Churches Deprived of Their Worship Buildings in Tamil Nadu, India
HYDERABAD, India, March 7, 2019 (Morning Star News) – Churches in Tamil Nadu, India that had never experienced opposition now find Hindu extremists forcing them out of their places of worship, sources said.
In one case Hindu extremists called praying women prostitutes and threatened to kill them; in another case near Chennai, the state capital, police went door-to-door with a radical Hindu telling people not to meet for worship; in a third case, the owner of the property where the church meets ordered them to vacate after opponents set a fire inside.
In Vairichettipalayam village, Tiruchirappalli District, a mob of more than 25 Hindu villagers led by area Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on Feb. 17 burst into a Christian’s home during an evening Bible study and prayer time where about 20 women and the pastor were meeting. Led by BJP leaders identified only as Ramesh and Ramachandran, the intruders told them they must vacate the place, Pastor Raju, who goes by a single name, told Morning Star News.
Asking who had given them permission to hold a Christian meeting, the BJP leaders and their aides told the Christians the house would be locked and they must leave immediately, he said.
“We tried to make him understand that we had been gathering as a house church for the past 15 years, and that we had not violated any law,” Pastor Raju told Morning Star News. “I…
Open Heaven 8 March 2019 Friday Daily Devotional By Pastor E. A. Adeboye – He is Risen
Topic: He is Risen (Open Heaven 8 March 2019)
Memorise: “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”- Matthew 28:6
Read: Matthew 28:1-6 (KJV)
1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
Bible in One Year: Romans 4-6, Isaiah 57
Open Heaven 8 March 2019 Friday MESSAGE:
The fundamental event upon which Christianity is based is the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. To this end, 1 Corinthians 15:17 says,
“And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.”
When we confess that we are born again, we are saying that we have died with Christ and have been raised back to life with Him, having a new form of life that is no longer subject to death, just like our Master. Speaking about this new life, the Master says in Revelation 1:18:
“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”
In Romans 6:3-4, the Holy Spirit sheds more light on the new life we possess through Christ’s resurrection, saying:
“3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
While Christ’s life on earth was glorious and His death upon the cross cannot be trivialized, what is most significant is the fact that He rose from the dead to die no more. This is what gives life to our faith and makes Christianity unique. I pray that God will give you a full revelation of this truth in your Spirit.
In today’s Bible reading, it is interesting to note that just as angelic beings announced the birth of Jesus, they also announced His triumphant resurrection (Luke 2:8-14). Let’s take a closer look at the words of their declaration at His resurrection in Matthew 28:5, they said:
“…Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.”
From these words, you should note that it is possible for angels to know the intent of your heart, and that when you seek Jesus with all your heart, someone greater than angels, in the person of the Holy Spirit is ready to guide you to Him. If you truly seek the risen Lord today, God will spare no expense to reveal Him to you. Furthermore, in Luke 24:5, we are told that the angels asked the women who sought the risen Lord:
“…Why seek ye the living among the dead?”
Those seeking Jesus through religions whose founders are dead should learn from these words that they cannot find Him there. Some people even believe that Jesus is in every religion, but nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus Christ is risen, and whoever believes in Him will also partake of the eternal life in him. Have you received this new life?
Open Heaven 8 March 2019 Friday Prayer Point:
Father, let Your power of resurrection quicken my mortal body today for greater exploits for You.
Open Heaven 8 March 2019 Friday Hymn 9: In Christ Alone
1.In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
2.In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live.
3.There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
4.No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.
Open Heaven 8 March 2019 Friday Daily Devotional 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. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC. Open Heaven 8 March 2019 Friday Daily Devotional.
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.
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American Idol Judges Brought to Tears after Learning Church Sent Once-Homeless Girl to Audition
In an emotional audition on ABC’s “American Idol,” 19-year-old Kalifa Wilson stood before judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie to share her families struggle to overcome adversity.
According to CBN News, Wilson – who goes by “Kai the Singer” – walked into the audition room and sang covers of Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” and The Temptations’ “My Girl” before quickly bringing pop singer Katy Perry to tears with her story.
Wilson shared that all of her life she and her family had been living in homeless shelters. The South Carolina native even noted that at one point her whole family was living in a car.
Bryan, who was visibly moved by Wilsons rendition of “My Girl,” told Wilson that he was glad she was able to come to the audition. He said, “When you got on the piano, it truly started stirring many, many emotions in me. And quite frankly, I don’t know how kids like you pony up and make it here.”
Wilson responded saying, “My church.”
Perry, whose eyes were filled with water, quickly asked, “Your church sent you here?”
Wilson answered saying, “Yeah, just right there after church.”
As tears streamed down Perry’s face, she told Wilson that her story reminded her of her own.
“I didn’t grow up with any money. Money was always a problem. It was the cause of everything not great…
Lord Habgood, who was Archbishop of York and second in the Church of England hierarchy for 12 years until 1995, was the most outspoken and effective ecclesiastical figure of his age.
Dr John Sentamu said: “His towering presence, physical, intellectual, and spiritual, was a gift to all who knew him.
“My prayers are with his family at this time. May he rest in peace, and rise in glory.”
He went on: “As a hugely distinguished scientist, theologian and philosopher, Archbishop Habgood’s faith in Christ gave him a particular perspective and a persuasive witness both to church and nation for his time. His many books simplified big and complex questions, revealing an incredibly perceptive intellect.
“I’m very glad to have confirmed his grandchildren and dedicated a room in his honour at Bishopthorpe Palace.”
Lord Habgood (pictured above, right, inside York Minster with Her Majesty the Queen) was a key exponent of Christian faith and morals in a secular age.
A statement following the death of the former Archbishop of York, John Habgood can be read at https://t.co/EbWi5FMYMR
With his scientific background, he regarded many of the stories on which Christian doctrines are based as being true allegorically rather than literally.
As a scientist he had difficulty in asserting the literal truth of supernatural events said to have…
Judge Lets Father Represent Aborted Baby in Wrongful Death Suit
An Alabama judge has let a wrongful death lawsuit proceed in which a father is suing an abortion clinic on behalf of his aborted unborn child.
Madison County probate court Judge Frank Barger recognized last month the father, Ryan Magers, as the legal representative of “Baby Roe” in the lawsuit.
Magers’ attorney, Brent Helms, said it was the first ruling of its kind anywhere in the United States.
“We have already had a victory,” Helms told WAAY television. “… This is the first estate that I’m aware of that has ever been opened for an aborted baby.”
The suit names as the plaintiff: “Ryan Magers, individually and on behalf of his deceased child, Baby Roe.”
The lawsuit says Magers became aware his girlfriend was pregnant in early 2017 and “made it known that he wanted to keep Baby Roe, but the Mother wanted to abort.” The suit further says the father “repeatedly pleaded with the Mother not to kill Baby Roe.”
The mother made an appointment for an abortion with the Alabama Women’s Center, which guided her through a chemical abortion. She was approximately six weeks into her pregnancy, according to the suit.
Alabama Women’s Center is named in the suit. The mother is not.
“Defendants … wrongfully caused Baby Roe’s death,” the suit says.
The lawsuit references a constitutional amendment passed by Alabama voters…
The city council wants to introduce a £1 charge for every 15 minutes a vehicle is parked, which could be topped up for up to two hours at £8.
Rev Melvyn Wood, interim moderator of St Columba Gaelic Church teamed up with St Andrew’s West Church of Scotland and Glasgow City Free Church to encourage people to sign an open letter to the city council asking that it only be introduced from 1pm – when most services would already be over.
Rev Wood said: “This proposal is a tax on our right to free worship.
“We accept that parking restrictions are in place Monday to Saturday but Sundays are not working days for business and have always had free on-street parking.
“Due to reduced public transport on Sundays, we rely on private cars and lifts to get to and from church as some of our congregation members are elderly with limited mobility.”
The charges aim to reduce congestion in the city and help the environmental regeneration of the city.
The Presbytery of Glasgow has raised concerns about Sunday parking charges in a letter to Annemarie O’Donnell, chief executive of Glasgow City Council.
Rev George Cowie, presbytery clerk, wrote: “We are concerned that for some people, the introduction of parking charges will act as a deterrent and may contribute to the church’s presence in some areas becoming less viable.
“The Church’s charitable activities are of a different nature than…
The pair, who have not been named, were found at an address in Swinburne Road, Ipswich, on Wednesday and treated by paramedics but died at the scene, Suffolk Police said.
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested.
A police officer stood outside the semi-detached house on Thursday morning, with floral tributes laid beside the garden gate.
The force was called by East of England Ambulance Service at 5pm on Wednesday after a woman’s body was found at a property in Swinburne Road.
A young child also discovered at the address was treated by paramedics but died at the scene, police said.
Officers said the victims’ next of kin have been informed.
Former neighbour Lisa Horne, 39, described the mother as “lovely”, adding that she believed she was in her late teens.
“She always kept herself to herself,” she said, after placing flowers outside the house.
“She was in the garden with her son, or when we were doing the car she was there with hers.
“She always said ‘Morning’ or ‘Hello’.
“It’s a bit of a shock.”
She continued: “Every time we were out here she was polite.
“We were here for about a year-and-a-half before we moved at Christmas. She was lovely.
“She never had any issues and was quiet.
“I just feel at a loss, at such a young age for both of them, no life at all really.”
Deaths from Suicide, Drugs and Alcohol Reach Highest Level Ever
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released statistics showing that death from suicide, alcohol, and drugs hit their highest level since the federal government started recording data in 1999.
The rate from deaths from alcohol, suicide, and drugs rose 6 percent in 2017. The increase had been higher for the previous two years, but the rate of annual increase since 1999 was only 4 percent. The Trust for America’s Health and Well Being placed the death rate from suicide, drugs, and alcohol at 46.6 deaths per 100,000 in 2017, up from 43.9 per 100,000 in 2016.
The rise in numbers encompasses the majority of the nation and is not limited to one region. Death rates from suicide, alcohol, and drugs fell in only five states- Oklahoma, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wyoming. However, some regions were hit harder than others. In West Virginia, 99 residents per 100,000 died from alcohol, drugs, or suicide and in New Mexico it is 77 residents per 100,000.
Deaths from suicide, alcohol, and drugs hit men harder than women, with death rates for men standing at 68.2 per 100,000 while it was 25.7 per 100,000 for women. The hardest hit age range is age 35-54 with 72.4 deaths per 100,000.
Deaths from suicide and opioids continue to skyrocket. Suicide by firearm has increased by 22 percent since 2008 and suicide by suffocation rose 42 since 2008. Deaths from…
Chinese President Xi Jinping gave Mr Trump and first lady Melania Trump the two most expensive presents in 2017: an ornate calligraphy display and presentation box worth 14,400 dollars (£10,931) and a porcelain dinnerware set that includes plates imprinted with the pink house at Mr Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort worth 16,250 dollars (£12,336).
Like all of the other gifts to Mr Trump, his wife, daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner, those were turned over to the National Archives.
The Saudis and Gulf Arab states gave at least 24,120 dollars (£18,310) in gifts to the Trumps.
Those included a 6,400 dollar (£4,858) ruby and emerald pendant necklace from Saudi Arabia’s King Salman, a gold-plated fighter jet model worth 4,850 dollars (£3,681) from Bahrain’s crown prince, a 3,700 dollar (£2,808) bronze statue of three oryx from the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, a set of gold-plated Kuwaiti coins worth 1,610 dollars (£1,222) from Kuwait’s emir and “royal” perfume in a reptile skin carrying case worth 1,260 dollars (£956) from the deputy prime minister of Oman.
Others in the Middle East did not stint when it came to presents for the first family, according to the 64-page list compiled by the State Department’s Office of Protocol, which is to be published in the Federal Register on Thursday.
The Trumps received a personalised hardcover book of Psalms worth 4,500…
As some point, successful revitalization turns into church growth when the turnaround is complete. Today we discuss markers you may see along your revitalization path.
Some highlights from today’s episode:
Knowing the health of your church when you “start” a revitalization is important to be able to measure progress.
Would your community miss your church if the church closed tomorrow?
Highly evangelistic churches are typically healthy churches.
Churches that are actually being revitalized will show signs of success in revitalization.
The seven signs that we discuss are:
When the DNA and attitude of the church has a definite and positive change
When the community embraces the church
When attendance declines have reversed or slowed
When the church begins to get new and positive members to replace malcontents who left the church
When at least one of ten of your active adults shares his or her faith on a regular basis
When prayer becomes a priority in the church
When there are fewer meetings for more ministry
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Biblical Worship is the foundation for church revitalization. Biblical worship leads us to listen to Jesus and in listening to Him he will reveal His plan is for his church. The North American mission board is pleased to present a revitalization worship summit August 26 and 27 at the North American Mission Board in Alpharetta Georgia. Leading the Summit will be…
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