Churches in Egypt on their Guard Against Terrorist Attacks

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Churches in Egypt on their Guard Against Terrorist Attacks

With the holiday celebrations just a few days away, Egyptian Christian churches are on high alert against possible attacks from Islamic extremist groups.

Authorities said that terrorists were possibly plotting an attack on places of worship during the Christmas and New Year’s Eve services, which usually see churches packed.

Open Doors reports that police forces have raised their alert status to the highest level, particularly in areas near churches during the Christmas celebrations.

However, no cancellation of scheduled services has been requested by authorities.

In January 2010, at least six Coptic Christians and a security official were killed in a drive-by shooting outside a church in Naj Hammadi. The incident happened after a midnight mass on Coptic Christmas Eve.

In January the following year, at least 21 people were killed and 70 were hurt after a bomb exploded outside the al-Qiddissin (Saints) Church in the Sidi Bechr district of Alexandria. The bombing happened during a New Year’s Eve service that was attended by approximately 1,000 people.

A Christian leader in Egypt said, “Egyptian Christians are asking for prayers for God’s protection to paralyse the hands of the evil one so no terrorist attack, no shooting, no fear may spoil the joy and cause the loss of any lives or any injuries during the Christmas and the New Year’s Eve celebrations.”

While Catholics will celebrate Christmas on December 25, the Orthodox and Evangelical Christians will celebrate the event on January 7, according to the eastern Orthodox calendar.

Source and Original Content by CT

Archbishop Reveals Painful Christmas Memories

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Archbishop Reveals Painful Christmas Memories

The Archbishop of Canterbury’s urged people not to let the perceived pressure of having the ‘perfect Christmas’ to ruin the day.

Most Revd Justin Welby’s made the comments as he discussed spending a childhood Christmas with his father, who was an alcoholic.

In an interview with ITV, Archbishop Justin also reflects some of the big issues that have defined 2014, while also revealing some painful Christmas memories.

“Don’t let the pressure of having a perfect Christmas ruin your day”, is the advice of the Archbishop of Canterbury as the countdown continues.

“My father was an alcoholic and I remember, particularly I suppose one of the most memorable ones was when he didn’t get out of bed all day, no one else was around and I spent the day scrounging around for some food in the fridge and sitting looking out the window on their Christmas day walks.

Source and Original Content by Premier Christian Radio

1st-Century Synagogue Discovered in Mary Magdalene’s Hometown

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1st-Century Synagogue Discovered in Mary Magdalene’s Hometown

Catholic group the Legions of Christ have reportedly uncovered a 1st-century synagogue in the ancient town of Magdala in Israel, where they say Jesus Christ is likely to have preached to the people.

“Eighty percent of Jesus’ public life was here,” Father Eamon Kelly said about northern Israel, according to Haaretz.com.

Kelly revealed that his organization uncovered the synagogue after starting archaeological excavations at a site in the town of Magdala, believed to be the home of Mary Magdalene, known as one of Jesus’ female disciples. The plots of land are supposed to be used to build a pilgrims’ hotel, inter-faith chapel, a restaurant and a women’s shelter.

“This is the first synagogue ever excavated where Jesus walked and preached,” Kelly said, adding that it is “hugely important” for both Jews and Christians.

Experts have reportedly agreed that it is highly probable that Jesus would have preached at the Magdala synagogue, which is believed to have been built in year 1 A.D., before being upgraded in 40 A.D., and destroyed by the Romans sometime in 67 or 68. The town was located along an ancient trade route running from the Mediterranean to Egypt and Syria.

“He was a clever rabbi. He knew where to set up shop,” Kelly said. “If you walk from Nazareth to Bethsaida to Capernaum, you’re going to come out here.”

He added that in ancient times, townsfolk would gather at synagogues for meetings.

“So if a strange rabbi came to town, a new rabbi, a new preacher, a new teacher, the logical place was to meet here.”

The other discoveries at the site included a Magdala Stone, a menorah, fishing pools and Jewish ritual baths.

“Actually what the archaeologists are saying now is we’re digging up an entire 1st century city,” Kelly noted.

The Legions of Christ says that its mission and purpose is to share the Gospel with the world.

“We eagerly desire that Jesus Christ may come to reign in hearts, families and society through the transformation of all people according to the ‘new creation in Christ’ that we are all called to become (2 Cor 5:17),” the group says on its website. “We seek to make the transforming message of the Gospel reach every corner of society and culture. For this reason, we work to build the civilization of justice and love that Christ preached in the Gospel.”

Previous claims made about discoveries relating to Jesus have stirred much debate and controversy, such as the 2010 finding of a supposed tomb in Jerusalem where Jesus and his family are buried.

The tomb is marked with a Christian symbol and a cross, and was presented in a documentary by archaeologist James Tabor and filmmaker Simcha Jacobovici – though experts largely discredited the legitimacy of the discovery.

Source and Original Content by CP

Teachers Unite to Help Christian Children In Iraq

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Teachers Unite to Help Christian Children In Iraq

They’ve already collected more than 20,000 coats, loads of hygiene products, clothing and cash donations to help Iraqi Christians who have been displaced from their homes and communities by Islamic State.

Now, a group of mostly Chaldean educators in metro Detroit is turning its attention to needs even closer to the members’ hearts and professions: collecting supplies and raising money to boost literacy efforts for the children.

“Most have been without schooling for months,” said teacher Melody Arabo of West Bloomfield, Mich., an instructional coach for Walled Lake Consolidated Schools and the current Michigan Teacher of the Year.

Arabo is one of the founding members of Teachers Educating and Creating Hope (TEACH), created in September through the Chaldean Catholic Diocese. It’s part of heightened efforts in recent months by the diocese to provide aid to Iraqi Christians. Arabo has highlighted the work of the TEACH group at recent meetings of the Michigan Board of Education, where she gets to provide input on education issues and deliver a monthly report as teacher of the year. Arabo was named the state’s top teacher in May.

Now, the group is partnering with the Michigan Reading Association, which has selected the TEACH effort as its international project for the school year. Together, they want to collect paper, pencils, pens, crayons, markers, coloring books, puzzles, non-battery-operated toys and books — preferably books in Arabic.

Metro Detroit is home to a sizable Chaldean population — about 121,000, according to the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce. Many involved in the TEACH group have ties to Iraq, either through distant family relations or immediate family. And they’ve watched with grave concern as events unfold in Iraq. ISIL, a militant Islamic group, has been advancing across Iraq, forcing minorities in the country to flee.

“There’s such a loyalty in our community and everyone is so interconnected,” Arabo said. “Everyone is really deeply impacted by what’s going on there. It’s a horrifying situation…Read More

Source and Original Content by BCNN1

Mary, Mother of Christ, Feature Film to Debut this Easter

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Mary, Mother of Christ, Feature Film to Debut this Easter

A new feature film called ‘Mary, Mother of Christ’ is due to reach British cinemas in Easter 2015.

The film chronicles Mary’s life at the ages of 8, 15, 19 and 27. It includes Jesus up until the age 12, and also her husband Joseph.

The movie cost £20m to produce, and is set as a prequel to Mel Gibson’s ‘The Passion of the Christ’.

Mary will be played by Odeya Rush, a 16-year-old Israeli actress, while Ben Kingsley will play King Herod.

The film’s directed by Australian director Alister Grierson, and the script’s coming from Benedict Fitzgerald, who co-wrote The Passion with Mel Gibson.

US megachurch pastor and author Joel Osteen is the executive producer of the film.

‘Mary, Mother of Christ’ will be the third Bible-based epic to come within a year.

Last spring, Russell Crowe starred in the film ‘Noah’, and more recently Christian Bale starred as Moses in ‘Exodus’.

Source and Original Content by Premier Christian Radio

Service to Hold for Victims of Glasgow Bin Crash

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Service to Hold for Victims of Glasgow Bin Crash

Hundreds of people will gather at a Glasgow City Centre church later to pray for the six people who died in yesterday’s bin lorry crash.

Eight others were injured when the vehicle veered out of control and mounted the pavement in an area full of Christmas shoppers.

A service is being held St George’s Tron which is just a short walk away from the crash site.

Revd Alastair Duncan will lead the prayers.

Police are now investigating the accident in George Square which was packed with families enjoying the annual winter carnival.

Chief Inspector Mark Sutherland from Police Scotland said last night: “We are currently working with our other agencies to establish exactly what happened.

“It’s important that we do a thorough investigation to establish the full circumstances.

“It’s important that we take all the necessary steps to do it as quickly as we can so that we get the answers for the families and get their loved ones back to them as quick as we can.”

Dozens of floral tributes have been placed at the scene.

National Director for the Evangelical Alliance in Scotland, Fred Drummond, told Premier city churches were pulling together.

He said: “Chaplains, the support workers, everybody who’s involved in getting alongside people when tragedy actually hits.

“And just standing shoulder to shoulder with people and weeping with those who are weeping which I think is just part of the Christian ministry.”

Bishop of Glasgow and Galloway, the Rt Revd Dr Gregor Duncan, said those involved will need time to come to terms with what’s happened: “They need space to reflect, to think, to make this part of their own story and the city’s story.

“So, time and care and quiet I think and if need be professional help of course.”

Source and Original Content by Premier Christian Radio

Boko Haram Releases Video of Christian Killings in Nigeria

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Boko Haram Releases Video of Christian Killings in Nigeria

The Muslim extremist group Boko Haram’s released a video of them killing around 100 non-Muslims with machine guns.

The massacre reportedly happened in a town called Bama, 40 miles from Gwoza – an area known to be Christian.

Boko Haram previously released a video showing the murder of dozens of civilians in a mass grave in Gwoza.

It remains unclear how many of those killed in the attack in Bama are Christians.

In the video, the people were on the floor before militants came in with AK-47 machine guns, firing indiscriminately. They then targeted anyone who reacted to the gunfire.

The speaker in the film said: “We have made sure the floor of this hall is turned red with blood, and this is how it is going to be in all future attacks and arrests of infidels (or non-Muslims).”

“From now, killing, slaughtering, destruction and bombing will be our religious duty anywhere we invade.”

Open Doors’ World Watch List ranked Nigeria the most dangerous country in the world for Christians to reside in 2013.

Boko Haram has killed an estimated 1,800 Christians this year alone, according to International Christian Concern (ICC).

ICC’s Regional Manager for Africa, Cameron Thomas, said: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims of this inexcusable atrocity.

“Militants, armed with AK-47s and a perverted theology of violence and bloodshed, have decimated community after community on their rampage across Nigeria’s northeast.

“Boko Haram has laid waste to the Nigerian church, slaughtering believers for their refusal to convert to Islam, abducting and enslaving schoolgirls for their Christian faith, and murdering pastors for preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ.

The insurgency can and must be eliminated before its caliphate spreads, claiming innocent lives with each and every advance.”

Source and Original Content by Premier Christian Radio

Just For Laughs: Minions Carol

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Just For Laughs: Minions Carol

No one says “Merry Christmas” quite like the Minions do – and they are bringing festivity and smiles to all with their antics singing these Christmas carols. What a fun and silly way to say Merry Christmas – thank you Minions for making us all smile once again!

#Christmas Means Twitter Campaign Gathers Mass Followership

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#Christmas Means Twitter Campaign Gathers Mass Followership

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York joined with thousands of other bishops, clergy and laity today to promote the”real meaning” of Christmas with #ChristmasMeans on Twitter.

Dr John Sentamu, of York, was one of the first with two tweets, “God is at work amongst us. He is closer than you think. Praise Him!” and “No need to be tongue tied any more – tell it out! #ChristmasMeans There is Good News to discover.”

Church House, the admin headquarters for the Church of England in London, urged congregations and clergy across 12,000 parishes to get out their smartphones and get the topic trending.

Sentamu said: “Christmas means letting the light of Christ shine out in what we do and what we say. Don’t follow the path, rather be bold and set out new paths for others to follow. God’s message is one of great joy and hope for the world – embrace His love”.

Durham diocese said: “#ChristmasMeans being responsive to the needs of others and speaking up for them.”

Lichfield diocese tweeted: “#Christmasmeans a down-to-earth God who cares about us and our lives. Can we make room for Him in ours?”

And endearingly, Hunton church near Winchester ‏@ChurchHunton tweeted: “#ChristmasMeans our noisy nutty nativity at 4 this afternoon.”

CofE comms director Arun Arora said: “We are delighted that #ChristmasMeans gives us this opportunity for parishes to take the good news of the first Christmas beyond churches and into people’s lives and homes.”

#ChristmasMeans follows the #EasterMeans campaign earlier this year which reached 29 million people from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday.

Source and Original Content by CT

One Thing 2014 Conference, Mike Bickle and Reinhard Bonnke Join Forces

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One Thing 2014 Conference, Mike Bickle and Reinhard Bonnke Join Forces

While Gov. Bobby Jindal works to plan a stadium prayer event in Baton Rouge so intercessors can respond to a nation in crisis, Mike Bickle is holding a stadium event in Kansas City to help today’s youth focus on one thing.

Thousands of young adults will gather for the International House of Prayer’s Onething conference at the Kansas City Convention Center Dec. 28-31. Believers will gather to set their hearts to live with passion for Jesus through extended times of worship, teaching of the Word and ministering in the power of the Holy Spirit.

“The main theme of the conference is focused on calling people to a Joel 2 response in face of God’s promise of a transforming national awakening and revival and a national crisis,” Bickle, director of IHOPKC, tells Charisma News.

Speakers and worship leaders include Bickle, Allan Hood, president of the IHOP University and associate director of IHOP, Reinhard Bonnke, an international evangelist and founder of Christ for all Nations, Misty Edwards, senior leader and worship leader at IHOPKC, Kari Jobe, worship pastor at Gateway Church, and worship leader Phil Wickham.

Bickle will speak on this crisis and call to prayer on the first and last nights of the conference, Dec. 28 and Dec. 31. Hood will speak on the national crisis and intercession on Dec. 29. Bonnke will speak on revival on Dec. 30.

“We feel very urgent about the crisis in the America and along with our conviction of a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit,” says Bickle. “People can join us by the web steam without any charge.”

Source and Original Content by Charisma News

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