Assault on Christian Leader in Nepal Reflects Growing Threat

Assault on Christian Leader in Nepal Reflects Growing Threat



Pastor Sagar Baizu, 46, had finished one meeting and had an hour before the next one, so he decided to stop at a café on a major thoroughfare in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, on July 19.


As he was about to sip a coffee in the crowded café at 2 p.m., six to eight men suddenly attacked the spokesperson and co-general secretary of the Federation of National Christians in Nepal (FNCN) from behind.


“They beat me for a minute and a half and suddenly fled the site,” Pastor Baizu told Morning Star News. “They said, ‘We will blast your church and all the churches with bombs and shoot you and all your leaders.’”


He became dizzy from many blows to his head by two of the assailants and could not see the faces of any of them, he said.


“I just could not understand what was happening to me for about 10 minutes after the assault,” the pastor said.


After cafeteria staff members helped him regain his bearings, Pastor Baizu informed police, who arrived in about 20 minutes.


Though he sustained no visible injuries, he received immediate medical attention, and doctors advised him to wear a neck brace for a week and to rest his head as much as possible.


Pastor Baizu, who has headed Anugrah Vijay Church (Grace Victory Church) in Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu District, for 23 years, filed a report on the assault with police, and the chief district officer has taken it seriously,…

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LGBT Christian Conference Speaker Rejects Idea That Jesus Supports Gay Marriage

(Screenshot: YouTube/tomanjp)Wesley Hill, associate professor of New Testament at the Trinity School for Ministry based in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, giving keynote speech at the first-ever Revoice Conference, held July 26-28, 2018 at Memorial Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, Missouri.

A keynote speaker for the first-ever Revoice Conference, centered on same-sex attracted Christians, has rejected the idea that Jesus Christ wants the church to accept same-sex marriage.

Wesley Hill, associate professor of New Testament at the Trinity School for Ministry based in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, said in his speech Saturday evening that Jesus did not support “trimming God’s standard down to fit whatever chaos is true of our lives.”

“Jesus was not out to undermine God’s holy will for our lives. If anything, Jesus ratcheted up the standard of sexual purity and sexual holiness,” said Hill.

“I mean, if God agreed with us on everything to begin with why do we need to have this religion called Christianity?”

Hill also noted that Revoice likewise was about bringing Christians together and that “we don’t want to adjust or trim down the law of God to fit our own proclivities.”

Revoice, which was held July 26-28 at Memorial Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, Missouri, drew controversy well ahead of…

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US creates religious liberty task force as ‘faith comes under attack’

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of a Religious Liberty Task Force on Monday.

He said the task force will make sure the US Government practices what is preaches.

 

“The Task Force will help the department fully implement our religious liberty guidance by ensuring that all Justice Department components are upholding that guidance in the cases they bring and defend, the arguments they make in court, the policies and regulations they adopt, and how we conduct our operations,” he said.

“That includes making sure that our employees know their duties to accommodate people of faith.”

Mr Sessions said the task force will help make sure that America does not depart from policies that promote “peace, prosperity, freedom, lawfulness, and clarity”.

The announcement came after Mr Sessions claimed the West has become more intolerable to people of faith.

“In recent years, the cultural climate in this country-and in the West more generally-has become less hospitable to people of faith. Many Americans have felt that their freedom to practice their faith has been under attack,” he said.

“And it’s easy to see why. We’ve seen nuns ordered to buy contraceptives.

“We’ve all seen the ordeal faced so bravely by Jack Phillips.

“Americans from a wide variety of backgrounds are concerned about what this changing cultural climate means for the future of religious liberty in…

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Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.

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Church of Scotland condemns eviction threat of 300 asylum seekers

Public services provider, Serco, announced it planned to remove people from their homes in the city who they claim have been denied asylum by the UK Government. The firm has said it was forced to issue a seven-day lock change notice as the Home Office has stopped paying it to provide accommodation.

Rev Dr Richard Frazer, convener of the Church and Society Council, said in a statement that the development was “unacceptable”.

 

“Whilst these are individuals and families who have had their right to remain in this country turned down, past evidence suggests that half will win their appeal against that decision,” he explained.

“In the meantime, we have a clear moral responsibility to be providing housing. Many of those facing eviction have already needed to flee their homes in the past from appalling violence, terror and war.

“It is unacceptable that this should be happening. We are a welcoming nation – Glasgow has the reputation across the world of being a friendly city.”

The Church of Scotland is backing a new campaign to challenge the UK Government’s approach to illegal immigration.

Rev Frazer said the Bible demonstrates why asylum seekers deserve better treatment.

“Our Scriptures contain the regular refrain to care for those at the margins of society,” he added.

“Indeed, in St Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus is recorded as stating that how we care for those in need, including…

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Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.

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Marital affair could cost man nearly $9 million

Keith King sued Francisco Huizar III for “alienation of affection,” among other complaints, after Huizar had an affair with King’s wife. King filed his lawsuit in North Carolina, one of a few states where a person can sue another person for breaking up his or her marriage.

A North Carolina judge has now ruled that Huizar should pay $8.8 million. He plans to appeal.

Meanwhile, CBS executive Leslie Moonves stands to lose as much as $300 million if the network cancels his contract. Six women are alleging that they were sexually harassed by Moonves over the years.

In other news, several states joined efforts yesterday to block a Texas man from offering instructions online for making plastic guns using 3-D printers. However, CNN reports today that more than a thousand people have already downloaded plans to print an AR-15-style assault rifle.

The weapons could never be traced if used in a crime since they have no serial number. They could slip more easily through metal detectors and would enable criminals to circumvent background checks.

What do these stories have in common? The power of words.

Words can be miraculous

Emily Dickinson: “I know nothing in the world that has as much power as a word.”

Words dominate our culture. From the president’s speeches and tweets to congressional laws to judicial rulings, words define and govern our democracy. Not a day goes by when someone’s words do not make headlines, for good or for bad.

Words can be miraculous. God used them to create the universe (Genesis 1). Jesus is “the Word” of God (John 1:1). The Bible contains “the word of our God” (Isaiah 40:8).

All words are powerful. St. Augustine: “When I think about what I am going to say, the word or message is already in my heart. So that the word already in my heart may find its place also in yours, I use my voice to speak to you. The sound of my voice brings the meaning of the word to you and then the voice passes away. The word which the…

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Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Denison Forum.

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Sir Cliff Richard case shows juices still flowing at BBC

The singer sued over BBC coverage of a South Yorkshire Police raid on his home in Sunningdale, Berkshire, in August 2014, following an allegation of child sexual assault.

Mr Justice Mann this month ruled in Sir Cliff’s favour following a trial in London, concluding the coverage was a very serious privacy invasion and awarded the singer £210,000 damages.

 

Writing in the Radio Times, the veteran news journalist said there was a time when “scoop” was a “dirty word” at the BBC and the ideal news story was “serious, significant and reassuringly dull”.

He added this is now no longer the case, writing: “I sympathise, though. Journalism is not the priesthood, even at the BBC. It’s a hard, competitive business.

“The average age of the Ten O’Clock News audience is now in the 60s. The young are too busy on Twitter talking about Love Island, and everybody has to shout louder to get heard.

“I’m pleased that the juices are still flowing at an organisation that can often look flatulent, bureaucratic and complacent.

“Great that the newsroom can still ‘go bananas’ over a ‘cracking story’ – even if it wasn’t.

“Nobody comes out of it very well. The BBC reporter got a genuine scoop, at the height of the hysteria over Jimmy Savile.

“Difficult to say it was not in the public interest or, as the law stood, that it was wrong to name a suspect before it could reasonably be expected he would…

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Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.

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Covenant Gateways to Supernatural Breakthroughs! By David Oyedepo

Topic: Covenant gateways to supernatural breakthroughs!

Welcome to the concluding part of this teaching! I hope you were blessed by the teaching of last week. Today, we shall focus on Covenant Gateways to Supernatural Breakthroughs!

We recognise from scriptures that light from heaven through the Word is the foundation of Kingdom mysteries that guarantee undeniable breakthroughs. The Word of God is the master key to a world of supernatural breakthroughs (Luke 5:4-6). We must understand that breakthrough is not a state of being; it is a lifestyle. No one qualifies for supernatural breakthrough without first believing in its possibility. We must therefore possess a possibility mentality to qualify for supernatural breakthrough. As it is written: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee (Proverbs 23:7). Remember, our mentality defines our destiny. We cannot possess a grasshopper mentality and operate like an eagle. It is our thought that determines our lot. Therefore, until our mind is renewed by the Word of God, our lives cannot be transformed. It is also important that we commit to thinking unlimited possibilities in order to command supernatural breakthroughs. Whatever we cannot imagine, we cannot make happen.

Also, understand that every redeemed soul is a potential star, but we cannot emerge a star with the mentality of a common man. Jesus said: I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star (Revelation 22:16; see also John 17:18). So, if He came as the bright and morning star, then we are ordained as stars on the earth.

What then is our Breakthrough Root?

As a Seed of Abraham, we are God’s Candidate for Supernatural Breakthroughs: We have been redeemed to enjoy the blessing of Abraham (Genesis 22:17-18; Galatians 3:13-14). This implies that every child of God is a seed of Abraham; which qualifies him to be a global citizen. For it is written: And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:29). So, we are ordained to impact on all nations of the earth.

Redemption makes us a Supernatural Breakthrough Entity: We are breakthrough personalities and pacesetters. The Bible says: Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid (Matthew 5:13-14).

We have a Supernatural Breakthrough Heritage as an End-time Saint: According to scriptures, during the end-time, authority shall be domiciled in the Church as the Church will practically be in charge of everything that works. The Church will reign by explosive revelation and will be a university of divine inspiration (Micah 4:1-2; Isaiah 2:2-3).

What, then, are the Platforms for Supernatural Breakthroughs?

Our proper positioning in God’s master plan for our lives is vital in determining our levels of breakthrough. That is, where we are positioned determines the outcome of our lives. Therefore, we must be covenantly positioned to command supernatural breakthroughs. Therefore, among others, our breakthroughs will demand the following:

We should Mind the Company we Keep: Where we stand, sit and the company we keep determine our level of breakthroughs. Remember, our association can either make or break us (Psalm 1:1-3). Abraham was called but Lot went with him and he became a partaker of the grace of God on Abraham (Genesis 13:5). The company we keep determines what accompanies us. Also, according to scriptures, Saul came into the midst of the prophets and he began to prophesy by the Spirit of the Lord. Thus, he became a proverbial success and began to manifest above natural realms because he was in the right company (1 Samuel 10:11-12).

We must Belong to a Particular God-ordained Place of Worship: Before we were born, God knew us and had appointed us to a place of worship (Deuteronomy 12:13-14). He separated us to an appointed city of refuge where we will blossom and flourish. As it is written: Moreover, I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime (2 Samuel 7:10).

We have a Pastor Appointed over our Lives Under whose Ministry we Flourish: We do not choose our parents, God does. In the same vein, He appoints a pastor over our lives. The Bible says: And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding… (Jeremiah 3:15-16). Thus, when we connect with our God-appointed pastor, we supernaturally flourish (Isaiah 30:20-21).

We also have a Prophet sent to us both for Divine Intervention and Rescue in the Hour of Need: As it is written: But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions (Obadiah 1: 17).

In conclusion, it is not enough to belong to a place, it is important to abide there (1 Corinthians 7:20). Also, it is one thing to be present in a place, and yet another to be connected (Isaiah 29:13). Furthermore, we must walk in obedience to the instructions given there because they are the platforms for our lifting (1 Samuel 15:22). Everybody belongs somewhere and supernaturally flourishes there. However, supernatural breakthroughs are the heritage of the redeemed. . Are you born again? If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!” For further reading, please get my books: Walking in the Miraculous, Operating in the Supernatural, Releasing the Supernatural, Commanding the Supernatural and All you need to have all your needs met.

I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have five services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:20 p.m. respectively. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280; or E-mail: [email protected]; Face book: www.facebook.com/davidoyedepoministries/; Twitter: @DavidOyedepoMin

Please click HERE to read other inspiring MESSAGES by Bishop David Oyedepo

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Enjoy Rest in Marriage (Part 4) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Topic: Enjoy Rest in Marriage (Part 4)

Dear Reader,

So far, we have been able to examine the following topics: The Place of Rest; Rest in the time of Unrest and Relaxing at Home. Today, we shall be exploring the topic: ‘Maximizing Happiness in your Home’

I want us to consider how to get the best of times in our families. The Bible says: The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? (Proverbs 18:14).It is joy on the inside that brings out the best in a man. Happiness in your home will bring out the best in your wife, husband and children. A sorrowful heart is dangerous. Nothing good comes the way of the dejected. God’s Word says: A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones (Proverbs 17:22).

When there is no happiness in a home, the family members are prone to all sorts of sicknesses and diseases. Man, which do you choose? To stay happy and make every member of your family happy, thereby staying away from hospital bills, or to continue spending your money and resources on drugs and medical bills. Wisdom is profitable to direct, the wise man said. I’ll rather choose to stay happy and be drug-free with my family members.

What is Happiness? It is a state of enjoyment, showing satisfaction or joy. It is also marked by pleasure. When you are happy, in most cases, your disposition is characterised by laughter which is a feeling of triumphant or exultant sense of well-being. When you are genuinely happy, no one needs ask you. You just flow in it, and it shows.

Now, God has declared this year as our own year of turning point. Therefore, God expects a lot of happiness in and around us and our homes this year. We shall not disappoint Him.

What does it take to be Happy?

The Psalmist says: …Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee (Psalm 128:1-2). Also, Proverbs 28:14 says: Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief:

We can see from the above two scriptures that Happiness comes by fearing God, reverencing His voice via His Word, obeying His instructions and doing what He commands to do. To maximize Happiness in our homes, therefore, God is telling us to consider these:

  1. Appreciate the good in your spouse and family members, and then the bad will depreciate – Whatever good thing and strong point you can see in the life of your spouse, let it be a source of happiness and inspiration to you. Praise God for this aspect of his/her life, and then every other area where he/she does not measure up to will begin to disappear in your eyes.
  2. Celebrate your spouse – Remember that other people are secretly wishing this same man or woman is their husband or wife. Keep that which you have jealously. Magnify your spouse in the face of the devil.
  3. Sow joy – Remember that you only reap what you sow. If you sow excitement into the atmosphere in your home, you will reap joyful family members. You will be happy yourself and your home shall be full of joy.
  4. Adapt to your spouse – Like what your spouse likes. Know his tastes and flow along with him/her. You will feel free and flow.
  5. Maintain body contact always – This does not necessarily mean sex. Hug each other. Give little kisses. Give your spouse pat of encouragement. Especially in public, don’t be ashamed to hold your spouse. Be free, not of necessity, but as a life style.
  6. Create God (not good) climate around your home – A God climate will eventually produce good climate. Fill your home with Christian music, Christian books, Inspirational materials, Posters, etc. Let everything around your home smell God.
  7. Organise Feasts – Learn to celebrate important days and events. Form the habit of remembering birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, etc. Make big events out of ordinary days. Use these occasions to get excited and rejoice with your family members. You don’t have to call people. Gather your wife and children and just celebrate with whatever thing you have.
  8. Be one – Do things with your spouse. Pray together and do things in common. Let your children see oneness in you. A house divided against itself cannot stand. Communicate and know your spouse to be able to vouch for him/her when not there. It makes you happy.
  9. Give no place to the spirit of unforgiveness – If you don’t forgive, you will not be forgiven. If you don’t make others happy, you will not be happy yourself. If your wife or husband offends or goes wrong somehow, correct immediately in love, and forgive. Also forget. You’ll be happy.
  10. Be Contented – Contentment brings satisfaction. If you are not contented, you cannot be happy. Be satisfied with your husband, wife, children, finances, your life and environment. Praise God, and you’ll be happy.

Finally, friends, the Word says: If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them (John 13:17). God needed a garden in Genesis, and, He planted one. If you want happiness, you must create it. Nothing works until you work it. You cannot be happy without having hope. Nothing destroys laughter than hopelessness. Never lose hope for a moment. Set yourself to doing these things and your laughter shall know no end.

Throughout this year, slap the face of the devil with your laughter. Be happy on the inside and it shall continually show on the outside. Your health shall spring forth and every member of your family shall enjoy the divine presence of God. Heaven is full of joy, and God dwells in the midst of praise. Make your home and life a habitation for the Almighty.

Do you want to maximize happiness in your home? The first step is to be born again. If you are not yet born again and you desire to do so right now, please pray this prayer with faith in your heart: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building a Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).

“Please click HERE to read other inspiring articles by Pastor Faith Oyedepo”

Pastor Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.

The post Enjoy Rest in Marriage (Part 4) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo appeared first on Flatimes.

Eight Warning Signs Your Church Is Drifting from God’s Mission

Podcast Episode #454

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Is your church aligned with God’s intended mission for her? A post by Sam Rainer serves as the basis of today’s discussion on warning signs that you might be drifting from God’s mission.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

  • You may recognize some of these warning signs in your church.
  • Do people in your church talk about what they are doing or what God is doing through them?
  • Too many of our churches are not in a celebratory state.
  • It’s taking more people to reach fewer people evangelistically.

The eight warning signs we discuss are:

  1. The chatter is all about people and not Jesus.
  2. You no longer celebrate God’s mission in a worship service.
  3. The percentage given to missions out of the budget is shrinking.
  4. Church leaders do not speak about the lostness of the nations.
  5. New believers are perceived as disturbing the peace of the body.
  6. There is more of a focus on the older generation than the younger generation.
  7. Few care about the persecuted church.
  8. It takes more to win less.

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The ministry landscape is changing, and the need…

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Click here to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Thom Rainer.

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