Apr. 4, 2016
BLOOMBERG
President Obama said Friday he was concerned that crackdowns against the press by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan could lead his nation down a “troubling” path.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, standing only a row apart, chose not to speak to each other during a group photo session at a nuclear summit in Washington, highlighting the state of relations between Asia’s two biggest economies.
Leaked files from a Panama law firm that creates shell companies show that politicians, criminals and celebrities worldwide have used banks and shadow companies to hide their finances, according to a series of reports by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. Within hours of publication, the divulgences prompted a parliamentary vote of confidence in Iceland, a curt denial from Argentina and ridicule from a close confidant of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The biggest economic shake-up since the founding of Saudi Arabia would accelerate subsidy cuts and impose more levies, a plan to spread the burden of lower crude prices among a population more accustomed to government largess. Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said the measures would raise at least an extra $100 billion a year by 2020, more than tripling non-oil income and balancing the budget.
It’s time to sell Asian currencies after their best monthly rally in more than seven years, according to Goldman Sachs Group Inc.
The threat in recent years of pilots blinded by high-powered lasers may soon be superseded by this potentially more fearsome prospect: drones finding their way into restricted airspace around airports. Each month, pilots and air traffic controllers report more than 100 drone “sightings” to the Federal Aviation Administration
Soldiers patrolled the streets of the Republic of Congo’s capital, Brazzaville, after heavy gunfire was heard early in the morning in the south of the city.
While gold futures have dipped from a 13-month high, hedge funds are the most bullish since January 2015. The precious metal posted its biggest quarterly advance in three decades as turbulent financial markets and ebbing global economic growth boosted demand for it as a haven.
AP Top Stories
Alaska Air said that it would buy Virgin America for $2.6 billion to compete more effectively with larger airlines and become the top carrier on the U.S. West Coast.
Officials wound back an initial tsunami threat issued after a large earthquake struck off the coast of the South Pacific islands of Vanuatu on Sunday. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the danger had largely passed and canceled an earlier warning of a possible tsunami as a result of the quake, which was initially measured at a magnitude of 7.2 but later revised down to 6.9.
Four suicide bombings targeting Iraqi security forces and civilians and mortar fire that struck houses near Baghdad killed at least 17 people on Monday, security and medical officials said.
A bishop in charge during one of Australia’s darkest periods of child abuse by Catholic clergy died Monday, depriving an inquiry of further evidence from a man once closely linked to Vatican finance chief George Pell.
A five-year-old boy tested positive for Ebola in Liberia just days after his mother died of the virus in the second flare-up to hit West Africa in recent weeks, the health ministry said on Sunday.
Thousands of U.S. and Philippine troops, along with Australian defense forces, began annual drills Monday to prepare to quickly respond to a range of potential crises, including in the disputed South China Sea.
Animal rights activists are seeking to shut down an annual summer dog meat festival in southern China blamed for blackening the country’s international reputation as well as fueling extreme cruelty to canines and unhygienic food handling practices.
Beachgoers in a South Florida town found their territory invaded by little purple jellyfish this past week. Hallandale Beach outside Miami was covered in thousands of sea creatures called Velella velella, which have little sails that normally allow them to steer clear of the shore.
Syrian troops on Sunday seized the key Islamic State group bastion of Al-Qaryatain, dealing the jihadists a new blow in the country’s centre a week after expelling them from Palmyra, state television said.
BBC
The first boats carrying migrants being deported from Greece have arrived in Turkey as part of an EU plan aimed at easing mass migration to Europe. Most of the 202 people who left Lesbos and Chios, and arrived at Dikili in western Turkey, are Pakistanis.
The Australian Tax Office (ATO) is investigating more than 800 individual taxpayers, all residents of Australia. They have been identified as high net wealth clients of a law firm in Panama.
Alemarah, an app for Android phones created by Islamist fundamentalist group the Taliban, has been removed from Google’s Play Store.
WND
Gavin Newsom, California’s Democrat lieutenant governor and governor wannabe, is riding a wave of Second Amendment crackdowns on his campaign trail, including a policy push to regulate ammunition purchases as tightly as firearms’ buys.
Swedish researchers have developed a form of ‘transparent wood’ that could be used to build windows in future. The material could be used in place of patterned glass to give rooms more privacy, letting light through but not being entirely transparent.
Just as the financially strained Air France readies to start flying to Iran again, its stewardesses are rebelling against a measure that will force them to wear headscarves when disembarking in Tehran. Unions are demanding the flights be made voluntary.
A New York City college has responded to transgender students who vandalized bathrooms by rewarding them with campus-wide “degendered” facilities.
Top News – 4/4/2016
Rivlin: If Abbas is serious, I am ready to meet with him
President Reuven Rivlin on Monday met at his residence with Foreign Minister of Czech Republic, Lubomír Zaorálek, who is visiting Israel. The two discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fields of security, economy and trade.
UPDATED: UK Cuts Funding of Anti-Israel, Pro-BDS Charity
The UK Department for International Development (DFID) has announced that it withholds its support for War on Want, one of the sponsors of last February’s Israeli Apartheid Week, The Telegraph reported.
Speaker of the US House to Israel: “We Stand Shoulder to Shoulder With You”
Speaker of the US House of Representatives Paul Ryan stressed that the US relationship with Israel is more important than ever at a meeting this morning, April 4, at the Knesset with Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein. “We will work shoulder to shoulder with you against threats,“ Speaker Ryan said. “That’s why I came here and this is the point I wanted to stress.”
The European Union Can Go Straight to Hell
“It takes two to tango. It takes the Palestinians also.” But it is important for Israel not to be seen as undermining a two-state solution, he said. “If more effort is put into showing a will to move forward and to obtain progress in this process, it would greatly weaken the BDS movement.”
At least 45 killed in Pakistan as heavy rain causes roofs to collapse
At least 45 people have been killed and 34 injured after heavy rain across north-west Pakistan caused the roofs of dozens of homes to collapse, officials have said. The deaths were reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province during a downpour that began on Saturday night, a provincial disaster management agency spokesman said on Sunday.
Models of SPF and SWS Triggering Earthquakes Continue to Prove Significant in 2014 and 2015 Published April 3rd, 2016
The solar polar fields, solar wind speed, and coronal hole IMF appear relevant for triggering the largest earthquakes. The foundational models using SPF and SWS prove valuable in 2014 and 2015, and the events during that time encourage the further investigation of the earth-sun connection, and it was vital that our previous observations and statistical models be verified into the future – two years later the model accuracy remains robust.
Ties between Germany and Russia enter new chill
The rape case is indicative of the mutual suspicion that officials from both countries say extends to the highest levels of government. At the root of those tensions lie opposing visions for Europe and the Middle East. Those rival visions have led to clashes at diplomatic negotiating tables, in cyberspace and in the media.
Island Nation of Vanuatu Hit by 6.9 Magnitude Earthquake
The United States Geological Survey said the quake struck at 08:23 GMT, 253 miles north west of Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila. The USGS also said that the earthquake was fairly shallow, but no damage had been reported so far.
Armies Used by U.N. Fail Watchdog Group’s Test
The militaries of the 30 countries that provide the most soldiers and police officers to United Nations peacekeeping operations also are among those most susceptible to corruption, according to a study released Sunday by an anti-corruption monitoring organization. The organization, Transparency International…said that in its A-to-F grading for the armed forces of the top troop-contributing countries, only Italy scored higher than a D.
Iraq: Bomb attacks ‘kill at least 25’ across the country
At least 25 people have been killed and dozens wounded in a series of bomb attacks across Iraq, reports say. As many as 10 suicide bombers carried out the attacks, according to media reports. The victims were said to be mostly members of the Iraqi security forces and allied Shia militias.
Panama Papers: Putin associates linked to ‘money laundering’
A suspected money laundering ring involving close associates of Vladimir Putin has been uncovered in a leak of confidential documents. The billion-dollar operation was run by Bank Rossiya, which is subject to US and EU sanctions following Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Evidence seen by BBC Panorama reveals for the first time how the bank operates.
Syria war: ‘Islamic State’ loses al-Qaryatain to government forces
Syrian forces and their allies have retaken the central town of al-Qaryatain from so-called Islamic State (IS), dealing a further strategic blow to the militant group, state media say. It comes days after IS was pushed out of the nearby ancient city of Palmyra. IS captured al-Qaryatain in August, and abducted hundreds of residents, including dozens of Christians. Many were later freed.
Pakistan floods kill at least 53 after heavy rains
At least 53 people have been killed by flash floods caused by torrential rain in northwest Pakistan, say officials. The rain began on Saturday bringing flooding to parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan provinces. Pre-monsoon rains often cause damage in rural Pakistan and officials said locals had been warned to leave their villages for safer places.
Heavy gunfire heard on streets of Congo capital
Heavy gunfire has been heard in the streets of Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo, where security forces have been deployed. A police station and a government building were attacked on Monday morning in the Makelekele district. Reuters news agency reports that young opposition supporters were chanting “Sassou, leave!” in the same area.
Israel to cooperate with Iran, other Mideast powers on accelerator machine
Leaving politics aside, the governments of Israel, Jordan, Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Cyprus, Egypt and the Palestinian Authority are cooperating so that by the middle of 2017, their scientists work together on SESAME, the first Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East.
US-Israel alliance needed now in light of ISIS, Iran threats, visiting US Speaker says
US Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) visited the Knesset Monday, meeting with Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein on his first trip abroad in his new position. “That’s not a coincidence,” Ryan said of his choice of official visit. “I wanted to come to Israel first to emphasize how important the US’ commitment to Israel and strong friendship with Israel is to us.”
Rivlin calls for talks with Palestinians, says he would meet Abbas
President Reuven Rivlin spoke on Monday of the need for direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians and said he was willing to meet Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to further this goal. “Without mutual trust between the sides there won’t be negotiations and there won’t be a solution,” Rivlin said during a statement in the presence of visiting Czech Foreign Minister Lubomir Zaoralek.
Hillary Clinton on Abortion: “The Unborn Person Doesn’t Have Constitutional Rights”
In a new interview today, pro-abortion presidential candidate Hillary Clinton couldn’t have made her radical abortion views more clear. Clinton said unborn children simply do not have any Constitutional rights, which would include the right to life.
World Islamic State executes 15 of its own near Raqqa, Syria: monitor
Islamic State has killed 15 of its members in the largest execution of the militant group’s security services so far in Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Sunday.
Boy tests positive for Ebola in latest Liberia flare-up
A five-year-old boy tested positive for Ebola in Liberia just days after his mother died of the virus in the second flare-up to hit West Africa in recent weeks, the health ministry said on Sunday.
Panama Papers: Mossack Fonseca leak reveals elite’s tax havens
A huge leak of confidential documents has revealed how the rich and powerful use tax havens to hide their wealth. Eleven million documents were leaked from one of the world’s most secretive companies, Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca. They show how Mossack Fonseca has helped clients launder money, dodge sanctions and evade tax.
North Korea says under Leningrad-style siege from US
North Korea’s top military body has accused US-led “hostile forces” of laying siege to the country like Leningrad in World War II and Cuba during the Cold War missile crisis.
First Passenger Flight Takes Off from Brussels Airport Since Terror Attack
The Brussels Airport partially reopened Sunday, with the first passenger flight taking off around 1:40 p.m. local time, 12 days after a deadly terrorist attack rocked one of the airport’s departure halls. The limited passenger service began with three Brussels Airlines flights.
Top Headlines – 4/4/2016
- Ties between Germany and Russia enter new chill (Read More)
- Tax authorities begin probes into some people named in Panama Papers leak (Read More)
- SEC investigates ex-JPMorgan debt traders (Read More)
- Who Will Win Wisconsin? Here Are Six Credible Predictions (Read More)
- Victim in Wall St. Scheme Was a Classmate of Its Accused Architect (Read More)
- Makers took big price increases on widely used U.S. drugs (Read More)
- Fed’s New Bank Critic Keeps Heat On (Read More)
- Biggest Ever Saudi Overhaul Targets $100 Billion of Revenue (Read More)
- Behind Anbang’s Curious Starwood Courtship (Read More)
- Migrants sent back from Greece arrive in Turkey under EU deal (Read More)
- Tesla Model 3 orders point to potential $10bn sales (Read More)
- Euro-Area Unemployment Declines to Lowest Since 2011 (Read More)
- Saudi Arabia Enters Homebuilding Business to Tackle Shortage (Read More)
- Bernie Sanders’ ghost tweeter keeps his Brooklyn accent (Read More)
- Alaska Air to buy Virgin America for $2.6 billion (Read More)
- ECB to Keep Up Forceful Action on Price Risks, Praet Says (Read More)
Steinitz: Israel very prepared to deal with nuclear terrorism
Israel Says Mideast Arms Race Imperils Its Military Edge
Arab MK ‘ashamed’ over Abbas saying PA would stop attacks
IAF ‘very disturbed by significant rise in ballistic threat’
Hamas and Fatah take tentative steps toward unity
At Harvard, sparks fly over Israeli-Palestinian economic ties
Israeli restrictions cause 1 bn dollar loss for Palestinians
UN bodies support PA NGO that honors terrorist murderer
UK stops financing anti-Israeli NGO
Africa starves while international community continues to lavish aid on Gaza
Netanyahu denies telling senator he’s concerned by GOP anti-Muslim rhetoric
Israel returns power to Jericho despite debt
US Republicans back Egypt’s el-Sissi despite rights concerns
New footage of Palmyra reveals ISIS destruction
After Palmyra, Syrian troops take another IS-controlled town
IS rocket expert ‘killed by drone’ – US
Greece insists refugee deportations will begin despite doubts over EU-Turkey deal
Muslim Shopkeeper Killed for Wishing Christians ‘Happy Easter’ Attended by Hundreds
Iran oil exports surpass 2 million barrels per day – minister
Iran Faces A Huge Water Crisis, 37 Million At Risk Of Dehydration
Caught between White House and its critics, lawmaker pledges to renew Iran sanctions
Massive data leak shows how Putin cronies, world leaders hide fortunes
Panama Papers: Massive Tax Haven Document Leak Exposes Corruption and Crime on Global Scale
Kasich predicts open convention: ‘It’s going to be so much fun’
Trump refuses to rule out third party run if he loses GOP nomination
Paul Ryan in Israel dismisses talk of being Republicans’ compromise pick
BP Council says ‘catch and release’ policy continues fueling illegal immigration
Thousands Could Lose Food Stamps as States Restore Pre-Recession Requirements
Christine Lagarde rebuffs claims IMF is pushing for a crisis in Greece
Death by overwork on rise among Japan’s vulnerable workers
Apple’s Push to Flood India With Used iPhones Ignites Backlash
Drone: They’re 400,000 strong and the Pentagon sees them as an emerging threat
The FAA Relaxes Some Rules For Commercial Drone Pilots
5.1 magnitude earthquake hits near Port-Olry, Vanuatu
5.0 magnitude earthquake hits near Sola, Vanuatu
Scientist calls recent Hawaii earthquakes ‘unusual,’ and here’s why
Popocateptl volcano in Mexico erupts to 28,000ft
Santa Maria volcano in Guatemala erupts to 16,000ft
Kerinci volcano in Indonesia erupts to 15,000ft
Reventador volcano in Ecuador erupts to 14,000ft
Sinabung volcano in Indonesia erupts to 14,000ft
Tenggar Caldera in Indonesia erupts to 10,000ft
Red Cross says more funds needed in wake of Fiji super cyclone
Strong winds leave power outages, damage in northeastern US
Violent flooding kills 50 in Pakistan
Snow falls in Guadeloupe in extraordinary weather phenomenon
Clinton ‘unborn person’ comments anger both pro-choice, pro-life sides
Protesters Rally Against Poland’s Proposed Ban on Abortions
Joel McDurmon – Driscoll, MacArthur, Trump, who’s really to blame
Cult Leader Wayne (Pops) Jolley Dead at 64
Jesus Image Seen in Famous Arizona Fountain on Easter Sunday
Hillary Clinton – Unborn persons have no Constitutional rights
“Faith Leaders” beg government to give the poor a “living wage”
Coming to America? – German Muslims Chant “With Allah’s Help, We Shall Conquer You”
Guess what Donald Trump is saying now? Last week, I discussed how Robert Kiyosaki and Harry Dent are warning that a major crisis is inevitable, but I didn’t expect Donald Trump to come out and say essentially the exact same thing. On Saturday, the Washington Post released a stunning interview with Donald Trump in which he boldly declared that we heading for a “very massive recession”. He also warned that we are currently in “a financial bubble” and that “it’s a terrible time right now” to be investing in stocks. These are things that you may be accustomed to hearing on The Economic Collapse Blog, but to hear them from the frontrunner for the Republican nomination is another thing altogether. (Read More….)
A 40-Year-Old David Wilkerson Prophecy Is Being Fulfilled Right In Front Of Our Eyes
David Wilkerson was a legendary preacher that truly did hear from God, and a remarkable prophecy that he gave about 40 years ago is coming to pass right now. After watching a video on our new YouTube channel, a viewer mentioned that something that my wife and I were talking about sounded exactly like something that David Wilkerson had said close to 40 years ago. I was skeptical at first, but I checked it out. And it turned out that this viewer was exactly correct. Without even knowing it, for years I have been preaching virtually the exact same message that David Wilkerson prophesied nearly four decades ago, and today this prophecy is being fulfilled right in front of our eyes. (Read More…)
David Jeremiah Tells Christians: If Your Hope Is in Politics, It’s in the Wrong Place
Just days following Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal’s controversial veto of the Pastor Protection Act, Pastor David Jeremiah held a rally in Atlanta urging Christians to &stand up for your faith.&
What is the Unforgivable Sin?
By Pastor Greg Laurie
The Bible says God is always willing to forgive our sins if we confess them, but there can come a time in a person’s life when she or he reaches a point of no return, and that’s why Jesus warned that there is a sin that is unforgivable, Pastor Greg Laurie said in his message, explaining what that sin is.
The UN and the 10 Points Which Will Enable Them to Usher In the NWO
In her books, Alice Bailey clearly articulated the ten things which must happen before the NWO would be brought to fruition. I will go through each one
Alice Bailey was given her satanic knowledge by an evil spirit who said he was from Tibet. He identified himself as Djwal Khuhl. Everything Ms. Bailey wrote or communicated came directly from this demon.
One-Third Of All Americans Don’t Make Enough Money To Cover Basic Necessities
Do you remember the days when it seemed like almost everyone in America was middle class? Unfortunately, those days are long gone and the grinding down of the middle class in the United States appears to be accelerating.
As In the Days of Noah – Ken Ham
Ken Ham sees God ‘withdrawing the restraining influence of the Holy Spirit’
As we look at our Western culture today, Christians see many similarities to the wicked days of Noah. Genesis 6:5 records: “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Think about what we observe in our Western culture:
Prophetic Malnutrition
So why do we choose to regard the Bible differently than we would regard the car, the chair, or the plane? I’ll pose the same question another way, but with greater relevance this time: “Why do so many pastors, teachers, and “Christian leaders” choose to ignore, revile, dilute, and misrepresent the 25 percent of God’s Word which comprises the prophetic Scriptures?”
The Daily Discovery (April 4, 2016)
ARTICLES I LIKE FROM AROUND THE WEB:
(Click title to go to full article)
Six Reasons North Carolina Got It Right – “Lies are born the moment someone thinks the truth is dangerous. Apparently, a good number of business and sports executives think the truth about North Carolina’s ‘bathroom bill’ (HB2) is dangerous, that’s why they are lying about it. Well, perhaps I should be a bit more charitable: some may not be overtly lying about it, but they are expressing their disapproval without knowing what the bill actually does. On Monday Lt. Governor Dan Forest, who helped call the special session to pass HB2, called the executive in charge at one large protesting company and simply asked if him if he or anyone there had a actually read the bill.”
Sin Deceives You to Destroy You – “Desiring is what we are. We are desire factories. It’s part of being a human. Whether you go to heaven or to hell depends on whether the factory is producing desires that are in accord with Christ and his gospel, or desires that are in accord with the world and are anti-God.”
Did Jesus Contradict Himself by Calling People Fools? – “Jesus proclaimed that ‘whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire’ (Matthew 5:22). However, there are instances throughout Scripture where people are called fools. For example, David wrote, ‘The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God’’ (Psalm 14:1). Paul told the Galatians they were foolish (Galatians 3:1). Jesus even said the Pharisees and scribes were fools in Matthew 23:17. So does the Lord’s claim in Matthew 5:22 contradict these other passages where people are actually called fools?”
Who Stole My Money? – “I did youth ministry for a long time. At a camp or retreat, I can’t tell you how many times I had a student say to me, ‘Someone stole $20 out of my wallet!’ I would walk them back through the past day or two. All the stops, the trips to the snack shack, the souvenirs, and suddenly, they realize that little expenses add up quickly. No one stole their money, they stole their money. You’ve probably logged into your bank account and thought, ‘who stole my money!’ The truth is, you have a ledger staring you right in the face that shows you exactly who stole your money.”
What Is True Love? – “‘All you need is love.’ So sang the Beatles. If they’d been singing about God’s love, the statement would have a grain of truth in it. But what usually goes by the name love in popular culture is not authentic love at all; it’s a deadly fraud. Far from being ‘all you need,’ it’s something you desperately need to avoid. The apostle Paul makes that very point in Ephesians 5:1–3. He writes, ‘Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.’”
SERMON:
Nate Pickowicz – Mary Encounters the Lord (John 20:11-18)
VIDEOS:
Don’t Go to Church, Be the Church?
Paul Washer False Teachers are God’s Judgement
“All death can do to the believer is deliver him to Jesus. It brings us into the eternal presence of our Savior.” – John MacArthur
The post The Daily Discovery (April 4, 2016) appeared first on Entreating Favor.
A La Carte (April 4)
Today’s Kindle deals include: One True God by Paul Washer ($2.99); Pujols: More than the Game by Scott Lamb & Tim Ellsworth ($0.99); Glory Hunger by J.R. Vassar ($2.99); What’s In the Bible by R.C. Sproul & Robert Wolgemuth ($1.99); The Supremacy of God in Preaching by John Piper ($4.99); Taking the Bible at its Word by Paul Wells ($3.99); The Beauty of Intolerance by Josh McDowell ($2.99).
Beneath The Evangelical Earthquake
Paul Carter writes about the word “evangelical” and our increasing reticence to be described that way.
The Intelligent Life of the City Raccoon
Well isn’t this fascinating: city raccoons are smarter than country raccoons because they have to reason their way through more complex challenges.
18 Things to Pray for Your Church
Jonathan Leeman provides 18 different things you can pray for your church.
Love Ain’t Easy
I’m looking forward to this series from Melissa Edgington as she discusses some of the difficult parts of marriage. The first part gets the series off to a good start.
Writing Advice
David Qaoud has collected writing tips from 5 of today’s most influential Christian writers.
This Day in 1968. 48 years ago today, civil rights leader and Baptist minister Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. *
The First 12 Hours
This is an interesting timeline and article from the New York Times as they tell how they responded in the first 12 hours after the recent bombings in Brussels.
The Omni-Directional Blessing of Bible Reading
Jemar Tisby shows that the simple discipline of reading and knowing your Bible works itself out in your life in many different ways.
A preacher’s life should be a commentary of his doctrine; his practice should be a counterpart of his sermons. —Thomas Brooks
Check out
Blogs
What exactly is Puritan Theology? – Reformation21 Blog
“‘Puritan’ has been co-opted by many Reformed evangelicals to mean ‘whatever I think is good, noble, and true’.”
April’s Meet the Puritans Resource – Meet the Puritans
April’s Resource is J.I. Packer’s well-known “Introduction” to John Owen’s classic work, The Death of Death in the Death of Christ.
10 More Ridiculous Responses To My Latest Pregnancy
This is funny. I could add a few myself from when my wife became pregnant with our fifth child aged 47.
“But when you already have three kids, ages six and under, you shouldn’t underestimate people’s ability to shock you with their responses. Here are the top 10 that have caused me to pause in just these first 10 weeks of our latest pregnancy.”
Exercise Makes Our Muscles Work Better With Age – The New York Times
“To keep our muscles healthy deep into retirement, we may need to start working out more now, according to a new study of world-class octogenarian athletes. The study found substantial differences at a cellular level between the athletes’ muscles and those of less active people.”
And just in case you actually get to retirement…
“No, You Can’t Retire” | Chris Wiles
“Retirement is a pretty cool idea, the thought of being able to enjoy 20, 30, or even 40 years without working is the societal equivalent of utopia. Unfortunately the math doesn’t work. It hasn’t worked for the last several decades, and it certainly doesn’t work now. ”
Seven Subtle Symptoms of Pride | Desiring God
“In his essay on undetected pride, Jonathan Edwards points out seven sneaky symptoms of the infection of pride.”
Kindle Books
True Friendship by Vaughan Roberts $2.99.
The One True God by Paul Washer $2.99.
How to Read the Bible in Changing Times by Mark Strauss $3.99.
Perfect English Grammar by Mark Barrett $1.99.
New Book
Family Worship by Don Whitney $6.15. See video below.
Video
An Interview with Don Whitney on Family Worship | TGC
Justin discusses the why-to’s and the how-to’s of family worship. I was especially encouraged by Don Whitney’s reflection on his family’s experience of family worship.
Links I Like
Kindle deals for Christian readers
Today, Crossway has put Glory Hunger by J.R. Vassar on sale for $1.99. Also on sale:
- The Beauty of Intolerance by Josh and Sean McDowell—$2.99
- Handbook for Christian Living by Charles Stanley—$2.99
With T4G coming up, there’s going to be a big line-up of deals coming up in the next few days, so be on the lookout.
Discipleship in the Age of the Spectacle
Tony Reinke:
I enjoy making the people I like uncomfortable, especially favorite theologians as I push them outside the comforts of their field of expertise to hear them address pressing contemporary issues.
So when I first suggested Dr. Kevin Vanhoozer address connections and conflicts between Theo-drama (his specialty) and community gaming (not his specialty), he wrinkled his nose a bit, but agreed. At the same time I asked, a summer gaming league (Minecraft) had come to his city, and a newspaper story on a community gaming competition at a Chicago theater had already caught his attention.
5 Ways to Protect Your Kids at Church
When child abuse happens in a church, it has a significant impact on everyone involved and can tarnish the reputation of a church body. Imagine the impact a reported case could have on your church; the loss of trust among members, the damaged reputation in the community and the impact on the victim.
This does not even include the financial impact litigation could have if the church were found to be negligent in this area. Doing your due diligence to put systems and processes in place is one way to protect your ministry.
How To Become A Better Theologian
Edmondo Sanganyado asked a whole lot of people how laypeople can become better theologians. Definitely worth checking out.
The Offices of Christ and the Marks of the Church
Nick Batzig:
One of the great matters that ought to be on the forefront of every believing mind is that which concerns the nature and evidence of a true church. The Reformed Confessions spoke to this issue, as it was pressing for the Reformers and Puritans to do so in light of Roman Catholic perversions of the biblical teaching on the nature of the Church.
Worship: Our Response to His Greatness
Rick Melson:
When I became a pastor in Minnesota over a decade ago, it was the first time I heard this phrase used since my time with Leafblad. I discovered Leafblad had been an influence on the senior pastor’s thinking on worship during his time in seminary decades before, and also that Leafblad had been at the church as an interim worship pastor during a transitional time in the life of the church. All that to say, this phrase had become part of the fabric of the church and was often included in the prayers of the people. It was a sweet reminder of my time learning from Leafblad and a constant reminder of our need to focus both our “minds’ attention and hearts’ affection on the Lord.”
Preachers’ urban legends
This is a few years old, but it’s worth reading.
Should I be concerned if my pastor is using pre-made sermons?
I agree with this 100 percent:
I have problems with secondhand sermons because I think preaching and teaching is the pastor’s calling. It’s his job. He is supposed to spend whatever it takes to know the Scriptures and to make them plain for his people. And as a pastor of a local church, his job is to read the Scriptures and understand the Scriptures specifically in relation to the needs of his flock. He is not supposed to be a generic preacher. He is supposed to guard this flock and feed this flock, because he knows and loves this flock. Paul says in 1 Timothy 5:17, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” Now that last phrase — “those who labor in preaching and teaching” — defines the calling of the preacher. This is his work. He should labor in the study of the Scriptures until he sees God’s Word for his people and feels it with joy.
The truth about Planned Parenthood
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Muslim school in England teaches hate for Jews and Europe Posted: 04 Apr 2016 07:47 AM PDT A private Muslim school in England is again drawing attention, this time for teaching anti-Semitism and a strong anti-European ideology. The Islamic Tarbiyah Academy, located in the… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
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New York gives pro-terror Palestinian activist $500,000 Posted: 04 Apr 2016 07:43 AM PDT Linda Sarsour, a Palestinian-American activist who recently raised an uproar for her open support of rock-throwing terrorism against Israel, has been awarded over $500,000 by the City… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| Iran Warns United States to Keep It’s Nose Out Of It’s Business
Posted: 04 Apr 2016 07:36 AM PDT Iran warned the US on Monday that any attempt to encroach on the Islamic Republic’s ballistic missile program would constitute the crossing of a “red line.” “The… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
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Our Time is Short
What is The Gospel?
God made everything out of nothing, including you and me. His main purpose in creation was to bring him pleasure.
The chief way in which we as humanity do this is through loving, obeying, and enjoying him perfectly.
Instead of this, we have sinned against our loving Creator and acted in high-handed rebellion.
God has vowed that he will righteously and lovingly judge sinners with eternal death.
But God, being merciful, loving, gracious, and just, sent his own son, Jesus Christ, in the likeness of man to live as a man; fulfilling his perfect requirements in the place of sinners; loving, obeying, and enjoying him perfectly.
And further, his son bore the eternal judgment of God upon the cross of Calvary, as he satisfied the eternal anger of God, standing in the place of sinners. God treated Jesus as a sinner, though he was perfectly sinless, that he might declare sinners as perfect.
This glorious transaction occurs as the sinner puts their faith (dependence, trust) in the Lord Jesus Christ as their substitute. God then charges Christ’s perfection to the sinner, and no longer views him as an enemy but instead an adopted son covered in the perfect righteousness of his son.
God furnished proof that this sacrifice was accepted by raising Jesus from the dead.
God will judge the world in righteousness and all of those who are not covered in the righteousness of Christ, depending on him for forgiveness, will be forced to stand on their own to bear the eternal anger of God.
Therefore, all must turn from sin and receive Christ Jesus as Lord.
What Is the Gospel?
There is no greater message to be heard than that which we call the gospel. But as important as that is, it is often given to massive distortions or over simplifications. People think they’re preaching the gospel to you when they tell you, ‘you can have a purpose to your life’, or that ‘you can have meaning to your life’, or that ‘you can have a personal relationship with Jesus.’ All of those things are true, and they’re all important, but they don’t get to the heart of the gospel.
The gospel is called the ‘good news’ because it addresses the most serious problem that you and I have as human beings, and that problem is simply this: God is holy and He is just, and I’m not. And at the end of my life, I’m going to stand before a just and holy God, and I’ll be judged. And I’ll be judged either on the basis of my own righteousness–or lack of it –or the righteousness of another. The good news of the gospel is that Jesus lived a life of perfect righteousness, of perfect obedience to God, not for His own well being but for His people. He has done for me what I couldn’t possibly do for myself. But not only has He lived that life of perfect obedience, He offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice to satisfy the justice and the righteousness of God.
The great misconception in our day is this: that God isn’t concerned to protect His own integrity. He’s a kind of wishy-washy deity, who just waves a wand of forgiveness over everybody. No. For God to forgive you is a very costly matter. It cost the sacrifice of His own Son. So valuable was that sacrifice that God pronounced it valuable by raising Him from the dead – so that Christ died for us, He was raised for our justification. So the gospel is something objective. It is the message of who Jesus is and what He did. And it also has a subjective dimension. How are the benefits of Jesus subjectively appropriated to us? How do I get it? The Bible makes it clear that we are justified not by our works, not by our efforts, not by our deeds, but by faith–and by faith alone. The only way you can receive the benefit of Christ’s life and death is by putting your trust in Him–and in Him alone. You do that, you’re declared just by God, you’re adopted into His family, you’re forgiven of all of your sins, and you have begun your pilgrimage for eternity.
The Gospel In A Nutshell
Now, with regard to this rule of faith—that we may from this point acknowledge what it is which we defend—it is, you must know, that which prescribes the belief that there is one only God, and that He is none other than the Creator of the world, who produced all things out of nothing through His own Word, first of all sent forth; that this Word is called His Son, and, under the name of God, was seen “in diverse manners” by the patriarchs, heard at all times in the prophets, at last brought down by the Spirit and Power of the Father into the Virgin Mary, was made flesh in her womb, and, being born of her, went forth as Jesus Christ; thenceforth He preached the new law and the new promise of the kingdom of heaven, worked miracles; having been crucified, He rose again the third day; (then) having ascended into the heavens, He sat at the right hand of the Father; sent instead of Himself the Power of the Holy Ghost to lead such as believe; will come with glory to take the saints to the enjoyment of everlasting life and of the heavenly promises, and to condemn the wicked to everlasting fire, after the resurrection of both these classes shall have happened, together with the restoration of their flesh. This rule, as it will be proved, was taught by Christ, and raises amongst ourselves no other questions than those which heresies introduce, and which make men heretics.
Tertullian, “On Prescription Against Heretics,” Chapter XIIl
The Gospel on 5 Fingers
Can you explain the gospel in 30 seconds? In one minute? In five minutes?Here’s one way I have found helpful. The five main components of the gospel can be remembered on 5 fingers of one hand. Here they are:
1) Jesus’ birth
2) Jesus’ life
3) Jesus’ death
4) Jesus’ resurrection
5) Jesus’ ascension
Obviously each point can be elaborated on depending on how much time you have. Here’s the short version:
1) Jesus’ birth – Jesus, God himself, the creator of the universe, the Messiah, became a human being – took on flesh, and was born of a virgin.
2) Jesus’ life – Jesus lived a life of perfect obedience to his Father. Though he was tempted in every way as we are, he never once sinned.
3) Jesus’ death – on the cross, Jesus himself took all our sins and paid for them. God the father counted all our sins to Jesus as if he himself had personally committed them. Then Jesus bore God’s wrath towards sin – the punishment we deserved – as a substitute for us.
4) Jesus’ resurrection – within 3 days, Jesus rose physically from the dead, proving that his sacrifice for sins have been accepted by God, since the punishment for sin was death. Jesus was seen by numerous people after he rose including 500 at one time (1 Corinthians 15).
5) Jesus’ ascension – Jesus ascended physically into heaven where he reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords. And someday he will return to the earth.
That’s the gospel, the good news, and if we believe in Jesus Christ and this good news and call upon him he will save us from our sins and give us eternal life.
That’s a simple way to remember the gospel – five fingers. Even a child can do it. So ask God to give you opportunities to share his good news today.
Ready to start your new life with God?
Who do you think that I am?
With that brief question Jesus Christ confronted His followers with the most important issue they would ever face. He had spent much time with them and made some bold claims about His identity and authority. Now the time had come for them either to believe or deny His teachings.
Who do you say Jesus is? Your response to Him will determine not only your values and lifestyle, but your eternal destiny as well.
Consider what the Bible says about Him: Read more
Resource Links
CanIKnowGod.com is a website inspired by LifesGreatestQuestion.com, with new content, images, audio and video that will help you understand more about who God is and how to know Him. The site is mobile responsive and has an infinite scroll which makes for a very user-friendly experience. After you indicate a decision on CanIKnowGod.com, you are directed to a page that details what it means to have a new and transformed life through Jesus Christ. There’s even a Facebook page for daily updates, encouragement and scripture sharing.
Look to Jesus
Have you ever felt a little lost and wished there was a quick-start guide to your relationship with God? This is it!
30 Day Next Steps
John Beckett, a leading Christian businessman, has written a series to read over 30 days for new believers.
New Believers Guide
The New Believer’s Guide is a series of articles designed to show you how to walk in the new life Christ has given you— a life of faith and freedom.
Jesus Booklet
Jesus is the Savior of the world. Discover who Jesus is today in this series.
About Christianity
Know Jesus Christ and your life will be transformed
The Perseverance (Security) of the Saints
Notice all the Scripture references!
It is not just a handful of texts that teach the perseverance of the saints: the entire gospel sustains and confirms it. The Father has chosen them before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4), ordained them to eternal life (Acts 13:48), to be conformed to the image of his Son (Rom. 8:29). This election stands (Rom. 9:11; Heb. 6:17) and in due time carries with it the calling and justification and glorification (Rom. 8:30). Christ, in whom all the promises of God are Yes and Amen (2 Cor. 1:20), died for those who were given him by the Father (John 17:6, 12) in order that he might give them eternal life and not lose a single one of them (6:40; 17:2); he therefore gives them eternal life and they will never be lost in all eternity; no one will snatch them out of his hand (6:39; 10:28).
The Holy Spirit who regenerates them remains eternally with them (14:16) and seals them for the day of redemption (Eph. 1:13; 4:30). The covenant of grace is firm and confirmed with an oath (Heb. 6:16–18; 13:20), unbreakable like a marriage (Eph. 5:31–32), like a testament (Heb. 9:17), and by virtue of that covenant, God calls his elect. He inscribes the law upon their inmost being, puts his fear in their heart (Heb. 8:10; 10:14ff.), will not let them be tempted beyond their strength (1 Cor. 10:13), confirms and completes the good work he has begun in them (1 Cor. 1:9; Phil. 1:6), and keeps them for the return of Christ to receive the heavenly inheritance (1 Thess. 5:23; 2 Thess. 3:3; 1 Pet. 1:4–5).
In his intercession before the Father, Christ acts in such a way that their faith may not fail (Luke 22:32), that in the world they may be kept from the evil one (John 17:11, 20), that they may be saved for all times (Heb. 7:20), that their sins will be forgiven them (1 John 2:1), and that they may all be where he is to behold his glory (John 17:24). The benefits of Christ, which the Holy Spirit imparts to them, are all irrevocable (Rom. 11:29). Those who are called are also glorified (8:30). Those who are adopted as children are heirs of eternal life (8:17; Gal. 4:7). Those who believe have eternal life already here and now (John 3:16). That life itself, being eternal, cannot be lost. It cannot die since it cannot sin (1 John 3:9). Faith is a firm ground (Heb. 11:1), hope is an anchor (6:19) and does not disappoint us (Rom. 5:5), and love never ends (1 Cor. 13:8).
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