Freedom from Religion Foundation Files Complaint over Auburn Football Prayers

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Freedom from Religion Foundation Files Complaint over Auburn Football Prayers


Freedom from Religion Foundation Files Complaint over Auburn Football Prayers


The Auburn Tigers will not be appealing for divine aid to improve upon their 5-3 season if the Freedom from Religion Foundation has any say in the matter.


The FFRF sent a letter last week to Auburn University President Steven Leath detailing their complaints about “proselytizing” in the university’s football program. The letter came in response to a post on al.com which featured a video of the football team’s chaplain leading players in a prayer before their September 29thwin over Southern Mississippi. 


In the video, longtime team Chaplain Chette Williams gathered in a circle, locked arm in arm with the players, who were still wearing jackets and ties from the team’s walk to the stadium. Then Williams led the team in what the FFRF called “an unmistakably Christian prayer.” 


Williams prayed, “Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you so much again for this opportunity that we have every Saturday to circle up and hook up with each other, but more importantly, to hook up with you. We pray for each family represented in this circle, Father. We pray for those who are traveling to the game, but most of all Father, we pray that your power and presence be with this team today…We would just have a call, and each one of these players would recognize that call today as they go out on this field. And not only that, but to recognize the call in our lives…

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

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Faith Leaders Offer Prayers after Shooting at a Pennsylvania Synagogue Leaves 11 Dead

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Faith Leaders Offer Prayers after Shooting at a Pennsylvania Synagogue Leaves 11 Dead


Faith Leaders Offer Prayers after Shooting at a Pennsylvania Synagogue Leaves 11 Dead


On Saturday, October 27, Robert Gregory Bowers entered the Tree of Life Synagogue just outside of Pittsburg and gunned down 11 people. 


ABC News reports that Bowers, opened fire with an AR-15 rifle and several other concealed weapons during a worship services, killing eleven people ranging from 54 to 97 years in age.  According to authorities, Bowers voiced anti-sematic remarks after being obtained telling S.W.A.T. team members that “all these Jews need to die.”


One survivor of the attack told the Associated Press that he was hiding in a supply closet with several other people when the gunman walked in. They worshippers hiding in the closet feared for their lives as the gunman “stepped over the body of a man he had just shot and killed, entered their darkened hiding spot and looked around.”


“I can’t say anything, and I’m barely breathing,” recalled Barry Werber, 76, in an interview with AP. Werber then expressed relief when saying, “He didn’t see us, thank God.”


According to ABC News, Tree of Life Synagogue houses three congregations and is a central hub for the Jewish community near Pittsburg. 


At a vigil Sunday night, Tree of Life Rabbi Jeffrey Myers noted that about 12 people had gathered in the synagogue’s main sanctuary for Shabbat services when Bowers walked in and opened fire. Myers said, he lost seven congregants in attack.


“My…

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

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How to Avoid Being Fired When Leading a Growing Church

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In my post last week, I looked at the reasons pastors were fired, even though their churches were growing. In this post, I offer ways some pastors have avoided this tragedy while leading a church to growth.

To be clear, these actions are not foolproof. Some churches will be preacher eaters regardless of the actions of the pastor. Still, I see these right actions as helpful toward minimizing the possibility of a forced termination.

  1. Communicate exponentially. If you think you are communicating redundantly, you probably have just begun to communicate sufficiently. Keep the congregation informed. Say it. Write it. Repeat it.
  2. Remind the members of the purpose of the growth. It’s about the Great Commission. It’s about caring for and reaching the community. It’s about touching lives. It’s not about the numbers.
  3. Move potential objectors to the welcome team. They will see and greet the guests. It will give them an outward focus.
  4. Ask a long-term member to be your mentor. You will get an invaluable perspective from “the old guard.”  You will likely gain an ally as well.
  5. Share healthy resources with members. At the risk of sounding self-serving, I’ve heard from countless church members that two of my books have been paradigm-altering: I Am a Church Member and Autopsy of a Deceased Church.
  6. Celebrate the past. Sometimes we leaders need to be reminded that our church’s past has much to celebrate. We often are so eager to move to the future that we forget or neglect the lessons of the…

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

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Police Attack, Threaten Christians in Tamil Nadu State, India

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Police Attack, Threaten Christians in Tamil Nadu State, India


Police Attack, Threaten Christians in Tamil Nadu State, India


HYDERABAD, India, October 28, 2018 (Morning Star News) – Police officers rushed into a praise service at a house in Tamil Nadu state and began hitting worshippers in another violent month for Christians, sources said.

 

A female police inspector identified only as Jeyalakshmi and five police officers on Oct. 6 entered the house where Christians were spending the evening in praise and worship in Aralvaimozhi, Kanyakumari District, the pastor said.

 

“Inspector Jeyalakshmi and five policemen rushed inside the house church and started abusing me in filthy language,” Pastor P. Yesudas told Morning Star News. “My wife and the believers asked her, ‘What is our fault? Why are you abusing us?’ But she came after them, and the constables who were accompanying her also started punching with their fists.”

 

Jeyalakshmi held Pastor Yesudas by the neck and struck him in his stomach and back, he said.

 

“My wife and the believers tried to protect me, but they were also injured,” he said. “We did not know what to do and tried to phone call pastors from neighboring areas.”

 

Pastor Satyaseelan, who goes by a single name, told Morning Star News he hurried over to Aralvaimozhi from Anjugramam in 10 minutes after receiving a call from Pastor Yesudas.

 

“Pastor and his wife were injured and howling in pain,” Pastor Satyaseelan said. “Chairs and Bibles…

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

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Politician urges off-duty police to bring guns to church following synagogue shooting

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Politician urges off-duty police to bring guns to church following synagogue shooting

Eric Adams, a Democratic politician, also encouraged off-duty police officers to follow suit.

The retired cop-turned-politician told attendees of a public press conference on Sunday: “I used to carry my gun all the time when I went to church.

 

“If we have police officers standing in front of churches, then we can’t say it’s wrong for a police officer who’s off duty to be inside churches with a gun.

“If they’re leaving those firearms home, I now say to them, ‘top leaving your firearm home. Do as I do. Bring your firearm to church’.”

 

On Saturday, Robert Gregory Bowers killed eight men and three women inside the Tree of Life Synagogue during worship services before a tactical police team tracked him down and shot him.

Authorities say Bowers made statements about genocide and killing Jewish people.

Alexandra Wimley/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP

 

He is being treated for gunshot wounds and is due in court on Monday.

A chief prosecutor in Pittsburgh has said they are seeking approval for the death penalty against the mass shooting suspect.

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…

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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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Archbishop of Canterbury reveals favourite hymn

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Archbishop of Canterbury reveals favourite hymn

The Archbishop of Canterbury told BBC’s Songs of Praise that his favourite hymn reminds him of when he became a Christian.

Most Rev Justin Welby said: “My favourite hymn is ‘And Can It Be that I Should Gain An Interest in My Saviour’s Blood’ written by Charles Wesley immediately after his discovery of God’s love for him in Jesus Christ and it was the first hymn that was sung at my first church service after I discovered the love of Jesus Christ for me and opened my heart to his love and it’s been my favourite ever since.”

Archbishop Justin went to Cambridge University and became a Christian there through a friend.

The hymn And Can It Be was written in 1738 by Charles Wesley, the brother of John Wesley, who together founded the Methodist Church.

Charles Wesley went on to write thousands of hymns, including Christ The Lord Is Risen Today, Hark! The Heralds Angels Sing and Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending.

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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“The darkest hour in our city’s history”

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“The darkest hour in our city’s history”

Please read these names slowly: Bernice and Sylvan Simon, brothers Cecil and David Rosenthal, Rose Mallinger, Joyce Fienberg, Richard Gottfried, Jerry Rabinowitz, Daniel Stein, Melvin Wax, and Irving Younger.

Their lives were taken from them Saturday morning as they gathered to worship at a Pittsburgh synagogue. Some 2,500 people gathered yesterday at a memorial service for them, responding to what the mayor called “the darkest hour in our city’s history.” Robert Bowers, the man accused of killing them in a shooting rampage, is due in court today.

Three hate crimes in one week

This was the third hate crime in America last week.

Last Wednesday, Gregory Bush allegedly tried to enter a predominantly black church in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, just outside of Louisville. The doors were locked, so he went to a nearby Kroger store, where he allegedly killed two people, both African-American.

The first victim was Maurice Stallard, age sixty-nine, who was with his twelve-year-old grandson buying a poster board for a school project. The second was Vickie Jones, age sixty-seven, who was killed in the parking lot as Bush left. Bush has a history of mental illness and made racist threats in the past.

On Friday, a fifty-six-year-old Florida man named Cesar Sayoc was arrested after federal authorities said he mailed a total of fourteen packages containing pipe bombs. He was known for condemning Democratic Party leaders on social media.

The next day, eleven people were killed and six others injured (including four police officers) when a man shouting anti-Semitic slurs opened fire inside the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. According to a federal law enforcement official, the alleged gunman had frequently posted his hatred for Jews on social media.

What motivates such seemingly senseless violence? How should we respond biblically?

“The most terrifying thing”

A neighbor said of Robert Bowers, “The most terrifying thing is just how…

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Joyce Meyer Devotional 29 October 2018 — God Hears and Answers

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Topic: God Hears and Answers [Joyce Meyer Devotional 29 October 2018]

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:7

Our friendship not only benefits us, it also benefits those around us. When people come to us with needs or concerns, we may be able to offer some help, or we may not be able to meet their needs at all.

Even if we do not have what people really need, God does. When we are friends with God, we can say to people, “I don’t have what you need, but I know Someone who does. I’ll ask my friend! I will intercede before God for you.”

We know that God has the power to intervene in people’s circumstances, to help their children stop using drugs, to bring financial breakthroughs, to work medical miracles or to reconcile marriages.

The more intimately we know God, the more confident we are in His willingness and ability to help people. When they come to us, we can go to Him and know He will come through for them.

We can actually ask God to do us a favor and help someone we love even when we know that they don’t deserve it. We can pray with compassion out of a heart of love—and God hears and answers.

God loves you, and He loves the sound of your voice coming to Him in prayer and fellowship. Go to Him often not only for your needs, but also for the needs of others.

Prayer Starter: O, Lord, thank You for always hearing my cries for help. Today, I ask for Your supernatural help and intervention for the needs in my life. I also lift up the needs of my friends and family and pray for peace, provision, healing, wisdom and direction. Thank You for Your amazing love and for answering our cries for help. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Joyce Meyer Daily Devotional HERE’’

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries.

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A Prudent Family Life (Part 4) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo

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A Prudent Family Life (Part 4) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Topic: A Prudent Family Life (Part 4)

Dear Reader,

I shall conclude this series on a prudent family life by sharing with you on: How to make the Most of Family Time.

The law of creation forbids things happening by themselves; they must be made to happen. God’s Word says. God created the heaven and the earth (Genesis 1:1). Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool… (Isaiah 66:1).

The heaven, which is God’s throne, and the earth, His footstool, were created by Him in the beginning. He had to first create (make to be) the heaven and the earth before He could dwell therein. The same way, you can make your home a heaven here on earth. However, the home and marriage you will enjoy must, of a necessity, be created by you. Your marriage is what you make it to be. Stop waiting for your home to adjust itself, rather adjust it with the Word of God.

I will like you to know that family success is possible, but it does not happen by chance. You must programme for it, if you desire it. Nothing works until you work it! That is why the Scripture says: …Every house is builded by a man … (Hebrews 3:4). You cannot build a house by merely wishing it. The same way, you cannot have an exciting home except you work it out.

Also Read: God wants your Home to Succeed (Part 4) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Home and family life are exciting experiences; they are not necessary evils. God delights in them. So, they are meant to be the most exciting parts of your life as a child of God. But, you must understand that excitement or happiness doesn’t just happen because you are a Christian. No! You have to programme yourself for it! That is, you make it happen!

Spending quality time together as a family is one major thing lacking in today’s families. Laughter is far from them. Smiling is a problem for them! They never see the need to express joy and nothing is worth celebrating. But I tell you, this year will be different for you! You shall be distinguished! Every dullness and sorrow in your family will be turned into joy in Jesus’ Name.

You can create quality time with your family, so that you can share things that make for joy together. My husband, in spite of his busy schedule, finds time to play with His children. He makes humorous statements to the delight of his children. Those who know him are quite aware that he is a jolly person to be with. He is always having a joke to defuse tension, anytime he sees people looking sad.

Your home shouldn’t be a prison yard. A colourful home is not made by murmuring and complaining. Life at home can really be exciting just by adding a little laughter, praise, and thanksgiving, both to God and members of your family. Share things together. As much as possible, you must find time to have one major meal together, and you know eating together could be fun and a time of joy to remember.

To have a colourful home you need to invite Jesus into your life. If you are not yet born again and you desire to do so right now, 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: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building a Successful Home 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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Engaging the Force of Vengeance by David Ibiyeomie

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Engaging the Force of Vengeance by David Ibiyeomie

Topic: Engaging the Force of Vengeance

The Israelites labored for 430 years but in one night, they got their harvest. The Bible is so simple that if you are not careful, Satan might deceive you.

2 Corinthians 11:3 (KJV) But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

Do not be deceived by the devil because of the simplicity that is in Christ. When it has to do with vengeance, do not be religious about it because anytime you try to question prayers done against evil doers, you may end up being the first victim. If you believe in the philosophy that, those who do evil should be forgiven, you cannot survive in this wicked world.

There are things you pray for and there are things you pray against. You pray against an armed robber; you do not pray for the armed robber. What glory will it bring to God if you are killed by armed robbers as a Christian? Before they kill you, let the person die. Our God is a 2-sided God; he kills and makes alive.

Also Read: Keys To Supernatural Breakthrough by David Ibiyeomie

1 Samuel 2:6 (KJV) The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.

Vengeance means retaliation on behalf of someone. It is an intense and extreme punishment against a wrong. It is only what you desire against your enemies that God will do for you. It is your desires that God answers.

Psalms 92:11 (KJV) Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me.

Christians do not need to carry gun but their mouth. It is your tongue that carries the power. It is a powerful force for the execution of vengeance. The anger of God is kindled against the wicked everyday so he is waiting for us to desire something for Him to do to those that trouble us.

Psalms 7:11 (KJV) God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.

God is waiting for you to condemn so that he can act on your behalf.

Isaiah 54:17 (KJV) No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

God has a blessing part and a cursing part. Do not allow evil to prevail. Engage the cursing part of God to avert evil from your life. There is no mercy in the camp of Satan, therefore do not show mercy on him but judgment and vengeance.

God bless you

Also Read: Other Inspiring Messages by Pastor David Ibiyeomie

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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