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World’s Tallest Statue of Jesus Is Goal of ‘Bella’ Actor Eduardo Verástegui

Church and Ministry

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World’s Tallest Statue of Jesus Is Goal of ‘Bella’ Actor Eduardo Verástegui

The Mexican actor known for his roles in Bella and Little Boy has launched an initiative to build the largest statue of Jesus in his home country.

Eduardo Verástegui, who played the lead role in the popular pro-life film Bella,said the statue will be about 77 meters (252 feet) tall, making it the tallest structure of Christ in the world. The statue of Jesus overlooking Rio de Janeiro is 30 meters tall.

Architect Fernando Romero will design it. It will be built in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas.

The statue will be accompanied by an esplanade with the capacity for 10,000 people, along with stores, restaurants, a hotel and an amphitheater, according to Mexico News Daily.

Verástegui, who is Catholic, previously co-founded Metanoia Films with the goal of making movies that positively impact the culture.

He formerly was a soap opera star who changed his career focus as a young adult.

“I was poisoning our society by the projects I was involved with. Out of ignorance I ended up doing things that right now I don’t feel proud of and wish I could go back and redo, but I can’t,” he told BeliefNet. “I made a promise to God that I would never use my talents again to do anything that would offend my faith, my family, or my Latino culture.”

Michael Foust is a freelance writer. Visit his blog, MichaelFoust.com.

Photo…

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RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 6 January 2019 – Practical Love in Marriage (Part 2)

Devotionals

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RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 6 January 2019 Lesson 19 – Practical Love in Marriage (Part 2)

TOPIC: Practical Love in Marriage (Part 2)

OPENING PRAYER: Father, please let torment and fear be chased out of our marriages through the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ name. (Scroll down for RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 6 JANUARY 2019 HYMN)

MEMORY VERSE: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” – 1 John 4:18 (scroll down for RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 6 JANUARY 2019 HYMN)

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 KJV (RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 6 January 2019)

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

LESSON INTRODUCTION:
In the previous lesson, we learnt about erotic/sexual love and friendship love as being crucial for a successful marriage. We shall further consider two(2) types of love that must be practiced in godly marriage. These are ‘affectionate’ love and ‘sacrificial/1 Corinthians 13:1-13 love.

TEXT REVIEW: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 “- “NO SUBSTITUTE”
The following are not substitute for charitable love:
i. Speaking in tongues of men and angels Vs. 1
ii. Gift of prophecy. Vs. 2
iii. Understanding of mysteries. Vs 2
iv. All knowledge. Vs 2
v. All faith. Vs 2
vi. Welfare grace or philanthropy. Vs 3
vii. Sacrifice of body. Vs 3

Those who claim to have genuine love based on the above parameters had better understood that their bases for love was NOTHING Vs 2 and Vs 3. They are “nothing” because:
i. Prophecy will fail. Vs 8
ii. Speaking in tongue will cease. Vs 8
iii. Knowledge shall vanish away. Vs 8

The true and lasting thing which does not fail is charity. Therefore, those who do not want to fail should embrace charity Vs 9-10

LESSON OUTLINE 1: “STORGE” AFFECTIONATE LOVE.
i. Greek word translate “storge” as Affectionate love.
ii. It is a familiar love that must be practically shown among couples, children and extended family members. Gen.
13:8-9, Ruth 1:16
iii. It is the care and concern that binds families together and which fosters unity against all odds. Gen. 14: 14-16; 34:1-7, 25-27; Exodus 2: 2-8
iv. It strengthens the family ties during suffering and heartache 1 Sam. 1:4-8.
v. It is the supportive love which must be demonstrated in the lines of losses or victory, failure, or success, sickness or sound health, sadness and joy, disappointment or achievement, etc. Luke 8:41-42, 49-55.
vi. It is a love that builds up trust and safety in marriage.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: What is the relevance of “storge” to marriage?

LESSON OUTLINE 2: “AGAPE” SACRIFICIAL/CHARITABLE LOVE
i. Agape describes love that comes from God who is God of love..
ii. God demonstrates his love to sinners by allowing the Lord Jesus to die for us. Rom. 5:8
iii. When a man truly loves God and holds on to his God and despises others such man has demonstrated Agape love. Matt. 6:24.
iv. A husband who truly loves his wife as Christ loves the church is said to exhibit Agape love. Eph. 5:25-31.
v. Agape love is unconditional love which stands and remains when other types of love quits, and when there is no reason to do so.
vi. Agape love is described as charitable love. 1 Cor. 13:1-13.
vii. Agape love still continues despite the shortcomings or faults of our mates.
vii. Agape love gives sacrificially and holds the couple together till death do them part. 1 John 3:16; John 13:1.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Identity the characteristics of Agape love.

SUMMARY: “Storge” is affectionate “Agape” is charitable.

CONCLUSION: A marriage without the presence and commitment of Storge (support and care) and Agape love may be on the express lane to heartbreak.

EVALUATION: Mention four (4) characteristics of “storge” and “Agape” each.

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, help couples to love each other to the end.

ASSIGNMENT: Differentiate in five (5) points between “storge” and “Agape”.

Read previous RCCG Sunday School Teacher’s Manual Here

NOTE:
Flatimes.com EMPLOYS EVERYONE TO PURCHASE THE HARD COPY TO SUPPORT RCCG EDUCATION (SUNDAY SCHOOL DEPARTMENT). THE SOFT COPY (ONLINE) IS JUST TO HELP EASY ACCESS. GOD BLESS YOU AS YOU DO SO.

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 6 JANUARY 2019 HYMN

O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?

The post RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 6 January 2019 – Practical Love in Marriage (Part 2) appeared first on Flatimes.

‘do not get tired of praying for her’

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Leah Sharibu was one of 110 students kidnapped by Boko Haram from their boarding school in Dapchi in February last year.

While all other girls have been released – it’s reported her captors have kept hold of Leah because of her refusal to convert to recant her faith.

According to religious freedom charity Aid to the Church in Need, her mother Rebekah said: “I know that all over the world believers are praying and advocating for the release of my daughter, but until now I haven’t seen my Leah.

“I want to plead that Christians do not get tired of praying for her until she returns.”

Nathan Sharibu, Leah’s father, said: “My daughter’s trust and faith has made me realise that I have been living under the same roof with an admirable disciple of Christ.

“I am highly encouraged by her strong faith in the Lord and her refusal to renounce Christ even before death at the hands of Boko Haram.”

Earlier this week, Premier reported how attacks on Christians in Nigeria were set to increase in 2019.

Religious freedom charity Release International called on the UK government to do more to put pressure on authorities there.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

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Is Mary Poppins Returns Pro-Socialism?

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Is Mary Poppins Returns Pro-Socialism?

The new Mary Poppins film either has a pro-socialism subtext or a pro-capitalism message, depending on who you ask.

Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns(PG) opened in December to generally positive reviews and has grossed more than $100 million domestically at the box office. It also was named one of Crosswalk’s 10 best family movies of 2018.

The story follows Mary Poppins as she returns to Cherry Tree Lane in London to care for the three children of Michael Banks, who is facing eviction. The film, of course, has plenty of joy-filled songs and a happy ending, too.

Yet some commentators and critics believe the movie carries a message about economics and the structure of government.

Armond White, a writer for National Review Online, believes the film promotes socialism. Minor characters in the film, he notes, campaign “for underpaid workers.” The movie, he added, carries a “nasty political undercurrent” similar to “the #Resistance mood that has overtaken Broadway and Hollywood.”

“Though pretending to be innocuous family entertainment,” he wrote, “the knock-off tunes have a faintly repressive, pedantic note, especially in [composer Marc] Shaiman’s balloon-song finale ‘Nowhere to Go but Up.’ To careful listeners, it sounds like showbiz Stalinism: ‘The past is the past / It lives on as history / Let the past take a bow / Forever is now.’ Why should a family-movie…

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The Beginning of Our Era of Dominion by David Oyedepo

Devotionals

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The Beginning of Our Era of Dominion by David Oyedepo

WELCOME TO 2019
THE BEGINNING OF OUR ERA OF DOMINION

What is Dominion?
In our context:

Being in control of the affairs of life – Gen. 1:26/28/Jn. 6:5-13
Having it always the way one wants it always – Mat. 8:8-10/13
Being in command in one’s field of endeavour – Dan. 1: 17- 21/Dan. 6:1-3
Having authority from on high to reign in life – Mak. 11:28-30/Rev. 5:9-10/Dan. 7:25-27

We have Dominion Heritage in Christ

We are redeemed to walk in dominion – Rom. 5:17/Rev. 5:9-10
God has subjected al things under Christ for the Church – Eph. 2:6
We are now seated in heavenly places far above all principalities and powers and dominions – Eph. 1:20-21
From the beginning God ordained light to rule the earth and the redeemed are the light of the world – Gen. 1:14-16/Mat. 5:14

We are in the Last Days, The Dominion Era of the Church

The end-time Church is ordained a reigning Church – Ps. 110:1-3/Mic. 4:1-2
God has determined to bring all nations under the dominion of the Church in these last days – Luke 12:32/Is. 9:6/Dan. 7:27
Walking in the light of scriptures is walking in dominion – Jn. 1:1-57/Jn. 8:12/Jn. 9:5
It is by the light of the Word that we rule and reign in life – Heb. 1:3/Is. 60:1-3/Eph. 1:17-22
God shall be causing waves by His Word on the earth in these last days – Mic. 4:1-2 /Ps. 110:1-2
In these last days, God shall be confirming that the heavens do rule on the earth – Dan. 4:74-26: Dan. 7:27/ Eph. 1:22
We are in the last days, the days of explosive Church growth, when Churches like nations shall continue to rise – Isa. 2:1-3/Zch. 8:20-23/Mat.16:18
We are in the last days, the days of the rise of giants in the body of Christ – Obd. 21/Jer. 30:19-21/ Ps. 87:1-7

How to Walk in Dominion

We command dominion in this world of darkness by light – Gen. 1:14-19/Is. 60:1-3/19-22
And as we walk in the light, we continue to command dominion – Eph. 5:8/Is. 60:1-3
As we are guided by the light of the Word, we continue to command dominion – Psa. 119:105/Deu. 28:1-3
We access our inheritance in Christ by the light of the Word – Act. 20:32/2Pet 1:3
God rules the world by the power of His Word – Heb. 1:3
God’s power with which He rules the world is hidden in His word – Heb. 1:3/Psa. 66:7/Rom. 1:16
Every provision of the kingdom delivers according to the level of our spiritual insight in the Word – Mat. 13:23/Pr. 4:7-8/1Tim. 4:13/15
We walk in dominion by the light of His Word – Exo. 7:1/Ps. 82:5-7/Jn. 10:35
Whatever we see, we automatically believe and what we believe we are supernaturally empowered to become – Gen. 13:13-15/Jn. 20:24-29/Jn 1:12
All that reigned supernaturally in bible history reigned by light, such as:

Joseph – Gen. 41:5-16/38-44
Daniel – Dan. 5:11/Dan. 6:1-3
Solomon – 1 Kgs 3:12/1 Kgs 4:29-34
Paul. – 2 Pet 3:15/Act. 19:14-15

It is Time to Take Dominion

Moses had to take the rod to command dominion in Egypt and all through the wilderness to the promised land – Exo. 4:17/Exo. 16:35
We must take responsibility to engage with the revelation of dominion from henceforth – Eph. 5:8/Jn 12:35-36

Therefore, as earlier declared, the prophetic theme for the year is:

2019 I Have Dominion – Dan. 7 27

Congratulations and welcome to your era dominion.

Jesus is Lord!

Bishop David Oyedepo
President,
Living Faith Church Worldwide, Inc.
Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota-Lagos.

The post The Beginning of Our Era of Dominion by David Oyedepo appeared first on Flatimes.

Christian charity encourages prayer for migrant channel crossers

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Christian charity encourages prayer for migrant channel crossers

Phil Kurton, Co-Director of Seeking Sanctuary, which is a Christian group that helps migrants in Calais told Premier: “The Christian response is rather similar to that of the Good Samaritan. He saw someone in need, made sure he was warm, safe and got shelter and had medical treatment. Only after he was fit and well did anyone question what he needed to do to move on constructively with his life.

“That is what is how it should be.”

He’s been speaking as the home secretary Sajid Javid’s asked the Royal Navy for help dealing with the rising numbers of people trying to reach Britain in small boats.

Javid questioned whether migrants using small boats to cross the English Channel are genuine asylum seekers.

Kurton told Premier: “We should see these people as individuals who need help, that doesn’t necessary mean living here permanently they should be helped out of their misery and helped to find a constructive way to move on and to flourish.”

Kurton encouraged Christians to pray for those who might be making a dangerous journey: “I think we have to remember Jesus Christ who calmed the storm, and pray for God’s help for those in peril on the sea, wherever they are.”

Kurton added “Anything that will stop people taking these tremendous risk that they’re taking crossing the channel and shipping lanes in these tiny inflatable boats will be very…

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Remembering 7 Christian Leaders and Influencers: Who Went Home to Heaven in 2018

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Remembering 7 Christian Leaders and Influencers: Who Went Home to Heaven in 2018

Billy Graham

The man lovingly known as “America’s Pastor,” Billy Graham, died at the age of 99 on February 21^st, 2018 after a lifetime of service and faithfulness to the Lord. The Reverend Billy Graham preached God’s Word with conviction and passion for over 60 years. Many, many people greatly miss his influence and light in this world. He lived for Christ alone, and that is what He will always be most remembered for. He never wanted the attention and limelight of the world, he didn’t seek out fame or money, he only desired to lead others to know Jesus, the One who had changed the course of his own life at age 16 at a revival meeting.

Dr. Graham had the opportunity to preach the message of Christ’s freedom and forgiveness all around the globe, reaching over 200 million people in more than 185 countries. He was given the privilege of leading hundreds of thousands of people to pray to receive Jesus Christ into their lives as Lord and Savior. His integrity and wisdom opened doors to offer spiritual support and guidance for United States presidents from Eisenhower to Bush. He was a friend to many – celebrities, politicians, athletes, and leaders – such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Bono, Muhammad Ali, Johnny Cash, Larry King, Queen Elizabeth, and WWII hero and Olympian Louis Zamperini.

He was named by Americans as “One of the Ten Most Admired Men in the World,” a record-breaking 60 times with the Gallup poll. He…

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CofE announces new method of reporting safeguarding incidents

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CofE announces new method of reporting safeguarding incidents

Recent high-profile incidents in the charity sector have prompted the Charity Commission to update its guidance on the reporting of serious incidents and in particular, the process around safeguarding.

As a result, new bespoke guidance has been given by the Church of England to all Parochial Church Councils (PCC’s) and Diocesan Boards of Finance (DFN’s). All are required to report any serious incidents, to the charity commission.

The CofE are aiming to support all groups so that they understand what needs to be reported as a serious incident and how to do so in an effective and timely manner.

This may include actual or alleged safeguarding incidents.

A safeguarding incident is defined as an incident which results in or risks significant harm either to people linked with or employed by the charity or to its reputation.

Any incidents that result in or risk loss of the charity’s money or assets, damage its property or harm its work or reputation are defined as serious incidents.

PCC’s have been advised that all safeguarding serious incidents should be reported through their diocese. This is normally reported in bulk every 6 months.

If an incident is very serious, the guidance states that it must be reported immediately.

Bishop Peter Hancock, the Church of England’s lead safeguarding bishop said: “This new guidance for reporting means that for the first time we will…

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Abortion Doctor Compares Abortions to Miscarriages, Says, ‘God Performs Way More Abortions than I Do’

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Abortion Doctor Compares Abortions to Miscarriages, Says, ‘God Performs Way More Abortions than I Do’

Abortion Doctor Leah Torres took to Twitter on Saturday to say, “God performs way more abortions than I do.”

The doctor, who according to WDN, was in hot water last year for “boasting” that she cuts unborn babies’ vocal cords to prevent them from screaming, took to twitter over the weekend to seemingly respond to tweets that were sent to her.

Referring to her career choice, Twitter user Jake Highwell asked Torres, “I wonder what God thinks?”

The doctor from Utah responded saying, “Everyone seems to assert they know what god thinks, so have at it.”

“God performs way more abortions than I do, so there’s that,” she added seemingly implying that miscarriages are God’s abortions.

Everyone seems to assert they know what god thinks, so have at it.
God performs way more abortions than I do, so there’s that. https://t.co/mdTPnob8E5

— Leah Torres, MD (@LeahNTorres) December 29, 2018

The Tweet, which went viral, was met with some support, but mostly it was met with disbelief and frustration.

One Twitter user, Toni, commented on the post saying, “Except most miscarriages are because of an issue with the pregnancy/ non viability & most abortions are viable pregnancies. But you know that.”

Except most miscarriages are because of an issue with the pregnancy/ non viability & most abortions…

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What Mitt Romney’s niece thought of his editorial on Trump

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What Mitt Romney’s niece thought of his editorial on Trump

Conflicting values are generating many of today’s headlines.

For instance, Mitt Romney wrote a Washington Post op-ed advocating decorum in the White House and claiming that President Trump “has not risen to the mantle of the office.” His niece, Ronna Romney McDaniel, chairs the Republican National Committee. She responded in a tweet claiming that her uncle’s editorial “feeds into what the Democrats and media want and is disappointing and unproductive.”

In other political news, President Trump and congressional leaders met yesterday afternoon, but the two sides could not reach an agreement to end the partial government shutdown. The president insists on funding for the border wall; Democratic leaders offered a package of bills without such funds. Talks will resume tomorrow.

Our culture is locked in an ongoing conflict between those who value “civil rights” for LGBTQ persons and those who value religious rights for Americans who affirm biblical morality. Pro-choice advocates value the woman’s right to choose; pro-life advocates value the unborn child’s right to life.

We all view life through the prism of our values. Which leads to the question: What does God value most?

“The seventh day still continues”

Each day of creation ends with the refrain, “And there was evening and there was morning” (cf. Genesis 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23, 31). However, after God created the seventh day and “rested from all his work that he had done in creation” (Genesis 2:3), we find no such closing refrain. According to the English Standard Version Study Bible, this fact “prompt[s] many to conclude that the seventh day still continues.”

Across Scripture, God kept working within the universe he created so long ago. He judged sin through the Flood, spoke to Moses in a burning bush, liberated his people from Egyptian bondage, and established the Jewish nation in the Promised Land.

Then the One through whom “all things were created” (Colossians…

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World’s Tallest Statue of Jesus Is Goal of ‘Bella’ Actor Eduardo Verástegui

World’s Tallest Statue of Jesus Is Goal of ‘Bella’ Actor Eduardo Verástegui

RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 6 January 2019 – Practical Love in Marriage (Part 2)

RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 6 January 2019 Lesson 19 – Practical Love in Marriage (Part 2)

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 6 JANUARY 2019 HYMN

‘do not get tired of praying for her’

Is Mary Poppins Returns Pro-Socialism?

Is Mary Poppins Returns Pro-Socialism?

The Beginning of Our Era of Dominion by David Oyedepo