Notable Voices and the Week in Review: May 26, 2018

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10 Reasons to Do Announcements via Video — Chuck Lawless

I’ve previously written about ways to improve announcements in your church, and I briefly mentioned there why I like video-recorded announcements. Here are my other reasons for taking this approach:

 

7 Things to Never Say at a Funeral — Facts & Trends

Though we all are confronted with death and must deal with personal loss, we never seem to know what to say to someone else going through grief. Sometimes, even if we have the best intentions, we can say something that is emotionally hurtful or theologically off-base. Here are seven things to avoid saying at a funeral or to someone grieving the loss of a loved one.

 

Leading Your Church to Care for Orphans — Craig Thompson

Not everyone can or should adopt. Not everyone can or should be foster parents, but every church should look for how they can be involved in care for orphans. May is National Foster Care Month and in honor of that, here are ways that you, as a pastor, can lead your church to engage children in foster care.

 

3 Cruel Christian Clichés for Graduates — Eric Geiger

It’s graduation season and your mailbox is likely filled with graduation invitations and pictures. Your church has likely asked graduates to stand and be recognized or marched them across the stage as proud family members took photos and celebrated/mourned the ending of an important season in their lives. It is an exciting time for graduates. College or work plans are coming together, and…

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

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Trump policy ‘would shock Jesus’, politician claims

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Trump policy ‘would shock Jesus’, politician claims

Ted Lieu, who represents California in the US House of Representatives – the lower chamber of Congress – attacked a new “zero-tolerance” approach announced by leaders.

Commenting on Twitter, he said: “There are many ways to describe the Donald Trump policy of ripping children away from their parents at the border.

“It violates human rights laws. It is un-American. It would shock Jesus. But I think the most appropriate way to describe it is this: the policy is evil.”

Ted Lieu previously criticised more than 150 conservative Christian leaders in the US who signed the so-called Nashville Statement defending traditional teaching on sexuality and marriage.

 

Earlier this month, it was revealed the Department of Homeland Security intends to ensure everyone caught crossing the border illegally would be referred for federal prosecution.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions told a meeting of the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies: “If you cross the border unlawfully, even a first offense, we’re going to prosecute you.

“If you’re…

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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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UN urged to act over ‘sham trial’ of US pastor Andrew Brunson

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UN urged to act over ‘sham trial’ of US pastor Andrew Brunson

Lawyers supporting the American also said there was “no evidence” to support accusations that he belonged to a terrorist organisation Turkey blames for a failed coup.

In a statement to the international body’s Human Rights Council representatives from the European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ) said: “The UN has long stood to protect the human rights of all people.

 

“In intervening on behalf of Pastor Brunson, the UN will once again demonstrate its commitment to ensuring that freedom of religion exists for all people, regardless of their faith.”

Mr Brunson was summoned to a local police station in October 2016 and later charged with links to a failed plot to overthrow the Turkish government in July 2016.

Supporters claim he is effectively a political prisoner being held as a bargaining chip by Turkey as it seeks the extradition of preacher Fethullah Gülen, which it blames for the doomed action.

Brunson, who has led a small Protestant church in the coastal city of Izmir for 23 years, has been told he faces up to 35 years in prison.

World Watch Monitor

 

The statement goes on to say: “The indictment against Pastor Brunson was 62 pages long, wholly lacking in merit, and provided no evidence regarding criminal action against Pastor Brunson, but was rather replete with hearsay from secret witnesses.”

The ECLJ also urges Turkey to uphold its…

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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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Abortion vote exit polls show ‘reaction’ against Ireland’s Catholic past, says ex-Presbyterian leader

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Abortion vote exit polls show ‘reaction’ against Ireland’s Catholic past, says ex-Presbyterian leader

Very Rev Trevor Morrow, former moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland also said he was “sad but not surprised” by polling data which suggests widespread support for change.

He told Premier: “The indications were that there was going to be a substantial number of people who would vote for repeal.

 

“I thought the difference would be probably about ten points but this is almost seismic, an extraordinary result.”

Surveys by the national broadcast RTE and the Irish Times suggested 70-per-cent and 68-per-cent of voters respectively back relaxing the nation’s relatively strict legislation governing terminations.

The Republic voted overwhelmingly in favour three years ago of legalising same-sex marriage.

Referring to Ireland’s strong Catholic history, Very Rev Morrow continued: “You can tell by the response to the gay marriage referendum and again here you see it in this debate on abortion, there is a real strong reaction against what we have inherited from the past.”

Creative Commons and PA

 

A referendum held on Friday effectively asked voters whether to repeal or retain the state constitution’s Eight Amendment – legislation which prohibits terminations unless a mother’s life is at risk.

The Irish Government had indicated that it would follow any vote in favour of repeal by introducing more liberal abortion laws by the end of the…

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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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Churches to meet outdoors on Sunday for persecuted Christians

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Churches to meet outdoors on Sunday for persecuted Christians

Congregations will brave potential thunderstorms by hosting open air church services, in solidarity with persecuted believers around the world.

It forms part of the Great Outdoors Church Service organised by the UK-based charity Release International.

 

Spokesperson, Andrew Boyd told Premier: “In many cases, the [persecuted] Christians are going out in the streets because they want to maintain their witness.

“They’re meeting in parks come rain or shine – even come snow in some cases; we’ve seen the pictures from China of faithful Christians meeting in the snow.”

The initiative is also raising awareness of Christian communities who feel pressured into meeting secretly or whose churches have been shut down by hostile governments.

Release International

 

Encouraging more churches to get involved, Andrew Boyd said: “We have amazing freedom in this country to do whatever we like really without the risk of persecution.

“It’s ever so easy to take that freedom for granted, so why don’t we just take a very small risk; the really small risk is that it’s probably going to rain but never mind.”

The Great Outdoors Church Service campaign is highlighting countries such as China, where church buildings have been knocked down and tears have been removed.

Participants are being encouraged to consider how they might use their freedom “to the full” in supporting…

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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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What Does the Bible Say About Memorial Day?

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What Does the Bible Say About Memorial Day?

Memorial Day weekend is here, and while the holiday is popularly seen as the unofficial start of the summer holiday season, it’s always meant to be a somber reminder that freedom comes at great cost, especially for the brave men and women who die serving in the armed forces. It’s always a good opportunity to open the Bible and look up some verses to help commemorate their sacrifice.

Pixabay/jennifer1051Memorial Day or Decoration Day is a federal holiday in the United States for commemorating the people who died while serving in the country’s armed forces, and will be held on May 28, 2018, the last Monday of the month.

In the same way that soldiers of the U.S. military have laid down their lives time and again in the name of freedom, these men and women have also made the ultimate sacrifice not just for their country, but for their family and friends as well. Such is the weight of a life given up in sacrifice that John 15:13 called it a love that surpasses all others.

13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

It’s the same peerless love shown by Jesus when he died in suffering to save mankind from sin, and the faithful Christian are called upon to follow him as soldiers, as Timothy 2:3-4 pointed out.

3 Share in suffering as a…

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

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Teens Open Heavens 26 May 2018 – Guard Your Thoughts

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Teens Open Heavens 26 May 2018 – Guard Your Thoughts

Topic: Guard Your Thoughts [Teens Open Heavens 26, May 2018]

Memorise: Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23

Read: Mark 7:20-22 (KJV)

20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.

21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

Bible In One Year: 1 Chronicles 17-19, John 10:1-21

MESSAGE:

We are what we think. Thoughts are powerful. Our thoughts inform and influence our actions. This is why we must guard our thoughts. Some people just leave their minds to wander about. This is wrong. If you are not cautious of what you think about, the devil will take advantage to fill your mind with lots of evil. When a person keeps thinking evil thoughts, he will eventually start practicing evil deeds.

To guard our thoughts, we must be careful of what we allow into our minds. The music we listen to, the TV programs we watch, the social media handles we follow, the conversations we hold and the company we keep. These things are elements that fill our minds and translate to either positive or negative thoughts. How much Christian content do you consume? How many Christian social media handles do you follow? How often do you attend Christian fellowships? The things you put into your mind will translate into your thoughts, and these thoughts will translate into actions that will eventually lead you to your future. Watch what you feed your mind with.

Action Point: From today, be careful about the books you read, the movies you watch and the music you listen to because they will shape your personality.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Teen Open Heavens Daily Devotional by Pastor Adeboye’’

Hymn 2:

1. When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

2. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.

3. Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.

4.But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.

5. Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.

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.

The post Teens Open Heavens 26 May 2018 – Guard Your Thoughts appeared first on Flatimes.

Joyce Meyer’s Daily 26 May 2018 Devotional — Healthy Roots Develop Fruit

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Joyce Meyer’s Daily 26 May 2018 Devotional — Healthy Roots Develop Fruit

Topic: Healthy Roots Develop Fruit [Joyce Meyer’s Devotional Saturday May 26, 2018]

When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down. — Ephesians 4:26 AMPC

When you become a student of God’s Word, you begin to desire a change in your behavior. But so often, as soon as you deal with one bad behavior, another immediately pops up to replace it. Why? Because bad fruit comes from a bad root.

For example, as long as we feel bad about ourselves, we will produce bad fruit of some kind. It might be anger, insecurity, fear, or indecision. But it will show up in our behavior. We must deal with the root of the problem. No matter how good things look outwardly, if they are not right on the inside, sooner or later it will be revealed on the outside.

Your worth and value are not based on outward things; they are based on God’s love for you. Receive His love, learn to love and value yourself, and you will begin to produce better fruit in your life.

Prayer Starter: Father, please help me to have a greater understanding of Your love. Help me to see myself the way You see me and receive my worth and value from You. 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 26 May 2018 Devotional — Healthy Roots Develop Fruit appeared first on Flatimes.

RCCG Sunday School Manual May 27th, 2018 Lesson 39 — Quarterly Review

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RCCG Sunday School Manual May 27th, 2018 Lesson 39 — Quarterly Review

TOPIC: Sunday School Quarterly Review –  [Section 1 – 4th, Sunday, 27th May 2018]

SECTION 1 – 4th Quarter Test – Marks Obtainable = 50 Marks
Time Allowed = 15 Minutes
Co-coordinator (Parish/Area/Zonal) should set 10 questions from the 12 lessons in the quarter and administer them for 15 minutes. Each question carries 5 marks. Total score should be marked over 50 marks.

Click HERE to read previous SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUALS FOR TEACHERS & STUDENTS

SECTION 2 – 4th Quarter Attendance in the Sunday school and Participation in Class Activities.
Marks Obtainable = 50 Marks Time Allowed = 15 Minutes
Class Teachers should check the student’s attendance and participations in Sunday school in Sunday School Class Report (R1) and count how many times the student attended the School. 4 Marks should be given for each time the student was present in the Quarter, while 2 marks be given for attending the quarterly review.
i.e. 4 marks x number of times present + 2 marks
e.g. 4 X 12 times +2 = 50
Total Scores should marked over 50 marks

Click HERE to read previous SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUALS FOR TEACHERS & STUDENTS

SECTION 3 – ASSIGNMENTS
Marks Obtainable = 100 Marks Time allowed = Zero
Class teacher should check student’s workbook and obtain the student’s score. The work book assignments should be scored over 100 marks for every quarter with 10 marks for each assignment.

GRADING OF SCORES
Total Score = Section 1 + Section 2 + Section 3
200
e.g. = 40 + 42 + 70 x 100
200 1 = 76%

SECTION 4 – INTERACTIVE SECTION
Marks Obtainable – Zero mark Time Allowed – 15 minutes

Teacher and students should discuss how to move the Sunday school forward in the new quarter. They should discuss challenges and set new goals. They should pray for success of the Sunday school and all officials.

Click HERE to read previous SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUALS FOR TEACHERS & STUDENTS

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Living A Curse And Sickness-Free Life – By David Ibiyeomie

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Living A Curse And Sickness-Free Life – By David Ibiyeomie

Topic: Living A Curse And Sickness-Free Life

Curses are effects of darkness (ignorance) and light (deep understanding of God’s word) is the answer to such darkness – John 8:12.

At redemption, we were not only made free from sin, but also delivered from all calamities of life – Galatians 3:13-14.

How To Live A Curse-Free Life

1. Through Salvation – Hebrews 2:3.

2. Have a deep understanding of your redemptive right – John 1:5.

3. Through bold/faith-filled declarations – Luke 21:15, Psalm 81:10,14.

4. Through Prayer and Fasting -1 Chronicles 4:9-10, Matthew 17:21.

5. Through the Blood of Jesus – Exodus 11:1

6. Through Kingdom service Exodus 23:24-26; 4:23: Service ends curses, Rendering genuine service and faithful kingdom service has the power to end curses in your life – Job 36:11.

7. Through the altar of sacrifice as may be prompted by the Holy Spirit – 2 Samuel 24:24.

8. Through faithful tithing – Malachi 3:5-10.

9. Through the ministry of the Prophets – Matthew 10:21, Ezra 4:23-24;5:1-2, Hosea 12:13.

10. Through faith in God’s word – Matthew 8:17, 1 Peter 2:24, Isaiah 53:5.

11. Through the anointing of the Holy Spirit – Isaiah 59:19, Isaiah 10:27, 1 Samuel 16:13.
You can only live a curse-free life when you are in Christ Jesus.; give your life to Jesus by saying the prayers below.

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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