Scottish Police Find Themselves Innocent after Posting Anti-Christian Posters

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Scottish Police Find Themselves Innocent after Posting Anti-Christian Posters


Scottish Police Find Themselves Innocent after Posting Anti-Christian Posters


The police in Scotland who posted anti-Christian posters have investigated their own actions and determined they are innocent.


According to WND, the internal investigation came following a complaint that was filed by the Barnabas Fund Christian ministry.


The ministry said it filed a complaint about “hate crime” posters from the police and Scottish government. The posters were addressed “Dear Bigots.”


“Division seems to be what you believe in,” the poster said. “We don’t want your religious hate on our buses, on our streets and in our communities.


“We don’t want you spreading your intolerance. Or making people’s lives a misery because of their religious dress. You may not have faith in respect and love, but we do. That’s why if we see your hate, we’re reporting you.”


But a senior police officer said the posters are not “based on malice or ill will towards any social group.”


The Barnabas Fund ministry said the posters were upsetting to Christians. Barnabas CEO Hendrick Storm said he was “shocked” at the posters.


Rev. David Robertson of St. Peter’s Free Church in Dundee called the poster a “contradiction.”


“It’s basically a poster that says if you are religious then you are a bigot,” he said.


Photo courtesy: Pixabay

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Click here to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Christian Headlines.

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Thatcher wanted Irish priest extradited for suspected IRA links

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Thatcher wanted Irish priest extradited for suspected IRA links

Suspected IRA quartermaster Father Patrick Ryan was the subject of a lengthy legal battle in 1988.

Fr Ryan was arrested by Belgian police at is home where they found large quantities of cash and bomb-making equipment.

The UK requested to have him extradited from Belgium where he was believed to have been involved in an IRA unit.

The Belgian authorities refused the UK’s request and later extradited him to the Republic of Ireland.

Fr Ryan, a former Pallottine priest from Tipperary, became the centre of a row between Irish and British authorities after the Republic refused to extradite him to the UK.

The rift caused tension between the British Prime Minister and Taoiseach Charlie Haughey which spilled into a meeting between the two leaders at the end of the European Council in Rhodes in December 1988.

Minutes of the “frank exchange” which lasted under an hour, reveals the PM’s frustration over the extradition process saying she felt “badly let down” over the matter.

Mrs Thatcher described Fr Ryan as a “really bad egg”.

“I and my soldiers – we are at the receiving end,” she told the Taoiseach.

“Ryan is a very dangerous man. Both the Belgians and our services know this. He is at liberty still.”

Thatcher and Charles Haughey

Mrs Thatcher pressed the then Taoiseach on why the Irish government failed to arrest him or…

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Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.

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Seven Keys to Protecting Your Ministry During Your Building Program

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Podcast Episode #497

SUBSCRIBE:
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Tim Songster of Cosco & Associates joins us to discuss his new book on healthy church design and how churches can best navigate through a building program.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

  • Any problem that exists in a church is often magnified when a church enters a building program.
  • Successful, sustained change will not take place in a church without prayer.
  • Before deciding your church needs to build, you first need to truly understand what it needs to build.
  • Church building teams need to stay in constant communication with the congregation to keep momentum going throughout the process.

The seven keys we cover are:

  1. Set your expectations correctly
  2. Prepare spiritually
  3. Prioritize your ministry needs
  4. Prepare financially
  5. Build excellent teams
  6. Be a leader of hope and vision
  7. Work hard to communicate with your church

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast

Episode Sponsors

The ministry landscape is changing, and the need for biblical training is more necessary than ever. It’s time to get your Master of Divinity degree. The M.Div —Midwestern Seminary’s flagship degree program — is the primary track for ministry preparation. At just 81 hours, the Midwestern M.Div offers a complete foundation for full-time ministry leaders, offering everything you need, and nothing you don’t. Join other students in vibrant Kansas City as you train in a unique collaborative…

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Click here to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Thom Rainer.

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John Major supported banning film censored in UK for blasphemy

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John Major supported banning film censored in UK for blasphemy

The then prime minister felt “sufficiently strongly” about the case of Visions of Ecstasy, an erotic art-house movie about Christ, he inquired about the possibility of Britain being exempted under the European Convention on Human Rights if that proved necessary.

The controversial 18-minute video depicted Carmelite nun St Teresa’s sexual fantasies about Jesus on the cross.

It was judged unfit for distribution by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) because of its treatment of a “sacred” subject.

When director Nigel Wingrove applied to take the case before the European Court of Human Rights, arguing it breached his freedom of expression, Mr Major described the state of affairs as “wholly unacceptable”.

In a document dated August 1994 sent to senior government figures including the Foreign Secretary and Lord Chancellor, Mr Major writes: “I must make it clear that I would not tolerate a position which required the Government or the BBFC to grant a certificate to this film or to others of a similar type.

“This is a matter on which I feel sufficiently strongly to be prepared to consider a derogation from the European Convention on Human Rights if that were to be necessary in the final analysis.

“I must say I find the position in which we find ourselves wholly unacceptable.”

In a reply, then Foreign Secretary Douglas Hurd warned about doing anything “likely to…

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Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.

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Veteran visits wife’s grave over 1,300 times

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Veteran visits wife’s grave over 1,300 times

Ted Richardson is a ninety-three-year-old veteran. He and Florence met as teens, then he left to serve as a Marine in World War II. But he took her picture with him everywhere he went.

They got married after the war. Ted says Florence always took care of him–for seventy-two years. So, now it’s his turn to take care of her.

Ted visits his wife’s grave six days a week, without fail, taking three buses to get there. He cares for it meticulously, trimming weeds and brushing away leaves. He has already arranged for his church to bring flowers to Florence’s grave after he dies.

He has already visited over 1,300 times. He says it’s worth it to be close to the love of his life.

Adversity is opportunity

As you look back over 2018, what events come to mind?

If you’re like most of us, your challenges and problems loom large. If someone you loved passed away, their death marked your life.

History feels the same way. When we think of David, Goliath is followed immediately by Bathsheba. Our first thought about Abraham Lincoln or John F. Kennedy is usually their assassination.

But we don’t have to let our losses define us. Like Ted Richardson, we can choose to honor the past by the way we live in the present. And we can view adversity as the opportunity it is.

In Zechariah 13, the Lord foretells of a day when “one third” of the people will survive the judgment to come (v. 8). Then “I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested” (v. 9a).

With this result: “They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God’” (v. 9b).

Three ways to redeem our challenges

Gold and silver must be refined to be useful to the craftsman who employs them. Water must be purified to be healthy for those who drink it.

We should view adversity as opportunity, for three reasons.

One: Adversity helps us evaluate the health of…

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Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Denison Forum.

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Pollsters remark on Rev Billy Graham’s ‘notable’ absence from list of most admired men

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Pollsters remark on Rev Billy Graham’s ‘notable’ absence from list of most admired men

Pollsters at the Washington DC-based company noted how the US evangelist featured in their top ten lists a record 61 times – more than any other person

Publishing the new findings, they said: “The top ten list this year is notable for the absence of two men who often ranked high but who passed away in 2018, Senator John McCain and Rev Billy Graham.”

 

Former US President Barack Obama topped Gallup’s 2018 most admire men list, while incumbent US President Donald Trump and former leader George W Bush came second and third, respectively.

The pollsters continued: “Rev Graham was in the top ten every year from 1955 through 2017, with the exception of 1962. Graham never finished first, but he was second eight times, most recently in 1999.”

 

Rev Graham died at his home in North Carolina in February 2018 – aged 99.

Gallup asked Americans earlier this month which living man and woman they most admired anywhere in the world. Pope Francis was voted the fourth-most admired man.

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

 

Former US First Lady Michelle Obama topped the females list, unseating Democrat politician Hillary Clinton from the number one spot for the first time in 17 years.

Queen Elizabeth II…

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Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.

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Oscar Pistorius ‘leading Bible studies for fellow inmates’

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Oscar Pistorius ‘leading Bible studies for fellow inmates’

The 32-year-old has convinced inmates – including a feared gang leader – to join the sessions at Pretoria’s Atteridgeville Correctional Centre, Henke Pistorius told The Times newspaper.

Mr Pistorius, 62, said: “They are hard-core chaps, the problem people in the prison, but now they are all meeting to follow the Bible once or twice a week.

 

“Oscar leads the studies and is able to accommodate those who aren’t so familiar with the Bible, to explain the meaning of all the verses.”

The double leg amputee, who has spoken publicly about his Christian faith, was sentenced in November 2017 to 13 years in prison for killing Reeve Steenkamp at his home in 2013.

 

Oscar Pistorius shot the graduate and model multiple times through the locked door of his bathroom. During his trial, Oscar Pistorius said he thought the property had been broken into.

Henke Pistorius continued: “I have no doubt that Oscar has changed the environment in the prison for the better.

PA

 

“He is helping to mediate between people and is having a positive influence.”

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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Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.

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Joyce Meyer Devotional 28 December 2018 — Best

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Topic: Best [Joyce Meyer Devotional 28 December 2018]

And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. — Mark 2:27

You were created to have a deep, intimate, personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ and the very best life He came to offer.

Acts 10:34 (AMPC) says, God shows no partiality and is no respecter of persons. This means His promises apply equally to everyone who follows Him.

Yes, you can have the very best God offers, but you can’t give up when times get tough. If you’ll trust God and follow Him wholeheartedly, you will discover your best life in Him.

God has a great purpose for you, and I urge you not to settle for anything less. He wants to bless you and give you a life that will not only thrill you, fulfill you, and bring you deep joy and sweet satisfaction but also challenge you, stretch you and help you discover that, in Christ, you’re stronger than you think.

Prayer Starter: Lord, I want every good thing You have for my life! Help me to persevere through life’s difficulties and seek You with my whole heart. 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 Devotional 28 December 2018 — Best appeared first on Flatimes.

TREM Devotional 28 December 2018 – Every Impossibility Will Become Possible For You

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Topic: Every Impossibility Will Become Possible For You [TREM Devotional 28 December 2018]

“Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD, Tomorrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.” 2 Kgs 7:1

In 2 Kgs. 6 we read the story of how bad the famine in Samaria was to the point where women were eating their own children for survival. This was indeed a hopeless position for any nation to be in. Things had gotten so bad that there seemed to be no hope, yet right during this crisis, the servant of God declared abundance and so it was. The prophecy was also so unbelievable that the Minister of Finance or you can call him the second in command, but the Bible simply describes him as the man on whose hand the king leaned, looked around, thought through all known principles of economics, which he was probably very good at, and declared that it was impossible.

The servant of God made a pronouncement that he would see it but not partake of it and it came to pass, just as the man of God had spoken. For there was indeed an overnight miracle that brought forth abundance, and when the man went to take charge (of the miracle he did not believe, nor contribute in bringing to pass), he was trampled underfoot according to Word of God.

I come to challenge you no matter how hopeless the situation is, don’t give up on the Word of God. What has God spoken to you? Hold on to it; believe it with all your heart and it will come to pass. God is never too late. When you even think He is doing nothing, hang in there, He may be silent, but believe me, He is working out something for your good. The Bible rightly says in Ps. 30:5 that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. I prophesy over your life that your joy has come. It is the dawn of a new day and you cannot be denied. Rejoice, 2019 is the year you have been waiting for.

Further Reading: 2 Kgs. 7: 1 – 20; Ps. 30: 1 – 12

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Zechariah 5-8; Evening- Revelation 19

“If you missed yesterday devotional click HERE to read TREM 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.

The post TREM Devotional 28 December 2018 – Every Impossibility Will Become Possible For You appeared first on Flatimes.

Our Daily Bread 28 December 2018 Devotional – Good Riddance Day

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Topic: Good Riddance Day [Our Daily Bread 28 December 2018 Devotional]

Read: Psalm 103:1–12, Bible in a Year: Zechariah 5–8; Revelation 19

As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12

Since 2006 a group of people have celebrated an unusual event around the New Year. It’s called Good Riddance Day. Based on a Latin American tradition, individuals write down unpleasant, embarrassing memories and bad issues from the past year and throw them into an industrial-strength shredder. Or some take a sledgehammer to their good riddance item.

The writer of Psalm 103 goes beyond suggesting that people say good riddance to unpleasant memories. He reminded us that God bids good riddance to our sins. In his attempt to express God’s vast love for His people, the psalmist used word pictures. He compared the vastness of God’s love to the distance between the heavens and the earth (v. 11). Then the psalmist talked about His forgiveness in spatial terms. As far as the place where the sun rises is from the place where the sun sets, so the Lord has removed His people’s sins from them (v. 12). The psalmist wanted God’s people to know that His love and forgiveness were infinite and complete. God freed His people from the power of their transgressions by fully pardoning them.

Good news! We don’t have to wait until the New Year to experience Good Riddance Day. Through our faith in Jesus, when we confess and turn from our sins, He bids good riddance to them and casts them into the depths of the sea. Today can be a Good Riddance Day!

Thank You, Father, for freedom from sin.

What sins do you need to say goodbye to? How does it make you feel knowing that God infinitely and completely forgets your sins?

INSIGHT
Recognizing our propensity to be forgetful and unfaithful (Deuteronomy 6:10–12; Hosea 13:6), David wrote Psalm 103 as a thanksgiving song, calling us to praise God for who He is and what He has done. He reminds us not to forgot “all his benefits” (vv. 1–2). The psalmist describes the character of our redeeming Father. He is compassionate, slow to anger, loving, forgiving, and gracious (vv. 3–13). He “does not punish us for all our sins . . . [or] deal harshly with us, as we deserve” (v. 10 nlt). God has forgiven our sins completely (vv. 11–12). David recounts God’s character in the aftermath of Israel’s idolatrous sin (vv. 7–8; Exodus 32): Our God is “the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin” (Exodus 34:6–7).
K. T. Sim

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Our Daily Bread Devotionals HERE”

This message was written By Marvin Williams [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

The post Our Daily Bread 28 December 2018 Devotional – Good Riddance Day appeared first on Flatimes.

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