What is the Prophetic Meaning of the Bethlehem Star? — Charisma News

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What is the Prophetic Meaning of the Bethlehem Star? — Charisma News
Join us on our new podcast each weekday for an interesting story, well told, from Charisma News. Listen at charismapodcastnetwork.com.This week, stargazers were treated to a rare and beautiful planetary alignment, possibly the same one that beckoned to magi seeking the Christ child some 2000 years ago.The cosmic conjunction of Venus and Jupiter appearing less than 0.33 degrees apart from one another from our night sky has been called the “Star of Bethlehem,” referring to its likely connection to the bright celestial occurrence that heralded the birth of Jesus. Despite the fact that neither planet is, in fact, a star, Venus and Jupiter appear brighter than any star in the sky most nights during the conjunction, and their proximity–especially to cultures that navigated, farmed, and foretold their future by the stars–would be seen as an awesome cosmic event.But is there any prophetic significance to the return of the “star”? Many believe so, particularly considering its timing.With conflict-riddled events in Russia, Iran, Syria, Greece, Israel and beyond growing to a head, the Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex marriage, racial and faith-based tensions at home and abroad, the tetrad of four blood moons, and the impending end of the Shemitah all seeming to point toward approaching judgment, many are looking at the conjunction as a prophetic sign of Christ’s imminent return.One element that makes this conjunction unique–as well as further tying it to the original Star of Bethlehem–is the fact that the alignment is passing through the constellation of Leo. Famed 17th century astronomer Johannes Kepler calculated the historical movement of the planets and the stars to arrive at the conclusion that this was the same setup as the conjunction that heralded the birth of Christ–fitting, considering Jesus was repeatedly prophesied and referred to as the Lion of Judah, among other lion-based references.According to Susan S. Carroll, author of The Star of Bethlehem: An Astronomical and Historical Perspective, this particular conjunction did occur in 2 BC, albeit in an even tighter formation than the 0.3 degrees separating the planets this time. And just like this time, the “Star of Bethlehem” two millennia ago passed through the constellation Leo.One Messianic Jewish writer has even made connections between the Hebrew names and meanings for the two planets–Venus’ name meaning “very bright light” and Jupiter’s meaning “the call for justice and righteousness.” Further, the writer points to the proximity between “Regulus”–the “king” star–and the conjunction, as well as further scriptural connections to the event and recent occurrences that seem to portend a coming judgment, as further proof of Jesus’ coming back soon.What do you think? Is this a sign of Christ’s imminent return? Or is it just a beautiful celestial occurrence to remind us to “look up” and appreciate our Creator’s majesty? Sound off in the comments below.The Charisma Podcast Network is now live. Featuring a variety of programs including news, leadership, inspiring stories, women’s topics, sports, and even more.
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Source : Charisma News

Two Christian Women Accused of Blasphemy Tortured by Muslim Villagers in Pakistan; Faces Painted Black, Beaten as They’re Forced to Parade Around on Donkeys

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Two Christian Women Accused of Blasphemy Tortured by Muslim Villagers in Pakistan; Faces Painted Black, Beaten as They’re Forced to Parade Around on Donkeys

Pakistani Christians (Photo: Reuters/Mohsin Raza)

Christian Post Report – A Pakistani Christian woman prays along with others during Easter celebrations at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Lahore, April 5, 2015.

Two Christian women from a Pakistani village in the Sheikhupura district of Punjab province have reportedly been tortured by Muslim villagers, after which their faces were painted black and they were paraded around the town on donkeys.

The Pakistani Christian Post reported that the women, identified as Rukhsana and Rehana, were accused of committing blasphemy, which activists have said is a common way for the Muslim majority to oppress Christian and other minorities.

The two Christians apparently got into an argument with a Muslim woman who wanted to buy from their home a flex used as a carpet for a low price, to which the Christians refused. The Muslim woman then accused the Christians of committing blasphemy by pointing out that the carpet has images of Holy Books and Quran verses on it, which prompted a Muslim mob to beat the Christians and drag them out of their home.

Rukhsana’s husband, Awais, had his head shaved in the incident, after which all three Christians had their faces painted black, had shoes put around their necks as garlands, and were paraded around town on donkeys, while the mob continued teasing and beating them. The public punishment was eventually put to an end after police were called into the village.

Human rights group The Voice Society was reportedly instrumental in getting the police to get involved and help the Christians. The families of Rukhsana and Rehana have said that they will leave the village following the attack, and not come back again.

PCP noted that some Muslim extremists in Pakistan look for “any reason” to persecute and execute Christians and other minorities, and noted that Christians are finding themselves in an “awful reality” where they are being targeted around the world.

Tensions between the majority Muslim community and minority Christians remains especially high in Pakistan. Fides News Agency reported that a major massacre was prevented back in May in Lahore partly due to three Muslim leaders standing up against other Islamic imams who were inciting a mass attack on Christians for alleged blasphemy.

There has been some movement within Pakistan’s parliament seeking to make changes to the controversial blasphemy laws. Human rights activist Pervez Rafique, who’s also a former minority member of parliament representing the Pakistan People’s Party in Punjab, told The Christian Post in an interview in May, however, that it will be difficult to see such changes materialize.

“It’s hard to change or relax the laws,” Rafique told CP, “especially the blasphemy law 295-A-B-C of Pakistan’s penal code.”

The activist explained that although to change or abolish laws the parliament needs only simple majority, two third majority is needed to amend the constitution or any article of the constitution — a level of support those opposed to the blasphemy laws do not have.

Source : Christian Post

Here’s Some Proof of Modern-Day Resurrection — Charisma News

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Join us on our new podcast each weekday for an interesting story, well told, from Charisma News. Listen at charismapodcastnetwork.com.After years of hearing the story from extended family members, Craig Keener verified in 2008 that his sister-in-law, Thérèse, had been raised from the dead in 1960. The seminary professor made the discovery on a visit to his wife’s native Congo-Brazzaville. Two witnesses told of how Thérèse had stopped breathing for three hours before an evangelist prayed for her and she sprang back to life.For the professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, the episode marked the final turning point from skeptic to believer. It was only the latest in a series of incidents he had investigated in a scholarly work on miracles.”Instead of being a good, critical Western scholar, at this point it was like a burden,” says Keener, author of a new report on resurrections for the Bulletin for Biblical Research.”It had gotten to the point where I had come across so much information it would be more irrational for me to disbelieve than to believe these things were happening. It changed the equation. It (raising people from the dead) was just part of their life. They weren’t trying to convince me of anything.”Noting that during the first century many discounted the story of Christ’s resurrection, Keener details compelling evidence of the reliability of the Bible’s account. His research paper also traces numerous historical records of resuscitations, such as:—Early church leader Augustine claimed local eyewitnesses attested to raisings.—A second-century source attributed a Mesopotamian bishop’s conversion in the year 99 to him seeing a dead person raised by a Syrian evangelist.—Methodism’s founder, John Wesley, recorded in his journal that on Dec. 25, 1742, he had prayed for a Mr. Meyrick, who appeared to be dead and the man revived.Pentecostal historian Charlie Self offers another: legendary Catholic evangelist, Father Vincent Ferrer. The priest’s ministry led to the conversion of more than 20,000 Jews and 8,000 Muslims. The church canonized him as a saint in 1455, 36 years after his death.”He went throughout Europe, preaching conversion and repentance,” says Self, a professor of church history at Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri. “There is substantial evidence of conversion and miracles and people being raised from the dead through his prayers.”There are plenty of current stories, which Self hears from missionaries enrolled in his master’s and doctorate-level classes. The recent survival of Missouri teenager John Smith reminds Self of Peace Child, the book by Canadian missionary Don Richardson that is used in many seminaries.In it, Richardson relates the story of a child from the tribal peoples he worked among in Western New Guinea who had drowned, but came back to life because of prayer.”We have had a lot of spuriousness that causes a lot of people to be skeptical,” says Self, citing accounts that turned out to be a hoax. “I operate out of the theology of a Lord who does these things, as part of His plan. But I also operate out of the view that when God does something, it will be verified.”Still, Keener says the “show me” attitude that causes so many to doubt the possibility of resurrection exposes a large cultural divide between technologically advanced countries and those in the Third Word.In the U.S., he says many look for non-theistic explanations, but the Africans Keener talked with in Congo-Brazzaville and other areas of the world looked to God for help because they needed a miracle.”If they had adequate medical help to begin with, the person wouldn’t have died,” Keener says. “They wouldn’t have thought medical help was wrong; it’s a gift from God. But they needed a miracle. They needed for God to work this way.”There is another aspect of resurrection accounts that offers instruction to the church—its link with evangelism.Miracles such as resurrection, healing and other supernatural signs occurred in Jesus’ ministry as He preached the kingdom of God and expanded its numbers. The same is true today, according to both scholars.Noting that reports are surfacing today from such places as China, India and Mozambique, Keener’s investigation shows the more dramatic cases seem to occur amid people who are being exposed to the gospel of Jesus.”It seems to be in places where revival is taking place and the gospel is breaking ground quickly,” Keener says. “You had that in the Korean revival in the early 20th century, which was mostly Presbyterians. Proportionally, it does happen more.”One of the favors Vineyard founder John Wimber did for the charismatic movement was connecting spiritual power to evangelism, Self says.”It’s the going out that seems to bring miracles, not the gathering in,” the history professor says. “God used Wimber to (emphasize) we actually have to tell the (gospel) to somebody.”As we tell the story, we can trust God to do supernatural work. There’s greater power when the church is on mission, not simply trying to preserve its reputation.”The Charisma Podcast Network is now live. Featuring a variety of programs including news, leadership, inspiring stories, women’s topics, sports, and even more.
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Source : Charisma News

ISIS Slaughters Over 3,000 Men, Women and Children in First Year of Islamic Caliphate, Part of ‘Apocalypse Ideology’

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ISIS Slaughters Over 3,000 Men, Women and Children in First Year of Islamic Caliphate, Part of ‘Apocalypse Ideology’

Iraq (Photo: Reuters/Stringer)

Christian Post Report – A child cries in a military helicopter after being evacuated by Iraqi forces from Amerli, north of Baghdad, Aug. 29, 2014. A home to around 180,000 people, mostly Turkmen Shi’ites, the small town of Amerli is still holding out against repeated attacks by Islamic State fighters despite the fall of all the 34 villages surrounding it.

In the first year of its self-proclaimed Islamic Caliphate, ISIS jihadists executed over 3,027 people, among them being at least 86 women and 76 children, as reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Some analysts have suggested that such executions are part of an “apocalypse ideology.”

The report, released earlier this week, looks back at the atrocities the jihadists have committed throughout the past year, since it first invaded Iraq back in June 2014.

The number of executions does not include all people that have died as a result of ISIS’ actions, but only those executed for crimes under the terror group’s authority. Such “crimes” include blasphemy and spying, practicing sorcery, sodomy, or identifying as a Shiite Muslim. The methods of execution have ranged from beheading, stoning, burning individuals alive, drowning them in cages, or throwing them off tall buildings.

SOHR said in another report in June that two boys younger than 18 were crucified in Syria for failing to fast during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, after which their bodies were displayed as a warning in the town of Mayadin, Deir Ezzor province.

“Apparently, they were caught eating,” SOHR founder Rami Abdel Rahman said in an interview.

All such executions are part of an “apocalypse ideology of the final battle between the believers and the unbelievers,” suggested Jasmine Opperman, the director of Southern Africa Operations at the Terrorism, Research & Analysis Consortium, in an article by Fox News.

“ISIS is using executions to show its followers — and would-be followers — that the group is the only true representative of believers, not only in word, but action, which is why executions are featured so prominently.”

ISIS has stepped up its operations throughout Ramadan, carrying out terror activities in several different countries, including three separate attacks on Friday of last week in France, Tunisia, and Kuwait.

Omid Safi, Duke University’s Islamic Studies Center director, told The Christian Post on Wednesday that Muslims around the world are “shocked” at all the “violent and savage attacks” the jihadists keep carrying out.

“But let us be clear: what is most vile is not that these attacks are being carried out during Ramadan, it is that they are being carried out at all. It is that the lives of innocent human beings are being taken,” Safi told CP.

The SOHR report further makes note of ISIS’ “particular interest in children,” and notes that while it has executed dozens, it has also opened up several training camps where young boys are taught jihadist ideology and recruited to fight for ISIS’ forces.

The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child said in a report back in February that the militants are heavily exploiting children in a number of ways.

“We have had reports of children, especially children who are mentally challenged, who have been used as suicide bombers, most probably without them even understanding,” committee expert Renate Winter said at the time. “There was a video placed [online] that showed children at a very young age, approximately 8 years of age and younger, being trained to become child soldiers.”

Source : Christian Post

Psalmos Preps for Release of New Album “Emmanuel”

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psalmos-emmauel-album

Lagos, NG — After six years of hard work or writing songs and making good music, Gospel music sensation Psalmos (fondly known for her catch phrase “Psalmos Lomo Yen” is getting set to release her highly anticipated album “Emmauel” from the stables of Talking Beats Records.

The 20 track album contains some of her popular release such as Feeling You feat. Kenny Kore, Agame (I Give), Big God, Mo Gbagbo (I Believe), Come Holy Spirit and Chairman are few of the many great songs from the soon to drop 20 tracks EMMANUEL Album.

Release date, track listing and a more details of the album would be revealed soon.

Connect with Psalmos:

Twitter and Instagram: Psalmosbeejay

Facebook: Psalmos Instrument Of Worship

 

Follow us on Twitter and instagram @PRAISEWORLD_

 

Source : Praise World Radio

Tyler Perry Visits Bobbi Kristina Brown’s Bedside Amid Reports That She’s Now Off Life Support

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Tyler Perry Visits Bobbi Kristina Brown’s Bedside Amid Reports That She’s Now Off Life Support

Tyler Perry (Photo: Reuters/Lucas Jackson)

Christian Post Report – Actor and director Tyler Perry arrives at the 86th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California, March 2, 2014.

Film and television mogul Tyler Perry visited Bobbi Kristina Brown at Peachtree Christian Hospice near Atlanta, Georgia, earlier this week amid reports that the daughter of the-late Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown has been taken off of life support.

Perry, the 45-year-old filmmaker, visited Bobbi Kristina’s bedside on June 28 at the hospice center where she’s being cared for, according to Us Weekly. Bobbi Kristina, 22, has been hospitalized since Jan. 31 after being found unconscious in a bathtub at the Georgia home she shared with her boyfriend Nick Gordon.

Her aunt, Pat Houston, recently released a statement about Bobbi Kristina’s health deteriorating which caused the family to move her into hospice care.

“Despite the great medical care at numerous facilities, Bobbi Kristina Brown’s condition has continued to deteriorate,” the statement reads. “As of today, she has been moved into hospice care.”

Aside from Perry, Bobbi Kristina’s family and friends have visited her during her time of need, including Pat Houston and Bobby Brown’s sister, Tina, Us Weekly reports. Perry, who reportedly visited the unconscious Bobbi Kristina for two hours, previously spoke about his bond with her late mother.

In 2013, Perry sat down with media maven Oprah Winfrey on her show “Oprah’s Next Chapter” where he admitted that he felt the need to help Houston, who died in February 2012 with traces of cocaine in her system.

“From the first day we sat down in that restaurant and had a conversation where she was so open with me, I felt a responsibility to do all I could to help her,” Perry told Winfrey. “I sensed, like most people who deal with people who have addiction issues, they sense that there is a ‘death day’ coming.”

Perry hired Houston’s daughter for his scripted series “For Better Or Worse” in 2012 and defended her during the grieving process when she appeared to be smoking and drinking.

“Being someone who knows about losing their mother, I know grief comes in different ways and you never know when it’s going to hit you or how it’s going to hit you, for that matter,” Perry wrote on his personal website www.TylerPerry.com. “So yes she was grieving, but grief aside, she managed to finish her obligation and did a great job at the same time.”

Perry went on to defend Brown by asking others to leave her alone, after she made headlines for allegedly gambling illegally and engaging in drug use last year.

“Please leave this baby alone! And she is a baby,” the director, actor and producer wrote. “Please stop the lies and give this child some room to breathe and grieve. If it was your child wouldn’t you want that?”

Source : Christian Post

Retired Pro-Wrestler ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham Seeking Job With WWE

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Retired Pro-Wrestler ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham Seeking Job With WWE

Superstar Billy Graham (Photo: Wikipedia Commons)

Christian Post Report – Former World Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Champion “Superstar” Billy Graham.

A retired professional wrestler who named himself after the famous evangelist Rev. Billy Graham is lobbying for a new job with the largest pro-wrestling organization in the United States.

“Superstar” Billy Graham, a former world champion and periodic critic of the current pro-wrestling industry, has posted on social media about his efforts to get a position with World Wrestling Entertainment.

In a Facebook post from Tuesday, Graham specifically expressed interest in working at the NXT, WWE’s Florida-based developmental program.

His hope was to fill the void created by the recent passing of “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, another former WWE wrestler.

“I have been planning on moving back to Florida for some time now. My wife of 35 years, Valerie, is from Tampa and all of her family lives there,” wrote Graham.

“I sent an email directly to Vince informing him that if the position that Dusty once had has not yet been filled, that I am very much interested in taking it since I am moving back to live in Florida.”

Rhodes had been helping emerging talent in the developmental program with matters regarding public speaking and communication before large audiences.

“It should be obvious that I am qualified for this NXT position of coaching the younger talent about how to … do promos and communicate with the worldwide WWE TV wrestling audience,” continued Graham.

“I am not so stupid that I would try to teach them how to be charismatic to the level of a Dusty Rhodes or myself, one is born with that level of charisma, but a young wrestler can be taught to be more confident in their delivery and bring out their full potential in this area.”

Born Eldridge Wayne Coleman of Paradise Valley, Arizona, Graham took his stage name as a tribute to the Christian evangelist.

Graham’s career occurred mostly during the 1970s, with him winning the World Wrestling Federation World Heavyweight title from long reigning champion Bruno Sammartino in 1977.

However, side effects from extensive steroid usage resulted in his wrestling career being effectively over by the early 1980s.

Over the years since retiring, Graham has been an occasional critic of the WWE, including during the late 1990s when the company had more graphic violence and sexual content in their programming.

Graham’s June 30 statement on Facebook garnered over 550 likes and more than 50 shares, along with overwhelmingly positive comments posted in response.

Nevertheless, Graham has been criticized by some who see his job proposal as being poorly timed and opportunistic in light of Rhodes’ death.

In a Facebook post released Wednesday, Graham noted that some have called him a “vulture” for wanting the position, as well as being “out of touch with the industry.”

“Anyone of you evil, sub humans remember the over three decades of hate for Vince that Bruno spewed out? Then they shook hands and Bruno went into the Hall of Fame,” posted Graham.

“The evil one that said I am out of touch with the industry. How do you know what I know? I can’t believe how much hate there is for me simply because I have applied for a job!”

YouTube / TheCRAZYCAT68
“Superstar” Billy Graham promo before June 1977 world title defense against Bruno Sammartino.

Source : Christian Post

Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus’ Documentary Featuring Archaeological Proof of Biblical Exodus Set to Release on Aug. 4

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Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus’ Documentary Featuring Archaeological Proof of Biblical Exodus Set to Release on Aug. 4
  • Tim Mahoney
    (Photo: Courtesy of Rogers & Cowan)
    Filmmaker Tim Mahoney presents “Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus” on DVD and Blu-Ray Aug. 4.

Tim Mahoney’s ground-breaking documentary “Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus,” which examines evidence of the biblical Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, is being released on DVD and Blu-Ray on Aug. 4 through Capitol Christian Distribution.

Twelve years in the making, “Patterns of Evidence” explores the question: Is there any evidence that the Exodus story actually happened? Mahoney strives to answer the question by chronicling an in-depth archaeological investigation in Egypt while corroborating the biblical text.

Consequently, the filmmaker and his team uncover evidence that call decades of archeological studies into question regarding the Israelites’ descent into slavery, their Exodus out of Egypt, and the conquest of the Promised Land.

“Patterns of Evidence” first premiered at dozens of film festivals where it received critical acclaim before opening during an exclusive Fathom event in nearly 600 sold-out theaters in January. Back by popular demand, “Patterns” reopened for an encore performance in select theaters the following week.

“What started out as a crises of my own faith led me on an incredible journey of discovery,” said Mahoney in a statement shared with The Christian Post. “Through the success of the Fathom event and the demand for the U.S. home entertainment release, we are confident that ‘Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus’ will spark conversations from people around the globe who have an interest in history, culture or religion.”

“Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus” is also available in a book that includes additional interviews not seen in the film. The companion book offers beautiful photography of Egypt and Israel as well as scenes from the biblical re-creations, maps, charts and diagrams.

Although many scholars and archelogists deny the validity of the Exodus story, “Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus” builds a case that sheds new light on the story.

“We are thrilled to partner with Thinking Man Films,” said Greg Bays, executive vice president for Capitol Christian Distribution. “With the movie’s previous success and the demand for the U.S. home entertainment release, we are confident that ‘Patterns of Evidence’ will have a tremendous impact and continue to spark conversations.”

Watch the trailer for “Patterns of Evidence” below.

follow me on Twitter @emmakoonse

Source : Christian Post

Recognizing the Voice of God

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Recognizing the Voice of God

Christian Post Report – John 10:3-5, 10:14-16

Have you ever been in a car with someone who is looking for a specific broadcast on the radio? While constantly adjusting the frequency, he cocks his ears and listens carefully. Station after station is rejected until he hears the familiar voice he’s been seeking.

  • Dr. Charles F. Stanley
    (Photo: In Touch Ministries)
    Dr. Charles F. Stanley (File).

In our Christian life, we know the importance of recognizing God’s voice and tuning others out. When making decisions, we want to be sure we hear the right Person. The Bible assures us that as believers, we can distinguish God’s voice from all others (John 10:27).

What are some of the conditions for recognizing His voice?

1. Be in range. The Lord’s voice is heard through Scripture. Take time to reconnect with God through His Word. Let the Holy Spirit bring to mind the truths related to your situation.

2. Be tuned to the right station. God always speaks words that are consistent with Scripture—He will never contradict it. Compare what you are hearing with His Word, and seek godly advice to be sure you have the whole counsel of God.

3. Be willing to make the necessary adjustments. Sometimes what God says conflicts with what seems logical to human reasoning. Or, it might clash with our fleshly desires. It can be tempting to dismiss a voice that disagrees with our preconceived ideas, but God’s children need to align themselves with His directions regardless.

Our Savior is calling; how easily do you recognize His voice? To know His voice better, spend more time in His Word. Today is a good time to start.

Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. © 2015
All Rights Reserved.

Source : Christian Post

UFC Boss Dana White Tells Fighter Who Talked About Jesus After Win That ‘America Doesn’t Want to Hear Your Thoughts on Jesus’

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UFC Boss Dana White Tells Fighter Who Talked About Jesus After Win That ‘America Doesn’t Want to Hear Your Thoughts on Jesus’

<b>Christian Post Report</b> – UFC President Dana White and UFC Women’s Bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey in this undated photo.” title=”<b>Christian Post Report</b> – UFC President Dana White and UFC Women’s Bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey in this undated photo.” name=”jpg” src=”http://images.christianpost.com/full/84750/ufc-president-dana-white-and-ufc-womens-bantamweight-champion-ronda-rousey-in-this-undated-photo.jpg” class=”imgPhoto” width=”550″ height=”450″ /> <small class=(Photo: Reuters)

Christian Post Report – UFC President Dana White and UFC Women’s Bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey in this undated photo.

UFC President Dana White has told Cuban middleweight fighter Yoel Romero to keep religion and politics at home, after Romero thanked Jesus Christ following his win over Lyoto Machida in Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 70 event in Hollywood, Florida.

“You just won the biggest fight of your career, America doesn’t want to hear your thoughts on Jesus. Keep that stuff at home; religion, politics, all that stuff. When you’re out there fighting and you’re being interviewed, they want to hear about the fight,” White said in an interview with MMA Fighting.

“It’s awesome you love Jesus; love Jesus all you want. You just don’t have to do it publicly.”

Romero, whose first language is Spanish, attracted some controversy in his post-fight speech after certain websites accused him of seemingly criticizing the recent U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to legalize gay marriage across all 50 states.

“What happened to you, U.S.A.? What happened to you? What’s going on? You forget the best of the best of the world, the name of Jesus Christ! What happened to you? Wake up, U.S.A.! Go, go back where you gone. Go for Jesus! No forget Jesus people,” the Cuban fighter said.

In the post-fight press conference Romero clarified, however, that he was not referring to LGBT issues at all.

“What I was trying to say in the Octagon was for the American Dream. There was a misunderstanding about gay marriage. And I want to say something. God told Maria Magdelena, ‘you’re a prostitute, go and don’t sin anymore.’ And he told her with love. Who am I to judge anybody?” the fighter said.

“Even though I didn’t refer to that [gay marriage], even though there was a misunderstanding, I will tell you guys something. God made man to be free. Anybody could do whatever they want. I wouldn’t be the type of person to critique anybody. I gotta look at myself first. Be a better person. To be able to love people. I didn’t refer to anybody. What I was trying to say, the United States, thank you for giving me the American Dream. There’s no better country than this because it is blessed by God,” he added.

White acknowledged that Romero was not trying to be controversial, but maintained that the focus should be on the fights rather than religion.

“I know he didn’t say it, everybody knows he didn’t say that. People react to everything but if you would just keep that stuff — you know … talk about your fight. People don’t want to be preached to,” the UFC president said.

UFC has several outspoken Christian fighters who have thanked Jesus throughout their careers, including Benson Henderson, Diego Sanchez, Chris Weidman, and many others, though they have not faced consequences for their remarks.

Source : Christian Post

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