‘I’m Alive … Thank You for Praying for Me’

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‘I’m Alive … Thank You for Praying for Me’

ScreenshotPastor Robert Morris speaking to his congregation about tithes.

Robert Morris, the founding pastor of the nearly 40,000-member Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, who is battling an illness, says in a Facebook live video that he’s alive and recovering thanks to the prayers of thousands of believers.

“I’m doing better. I’m getting stronger,” the 56-year-old Morris, who has been critically ill since early April, says in the video posted on Sunday. 

“It’s just a slow process and I appreciate your continued prayers,” continues Morris, who also serves as chancellor of The King’s University and is a best-selling author of 14 books. “I just wanted to let you know where I am. I’m alive and I’m headed in the right direction and I am recovering. So thank you, thank you, thank you for praying for me.”

Gateway Church spokesman Lawrence Swicegood earlier said that Pastor Morris had to undergo several emergency surgeries to stem internal bleeding following a hernia operation on April 2. He was most recently treated for pneumonia.

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Christian campaigners protest as terminally-ill man challenges euthanasia ban

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Christian campaigners protest as terminally-ill man challenges euthanasia ban

The campaigners from disability group The Distant Voices created a “giant graveyard” outside the Royal Courts of Justice to highlight the danger of the court ruling in favour of Noel Conway.

“The bottom line is it’s just too dangerous,” said Nikki Kenward, a Christian who organised the protest. “We’ve seen in every country that it’s been made legal that the use of it spreads in the most terrible way.”

 

Kenward, who has Guillain-Barré syndrome, also told Premier: “Should Mr Conway win his case it will change my life forever. As a disabled person I am only too aware that some people see me as having ‘no quality of life.’ A young friend, who has cerebral palsy, and I, were told by a youth worker, ‘If I were you two I’d rather be dead.’ Please don’t tell me I will not be vulnerable if euthanasia is legalised.”

Kirsty O'Connor/PA Wire

Disability rights campaigners outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London,

 

Conway, a 68-year-old retired lecturer from Shrewsbury, wants to be helped to die – which the law currently prevents – when he has less than six months left to live, still has mental capacity to make the decision and has made a “voluntary, clear, settled and informed” decision.

He has proposed that he could only receive assistance to die if a High Court judge determined that he meets all three of those criteria.

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Abuse of Women Is Never Acceptable

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Abuse of Women Is Never Acceptable

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(Screenshot: The Gospel Coalition)Southern Baptist Convention Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission President Russell Moore, giving remarks at the MLK50 Conference in Memphis, Tennessee on Tuesday, April 3, 2018.

Prominent Southern Baptist leaders Russell Moore and Thom Rainer are speaking out against the controversial comments of a former Southern Baptist Convention president who in 2000 appeared to advocate for women to remain with abusive husbands.

Last Saturday, the Baptist Blogger posted an audio recording from 2000 in which former SBC head Paige Patterson, who currently serves as president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, spoke of encouraging a woman to remain with her abusive husband.

Rainer, who is president and CEO of LifeWay, released a statement on Monday, declaring that there “is no level or type of abuse of women that is acceptable.”

“We have been called by God to show honor and respect to all women and girls. They are our mothers, our sisters, our daughters, our granddaughters, and our wives,” stated Rainer.

“And I stand with all who say ‘no’ to any type of abuse of women at any time and under any circumstance.”

Moore, who heads the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, echoed Rainer’s position on…

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BGT singing priest takes the Christian album chart by storm

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BGT singing priest takes the Christian album chart by storm

Father Ray Kelly is currently on Britain’s Got Talent and songs of his from 2015 have now entered the Gospel Album chart as new entries.

The ‘singing priest’ was popular before with over 61 million hits on a YouTube video of him singing Hallelujah at a wedding and two albums to his name. 

He spoke to Premier about his chart entry and his beginnings as a vocalist: “Well I’ve always loved to sing, I did a bit of voice training years ago when I worked in Dublin…my family are very musical anyway – it was always something I loved to do.”

Father Ray Kelly regularly sings at church and for weddings and funerals but said: “it always took second step to being a priest; that was number one in my life.”

He added that although he is used to speaking in front of people, he was still nervous about singing in front of Simon Cowell and the other Britain’s Got Talent judges: “I thought about it for a long time before deciding to enter and I kind of thought in the end I’m not going to beat myself up if they criticise me and I don’t get any yes’s…but I said I’d give it a go”

Speaking of the moment he got a standing ovation, he said: “I was gobsmacked by their reaction really. you know, even the four second delay after I finished my last note and there was kind of silence in the auditorium in the palladium…those four seconds seemed like hours”.

“Then Simon…

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Beyoncé Mass at San Francisco Church Draws 900 Worshipers, Offers ‘Womanist Biblical Interpretation’

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Beyoncé Mass at San Francisco Church Draws 900 Worshipers, Offers ‘Womanist Biblical Interpretation’

REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/File PhotoFILE PHOTO – Beyonce performs at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, U.S. on February 12, 2017.

A controversial mass based around the music and messages of pop-icon Beyoncé Knowles-Carter drew as many as 900 people to an Episcopal cathedral in San Francisco last week, up from around the 50 who usually attend weekday services.

The Rev. Yolanda Norton, a San Francisco Theological Seminary assistant professor who specializes in the Old Testament, told the San Francisco Chronicle last week that the service, held at Grace Cathedral on Wednesday, was inspired from a desire to explore female-centric interpretations of the Bible.

“When we talk about womanist biblical interpretation, Beyoncé felt like a natural fit,” Norton said. “If we look at the trajectory of her person and her relationships, we can see so many issues black women face and how it can affect how we interpret the text.”

The Rev. Jude Harmon of Grace Cathedral explained that the mass was part of a three-part series on Grace, titled “Speaking Truth: The Power of Story in Community,” which seeks to focus on marginalized elements in the Christian community, such as women and people of color.

Harmon admitted that there has been controversy surrounding the mass,…

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Christian addiction specialist welcomes new ban on cheap alcohol

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Christian addiction specialist welcomes new ban on cheap alcohol

Scotland has led the world by becoming the first country to implement a minimum unit price for alcohol, Nicola Sturgeon has said.

The First Minister hailed the policy, designed to cut alcohol-related harm, as “bold and brave” as it was finally brought in across the country.

 

The minimum 50p per unit price, delayed for six years by a legal challenge led by the Scotch Whisky Association, has been welcomed by the medical professional and health campaigners as the biggest breakthrough in public health since the ban on smoking in public.

The law bans cheap supermarket vodka, super-strength lager and cider.

Major Lynden Gibbs, addictions support officer at the Salvation Army told Premier this new law will make a difference to those struggling.

“We work with people who are less wealthy than others so it makes a big difference because they’re buying cheap alcohol in big quantities. It will cut down hospital admissions, it will cut down debt,” he said.

It is estimated the move could save around 392 lives in the first five years of its implementation in Scotland, where on average there are 22 alcohol-specific deaths every week and 697 hospital admissions.

The misuse of alcohol is thought to cost Scotland £3.6 billion each year, or £900 for every adult in the country.

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

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Open Heavens 2 May 2018 Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Accessing Hidden Secrets

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Open Heavens 2 May 2018 Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Accessing Hidden Secrets

Topic: Accessing Hidden Secrets [Open Heavens 2nd May 2018, Wednesday]

Memorise: The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. – Psalm 25:14

Read: Daniel 9:1-3, Daniel 9:20-22 (KJV)

Daniel 9:1-3:
1 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans;

2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.

3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:

Daniel 9:20-22:
20 And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God;

21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.

22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.

Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 10-11, Hebrew 10:1-18

MESSAGE:

Our Heavenly Father has access to all the secret things of life, and He may choose to share some of these secrets with any of His children. One reason why He does this is to provide information that will help in the fulfillment of our destinies. He also reveals secrets to help us avert pending calamity. Daniel’s experience in today’s Bible reading reveals some of the God-ordained means of accessing hidden secrets that are vital to success in life. In the place of prayer and studying God’s word, Daniel gained access to secrets vital to the liberation of his people. May you receive access to hidden secrets that will accelerate the fulfillment of your destiny today in Jesus’ Name.

A lady once visited me in the office to complain about her inability to attract a suitor in marriage, and she was advancing in age. The Lord immediately revealed the source of her problem to me, and I told her to go and announce to her family members including her mother that anyone behind her problem would die within seven days, if the person refused to repent. A few days later, this lady came back to see me with her mother, who angrily demand to know why I sent her daughter to pass a death sentence on her. I answered her that I did not pass a death sentence on her or on anyone else for that matter, but that my Daddy clearly said that anyone behind her daughter’s inability to marry would die within seven days unless he or she chose to repent. This elderly woman then asked her daughter to excuse us for a private discussion. She asked me if what I said was the truth, and I told her in clear terms that this person would surely die within seven days unless he or she put an end to the wickedness against this lady. She then confessed to me that her daughter was the only one taking care of her, and so she was afraid that she would be abandoned if her daughter were to get married, which is why she did not want to let her go. I assured her that she would not be abandoned and that she would in fact enjoy better care and treatment after her daughter got married. She then immediately promised to let her go. A few weeks later, this lady met a suitor and got married thereafter. I decree that God will release hidden secrets that will accelerate the fulfillment of your destiny today in Jesus’ Name.

There are two main sources of knowledge: sense and revelation. Many people operate at the level of sensual knowledge and are ignorant of the other. Sensual knowledge is available through formal or informal learning. While sensual knowledge is earthly, revelation knowledge is supernatural and comes only from God. Sensual knowledge is limited, sometimes inaccurate and often leads to uncertainty, but revelation knowledge brings assurance, confidence and peace. Do you have access to revelation knowledge?

Prayer Point: Father, please open my eyes to the secret things that will make a difference in my life, and help me make a difference in my community.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read Open Heavens 1 May 2018 Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – The Reward Of Diligence

Hymn 15: Nearer My God To Thee

1. Nearer, my God to Thee,
Nearer to Thee!
E’en though it be a cross
That raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be.
Nearer, my God to Thee!
Nearer, my God to Thee!
Nearer to Thee!

2. Though like the wanderer,
The sun gone down.
Darkness be over me,
My rest a stone.
Yet in my dreams I’d be
Nearer, my God to Thee!
Nearer, my God to Thee!
Nearer to Thee!

3. There let the way appear
Steps unto heaven;
All that Thou send’st to me
In mercy given:
Angels to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to Thee!
Nearer, my God to Thee!
Nearer to Thee!

4. Then, with my waking thoughts
Bright with Thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs
Bethel I’ll raise
So by my woes to be
Nearer, my God, to Thee!
Nearer, my God to Thee!
Nearer to 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 2 May 2018 Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Accessing Hidden Secrets appeared first on Flatimes.

Commercial Surrogacy on Path to Legalization in NJ, NY, but Some Donor-Conceived Adults Oppose the Laws

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Commercial Surrogacy on Path to Legalization in NJ, NY, but Some Donor-Conceived Adults Oppose the Laws

Two populous states are on the path to legalizing commercial surrogacy, a move that’s drawing intense criticism from bioethicists, egg donors, donor-conceived children and pro-life advocates.

Legislation permitting the practice is being considered in New York and New Jersey, and the New Jersey bill, known as bill S482, which recently passed through both houses of the state legislature, is sitting on the desk of Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy.

New Jersey Right to Life is actively opposing the proposed legislation. If Murphy does not sign, veto or conditionally veto it by May 28, it will become law.

Marie Tasy, NJRTL executive director, explained to The Christian Post in an interview on Monday that all too often an unfortunate disconnect exists in the minds of many people who advocate for the unborn on this issue as some pro-lifers have no problem with surrogacy. But the in vitro fertilization process, she explains, involves the creation of an excessive number of surplus human beings, embryos, who are frozen, used in human experimentation, or are destroyed.

“If too many of these human embryos (beings) implant in the uterine lining, or a disability is found in one or more of the human embryos, the woman is encouraged to have an abortion,” Tasy said.

In the case of the surrogacy bill on the New Jersey governor’s desk, she added, one of the legislation’s sponsors said during a hearing that the intended parents procuring the child through a surrogate can force the mother who is carrying the baby, who is referred to as the “gestational carrier,” to undergo an abortion, she said, if they demand…

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Former Gay and Trans Individuals to Participate in DC Freedom March

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Former Gay and Trans Individuals to Participate in DC Freedom March


Former Gay and Trans Individuals to Participate in DC Freedom March


On May 5, 2018, a Freedom March event will be held in Washington D.C. Many former transgender, lesbian, and gay men and women will be participating in the march, including one of the survivors from the June 2016 shooting at Pulse Nightclub.


Daren Melh, president of Voice of the Voiceless which is helping organize the event said it will be “an opportunity for those of us who have a new life with Jesus to come together in fellowship and praise Him for the love and grace available to everyone who seeks it [and] to testify publicly of the life-changing grace available to leave the LGBT identity for something greater.”


The Christian Post reports that Mehl himself identified as a gay man for about 10 years before having a change of heart. Now, he is happily married with two children.


Although he came out of the LGBT community, Mehl only wants to extend a welcome to others who may be struggling with their identity.


“Jesus instructs us to love others as we love ourselves,” he said, acknowledging that many LGBT people have felt hurt by religion and the church.


“When anyone spews hate toward another person they are clearly not operating according to the Holy Spirit,” he continued. “It is extremely sad when this happens and I hope that [Christians] would be convicted of their sin and repent and reconcile with those they hurt.”

Another attendee of the Freedom March is Luis…

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Bible Answer Man Addresses Blessings Through Prayer, ‘Dark Underbelly’ of Joel Osteen’s Teaching

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Bible Answer Man Addresses Blessings Through Prayer, ‘Dark Underbelly’ of Joel Osteen’s Teaching

(Screenshot: Facebook/Bible Answer Man)“Bible Answer Man” Hank Hanegraaff in a podcast on March 5, 2018.

If you pray for something persistently and consistently, will those blessings come true?

The question was posed this week to “Bible Answer Man” Hank Hanegraaff of the Christian Research Institute by a listener of his broadcast who specifically noted Hanegraaff’s disagreement with Pastor Joel Osteen when it comes to how one receives blessings. 

The Lynnwood, Washington, resident said that when he was facing “some real consequences four years ago,” he turned to God and prayed Mark 11:22-25 every day. “And my blessings came true,” the listener said.

The passage says in part, “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” 

“I know that you (Hanegraaff) say that it’s dangerous to think that if you say something into the atmosphere or whatever, that I believe that if you pray to God every day for the same thing as hard as I did that your blessings can come true. I’m not saying it comes true every time,” he added. 

Hanegraaff, who in 2017 revealed that he is undergoing chemotherapy to fight cancer, noted that he also prays for specific things.

“For example, I pray fervently that God will completely heal me from mantle cell…

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