Pope Francis Reportedly Told Gay Man: ‘God Made You Like This’

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Pope Francis Reportedly Told Gay Man: ‘God Made You Like This’


Pope Francis Reportedly Told Gay Man: ‘God Made You Like This’


Pope Francis is making headlines for reportedly telling a gay man that God made him the way he is and that there is nothing wrong with it.


According to CNN, Juan Carlos Cruz, a gay man who is a survivor of sexual abuse, had the opportunity to meet with the Pope last month. During their meeting, Cruz talked with the Pope about the abuse he suffered at the hands of a Chilean priest.


Cruz said that the Pope told him regarding his identity as a gay man, “You know Juan Carlos, that does not matter. God made you like this. God loves you like this. The Pope loves you like this and you should love yourself and not worry about what people say.”


This is not the first time the Pope has garnered attention for more lenient views on current issues and controversies in the Church. It also marks a departure from the traditional teaching of the Catholic Church on homosexuality, which is that it is contrary to God’s plan.


The Vatican has not officially confirmed or denied the Pope’s comments to Cruz. Vatican spokesman Greg Burke told CNN: “We do not normally comment on the Pope’s private conversations.”


The priest who abused Cruz was found guilty of this crime back in 2011.


 


Photo courtesy: Flickr.com


Publication date: May 22, 2018

 

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Open Heavens 23 May 2018 Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Total Submission

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Open Heavens 23 May 2018 Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Total Submission

Topic: Total Submission [Open Heavens 23rd May 2018, Wednesday]

Memorise: Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. – John 10:17

Read: Philippians 2:5-8 (KJV)

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 21-22, 1 John 2:28-3:24

MESSAGE:

Submission is a humble attitude wherein authority is duly recognised and obedience is willingly rendered without any resistance whatsoever. God commands submission to Himself, to civil authorities and to appointed leaders in His Church (James 4:7, 1 Peter 2:13, Hebrews 13:17). Submission is also commanded in relationships such as marriage (Colossians 3:18). The crux of the message of our Lord Jesus Christ is submission to the will and purpose of God as revealed in His word. In Matthew 7:24-27, He said those who hear the word of God and submit to its authority in obedience can be likened to a wise person who built his or her house upon the rock, and the house survived a terrible storm. In contrast, He compared those who reject the authority of God’s word to a foolish person who built his or her house on sandy soil without strong foundations, and the house was destroyed by the storm. Therefore, not being submissive to the word of God, which manifests itself as disobedience, is very costly indeed. I pray that you will receive the grace to submit totally to the will of God concerning your life today in Jesus’ Name.

Our Lord Jesus Christ is the perfect example of submission. Today’s Bible reading reveals the extent He went to in order to submit Himself to His Father. No wonder the Holy Spirit wants us to have the same mind that He had. In John 10:17, Jesus revealed that total submission is the secret of the Father’s love for Him. Hear what He said to the Father in Hebrews 10:7 when He was coming into the world:

“Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.”

Concerning the submission of the Lord Jesus Christ, Hebrews 5:8 also says:

“Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;”

Jesus learnt to obey God’s instructions even when He knew it would yield personal loss and suffering for Him. Little wonder the Bible says He was obedient unto death. This obedient unto death was demonstrated in Matthew 26:39 when He was faced with the reality of death on the cross, and He made this agonising prayer to God saying:

“…O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

For Jesus, obedience to God was His primary concern, and every other thing, including His personal interest, was secondary. May the Lord give His Church this same mindset in Jesus’ Name.

Key Point: If you want to get the same result that Jesus got, be submissive to God like He was.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click HERE to read Open Heaven (22 May 2018) Tuesday – Exercising Your Delegated Authority

Hymn 12: Take My Life, And Let It Be

1.Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise,
Let them flow in endless praise.

2.Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

3.Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee,
Filled with messages from Thee.

4. Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose,
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose.

5. Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne.

6. Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

Open Heavens 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.

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 Open Heavens 23 May 2018 Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Total Submission appeared first on Flatimes.

In His Will, Billy Graham Urges Family to Defend Gospel ‘at Any Cost’

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In His Will, Billy Graham Urges Family to Defend Gospel ‘at Any Cost’


In His Will, Billy Graham Urges Family to Defend Gospel ‘at Any Cost’


The Rev. Billy Graham’s final will and testament has been made public, and in it he praises his wife, Ruth, and admonishes his family to uphold the Gospel no matter what.


The Christian Post shares some of Graham’s words in the document, the rest of which can be found on WSOCTV.com.


“I ask my children and grandchildren to maintain and defend at all hazards at any cost of personal sacrifice the blessed doctrine of complete Atonement for sin through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ once offered, and through that alone. I urge all of you to walk with the Lord in a life of separation from the world and to keep eternal values in view.”


Graham also encouraged his family to read the Bible daily and to trust in Jesus for salvation.


He then went on to thank his wife, Ruth, for the “wonderful, thrilling, and joyous life” they were able to share.


“I want to thank her for her years of devotion, love, faithfulness, and sacrifice. Of all the people I have ever known, she was the greatest Christian.”


In the will, Graham also specified that 10 percent of his residuary estate will go directly to the cause of the Gospel.


“I have done my best before the Lord and I have confidence in all of you that you will consider that you are only trustees of what I have left,” the famous evangelist concludes.


 


Photo courtesy:…

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Methodist Church announces death of renowned preacher and broadcaster

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Methodist Church announces death of renowned preacher and broadcaster

The Church announced his death labelling him one of the “most effective and thoughtful communicators of a generation”.

Born in Bolton into a mining family he was educated in Oxford and Manchester before moving to Zambia to serve as a missionary.

He became involved in African politics before his return to the UK where he served as minister of Wesley’s Chapel in London.

He later worked at the BBC as head of religious broadcasting and later controller of BBC Northern Ireland.

One of his successor’s at Wesley’s Chapel Lord Leslie Griffiths has paid tribute.

Speaking to Premier, he said: “He was an extraordinary man. A communicator par excellence. You give him a platform – never mind who was in front of him – he would speak out of learning, passion and interest in a way that captured the audience in front of him.

“The most quintessential thing about him was his ability to preach the gospel.”

Listen to the full interview with Lord Leslie Griffiths and Premier’s Ian Britton here:

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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Pope Francis Reportedly Tells Gay Man: ‘God Made You Like This’

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Pope Francis Reportedly Tells Gay Man: ‘God Made You Like This’


Pope Francis Reportedly Tells Gay Man: ‘God Made You Like This’


Pope Francis is making headlines for reportedly telling a gay man that God made him the way he is and that there is nothing wrong with it.


According to CNN, Juan Carlos Cruz, a gay man who is a survivor of sexual abuse, had the opportunity to meet with the Pope last month. During their meeting, Cruz talked with the Pope about the abuse he suffered at the hands of a Chilean priest.


Cruz said that the Pope told him regarding his identity as a gay man, “You know Juan Carlos, that does not matter. God made you like this. God loves you like this. The Pope loves you like this and you should love yourself and not worry about what people say.”


This is not the first time the Pope has garnered attention for more lenient views on current issues and controversies in the Church. It also marks a departure from the traditional teaching of the Catholic Church on homosexuality, which is that it is contrary to God’s plan.


The Vatican has not officially confirmed or denied the Pope’s comments to Cruz. Vatican spokesman Greg Burke told CNN: “We do not normally comment on the Pope’s private conversations.”


The priest who abused Cruz was found guilty of this crime back in 2011.


 


Photo courtesy: Flickr.com


Publication date: May 22, 2018

 

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

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Priest preaches at cathedral then hangs up robes to play football for Norwich City

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Priest preaches at cathedral then hangs up robes to play football for Norwich City

The ex-Manchester United and Norwich City midfielder hadn’t played professionally since he stepped down in 2009 to train as a priest in Ireland.

However, Fr Philip put his football boots on once again and returned to the pitch at Carrow Road to play for the Canaries’ Legends team against Inter Forever (an Inter Milan charity team) in a charity game.

 

Speaking to the Norfolk Eastern Daily Press, Fr Philip said: “The response I got at Carrow Road was quite overwhelming. Fans, players and staff at the club were hugely supportive of the path I have taken. It was a wonderful opportunity to share with them the journey that led me to embrace the religious life.

“It felt like I had never left, and the atmosphere in the dressing room before the game was great. Often charity games can resemble a training ground stroll in the park, but the supporters ensured by their singing that this match was competitive and the players responded to them.”

Diocese of East Anglia

Fr Philip Mulryne with family.

 

While Fr Philip hadn’t played football professionally for nearly two decades, that didn’t stop him for doubting he had the ability to play well.

Close Norwich friend, Clare Richards, was at the cathedral to hear Fr Philip before the game.

“Phil said to me that he was a bit worried about the match in the afternoon as, although he does a lot of…

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Episcopalians Reflect on Staying Power of ‘The Sermon That Stole the Show’

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Episcopalians Reflect on Staying Power of ‘The Sermon That Stole the Show’


Episcopalians Reflect on Staying Power of ‘The Sermon That Stole the Show’


It’s not Meghan Markle’s stunning 16-foot veil or bouquet of forget-me-nots, the favorite flower of the groom’s late mother, Princess Diana.


It’s not the romantic words Prince Harry whispered to his bride as she joined him at the altar.


Days after the royal wedding, it’s the address by the Most Rev. Michael Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, people still are talking about.

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School head steps down over punishing LGBT students with Bible

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School head steps down over punishing LGBT students with Bible

The decision was made as part of a settlement between Bill Lucero and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Foundation of Oregon.

In a press release, the AACLU said Lucero “repeatedly failed to respond to LGBTQ students complaints” during his tenure at North Bend High School, in Oregon.

 

Hailey Smith and Liv Funk filed complaints with the state in 2016.

The have both agreed to no longer pursue legal action against the district.

The school resource officer – who is alleged to have told Funk she was going to hell for being gay -will also be asked by the school district to step down.

As part of the settlement, North Bend High will donate $1,000 to a LGBT advocacy group, the ACLU has reported.

Smith and Funk, along with other students who spoke with the ACLU, said that not all staff in the school are unsupportive of LGBT students.

“I think there are a lot of teachers, staff, and community members in North Bend who do support LGBTQ students,” Smith said in a statement.

“Under a more supportive school administration, I hope they will no longer be afraid to show their support.”

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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Nigerian bishops protest against Fulani herdsmen slaughter of Christians

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Nigerian bishops protest against Fulani herdsmen slaughter of Christians

According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Fulani militia-related violence has been escalating since 2015, with the central states of Nigeria – and particularly Adamawa, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Taraba and southern Kaduna – experiencing cyclical violence.

Fr Ralph Madu of the Secretariat of the Bishops’ Conference called for a peaceful demonstration after two Catholic priests were killed during morning Mass in April.

 

They were around 30 militia men on St Ignatius’ Catholic Church in the St. Ignatius Quasi Parish of Makurdi Diocese. The attack  also claimed the lives of 17 parishioners and left an unknown number of people injured.

Rev Fr Remigius Ihula from the Markurdi Diocese in Benue state told Premier the killings equate to genocide.

“What has taken place here is at the scale that took place in Rwanda. It has been sustained, it has been it has been well planned and consistent,” he said.

“The attackers come with AK-47 rifles and there at times they’re camouflaged in military fatigue. Sadly, the authorities have not done anything. “

Parish Priest Father Joseph Gor and Father Felix Tyolaha died in an attack

 

Attacks on villages in Benue intensified following the implementation of the Anti-Open Grazing Law in November 2017, which bans herders from grazing their cattle on land belonging to local…

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Woman Whose Google Anti-Abortion Talk Went Viral Says Christians Must Pray Before Confronting Culture

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Woman Whose Google Anti-Abortion Talk Went Viral Says Christians Must Pray Before Confronting Culture

(Photo: Screengrab, Facebook)Stephanie Gray speaks at the Wilberforce Weekend in Washington, D.C. on May 19, 2018.

A pro-life speaker whose talk about abortion at Google’s headquarters went viral, is urging Christians to think deeply and not skip deliberate prayer before confronting cultural evils. Such is the approach of Jesus, she argued.

During the Wilberforce Weekend sponsored by the Colson Center in Washington, D.C. Saturday, Stephanie Gray, who hails from Canada and co-founded the Centre for Bioethical Reform, recalled that a year ago, the night before she was scheduled to speak at Google, she was panicking.

“I was riddled with anxiety and I thought the presentation that I had prayerfully prepared I should scrap,” Gray said, “and come up with something new in 14 hours.”

She decided to contact her sister and told her about her nerves. Her sister called it out for what it was: a spiritual attack. She also told Gray to “tell Satan to go to Hell,” and then to get some sleep and give the talk she had planned to give. Her talk was called “Abortion: From Controversy to Civility,” which summarily rocketed around the internet.

The experience reminded her of the passage in Ephesians 6 which speaks about the battle believers face against spiritual wickedness and demonic principalities and powers, she said.

“We are in a spiritual battle,” Gray emphasized, “and if we are going to confront the culture and enter into that battle in a very serious way then there are three things that we need to do.”

The first is that contemplation be prioritized over confrontation, modeling Jesus while doing so, she…

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