Greek clergy to no longer be civil servants in separation deal

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Greek clergy to no longer be civil servants in separation deal

Although they will still be paid by a state subsidy fund, Tuesday’s decision marks a significant shift in the status of bishops, and the separation of Church and state in Greece.

This deal was made and announced by Prime Alexis Tsipras and the head of the Church of Greece, Archbishop Ieronymos.

Prime Minister Tsipras said: “I would like, if you allow me, to begin by saying that this meeting is the culmination of a dialogue that has begun a long time ago, both between us, but also between the State and the Church.”

He said that the aim of these decisions was to deal with historic disagreements that hinder current functioning and to make the church self-reliant.

He said: “It solves many decades of outstanding issues that have arisen since the 1920s, but mainly because it is an Agreement for the benefit of both sides” and used language of “mutual respect”.

The main change was that: “The Greek State undertakes to pay annually to the Church in the form of a subsidy an amount corresponding to the current salary cost of the active priests, which will be adjusted according to the salary changes of the Greek State.”

The move takes over 9000 church staff off the payroll and onto a separate state fund, not necessarily altering their pay but ending their direct salaries from the state. However, an increase in the number of clergy would not require the fund to increase.

The fund…

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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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At least 12 killed in California nightclub

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At least 12 killed in California nightclub

A gunman opened fire at a nightclub in Thousand Oaks, California, late last night. Authorities are reporting that at least twelve people were killed. A deputy was among the victims. The shooter also died. Up to twelve other people were injured.

According to the Gun Violence Archive, this is the 307th mass shooting in America this year. Such violence has occurred so often that we risk becoming inured to its horrors.

I love America. Every time I travel overseas, I return with a renewed appreciation for my country.

But part of loving our nation is doing all we can to help our people become all we can be. The epidemic of violence in America is tragic beyond words. We could list a spate of other challenges, from opioid addiction to endemic poverty.

One fundamental issue is foundational to the crises we face.

Our greatest challenge

Yesterday, I identified America’s belief that “all men are created equal” as our founding creed and a significant reason for our continuity as a nation. No matter how divisive our elections become, we share the fundamental conviction that every vote counts and every American matters.

However, this passionate commitment to the rights and liberties of individuals is not only our most cohesive strength–it is also our greatest challenge.

Our founders articulated their commitment to the equality of mankind on the foundation of the Judeo-Christian worldview. For example, John Adams was adamant: “The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity.”

In recent years, however, our culture has moved further and further from this biblical worldview. Absent a set of consensual moral standards, we have embraced tolerance of all standards.

For example, the right to life of a preborn baby now depends on the subjective decision of his or her mother. More and more states are embracing euthanasia and its denial of the sanctity of life until natural death.

We have redefined…

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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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79 children abducted from Christian school freed

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79 children abducted from Christian school freed

Two of the three staff members abducted are still being held, according to Fonki Samuel Forba, moderator of Cameroon’s
Presbyterian Church.

He said the schoolchildren, who were kidnapped on Sunday night from a church school, had been left at a church near Bamenda, the North West Region’s capital.

 

Mr Forba said the students looked tired and appeared to have suffered during their captivity.

He pleaded with the kidnappers to free the staff still being held, and has asked parents and guardians to take their children home.

The spokesman added that the Presbyterian boarding school with 700 students is being closed because of the security situation.

Amcaja/Wikimedia Commons

 

He said: “It is unfortunate we have to close the school and send home 700 children.

“Their security is not assured by the state and armed groups constantly attack and kidnap them.”

Mr Forba added that the school had previously had some students kidnapped, a situation which was resolved when the church paid a ransom of 2.5 million francs (about £3,000) to the armed gang.

“We can no longer continue,” he said.

 

Cameroon’s north-west and south-west areas are beset by instability caused by English-speaking separatists.

Fighting between the military and separatists increased after the government clamped down on peaceful demonstrations by English-speaking teachers and lawyers protesting…

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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 Deadly Excuses in Church Revitalization – Revitalize & Replant #066

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Excuses can kill a revitalization effort. Today, we cover seven of the most common excuses you will likely hear in a revitalization and how to combat them.

Today’s Listener Question:

FROM HARRISON

Excuses are about all I hear in my pastorate. Everyone seems ready to blame everything else for anything that goes wrong. I try not to join in and make excuses, but sometimes fall into the trap. What are some of the most frequent excuses you hear in church replanting and revitalization?

Episode Highlights:

  • No matter where you live, there are unreached people around your church who need the gospel.
  • One sign that a church is dying is when a church resents the community in which it’s located.
  • Your church is where it is to bless its community. Your church’s address is not an accident.
  • People, resources, and money will gravitate toward gospel activity.

The seven deadly excuses we cover are:

  1. “There are not enough people to reach in our community.”
  2. “The people in the community are not like us.”
  3. “We don’t have enough money.”
  4. “We can’t compete with the bigger churches.”
  5. “We would be fine if we returned to 1985.”
  6. “We don’t have enough young people in our church.”
  7. “No one will come to our run-down facilities.”

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in…

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

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Asia Bibi released from prison

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Asia Bibi released from prison

The mother-of-five left a detention facility in southern Punjab before being flown to Islamabad amid tight security, Associated Press said.

According to Reuters, she has been taken to a “secure location” in the capital owing to continued fears over her safety.

 

The news agency quoted the information minister Fawad Chaudhry as saying Ms Bibi remained in Pakistan on Thursday.

A petition demanding a review of the decision by Supreme Court judges to acquit her may frustrate plans for Asia Bibi to flee the country.

 

Chowdhry from the British Pakistan Christian Association told Premier: “It is a moment of great joy and we praise God for making the impossible possible.

Only through his divine intervention have we seen this wonderful result today.”

 

Ashiq Masih (pictured above, centre) – the husband of Asia Bibi – had urged the UK, US and Canada to grant asylum to his wife. Spain and Italy have each offered her sanctuary.

The ruling prompted thousands of people to join protests in several major cities, demanding that she be publicly executed.

AP Photo/Shakil Adil

 

Asia Bibi spent eight years on death row after being convicted of blasphemy. She had been accused of insulting Islam’s prophet Muhammad. Ms Bibi always denied any wrongdoing.

The Supreme Court in…

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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 8 November 2018 — The Beauty of Dependence

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Topic: The Beauty of Dependence [Joyce Meyer Devotional 8 November 2018]

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. — 1 John 5:14

I was a very independent person, and God began speaking John 15:5 to me early in my walk with Him. When we come into God’s power, we get to experience complete dependence upon Him. Faith involves us leaning entirely on God, trusting His power, wisdom, and goodness.

We are to lean on, rely on, and entirely depend on Him, taking all the weight off of ourselves and putting it all on Him. Without God’s help, we can’t change anything in our lives. We can’t change ourselves, our spouse, our family, our friends, or our circumstances. Truly, apart from Him we cannot do anything.

We forfeit peace and joy when we fail to let God be God. We try to figure out things we have no business even touching with our minds. Nothing is too hard or too wonderful for God, but many things are too hard for us.

With the help and leading of the Holy Spirit, we can grow to the place where we rest in the truth that we know the One Who knows all the answers, even when we don’t… and we can trust Him!

Prayer Starter: Father, I can’t do anything apart from You. I lift up my life, my plans, and all of my questions to You. Help me to lean on You and trust in Your power, wisdom and goodness. 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 8 November 2018 — The Beauty of Dependence appeared first on Flatimes.

Joyce Meyer Devotional 8 November 2018 — The Beauty of Dependence

CM Editor
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Topic: The Beauty of Dependence [Joyce Meyer Devotional 8 November 2018]

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. — 1 John 5:14

I was a very independent person, and God began speaking John 15:5 to me early in my walk with Him. When we come into God’s power, we get to experience complete dependence upon Him. Faith involves us leaning entirely on God, trusting His power, wisdom, and goodness.

We are to lean on, rely on, and entirely depend on Him, taking all the weight off of ourselves and putting it all on Him. Without God’s help, we can’t change anything in our lives. We can’t change ourselves, our spouse, our family, our friends, or our circumstances. Truly, apart from Him we cannot do anything.

We forfeit peace and joy when we fail to let God be God. We try to figure out things we have no business even touching with our minds. Nothing is too hard or too wonderful for God, but many things are too hard for us.

With the help and leading of the Holy Spirit, we can grow to the place where we rest in the truth that we know the One Who knows all the answers, even when we don’t… and we can trust Him!

Prayer Starter: Father, I can’t do anything apart from You. I lift up my life, my plans, and all of my questions to You. Help me to lean on You and trust in Your power, wisdom and goodness. 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 8 November 2018 — The Beauty of Dependence appeared first on Flatimes.

Teens Open Heavens 8 November 2018 – God, So Approachable

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Topic: God, So Approachable [Teens Open Heavens 8 November 2018]

Memorise: Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, – Hebrews 10:19

Read: Esther 5:1-3 (KJV)

Bible In One Year: Jeremiah 49-50, Hebrews 5

MESSAGE:

When Queen Esther went into the inner court of the king, she risked her life, but because she obtained favour, the king stretched the golden scepter he was holding towards her. She was then allowed to approach the king and he made her an incredible offer. The first thing we learn from this story is that powerful kings are not easily approached except according to laid down rules. Even though it is this way with earthly kings as regards access, it is not so with the Kings of kings.

Today, to access God’s presence, all you need to do is to come to Him with thanksgiving and to worship Him with praises. However, never take such an easy access for granted! That easy access cost Jesus Christ His life! You must never approach His presence with sin in your life, if you do, it means you are taking God and that easy access for granted. You will not be given access except you first repent and forsake your sins. Come with praise and thanksgiving wrapped in holiness.

Prayer Point: Father, thank you for giving me access into your presence. Lord, let me never be denied access both now and in eternity.

Also Read: Teen Open Heaven Daily Devotional by Pastor Adeboye

Hymn 10:

1. What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

2. Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a Friend so faithful?
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer!

3. Are we weak and heavy laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield You;
You wilt find a solace there.

Daily Devotional for Teen’s 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.

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PRESERVED BY HIS POWER – Pastor Paul Enenche

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PRESERVATION AND POWER COMMUNION SERVICE – 8TH NOVEMBER 2018
ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S): 1 PETER 1:5
MESSAGE TOPIC: PRESERVED BY HIS POWER
By Dr. Paul Enenche

SERVICE OBJECTIVE: Understanding the preservation capacity or capability of God’s power

The power of God is a Keeper and Preserver of men. God’s power is the major tool for the preservation of the lives and destinies of God’s people. When you are equipped with power, you are guaranteed your safety.
The universe is kept in place by His Power (Heb. 1:3)
No devil can dare who God’s Power hides

SCRIPTURAL EXAMPLES OF HOW GOD’S POWER PRESERVES:
1. Moses was preserved by God’s power (Ex. 10:7; Num. 12:1-15; 16:1-37,41-49)
2. Elijah was preserved by God’s power (1 Kings 17:1-6; 18:9-12; 2 Kings 1)
When the Power of God is at work, existence as a victim or in defeat is impossible (John 10:18; Luke 4:28-30; John 8:58-59; 17:18)

THE IMPACT OF GOD’S POWER, AS FAR AS PRESERVATION IS CONCERNED:
1. The power of God causes God’s people to prevail over the threats of their enemies and the fear of the future (Gen. 32:28)
It takes the power of God to prevail over the threat of the enemy
When a person is loaded with power, there is nothing in the future to be afraid of

2. The power of God brings the enemies of God’s people into submission and defeat (Ps. 66:3)
If they have not bowed yet, then power is lacking
Any enemy daring you and daring God, after tonight, they shall bow

Also Read: The Power of the Blessing by Pastor Paul Enenche

3. The power of God delivers God’s people from every appointment with premature death (Ps. 79:11)

4. God makes His mighty Power known through the preservation of His people (Ps. 106:7-8; 23:1-3)
God advertises His ‘Agidigbaciousness’ by mesmerising those who think they are wicked
There are those that will come to know God by what they suffered for attempting you, attempting your family, or attempting the purpose of God for your life

5. The Power of God is weapon for the scattering of the enemies of God’s people (Ps. 59:7-11; 68:1; 54:15)

6. The Power of God provides refuge for God’s people in times of trouble (Ps. 59:16)

7. The Power of God delivers God’s people from the snares and traps of evil (Matt. 6:13)

8. The Power of God delivers the people of God from hurt and harm by the enemy (Luke 10:19)

SECRETS OF GOD’S POWER:
1. The Presence of God (Acts 10:38; Luke 4:18; Prov. 13:20)
The presence of God empowers you
2. The knowledge of God (Dan. 11:32b; Phil. 3:10)
To know God is to know power; fresh light equals fresh might
3. The fullness of the Spirit (Acts 1:8; Mic. 3:8)
You are full of power if you are full of the Spirit
4. The vibrancy of faith (1 Pet. 1:5; Eph. 6:16; 1 John 5:4; Hab. 2:4; Heb. 2:9)
When faith is available, power is available and when power is available, appointment with death is cancelled!

PRAYERS
Father, I come before You today to stay in Your Presence, to know You more, to flow in the fullness of the Spirit and to keep my faith alive, I cannot die before my time!

COMMUNION FOCUS (REVELATION 12:11; EXODUS 12:13):
Passover Communion; every sickness in your body is flushed out by the Communion. By this Communion, you are preserved!

ANOINTING FOCUS (PSALM 105:14-15):
By this Oil you are untouchable; by reason of this Anointing angels are moved on assignment on your behalf. It is a new season for you, your family, end everything you are set to do

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
– Anyone who will not let you rest or let us rest or who challenges the God we serve, they shall be laid to rest in this season
– Every schedule they have given you with death in the realm of the spirit, it is hereby cancelled! You and your loved ones will never fulfil any satanic appointment!
– The destruction of those who want to destroy you shall lead many people to Christ!
– You saw the beginning of the year, you will see the end of the year and the beginning of the new year!
– God is about to deal with people looking down on His power and strength
– God is about to change your story and situation for His Name’s sake, so that your life does not bring Him reproach!
– Every obstacle, road block mounted by the enemy to suck your blood, those that mounted it shall inherit the death. You shall not die like chicken!

Also Read: Click HERE to read Other Inspirational Messages by Pastor Paul Enenche

The above MESSAGE was written by Pastor Paul Enenche of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), headquartered at Abuja, Nigeria, with Pastor Paul and Becky Enenche, as the Senior Pastors. It is a power-packed arena where God’s Presence, Principles and Power are at work for the salvation, healing and restoration of human destinies and dignities.

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.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

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TREM Devotional 8 November 2018 – Value Others

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Topic: Value Others [TREM Devotional 8 November 2018]

“I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.” Luke 16:4 (KJV)

God does not put you in a position to oppress others. The way we understand influential position in some circles is, “it is my time to trample on somebody”. But that is not God’s intention. If you oppress someone today, you don’t know what will happen tomorrow. If you take care of someone while you in a position of authority, when you step down, they will take care of you.

In the book of Luke chapter 16: 1-13, Jesus told the parable of the unjust steward. The Lord of the servant said to him you are going to lose your position because we are losing money. The servant quickly sat down and reasoned with himself. He said what am I going to do? I will tell the debtors owing 100 to bring 50, those owing 80 to bring 40, so that if I am not able to work again they will in turn help me. And his master said “You have done wisely because we are almost losing all the money”. Don’t joke with it. Money is not everything! The gift of men is one of the most powerful gift you can ever receive.

As a minister or businessman, celebrate men. Remember men and acknowledge men. Bless them as the ministry or whatever you are involved in begins to grow. Give them their reward and ensure that they are happy. This is not just limited to ministry. It applies to your business and to you as a husband or wife who has a house help and other staff. It is a dangerous thing to mistreat house-help because your house help can kill you or keep you alive. So be careful, don’t say that he is somebody else’s child and yet he is the one taking care of your children when you are away. Appreciate men. Let them know that they are valued. As long as that person is inside your house, he is a member of your family.

Further reading: Luke 16:1-9

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Jeremiah 43-45; Evening- Hebrews 5

“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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