The Vatican has relaxed it rules on how Catholics should spend the Sabbath.
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Pope: You can play sports on Sunday, if you still go to Mass
Christian couple arrested day before wedding under anti-conversion law
According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), the accusations are false and stem from animosity from local police in the district of Simdega, Jharkhand state and villagers.
Ms Sumanti Kumari and Mr Rupash Manjhi were scheduled to be married on 30th May. However, local villagers and some from neighbouring villages voiced their opposition to the Christian ceremony.
CSW said when the couple sought help at a local police station; villagers brought the girl’s father to the police and alleged that the couple had forcefully tried to convert him.
The police then contacted their pastor and requested that he present himself at the station to conduct the marriage.
However, when he arrived there, the pastor, his assistant and the couple were charged with religious conversion.
The four of them are facing up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $560.
Ramnath Purti, a social activist from the district of Chaibasa, Jharkhand Sate, told CSW there is now a lot of fear among the Christian community.
He said: “Most of the people who were falsely accused are just laymen.
“The government is clearly on over-drive with anti-Christian propaganda to terrorise not just Christians but other minorities in Jharkhand.”
This case comes after eleven Christians were accused of converting the local community in Manoharpur. Their case is due to be heard on 2nd June.
Listen to…
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How to Do Staff Reviews – Rainer on Leadership #438
Podcast Episode #438
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio
Staff reviews can be tricky for some pastors and church leaders. Today we discuss tips for doing those well.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
- A negative staff review should not be a surprise to the staff member.
- When setting goals for a staff member, they need to have input on the goals.
- Supervisors need to have a relationship with the person on staff that they are evaluating.
- If a staff issue is affecting the culture of the church or staff, it must be dealt with quickly.
The seven issues we cover on this episode are:
- No single way
- The best review has no surprises
- Have the staff set goals and time lines
- Agree on a course of action to bridge gaps
- If the situation is difficult, have a second person lead the review with you
- Be consistent with reviews
- Keep careful written records, signed by both the pastor and staff
Episode Sponsors
Applications are now open for Vanderbloemen’s fall pastor coaching network at their Houston headquarters in September and November. There are two networks – one for Lead Pastors and one for Executive Pastors. Each group is limited to 16 people. It’s a roundtable, close-knit network where you will grow as a leader so that you can grow your team and ultimately grow your church.
If you’re interested in joining, visit vanderbloemen.com/coaching for more information.
The ministry landscape is changing, and the need for biblical training is…
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Click here to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Thom Rainer.
MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional Tuesday, 5 June 2018 – No For Answer
TOPIC: Purpose To Stand For God (Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries Tuesday, 5 June 2018)
FIRE SCRIPTURE: Daniel 1: 8-15
MEMORY VERSE: “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” – 2 Corinthians 6:17
The MESSAGE:
To purpose is to take a stand, to resolve, to determine, to decide, to stand on an opinion whether right or wrong before man. It us a strong determination to obey the inner counsel rather than the counsel of man. Daniel did not want to defile himself with the king’s meal. It takes a great deal of discipline to take such a position.
Daniel was in exile in a foreign land where no one could see him defile himself and accuse him of breaking God’s law. More so, the same God had allowed him and others to be taken into captivity because of their sin. Daniel had every reason to disobey God and ignore His counsel, yet he made up his mind not to pollute his spiritual life and thereby affect his physical being. This singular disposition reveals so much about the personality of Daniel. First, he had in depth knowledge and understanding of his God and did not have a superficial relationship with him. Second, he was a man of great discipline, integrity and uprightness. He did not place his belly before his God. Finally, he feared God rather than man.
Psalm 1:1 reminds us that “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful”. Daniel was well versed in the scripture available in his days and not only that, he also had a bold personality with high degree of faith. If you do not have an intimate relationship with God and you are not versed in the Scripture, you may not know the mind of God concerning a particular issue, and it might be difficult to take a stand for God.
Today’s devotional reminds me of a so called Christian politician who refused to end up his prayer in Jesus’ name because he was in a political rally. Such an individual is absolutely different from Daniel who refused to renounce his faith in a foreign land. Jesus said if you deny me before men, I will also deny you before my heavenly Father (Matthew 10:33). As a Christian, you should not compromise your faith and moral convictions wherever you find yourself. This will only be possible when you establish a relationship with God, devote time to knowing Him intimately by studying His word and depend on the companionship of the Holy Spirit to direct you all the way. God will help you today and always to stand true to Him in your family, neighbourhood, community and anywhere else you may find yourself, in Jesus’ name.
MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
Stand up for God and God will make you a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden.
PROPHETIC WORD:
Anointing for wisdom and understanding is coming upon you.
PRAYER POINTS:
MORNING
1. I refuse to defile myself with the king’s meal, in the name of Jesus.
2. Any power assigned to attack me with the king’s meal, die, in the name of Jesus.
3. Temptation shall not wound my destiny, in the name of Jesus.
EVENING
4. I refuse to compromise my moral convictions because of my belly, in the name of Jesus.
5. I receive boldness to say NO to the YES of the devil, in the name of Jesus.
6. My life will not disgrace Jesus, in the name of Jesus.
7. Powers that want me in perpetual bondage, your time is up, die, 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)
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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.
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TREM Devotional 5 June 2018 by Dr. Mike Okonkwo – You Have Access
Topic: You Have Access [TREM Devotional Tuesday June 5, 2018]
“For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” Ephesians 2:18
As a child of God, by the reason of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, you have access to God. God is your Father, and you can go before Him, and receive solutions to your challenges. The Bible says that we were once afar of, but because of the blood, we have been brought near; oh what a loving Father! There is nothing you need that cannot be found in Christ, absolutely nothing. Is it wisdom? it is found in Christ; is it peace? it is found in Christ. Is it wealth? It all belongs to Him, and the amazing thing is that you have access to everything that belongs to Christ.
Romans 5:2 (KJV) says “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Not only is all you need in Christ, you have direct access to the Father. You can enter His presence at any time and be assured that you are always welcome. He is never too busy to attend to you. Therefore, beloved, utilize your access, don’t sit down there and cry, and lament, when you can have all that Jesus Christ died for you to have. The price was paid for you and I.
Not only do you have access, you have a guarantee of answered prayers. The wall of partition has been pulled down and nothing can erect it again. This is why you need a clear understanding of what Jesus Christ has done for you and what the blood of Christ has provided for you. When you have this understanding, there is no challenge, absolutely nothing that can defeat you.
A clear understanding of the level of access you have will cause your faith to rise and take all that grace has made available, because it is all yours.
Further Reading: Ephesians 2:8-22
Daily Bible Reading: Morning- 2 Chronicles 23-24; Evening- John 15
“If you missed yesterday devotional click HERE to read TREM’s Daily Devotional by Dr. Mike Okonkwo’’
Written by Dr. Mike Okonkwo; Is the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); a versatile man of God with over 30 years of dedicated service unto the Lord.
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Teens Open Heavens 5 June 2018 – Who Bells The Cat?
Topic: Who Bells The Cat? [Teens Open Heavens 5, June 2018]
Memorise: I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. – 1 Corinthians 3:6
Read: Luke 8:1-3 (KJV)
1 And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
Bible In One Year: 2 Chronicles 17-19, John 15
MESSAGE:
From the story of the Red Sea, we see that God can make way for you in unexpected quarters. The only possible way they thought they could cross that big sea was through a ship, a boat, or to swim through. They may have thought of a way of construction a bridge across it. The Israelites least expected a way through the sea. Their faiths were limited.
Even when the way was made in the middle of the sea, the Israelites remained where they were, they wanted someone to go in first to assure them that it was not a death trap. In other words, they wanted someone to bell the cat. God knew this was going to happen and so He prepared some leaders to go ahead of them. God is still in need of those who will bell the cat in worship and righteous living so that others can follow. Will you bell the cat for Christ?
Key Point: Leadership is not in words, but in actions. If you always want to be told to do something before you do it, your leadership abilities are in doubt.
If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Teen Open Heavens Daily Devotional by Pastor Adeboye’’
Hymn 11.
Stand up! stand up for Jesus,
Ye soldiers of the Cross!
Lift high His royal banner,
It must not suffer loss.
From victory unto victory
His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished,
And Christ is Lord indeed.
2. Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
The solemn watchword hear;
If while ye sleep he suffers,
Away with shame and fear.
Where’re ye meet with evil,
Within you or without,
Charge for the God of battles,
And put the foe to rout.
3. Stand up! stand up for Jesus !
Stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you,
Ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the gospel armour,
Each piece put on with prayer;
When duty calls or danger,
Be never wanting there.
4. Stand up! stand up for Jesus!
The strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle,
The next the victor’s song.
To him that overcometh
A crown of life shall be;
He with the King of glory
Shall reign eternally.
Daily Devotional for Teen’s guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.
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First Saudi Women Receive Driving Licenses Amid Crackdown on Activists
Saudi Arabia issued its first driver’s licenses to 10 women on Monday as the kingdom prepared to lift the world’s only ban on women driving in three weeks, but some who campaigned for the right to drive remain under arrest.
A government statement said the 10 women who were issued licenses already held driving licenses from other countries, including the U.S., U.K., Lebanon and Canada. They took a brief driving test and eye exam before being issued the licenses at the General Department of Traffic in the capital, Riyadh. International media were not present for the event.
Other women across the country have been preparing for the right to drive on June 24 by taking driving courses on female-only college campuses. Some are even training to become drivers for ride hailing companies like Uber.
Saudi women had long complained of having to hire costly male drivers, use taxis or rely on male relatives to get to work and run errands.
The surprise move to issue some women licenses early came as activists who had campaigned for the right to drive remain under arrest, facing possible trial.
Saudi Arabia’s prosecutor said Sunday that 17 people had been detained in recent weeks on suspicion of trying to undermine security and stability, a case activists said targeted prominent women’s rights campaigners.
The prosecutor’s statement said eight have been temporarily released, while five men and four women remain under arrest. Among the women held since May 15 are Loujain al-Hathloul, Aziza al-Yousef and Eman al-Nafjan, according to people with knowledge of the arrests who’ve spoken to…
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Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Urban Christian News
A Closer Look at Guatemala’s Volcano of Fire
Guatemala’s Volcano of Fire erupted over the weekend, spewing deadly clouds and rivers of ash and pulverized rock. It is one of 11 active volcanoes in the Central America country that is along the so-called Ring of Fire.
Some questions and answers about the volcano:
HOW BIG IS IT?
At its peak, the volcano is 12,346 feet (3,763 meters) above sea level. It’s an example of one of the tallest and most violent types of volcanoes in the world, its steep sides made out of accumulated layers of lava and ash. The volcano is 27 miles (44 kilometers) west of Guatemala City and only about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the colonial city of Antigua, one of Guatemala’s most popular tourist destinations.
HOW ACTIVE IS IT?
This volcano is probably the most active in Guatemala, according to the country’s National Institute for Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology. Records of activity go back to the 1500s and recent reports show that the volcano has been continuously erupting since 2002. Before Sunday’s eruptions, the most recent event began May 17, when a mudflow of water and rocks started moving down the slope of the volcano, followed by explosions and ash plumes that rose almost 3,300 feet (1 kilometer). The eruptions continued for at least four days but were much smaller than Sunday’s major eruption, which reached almost 15,000 feet (4.5 kilometers).
WAS THERE A WARNING?
Authorities say they were closely monitoring the volcano after activity picked up around 6 a.m. Sunday. But there was no indication that any eruption would be any worse than previous ones, and no…
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France’s Fake News Law Leaves Media Experts Uneasy
France is the latest country attempting to fight the scourge of fake news with legislation — but opponents say the law won’t work and could even be used to silence critics.
The draft law, designed to stop what the government calls “manipulation of information” in the run-up to elections, will be debated in parliament Thursday with a view to it being put into action during next year’s European parliamentary polls.
The idea for the bill came straight from President Emmanuel Macron, who was himself targeted during his 2017 campaign by online rumours that he was gay and had a secret bank account in the Bahamas.
Under the law, French authorities would be able to immediately halt the publication of information deemed to be false ahead of elections.
Social networks would have to introduce measures allowing users to flag up false reports, pass their data on such articles to authorities, and make public their efforts against fake news.
And the law would authorise the state to take foreign broadcasters off the air if they were attempting to destabilise France — a measure seemingly aimed at Russian state-backed outlet RT in particular.
– Censorship? –
European governments have struggled to work out how to respond to the fake news phenomenon, not least after accusations of Kremlin meddling in France and the US presidential vote that brought Donald Trump to power.
The British government has set up a “fake news” unit, while Italy has an online service to report false articles and the European Union is working on a “code of practice” that would provide guidelines for…
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Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Urban Christian News
‘We Need God to Break Us Down’
Amid the ongoing fallout from the firing of Paige Patterson, one of the most prominent leaders in the Southern Baptist Convention, many are calling for “repentance” and “reformation” ahead of their denomination’s annual meeting.
In a Sunday blog post titled “What the Southern Baptist Convention Needs Right Now,” Sam Rainer, who is the lead pastor of West Bradenton Baptist Church in Florida, echoed The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Al Mohler’s May 23 essay describing how the judgment of God is on the denomination.
“God’s wrath is upon us. Our God is a consuming fire. Excuses will work like tiny strands of straw standing against a raging wildfire. There should be no sermon at this year’s annual convention. Leave the pulpit vacant. Let the room be silent and call the messengers to prostrate themselves in repentance,” Rainer said.
“We need humility, not charisma. Our convention has wrongly elevated charisma over humility. The bold leaders with pithy lines tend to get the most attention. It’s time we submit to humility instead of charisma.”
The largest evangelical Protestant group in the United States has been engulfed in controversy…
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