John Piper Warns That ‘Riches Are Dangerous’ After Middle-Class American Admits Fearing Judgment Day

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John Piper Warns That ‘Riches Are Dangerous’ After Middle-Class American Admits Fearing Judgment Day

(Photo: Rocket Republic via Flicker)John Piper, founder of DesiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary, speaks at the MLK50 Conference hosted by the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention and The Gospel Coalition in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 5, 2018.

Reformed pastor John Piper has warned that riches are dangerous, and said that the most important thing is to love people, not money, after a middle-class American listener admitted they fear Judgment Day for their lifestyle.

“Riches are dangerous; that message is everywhere. Simplicity for its own sake is worthless because love is what counts. Doing good, and not going without — that’s what counts. I know there are people who’ve given themselves to way more simplicity than others, and they’re loveless, while people that have more are very more loving and good is coming from their lives,” Piper said on Monday on his desiringGod.org website.

“Immerse yourself in the New Testament summons to love people, not money. It calls us to love simple beauties, not luxurious status symbols. This is so crucial,” he advised.

“The world is begging us constantly to love status symbols instead of simple beauties. Learn with Paul the secret of such profound contentment in Jesus that…

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Church trip to Syria hours after UK air strike labelled ‘nuts’

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Church trip to Syria hours after UK air strike labelled ‘nuts’

The meeting was said to mark a sign of solidarity with the country’s Christian minority but a decision to press ahead with the trip – hours after UK warplanes struck suspect chemical weapons facilities – was questioned.

One reporter who joined the visit was quoted by the Daily Telegraph as describing the meeting as “nauseating” and the timing as “absolutely nuts”.

 

Priest and columnist Giles Fraser, Christian peer Baroness Cox and former Bishop of Exeter Michael Langrish travelled to the Syria capital on a visit arranged by Anglican vicar Rev Andrew Ashdown.

Writing on Twitter, Rev Fraser said: “With the Grand Mufti of Syria – the top Muslim cleric in Syria – in the astonishing Umayyad Mosque in central Damascus talking about how love is stronger than missiles.

Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Trey Fowler/US Department of Defence/PA Wire

 

“Very warm greeting despite the bombings.”

A military operation by US, UK and France at the weekend (pictured) was discussed during talks between the visiting delegation and Youssef Sabbagh, the speaker of the People’s Council of Syria – as well as 20 MPs.

HA Hellyer, a senior research fellow at the Atlantic Council and the Royal United Services Institute in London told the Telegraph: “When British peers and Christian clergy have been to Damascus in the past, they were rightly condemned as presenting an image of appeasement to Assad’s regime, and showing him as some sort of protector of Christians, as…

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Open Heavens 17th April 2018 Tuesday — What To Do To Finish Well

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Open Heavens 17th April 2018 Tuesday — What To Do To Finish Well

Topic: What To Do To Finish Well [Open Heavens 17 April 2018, Tuesday]

Memorise: “And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.” – Genesis 17:1

Read: Hebrews 12:1-8 (KJV)

1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

Bible in One Year: Judges 5-6, 1 Timothy 6.

MESSAGE:

“Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof:” – Ecclesiastes 7:8a

The devil is not bothered about how well we start our Christian journey, but he is concerned about how we end it. His ultimate desire is for us to end badly. From the above passage of scripture, we can see that it is important to ensure that we have a better ending in life. I pray that you will end well and strong in Jesus’ Name. The secrets to ending well in life are contained in today’s memory verse and Bible reading. The first secret is to live a perfect life as demanded by the God of Abraham in Genesis 17:1. To live a perfect life is very simple if we can study those who have successfully gone ahead of us. Father Abraham is a typical example of someone who obeyed God. Beginning from leaving his comfort zone in his father’s house to the point of sacrificing his only son, Isaac, Abraham obeyed God all the way (Genesis 12:1; 22:1-14). In order words, simple childlike obedience to God and His word is a secret for finishing well. This was what enabled my father-in-the-Lord, the founder of Redeemed Christian Church of God, to finish well. Even when he was grievously wronged by the head of another church, God commanded him to make peace and he obeyed.

Another secret for finishing well is to look up to no one else but the Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:2). The Almighty God has given Him to us as a better example than father Abraham. He is the Sinless one who suffered shame for the sinful. Some people try to justify themselves on some wrong actions they make by using the wickedness of other men around them as an excuse. Today’s Bible reading is saying that we should follow the perfect example of Jesus Christ, who was falsely accused and subjected to shame but did not retaliate, because He believed that vengeance belonged to the Father. He did not try to defend Himself in order to fulfill His destiny as our Redeemer. The Holy Spirit encouraged us to consider him who endured such opposition from sinners against Himself, lest we become weary and give up (Hebrews 12:3). In addition, we are encouraged to resist the opposition of sin and strive against it to the point of death. May the good Lord strengthen us in this regard in Jesus’ Name. Beloved, the key to living a perfect life for the successful ending of your Christian journey lies in your obedience to the word of God, (Psalm 119:9). The devil is trying to derail the Christian faith by faulting the word of God, describing it as a moribund treatise of the Jewish religion. Beware of this if you want to finish well and strong.

Prayer Point: Father, help me to finish well by giving me grace to uphold Your word in its rightful place in my life.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read Open Heavens 16th April 2018 Monday — ABBA, FATHER

Hymn 5: I Have Decided To Follow Jesus

1. I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

2. The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.

3. Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though- none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

4. My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

5. Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.

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: Please do not prolong your salvation if you have not repented. Many are going home daily and tomorrow maybe too late…There is still hope, JESUS LOVES YOU!

The post Open Heavens 17th April 2018 Tuesday — What To Do To Finish Well appeared first on Flatimes.

Benny Hinn’s Nephew Calls Bethel Church Leader Kris Vallotton ‘False Prophet’ Who ‘Deceives People’

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Benny Hinn’s Nephew Calls Bethel Church Leader Kris Vallotton ‘False Prophet’ Who ‘Deceives People’

(PHOTO: TWITTER)Costi Hinn (left) criticized Kris Vallotton, Senior Associate Leader of Bethel Church in Redding, California (right), of raking in “easy money” by “deceiving people.”

Costi Hinn, the nephew of Benny Hinn who frequently speaks out against his uncle’s “prosperity theology,” called Bethel Church leader Kris Vallotton a “false prophet” who rakes in “easy money” by “deceiving people.”

Vallotton, senior associate leader of Bethel Church in Redding, California, recently shared a photo on his Facebook page showing where his luxury car had been keyed by an unknown assailant.

“It’s kind of sad that people can destroy other people’s hard earned stuff,” the pastor wrote. “On the other hand I often feel like God can use negative things in our life to test our hearts. I like my car a lot, but it’s just a car, it’s not a[n] Idol … I don’t live for it … and I don’t get my identity from it.”

Vallotton, also a best-selling author who “uses his prophetic gift to assist world leaders in achieving their goals and accomplishing their mission,” according to his bio, said he prays for “those people who tried to destroy my stuff.”

“They are enemies that need love not vengeance, unforgiveness, or hatefulness. I asked God to bless them and help them to see His goodness in the…

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Justin Bieber leads worship at music festival

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Justin Bieber leads worship at music festival

Popstar Justin Bieber has made an impromptu appearance at the famous Coachella music festival to lead worship at a side event.

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Pastor Andrew Brunson on trial in Turkey

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Pastor Andrew Brunson on trial in Turkey

Andrew Brunson was arrested in 2016 while he was working as a missionary there and accused of partaking in terrorist organisations. 

Daniel Hoffman, Executive Director of Middle East Concern, a Christian freedom group who are support Andrew and are in contact with him told Premier why they believe he is innocent: “He’s never been involved in any armed or even political activities and also when the indictment was finally released…there wasn’t really anything that corroborates any of the charges against him.” He referred to charges where the witnesses were ‘secret’. 

Daniel Hoffman explained the latest in the case: “Today was the very first hearing, he appeared before the court, he strongly denied all the charges against him.”

He described how the case could take two eyars or more, according to Brunson’s lawyer but that there was some sign of light: “There are some hopes that he may be released – there was a slightly similar case of a German-Turkish journalist who had been in prison for more than a year and when his court case started he was released.”

Hoffman said it also may fall apart because of what they think is flimsy evidence: “The evidence is basically non-existent so there is a chance the court will acquit him as well – but you never know in Turkey.”

“The prosecutors are asking for up to 35 years in prison.”

 Speaking of how the pastor was…

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Bishop says ethics must be at the centre of AI development

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Bishop says ethics must be at the centre of AI development

The group has spent time writing its recommendations on how the UK should develop the technology industry.

The report, released on Monday, says the UK is in “a strong position to be a world leader in the development of artificial intelligence” and that AI could be a huge boost to the UK economy.

However, the group also highlight that ethics must be at the centre of any developments.

Speaking about the report, Bishop of Oxford, Dr Stephen Croft told Premier: “AI has lots of good possibilities…but it also carries some significant dangers if it’s developed uncritically.”

He cited potential problems as the use of data without people’s knowledge and bias decision making, such as computers making decisions in human resources and job applications without fully understanding the criteria.

He added there are “quite serious implications in warfare and AI used weaponry”.

“All these things are real and present dangers now, they’re not future impossibilities and it’s absolutely vital that there’s an informed public debate about how we inform and develop AI,” he said.

Bishop Steven explained that “at the heart of it all is a very strong ethic that AI should operate for the common good, and benefit of humanity”.

To listen to the full interview with Premier’s Eno Adeogun about the effects of AI with Bishop Steven, click here:

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a…

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Faith schools’ church attendance rule deemed ‘unacceptable’ by half of Brits

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Faith schools’ church attendance rule deemed ‘unacceptable’ by half of Brits

A YouGov survey found just 22 per cent said it was ‘acceptable’ with the rest in the middle.

The results come as a concerted effort is being carried out to make faith schools rethink their admissions policies.

 

Back in 2015, a survey commissioned by ITV revealed that 12 per cent of parents of primary school aged children admitted to having pretended to practice a faith in which they did not believe to get their child into a desirable faith school.

Chair of the Accord Coalition for Inclusive Education, Rev Stephen Terry, said: “People are right to oppose school places being obtained through what is in effect cheating. However, public pressure should not be directed at families, but at authorities that permit admission arrangements which are known to incentivise parents in this way.”

“Faith groups associated with religiously selective schools may give themselves a boost and feel that they succeed in engaging with families interested in gaining a school place, but it is entirely bogus.

“Encouraging people to be insincere about their religious affiliation or commitment, in order to gain an unfair advantage over others who are acting honestly, undermines the reputations of these faith groups and risks diminishing their authority as moral guides and guardians.”

The government recently announced it was going to change the law which currently only allows a school to select…

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Unusual Today, But Typical for a Church From the 1880s

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Unusual Today, But Typical for a Church From the 1880s

(PHOTO: DENNIS LENNOX)Trinity Episcopal Church in Bay City, Michigan

Trinity Church in Bay City, Michigan, is similar to other churches of its era.

Built between 1885 and 1887, the limestone and sandstone edifice was designed for the Episcopalian congregation by local architect Philip C. Floeter in the then-fashionable style of Gothic Revival.

Trinity may have a traditional east-west liturgical orientation, but the west front façade actually faces south toward the busy artery of Center Avenue at the intersection with Grant Street, as in Ulysses S. Grant. In either direction Center bisects streets with similarly illustrious names — Monroe, Jackson, Van Buren, Farragut, Sherman and, of course, Lincoln.

The neighborhood encompassing these streets is recognized as a historic district with over 200 entries on the National Historic of Register Places. Many of those listings are for Gilded Age homes erected by lumber barons and shipping industrialists.

Bay City’s wealth allowed Trinity to build its present-day church as a replacement for an earlier wooden church. This was a pattern repeated across the United States as settlement pushed both north and west.

A grand stone church didn’t just reflect the social status of a church’s congregants, it also symbolized that the community was no longer an uncivilized, uncultured frontier outpost.

(PHOTO: DENNIS LENNOX)Trinity Episcopal Church in Bay City, Michigan

Alterations have undoubtedly been made to Floeter’s design — the obvious being the hideous red carpet on the floor of the nave. Still, everything about the interior comes together reasonably…

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Barbara Bush in failing health, declines medical treatment

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Barbara Bush in failing health, declines medical treatment

“It will not surprise those who know her that Barbara Bush has been a rock in the face of her failing health, worrying not for herself–thanks to her abiding faith–but for others. She is surrounded by a family she adores, and appreciates the many kind messages and especially the prayers she is receiving.”

With these words, a family spokesman announced yesterday that Mrs. Bush has decided to end medical treatment and will focus on comfort care.

Tributes to the former first lady have already begun.

UN Ambassador Nikki Haley called her “a woman of great faith, great strength, and an unwavering love of country.” On the other side of the political spectrum, Chelsea Clinton tweeted, “I will never forget how kind she was to me on every occasion we met, and how fondly the White House staff always spoke of her.”

I know of no more universally admired person in American politics than Barbara Bush. Conversely, I know of no more polarizing person than the other political figure making headlines today.

James Comey was interviewed last night by ABC’s George Stephanopoulos. The former FBI director is promoting his new book, A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership. I watched the interview and am not surprised that reaction fell on partisan lines.

Whatever your thoughts on Mr. Comey, it’s clear that our nation’s politics are deeply divisive. In the decades after George H. W. Bush served as president, political animosity in America has increased exponentially.

In times like these, we need the example of Barbara Bush.

A tragedy that changed her life

Janet and I were deeply honored to meet Mrs. Bush when she spoke at Dallas Baptist University’s Russell Perry Award dinner in 2001. She was as gracious in private as she was in public. As the wife of one president and mother of another, she is famous the world over for her courage, compassion, and humor.

The Washington Post has an insightful story about Barbara Bush and her family that helps…

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