The Do’s and Don’ts Of Christian Dating

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The Do’s and Don’ts Of Christian Dating

The Bible teaches in Genesis, that a man will leave his family to marry a woman to become one flesh. Although its love that drive Christian teens to date, it should be taken seriously and know the person you are dating and their beliefs

First and foremost, Christian dating should be directed by love but not lust:

The Bible makes us to understand that love is the outgrowth of the spirit; we live for God’s love first but also live for the love of others. Christian dating should not focus totally on the physical features of their partners but must follow what’s within their heart. In Proverbs 4:23(keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are issues of life) this simply means what’s within your heart determines your actions. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 teaches us what love really is. If this kind of love exist among Christians they won’t fall into the temptation of fornicating because in this type of love comes self-control.

Secondly you have to be honest with your date about your beliefs:

Most single Christians today are hesitant when it comes to voicing out their convictions and stand on certain matters that are prone to happen when dating. For example sex, or in cases where ones doctrine is different from the other. It happens that Christian teens do compromise to their partners in the fear of being tagged conservative or prejudiced. You have to be blunt on issues that are acceptable to you and those you frown upon. It is better off, walking out from the relationship where you are not being truthful to yourself.

Also maintain those who support your moral principles;

It is good to surround yourself with people who support and share your convictions and are committed to your ethical uprightness. These are people who will guide you, encourage you and honestly criticize you in line with your convictions. This can keep you accountable for your actions. Basically they will serve as a watchdog in your acts as a Christian

Seek dating advice from a mature Christian you respect.

Almost everyone has someone he or she look up to or see as a mentor .When it comes to Christianity and the church ,we have the apostles, the pastors ,deacons, evangelist etc and the chances are there is someone among them whose standpoint and judgment you hold in high esteem. Allow yourself to be taught by that person and gather all wisdom you can because our spiritual beliefs are a larger part of what we are and play a crucial role in sustaining relationship. Proverbs 13:20 says “He who walks with the wise grows wise but the companions of fools suffers harm’’ so seek good counsel. Seeking counsel will help you as a Christian planning towards marriage.

Furthermore do not involve yourself in serious relationship when you are not ready to marry. It is better to go for date when you plan of settling down than not being prepared. Some go into relationships as the bases of getting to know what awaits them in future and this intension end up into sin. Devoting your energy into church activities will help, rather than finding a spouse which you are not yet ready for. This will help you overcome expected sin such as fornication, pornography and the likes.

Ultimately you should not be in multiple relationships at a time:

I believe the aim of every Christian dating is not to remain single but to have a spouse. It is not good for a Christian to date numerous people at a time and having them battle for your love. And above all let the Holy Spirit be your guide to caution you when you are falling out of order as a Christian.

Source and Original Content by asklovedr.com

Ancient Jewish Prayer Book Unveild By Israeli Museum

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Ancient Jewish Prayer Book Unveild By Israeli Museum

An Israeli museum on Thursday unveiled what it says in the oldest known Jewish prayer book in the world, dating back to the 9th century A.D.

The prayer book, about 10 centimeters (four inches) long and seven centimeters wide, is written in Hebrew, contains about 50 pages, and is still in its original binding. It was donated to the Bible Lands Museum in Jerusalem by Oklahoma businessman Steve Green, a devout Christian and owner of one of the largest collections of rare biblical artifacts in the world.

Green’s family controls the Hobby Lobby crafts store chain, which won a closely watched U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June that allows it to assert religious beliefs to avoid covering contraceptives in employee health plans.

Green told The Associated Press that the book originated in the Middle East and that three experts, working independently, had carbon-dated it to 820 A.D.

Haggai Ben Shammai, the academic director of Israel’s National Library, agreed that the prayer book could be the most ancient Hebrew codex known to exist, though he said there is another contender in Germany.

A codex is a manuscript bound in book form with writing on both sides of page. Until the 5th or 6th century, Hebrew documents were written on parchment scrolls, so a codex represents a big step forward in the history of manuscripts… Read More

prayer book 2

Source and Original Content by Yahoo News

Same Sex Wedding: Defrocked US Pastor Faces Methodist Council

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Same Sex Wedding: Defrocked US Pastor Faces Methodist Council

A US pastor who was defrocked after officiating at his son’s same-sex wedding ceremony, and later reinstated, made an appeal to hang onto his ordination before a Methodist judicial council yesterday.

The church punished Rev Frank Schaefer, who has three gay children, last December by defrocking him when he refused to say he would never perform another gay ceremony. But an appeals panel reversed the decision last June.

Yesterday’s hearing in Memphis, attended by dozens of Schaefer supporters wearing rainbow scarves, was before the nine-member Judicial Council of The United Methodist Church, the church’s highest judicial body.

Schaefer, former pastor of Zion United Methodist Church of Iona in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, was charged underUnited Methodist Church law for having officiated at the same sex-marriage ceremony of his son in 2007.

The appeals decision overturning Schaefer’s removal from ministry “sends a message to the church that it’s OK to ignore and violate the discipline,” said the Rev. Christopher Fisher, counsel for the church’s Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, who argued against Schaefer’s reinstatement at Wednesday’s hearing.

Schaefer’s counsel, Scott Campbell, called the appeals decision, “wise, faithful, and just.”

“Schaefer began to see all the ways our church has done harm to our LGBT brothers and sisters and realized he could no longer remain silent,” Campbell told the council.

Schaefer said after the hearing that he felt “cautiously optimistic,” and that he has no regrets.

“I did what I did based on my heart and my conscience,” Schaefer said, adding that he thought the church’s stand against gay marriage thrust his son into depression.

The judicial council’s decision is not expected to be announced until “several days” after its meeting concludes on Saturday, the church said.

Source and Original Content by Christian Today

Canadian Church Leaders Call For Prayer Following Parliament Shooting

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Canadian Church Leaders Call For Prayer Following Parliament Shooting

hurch leaders have called for prayer following the fatal shooting of a soldier at Canada’s parliament yesterday.

“With all Canadians my heart is very heavy with the news of the killing of a Canadian soldier, Corporal Nathan Cirillo, while on honour guard duty at the National War Memorial in Ottawa today,” said the Most Rev Fred Hiltz,
Archbishop and Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, in a statement.

“This follows all too soon on the killing of another member of the Canadian Armed Forces in Quebec, Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, just days ago. I ask your prayers for these men, for their loved ones stricken with grief, and for the Canadian Armed Forces chaplains who are ministering to them. Pray also for the perpetrators of these awful attacks and for their families as well.”

The Archbishop also asked for prayers for all those holding public office, and especially for those working for peace and reconciliation around the world.

“Now is a moment when the refrain of our national anthem, “O Canada, we stand on guard for thee” must echo in every heart,” he concuded.

“Let our guarding be in the diligence of our prayer:

“Lord, keep this nation under your care,
and guide us in the way of justice and truth.
Let your way be known upon earth,
your saving health among all nations. Amen.”

The President of Lutheran Church-Canada has also joined the call to prayer.

“This is truly tragic news,” Robert Bugbee said yesterday. “We thank God for the service of our police officers, who prevented the gunman in Parliament from doing greater harm. And we ask that God guide the authorities as they seek additional suspects.”

He continued: “I call on our churches around the nation to lift up the situation in Ottawa in prayer. May God grant courage to the people of Canada in this difficult time, and may the love of Christ be a source of comfort to us all.”

A gunman fired shots near an Ottawa war memorial, killing 24-year-old Corporal Nathan Cirillo, before himself being shot fatally inside parliament… Read More

Source and Original Content by Christian Today

God Put Us on Earth for One Reason, to Do His Work’, Ohio Survivor

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God Put Us on Earth for One Reason, to Do His Work’, Ohio Survivor

Michelle Knight survived one of the worst ordeals at the hands of Ariel Castro, but the Christian woman says that she has forgiven her captor and rapist and will go on living her life.

Knight, who now goes by the name Lilly, was held captive by Castro for 11 years with two other girls. They managed to escape in 2013 and have largely avoided all contact with the press, but Knight has decided to stay in the limelight and tell her story, perhaps as an example of survival for others.

“I was able to forgive him,” Knight said at Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin High School in Chadron, Ohio on Sunday.

It took her a year and a half before Knight was able to say Castro’s name, given all that he had put her through. He lured her into his home with the promise of a puppy for her son—there was no puppy and soon Knight knew that she was in trouble.

“I am a sex addict and I cannot control myself,” she quoted Castro as saying at one point.

After she and the other victims escaped captivity, Castro was arrested and sentenced to life behind bars. The thought of being held prisoner overcame the kidnapper and he hanged himself just one month into the sentence.

“I felt very appalled by it, but I understood,” Knight said. “I don’t condone what he did. God put us on earth for one reason, to do His work. I’m a strong and powerful woman. I say what I mean and I don’t’ take any crap from anybody. The situation (Castro) put me in didn’t define me. I choose to live a meaningful life,” she added.

Finding Me, Knight’s autobiography, includes the story of how she survived life in captivity and the faith she relied upon. She has never shied away from giving testimony of that strength and crediting God for her survival.

Source and Original Content by Christian Post

RCCG’s Living Faith Connections Choir wins Mobo Awards 2014 For “Best Gospel Act”

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RCCG’s Living Faith Connections Choir wins Mobo Awards 2014 For “Best Gospel Act”

Award Wining Gospel group, RCCG Living Faith Connections Choir yesterday won the coveted prestigious Mobo Awards for Best Gospel Act which took place at London’s Wembley Arena amongst pomp and pagentry, the group was nominated earlier in the month in the category which was left open for voting in which they finally emerged as winners.It seems that the group is in for a glorious year as they have been flooded with nominations after nominations in different shows this year.

 

The Living Faith Connections Choir in the year 2013 released their debut album titled Beyond The Norm, which happened to be a collaboration with award winning songwriter Evans Ogboi,who was also present at the acceptance of the award.The album’s lead single “Nobody But You” went on to win ‘Song Of The Year’ at 2013’s Africa Gospel Music Awards.

Watch the Video of the Acceptance of the Award:

 

About  the Living Faith Connections Church

Living Faith Connections is a purpose-driven church, a beacon of hope and a lighthouse to a needy world. We believe that we have been sent to bring the gospel with its attendant message and assurance of comfort, victory and hope, to people.

Our strong desire is to seek God and walk in His purpose; this is reflected in our services through worship, praise, prayer and acts of service.
In our services, we come together as one irrespective of our social, cultural or racial background to celebrate in the presence of God with electrifying music and soul-stirring messages.

We are a church that strongly believes in the power of prayer and the supremacy of the Word. Lives have been transformed and people have seen the hand of God move strongly in their lives.

LFC is a place of testimonies where the impossible becomes possible.

Church Life
At LFC we believe that church is not just a place where we come to worship but a community where people thrive. We believe church to be a place where people meet friends, business associates, acquire new skills and enhance each other’s lives; it is a place where destinies are fulfilled. Therefore structures have been put in place to enhance our church experience via ministries and church departments.

We have ministries which oversee the activities of the main groups represented in church. The ministries organise events which cater for the needs of Living Faith Connection Family Members (LFCFMs). These events are varied and could be social, educational, spiritual or all encompassing depending on the prevailing requirements of the ministry. The events are generally aimed at enhancing spiritual growth, team working, togetherness and agape love among members.

Our History
Living Faith Connections is a parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). It was planted in February 2000 by its mother church, Royal Connections. Initially services were held at Newham Town hall in East Ham, then Nelson Primary School, also in East Ham. From Nelson Primary School the church moved to Ripple Hall, then to its current location on Thames road, Barking.
Since moving to Barking, the church has experienced exponential growth in every dimension.

Visit the website – Living Faith Connections Church

Android 5.0 Lollipop Coming Soon to Galaxy Note 4

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Android 5.0 Lollipop Coming Soon to Galaxy Note 4

HTC and Sony among other device manufacturers have already shared the Android 5.0 Lollipop update roadmap for their devices, and now Samsung has something to share. The South Korean giant on Tuesday hinted that the recently launched Galaxy Note 4 will soon get the Android 5.0 Lollipop update.

Samsung Mobile on Tuesday tweeted an image of the recently launched Galaxy Note 4 accompanied by a number of lollipops, probably signifying that it is testing the Android update on the device already. The tweet reads, “Anyway you look at it, the #GALAXYNote4 Quad HD Super AMOLED display is pretty sweet. #NoteTheDifference.”

Samsung had launched the Galaxy Note 4 at IFA in September with Android 4.4.4 KitKat. The smartphone made its debut in India last week.

Recently, HTC and Sony had also confirmed which of their devices will receive the Android 5.0 Lollipop update. While four of HTC’s smartphones will be receiving an update to Android 5.0 Lollipop officially, Sony announced that the entire Xperia Z lineup will be updated to the new OS version.

Source and Original Content by Ndtv.com

Love INC ; Meeting The Needs of People Across America

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Love INC ; Meeting The Needs of People Across America

Meeting the needs of the poor is a top priority for churches in Boise, Idaho. A network of about 40 congregations is crossing denominational lines to help those trapped in poverty.

An organization called “Love INC Boise” (Love, in the Name of Christ) is helping them do that by providing the basics like food, clothing and a host of other essential items.

“A lot of times they’re needing help with making the rent, paying the electric bills. Right now, we see a lot of school supplies and clothes for kids,” Kimbra Shaw, outreach director of Love INC, said.

“In a couple of months we’ll see coats and blankets become a heavy, heavy need,” she explained.

People looking for assistance call a hotline, and operators at Love INC Boise direct them to a member church.

“Our churches specialize in dishwashing soap and laundry soap and all kinds of soap and so we give and give and give that way, but we know that Love, Inc., can then help beyond where we can help,” Pastor Rich McGovert of Cornerstone Church told CBN News.

Unifying the Body of Christ

There are more than 100 Love INC chapters across the country.

While the mission of Love INC is to help churches needs in local communities, it also focuses on unifying the Body of Christ for the purpose of transforming lives.

“One of Jesus’ prayers was that we’d be one and there’s nothing better that demonstrates the reality and the truthfulness of the Gospel than when the Church comes together and doesn’t see themself in competition,” Pastor Rod Enos of Southside Christian Center said.

Shaw agreed, saying, “… Each church individually can’t do it all. But when they work together every church brings a little bit. They each bring their part together and we can funnel that through Love INC and we can do it all… Read More

Source and Original Content by BCNN 1

World Churches Campaign Against Women Violence

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World Churches Campaign Against Women Violence

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has involved its member churches and partners in a World YWCA campaign, “NoXcuses for Violence against Women”.

“There is no excuse for violence against women. There is no excuse for ignoring it!” With this message the campaign marked the World YWCA Week without Violence observed from 13 – 19 October, leading up to 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an international campaign, which starts on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day.

The World YWCA has launched a website for the NoXcuses campaign, featuring testimonies of women survivors of violence, as well as testimonies of support from partners such as UN Women and United Nations Population Fund, among others.

The NoXcuses website features a ‘Wall of Support’ and live feeds from social media. The campaign calls for participation by urging the public to share photos of themselves doing the X hand gesture, or by posting pictures of any excuse that was used when a violent act was committed, and by sharing them through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using the #noXcuses hash tag.

Participants are also encouraged to wear and distribute temporary X tattoos that can be downloaded in the “Get Involved” section of the website. Participants may use the Toolkit provided in this section that offers various ideas of how to get involved and join the campaign.

Dr Fulata Mbano-Moyo, the WCC’s programme executive for Women in Church and Society, reflected on the significance of the campaign. “Throughout the course of history, both men and women have given excuses to justify sexual and gender based violence, accusing raped girls or women for their dressing or disobedience. Even cultural or religious teachings have been used to justify violence,” she said.

“In this campaign we are saying there are no excuses under the sun. Neither religion nor the name of God should be used to condone gender injustice and violence,” added Moyo.

“This year we are saying there is no excuse for violence against women, whether it is rape, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual harassment at the work place, child marriage or psychological violence – there is no excuse,” said Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, General Secretary of the World YWCA.

“Since 1995 when the world gathered in Beijing to affirm women’s human rights, we have kept saying no to violence against women, and this year again we say – no excuse!” Gumbonzvanda added.

In collaboration with the WCC and the Lutheran World Federation, a selection of videos featuring religious leaders is being uploaded on the YouTube channel as part of the campaign. The videos feature diverse voices from the faith communities urging awareness on the issue of violence against women and girls around the world.

Over many years the WCC has addressed the issue of violence against women. The NoXcuses campaign also makes use of the WCC initiative “Thursdays in Black” which, through the simple gesture of wearing black on Thursdays, promotes an end to violence against women.

Source and Original Content by Ekklessia

Houston’s Mayor Is Endangering Civil Rights

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Houston’s Mayor Is Endangering Civil Rights

Tavis Smiley raised a lot of eyebrows this weekend when he spoke on ABC-TV’s “This Week” news show, hosted by George Stephanopoulos.

Smiley pointed to double-digit unemployment in the Black community under President Obama and said: “If you’re Black or Brown, other than saving the Democrats’ hide, what inspires you to go out and vote?”

Economic empowerment for minority families is surely a vital issue, a hardy perennial in off-year elections. But it’s not the only issue. Minority voters have always been concerned with Civil Rights. And this year is no exception.

In Houston, Texas, we have seen a bizarre twist on traditional Civil Rights play out. The Mayor of Houston, Annise Parker, has been waging an uncivil war on people who oppose the far-reaching homosexual rights ordinance she powered through the City Council.

That ordinance was widely criticized by Houston lay people and pastors, It would endanger protected Civil Rights already covered by the First Amendment, i.e., freedom of religion, critics of Mayor Parker’s ordinance said.

Opponents of the Parker measure organized in their churches and resolved to take the issue to Houston’s voters. They circulated petitions to put the ordinance on the ballot for a referendum. They spoke out in their congregations. They heard sermons from their pastors. They spoke in their fellowship halls and Sunday school classes.

All of these activities were hallmarks of the Civil Rights movement that arose in this country to put an end to Jim Crow injustices. All of these now-threatened activities were employed by Civil Rights advocates throughout the South. Americans are justifiably proud of how we came together to reclaim our American heritage in the 1950s and 1960s.

Visitors to Washington, D.C. can see the timeless words of the First Amendment etched in marble in foot-high letters on the wall of the Newseum on Pennsylvania Avenue… Read More

Source and Original Content by BCNN 1

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