Reports of beatings to drive out ‘evil spirits’ from kids rise

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Reports of beatings to drive out ‘evil spirits’ from kids rise

Social workers recorded 1,630 claims of child abuse linked to faith or belief (CALFB), compared to 1,460 in the previous year, Department for Education figures reveal.

Justin Humphreys from the Christian child safeguarding charity ThirtyOne:Eight told Premier the figures concern a “hidden problem” and are probably just the “tip of the iceberg”.

 

He said: “There’s probably going to be a significant amount of surprise because this is an area that we still need to know more about.”

Cases might also include false accusations of children being witches or forcing them to undergo exorcisms.

Justin Humphreys continued: “What we, sadly, find is that disabled children and children with mental health difficulties are likely to feature highly in these figures.”

 

According to the National FGM Centre – a group which tackles harmful cultural practises – child abuse linked to faith or belief might even include the killing of children in the hope their death brings supernatural benefits.

Justin Humphreys said CALFB can affect people of various faiths and none – adding that churches must help expose the problem.

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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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Bible inscribed by Einstein expected to sell for $300,000 in auction

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Bible inscribed by Einstein expected to sell for $300,000 in auction

The physicist gifted the holy book in 1932 to Harriet Hamilton, a temporary secretary of his wife Elsa, the auction house claims.

Einstein wrote on a blank page in German: “This book is an inexhaustible source of living wisdom and consolation.

 

“Read therein and think thereon. A. Einstein.”
 
One of the world’s most famous scientists, Einstein was often asked to make public pronouncements about God and religion.

Cassandra Hatton, senior specialist in Sotheby’s books and manuscripts department told financial news site Barron’s: “We’re thrilled to be offering the only bible signed and inscribed by Albert Einstein to ever come to auction.

Sothbey's

 

“This alone is a rare and exciting moment, but what is even more compelling is Einstein’s inscription.”

Hattan added that the inscription is likely to spark new debates about Einstein’s beliefs.

The Bible is expected to get between $200,000 and US$300,000.

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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My visit to the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC

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My visit to the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC

I toured the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, yesterday.

The Museum is truly amazing. Its 430,000-square-foot building is located just three blocks from the US Capitol and has been rated one of the ten best museums in Washington.

It is an immersive experience in the history and stories of God’s word. Walking through its galleries took me back to the first century and demonstrated the impact of Scripture on humanity.

I cannot imagine a more powerful or persuasive witness at the heart of our nation’s capital.

As I toured the Museum of the Bible, I was struck by the difference one person can make. The Museum is the vision of Steve Green, the president of Hobby Lobby and son of the founder, David Green. The Green family has largely funded the $500 million project.

Every person who visits will be impacted by their faith and faithfulness to our Father.

“People are increasingly hopeless”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced yesterday that suicides and drug overdoses have driven life expectancy down in the United States. Overall, there were 2.8 million US deaths last year, nearly 70,000 more than the previous year and the most deaths in a single year since the government began counting more than a century ago.

What is driving this epidemic of drug overdoses and suicide?

Dr. William Dietz, a disease prevention expert at George Washington University: “I really do believe that people are increasingly hopeless, and that that leads to drug use, it leads potentially to suicide.”

It’s tempting to become hopeless about the hopelessness of our culture. But that’s exactly the wrong response.

From lockup to opera

Consider Ryan Speedo Green (no relation to Steve Green), a former juvenile delinquent who was incarcerated as a twelve-year-old after he pulled a knife on his mother and brother.

A teacher named Elizabeth Hughes contacted him at the lockup. “Don’t let this moment define you,” she told him. “You can be better….

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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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Rev Richard Coles to officiate wedding in Holby City cameo

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Rev Richard Coles to officiate wedding in Holby City cameo

The pop star-turned-vicar will play a vicar officiating a wedding ceremony between two as-yet unknown characters in the long-running BBC One medical drama.

Rev Coles said: “Thrilled to be invited finally to exercise my ministry of healing at Holby City, which has been my healthcare provider of choice for 20 years.

 

He added, referring to the villainous character played by Paul McGann: “And to officiate at an occasion so joyous even the late Professor Gaskell would have cracked a smile.”

Rev Coles, 56, is best known as one half of pop duo The Communards, who had 1980s hits including Don’t Leave Me This Way and Never Can Say Goodbye, and in 2017 he appeared in Strictly Come Dancing.

He will join other confirmed guest stars Gemma Oaten, Amanda Henderson and Jenny Howe in the special episode on December 11.

Wikimedia Commons

 

Storyline details are scant, but Simon Harper, executive producer of Holby City and Casualty, said: “After a dark year for the hospital, Holby is now revving up for Christmas and 2019 in this joyous episode celebrating love and commitment in all their diverse forms.

“As to which Holby couple ends up actually tying the knot, I couldn’t possibly divulge, but I can say it’s an incredible honour to have the iconic Reverend Richard officiating.”

Further guest stars will be announced for the episode, the BBC said.

Stay up 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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‘Paranormal investigators’ blocked from South Yorkshire church graveyard

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‘Paranormal investigators’ blocked from South Yorkshire church graveyard

Rotherham-based Paranormal-X PXTV had planned to gather in Rawmarsh last weekend but St Mary’s Church threatened legal action if they went ahead.

The parochial church council (PCC) erected a sign warning against the event going ahead, saying it went against its Christian values.

 

It read: “The PCC wishes to clearly state that this is a Christian burial site and the planned event is in direct contradiction to Christian doctrine as understood by the Church of England.

“Paranormal-X have no permission to gather in these grounds for the planned purpose, and should the event go ahead, the organisers may be subject to legal proceedings.”

 

Paranormal-X PXTV, which was founded in 2015, has visited the church in the past, including during two occasions in the summer of 2016.

Founder and psychic, Mark Smith, told Premier: “I understand the church’s perspective, given their beliefs which are based on doctrine and scripture but I do think it was a little unfair.

 

“It [the church] has got a public right of way. As far as I was concerned, I wasn’t doing anything wrong.

“It’s not like we were going in there causing criminal damage or being disrespectful.”

Premier approached St Mary’s but the church declined to comment.

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…

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Peers accuse UK of a ‘serious betrayal’ over Asia Bibi

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Peers accuse UK of a ‘serious betrayal’ over Asia Bibi

Writing in The Times on Friday, signatories including Lord Alton of Liverpool (pictured below) referred to claims the Government decided not to grant Asia Bibi asylum over fears of reprisals from hard-line Islamists.

They said: “We are deeply concerned by reports that Theresa May is refusing asylum to Asia Bibi, who remains in mortal danger in Pakistan.”

 

Asked by a fellow Conservative MP to “put the record straight” regarding the claims, the Prime Minister told Zac Goldsmith on Wednesday he “shouldn’t necessarily believe everything he reads in the newspapers”.

But Lord Alton, along with Baroness Cox (pictured at end of article) and Lord Forsyth of Drumlean warned ministers against “capitulating to the threats of lynch mobs”.

 

They continued: “Britain’s position indicates a serious betrayal of our time-honoured commitment to offer asylum to those in need.

“It also undermines our belief in justice, human rights, the rule of law and religious freedom, and risks us falling foul of, and succumbing to, blackmail”.

AP Photo/B.K. Bangash

 

Ms Bibi and her family became the subjects of death threats following a decision by Supreme Court in Islamabad to acquit her of blasphemy last month.

The mother-of-five always denied claims she insulted the Islamic prophet Mohammad but hard-line Islamists have been…

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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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Five Common Ways Pastors Overcome Sermon Blocks – Rainer on Leadership #489

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Podcast Episode #489

SUBSCRIBE:
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Sunday comes every week for a pastor. And that means a sermon needed nearly every week. Today, we discuss how to combat sermon block if and when that happens.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

  • The more you can plan ahead with sermon prep, the less likely you are to fight sermon block the week of the sermon.
  • Both church members and staff can be sources for sermon pointers.
  • Pastors, if you plagiarize your sermons, people will notice.
  • Being prepared (mentally and spiritually) and starting early are two main keys to beating sermon block.

The five methods we cover to combat sermon block are:

  1. Preach through books of the Bible
  2. Take sermon preparation retreats
  3. Brainstorm with staff and church members
  4. Listen to other preachers’ podcasts (BUT DON’T PLAGIARIZE!)
  5. Start early in the week

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast

Episode Sponsors

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

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Shiloh 2018 “Dominion” by David Oyedepo – Dates, Live Broadcast

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Shiloh 2018 “Dominion” by David Oyedepo – Dates, Live Broadcast

Winners’ Chapel Shiloh 2018 “Dominion” by David Oyedepo – Dates, Live Broadcast

“And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.” – Daniel 7:27

Click HERE to Watch Shiloh 2018 LIVE

Man was created for dominion at the beginning (Genesis 1:28). But our dominion was lost to sin through the first Adam, while Christ restored the same back to us through redemption (Ephesians 2:5-6, Ephesians 1:20-21).

Today, the Holy Ghost empowers believers to walk in dominion (Luke 10:19).

We are in the last days, we are in the days of full restoration of dominion to the redeemed of the Lord (Micah 4:1-2, Isaiah 2:1-3).

We are in the era of dominion of the Church of Christ in these last days, when the Kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the Saints of God (Psalm 110:1-3, Daniel 1:25-27).

We are in the last days, when the law shall be proceeding from Zion (Isaiah 2:1-3, Psalm 87:1-7).

We are in the last days, when all the springs of life shall be domiciled in the Church (Psalm 87:1-7).

Remember, the Church is not a building, the Church is a people, the Redeemed of the Lord (Acts 1:38).

The Church is the Body of Christ, the fullness of Him that fills all things (Ephesians 1:20-23).

We understand that by redemption, we have been repositioned far above all principalities and powers (Ephesians 2:4-6, Ephesians 1:20-21).

But as we all know, authority can only be conferred, it cannot be achieved (Matthew 21:23, Luke 9:11, Matthew 8:8-10, 13). We also recognize that the Spirit of Faith is the guarantee for the dominion of the Saints over all gang ups of hell (Hebrews 11:33-34, Ephesians 6:16)

We should all be reminded that:

  1. Shiloh is not a church anniversary, but a place for taking delivery of all our hanging inheritance in Christ (Joshua 18:3);
  2. Shiloh is not a Church Programme, but a Mountain of answered prayers after the order of Hannah (I Samuel 1:13-19);
  3. Shiloh is ordained a platform for the rise of giants among us (Joshua 18:1, Psalm 87:5-7);
  4. Shiloh is a mountain of vision and revelation (Psalm 16:11);
  5. Shiloh is a prophetic platform for the conferment of dominion both on us as a Church and as individuals, so as to subdue the land before us (Joshua 18:1).
    … and many more.

Therefore, the theme of Shiloh 2018 is:

Dominion: Daniel 7:27

Furthermore, as we all know, prophetically, Shiloh is ordained a platform for conferment of dominion upon members of the Winners’ family. As it is written,

“And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.” – Joshua 18:1-3

The last phrase of this scripture above, “And the land was subdued before them” connotes dominion. Therefore, at this 20th Shiloh, every participant shall encounter conferment of dominion in all areas of our lives (Genesis 21:1-3).

Every participant at Shiloh 2018, shall have definite encounter with the Word for their supernatural change of story (1 Samuel 3:21).

Jesus is Lord!

Bishop David Oyedepo
President,
Winners’ Chapel International, Inc
Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland Ota-Lagos

Event: Shiloh 2018
Theme: Dominion
Time: Morning Session & Evening session

Date: 4th-9th December 2018
Venue: Faith Tabernacle Canaanland Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Ministering: Bishop David Oyedepo and other anointed men of God

Winners’ Chapel Shiloh 2018 “Dominion” by David Oyedepo – Dates, Live Broadcast

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Having A Healthy Relationship With In-Laws (Part 4) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo

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Having A Healthy Relationship With In-Laws (Part 4) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Having A Healthy Relationship With In-Laws (Part 4) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Topic: Having A Healthy Relationship With In-Laws (Part 4)

Dear Reader,

It is with great joy that I welcome you to the last edition in our teaching for this month. I know you have been following this series and as you take practical steps to obey God’s Word, your home shall not remain the same in Jesus’ precious name.

I have taught on how you can order your priorities right, the vital keys of acceptance, love and hospitality in relating with your in-laws and also the place of forgiveness. Today I shall teach on the place of wisdom in relating with in-laws.

What is wisdom?

Wisdom is knowing what to do from Scriptures and doing it. It is the correct application of knowledge. The Word of God says: Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches (Proverbs 24:3-4). Wisdom is laying hold and trading with the Word of God. A wise man is one who knows from God’s Word which way to go and how to handle situations to produce the desired result.

Also Read: Clear Principles for a Blissful Marriage (Part 2) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo

To successfully relate with your in-laws, you need the wisdom of God. Wisdom is a builder of homes. It is in fact the master builder’s trade secret. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon (1 Corinthians 3:10).

1. Wisdom Protects

The Bible says that wisdom protects (proverbs 4:6). When you are guided by Scriptures in every aspect of your life, you are walking in wisdom. This frustrates the devil, because he knows that your home is, by wisdom, founded upon a rock that no wind or storm can uproot. The Word of God states: Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and It fell: and great was the fall of it (Mathew 7:24-27)

The truth about wisdom is that it is not a respecter of persons or age. Everything in life that ought to be done well, must be done with wisdom. The Bible refers to it as the principal thing (Proverbs 4:7). Wisdom is needed in taking decisions, relating with your in-laws, loving, talking, listening, asking, working, sharing, caring and in performing so many other family interactions, activities and obligations. When wisdom is in place, little things that cause tension in the family are easily handled. Lack of wisdom brings about confusion and frustration in a family.

2. Wisdom Brings Peace

The benefits of wisdom are immeasurable. Operating in wisdom with your family including your relationship with your in-laws will bring you happiness, liveliness, wealth, long life, honour, peace, pleasure, grace, safety and all round promotion. The Bible says: Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding (Proverbs 3:13). The Bible also states: wisdom makes the face of a man to shine (Ecclesiastes 8:1). A shinning face represents contentment and peace. What keeps the face shinning, is the wisdom applied in the family.

The source of true lasting wisdom that makes you relate very well with other members of your family, including in-laws, is founded in the Word of God. Wisdom is in locating the right Word concerning the family and doing it. It teaches how to say what must be said, when it should be said and in the way it should be said. It will help you relate with every member of your family accordingly.

There are many things we pray for, that may never come to us, unless our family is in order. So, you can see why it looks like that promotion, breakthrough and healing that you have prayed for are delayed. I see you receive quick answers to your prayers as you begin to operate the wisdom of God in your family from now on in Jesus name.

It is not enough to read the Word, hear it, know it, and go to Church or even pray it. Applying it is what makes it produce for you. The scripture says: But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (James 1:22). Before you quarrel with your spouse or in- laws over any issue, count the cost of your actions and reactions – this is wisdom. Learn to adapt. When decisions that are different from your plans are taken, see how you can work them out to fit in.

To get wisdom, you need to accept the giver of wisdom. You want to be born again please pray this prayer with faith in your heart. Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Building a Successful Home, Making Marriage Work and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored)

“Please click HERE to read other inspiring articles by Pastor Faith Oyedepo”

Pastor Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.

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TREM Devotional 30 November 2018 – Don’t Let Your Mind Get In The Way

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Topic: Don’t Let Your Mind Get In The Way [TREM Devotional 30 November 2018]

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 KJV

Many times, divine instructions don’t make sense. Consequently, many of us have missed out on God’s purpose for us because every time we let our minds get in the way. We want to understand everything before we take a step and God doesn’t function that way. You can’t understand everything. If you understand everything, then you don’t need Him. God wants you to lean on Him every step of the way.

How can a poor widow woman feed the man of God, when all she had was just for her and her son? She didn’t understand it but she obeyed and she experienced the supernatural. My prayer is that you don’t let your mind get in the way because you must tap into the abundance that God has for you.

I have no doubt whatsoever in my mind that there is a brother somewhere, there is a sister somewhere; there is somebody somewhere in another part of the world that God is going to link you up with. You are going to be a channel of the flow of His abundance. You will just sit in your house and people will ask you how did it happen and you will say I can’t explain. If there is a time to obey God, this is the time.

The widow woman in 1 Kings 17 was making plans to die and not to live at all. “I am gathering two sticks”(v.12 KJV) to cook the last little meal. She had a scarcity mentality not an abundance mentality. Famine had so much affected her mind set that she did not think of the bigness of our God. My prayer is that God will blow your mind out of small mentality. You are bigger than you think! Your body is limiting you. I don’t care whether you are short, tall or big. You are bigger than your physical frame. Eternity is inside you.

Further Reading: Mark 9:20-23, 10:27

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Ezekiel 37-39; Evening- 2 Peter 2

“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.

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