Equality Act Elevating Sexual Orientation over Religious Freedom Passes House Judiciary Committee
The Equality Act, a sweeping new piece of legislation that elevates sexual orientation and gender identity above religious freedoms, passed the House Judiciary Committee last week and could face a floor vote as early as next week.
“Essentially, the Equality Act gives people of faith an ultimatum: Change your faith-based practices or face government punishment,” ADF’s Sarah Kramer of Alliance Defending Freedom, wrote on the organization’s website.
The bill would amend the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the Fair Housing Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, public education, federal funding, credit and the jury system. One congressional aide said the Equality Act is scheduled for a vote next week, according to a gay publication covering the bill.
ADF and other prominent Christian and conservative groups, including Judicial Watch, James Dobson Family Institute, Liberty Counsel and the Heritage Foundation, are warning of widespread repercussions for believers since it eliminates Christians from relying on the Religious Freedom Restoration Act to uphold their religious rights, according to World Net Daily.
In an April hearing in the Judiciary Committee, Chairman U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler (N.Y.-Dist. 10) outlined the intentions of the…
Mike Pence Visits Louisiana Churches Set Ablaze by Arsonist, Calls for an End of Attacks on Houses of Worship
Vice President Mike Pence visited Louisiana on Friday to show his support to the members of the three historically black churches that were set ablaze by an arsonist in late March and early April.
Pence announced his visit to the Bayou State on May 2, during the National Day of Prayer service at the White House. There he noted that attacks on houses of worship are becoming “all too frequent.”
According to the Associated Press, while speaking to the congregants at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church – one of the three churches authorities believe was set on fire by Holden Matthews, the son of a local sheriff’s deputy – the Vice President lamented the attacks on the Louisiana churches as well as the recent shootings in synagogues in Pennsylvania and California and the mass shooting at a mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Pence said, “Sadly we live in a time when attacks on communities of faith have become all too frequent.”
He continued, “No one should ever fear for their safety in a house of worship, anywhere in this country, anywhere in the world. Attacks on communities of faith must stop.” Parishioners around him affirmed his statement as many of them said “amen.”
The Vice President then spoke directly of the arson attacks calling the church burnings “evil.” He said, “What happened here at Mt. Pleasant, at Greater…
The Kingdom Choir, who are currently on a UK tour following the success of their stint at the nuptial ceremony last May, have written a new lullaby especially for the Sussexes’ newborn son.
Speaking about its special significance, writer Clinton Jordan told Premier: “It’s a prayer, it’s not just a lullaby. It’s really nice when you can pronounce a blessing over a child’s life.”
They will perform it on Tuesday night when they will be at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.
Karen Gibson, choir leader, said: “On behalf of the whole of The Kingdom Choir, congratulations on the arrival of your little one and God Bless you all.”
The group’s rousing performances of Stand By Me and Amen/This Little Light Of Mine during the wedding resulted in the ensemble signing a major record deal.
The London-based choir was founded in 1994 by the group’s award-winning conductor Gibson.
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Tolkien Director Responds to Family, Fans of Author: I’m a Fan, Too
The director of the new film based on the life of J.R.R. Tolkien says he believes fans of the famous author will enjoy the movie, even if it doesn’t have the endorsement of Tolkien’s family.
“It’s a labor of love. It’s done by a fan,” director Dome Karukoski told Christian Headlines.
Tolkien (1892-1973) was the author of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit novels. A Fox Searchlight movie about him – called Tolkien(PG-13) – releases in theaters this weekend.
The family of Tolkien released a statement in April clarifying they had no involvement.
“The family and the Estate wish to make clear that they did not approve of, authorize or participate in the making of this film,” the statement said. “They do not endorse it or its content in any way.”
Karukoski said it’s common not to involve the family in movies about historical figures.
“You try not to work with the estate. And the reason is you usually start writing so-called winners’ history – you know, because even if it’s the nicest and kindest estate ever, you start servicing them and not the film,” Karukoski said. “Nine out of 10 biopics actually are done without the estate.”
Karukoski said his source material included books and Tolkien authorities.
“I read everything. I mean, I bet I real almost all of his books and many, many of them twice. I met with…
The Australian international posted “hell awaits” sinners including homosexuals on his Instagram account.Officials will now decide what punishment he’ll face.
Termination of the 30-year-old’s contract is now a possibility.Lawrence Wilkinson from the religious freedom charity ADF International has raised concern over the way Folau is being treated.Speaking to Premier, he said: “It raises the bigger question in sport more generally, to what extent are we happy for sportsmen to state their views on contentious issues and that’s the question that this case will feed into.”I think if he is sacked for this, then you have a real problem for freedom of expression for sportsmen.”For Christian sportsmen, I think it’s going to make them really be concerned about what ability they have to speak up on their faith and what they view on what the Bible is saying is sinful or not.”Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.
‘No One Thinks it’s Fair,’ Girl Track Star Says after Losing to Transgender Athletes
A Connecticut girl who failed to qualify for a major track and field meet due to the inclusion of transgender athletes is speaking out, saying “no one thinks it’s fair” but that most parents and athletes are hesitant to speak out.
“Everyone is afraid of retaliation from the media, from kids around their school, from other athletes, coaches, school administrators,” Selina Soule, a junior standout at Glastonbury High School, told The Daily Signal.
Soule had the eighth best time in the state this year in the women’s indoor 55-meter dash, barely missing out on the multi-state New England Championships. The runners with the top six times qualify for each event in the New England meet.
Two biological males who compete as transgender females — Terry Miller and Andraya Yearwood — had the first- and second-best times in the state in the 55-meter dash. Had they not been allowed to run, Soule would have had the sixth-best time and qualified for New England — putting her in front of the eyes of college recruiters.
Terry Miller won the 55-meter dash in the state and the New England Championships. Yearwood placed second in the state and third at New England.
Soule said it’s “frustrating and heartbreaking” to compete against the duo. Miller attends Bloomfield High, while Yearwood goes to Cromwell High.
Explosives the Islamic State-linked group stocked for use in more attacks have been seized, police added.
The bombings killed 257 people and wounded hundreds at three churches and three hotels.
Seven suicide bombers died at their targets while another exploded his device later at a guesthouse after it failed to detonate at a leading tourist hotel. A ninth killed herself to avoid capture by police at her home.
Police have detained 73 suspects for investigation since the bombings and have seized stocks of explosives, improvised explosive devices and hundreds of swords.
They also found more than one hundred thousand dollars in cash in bank accounts connected to the group and another 40 million dollars worth of assets in land, houses, vehicles and jewellery.
Authorities have repeatedly said another attack from the extremist group was possible.
Sri Lanka’s Catholic hierarchy closed churches for a second weekend on Sunday as the faithful celebrated Mass from home watching live on television.
But on Tuesday, one of the churches targeted in the attacks, St Anthony’s Shrine in Colombo, opened part of the building to the public for the first time since the bombing.
Catholic schools remain closed after reports said two of their locations were to be attacked last weekend.
Government-run schools reopened for some students on Monday but many did not attend out of fear.
…I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live (Deuteronomy 30:19).
Our heavenly Father is so gracious and kind; ever loving. All He does and seeks to do is bless you. He knows every detail about your life. He knows your address. He knows where you are, and what you go through, and His plan is to see to it that you’re triumphant always, no matter what the trouble is.
Even when you make mistakes, He makes every effort to correct you and help you. He’s more passionate for your well-being—your success, prosperity and joy—than you could ever be. Sadly, He doesn’t always succeed at ensuring that His children live as He planned for them to live. You might ask, “How’s that possible?”
The reason is that He doesn’t run men’s lives; that’s why He makes the effort. Otherwise, He would have just “pushed the buttons” and everything He wants for your life would just become. He’s Almighty God! He’s got the power; but He doesn’t function that way. He gave man a gift, the gift of personal will; the gift of choice.
You can choose to love God; you can choose not to love Him. You can choose to serve Him; you can choose to serve yourself. The choice is yours. And because He gave it to you as a gift, He doesn’t usurp it or take it away from you.
Romans 11:29 says, “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” How He functions is seen in our opening verse: He gives you all the information you require to make the best choices. He tells you the best choice to make, but never forces you to make it.
However, it’s the reason judgement is a necessity. Without a right to choose, judgement wouldn’t be necessary. But because He gave man the power of choice, man would have to be judged for the choices He made. One day, God would have to show what was right and what was wrong; He’d show every man whether or not they made the right choices and decisions. You’re accountable to God.
This is why it’s important that you live your life in Christ every day, because if you live your life in Christ with the consciousness of His salvation, living in the Spirit through the Word, you’ll not be judged. The only judgment you’ll face would be for your reward. And in that judgement, the Bible says every one of us will be praised; no one will be condemned if they live in Christ. So, keep your focus on Him and use your gift of choice in His love.
PRAYER Blessed be God who has deposited in me the power to make wise, right, and perfect decisions in line with His divine destiny for my life! The Word is my all-time guide, and Christ has been made unto me wisdom; therefore, I make only godly and Spirit-guided decisions, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY: Isaiah 30:21; Joshua 24:15
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 4:1-26 & 1 Kings 1
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 8:34-9:1 & Numbers 11
Rhapsody of Realities 8th May 2019 Devotional was written by Pastor Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (D.Sc., D.D.). President of Loveworld Inc. aka Christ Embassy Int’l.
Baba by Lordsreborn Praise Crew ft Princess – Download mp3, Lyrics
Lordsreborn Praise Crew (Drebirth & Pistis) is an interdenominational Praise Worship Team that believes in Worship of the most high.
The New Single BABA (FATHER) is a song of Adoration and Thanksgiving to our king and maker, for his Love, Grace and numerous blessings…
The song was inspired by the question, How much of God’s grace can we deny? and features Princess who was also available to Eulogise God in d song through the gift of spokenword….
This song is definitely going to bless lives and constantly remind us of how much we ought to Thank God. Produced by MR WOLS.
Baba by Lordsreborn Praise Crew ft Princess – Lyrics
Baba /2x
(Father)
Mowole ni iwaju re /2x
(Have come to bow before you)
Verse
Lord have come to say thank you for your grace (Thank you for your grace)
Thank you for your love
And all that you have done
what a wondrous, mighty, awesome God you are (Awesome God you are)
I bow before your throne for you are God alone (Oh oh oh )
What a faithful God you are(Faithful God you are)
Worthy is your Name (worthy is your name)
Chant
Kabiyesi, Obanla, Oba mi, Alagbada Ina, Alawotele orun
Mowajubre obanla, aribititirabata arabaribiti
Alagbara nla Eleti mogbaroye
Kinihun eya Judah
Omimi tin mile tititi
Komaseni bire oba mi
Agbanilagbatan awese eni nu
Awimayeun atoba jaiye
King of kings and Lord of Lords
Asoromatase ancient of Days
Mighty God mighty warrior
You are God alone
You are God of the universe
We give you all the glory God
We bow before your throne
Spoken word: To The one who created earth at the sound of his voice and divided the red sea with the blast of his breath (His name is Jesus) you clothe in light of Glory, the elders and the angel bow crying Holy Holy Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, strong and powerful, faithful and able, undefeatable, unquestionable, incomprehensible, indescribable, great and terrible is your name (Baba).
Jesus is Coming very Soon By Betty Zina – Download mp3, Lyrics
Chorus:
Jesus, He’s coming very soon
Tell the world, I’m coming very soon
Prepare, I’m coming very soon
I’m coming very soon
This is my word
Verse 1:
Pastor and leaders of my flocks
Evangelists and teachers of my word
Prepare, I’m coming very soon
I’m coming very soon
This is my word
(Rpt Chorus)
Verse 2:
Ye who know me
Hold on to your faith
Ye who believe
Hold on to your faith
I’m coming very soon (2x)
This is my word
Verse 3:
Like the virgin’s story told in past
Five were wise but
Five were unwise
You’ve got to prepare
Keep the oil burning in your lamb
Having some reserved for the rainy day!
(Rpt Chorus)
Jesus is Coming very Soon By Betty Zina – Download mp3, Lyrics
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