For more than a century – the Gospel for Europe

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For more than a century – the Gospel for Europe

ECM has been involved for more than a hundred years in spreading the Gospel in Europe. What began with one man’s call received at an all night prayer meeting in Estonia has now become a mission involving hundreds of people. All over Europe.

 

The origins of European Christian Mission stretch back to the year 1904. A young man named Ganz Raud was called by God during an all night prayer meeting to reach Europe once more with the Gospel. He began by travelling to Britain where he spoke everywhere about the need in the continent of Europe.

The 1905 Russian Revolution and the First World War forced Raud to leave for the United States. There he slowly built up a network of people who shared his vision and in 1920 the first office was opened, in New York. Offices in Toronto and London were also established in the years that followed.

By 1923 there were 55 missionaries working for ECM in Europe. In 1927 that number had grown to 81 with 250 volunteers. After the Second World War an ECM office was opened in Paris. Raud died in 1953, but the organisation still continued to grow after his death.

Today ECM has 160 missionaries active in 17 different countries. From indigenous communities in Northern Sweden to the sunny beaches of the Algarve. From developing Albania to the developed West. From big cities to rural communities. From centres of tourism to forgotten villages. ECM is involved everywhere in the mission which God began through Ganz Raud more than a hundred years ago.

Europe is not a God-forsaken continent. The light of Jesus Christ is still shining.

Joseph Prince – Does grace give people the license to sin? (Jude 1:4 explained)

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Living Faith Church Gives Free Medical Services to Members, Indigent Persons

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Living Faith Church Gives Free Medical Services to Members, Indigent Persons
Winners-Inside-New-Sanctuary-660x330

The Living Faith Church, also known as Winners’ Chapel, Lokongoma, Lokoja on Saturday offered free medical services for both its congregation and people in its host community in Lokoja.

Pastor David Popoola, the Resident Pastor of the church told newsmen on Saturday in Lokoja, said that the services were medical tests and diagnoses.
Popoola said that the free medical services were to enable the people know their health status.
“Participants will undergo free medical examinations, free counselling and will be given free drugs as the case may be.
“Each participant would be diagnosed for diabetes, hypertension, hypotension, malaria fever and other blood related diseases,” he said.
Popoola, who urged the participants to make good use of the opportunity, said that they should have faith in God for divine healing.
According to him, it is only God that can heal any sickness or disease without the application of any medication.
He charged all the participants to engage in Kingdom services and be obedience to God, saying it was the only thing that would guarantee total health.
He said that serving God was rewarding as He would take away sicknesses and diseases from the faithful.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that hundreds of people benefitted from the free medical services and they expressed their appreciation to Living Faith Church, Lokongoma for the good gesture.
Mrs Augustina Jude, one of the beneficiaries, said that she came because of leg pain and eye problem and she was treated free of charge.
“I thanked the church for giving me free drugs and treated me free of charge,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Mr Abubakar Yakubu, said that he was diagnosed and found to have stomach ulcer, adding that he had also received free treatment and drugs for his ailment.
“We are very grateful to the Living Faith Church, Lokongoma, for reaching out to everybody irrespective of our religions or affiliations,” he said.
NAN reports that a group of medical consultants and other healthcare personnel, who were members of the church, conducted the free medical tests for the participants

Source : Metro Watch Online

The P.R.A.I.S.E. Pattern for Prayer

CM Editor
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The P.R.A.I.S.E. Pattern for Prayer

praise-for-prayer

PRAISE – Psalm 100:4

The entrance into the presence of God, at His gates and courts, is the foyer of praise and worship. We are told in Philippians 4.6:7 to make our requests “with thanksgiving”!

Before we begin to ask anything of God we make clear our gratitude for what He has already done.

Like any pattern of prayer you can add your own personality to it. For instance, it is here that you might play worship music, sing a song of praise or read scriptures of praise like Psalm 150. Whatever you do, make sure you give The Lord praise from your mouth for all He has done. He loves what comes from your lips!
(Hebrews 13:15)

 

REPENTANCE – 1 John 1:9
2 Corinthians 7:10

The Lord tells us in Psalm 51.17 that a broken and contrite or repenting heart He will not turn away! Even more important than my faith is my willingness to ask for forgiveness.

God’s Word clearly says that if I hide iniquity in my heart, He will not hear me (Psalm 66:18). So once I give Him thanks, praise and worship, my heart is open to confess my sins.

This time need not be discouraging or condemning, but sobering. When we genuinely repent and seek God’s forgiveness He gives great peace. He cleanses our sins and will cleanse us from our leaning toward rebellion and independence if we ask.

 

ASK – Luke 11:9

James tells us that “we have not because we ask not” (James 4:2-3). So it is imperative that we ask. Even though He already knows what we need, He still commands us to ask.

Luke 11:9 implies that we ask and keep asking and we will receive. In this moment ask The Lord for what you and your family need. This is a personal moment for you and those closest to you. It will give you a moment to remove your own heavy burdens, casting them upon the Lord.
(1 Peter 5:7)

Remember that part of your spiritual responsibility is to daily cover the family you have been given. Their safety and future destiny can be preserved by your prayers for them.

 

INTERCEDE – Hebrews 7:25

The word intercede means to stand in the place of another. Hebrew 7:25 tells us that Jesus lives to make intercession for us. He is our Pattern, our Leader, and our Shepherd. If He is interceding for us then we are surely called to intercede for others.

In this time begin to pray for those who are burdened in your heart. This can be your church, pastor, coworkers, those who are lost, national leaders, your city and state, etc. And while it can differ daily, this should be the centerpiece of prayer because the focus is on others, not just your circle of loved ones.

As the Holy Spirit directs you, write down the names each week of those you are praying for. Then learn to enjoy this time as you see God move through your prayers and answer them.

 

SPEAK the Word – Mark 11:21-24
Matthew 4.1-4

Declare God’s word over you, family and friends:
I’m healed by His stripes. (Isaiah 53:5)
My needs are met. (Philippians 4:19)
I can do all things. (Philippians 4.13)

There are things we ask of God but then there are other things He sometimes leads us to proclaim or declare. In Mark 11, He tells us that we can speak to the mountain under certain conditions and the mountain will be removed.

Oftentimes when Satan tempts you to feel lonely, forgotten or even deserted you must rise up and speak the Word. Make time during your prayers to pray or speak God’s Word. In order to do that, you must “study to show thyself approved unto God” (2 Tim. 2:15) This verse must become a core value. Study, study, study! Learn to obey His Word so that you meet the prerequisites of His promises.

 

ENJOY His Presence – Psalm 16:11

You have spent some great quality time with Jesus. You have given him praise, asked Him to cover your family, interceded for others and spoken the Word. You will sense Him very near and you need to enjoy His presence. There is full joy here!

The orthodox Westminster Catechism asks: “What is the chief aim of man?” The answer: To worship God and to enjoy Him forever.”

During this time worship, read, meditate and rejoice in a God who hears you when you call on His name. (Jeremiah 29.11-13)

Sermon by Bishop B. Courtney McBath

Robbie Fowler says Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke is the ideal player for Liverpool

CM Editor
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Robbie Fowler says Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke is the ideal player for Liverpool

Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke before the game

Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler believes Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke is the perfect signing for Liverpool.

Fowler’s former club have been heavily linked with a move for the Belgian in recent weeks but as of yet they have not triggered his £32.5million release clause.

The former Reds hitman wants to see his former club break the bank to sign him and told James Pearce from our sister paper the Liverpool Echo why:

““We didn’t have anyone who scored 10 Premier League goals last year and I can’t remember the last time that happened at Liverpool.

“It’s important we get a proven goalscorer and of the names being bandied about I’d go for Benteke. I think he’s excellent.

Christian Benteke - 6.0
Christian Benteke – 6.0

“I know there are other top strikers out there and probably more prolific scorers. But in terms of all-round play – strength, speed, physicality, finishing – I think Benteke could be the main man for Liverpool.”

Benteke’s record since joining Villa from Genk in 2012 is impressive with 49 goals in 101 appearances. He was sidelined for six months after rupturing his Achilles in April 2014 and initially struggled on his return to action last season.

It was following the appointment of boss Tim Sherwood that he came to life – scoring a dozen goals in his last 12 matches to save Villa from relegation.

Christian Benteke celebrates opening the scoring for Aston Villa against Everton
Christian Benteke celebrates opening the scoring for Aston Villa against Everton

Many have questioned whether the 6ft 3ins frontman would be a good fit for Liverpool’s style of play and Sherwood has warned Benteke against making the move to Anfield.

“I think we cross more balls into the box than any club in the league and I think Christian says he feeds off crosses,” he said. “There’s no point going to a club where they don’t cross the ball.”

However, Fowler, who plundered 183 goals in 369 games for Liverpool, says there is so much more to Benteke’s game than simply attacking balls from the flanks and believes his presence in the Liverpool side would also enable others to flourish.

Christian Benteke celebrates scoring the opening goal for Villa at Crystal Palace

“I’ve watched him a lot and he’s not just a targetman,” Fowler said.

“He can hold the ball well and bring others into play but he’s also mobile and keeps defenders on their toes.

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“Before he got his injury I was very impressed with him and I was hoping we would sign him then. He had a slow start after getting back fit but under Tim Sherwood his form was superb.

Christian Benteke

“I think he’s ideal for the way Brendan wants to play. It’s probably what we lacked at times last season. We had forwards who wanted to drop deep to get involved with the play and we always had that gap up front.

“With a Benteke type, you have someone who will stay up there and stretch defenders. If you have someone who stretches the defence and makes the pitch bigger there’s a lot more space for the likes of Firmino, Coutinho and Henderson to run into.

Football - Manchester United v Aston Villa - Barclays Premier League - Old Trafford - 4/4/15 Christian Benteke celebrates after scoring the first goal for Aston Villa
Football – Manchester United v Aston Villa – Barclays Premier League – Old Trafford – 4/4/15 Christian Benteke celebrates after scoring the first goal for Aston Villa

“When you’ve got players who want to drop deep all the time, you’re easier to mark as a team. When forwards drop into Coutinho’s position, it makes it harder for him to get on the ball.

“Liverpool’s game isn’t all about getting down the line and whipping crosses in, it’s about movement but I think Benteke has got that.

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“I can’t stress enough how important it is that we get a forward like that – someone to make the pitch big. It’s vital for us because it brings others into the game.”

Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty ImagesAston Villa in training at Bodymoor Heath: Christian Benteke
Aston Villa in training at Bodymoor Heath: Christian Benteke

If Liverpool paid the release clause Benteke would become the second most expensive signing in the club’s history. The price tag wouldn’t put Fowler off.

“That’s for the clubs to sort out,” he added.

“A big thing is made out of the price but that’s doesn’t concern me.

“If a player is good enough, he’s good enough and I believe Benteke is.”   … read more

Source : Birmingham Mail

The P.R.A.I.S.E. Pattern for Prayer

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0
The P.R.A.I.S.E. Pattern for Prayer

praise-for-prayer

PRAISE – Psalm 100:4

The entrance into the presence of God, at His gates and courts, is the foyer of praise and worship. We are told in Philippians 4.6:7 to make our requests “with thanksgiving”!

Before we begin to ask anything of God we make clear our gratitude for what He has already done.

Like any pattern of prayer you can add your own personality to it. For instance, it is here that you might play worship music, sing a song of praise or read scriptures of praise like Psalm 150. Whatever you do, make sure you give The Lord praise from your mouth for all He has done. He loves what comes from your lips!
(Hebrews 13:15)

 

REPENTANCE – 1 John 1:9
2 Corinthians 7:10

The Lord tells us in Psalm 51.17 that a broken and contrite or repenting heart He will not turn away! Even more important than my faith is my willingness to ask for forgiveness.

God’s Word clearly says that if I hide iniquity in my heart, He will not hear me (Psalm 66:18). So once I give Him thanks, praise and worship, my heart is open to confess my sins.

This time need not be discouraging or condemning, but sobering. When we genuinely repent and seek God’s forgiveness He gives great peace. He cleanses our sins and will cleanse us from our leaning toward rebellion and independence if we ask.

 

ASK – Luke 11:9

James tells us that “we have not because we ask not” (James 4:2-3). So it is imperative that we ask. Even though He already knows what we need, He still commands us to ask.

Luke 11:9 implies that we ask and keep asking and we will receive. In this moment ask The Lord for what you and your family need. This is a personal moment for you and those closest to you. It will give you a moment to remove your own heavy burdens, casting them upon the Lord.
(1 Peter 5:7)

Remember that part of your spiritual responsibility is to daily cover the family you have been given. Their safety and future destiny can be preserved by your prayers for them.

 

INTERCEDE – Hebrews 7:25

The word intercede means to stand in the place of another. Hebrew 7:25 tells us that Jesus lives to make intercession for us. He is our Pattern, our Leader, and our Shepherd. If He is interceding for us then we are surely called to intercede for others.

In this time begin to pray for those who are burdened in your heart. This can be your church, pastor, coworkers, those who are lost, national leaders, your city and state, etc. And while it can differ daily, this should be the centerpiece of prayer because the focus is on others, not just your circle of loved ones.

As the Holy Spirit directs you, write down the names each week of those you are praying for. Then learn to enjoy this time as you see God move through your prayers and answer them.

 

SPEAK the Word – Mark 11:21-24
Matthew 4.1-4

Declare God’s word over you, family and friends:
I’m healed by His stripes. (Isaiah 53:5)
My needs are met. (Philippians 4:19)
I can do all things. (Philippians 4.13)

There are things we ask of God but then there are other things He sometimes leads us to proclaim or declare. In Mark 11, He tells us that we can speak to the mountain under certain conditions and the mountain will be removed.

Oftentimes when Satan tempts you to feel lonely, forgotten or even deserted you must rise up and speak the Word. Make time during your prayers to pray or speak God’s Word. In order to do that, you must “study to show thyself approved unto God” (2 Tim. 2:15) This verse must become a core value. Study, study, study! Learn to obey His Word so that you meet the prerequisites of His promises.

 

ENJOY His Presence – Psalm 16:11

You have spent some great quality time with Jesus. You have given him praise, asked Him to cover your family, interceded for others and spoken the Word. You will sense Him very near and you need to enjoy His presence. There is full joy here!

The orthodox Westminster Catechism asks: “What is the chief aim of man?” The answer: To worship God and to enjoy Him forever.”

During this time worship, read, meditate and rejoice in a God who hears you when you call on His name. (Jeremiah 29.11-13)

Sermon by Bishop B. Courtney McBath

Freedom in Christ

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Freedom in Christ

Christian Post Report – John 8:36

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

Throughout this day, Americans everywhere will celebrate freedom, as well they should. It’s one of the defining principles of their nation. Yet one might ask, Of those celebrating freedom, how many are truly experiencing it?

Certainly, many men and women are living what has been called the “American dream”: They enjoy well-paying careers, wonderful homes, and interesting hobbies. But meanwhile, their “pursuit of happiness” has yet to be satisfied. The reason is that lots of people remain prisoners internally, despite their apparent success. They are bound to anxiety and depression, or a fear of losing what they’ve worked hard to possess. However liberating circumstances may seem externally, we eventually learn that freedom must be realized within. But how?

The answer is Jesus Christ. Isaiah 61:1 prophesied a key aspect of Jesus’ ministry, which continues to this day: He has come to heal the brokenhearted and set captives free. When we trust Him as Savior, the chains holding us back from joy are broken. We are liberated from lies that have been programmed in our minds from an early age, and we begin to see things from God’s point of view. Then we discover that our needs, desires, and overall well-being rest securely in the arms of a loving heavenly Father.

Are you feeling the weight of anxiety or anger? Look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). And remember the promise of 2 Corinthians 6:2: “Now is the day of salvation” (NIV). The day you trust in Christ is the day He delivers you from fear and bondage.

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

Source : Christian Post

US Episcopal Church Approves Same-Sex Marriage; Replaces Terms ‘Man and Woman’ With ‘Couples’

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US Episcopal Church Approves Same-Sex Marriage; Replaces Terms ‘Man and Woman’ With ‘Couples’

episcopal church (Photo: Reuters/Jim Urquhart)

Christian Post Report – A group of deacons arrive for a church service during the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Salt Lake City, Utah June 28, 2015. The General Convention of the Episcopal Church is held every three years in different cities around the country.

The U.S. Episcopal Church has voted to change the church’s rules governing marriage and to authorize their clergy to perform same-sex weddings, days after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling to legalize gay marriage for all Americans.

In two of the resolutions adopted at the General Convention meeting in Salt Lake City this week, the denomination made a canonical change eliminating language defining marriage as between a man and a woman as well as authorized two new marriage rites with language allowing them to be used by same-sex or opposite-sex couples.

The terms “man and woman” have been replaced with “couple.”

However, both resolutions say that clergy retain the canonical right to refuse to officiate at any wedding.

The resolutions marked the culmination of a conversation launched when the 1976 General Convention said that “homosexual persons are children of God who have a full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance and pastoral concern and care of the church,” said Brian Baker, deputy chair of the Special Legislative Committee on Marriage, according to Episcopal News Service.

“That resolution began a 39-year conversation about what that full and equal claim would look like. The conversation has been difficult for many and painful for many,” Baker added.

“The compromise means that same-sex weddings may occur after Nov. 1, 2015, with the full blessing of the church in places like Washington, Los Angeles and New York, but likely won’t take place in more conservative parts of the church, like Dallas, Albany and Orlando,” writes George Conger, an Episcopal priest in a parish in Florida, in an article in The Washington Post.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has expressed concern saying the decision will cause distress for some and have ramifications for the Anglican Communion as a whole, as well as for its ecumenical and interfaith relationships.

After the passing of the resolutions, 20 bishops signed a “minority report” that was appended to the text of one of the resolutions.

“The nature, purpose, and meaning of marriage are linked to the relationship of man and woman,” the report said. “The promises and vows of marriage presuppose husband and wife as the partners who are made one flesh in marriage. This understanding is a reasonable one, as well as in accord with Holy Scripture and Christian tradition in their teaching about marriage.”

The bishops said they disagree “openly and transparently and – with the Spirit’s help – charitably,” adding, “We are grateful that Resolution A054 includes provision for bishops and priests to exercise their conscience.”

However, they went on to state, “We realize at the same time that we have entered a season in which the tensions over these difficult matters may grow. We pray for the grace to be clear about our convictions and, at the same time, to love brothers and sisters with whom we disagree.”

The denomination, which is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, approved a provisional rite for the blessing of a same-sex relationship in 2012. Several congregations have pulled out of the denomination then.

Source : Christian Post

Syrian Rebel, in Orange Jumpsuits, Execute ISIS Militants as ‘Remedy’ for Islamic State ‘Disease’

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Syrian Rebel, in Orange Jumpsuits, Execute ISIS Militants as ‘Remedy’ for Islamic State ‘Disease’

Jaysh Al-Islam Screenshot

Christian Post Report – Jaysh Al-Islam militants executing ISIS terrorists

A Syrian rebel group, which calls itself the “Army of Islam,” has released a video showing its militants, all dressed in orange jumpsuits, executing dozens of Islamic State terrorists wearing black clothes. “Allah did not make a disease without appointing a remedy to it,” the rival group proclaims.

The 19-minute propaganda video, mimicking the Islamic State’s own execution style and released by the Jaysh Al-Islam group, shows the killing of 18 shackled Islamic State militants, according to reports.

The captured militants, forced to kneel, were shot in the back of their heads at point blank range with shotguns.

Jaysh al-Islam, which operates around Damascus and is fighting against the Syrian regime of President Bashar al-Assad, said militants of Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL, were being executed in part as revenge for the killing of at least three of the rebel group’s members, Agence France Presse reported.

Before the execution, a Jaysh al-Islam militant addresses the viewers, according to Daily Mail.

“The most serious calamity for our jihad today is a group of people who grow at a time of division among Muslims. This group claimed to be the mother state and made Takfir [accused of apostasy] on other Muslims, shed their blood and looted their properties and dignities,” he is quoted as saying.

He adds: “They worsened… the ordeal of Muslims by corrupting their religion and livelihood and killing the jihadi leaders who did their best to help our stricken nation. They wreaked havoc on our people in liberated areas and cut the supply route of jihadis. They left… Tehran intact and instead they attacked our mosques. This is the penalty for what they have committed. We also call on their fellows to repent.”

Jaysh al-Islam, a coalition of Islamist and Salafist groups involved in the Syrian civil war, claims it has about 25,000 fighters. The group, reportedly formed in September 2013, has rejected membership of the Free Syrian Army, which is also seeking to overthrow President al-Bashar, who belongs to a Shiite sect.

ISIS is an offshoot of al-Qaeda and wants to establish a caliphate in the Levant region and beyond. It has gained control over large swathes of territories in Syria and Iraq. Its main civilian targets include Christians.

ISIS recently vowed to kill Christian Arabs in Jerusalem. It threatened it will “clean this country and the Muslim Quarter from these Christians during this holy Ramadan.”

In June, the terror group kidnapped 88 Eritrean Christians in Libya. In May, it executed Ethiopian Christians, and beheaded 21 Egyptian Copts in February.

ISIS has executed more than 2,618 people, including 1,511 civilians, since last June, when it declared its “Caliphate,” according to the U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The overall executions included those of 23 children and 32 women. The executions were carried out mostly by beheading, shooting or stoning. ISIS has also executed 139 of its own members for “exceeding the limits in religion and spying for foreign countries,” mostly after they were trying to go back to their homes.

Source : Christian Post

For more than a century – the Gospel for Europe

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0
For more than a century – the Gospel for Europe

ECM has been involved for more than a hundred years in spreading the Gospel in Europe. What began with one man’s call received at an all night prayer meeting in Estonia has now become a mission involving hundreds of people. All over Europe.

 

The origins of European Christian Mission stretch back to the year 1904. A young man named Ganz Raud was called by God during an all night prayer meeting to reach Europe once more with the Gospel. He began by travelling to Britain where he spoke everywhere about the need in the continent of Europe.

The 1905 Russian Revolution and the First World War forced Raud to leave for the United States. There he slowly built up a network of people who shared his vision and in 1920 the first office was opened, in New York. Offices in Toronto and London were also established in the years that followed.

By 1923 there were 55 missionaries working for ECM in Europe. In 1927 that number had grown to 81 with 250 volunteers. After the Second World War an ECM office was opened in Paris. Raud died in 1953, but the organisation still continued to grow after his death.

Today ECM has 160 missionaries active in 17 different countries. From indigenous communities in Northern Sweden to the sunny beaches of the Algarve. From developing Albania to the developed West. From big cities to rural communities. From centres of tourism to forgotten villages. ECM is involved everywhere in the mission which God began through Ganz Raud more than a hundred years ago.

Europe is not a God-forsaken continent. The light of Jesus Christ is still shining.

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