Christian groups welcome Supreme Court’s abortion decision on Northern Ireland

Currently, terminations are only legal if a woman’s life is at risk or there is a permanent or serious danger to her mental or physical health.

On Thursday, the court ruled they had no jurisdiction to declare the current rules ‘unlawful’ but did say Northern Ireland’s laws are incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights, namely Article 8, which protects the right to respect for private and family life.

They therefore suggested that the law should be changed by saying what ruling they would have made had the case been valid.

Although ‘radical reconsideration’ was recommended, Christian groups have welcomed the ruling that the Northern Ireland Human Rights commission cannot interfere with the law themselves.

Peter Lynas, the director of the Evangelical Alliance in Northern Ireland said: “This is a welcome judgment. It is obviously not a cause for celebration, but rather a moment to pause and be thankful for the lives this judgment will save.”

“We acknowledge that this is a technical victory; however, it is important to note that the Supreme Court has dismissed the case brought by the Human Rights Commission. In doing so, it has made clear that there is no human right to abortion.”

He also made the distinction between the the right to terminations in extreme circumstances and the right generally: “From a human rights perspective, the only discussion is…

… Read More



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

قالب وردپرس

UMC Minnesota Conference Removes ‘Father’ From Apostles Creed for Worship Service

(Photo: Twitter/Keith Mcilwain)An edited version of the historic Apostles’ Creed, which replaces gender specific language like “Father” with “Creator,” which was used during worship at the United Methodist Church’s Minnesota Annual Conference in 2018.

The Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church edited the historic Apostles’ Creed so that it removed references to God as “Father” for a worship service.

The Apostles’ Creed is an affirmation of Christian faith that goes back to the early Church and is still common in many churches that include liturgy as part of worship.

At the multiday Minnesota Conference, which went from May 30–June 1, liturgical folders reportedly included a copy of the creed that removed gender specific language for God, changing “God the Father Almighty” to “God the Creator Almighty” and “Jesus Christ His Only Son” to “Jesus Christ God’s Only Son.”

The Christian Post reached out to the Minnesota Conference for further details about the edited creed and its use, and will update this piece when a response is received.

The Rev. Keith Mcilwain, pastor at Slippery Rock United Methodist Church in the Western Pennsylvania Conference, posted an image of the edited creed on social media.

… Read More

—-

Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – The Christian Post.

قالب وردپرس

The day that changed my life forever

Today is my thirty-eighth wedding anniversary. I am to be congratulated. According to my friends, my wife is to be consoled.

I cannot imagine my life without Janet. The world knows what an amazingly gifted teacher, writer, and minister she is. Our family knows that she is the very same person in private that she is in public. Her passionate commitment to her Lord, her family, and her calling animates everything she does.

I remember well the moment I first saw her: she walked into our sophomore English class at Houston Baptist University, smiling. I’d not seen that done before.

I had to know more but soon discovered that she had boyfriends. One after the other. I was finally able to get in line for a date. Two years later, we were married.

“If any of you lacks wisdom”

I will spend eternity thanking God for leading us to each other. But I cannot tell you precisely how he did. He used feelings, circumstances, and other people. There came a time when we simply knew that we knew we were to be married.

If I had to prove to her that she should marry me, I’d still be single.

We are facing many dilemmas today for which we need God’s direction. For instance, the American Bible Society is being criticized for requiring employees to affirm a statement of moral commitments. Among them: “I will seek to refrain from sexual activity outside of the marriage covenant prescribed and exemplified in the Bible: ‘a man will leave his father and mother and unite with his wife, and the two will become one,’ symbolizing the relationship between Christ and His Church (Matthew 19:5; Ephesians 5:31).”

We now live in a day when a ministry dedicated to distributing the Bible is criticized for affirming biblical morality.

More Americans are suffering from depression, stress, and anxiety, a trend making news following Kate Spade’s tragic death this week. According to a new study, nearly half of American veterans who need mental health care don’t receive it.

We…

… Read More



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

قالب وردپرس

Donald Trump commutes sentence for Christian minister backed by Kim Kardashian

“BEST NEWS EVER!!!!” was the Twitter response from Kardashian West.

Alice Marie Johnson, 63, has spent more than two decades behind bars and was not eligible for parole.

 

She became an ordained minister while behind bars and mentored women in prison. She was released hours later and ran into her family members’ arms.

 

Michael Scholl, a member of Johnson’s legal team, said she was released just before 6pm from federal prison in Aliceville, Alabama. Relatives were there to greet her as she experienced freedom for the first time since the 1990s.

Footage from local news station WVTM-13 showed Johnson running towards her family, throwing her arms wide open and embracing them in front of a crowd of onlookers.

“Everybody was crying and hugging,” Mr Scholl said.

Unlike a pardon, the commutation will not erase Johnson’s conviction, only end her sentence.

Mr Scholl said Johnson would be returning to Memphis and was planning to spend time with her family. He earlier praised Mr Trump for “a courageous move” and described Johnson as overwhelmed by the news.

 

Mr Trump’s decision comes amid a recent flurry of pardons issued by the president, who has seemed drawn to…

… Read More



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

قالب وردپرس

Allocating blame and punishing guilty won’t solve societal problems linked to Grenfell fire says bishop

Rt Rev Dr Graham Tomlin delivered the Premier Lecture on Wednesday night with a stark warning that we could see something similarly tragic happen again unless we rethink what it looks like for people to live together in society.

While saying there is a need to hold people to account, he called for a societal change which sees people loving their neighbour whatever their social standing.

 

“If the Inquiry produces its results, culprits are identified and perhaps given prison sentences, that would satisfy a certain need for justice, or even revenge, but it still would not resolve anything fundamental.

“If we allocate blame, punish the guilty, and then carry on as before, then there is no guarantee that something like this will not happen again, or even more, we will perpetuate the deeper conditions and attitudes that led us to this point.

“We might even issue new types of building regulations, or safety measures in construction, but even that I suggest would not be enough.

“The kind of repentance that Jesus calls for, and indeed the Grenfell Tower fire calls for is deeper – a radical look at the way we live together in our society.”

https://www.premierchristianradio.com/Shows/Weekday/Woman-to-Woman/Interviews/Life-after-Grenfell by Revd Micky Youngson

 

Next week marks the first anniversary of the fire.

Bishop Graham was speaking as the public inquiry into the fire is in full swing.

He suggested there were many reasons for the fire…

… Read More



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

قالب وردپرس

How to Deal with an Aging Facility in a Revitalization or Replant – Revitalize & Replant #044

SUBSCRIBE TODAY: iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play

Aging facilities can be a drain on a church—especially one needing revitalization. Today, we discuss how to best address this issue/

Today’s Listener Question:

FROM MARK

We have a really old facility. It was built in the 1930s—so it’s not even “mid-century” as you’ve talked about in the past. Are there any things I can do to the facility that won’t cost an arm and a leg that can help me in my replant?

Episode Highlights:

  • Too many churches built worship centers that were just too big.
  • The building is often the biggest burden in a church revitalization or replant.
  • When upgrading your church facility, start with low-hanging fruit and needed safety upgrades.
  • In churches, money and resources flow toward activity.

The five facility issues we discuss are:

  1. Get a clear perspective on the challenges.
  2. Decide what is urgent.
  3. Look for low-hanging fruit.
  4. Seek ministry partners.
  5. Seek construction and building ministries to do facility rehabilitation work.

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 North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to…

… Read More



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

قالب وردپرس

Premier Christian Radio presenter Michael Cleere dies aged 57

The host of Worship at Home, Night Light and That Friday Feeling became a listener favourite through his witty and humorous presenting style.

 

Michael’s radio career spanned more than three decades and has seen him progress from pirate radio to a multi award-winning stint at the BBC. Along the way he’s served his time as a radio announcer, newsreader, and programme maker.

He joined Premier Christian Radio in 2006 and since then he’s built up a loyal following of late night listeners and Sunday morning worshippers.

Alongside his radio work, Michael led a comprehensive programme of civic engagement within Southwark Council.

 

Paying tribute, Premier’s Director of Content Charmaine Noble-McLean said: “He was funny, sincere and there was something authentic and honest about the way he presented.

“When I met him for the first time that’s exactly what I got.

“That’s what he then brought to Premier. He knew how to get alongside the listener and really made you feel like he cared and had time for you. That was what was really special about him.”

Michael’s family has asked for privacy at this difficult time.

More details on a tribute to him will be announced at a later date.

If you’d like to leave your own tributes click here.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily…

… Read More



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

قالب وردپرس

Joyce Meyer’s Daily 7 June 2018 Devotional — Realistic Expectations

Topic: Realistic Expectations [Joyce Meyer’s Devotional Thursday June 7, 2018]

I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse; therefore, you shall choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants. — Deuteronomy 30:19

How we treat ourselves is often how we treat others. For example, if you receive God’s mercy, then you will be able to give mercy to others, but if you are demanding and never satisfied with yourself, you will be the same way with others.

We need to learn to be good to ourselves and yet not be self-centered. You should respect and value yourself; you should know what you are good at and what you are not good at and realize God’s strength is perfected in your weaknesses. We stress over our faults and yet everyone has them. If you had no faults, you would not need Jesus, and that is never going to happen!

Prayer Starter: Father, help me to have realistic expectations of myself and others, knowing we all have weaknesses and need Your daily support. 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’s Daily 7 June 2018 Devotional — Realistic Expectations appeared first on Flatimes.

MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional Thursday, 7 June 2018 – You And Your Mentor

TOPIC: You And Your Mentor (Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries Thursday, 7 June 2018)

FIRE SCRIPTURE: – 2 Thessalonians 3:6-7

MEMORY VERSE: “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”1 Corinthians 11:1

The MESSAGE:

The word ‘mentor’ does not appear in the Bible, but there are so many instances of people who are wiser and more experienced in the Bible, acting as mentor to someone younger or newer in faith. Moses mentored Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:23), Elijah mentored Elisha (1 Kings 19), Naomi mentored Ruth, Jesus mentored His Apostles, Paul and Timothy (Philippians 2:1-2).

What is mentoring? It is being a coach to a willing and ready individual. A mentor is a wise and trusted counselor or teacher, who has achieved a significant level of feats in his/her field. In our Memory Verse, Apostle Paul spelt out mentoring as his leadership model –very simple: “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ.”

Who is your mentor? Some persons claim to be Christians but their mentors happen to be big-time politicians who speak in fables, wear exquisite attires, live big and ride ostentatious cars. Gehazi wanted to have the type of clothing like that of the Syrian war leader. He was under the tutelage of a great mentor, from whom he would have inherited great anointing but he chose to have a worldly mentor in his heart. He ended up a leper throughout his life and generations after him were not spared, they became sad reminders of this ugly episode in the Bible history. Your vision determines who mentors your life. Your life style and character would be impacted by your mentors’ vision and character.

A mentor guides by being a good example. Apostle Paul counselled Christians in Philippians 4:9 thus, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” Do you behave like your father in the Lord, whose life is Christ-like or like a boss in the office who depends on his scheming ability? This is the counsel of the Lord as written in Hebrews 13:7 “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.” You must not follow a satanic leader. Learn to be wise to choose a kingdom mentor. May God help you, in Jesus’ name.

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
A mentor whose mentor is Jesus will mentor you after Jesus.

PROPHETIC WORD:
Satanic mentors will not locate you.

PRAYER POINTS:

MORNING
1. Glorify the name of God Almighty who gave His only begotten Son to be your mentor.
2. I shall not lose focus on Jesus, in the name of Jesus.
3. Fake mentors in my life, disappear, in the name of Jesus.

EVENING
4. Power that wants me to go astray, die, in the name of Jesus.
5. Every door opened to spiritual robbers in my life, be shut by fire, in the name of Jesus.
6. Any conscious or unconscious link between me and any demon, be cut off by the blood of Jesus, in the name of Jesus.
7. Power assigned to link me with evil mentor like Rehoboam, die, in the name of Jesus.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional HERE

MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE is a daily devotional by Dr. D.K Olukoya (General Overseer, Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries, Worldwide)

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.

The post MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional Thursday, 7 June 2018 – You And Your Mentor appeared first on Flatimes.

Thousands Killed, Women Raped – Urban Christian News

An investigative report has revealed that in isolated regions of Myanmar, which has been accused of carrying out a genocide against Rohingya Muslims, the Burmese military has also been ethnically cleansing the minority Christian Kachin people.

Sky News‘ investigative team managed to travel and document the situation in the remote Kachin state, where locals say that a “second genocidal campaign” is underway.

The area is hidden from much of the world, as the Buddhist-majority Myanmar has denied journalists and aid agencies access to the region.

The Kachin people, who have been fighting for self-determination for decades and have formed their own armies, such as the Kachin Independent Army, are said to have died by the thousands in attacks carried out by the Myanmar military.

The locals say that the central government’s attacks have increased significantly since January. The mass persecution of Rohingya refugees is also suspected to have begun around last August and close to 700,000 have been forced to flee to Bangladesh.

Sky News reported that thousands of Kachin civilians, who are predominantly Christians, have been stranded in thick jungles, having to flee the heavy artillery bombing from the central army.

“I am convinced the Burmese government is trying to ethnically cleanse the Kachin people,” said a mother of four by the name of Lashi Ókawn Ja.

“Whenever they see Kachin people they try to kill us and they rape the women, even the women who are pregnant.”

General Sumlut Gunmaw, vice president of the Kachin Independence Council, also argued that Myanmar is…

… Read More

—-

Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Urban Christian News

قالب وردپرس