Atheist Billboards Promote the ‘Real Reason for the Season’
An atheist group has launched a series of holiday-themed “Winter Solstice” billboards in Atlanta to underscore what it sees as the “real reason for the season.”
The two digital billboards sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation show a snowy forest with the message: “At This Season of the Winter’s Solstice May Reason Prevail.” It then includes the group’s web address: FFRF.org.
According to a news release, one digital billboard is located on Interstate 75, the other on Spring Road.
“FFRF points out that the real reason for the season is the Winter Solstice, taking place on Dec. 21 this year — the shortest, darkest day of the year,” the news release says. “The Winter Solstice has been celebrated for millennia in the Northern Hemisphere because it signals the rebirth of the sun and the continuation of life.”
A third billboard went up on Peachtree Independent Boulevard. It reads: “Supernatural Belief — The Enemy of Humanity.”
The three billboards are part of “a year-long media campaign” in Atlanta, according to FFRF.
It is possible Christ was born during springtime, and not on Dec. 25. As Crosswalk.com explained in an article, “the traditional date of December 25 goes back as far as A.D. 273.”
“Two pagan festivals honoring the sun were also celebrated on that day and it is possible that December 25 was chosen to…
The Grammy-winning 59-year-old singer shared a picture of himself in hospital in a Facebook post.
He explained: “Was in a serious accident at 12:50am this morning…passed out while driving on the highway. Totalled the car…hospitalised, going through a myriad of tests…but I’m alive!!!
“Lost consciousness driving…but two human angels followed my swerving car with their emergency blinkers onto stop traffic ….drove behind me until my car crashed into the middle concrete island.
“I remember none of it except those two angels pulling me out of the passenger’s side of the crumbled totalled car…airbags deployed…crushed metal and fibreglass!!
“I AM ALIVE!!!!
“Somewhat mangled, stitches on left thumb, sprained wrist, hurt knee, but I’m still here! God and two angels saved my life! I owe them.
“I am still here by the grace of God!
“Thank you, Lord … thank you!”
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The 149-year-old Grade 2 listed church, the Church of the Ascension in the Lower Broughton area of Salford had undergone a £250,000 renovation before it was burnt down in the arson attack in February 2017.
A two-year restoration project has been officially launched for the building which is a rare remaining example of work by Manchester architect James Medland Taylor.
The start of works was blessed by Canon David Wyatt, accompanied by the Archdeacon of Salford, Ven David Sharples; the Bishop of Manchester, Rt Revd David Walker; the Bishop of Bolton, Rt Revd Mark Ashcroft and scores of members of the local community and schools.
The work will be carried out by Seddon Construction and will be a challenging rebuild after the roof collapsed in the blaze last year.
Phase 1 will cost £2.46m to rebuild the building fabric including structural replacements, re-roofing and specialist stonemasonry and glazing.
Phase 2 will cost £2.5m for the internal fit out.
Various events are planned to involve the community in the rebuild, including resident engagement workshops, site visits for schoolchildren and Salford architect students as well as masonry lessons.
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The Vatican said that Francis has written to Chilean Cardinal Javier Errazuriz and Australian Cardinal George Pell thanking them for their five years of service on the so-called Group of Nine, or C-9.
Francis also bid farewell to Congolese Cardinal Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya, who has not been implicated in the scandal but, age 79, recently retired as archbishop of Kinshasa.
Mr Errazuriz, 85, has been accused by Chilean abuse survivors of having covered up for predator priests while he was archbishop of Santiago, a charge he has denied.
Mr Pell, 77, took leave from his job as the Vatican’s economy minister to stand trial in his native Australia on historic charges of sex abuse, which he denies.
Their continued presence on the C-9 had been a source of scandal for Francis, given the explosion of the abuse and cover-up crisis this year.
Francis himself was implicated in the scandal after he strongly defended a Chilean bishop accused of covering up for the country’s most notorious predator priest – a position he took apparently on the advice of Mr Errazuriz.
After Francis realised his errors and apologised, he summoned the presidents of all the world’s bishops conferences to Rome for a three-day meeting in February to discuss protecting young people from paedophiles. That summit has taken on enormous weight given the eruption of the scandal in the US.
Mike Harland joins us on Revitalize & Replant to discuss the role worship plays in a revitalization.
Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.com.
Do you have a question about church revitalization or replanting for us to use on the podcast? Visit the podcast page to submit your question. If we use it on the show, you’ll get a copy of Scrappy Church and Reclaiming Glory.
According to the principal, they form the letter “J,” standing for “Jesus.” Christmas trees, reindeer, anything red or green, Christmas carols and music, and Santas were also on the forbidden list.
The school district quickly responded, stating that the memo “did not reflect district policy.” The district then placed the principal on administrative leave.
You might expect a story like this in a part of the country known for irreligiosity. But this happened in Elkhorn, Nebraska.
Ralphie Parker’s Christmas
My wife and I were invited by some dear friends to see A Christmas Story: The Musical last night in Dallas. The show is a stage production of the classic television movie. Set in the 1940s in Indiana, it tells the story of Ralphie Parker, a little boy who wants a Red Ryder Carbine Action Range Model Air Rifle for Christmas.
Here’s the problem: for millions of Americans, A Christmas Story has become the Christmas story.
There’s nothing in A Christmas Story about Jesus. This is not a criticism–the story is intended to be a humorous tale about the challenges and joys of families during the holidays.
Political rivals have urged the North Antrim representative to resign after allegations he holidayed in the Maldives courtesy of the Indian Ocean nation’s government.
The DUP has pledged to examine the “very serious” claims levelled in a BBC Spotlight NI investigation.
Mr Paisley has denied the holiday was paid for by the Maldives government, instead insisting an unnamed friend part-funded the 2016 vacation.
Sinn Fein, the SDLP and Ulster Unionists have written to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Kathryn Stone urging her to investigate the case.
Mr Paisley himself contacted Ms Stone’s office on Wednesday to seek a meeting to discuss the claims made.
Sinn Fein and the SDLP said Mr Paisley should resign and, if he did not, DUP leader Arlene Foster was obliged to take action against him.
Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister said the programme raised serious questions over his rival’s judgment.
The claims aired by Spotlight came days after Mr Paisley returned to Parliament having served a 30-day suspension for failing to declare two holidays paid for by the Sri Lankan government and lobbying on its behalf.
He narrowly avoided facing a by-election after Parliament’s first ever recall petition fell short of the number of constituent signatures required to oust him by around 450.
Coming just weeks after the release of Asia Bibi, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said his country will not just stand by and watch persecution carried out.
The move follows a warning issued by the US last year that further action would be taken if Pakistan didn’t make changes.
Addressing the concern, Mr Pompeo said: “In far too many places across the globe, individuals continue to face harassment, arrests, or even death for simply living their lives in accordance with their beliefs.”
“The United States will not stand by as spectators in the face of such oppression. Protecting and promoting international religious freedom is a top foreign policy priority of the Trump administration.
“Safeguarding religious freedom is vital to ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity.”
Nine other countries remain on the list of Countries of Particular Concern — China, Eritrea, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
Addressing the reasons for Pakistan’s inclusion, Samuel Brownback – the US ambassador at large for international religious freedom, said: “Of the world’s population of people that are in prison for blasphemy, half of them are in Pakistani prisons, including Asia Bibi, who was recently released and is now awaiting a re-hearing of sorts by the supreme court of Pakistan.
“Also, the Pakistani Government criminalizes the identification…
MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional 13 December 2018 By Dr. D.K Olukoya – Lessons From the Life of Elijah (III)
TOPIC: Lessons from the Life of Elijah (III) (Mountain Of Fire and Miracle Ministries, MFM Daily Devotional 13 December 2018)
FIRE SCRIPTURE: Ezekiel 37:11-14
MEMORY VERSE:“And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:” – 1 Corinthians 2:4
The MESSAGE:
The Bible says that the kingdom of God comes by power. Elijah was a man of power and authority. That was because he had the Spirit of God in great measure. The Holy Spirit is the believer’s source of power. He is the spiritual dynamo. Elijah was Spirit-led. His word carried authority and power. With them, he could enforce dominion and the mandate of heaven. Right in the presence of Ahab the king, Elijah decreed and closed the heaven over Israel and there was nothing Ahab could do about it. For a space of three and a half years, Elijah put the whole nation in famine and proved that Jehovah ruled in the affairs of men. We can’t do much to move the kingdom of God forward and upward if we cannot demonstrate the awesome power of God in a way that unbelievers and doubting believers would say, “Indeed, Jehovah is God. There is no other.”
The contest on Mount Carmel was a display of supernatural power by two opposing forces: the forces of God and those of the devil. Good triumphed and His servant was vindicated. Elijah’s life was characterised by the demonstration of God’s power for good works. He multiplied the last meal of the widow of Zarephath so much so that she and her son never ran out of food throughout the famine. He also demonstrated God’s power by raising the widow’s son back to life when the son died.
Beloved, Jesus said that without signs and wonders people would not believe. We are called to carry and demonstrate God’s power to heal the sick, deliver the oppressed and raise the dead. God anointed Jesus for that purpose and Jesus Himself gave us power and authority (Acts 10:38; Luke 9:1-2). I encourage you to pray for the baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire. That is the key to walking in supernatural power and doing exploits for God.
MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE: THE HOLY SPIRIT IS YOUR SPIRITUAL DYNAMO, BEFRIEND HIM AND YOU WILL FULFIL YOUR DESTINY.
PROPHETIC WORD: The Holy Ghost shall come upon you and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you.
PRAYER POINTS:
MORNING
Holy Spirit, come upon me, power of the Highest, overshadow me, in the name of Jesus.
Father, let my words carry unusual spiritual power and authority, in the name of Jesus.
My Father, use me to demonstrate Your awesome power to the world, in the name of Jesus.
EVENING
My Father, baptise me with Your fire, in the name of Jesus.
O Lord, let Your glory manifest in my life, destiny and ministry, in the name of Jesus.
Power to perform signs and wonders, fall upon me now, in the name of Jesus.
I will walk in supernatural power and do exploits all the days of my life, in the name of Jesus.
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 keeping of the Word of God is a qualification for open doors
Worded people are never victims of closed doors
SCRIPTURAL EXAMPLES OF OPEN DOORS BY THE WORD:
The door of the prison opened for Joseph to regain his freedom when his Word came (Ps. 105:17-20)
The door of liberty from captivity for Israel became a possibility when Daniel found what was written in the book of the prophet Jeremiah (Dan. 9:2; Jer. 29:10) When your Word comes, your chain breaks
The door of manifestation and ministry fulfilment was opened for the Master Jesus when He found what was written concerning Him (Luke 4:16-21) When something becomes your revelation, it has become your manifestation When you locate what is written concerning you, you command the attention of your generation (Luke 4:20) When you know what is written concerning you, you can’t be written off by men When you know what is written concerning you, you become a living, written epistle
The door of frustration was closed and the door of satisfaction was opened for Peter when the Word came to him in his distress (Luke 5:1-6)
HOW THE WORD OF GOD OPENS DOORS:
The Word of God represents spiritual keys for the opening of diverse doors for God’s people (Matt. 16:16-19; Luke 11:52a)
The knowledge of the Word is key to liberty
Every realm where you have located the Word, in that realm you have located keys to triumph
The Word of God is the same as the God of the Word (John 1:1; 1Sam. 3:21; Ps. 114:1-8)
The Presence of God is tied to the Word of God
The Word of God equals the Presence of God and the Presence of God equals supernatural openings (Ps. 114:1-8)
When the Word arrives, the Lord appears and when the Lord appears, obstacles disappear
When the Word arrives, the Lord appears and when the Lord appears, doors open
The Word of God is Light and Light uncovers darkness and exposes access (John 1:5; Ps. 119:105)
The Word of God opens the door to the works of God (Ps. 33:4; Gen. 1:3)
Let the possibility of the Glory Dome enlarge your dare-ability
THE WORD THAT OPENS DOORS:
The Revealed Word (Matt. 16:16-19; Ps. 119:130, 18)
While you are studying the Bible, that Word that is revealed to you, has come to give you access
You can ask God for the revelation of His Word (Ps. 119:18)
The Sent Word (Ps. 105:17-19; 107:20; Luke 5:4-6; Ps. 43:3)
You can ask God to send that particular Word to you for the particular situation you are going through
The Kept Word (Rev. 3:8; Rom. 12:1-2)
The Kept Word is the Word you have in your custody; it is the resident revelation – the Word you think, act and live
The Word is made resident by continuous review (Rom. 12:1-2)
Resident revelations make doors to open
The Declared Word (Isa. 43:26; 44:26; Num. 14:28)
Your liberation is tied to your declaration
When you are declaring, you are not just talking, you are opening doors
The best time to declare is when the situation looks contrary
PRAYERS Father, I come before You to obtain keys for the opening of prison doors, the turning of captivity, the stepping into ministry, the closing of every door of frustration and opening of every door of satisfaction. Father, let Your presence appear as I open Your Word, let your light shine Lord in Jesus’ Name.
Father, open my eyes in this season to behold wonders out of Your Word. Send Your Word into my life and situation
Father, I receive the grace to review Your Word until it is resident in me; Father, I receive the discipline to continually declare Your Word, I receive it now!
COMMUNION FOCUS (LUKE 24:30-31): Communion of victory and the opening of the eyes By this communion, your eyes are open, and you are being connected to the Word you need; every form of blindness in your life is tackled by the Communion
Tonight shall be a night of Divine visitations, eye-opening visitations, mystery-dissolving visitations!
By the power of the Blood of Jesus, in the communion tonight, every plot of the kingdom of hell against your life and family, every organised pain for you and your family, is broken!
MINISTRATION PRAYERS:
Every altar from my history, family, village or community drawing me backwards, o you altar, catch fire NOW!
Every stranger in my life, return back to hell now!
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
You shall not be wasted like chicken! Where blood is shed yours shall never be shed!
As the Book is opened to you, every captivity around your life shall break
The revelations coming your way tonight shall usher you into your manifestation!
Every frustration packaged for you by the devil is returning back to hell!
This Christmas shall be your best!
That door that you’ve been looking for shall be exposed to you tonight by light!
Under the next 24hours, the scriptures will speak directly to you! They shall guide and direct you accurately in this season!
This December, God will take the devil by surprise in your life!
In the Name that is above every name, you will end this year well (Eccl. 7:8)!
In the Name that is above every name, Jesus Christ the resurrected Lord, the Word of God is coming your way and changing your story!
Everything that seems impossible to men, impossible to women and impossible to all those around you, God shall make it possible in your life!
Every revelation, vision and wisdom needed for the opening of your doors is released upon you now!
Every demon that said you should end this year empty, their powers are broken!
Something that belongs to you that the devil has been sitting on, that devil is losing his peace until that which belongs to you is returned into your hands!
For a woman the door of the womb has been opened now, for a young lady the door of marriage has been opened, for a young man, that stagnation is over!
Every spirit of backwardness taking you back in life and destiny, that spirit is broken right now!
Every blessing available on this altar or any testimony you have ever heard shared that you desire, it is your portion!
Your life shall not end in mockery! You shall not serve God in vain!
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.
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