Christian Leaders Divided over Kavanaugh Nomination amid Second Accusation

Christian Leaders Divided over Kavanaugh Nomination amid Second Accusation



Many Christian leaders are offering their opinions on Supreme Court Justice nominee Brett Kavanaugh, and they are divided. 


Though the schism has only become greater since Kavanaugh was accused of sexual assault on two occasions, faith leaders were divided on his potential appointment well before then.


Here is what they have had to say:


Most notably, evangelist and president of Samaritan’s Purse relief agency, Franklin Graham, said to Christian Broadcasting Network “It’s just a shame that a person like Judge Kavanaugh who has a stellar record — that somebody can bring something up that he did when he was a teenager close to 40 years ago. That’s not relevant. We’ve got to look at a person’s life and what they’ve done as an adult and are they qualified for this position. So this is just an attempt to smear him.” Graham was met with much backlash after making this comment, many questioning the message the preacher was sending to survivors of sexual assault.


American Family Association President Tim Wildmon seemed to agree with Graham that the accusations are a part of a smearing campaign saying, “We’ve seen this game played before. Clarence Thomas. Herman Cain. Roy Moore. In some shape or form, each of those men had charges of sexual misconduct lodged against them during seasons of political rancor when it was impossible to prove — or…

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North Carolina Megachurch Turned Into Hospital to Serve Medical Evacuees of Hurricane Florence

(Photo: Facebook.com / C3 Church)Cots are set up in C3 Church in Clayton, North Carolina to accommodate medical evacuees during Hurricane Florence on Sept. 14, 2018.

As Hurricane Florence flooded North Carolina this month, an nondenominational megachurch was turned into a makeshift medical shelter to provide safe haven for some of the most medically-reliant people in the area.

Although thousands of people were evacuated throughout North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia to normal disaster response shelters, some evacuees needed more care than could be provided in a typical evacuation shelter.

Thankfully for people in the Raleigh area, C3 Church in Clayton voluntarily opened its doors to those in need of medical assistance during what is said to be the wettest tropical cyclone ever to strike the Tarheel State.

According to North Carolina Health News, Pastor Matt Fry…

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China and Vatican make historic deal

With Pope Francis recently recognising seven bishops appointed by China, it’s hoped the move “will allow the wounds of the past to be overcome”.

Beijing has long insisted that the state must approve the appointment of bishops in China.

 

Tamzin Taylor from Christian charity Open Doors told Premier the situation for Christians in the country has “vastly improved”.

She explained: “From the time when Christianity was banned completely and totally, to now when Christianity is tolerated “people are just waiting to see whether actually the tide of tolerance is turning and in fact, the government is taking control.”

Catholics in China currently face the choice of attending state-sanctioned churches approved by Beijing or worshipping in underground churches that have pledged allegiance to the Vatican.

Taylor said the Chinese government’s view of religion clashed with Christians in the country.

 

“China is a communist country and for the Chinese government the state should come first and the religion should come second,” she said.

“Because you above all things need to be a loyal party member and pro the Chinese state as a good Chinese citizen.

“However the conflict arises that for Christians their overarching loyalty is to God and to Jesus and that comes in direct tension then with their loyalty to the party- so that’s where difficulties arise.

There are an estimated 10 million Catholics in China.

Listen to Tamzin Taylor…

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Open Heavens 25 September 2018 – Multiply

Open Heavens 25 September 2018 Tuesday Daily Devotional by Pastor E A Adeboye – Multiply

Topic: Multiply (Open Heavens 25 September 2018)

Memorise: “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”Genesis 1:28

Read: Deuteronomy 28:1-14 (KJV)

1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:

2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.

3 Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.

4 Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.

5 Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.

6 Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.

7 The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.

8 The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

9 The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways.

10 And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee.

11 And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee.

12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.

13 And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:

14 And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

Bible in One Year: Isaiah 4-6, Mark 13:3-23

Open Heavens 25 September 2018 Tuesday MESSAGE:

A major characteristic of every living thing is growth. If a child that was born 5 years ago now looks like a 5 year old child, this is only normal. If an orange tree you planted four years ago is now yielding fruits this is also normal. You don’t need a miracle to grow, it is just natural. Multiplication on the other hand is a special thing. God did not tell us to grow, He told us to multiply. Other people may be growing, but we as children of God must multiply because it is a command from God. You may be wondering “How can I begin to multiply?” Notice that when God told His children to multiply in Genesis 1:28, it was a time when there was no sin and they had constant fellowship with Him. The simple secret to multiplication is to live holy and to have God with you. Psalm 22:3 says that God inhabits the praises of His children. If you want God to be with you always, then you should live a lifestyle of giving praise to Him.

Many years ago, I was preparing for a three-day program. While I was in my prayer room, I was praying to God saying “Lord, heal the sick today, show forth your power and do mighty miracles.” Suddenly I heard God respond sharply to me, and He said “Keep quiet! What about all the miracles I have done in the past? Have you thanked me for them?” My response to Him was ” Lord I’m sorry, thank You for all the miracles you have done for us; now today heal the sick, and perform great miracles…” He suddenly cut me short again, saying “keep quiet! I don’t want to hear any request from you for the next three days; all I want you to do is to praise Me.” This was very difficult for me because my mind was set on having the people who would be attending the program receive their miracles. I struggled with the instruction but I obeyed. After the program was over, God told me to tell my people to prepare; He said that we had been experiencing increase in our church, but that from that time forward we would be experiencing multiplication, and that has been our story ever since. Do you want to multiply? Learn to praise God regularly, and avoid sin. Taking Solomon as a case study, when he became king, he feared the Lord and kept away from sin. His only desire was to rule the people according to God’s will. There was even a time he sacrificed twenty-two thousand oxen and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep, all just to worship God (2 Chronicles 7:5). In 2 Chronicles 2:1, he determined to build a house for God and spared no expenses at all in building this house for God. All the while, he kept multiplying. He multiplied so much that silver and gold were like stones in his kingdom (2 Chronicles 1:15). However, the moment his heart turned away from the things of God, the anointing for multiplication dried up, so that by the end of his reign, he was taxing the people heavily just so that he could maintain his lifestyle. Determine today to stay away from sin and stay in the place of worshipping God and your multiplication will be unending.

Open Heavens 25 September 2018 Tuesday KEY POINT:

God multiplies those who live a lifestyle of holiness and praise to Him.

Also Read: Open Heavens 24 September 2018 – Fruits of Repentance

Open Heavens 25 September 2018 Tuesday HYMN 6: A NEW THING
(Tune: There shall be showers of Blessing)

1. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because GOD will do new things
Sinners will soon be forgiven
Prodigals will come home soon.

Chorus:
Shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Rivers in desert now flowing
Halleluyah to our king.

2. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Sickness and sorrow will be gone
Bondage will be forgotten.

3. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
The barren will be fruitful soon
Failure will be forgotten

4. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Poverty will be forgotten
Stagnancy will soon be gone.

5. We will soon shout Hallelujah
Because God will do new things
To all miracles are given
There shall be celebrations

6. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Many will have testimonies
Of prayers answered fully

7. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
One of us will chase a thousand
Two will conquer ten thousands.

8. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Songs of praises we will sing
Halleluyah to our King.

Open Heavens 25 September 2018 Tuesday Daily Devotional 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. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC. Open Heavens 25 September 2018 Tuesday Daily Devotional.

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Franklin Graham Argues against Wall Street Journal Article, Explains That Hell is Real

Franklin Graham Argues against Wall Street Journal Article, Explains That Hell is Real



The Wall Street Journal recently published an article titled “Do We Still Need to Believe in Hell?” which has evangelist Franklin Graham speaking out. The article poses questions about the afterlife and if Hell even exists.


The article, written by Dr. Scott G. Bruce, professor of history at Fordham University, argues that “Hell is a cruel and oppressive concept” that has lost its power on mankind thanks to scientific theories like Charles Darwin’s evolution. 


The professor asserts that the concept of Hell should be dispelled from humanity saying, “In some distant, better future, the foreclosure of Hell will be an important step in the maturation of human communities that can mete out justice on their own, without supernatural aid.”


Upon reading this article, Graham took to Twitter to defend what the Bible says about Hell, that it is not a concept, but “reality.” 


Graham wrote, “A few days ago the @WSJ published an article titled “Do We Still need to Believe in Hell?” The writer says that “Hell is a cruel and oppressive concept…” The fact is, Hell is much more than a concept—it’s a reality.”

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Eugene Cho Introduces Brenda Salter McNeil as New Transitional Pastor at Quest Church

(Photo: Facebook)Pastor Brenda Salter McNeil (L) is blessed as the new transitional pastor at Quest Church in Seattle, Washington on Sunday September 23, 2018. Founding Pastor Eugene Cho (R) will spend his final day at the church on Sunday September 30, 2018.

As he gets ready for his final Sunday at Quest Church in Seattle, Washington, Founding Pastor Eugene Cho, formally introduced the Rev. Brenda Salter McNeil as the church’s new transitional pastor.

McNeil, who previously served as a teaching pastor at Quest Church, is also an associate professor of reconciliation studies in the School of Theology at Seattle Pacific University.

She was welcomed to the transitional pastor role during a blessing service at the church on Sunday, which she highlighted on social media.

“I was formally introduced and blessed as the new Transitional Pastor at @seattlequest today! My goal is that we’ll be as spiritually, relationally, organizationally and financially strong & healthy as Pastor @EugeneCho has left us. May it be so, Lord!” McNeil noted in a post on Twitter late Sunday night.

McNeil is expected to serve as transitional pastor from October 2018 to March 2019 when a new lead pastor is expected to be nominated, according to information posted on the church’s website.

Pastor Cho and…

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Church adopts new inclusion policy after death of gay teenager

St James and Emmanuel in Didsbury has brought in the policy welcoming everyone regardless of race, gender or sexuality following Lizzie Lowe’s death in September 2014.

During the inquest into her death, it emerged that the teenager did not want to tell her parents in the church about her sexuality even though they say they loved her whatever here sexual preference was.

 

Leaders at the church said it was “open and welcoming” before Lizzie’s death back in September 2014 but they admitted that sexuality was not discussed for fear of causing controversy.

Since Lizzie’s death the church’s congregations has become more diverse.

Songs are often signed and special prayers are offered for same sex couples who’ve married.

The church has also started a Youth Cafe for 200 young people where they can go to discuss any worries or problems they have in a safe environment.

It has gained new members from the gay community and even invited the first Didsbury Pride event to take place in the grounds.

St James and Emmanuel also joined eleven neighbouring churches to become the first inclusive Deanery in the Church of England. Its Area Dean is gay and each church is sharing ways to welcome and support parishioners.

The Rt Rev David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, told the Manchester Evening News: “What we can do in Manchester will show churches across the country and not just in the Church…

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Christian University to Allow Same-Sex Relationships between Students

Christian University to Allow Same-Sex Relationships between Students



Azusa Pacific, a Christian university in southern California, recently announced that they were removing their restriction on same-sex relationships between students. The move comes after pressure from student groups who demanded a change in the regulation. 


ZU Media, “The Student Voice of Azusa Pacific University,” said the change in the code of conduct does not reflect a shift in the university’s commitment to a biblical sexual ethic. “As an evangelical institution, APU still adheres to the Biblical principles of human sexuality—the belief that “sexual union is intended by God to take place only within the marriage covenant between a man and a woman” and it remains a cornerstone of the university’s foundation.”


The conduct agreement still requires all students to abstain from sexual behavior. Erin Green, an Azusa Pacific graduate and Co-Executive Director of Brave Commons, a Christian LGBT advocacy group, told ZU Media, “We thought it was unfair to single out queer folks in same-sex romantic relationships while it is impossible to enforce or monitor [whether other students are remaining abstinent],” Green said. “Queer students are just as able to have romanticized relationships that abide by APU’s rules. The code used falsely assumed that same-sex romances always involved sexual behavior. This stigmatization causes harm to our community,…

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Jeremy Corbyn supports Christians on the Left’s conference campaign

As the Labour faithful gather in Liverpool this week and discuss investment, ownership and a People’s Vote, the Christian faithful among the left have accompanied them with a church service and a campaign encouraging members to act kindly towards each other, suggesting 10 ways to prevent the party being ‘the nasty party’. 

Christians on the Left say their 10 commandments are ‘tongue-in cheek’ but also echo verses from the Bible. 

They want to see party members acting honorably online and to love the local party branch, or constituency Labour party. 

On Sunday, Jeremy Corbyn attended a church service at St James in the City church in Liverpool, hosted by Christians on the Left and the Christian food bank charity the Trussel Trust, where the main theme was unity. 

The party leader also took a photo with the Christians on the Left campaign frame and tweeted that the service was: “Uplifting, positive, and beautiful service with Christians on the Left this morning, and I’m proud to endorse their #LoveYourCLP campaign. We must never pass by on the other side when people in our communities are in need.”

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Avril Lavigne Cries Out to God in Emotional, Chart-Topping Song

Avril Lavigne Cries Out to God in Emotional, Chart-Topping Song



Avril Lavigne’s battle with Lyme Disease inspired her to write a God-centric song that even could be labeled “praise and worship.” 


Titled “Head Above Water,” the song quickly reached No. 1 on the iTunes download chart. Its YouTube lyric video has been viewed more than 5 million times, five days after its Sept. 19 release. It is her first single in five years. 


The disease caused Lavigne, now 33, to pause her successful music career for more than two years. She fought it with antibiotics and herbs for two years and stayed in bed the “majority of the time,” according to her website.


“One night, I thought I was dying, and I had accepted that I was going to die. My mom laid with me in bed and held me,” she said. “I felt like I was drowning. Under my breath, I prayed ‘God, please help to keep my head above the water.’ In that moment, the song writing of this album began. It was like I tapped into something. It was a very spiritual experience. Lyrics flooded through me from that point on.”


“Head Above Water” describes the emotions she felt during her battle and includes the chorus, “God, keep my head above water / Don’t let me drown, it gets harder / I’ll meet you there at the altar / As I fall down to my knees / Don’t let me drown, drown, drown / Don’t let me, don’t let me, don’t let me drown.” 


Later she sings: “So pull me up from…

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