Should babies with Down syndrome be aborted?

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Should babies with Down syndrome be aborted?

“If anyone has ever had the arms of a Down syndrome child or adult wrapped around your necks, you will know that you have encountered profound love that comes from the heart.” So states a Kentucky legislator in supporting a law banning abortions involving a fetus with Down syndrome if the diagnosis is the reason for ending a pregnancy.

Indiana and Ohio have already passed such bills, though a federal judge has temporarily blocked Ohio’s law from taking effect. Last Monday, the Pennsylvania House passed its own bill to ban such abortions. The bill passed with bipartisan support in a 139-56 vote.

If the bill passes in the Senate, it faces an expected veto from Gov. Tom Wolf.

In Iceland, nearly 100 percent of women who discover their unborn child has Down syndrome choose to abort their baby. In Denmark, the abortion rate for unborn babies with Down syndrome is 98 percent. The abortion rate in the US for such babies is 67 percent.

Famous people with inherited challenges

Since I believe life begins at conception and is sacred from that moment to natural death, obviously I oppose the decision to abort a child. Let’s consider this issue in the context of congenital conditions.

Imagine a world in which we abort all babies who have such conditions. Wikipedia lists 127 congenital disorders. Some famous people who may have inherited physical challenges include Frederic Chopin (cystic fibrosis), Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, and Thomas Edison (Asperger’s syndrome), and Abraham Lincoln (Marfan syndrome). Olympic gold medalist Shaun White, Super Bowl winner Tedy Bruschi, Pro Bowl football player Steve Hutchinson, and Arnold Schwarzenegger were born with congenital heart disease.

Brynjar Karl Bigisson was ten years old when he constructed the world’s largest Titanic model built with Legos. The Iceland native spent eleven months creating the replica. It stands twenty-six feet long, five feet tall, and four feet wide. He used fifty-six thousand Legos…

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Pax Christi accuses Government of ‘deafening silence’ over Gaza deaths

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Pax Christi accuses Government of ‘deafening silence’ over Gaza deaths

Members of the Catholic movement urged ministers to “condemn publicly” the deaths of Palestinians, which come amid a series of protests in recent weeks.

Writing in the Guardian on Thursday, they said: “Each week, Israel has placed troops on the security border with Gaza with the intention to shoot to kill Palestinians demonstrating.

 

“So far, 35 Palestinians have been killed and more than 1,500 injured with live ammunition.

“Instructions to shoot to kill were given in advance.”

Thousands of Palestinians have protested along Gaza’s sealed border with Israel in demonstrations said to be highlighting the forced expulsion and fleeing of Palestinians from their land when the state of Israel was created in 1948.

AP Photo/ Khalil Hamra

 

Israel has previously defended the actions of its military, saying soldiers were responding to those “actively attacking the fence”.

The letter was also signed by MPs and peers, including Labour’s Grahame Morris and Tommy Sheppard from the Scottish Nationalist Party.

It continues: “It is right for the British government to comment on hostile actions by foreign states in breach of international law wherever they occur – on UK territory, in Syria or in Yemen.

AP Photo/ Khalil Hamra

 

“But the silence of the prime minister and the foreign secretary on Israel’s premeditated killings is…

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Abusive priest defrocked in first for Cyprus's Orthodox Church

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Abusive priest defrocked in first for Cyprus's Orthodox Church

Cyprus’s Orthodox Christian Church has defrocked a priest for sexually abusing his stepdaughter when she was a child.

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Some Keys to Success in Revitalization We Are Hearing from Leaders – Revitalize & Replant #037

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

Successful revitalization needs with a successful leader. Today, we take a look at some keys to being a successful leader in a church revitalization.

Today’s Listener Question:

FROM BENNY

I’m 62 and have been in my current ministry in the NC Triad for 13 years. Our congregation is 30-35 strong, median age of 55 and in desperate need of revitalization. Am I up to the task? What are the keys necessary for me to lead this effort with success?

Episode Highlights:

  • The boomer generation is going to be one of the keys to church revitalization in the future.
  • When you go into a revitalization effort, you need to make a long term commitment to the church at the onset.
  • Church revitalization always starts with prayer.
  • Pastors, you need to be praying for your church members daily.
  • Your church address is not an accident. God has put your church where it is for a purpose.

The six keys for success that we cover are:

  1. The leader made a long-term commitment at the onset
  2. The leader made a decision and commitment not to play the comparison game.
  3. The leader made a commitment to pray daily for the church members and the community.
  4. The leader celebrated even small successes.
  5. The leader became consciously aware of potential distractions
  6. The leader was highly intentional to minister to his family.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

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

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I just reported the facts of raid on Sir Cliff Richard home, says BBC journalist

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I just reported the facts of raid on Sir Cliff Richard home, says BBC journalist

Dan Johnson accepted that his story had “distressed” the 77-year-old Christian and singer.

But he said that distress was not “caused by me uniquely”.

 

Mr Johnson outlined his thoughts while giving evidence to Mr Justice Mann at a High Court trial in London on Wednesday.

A barrister representing Sir Cliff asked Mr Johnson if he was prepared to offer the singer a “personal apology in court”.

But the judge intervened and said such a line of questioning was “not helpful”.

Sir Cliff has sued the BBC over coverage of the South Yorkshire Police search in August 2014 and wants damages at the “top end” of the scale.

He says the coverage, which involved the use of a helicopter, was a “very serious invasion” of his privacy.

The BBC disputes his claims.

Yui Mok/PA Wire

 

Bosses say coverage of the search of the apartment in Sunningdale, Berkshire, was accurate and in good faith.

Justin Rushbrooke QC, who heads Sir Cliff’s legal team, asked Mr Johnson if he accepted that his story had caused “massive damage and distress” to the singer.

“I accept that he has been upset and distressed about it,” Mr Johnson replied.

“I accept the distress he feels, I don’t accept it was caused by me uniquely.

“Obviously South Yorkshire Police were part of that and my colleagues at the BBC who were part of the story as well.

“I don’t believe I was at fault, I just reported the facts of a story.

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Iran Unveils Devastating New Missile System in Army Day Parade

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Iran Unveils Devastating New Missile System in Army Day Parade

In a huge military parade to mark National Army Day, Iranian troops showed off the “Kamin-2” missile system as it was driven on the back of a truck through the streets of Tehran.

A low-altitude missile system, the “Kamin-2” is designed to confront military drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and low-flying planes.

This latest military system is an upgraded version of the Mersad missile system.

Local media are reporting that the system has been upgraded by Iranian experts according to the most advanced technology in the world.

In a huge military parade to mark National Army Day, Iranian troops showed off the “Kamin-2” missile system as it was driven on the back of a truck through the streets of Tehran.

A low-altitude missile system, the “Kamin-2” is designed to confront military drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and low-flying planes.

This latest military system is an upgraded version of the Mersad missile system.

Local media are reporting that the system has been upgraded by Iranian experts according to the most advanced technology in the world.

Click here to read more.
Source: Daily Star

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MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional Thursday, 19 April 2018 – Your Life Is Not Your Own

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TOPIC: Your Life Is Not Your Own (Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries Thursday, 19 April 2018)

FIRE SCRIPTURE: Philippians 1:21-26

MEMORY VERSE:
“For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” – Romans 14:8

The MESSAGE:

Fred was in dire need of some money to meet some legitimate expenses urgently. Knowing the money he needed was relatively much, he decided to sell his beat-down car. Naturally no one would buy a car for the price he was asking for it. George took out of benevolence of his heart, offered to buy Fred’s car just to help out his friend. George took the car to the mechanic for some repairs after buying if from Fred and the car was good as new. George allowed Fred ride with him in the car. After some time Fred demanding to drive the car and telling George that it was originally his car. He would force George out of the driver’s seat and take the wheels, driving where ever pleased them. With George in the passenger seat watching.

You must be thinking that Fred isn’t really a good person. Sadly, many people act like Fred. After giving their lives to Jesus Christ, they still dictate to Him how they want their lives to be. They want to enjoy all the benefits of salvation yet not allow Jesus be Lord in their lives. They tell the Lord what they want, how they want it and when they want it. They don’t want Him to drive the car of their lives; they make Him seat in the passenger’s seat while they drive. Jesus Christ bought us from the bondage of sin and death with His blood. He translated us from the kingdom of darkness to His kingdom. He purchased us. When you accepted Him, you accepted His Lordship. You entered into a legally binding agreement with Him. He has right to your life. You don’t belong to yourself. If one died for all, then all should live for one (2 Corinthians 5:15). You must not desire to live the life you feel is good for you. He must be Lord over your life. You must desire that He leads you as He pleases. Jesus Christ is not Adviser and Saviour, He is Lord and Saviour. Lord means Master, that’s what He is to us. He saved you so He can be your Lord.

Many people are scared to trust their lives to the hands of the Lord. There is a secret fear that He will wreck their lives. God is a loving Father, He cares about you more than you know. He showed this love by giving His only Son for you (Romans 8:32). Will such a Person desire anything but good for you? Allow Jesus Christ have full control of the vehicle of your life.

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
When the realisation that God owns your life dawns on you, you will become more concerned with what His purpose is for your life, and the desire to fulfil that purpose would be the staying force of your life.

PROPHETIC WORD:
The gains of following Jesus shall be yours today.

PRAYER POINTS:

MORNING
1. O Lord, fill me with Your peace and joy, in the name of Jesus.
2. I shall not be moved by external circumstances, in the name of Jesus.
3. Spirit of depression and frustration, go back and afflict your sender, in the name of Jesus.

EVENING
4. Every effort of the enemy to frustrate me shall be futile, in the name of Jesus.
5. Untimely death is not my portion, untimely death is not my family’s portion, in the name of Jesus.
6. I prevail over negative circumstances, in the name of Jesus.
7. My life shall continually bring glory to God, 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 Thursday, 19 April 2018 – Your Life Is Not Your Own appeared first on Flatimes.

Joyce Meyer Daily 19 April 2018 Devotional — In Everything, Give Thanks

CM Editor
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Joyce Meyer Daily 19 April 2018 Devotional — In Everything, Give Thanks

Topic: In Everything, Give Thanks [Joyce Meyer’s Devotional Thursday April 19, 2018]

The man of too many friends [chosen indiscriminately] will be broken to pieces and come to ruin, but there is a [true, loving] friend who [is reliable and] sticks closer than a brother. — Proverbs 18:24

We should not just praise and offer thanksgiving when there is a reason to do so. It is easy to give thanks and praise if we have a reason. But then it is not a sacrifice. We should, of course, offer up praise and thanksgiving at all times, being mindful to thank God for all the blessings in our lives and for the favor He has shown us.

If we started making a list of blessings we would be quickly enlightened concerning just how good we really have it. There are many things we take for granted because we have an abundance of them, when people in other countries would think they were wealthy if they had them. Clean, fresh water is an example…

In India and many other parts of the world, water is a commodity that is not easy to come by. Some people must walk miles just to get a day’s supply of it. We take baths in it, swim in it, do dishes in it, wash our hair in it, cook with it, etc. We can have it hot or cold, as often as we like, as much as we desire.

There are times while I am taking a hot shower, especially if I am tired, when I stop to give thanks to God for hot water. There are many things to be thankful for if we decide we are going to be people who continually offer up thanksgiving. The flesh looks for things to complain about, but the spirit searches for reasons to give God glory.

Prayer Starter: Father, I want to take a moment right now to thank You for all of the wonderful blessings in my life. Most of all, thank You for Your great love and for sending Jesus so we can have a relationship with You. Help me to always have an attitude of thanks and focus on the good things You are doing in my life. 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 Daily 19 April 2018 Devotional — In Everything, Give Thanks appeared first on Flatimes.

First Saudi Cinema Opens With Popcorn and ‘Black Panther’

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First Saudi Cinema Opens With Popcorn and ‘Black Panther’

The lights dimmed and the crowd of men and women erupted into applause and hoots Wednesday evening as Hollywood’s blockbuster “Black Panther” premiered in Saudi Arabia’s first movie theater.

Though it was a private, invitation-only screening, for many Saudis it marked one of the clearest moments of change to sweep the country in decades. It’s seen as part of a new era in which women will soon be allowed to drive and people in the kingdom will be able to go to concerts and fashion shows, and tuck into a bucket of popcorn in a cinema.

“It’s a new era, a new age. It’s that simple. Things are changing, progress is happening. We’re opening up and we’re catching up with everything that’s happening in the world,” said Rahaf Alhendi, who attended the showing.

Authorities said the public would be able to purchase tickets online Thursday for showings starting Friday. But there may be delays.

Movies screened in Saudi cinemas will be subject to approval by government censors, and Wednesday night’s premiere was no exception. Scenes of violence were not cut, but a final scene involving a kiss was axed.

Still, it’s a stark reversal for a country where public movie screenings were banned in the 1980s during a wave of ultraconservatism that swept Saudi Arabia. Many Saudi clerics view Western movies and even Arabic films made in Egypt and Lebanon as sinful.

Despite decades of ultraconservative dogma, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has pushed through a number of major social reforms with support from his father, King Salman, to satiate the desires of the country’s…

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Malaysian Opposition Leader Mahathir Says Opposition Could Win in Next Month’s Elections

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Malaysian Opposition Leader Mahathir Says Opposition Could Win in Next Month’s Elections

Malaysian opposition leader Mahathir Mohamad said Wednesday that huge rallies indicate some of the ruling coalition’s traditional Malay supporters are now favoring the opposition and a change of government is possible in next month’s elections.

Mahathir, Asia’s longest-serving political leader until retiring after 22 years in 2003, is now leading a four-party alliance to oust scandal-tainted Prime Minister Najib Razak in the May 9 elections. Najib’s ruling coalition has increasingly depended on the Malay Muslim majority in poor rural areas to retain power after urban middle-class voters flocked to the opposition in the past two elections.

In an interview with The Associated Press, the 92-year-old Mahathir said Malay support for the opposition has undergone an obvious increase, citing unusually huge turnouts at rallies.

Mahathir said the opposition wouldn’t need every government supporter to change their mind. “We need maybe 30 percent of them to turn around — that would be sufficient for us to win,” he said.

Yet, Mahathir predicted only a 50-50 chance of victory for the opposition “because of the government’s tendency to cheat, to threaten people, to use money, to even block the election process.”

Najib, 64, has been dogged by a massive corruption scandal involving the 1MDB state investment fund, which he set up and previously led. The fund accumulated massive debt, and the U.S. and other countries are investigating possible cross-border embezzlement and money laundering. Najib himself has denied wrongdoing and has fired critics and muzzled reporting on the…

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