidential or private relationship, which develops through long association, friendship and familiarity.

UNDERSTANDING THE NEEDS FOR INTIMACY

Spiritual Needs

You must understand your likes and needs spiritually as husband and wife and help each other to attain it. For example, if your husband likes waking up in the middle of the night to read or study, you can be of help to him by alerting him when it is time to wake up:You, too, can also do likewise and make him a cup of hot tea. You can encourage him to do some spiritual exercise that he needs.

Emotional Needs

For intimacy to be developed in a marriage, you must understand your husband’s emotions. When he is depressed, try to find out what is happening and encourage him. You must not allow an “uncaring attitude” to creep into your home.

Psychological Needs

You must also understand some masculine peculiarities like desire for:

  • Profound respect
  • Admiration

These are two basic things, which every man craves from his wife.

PHYSICAL NEEDS: – Intimacy can be developed if you understand what your husband’s physical needs are and meet them.

You should satisfy his physical needs by

  • Giving your husband the type of food he likes, and not the one you like. Even, if you do not like a particular type of food before, you could try to adjust simply because of him.
  • Always wear the colour or type/style of dress he likes, not the one you want to wear. If he does not like a particular dress, it is not advisable to keep wearing such.
  • Adopt hairdos or styles that he likes, not what you like.
  • Be available to him when he wants to make love to you.
  • Do everything to please him. This will aid in developing intimacy because he will trust and have interest in you.

Companionship

Every man is created to crave constant fellowship. It is one of the major motivating factors that draw two people of the opposite sex together. After creation, the only thing that God called “Not good” was the fact that man was alone. Loneliness has been discovered to be one of the causes of mental retardation and erratic behaviours in many people, who are in that condition.

True companionship is what makes marriage meaningful. Spouses are not meant to be roommates but the closest of friends. The Word of God says: Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend (Proverbs 27:17).

It is unfortunate that many couples are missing out of this wonderful aspect of marriage. They live under the same roof, yet they are more or less strangers. Such marriages are empty and with time, their frustration leads to divorce. This is not the will of God. He expects you to have sweet communion not only with Him, but also with your partner.

The first step to take to enjoy intimacy in your marriage is to have an intimate relationship with your Creator; that is, be born again. You become born again by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus Christ as the Lord and Saviour of your life and family. If you are already born again, rejoice because your case is settled. If you are not yet born again and you desire to do so right now, please pray this prayer with faith in your heart: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building a Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).

“Please click HERE to read other inspiring articles by Pastor Faith Oyedepo”

Pastor Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.

The post Attaining Intimacy In Marriage (Part 1) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo appeared first on Flatimes.

Joyce Meyer’s Daily 13 September 2018 Devotional — Learning to Cope with Criticism

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Joyce Meyer’s Daily 13 September 2018 Devotional — Learning to Cope with Criticism

Topic: Learning to Cope with Criticism [Joyce Meyer’s Devotional Thursday September 13, 2018]

The wicked borrows and does not pay back, but the righteous is gracious and kind and gives. — Psalm 37:21 (AMP)

No matter what we do in life, at some point in time we will all face a level of criticism. But it is possible to learn how to cope with criticism and not let it affect your life.

We can be grateful for the example the apostle Paul set for us. Paul experienced criticism often, but he said that he was not concerned about the judgment of others. He knew he was in God’s hands and that in the end he would stand before God and give an account of himself and his life. He would not stand before any man to be judged (see 1 Corinthians 4:3–4).

You may not always do everything right, but God sees your heart. If you’re attempting to live for God and looking for ways to love others, God is pleased (see Matthew 22:37–40). Don’t worry about the criticism of others; God loves you. His love and approval are all you need.

Prayer Starter: Father, I thank You that I don’t have to listen to the criticism of others. You see my heart and You know my motives. I thank You that Your approval is greater than the approval of any person. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Joyce Meyer Daily Devotional HERE’’

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries.

The post Joyce Meyer’s Daily 13 September 2018 Devotional — Learning to Cope with Criticism appeared first on Flatimes.

MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional 13 September 2018 – Share The Word In Love

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TOPIC: Share The Word In Love (Mountain Of Fire and Miracle Ministries Thursday, 13 September 2018)

FIRE SCRIPTURE: Luke 9:51-56

MEMORY VERSE: “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45

The MESSAGE:

Preaching is a good thing to do. It is however, better to do it with the right mindset. Believers must know that even such a noble message as that of the gospel may not be welcomed all the time. However, when we meet rejections in our occupation of preaching the gospel, we ought to bear in mind that Jesus loves even those who nailed him to the cross. What should keep us going is the love of Christ and the prospect of bringing great joy to heaven.

Speaking to people about Jesus for the first time and getting them to listen can be a terrifying and challenging experience. However, we must not be discouraged by the results we get at the beginning. Also, we must never hate or condemn those who refuse our attempts to share Christ with them. Every believer has a role to play in spreading the word (Matthew 9:37). It is a laudable and rewarding responsibility. The key purpose is to win the souls of men back to God and edify their spirits. So do not be discouraged when some people are not receptive. Jesus was initially rejected by the Samaritans and His disciples felt great disappointment, but this did not stop them from continuing the work to which they were called.

Rather than condemn or judge those lost in sin, express love and refuse to give up on them. Snare Jesus with them in a respectful and gentle manner. Our weapon is not aggression, but love. Remember, we are not at war with people, but at war with devil for the souls of men. Never fall into trap of taking offence. Lovingly commit them to God in prayers. Our mission is redemption not condemnation. As you add to God’s kingdom, He will strengthen and increase you, in Jesus’ name.

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
OUR MISSION OF SHARING THE GOSPEL IS REDEMPTION, NOT CONDEMNATION.

PROPHETIC WORD:
As you add to God’s kingdom, God will strengthen and increase you.

PRAYER POINTS:

MORNING
1. O God arise, and scatter every enemy assigned against my life, in the name of Jesus.
2. O Lord my God, pour out Your Spirit of love upon my life, in the name of Jesus.
3. I reject the spirit of rejection projected into my life, in the name of Jesus.

EVENING
4. Thou power of darkness, you shall not overshadow my life, in the name of Jesus.
5. Spirit of vengeance, get out of my life, in the name of Jesus.
6. Anointing to engage in saving souls through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, fall upon me, in the name of Jesus.
7. Let the foundation of the love of God be established in my life, in the name of Jesus.

“If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional HERE

MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE is a daily devotional by Dr. D.K Olukoya (General Overseer, Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries, Worldwide)

Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

The post MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional 13 September 2018 – Share The Word In Love appeared first on Flatimes.

Shocking Moment a Suspect Sneaks Up Behind Two Officers and Knocks Them Out With a Pick Axe Before Fleeing Police Station in India – Urban Christian News

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Shocking Moment a Suspect Sneaks Up Behind Two Officers and Knocks Them Out With a Pick Axe Before Fleeing Police Station in India – Urban Christian News

This the shocking moment an arrested man escaped a police station by knocking two officers unconscious – with a pick axe.

Police arrested Vishnu Rajawat, 25, and a friend for violating the peace, but instead of locking them up, they left them to sit outside the cell without handcuffs.

Shocking footage shows him creeping up behind constables Umesh Babu and Gajraj Singh with a pick axe – and smashing them over the head.

Police officers Umesh Babu and Gajraj Singh were knocked unconscious by the arrested man who used a tool left behind by workmen renovating the station.

Rajawat and his pal were caught within three hours of their escape from the station in Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh, India, on September 10.

Superintendent of Police Rudolf Alvarez said: ‘The accused attacked the two constables using a tool lying there for some construction work.

‘Umesh Babu, who is seriously injured, has been referred to a Delhi hospital for better treatment. Gajraj has been admitted in a hospital in Gwalior.’

Rajawat now faces fresh charges of attempt to murder and causing hurt, officers said.

Click here to read more.
Source: Daily Mail

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