Academic advantage of faith schools ‘short lived’

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Academic advantage of faith schools ‘short lived’

UCL’s Institute of Education used a sample of 10,000 people born in the same week in 1970 and assessed whether faith schools made an impact on their results at O-level, A-Level and University.

They found that there were only short-term academic advantages of Catholic schools and Church of England schools, up to O-Level, providing an equivalent of an extra third of an O-Level.

Professor Alice Sullivan, the study’s lead author, explained how background was a bigger influence than school: “Pupils who were raised in religious homes were more likely to succeed academically than those from non-religious backgrounds, whether they went to faith schools or not.”

The authors say this would explain why religious schools may sometimes do better, as their students are overwhelmingly from religious home lives.

For example, in the C of E schools attended by children in the study, half of the pupils had an Anglican upbringing, 20 per cent were ‘other Christian’, 9 per cent were Catholic, 3 per cent were of other faiths, leaving 19 per cent having no religious background.

Professor Sullivan added that this should change the perception held by some that faith schools automatically lead to a better education.

She said: “Past studies have claimed an advantage for faith schools, without accounting for the religious background of the pupils. This study suggests that that is a…

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“A beast like no other”

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“A beast like no other”

“This storm is a monster. It’s big and it’s vicious.” This is how North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper described Hurricane Florence, the most devastating storm to threaten the Carolinas in decades.

The National Weather Service states, “This will likely be the storm of a lifetime for portions of the Carolina coast.” CNN is warning this morning, “Even for a major hurricane, Florence is a beast like no other.”

It’s not too late for God to intervene. If Jesus could heal the sick, raise the dead, and calm a storm, he could turn Florence back to sea or otherwise prevent this disaster.

We should be praying fervently for him to do so, remembering that “you do not have, because you do not ask” (James 4:2 NRSV). As Gabriel told Mary, “Nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37).

But what if God doesn’t answer our prayers the way we want him to?

The worst thing we can do

If you had a child with cancer and your oncologist could cure her but chose not to, your outrage would obviously be justified. If God does not stop this hurricane from devastating cities along the Carolina coast, many will wonder why.

We could blame the Fall since our sin led to a broken world with hurricanes and other disasters (Romans 8:22). But God parted the Red Sea, stopped the flooded Jordan river, and calmed the stormy Sea of Galilee–all miracles that occurred in our fallen world.

We could blame the victims, remembering that God used natural disasters to judge the sins of Pharaoh and the Egyptians. But he sent Moses to warn them before the plagues began; I know of no prophetic warnings issued to those in North and South Carolina. Nor am I aware of any unique sinfulness that would make them a special target for divine judgment.

When disaster strikes, the worst thing we can do is to blame its victims. I had a dear friend in one of the churches I pastored who was dying of cancer. I asked her if some aspect of her experience was hardest. She replied, “It’s…

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Bishops adopt international definition of antisemitism

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Bishops adopt international definition of antisemitism

They made the decision during the annual residential meeting of the College of Bishops, which is taking place in Oxford.
 
Their joint statement endorsing the IHRA definition on behalf of the Church includes all of its examples of antisemitism.

 

The bishops also called for everyone to reject using language that could cause “prejudice, stigma or hatred towards people on the grounds of their religion, culture, origins, identity or beliefs”.
 
Rt Rev David Walker, Bishop of Manchester said: “The Jewish community, among whom I live in Salford, carry with them the vivid memory and scars of the Holocaust; they know all too well that antisemitism is never far below the surface of our society.
 
“Today’s statement from the Church of England bishops assures them that we will continue to reject such prejudice and bigotry firmly, in line with our practice over 75 years.
 
“At the same time we will continue to speak out critically when governments here and elsewhere act in ways that our faith calls us to challenge.”
 
The Church of England’s interfaith team and national advisers already use the IHRA’s definition of antisemitism as the benchmark in their work and ministry.
 
However, the bishops noted the “necessity of making explicit” the Church’s adoption of, and adherence to, the definition.
 
Last week the Archbishop of Canterbury, Most Rev Justin Welby, also spoke of…

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Sex abuse scandal is Catholic Church’s own 9/11, says Vatican official

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Sex abuse scandal is Catholic Church’s own 9/11, says Vatican official

Archbishop Georg Gaenswein, an aide to both retired Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, told a book presentation that he by no means was comparing the scandal to the nearly 3,000 people killed in the US on September 11 2001.

But he said the years-long sex scandal, and recent revelations in a Pennsylvania grand jury report, showed “how many souls have been wounded irrevocably and mortally by priests from the Catholic Church”.

 

“Today, even the Catholic Church looks full of confusion at its own 9/11, at its own September 11, even though this catastrophe isn’t associated with a single date but rather at so many days and years, and innumerable victims,” he said.

While no one has attacked churches with planes full of passengers, Mr Gaenswein said, recent news from the US “sends a message that is even more terrible than the sudden collapse of all the churches of Pennsylvania together with the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington”.

Mr Gaenswein, who serves as secretary to Benedict and prefect of Francis’s papal household, was speaking at a presentation of a book by conservative American author Rod Dreher, who has been at the forefront in reporting on the recent scandal in the US over ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick.

Francis removed McCarrick as a cardinal in July following a credible accusation that he groped a teenage altar boy in…

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Scores of firefighters tackle west London church hall blaze

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Scores of firefighters tackle west London church hall blaze

London Fire Brigade (LFB) said 10 engines and 70 firefighters were called to the site in Dorris Hill Lane, Neasden, at around 4am  

Half of the first floor, second floor and roof of the hall were said to be alight.

 

The fire was under control around 7:15 am.

Crews were sent from Willesden, West Hampstead, Wembley, North Kensington, Hendon and surrounding stations, LFB said.

The cause of the fire remains unclear.

The Metropolitan Police said in a tweet: “We are on scene at Neasden Circle junction with Tanfield Avenue for a fire at a Church. Tanfield Avenue and part of Neasden Circle remain closed.”

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.

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Eight Differences between Church Giving and Church Dues

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It is amazing to hear how church members view their tithes and offerings to their local churches. Though it’s cliché to say, the attitudes of their hearts reflect the nature of their contributions to the church.

I recently looked at hundreds of comments on this issue on this blog and on Church Answers. The attitudes in which church members gave were easily divided into two categories: church giving and church dues. In simplest term, church giving is an act where the member lets go of the funds with no reservations. He or she truly gives the money to God through the church. Church dues, though, have strings attached. They are not as much gifts as they are membership dues to receive certain rights and perks.

Look at each of these sets of eight characteristics. You will likely identify most of your givers versus dues payers in your church.

Church Giving

  1. Gifts are given with a heart of gratitude.
  2. The giver never speaks of the funds as “my money.”
  3. The giver has zero expectation of personal benefits from the church in exchange for the funds.
  4. The gifts are viewed by the giver as part of his or her walk of discipleship with Christ.
  5. The giver seeks no recognition, plaques, or naming privileges for the funds.
  6. The giver gives with joy.
  7. If the giver has any regrets about the funds, it is that he or she really wants to give more.
  8. The funds are “first fruits.” They are the first amounts taken out of paychecks and other sources of income.

Church Dues

  1. Funds are viewed as membership dues with…

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Joyce Meyer’s Daily 12 September 2018 Devotional — Invest in Someone

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Joyce Meyer’s Daily 12 September 2018 Devotional — Invest in Someone

Topic: Invest in Someone [Joyce Meyer’s Devotional Wednesday September 12, 2018]

The wicked borrows and does not pay back, but the righteous is gracious and kind and gives. — Psalm 37:21 (AMP)

Take chances today and invest in someone else’s life, especially if God tells you to do so. You may give them something of value only to learn they waste it as they have always done in the past. But remember that God made an investment in you, and He wants you to be willing to make an investment in somebody else.

Jesus died to give everybody a chance. Not everyone takes advantage of His provision, but we all have an equal opportunity to enjoy the abundant life. If you help someone, and they end up not doing what is right with it, that is between them and God. Give thanks that you are able to give, and then do whatever God tells you to do.

Prayer Starter: Father, show me someone I can invest in today. Help me to be a support and encouragement to someone in need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Joyce Meyer Daily Devotional HERE’’

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries.

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MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional 12 September 2018 – The Power of Inner Peace

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TOPIC: Do Not Fear Death (Mountain Of Fire and Miracle Ministries Wednesday, 12 September 2018)

FIRE SCRIPTURE: John 21:17-23

MEMORY VERSE: “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.” – Matthew 10:28

The MESSAGE:

There is a general consensus that death is an inevitable end for mankind. But the Bible records several people who lived much longer than their contemporaries and two people –Enoch and Elijah –who did not die. Death will come at the appointed time, but you do not have to be afraid of dying. You have an assignment to fulfil, and you are not permitted to die until your specific mandate is completed.

John was the only one of the twelve disciples who died naturally, unlike the others who died under very gruesome conditions. He ceaselessly declared the gospel of Jesus Christ even while in exile. Through the Holy Spirit, he wrote, among other books, the book of Revelation which sealed the entire Scriptures. On the other hand, Peter, who was one of the foremost disciples, was killed. Both men gave a good account of their ministries and their reward will be based on how well they served rather than how long they lived. If you live in fear of death, you will always be in bondage (Hebrews 2:15). Fear will hinder you from taking steps and actions that will glorify God and bless you and mankind. God has promised you abundant life, so you do not need to be afraid of what may or may not be (Psalm 91:16; John 10:10; Ephesians 6:2-3). Dispel every fear of death so you can be free to live a life of faith in God. The abundant life given to you by Christ will make you to live a purposeful life here on earth. It will also secure your life from untimely death or any power that intends to steal it. Jesus said those that God has given Him are surely protected. Nothing and no one can steal them (John 17:12).

Moreover, God does not allow death to steal His beloved children who obey Him and keep His words because they are precious to Him as they abide in His words. God forbade satan from touching the life of Job, though satan persuaded God to give him a chance to deal with Job in trials and temptation. Mind you my friend, if you have genuinely surrendered your life to Christ, your life is secured in heaven where Christ is (Colossians 3:3). Since your life is secured in Christ, you do not need to fear death. When time comes for us to be raptured, it will be a pleasure ride to eternity to meet the saints, the Lord Jesus and God Almighty.

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
IF YOU LIVE IN FEAR OF DEATH, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN BONDAGE.

PROPHETIC WORD:
You shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord.

PRAYER POINTS:

MORNING
1. O God, arise and let the fear of death die, in the name of Jesus.
2. Strongman of untimely death attacking my life, die, in the name of Jesus.
3. Anointing of life for the sake of Christ, overshadow my life, in the name of Jesus.

EVENING
4. Arrows of premature death fired into my life, catch fire, in the name of Jesus.
5. Anointing to endure till the end, fall upon me, in the name of Jesus.
6. Power to serve the Lord till the end of my life, envelope my life now, in the name of Jesus.
7. I shall give good account of my stewardship to the Lord at the end of my life, in the name of Jesus.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional HERE

MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE is a daily devotional by Dr. D.K Olukoya (General Overseer, Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries, Worldwide)

Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

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David Ibiyeomie: Be Brave! Take Risk!

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David Ibiyeomie: Be Brave! Take Risk!

Be Brave! Take Risk! By David Ibiyeomie

Topic: Be Brave! Take Risk!

GEN.12:1 -Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

GEN.12:4a -So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him;

Every journey begins with a step but you need courage to take that step. Abraham stepped out of his father’s house by faith; not knowing where he was going. There was neither map nor GPS; yet, Abraham stepped out in faith. Neil Armstrong; the first man to ever step his foot on the moon took courage and put his foot where nobody has ever treaded upon. Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were the first people to climb to the top of Mount Everest.

Edmund said in one of his quotes, ‘I will come again and conquer you because as a mountain, you can’t grow but as a human, I can’.

Without courage, you cannot make a move and without moves, you cannot cause waves and without waves, you will never make news.

People like the Wright brothers were pioneers in the world of Aviation by courage. In 1904, scientists met in Edinburg and came to a conclusion that it is impossible to fly a metal in the sky. Six years after, the Wright brothers disproved this fact by flying the first Airplane in the sky. You don’t have to walk by people’s opinion; you walk by courage.

Unfortunately, too many people are afraid to be adventurous; they want to relax in the comfort zone of life. It is risky not to take a risk. All good intentions without courage will amount to nothing. All good ideas without courage will never be actualized.

It is time to dream big and pursue your dream. D.L Moody said, ‘If God is your partner, make your plan big and pursue it”. Safety first is not the moto of risk takers; it may work in a factor, but it does not work in the field of faith. Therefore, be bold, be courageous and take that first step. I see you succeed in the name of Jesus –Amen!

God bless you

Also Read: Other Inspiring Messages by Pastor David Ibiyeomie

Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

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Seeds of Destiny 12 September 2018 – How to Maintain a Strong Faith

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Seeds of Destiny 12 September 2018 – How to Maintain a Strong Faith

Topic: How to Maintain a Strong Faith [Seeds of Destiny 12 September 2018 Daily Devotional]

Scripture: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

Thought For The Day: Your character determines your confidence; your conduct determines your courage.

In our previous studies, we saw the importance of faith in the life of a Christian; we saw that to be successful in life, faith is non-negotiable. We also saw how faith works; we saw that faith works by celebrating faith confirmations and also by maintaining faith associations.

Today, it is very important to continue our studies on how to maintain a strong faith.
1. By Engaging the Holy Spirit
God has not given us the spirit of fear but of love, boldness and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). The Holy Spirit is the sponsor of the audacity of faith. Praying in the Spirit is key to building your faith (Jude Verse 20).

2. By Maintaining Uprightness of Life
The wicked flee when no man pursues but the righteous are as bold as a lion (Proverbs 28:1); your character determines your confidence, your conduct determines your courage. You have nothing to fear if you have nothing to hide; integrity facilitates audacity, iniquity destroys audacity, and iniquity brings timidity.

3. By Refusing to put your Confidence in Man
If you want your faith to work, you must look away from man. The Bible says that they looked up to him and they were lightened, and their faces were not ashamed (Psalm 34:5). Jeremiah 17:5-7; makes us to understand that the one who looks unto man is cursed.

My counsel is, activate your faith by praying in the Holy Ghost, maintaining the life of righteousness and putting confidence in no man.

Remember this: Your character determines your confidence; your conduct determines your courage.

Assignments:
1. Make up your mind to activate a life of faith by praying in the Holy Ghost constantly.
2. Maintain an upright living and put confidence in no man.

Prayer: O LORD, I ask for the grace to pray in the Holy Ghost constantly and live an upright life. Help me not to put my confidence in man in order to develop a life of faith LORD, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE FAITH-WAY OF LIFE.

Amazing Fact: Eyes are the only part of the human body that functions at 100 percent ability at any movement.

Today In History: 12/09/1873 – The first practical typewriter was sold to customers.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 10:1 to 11:16, 2 Corinthians 12:11 to 21, Psalm 56:1 to 13, Proverbs 23:6 to 8.

Quote: Your relationship with God is the first thing that solidifies your faith. culled from 15 KINGDOM STRATEGIES FOR SURVIVAL by Dr Paul Enenche.

Also Read: Seeds of Destiny by Pastor Paul Enenche

Today’s devotional was written by Pastor Paul Enenche of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), headquartered at Abuja, Nigeria, with Pastor Paul and Becky Enenche, as the Senior Pastors. It is a power-packed arena where God’s Presence, Principles and Power are at work for the salvation, healing and restoration of human destinies and dignities

Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

The post Seeds of Destiny 12 September 2018 – How to Maintain a Strong Faith appeared first on Flatimes.

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