This is Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society International, with the History of Christianity Podcast #163, titled, “Augustine of Hippo: A Tortuous Path to Faith (Part 4).”

When I became a believer in Jesus Christ, I somehow had the false idea that Christianity began when I got saved. I had no concept of the hundreds of years of history that Christianity had gone through since the time of Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago. I have found that many believers, young and old, have the same false idea. The purpose of this broadcast is to dispel this notion by sharing with listeners the history of Christianity from the ministry of Jesus Christ all the way up until the present day in an easy-to-understand format. You don’t have to worry: this is not a lecture. This is a look at the basic facts and figures of Christian history that every believer and every person needs to be aware of.

Our Scripture for today is John 5:24 which reads: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”

Our History of Christianity quote today is from St. Ignatius of Antioch. He said: “My dear Jesus, My Savior, is so deeply written in my heart, that I feel confident, that if my heart were to be cut open and chopped into pieces, the name of Jesus would be found written on every piece.”

Today, in the History of Christianity, we are looking at “Augustine of Hippo: A Tortuous Path to Faith (Part 4)” from Dr. Justo L. Gonzalez’s fine book, The Story of Christianity (Volume 1).

There remained another doubt: How can one claim that the Bible, with its crude language and its stories of violence and falsehood, is the Word of God? Providing an answer to this question was the role of Ambrose [AM-BROZE] in Augustine’s life. Monica, who was with the latter in Milan [MEE-LAHN], insisted that he should hear Ambrose’s [AM-BROZE’s] sermons. As a professor of rhetoric, Augustine agreed to attend the services led by the famous speaker in Milan [MEE-LAHN]. His initial purpose was not to hear what Ambrose [AM-BROZE] had to say, but to see how he said it. However, as time went by he found that he was listening to the bishop less as a professional, and more as a seeker. Ambrose [AM-BROZE] interpreted many of the passages that had created difficulties for Augustine allegorically. Since allegorical interpretation was perfectly acceptable according to the canons of rhetoric, Augustine could find no fault in this. And it certainly made scripture appear less crude, and therefore more acceptable.

By then, Augustine’s major intellectual difficulties with Christianity had been solved. But there were other difficulties of a different sort. He could not be a lukewarm Christian. Were he to accept his mother’s faith, he would do it wholeheartedly, and he would devote his entire life to it. Furthermore, due to the prevalence of the monastic ideal, and to his own Neoplatonic [NEE-OH-PLAY-TON-IK] perspective, Augustine was convinced that, were he to become a Christian, he must give up his career in rhetoric, as well as all his ambitions and every physical pleasure. It was precisely this last requirement that seemed most difficult. As he later wrote, at that time he used to pray, “Give me chastity and continence; but not too soon.”

At this point a battle raged within himself. It was the struggle between willing and not willing. He had already decided to become a Christian. But not too soon. He could no longer hide behind intellectual difficulties. Furthermore, from all quarters came news that put him to shame. In Rome the famous philosopher Marius Victorinus [MAR-EE-UHS VIC-TOR-IH-NUS], who had translated the works of the Neoplatonists [NEE-OH-PLAY-TON-ISTS] into Latin, had presented himself at church and made a public profession of his faith. Then came news of two high civil servants who, upon reading Athanasius’s [ATH-A-NAY-SEE-US] Life of Saint Anthony, had abandoned career and honor in order to follow the hermit’s example. It was then, unable to tolerate the company of his friends—or himself—that Augustine fled to the garden, where his conversion took place.

Next time, we will continue looking at “Augustine of Hippo.”

Let’s pray.

—PRAYER—

Dear friend, simply knowing the facts about Christian history without knowing the One on Whom this faith is based will do you no good. If you do not believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, may I encourage you to get to know Him today. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Just believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead by the power of God for you so that you can be a part of the church in this life and in the life to come. Pray and ask Him to come into your heart today, and He will. Romans 10:13 says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Until next time, remember that history is truly His story.

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Welcome to The Prophet Daniel’s Report. This is report #669.

My name is Daniel Whyte III here to remind you that Jesus Christ is coming back soon and that you need to be prepared. This broadcast is not about predictions, nor is it about setting dates as some foolishly have done, however it is all about preparation.

First, today, let’s look at some Signs of His Coming in the news.

The disciples asked Jesus in Matthew 24:3, “What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” Jesus Christ gave them (and us) clear signs that show us when we can begin to expect to see the Coming of the Lord and the end of the world. Looking at world events through the lens of the Word of God, let’s look at some headlines from today’s news that point to the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

First, today, under the Sign category of WARS & RUMOURS OF WARS — According to The Jerusalem Post, Incoming rocket sirens were activated in southern Israel on Sunday night, hours after Defense Minister Naftali Bennett warned Hamas that “no one will be immune” from IDF action following the continued launching of explosive balloons and rockets from the Gaza Strip. The IDF said one rocket was identified as being launched from the coastal enclave. There were no reports of injury or damage after the projectile struck an open field. Hamas responded to the threats made by Netanyahu and Bennett earlier, warning Israel that it would bear the consequences of any “foolish action” in the Gaza Strip. Following a situation assessment in the Gaza Division, Bennett said, “The lawless conduct of Hamas leadership is bringing us closer to fatal action against them. We will not announce when or where, but no one will be immune.” There has been incessant rocket fire and explosive balloons launched towards Israel’s south from the Hamas-run Strip since the release last month of US President Donald Trump’s “Deal of the Century” peace plan which has been rejected by the terrorist group. There has also been a spike in violence in the West Bank and Jerusalem, leading to the deaths of four Palestinians and injured dozens of soldiers.

Second, today, under the Sign category of PESTILENCES & FATAL EPIDEMIC DISEASES — According to Reuters, China raised the death toll from its coronavirus outbreak to 811, passing the number killed globally by the SARS epidemic, as authorities made plans for millions of people returning to work after an extended Lunar New Year break. Many of China’s usually teeming cities have almost become ghost towns during the past two weeks as Communist Party rulers ordered virtual lockdowns, canceled flights, closed factories and shut schools. The scale of the potential hit to an economy that has been the engine of global growth in recent years has taken a toll on financial markets, as shares slumped and investors switched into safe-havens such as gold, bonds and the Japanese yen. In a BBC interview, China’s ambassador to Britain described the newly identified virus as “the enemy of mankind” but added it “is controllable, is preventable, is curable. At this moment it is very difficult to predict when we are going to have an inflection point. We certainly hope it will come soon, but the isolation and quarantine measures have been very effective.” Commission data showed total confirmed coronavirus cases in China stood at 37,198. The virus has also spread to at least 27 countries and territories, infecting more than 330 people.

Third, today, under the Sign category of TURMOIL IN THE MIDDLE EAST — According to The Jerusalem Post, Palestinians are again planning mass protests against US President Donald Trump’s plan for Mideast peace – this time when Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is scheduled to address the UN Security Council in New York. Some Arab states, meanwhile, have “advised” Abbas to “turn down the volume” of his rhetorical attacks on the US and Israel. A senior PA official in Ramallah [RUH-MAH-LAH] said, “Egypt, Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries have advised President Abbas to start calming things down. They are worried that the strong criticism and calls for demonstrations against the Trump plan would cause instability in the region. The president has assured them that he does not support violent protest or terrorism as a way of protesting the Trump plan.” Palestinians in Ramallah [RUH-MAH-LAH] said that some Arab heads of state are apparently worried that widespread protests against the US and Israel on the streets of Arab capitals would see demonstrators also turn against their presidents and monarchs. Abbas’s visit to New York is aimed at rallying worldwide support for Palestinian opposition to the Trump plan, known as “Peace to Prosperity.”

——-

Now, it’s time for Prophecy Bootcamp.

Prophecy Bootcamp is where we deal with the basics of prophecy, the Second Coming of Christ, and what will happen in the future according to the Bible. Our aim here is not to make predictions but to help you get prepared by understanding how things will unfold in the end times.

Our topic for today is titled “A Variety of Views, Part 4” from Tim LaHaye and Ed Hindson’s book “The Essential Guide to Bible Prophecy.”

Pre-millennialists believe that the rapture, the Tribulation, and the glorious appearance of Christ will all occur before the beginning of the Millennium. During the Millennium, Satan will be bound for 1000 years, and a theocratic kingdom of peace will ensue with Jesus as its King. The righteous will have been raised from the dead prior to the Millennium and will participate in its blessings.

Toward the end of the third century, an allegorical approach to Scripture began to dominate theological thought. Philosophy replaced the study of Scripture, and pre-millennialism fell into disrepute. Not until after the Reformation was there a revival of pre-millennial thought. Later, in the nineteenth century, Bible institutes and Christian schools across America began to emphasize a literal interpretation of the Bible, and with it, a return to pre-millennialism. Today, despite continued attacks, pre-millennialism is the dominant millennial view.

Lord willing, we will continue looking at this topic in our next podcast.

In closing, let’s consider what God wants you and I to do in light of His Second Coming.

Jesus Christ said in Luke 19:13 to “Occupy till I come.” In light of that, we are continuing our journey through the book, “Coming Events and Present Duties,” by J.C. Ryle. It is a collection of what he called “prophetic tracts” that focus on the believer’s duty in light of the signs which point to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

This section is titled, “Idolatry to be Destroyed at Christ’s Coming” (Part 2). J.C. Ryle writes:

Let me, then, first of all set before you the definition of idolatry. Let me show you what it is.

It is of the utmost importance that you should understand this. Unless I make this clear, I can do nothing with the text. Vagueness and indistinctness prevail upon this point, as upon almost every other in religion. The Christian that would not be continually running aground in his spiritual voyage, must have his channel well buoyed, his mind well stored with clear definitions.

I say then, that “idolatry is a worship, in which the honour due to God in Trinity, and to Him only, is given to some of His creatures, or some invention of His creatures.” It may vary exceedingly. It may assume exceedingly different forms, according to the ignorance or the knowledge–the civilization or the barbarism, of those who offer it. It may be grossly absurd and ludicrous, or it may closely border on truth, and admit of being most speciously defended. But whether in the adoration of the idol of Juggernaut, or in the adoration of the host in St. Peter’s at Rome, the idolatrous principle is in reality the same. In either case the honour due to God is turned aside from Him, and bestowed on that which is not God. And whenever this is done, whether in heathen temples or in professedly Christian Churches, there is an act of idolatry.

If the Lord tarries His Coming and we live, we will continue looking at this topic in our next broadcast/podcast.

……..
CLOSING PRAYER
…….

Remember the words of the Lord in Matthew 24:42: “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” Matthew 24:44 says, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.”

If you are not ready for the Return of Jesus Christ, may I encourage you to get ready today by receiving Him as your Savior. Here is how:

First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…” Third, accept the fact that you are on the road to hell. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 10:28: “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Also, the Bible states in Revelation 21:8: “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”

Now that is bad news, but here is the good news. Jesus Christ said in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Just believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead by the power of God for you so that you can live eternally with Him. Pray and ask Him to come into your heart today, and He will.

Romans 10:9-13 says, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Keep looking up for your redemption draweth nigh. Let us join in the prayer of John the Revelator — “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” God bless you.

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The plague of locusts that is marching through Africa is also invading other continents as well.

While billions of the locusts are ravaging East Africa and devastating crops, massive groups of the insects are also swarming through the Middle East.

There have been reports in countries like Yemen, Iran and Pakistan, even into India, as well as new reports of locusts crossing into China.

That could lead to deadly threats of hunger for millions of people in the regions. The United Nations has warned of the risk of a catastrophic famine.

CBN News’ Senior International Correspondent George Thomas explained on the 700 Club Tuesday that officials from the Food and Agricultural Organization recently warned the Chinese authorities about the swarm of locusts arriving in Xinjiang Province in western China.

“China told the United Nations that they have been tracking this particular swarm coming into the western part of China so they are not concerned,” he said.

“This is the winter season in Xinjiang so Chinese authorities told the national media in the last 24 to 48 hours that they are not concerned of any threat from these locusts because it is winter time,” Thomas said. “They say it is very unlikely that these locusts will travel further inland into China.”

In the Middle East, the locusts proliferated after unusually heavy rains and two cyclones that dumped a vast amount of water in the deserts of Oman. 

“Off the coast of Yemen and Oman there is a desert region with no water and last year they got hit by torrential rainfall then had two cyclones hit that very region. This is very unusual and those conditions gave rise and allowed these locusts to multiply by the millions,” Thomas explained.

The swarm sweeping across much of east Africa is the greatest concern for those already facing food shortages.

“India, Pakistan, Iran, China are not dealing with acute food shortages and are not so much at risk,” Thomas said. “The biggest concern are those living in Africa. The planting and the harvest season happens between now and June. Eighteen million to 20 million are already facing food shortages and this is making it worse.”

Even a small swarm of the insects can devour enough food for 35,000 people in a day.

With further rains expected in the region in the coming weeks, the United Nations is fearing that the number of locusts could grow by up to 500 times by June.

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You have to wonder what he thinks about at night.

Evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins took his atheistic beliefs to their logical end Tuesday morning, when he ruminated over the idea of eating human flesh.

Several hours ago, Dawkins shared a Forbes article about the growing cultured meat market. Cultured meat is an expanding industry that takes stem cells from the muscle of an animal during a biopsy under anesthesia and uses it to grow slaughter-free meat in a lab. It’s an increasingly appealing option, as it would all but eliminate animal suffering in the food industry.

After letting the idea marinate for a bit, Dawkins added his own thoughts, telling his nearly three million Twitter followers that “of course” their flesh — human flesh — could be grown in a lab and eaten by other human beings.

Human steak could of course be cultured. Would you eat it? I wouldn’t, but it’s hard to say why. It would be cultured from a single nameable person. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall served human placenta, also clone of 1 person, in this case the baby. I wouldn’t eat that either.

— Richard Dawkins (@RichardDawkins) February 18, 2020

I guess I should note here Dawkins said he wouldn’t do it, though.

Why not?

This isn’t the first time Dawkins has entertained the idea of cannibalistic behavior. In 2018, he became woke and asked if it’s time — in this brave new world — to “overcome our taboo against cannibalism.”

Tissue culture “clean meat” already in 2018? I’ve long been looking forward to this.https://t.co/p41NR3NEZn
What if human meat is grown? Could we overcome our taboo against cannibalism? An interesting test case for consequentialist morality versus “yuck reaction” absolutism.

— Richard Dawkins (@RichardDawkins) March 3, 2018

Dawkins is just taking his atheistic-inspired materialism to its natural conclusion. Since he doesn’t believe in a God or an afterlife, he also doesn’t see an overarching purpose or innate value in human life.

In 2017, he pooh-poohed those who value humanity above all other creation.

“We put humanity on a pedestal miles higher than the surrounding territory,” he told The Times. “A human fetus that has approximately the anatomy and brainpower of a worm is accorded more status than an adult chimpanzee.”

FAITHWIRE: Atheist Richard Dawkins on Eugenics: ‘Of Course’ It Would Work on Humans

During that same interview, Dawkins likened the treatment of farm animals to the Holocaust. He said, “When I see cattle lorries, I think of the railway wagons to Auschwitz.”

If there is no inherent difference between animals and human beings, it’s hard to see why we shouldn’t embrace cannibalism, or cannibalistic behavior. But as Christians, we know that’s just not the case.

God designed humans in his own image. He also gave us dominion over all the animals, setting up a hierarchy from the moment of creation (Genesis 1:26-28).

Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.”

There is no doubt human beings were intended to have authority — not to abuse but to care for the animals inhabiting the earth. There is a natural separation between us and the animals.

With that in mind, it’s probably smart to keep our “taboo” against cannibalism.

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This is Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society International with the Whyte House Family Devotional Reading of Charles Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening podcast. This is Episode #32.

Charles Spurgeon was a prominent English Particular Baptist preacher. He was very influential among the Christians of various denominations during his age and even today, and is commonly called the “Prince of Preachers”. After some time of alternately searching for God and running from God, he had a powerful encounter which led him to give his life to Christ. Spurgeon was only 16 when he preached his first sermon and he began publishing books shortly afterward. At the time of his death, he had preached nearly 3,600 sermons and published 49 volumes of commentaries, sayings, anecdotes, illustrations and devotions. Spurgeon said, “encouraging thoughts are like honey to the heart”, and wrote this devotional in hopes that its uplifting messages for each day of the year would bring comfort and refreshment to our walk with God. He was inspired by Isaiah 50:4 which reads, “He wakeneth morning by morning. He wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned” and Psalm 63:5-6 which says, “My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips; when I remember Thee upon my bed, and meditate on Thee in the night watches.”

Daniel 9:26 reads: “And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.”

Blessed be his name, there was no cause of death in him. Neither original nor actual sin had defiled him, and therefore death had no claim upon him. No man could have taken his life from him justly, for he had done no man wrong, and no man could even have lain him by force unless he had been pleased to yield himself to die. But lo, one sins and another suffers. Justice was offended by us, but found its satisfaction in him. Rivers of tears, mountains of offerings, seas of the blood of bullocks, and hills of frankincense, could not have availed for the removal of sin; but Jesus was cut off for us, and the cause of wrath was cut off at once, for sin was put away forever. Herein is wisdom, whereby substitution, the sure and speedy way of atonement, was devised! Herein is condescension, which brought Messiah, the Prince, to wear a crown of thorns, and die upon the cross! Herein is love, which led the Redeemer to lay down his life for his enemies!

It is not enough, however, to admire the spectacle of the innocent bleeding for the guilty, we must make sure of our interest therein. The special object of the Messiah’s death was the salvation of his church; have we a part and a lot among those for whom he gave his life a ransom? Did the Lord Jesus stand as our representative? Are we healed by his stripes? It will be a terrible thing indeed if we should come short of a portion in his sacrifice; it were better for us that we had never been born. Solemn as the question is, it is a joyful circumstance that it is one which may be answered clearly and without mistake. To all who believe on him the Lord Jesus is a present Saviour, and upon them all the blood of reconciliation has been sprinkled. Let all who trust in the merit of Messiah’s death be joyful at every remembrance of him, and let their holy gratitude lead them to the fullest consecration to his cause.

PRAY.

Thank you for listening to the Morning and Evening podcast. If you do not know the Lord as your Savior, here is how you can be saved from Hell and walk with the Lord morning and evening until you go to that wonderful place called Heaven when you die:

First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”

Third, accept the fact that you are on the road to hell. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 18:8: “Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.” Also, the Bible states in Revelation 21:8: “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”

Now that is bad news, but here’s the good news. Jesus Christ said in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Just believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead by the power of God for you so that you can live eternally with Him. Pray and ask Him to come into your heart today, and He will.

Romans 10:9 & 13 says, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved… For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

If you believe that Jesus Christ died on the Cross for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead, and you want to trust Him for your Salvation today, please pray with me this simple prayer: Holy Father God, I realize that I am a sinner and that I have done some bad things in my life. I am sorry for my sins, and today I choose to turn from my sins. For Jesus Christ sake, please forgive me of my sins. I believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ died for me, was buried, and rose again. I trust Jesus Christ as my Savior and I choose to follow Him as Lord from this day forward. Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and save my soul and change my life today. Amen.

If you believed in your heart that Jesus Christ died on the Cross, was buried, and rose again, allow me to say, congratulations on doing the most important thing in life and that is accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour! For more information to help you grow in your newfound faith in Christ, go to Gospel Light Society.com and read “What To Do After You Enter Through the Door”. Jesus Christ said in John 10:9, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”

If you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior today, please email me at [email protected] and let us know. There is some free material that we want to send you. If you have a prayer request, please e-mail that to us as well, and we will pray for you until you tell us to stop.

God loves you. We love you. And may God bless you

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This is Daniel Whyte III president of Gospel Light Society International with The Scripture & The Sense Podcast #417, where I read the Word of God and give the sense of it based on an authoritative commentary source such as the Bible Knowledge Commentary or Matthew Henry Commentary. This podcast is based upon Nehemiah 8:8 where it says Ezra and the Levites “read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.” The aim of this podcast is that through the simple reading of the Word of God and the giving of the sense of it, the church would be revived and the world would be awakened.

Today we are reading Amos 2:1.

Thus saith the Lord; For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime:

________

That was Amos 2:1. Now here is the sense of it.

The Matthew Henry Commentary reads:

The evil passions of the heart break out in various forms; but the Lord looks to our motives, as well as our conduct. Those that deal cruelly, shall be cruelly dealt with. Other nations were reckoned with for injuries done to men; Judah is reckoned with for dishonour done to God. Judah despised the law of the Lord; and he justly gave them up to strong delusion; nor was it any excuse for their sin, that they were the lies, the idols, after which their fathers walked. The worst abominations and most grievous oppressions have been committed by some of the professed worshippers of the Lord. Such conduct leads many to unbelief and vile idolatry.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary reads:

In ancient times much importance was placed on a dead man’s body being peacefully placed in the family burial site, so that he could be “gathered to his fathers” and find rest in the grave. To rob, disturb, or desecrate a grave was an offense of the highest order. Many surviving tomb inscriptions utter violent curses against anyone who would commit such an outrage. Moab, in a war against Edom (perhaps the incident referred to in 2 Kings 3:26–27), drove their opponents back to their own territory, opened the royal graves, and burned, as if to lime, the bones of Edom’s king. This sacrilege was so thorough that bone ashes became as fine and white as powdered chalk.

____________

Thank you for listening to the Scripture & The Sense Podcast. Remember to read the Word of God each and every day and pray without ceasing to God for wisdom to understand it and apply it to your life. Most importantly, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. Please stay tuned for a complete presentation of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ so that you can get your soul saved from Hell to that wonderful place called Heaven when you die. May God bless you and keep you is my prayer.

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OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (AP) — Gunmen killed 24 civilians, including a church pastor, and kidnapped three others on Sunday in Burkina Faso, an official said. It was the latest attack against a religious leader in the increasingly unstable West African nation.

The mayor of Boundore commune, Sihanri Osangola Brigadie, said the attack occurred in the town of Pansi in Yagha province. The roughly 20 attackers separated men from women close to a Protestant church. At least 18 other people were injured.

“It hurt me when I saw the people,” Brigadie said after visiting some of the victims in the hospital in Dori town, 180 kilometers (110 miles) from the attack. The gunmen looted oil and rice from shops and forced the three youth they kidnapped to help transport it on their motorbikes, he said.

Both Christians and Muslims were killed before the church was set on fire, said a government security official in Dori who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak to the media.

Attacks have targeted religious leaders in the area in the past. Last week, also in Yagha province, a retired pastor was killed and another pastor was abducted by gunmen, according to an internal security report for aid workers seen by The Associated Press.

Extremist violence has dramatically escalated in once-peaceful Burkina Faso.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the attack and called for the perpetrators this attack and others that preceded it to be brought to justice, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

The U.N. chief reiterated “the commitment of the United Nations to support Burkina Faso in the fight against violent extremism and the achievement of sustainable peace and development,” Dujarric said.

Analysts are concerned that attacks against civilians, including against Christians, are increasing “at an alarming rate,” said Corinne Dufka, West Africa director for Human Rights Watch. “Perpetrators use victims’ links to government or their faith to justify the killings, while others appear to be reprisal killings for killings by the government security forces,” she said.

More than 1,300 civilians were killed in targeted attacks last year in Burkina Faso, more than seven times the previous year, according to Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, which collects and analyzes conflict information.

The insecurity has created a humanitarian crisis. More than 760,000 people are internally displaced, according to the government. 

Copyright 2020. The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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