Apr. 19, 2016
BLOOMBERG
President Obama’s approval of Pentagon efforts to intensify the U.S. effort in Iraq may matter less for the small contingent of troops being added than for the decision to allow them closer to the front lines of the war against Islamic State.
An armed takeover of an Oregon national wildlife refuge is part of a disturbing “extreme movement” to seize public lands and reject the rule of law – putting communities and public employees at risk throughout the West, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell says in a speech outlining Obama administration conservation policies.
Two U.S. Senate Democratic leaders said they’ll continue to push a Sept. 11-related bill that has angered Saudi Arabia and is opposed by President Obama. The measure, which would allow Saudi Arabia to be held responsible in U.S. courts for any role in the 2001 terrorist attacks, threatens to create a major rift with a key U.S. ally just as the president is gearing up for a diplomatic visit and pits Obama against many top Democrats.
Goldman Sachs Group Inc., the worst performer in the Dow Jones Industrial Average this year, posted a 60 percent drop in profit as the firm reported its lowest revenue for a first quarter since Chief Executive Officer Lloyd Blankfein took the top post in 2006.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is seeking to recruit senior bankers to help the kingdom run what may become the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund. Saudi Arabia is preparing itself for the twilight of the oil age by expanding the PIF so it eventually controls more than $2 trillion.
Taliban militants launched a deadly attack on an elite Afghan intelligence agency in central Kabul on Tuesday, killing about 30 people and leaving more than 320 wounded.
A Chinese-led group agreed to buy Australia’s most iconic cattle company in a deal valued at more than $288 million after partnering with local investors.
AP Top Stories
The founder of Germany’s xenophobic and anti-Islamic Pegida movement went on trial Tuesday on hate speech charges for allegedly branding refugees “cattle” and “scum” on social media.
Syrian government forces backed by Russian air power launched a counter-attack against rebels in the northwestern province of Latakia, a rebel group and a conflict monitor said, as violence was reported across much of the northwest on Tuesday.
There are signs that more Islamic State inspired militants have been sent to Belgium and Europe, Belgian authorities said, maintaining the country’s threat status at the second-highest level.
A Jerusalem court on Tuesday convicted an ultra-Orthodox Israeli Jew of murder for fatally stabbing a teenage girl at a gay pride parade last year.
South Korea, Japan and the United States on Tuesday warned North Korea of harsher sanctions and deeper isolation if it went ahead with a fifth nuclear test or other provocations.
Police at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee have removed six rainbow colored nooses – widely seen as a symbol of racial hatred – hanging from a tree on campus, the school said.
China announced its first-ever “fix” for the gold price on Tuesday, as the world’s biggest producer and consumer of the yellow metal seeks to establish its own benchmark. The Shanghai Gold Exchange set the price for 99.99 percent gold at $39.71 per gram, it said on its website. It was marginally higher than the international price at the time.
The Nigerian army, backed by the country’s air force, on Monday repelled an attack an attack by Boko Haram fighters near the border with Niger in the jihadists’ northeast heartland.
Investigators were on Tuesday examining two more pieces of debris for clues to the fate of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, along with marine life found on two other items which “almost certainly” came from the lost jet.
The Panama Canal is taking reservations for ships to transit its new locks starting June 27, the day after the inauguration of a $5.25 billion project to double the waterway’s capacity. The Panama Canal Authority said it processed 25 slots in the first hours since reservations opened.
Visa says its improving its smart chip-embedded cards, which have been the source of grumbling from businesses and customers forced to wait for transactions to go through. The company said Tuesday that Quick Chip for EMV will let customers dip and remove cards, usually in two seconds or less, without waiting for purchases to be finalized.
CVS announced the launch of CVS Express, a mobile ordering and pickup program, in partnership with tech startup Curbside. With CVS Express, customers can pick up products ordered using the CVS App from outside the stores about an hour after placing their orders. Thanks to Curbside’s arrival detection technology, customers never even have to leave their cars.
BBC
Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko has said he has agreed with Russian President Vladimir Putin on a mechanism to swap a high-profile Ukrainian prisoner for two Russians.
A Kenyan hospital will provide free cancer treatment to 400 patients from Uganda as the neighboring country’s only radiotherapy machine has broken.
Rockets fired from northern Syria have killed four Syrians, three of them children, in the Turkish border town of Kilis, local officials say.
At least 21 people have been wounded by a bomb explosion on a bus in south Jerusalem.
WND
Surging demand for guns over the course of President Obama’s administration has led to the addition of nearly 25,000 new jobs in related retail and manufacturing industries.
School officials in Wisconsin were caught on video trying to intimidate parents into closing down a weekly “Jesus Lunch” for hungry kids in a local park, and now the police are involved. Mothers in Middleton have been hosting a Jesus Lunch 16 times per year since 2014 in Fireman’s Park. Students from Middleton High School, who may eat at local dining establishments, often choose a free lunch provided by the mothers.
Top News – 4/19/2016
Yemeni rebels detain Jew over smuggling out old Torah scroll
A member of Yemen’s Jewish minority has been detained over allegations he helped smuggle an 800-year-old scroll out of the country to Israel, Yemeni officials said Tuesday, weeks after some of Yemen’s last remaining Jews arrived in Israel following a clandestine operation.
China Flight Tests New Multiple-Warhead Missile
China conducted another flight test of its newest and longest-range intercontinental ballistic missile last week amid growing tensions with the United States over the South China Sea.
Passover Sacrifice Makes Comeback Overlooking Temple Mount
Just four days before Passover, the day the Bible commands Israel to bring a lamb to the Temple to be sacrificed, a group of Kohanim (members of the Jewish priestly class) sacrificed a lamb on Mount Scopus overlooking the site of the Temple. The Kohanim wore ritual clothes conforming to Biblical requirements and were accompanied by music played on silver instruments specially made to serve in the Third Temple.
Could Yellowstone soon ERUPT? Terrifying video shows surface SIMMERING
The Yellowstone Caldera super volcano could be about to ERUPT, it is feared, after new footage showed it seemingly SIMMERING beneath the surface. Terrifying new footage shows steam and ash rising beneath the surface of the 2,805m tall volcano in Wyoming, US, fuelling fresh concern it could be about to blow.
Egyptian Amulet Bearing Name of Pharaoh Found in Soil from Temple Mount
A rare amulet, more than 3,200 years old, bearing the name of the Egyptian ruler Thutmose III, Pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty who reigned from 1479 – 1425 BCE, was discovered at the Temple Mount Sifting Project located in Jerusalem’s Tzurim Valley National Park in soil discarded from the Temple Mount, and was only recently deciphered by archeologists.
Islam: Not conforming to liberal expectations
No matter what the question, the liberal response is the same: native Europeans need to understand, ‘celebrate’ difference, and be willing to integrate alien ideologies – because it’s so enriching. But if it is all so enriching, liberals struggle to explain to themselves and others why Islamic communities are not ‘celebrating’ their own differences.
Shake ‘n’ bake: Quakes, volcanoes in sudden eruption spree
A flurry of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions wreaked havoc around the globe in the past week and reignited widespread interest in the natural time bombs beneath humanity’s feet.
Church Leader’s Wife Buried Alive, Killed by Chinese Authorities for Protesting Church Demolition
A Christian house church leader and his wife were buried alive in China’s central Henan province for protesting against the government-ordered demolition of their church, and while the man managed to escape, his wife suffocated to death.
The Storm Over Houston Has Been Dropping a Month of Rain an Hour
Well, it’s floodin‘ down in Texas, and all the telephone lines are down. Or at least, busy with calls from relatives, friends, and journalists calling to find out exactly what happened, who is safe, and what has drowned in the city of Houston.
Syrian government says Assad’s future not up for discussion
The Syrian government’s chief negotiator said President Bashar al-Assad’s future was not up for discussion at peace talks… Bashar Ja’afari, speaking to Lebanese TV station al Mayadeen, also said his team was pushing for an expanded government as the solution to the war – an idea rejected by the opposition fighting for five years to topple Assad.
Magnitude 5.5 quake hits southern Japan
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.5 hit Kumamoto prefecture in southern Japan on Tuesday, broadcaster NHK said. A tsunami warning had not been issued, NHK added.
Belgium says seen signs that Islamic State has sent more fighters to Europe
There are signs that more Islamic State inspired militants have been sent to Belgium and Europe, Belgian authorities said on Tuesday, maintaining the country’s threat status at the second-highest level. Belgium’s alert level was cut to three from the maximum of four just two days after the March 22 attacks which killed 32 people at the airport and on the metro in Brussels. It has remained at that level since.
US: Golan Heights are not part of Israel
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and Department Spokesperson, John Kirby, sought to clarify the US position on the status of the Golan Heights…he said has been “longstanding and is unchanged.” …Kirby declared, before a group of reporters at the State Department in Washington, that “Every administration on both sides of the aisle since 1967 has maintained that those territories are not part of Israel.”
Georgia: Six caught trying to sell $200 million in uranium
Authorities in the former Soviet state of Georgia have arrested six people for trying to sell $200 million worth of uranium, Reuters reports. The most high-profile case occurred in 2006, when a man attempted to sell weapons-grade uranium to radical Islamists for a million dollars.
US feels ‘overwhelming frustration’ with Israeli government, says Biden
Joe Biden, has delivered an unusually sharp critique of the government of Binyamin Netanyahu, saying the Israeli prime minister is leading Israel in the wrong direction through his policies, including settlement building. Biden described the Obama administration’s “overwhelming frustration” with Israel
Jerusalem bus bombing wounds 21 Israelis
A bus exploded in Jerusalem on Monday, wounding at least 21 people in what police said was a “terror attack,” raising fears of a return to the Palestinian suicide bombings that ravaged Israeli cities a decade ago. “There is no doubt that this was a terror attack,” Jerusalem police commissioner Yoram Halevy said. He said it was too early to know the identity of the attacker or if it was a suicide bombing.
Mexican volcano spews ash on nearby towns
Mexico’s Popocatepetl volcano has seen a dramatic overnight explosion that sent ash blowing over the major city of Puebla directly to the east, forcing closure of the city’s airport. Officials there are urging to people to wear masks to avoid inhaling the fine grit that has covered houses and cars. It can cause respiratory problems and damage car and plane engines.
Mexico’s Popocatépetl volcano erupts in fiery show – video
Mexico’s Popocatépetl volcano erupted early on Monday in a fiery show of smoke, ash and lava flows. The eruption spewed ash over the nearby city of Puebla, causing the local airport to close. (video)
Dozens of Large Earthquakes Could Split Japan’s Southern Island
Over the past 48 hours, our planet has been hit by literally dozens of earthquakes of magnitude 4.0 or greater, and scientists are acknowledging that what is taking place is highly unusual. This strange shaking began toward the end of last week when the globe was struck by five major earthquakes over the space of just two days, and over the weekend the seismic activity just continued to escalate.
Mystery ‘body possession’ epidemic sweeps through Malaysian schools…
Schools in Malaysia have been struck by a mass hysteria ‘epidemic’ in which students claim they are having visions of female vampiric ghosts and are being physically pinned down by evil spirits. Called ‘body possession phenomenon’, one bizarre incident saw 20 female students sent home from a single school after complaining of being overwhelmed by it.
Houston floods: Disaster zone declared after ‘historic’ rainfall
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of emergency in Houston after record rainfall claimed five lives. Meteorologists said some 17.6in (44.7cm) of rain fell on Houston on Monday alone, levels national officials said were “historic”. Rivers burst their banks in downtown Houston and 1,200 people were rescued from rising floodwaters.
German far-right Pegida founder Bachmann in race trial
The founder of Germany’s anti-Islamist Pegida movement has gone on trial in Dresden on hate speech charges. Lutz Bachmann, 43, is accused of inciting racial hatred in Facebook posts, in which he called refugees “cattle”, “scumbags” and “filth”. Pegida’s rallies have attracted thousands of supporters in Germany.
Afghanistan violence: Deadly suicide bomb hits Kabul
At least 28 people have been killed and 329 injured in a huge explosion in the centre of the Afghan capital Kabul, police and officials say. A suicide attacker detonated a vehicle and gunmen stormed the area, reports say. Officials say the gunfight is now over and the area has been cleared. A Taliban spokesman said the group carried out the attack.
El Niño declining; 50 per cent likelihood of La Niña for later in 2016
While the 2015–16 El Niño remains at weak to moderate levels, recent changes in the tropical Pacific Ocean and atmosphere, combined with current climate model outlooks, suggest the likelihood of La Niña forming in 2016 has increased to around 50%.
$1,000 Gun Tax Pushed as “Role Model” for States
A $1,000 per gun tax should serve as a “role model” for states, according to the governor of the U.S. territory of the Northern Mariana Islands, which imposed the $1,000 gun tax earlier this month. An idea first endorsed by Hillary Clinton in 1993, steep gun taxes have now taken hold in Cook County, Ill. the city of Seattle, and now a U.S. territory.
Putin Shuts Down Nuclear Reduction
In March 2009, then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton presented a toy “reset button” replica to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov symbolizing a cooperative “New START” era of mutual nuclear arms reduction. As Russia grows their nuclear arsenal while we shrink ours, it isn’t working out quite as advertised.
White House signals veto on Saudi 9/11 bill
The White House on Monday signaled President Obama would veto legislation to allow Americans to sue the government of Saudi Arabia for any role officials played in the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.
Why the US is sending more troops and helicopters to Iraq
The United States will send more than 200 additional troops and eight apache helicopters to Iraq in an effort to bolster local forces as they prepare to retake Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city, from the so-called Islamic State.
Ecuador counts over 400 quake deaths, damage in the billions
Touring a city ravaged by the earthquake that killed at least 413 people, Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa on Monday contemplated a rebuilding costing billions of dollars and a potentially “huge” impact on the fragile OPEC economy.
Obama Administration Makes Stunning Admission: “Seed Money For Al Qaeda Came From Saudi Arabia”
Following a dramatic deterioration in official diplomatic channels between the US and Saudi Arabia when over the weekend the Saudis threatened the U.S. with dumping billions in Treasuries if Congress were to pass a bill probing into their alleged support of Sept 11 terrorists in the aftermath of last weekend’s 60 Minutes report on the classified “28 pages” from the Septemeber 11 commission, moments ago the Obama administration made a stunning admission, when for the first time it revealed on the record that the Saudis were the original source of funding for Al Qaeda.
Top Headlines – 4/19/2016
- Early Warning Signs of Recession Flash Faintly in U.S. Jobs Data (Read More)
- Who Needs Buybacks? One S&P 500 Variant Just Rallied to a Record (Read More)
- The unpredictable new voice of Saudi oil (Read More)
- Saudi’s Other Warning Makes Oil Traders Sweat After Doha Failure (Read More)
- U.S. oil investors rush for protection at $35 as Doha talks collapse (Read More)
- Trump candidacy: Where some fear to tread others see a path to victory (Read More)
- Iron Ore Powers Above $60 as Steel Rally in China Spurs Demand (Read More)
- Syrian government says Assad’s future not up for discussion (Read More)
- Low ECB Rates Leave Germans Worried About Dwindling Savings (Read More)
- China Sovereign Fund to Seek Control of $8 Billion Yum Unit (Read More)
- Reserve Bank’s Glenn Stevens shoots down ‘helicopter money’ desperados (Read More)
- German Raids Target Right-Wing Group Accused of Refugee Attacks (Read More)
- Hillary Clinton’s Lead Narrows to Two Points Among Democratic Primary Voters, Poll Says (Read More)
- Malaysia’s 1MDB Bonds Rally as Fund Row Stokes Volatility (Read More)
- Talks With Creditors To Resume But Athens Rejects Fresh Austerity (Read More)
- Best Undergraduate Business Schools of 2016 (Read More)
- Turkey’s Erdogan says European Parliament report ‘provocative’ (Read More)
- EU will not water down criteria for Turkish visa waiver: Juncker (Read More)
- Here’s an FX Strategy That May Offer Refuge From Negative Rates (Read More)
- Swedish Central Bank Gains Backing for Revised Inflation Target (Read More)
Jerusalem bus blown up in terror attack, injuring at least 21
After attack, Netanyahu vows to ‘settle score’ with bus bomber
Kerry condemns bus attack, says Israelis won’t be intimidated
Hamas praises Jerusalem attack
Hamas builds stronger, more durable tunnels
After Gaza tunnel uncovered by IDF, firm may have found 2nd
After tunnel find, Hamas threatens to strike Tel Aviv, Haifa
IDF general: Hamas will pay heavy price if war breaks out
3 charged with funding Temple Mount unrest
Jordan cancels plan for security cameras on Temple Mount
Israeli, Palestinian envoys turn UN meet into shouting match
After angering Israel, UNESCO urges ‘respect and dialogue’
US rejects Netanyahu’s pledge to hold onto Golan forever
Kerry, Zarif plan meet to iron out nuke deal ruffles
Kerry: Iran only received $3 billion since nuclear deal
Turkey, Iran agree to improve economic ties, banking a priority: PM sources
Palmyra’s Arch of Triumph recreated in London
IS rockets kill children in Turkey
Jordan says 50,000 Syrians stranded on border
Pentagon increases US troops and financial aid in fight against Isis
Obama Asks Putin to Help Halt Assad Offensive in Syria
Obama to Visit a Saudi Arabia Deep in Turmoil
Yemen peace talks delayed as fighting goes on despite ceasefire
Once seen as White House triumph, new nation of South Sudan descends into war, misery
White House signals veto on Saudi 9/11 bill
Saudis have lobbying muscle for 9/11 fight
Oil exporters’ failure to cap output shakes markets
Oil falls on failed output freeze; Dow above 18,000
UK’s Osborne warns voters of Brexit’s permanent economic damage
For 2nd time in 3 weeks, agents discover drug tunnel connecting Mexico to California
China must see missile defense is ‘live or die’ for South Korea: Seoul official
Solar Heart-Burn! Sunspot’s Love Display Turns Violent With Strong Flare
The Big Ones: Scientist warns up to 4 quakes over 8.0 possible under ‘current conditions’
Ecuador earthquake: Death toll climbs to 413
Unusual quake cluster worries Japan
Japan declares nuclear reactors safe after quake
New hospital in San Francisco will rely on ‘goo’ to ride out next quake
5.9 magnitude earthquake hits near Isangel, Vanuatu
5.6 magnitude earthquake hits near Illapel, Chile
5.3 magnitude earthquake hits near Kikuchi, Japan
5.1 magnitude earthquake hits near Naze, Japan
5.1 magnitude earthquake hits near Bahia de Caraquez, Ecuador
Mexico’s Popocatepetl volcano spews ash on nearby towns
Semeru volcano in Indonesia erupts to 14,000ft
Sinabung volcano in Indonesia erupts to 13,000ft
Tenggar Caldera volcano in Indonesia erupts to 11,000ft
‘Unprecedented’: 5 Dead as Record Rainfall Floods Houston
The Storm Over Houston Has Been Dropping a Month of Rain an Hour
Houston’s flood of biblical proportions, in photos
Texas governor declares state of disaster in nine counties amid sweeping rainfall
Why this genetically modified mushroom gets to skip USDA oversight
Deadly animal prion disease appears in Europe
Gene-editing surges as US rethinks regulations
Gay Group ‘More Powerful than the NRA,’ Warns North Carolina Governor
Transgender bathroom bill fails in Tennessee legislature
Students Declare Victory in Fight for Gender-Neutral Bathrooms
Gay Republican confronts Ted Cruz over same-sex marriage
Charge: FEC Dems would ban Drudge, NYT, free media on election eve
Jab at Trump? McConnell ‘optimistic’ about contested convention
Donald Trump Says ‘Rigged’ Convention Should Not Be Met With Violence
Supreme Court justices seem divided on Obama immigration actions; Roberts the wild card
“Prophet” Paula White’s resurrection scam
The Testimony Of Jesus Christ (Not Israel) Is The Spirit Of Prophecy!
Eyewitness speaks out on temple attack by messianic zealot
Why has the United States been hit by historic flood after historic flood in recent months? The flooding that is pummeling the city of Houston is the 8th historic flood in this country since the end of September. City officials down in Houston have labeled the flooding that is currently slamming the city “a life-threatening emergency“, and they are insisting that “Houston residents should avoid travel at all costs today.” At this point, dozens of subdivisions have been flooded and major sections of Interstate 10 and Interstate 45 are under water near downtown. Authorities are telling us that water is getting to areas that it has never been before, and Fire Department spokesman Jay Evans announced that the water is already 10 to 15 feet deep in some areas. But even though some parts of Houston have already gotten close to 20 inches of rain within the last 24 hours, there is more rain in the forecast, so this crisis is far from over. (Read More…)
The Dow closed above 18,000 on Monday for the first time since July. Isn’t that great news? I truly wish that it was. If the Dow actually reflected economic reality, I could stop writing about “economic collapse” and start blogging about cats or football. Unfortunately, the stock market and the economy are moving in two completely different directions right now. Even as stock prices soar, big corporations are defaulting on their debts at a level that we have not seen since the last financial crisis. In fact, this wave of debt defaults have become so dramatic that even USA Today is reporting on it… (Read More….)
Is There a Place for Suffering in the Church?
True healing, whatever your scars, isn’t accomplished in isolation.
Take the Hypocrite Quiz: Are You One?
You may be a hypocrite and not even realize. It is a subtle mentality that can drive someone right away from God. Find out if you and how to return to God.
John Piper: Why Christians Should Rejoice as ‘Imperfect Sinners’
Christians can rejoice in knowing that God’s sacrifice will save us as imperfect sinners, John Piper wrote in a recent post.
Why Aren’t More Christians Prepared to Make the Case for What They Believe? (Video)
J. Warner Wallace is interviewed by Leon Fontaine of the Leon Show and talks about the need all of us have, as Christians, to be able to make the case for what we believe. Why aren’t more of us prepared to defend our beliefs? What can we do to change the situation? For more information about the Leon Show, please visit: miraclechannel.ca. For more information about J. Warner Wallace’s book, God’s Crime Scene, please visit: godscrimescene.com
To see more interview videos with J. Warner Wallace, visit the YouTube playlist.
The Re-Education Camps We Call Universities
News media critic Cliff Kincaid of Accuracy In Media pulls no punches as he goes after those who administer what he considers “Marxist re-education camps.” Now is the time, he says, for taxpayers to “revolt against the socialism that rules higher education in America.” The fact that socialism rules higher education should come as no […]
The post The Re-Education Camps We Call Universities appeared first on Berean Research.
LOTZ … Of Nonsense
I’m going to go out on a limb and state that Anne Graham Lotz is not someone Christian women can trust to teach them the Bible, as she has demonstrated that she does not rightly handle the Word of Truth. (2 Tim. 2:15) My saying this will surely upset women who believe that Anne’s a solid […]
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American Library Association: Bible among top 10 most challenged books
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalm 119:11) Journalist Bill Wilson reports: The American Library Association has released its list of the top 10 ‘challenged’ books in America. Among books that are sexually explicit, promote sex outside of marriage, those about transgendered teens, promote homosexuality and […]
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IHOP – Feeding the Undiscerning
Doug Evans of Asleep No More delves into IHOP-KC guru Mike Bickle’s background. Evans uncovers solid evidence that Bickle’s teaching on prayer is highly unbiblical yet, unbelievably, the man heads up a noted “Christian” prayer ministry. What are young people who flock to IHOP exposed to? Contemplative prayer. Allow me to explain. CP is a prayer […]
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Steven Furtick teaches that God Breaks the Law
A little over a year ago Steven Furtick, prophet-pastor of the highly influential Elevation Church in North Carolina, taught his congregation that God broke the law of love. Recently he posted a two minute clip from that sermon on Facebook which caused quite a stir. For those who are unfamiliar with Pastor Steven, the late […]
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Todd Bentley posts “proof” of angel feathers and gem stones
Romans 16:17 tells us to mark and avoid false teachers. Todd Bentley has been marked and (hopefully) avoided by most discerning Christians, but unfortunately he claims millions of followers around the world who are impressed by his “miracles.” Now he has snapped a photo of something that allegedly fell from the ceiling. (Why do these […]
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The Daily Discovery (April 19, 2016)
ARTICLES I LIKE FROM AROUND THE WEB:
(Click title to go to full article)
Spiritual Drafting and the Danger of Christian Complacency – “I’m no fan of most forms of racing. Cars, horses, drones, people—none of them do much for me. I find bicycle racing especially drab, except for those Olympic sprint events that suddenly grab my attention every four years. I do not know a whole lot about racing (which may well be why I don’t enjoy racing), but I do know enough to understand what they call drafting. Drafting is when a rider tucks himself immediately behind another racer, often settling just inches off his rear tire. When he does this, the lead rider has to muscle through the air resistance while the follower can enjoy the little vacuum that forms behind. The first rider has to work just a little bit harder which allows the second to conserve energy for that final push. In other words, the second rider benefits from the strength and diligence of the first.”
Tongue Twisters (what the Bible Says About Praying in Tongues) – “So I’d like to come back to Neil’s question from 2015 and answer it the right way in 2016. You’re right, Neil. We should not advise that it’s okay to use the gift of tongues for personal edification. Paul didn’t either. I’d further your question and my answer by adding that the babbling we refer to now as ‘speaking in tongues’ isn’t. I’m going to expound on this response by coming to the text so we can understand what speaking in tongues actually is and what it isn’t, all according to what the Bible says. So grab your Bible. But before I get to that, permit me to share my experience from this past week.”
The Faith That Doesn’t Work – “A tract written by one of the most extreme defenders of no-lordship salvation seeks to explain redemption: ‘Even at your best, you can never earn or deserve a relationship with God. Only the object of your faith, Jesus Christ, has the merit.’ I agree with that. It is the clear teaching of Scripture (Titus 3:5–7). But the same tract also says, ‘Your personal sins are not an issue to God.’ When the author attempts to explain faith in practical terms, he says this: ‘You respond to God the Father by simply forming the words privately in your mind, ‘I believe in Christ.’”
Was Early Christianity Hostile to Women? – “Since we live in a culture that is obsessed with gender identity and gender issues, it is not surprising to find Christianity on the receiving end of serious criticisms regarding its view of women. Christianity–particularly if it embraces a complementarian theology–is viewed by many in our culture as oppressive and harmful to women. It does not provide, we are told, a friendly and welcoming environment where women can grow and thrive.”
Does God Talk to Us? A Post by Michael Horton. – “Does God talk to us? Lots of people think so. Some attract media attention for claiming to have died and returned from heaven with the details. Others say that God speaks to them every day in audible terms, telling them where to go and what to do. Maybe you wonder, ‘Why doesn’t that happen to me?’ But the truth is it does happen to you—God still speaks to us today. But he does so through his Word. We speak to God in prayer and he speaks to us in the Bible. God especially speaks to us in the public gathering of his people each Lord’s Day through the preaching of his Word.”
SERMON:
Terry Wragg – 1 Corinthians 3:5-9
VIDEOS:
Al Mohler on Mark Driscoll
The Narrow Way
“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 19, 2016) appeared first on Entreating Favor.
A La Carte (April 19)
Today’s Kindle deals include Designed for Joy edited by Jonathan Parenell & Owen Strachan ($2.99); Passport Through Darkness by Kimberley Smith (free); Ready for Reformation? by Tom Nettles ($2.99); The Measure of Success by Carolyn McCulley ($2.99); Beat God To the Punch by Eric Mason ($0.99); What Every Christian Needs to Know About the Qur’an by James White ($2.99).
Darryl Dash has posted the first review of Visual Theology (the book) which releases today! I’ll have more to say about the book in my next post.
Living an Others-Oriented Life
Here’s Mark Dever on living a life oriented away from self and toward others. (It’s an excerpt from his new book Discipling.)
Aurora Borealis from Space in Ultra-High Definition
Wow. Here’s the Aurora Borealis shown from Space in ultra-high definition.
Preaching and Preachers
If you are into podcasts, you may want to add Jason Allen’s new podcast Preaching and Preachers to your list.
Ten Principles for Personal Productivity
John Piper shares some helpful tips. “Give 10% of your focus in life to avoiding obstacles to productivity and 90% of your focus to fastening on to great goals and pursuing them with all your might.”
Why a Short White Man Isn’t a Tall Asian Woman
It shouldn’t be difficult to explain why a short white man isn’t a tall asian woman. But today’s students just can’t tell you.
5 Reasons Why We Need to Rest
I find that I need to remind myself of truths like this each and every week. Rest is just so easy to neglect!
Toronto Workshop on Biblical Exposition
If you’re in or near Toronto and if you teach or preach God’s Word, be sure to check out these workshops.
This Day in 1529. 487 years ago today, German Lutheran Reformers were first called “Protestants” at the Diet of Speyer in Germany. *
The Local Church Isn’t Going Anywhere
No, the local church isn’t going anywhere no matter way the doomsdayers and naysayers tell us.
Real-Time Titanic
Here’s an interesting animation that shows the sinking of the Titanic in real-time.
People may not agree with our theology but they shouldn’t be able to argue with our lives. —John McGowan
Links I like
Kindle deals for Christian readers
A couple books for you to consider today: The Art of Personal Evangelism by Will McRaney (99¢) and Designed for Joy edited by Owen Strachan and Jonathan Parnell ($2.99).
What is Spiritual Abuse?
I really appreciate this “Reformed ‘Spotlight’” series from David Murray:
In my first post on spiritual abuse, I said I would provide a definition that would help in subsequent discussions. I’d welcome your input on this so that we can develop a clear and comprehensive definition, but here’s my suggestion to start the conversation, followed by my “exposition”:
Spiritual abuse is a sinful use of spiritual authority by Christian leaders to promote, protect, or enrich a person or a Christian institution regardless of the spiritual damage done to innocent parties and the cause of Christ.
Why We Should Jettison the “Strong Female Character”
This is long, but really interesting stuff from Alastair Roberts.
The Local Church Isn’t Going Anywhere
Richard Clark:
We’ve all heard the alarms: an entire generation of “nones” and “dones” have supposedly left the church. There are good reasons for this exodus. The church is full of problems, now on display for all to see online. Everywhere we click, there’s another op-ed telling us how church has failed, how church leaders have lost touch with their congregants, and how technology and parachurch ministries will finally free us from the physical confines of our gathering places and the dysfunctions of our mismatched families.
Be Quick to Read and Slow to Comment
Nathan Bingham:
How do we “hear” online? We use our eyes. We read articles, blog posts, and status updates. We also use our minds. We consider the context of an author’s words and chew over them to ensure we have “heard” them correctly. Or at least, that’s what we should do. If James were writing today, perhaps he would call us to be quick to read and slow to comment.
Making Evangelism a Habit
Tom Johnston:
Recently I was under conviction when I had the opportunity to share the gospel and did not take it. As I drove home in my car, I prayed that someone would be faithful and share the gospel with the person with whom I had not spoken. Developing godly habits is extremely important. And one of these healthy habits is to share the gospel with those we encounter.
Does Hebrews 6 Teach You Can Lose Your Salvation?
Ardel Caneday:
This passage confuses us because it relates to how we process the relationship between the gospel’s promises and its admonitions. In fact, doctrinal strain between warning and promise prompts many to remove the tension altogether, since they regard it as uncomfortable if not contradictory.
Check Out
Blogs
Aren’t Gay People Made In The Image Of God, Too? | Ricky Alcantar, The Blazing Center
“As a Christian I would humbly point to Scripture and say three things in response to an honest question like this.”
Be Quick to Read and Slow to Comment | Nathan W. Bingham
“It’s a sad day when Christians, not unbelievers, are the ones driving many Christian blogs to shut down their comments section. Would it be such a bad thing if Christians only commented on articles that they had read in full?”
4 Christlike Characteristics of a Biblical Comforter | Bob Kelleman, RPM ministries
“What type of person do I need to be in order to offer Christ’s sustaining comfort to others?”
The Sovereignty of God in the Salvation of My Father’s Slayer | Francis Nigel Lee, Banner of Truth
“Francis Nigel Lee died on December 23, 2011 in Australia. One thing he left behind is the story of the conversion of the man who murdered his father”
The 1st Fully Kinesthetic Classroom in the USA | Kidsfit Kinesthetic Classroom | LinkedIn
Now this would have been my kind of classroom. “What we’re trying to show is that more movement equals better grades, better behavior, better bodies.” ”
Avoiding Hyper-Calvinism as We Preach | Barry York, Gentle Reformation
“Could it be that, in heart and practice, many of us in Reformed churches are not preaching evangelistically because we allow our Calvinism to bind us rather than propel us as it should? Perhaps we can learn from a controversy in Spurgeon’s time. ”
New Book
Rooted: Theology for Growing Christians by Brandon Smith and J. A. Medders
Kindle Books
Designed for Joy: How the Gospel Impacts Men and Women, Identity and Practice edited by Jonathan Parnell and Owen Strachan (2.99)
Dangerous Calling: Confronting the Unique Challenges of Pastoral Ministry by Paul David Tripp ($3.99)
What Works: Common Sense Solutions for a Stronger America by Cal Thomas ($1.99)
The Pastor’s Justification: Applying the Work of Christ in Your Life and Ministry by Jared C. Wilson ($3.99)
Video
Jesus Paid it All, Elder DJ Ward
I’ve watched this so many times. It’s phenomenal, even though it makes me feel as if I’ve never really preached.
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Doctors Warn Zika Virus Likely to Break Out in United States Posted: 19 Apr 2016 06:07 AM PDT Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, said on Sunday that there is a real possibility of perhaps dozens or… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster Holds First Official Marriage
Posted: 19 Apr 2016 06:04 AM PDT Legally recognized as a religious organization in New Zealand, the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster cooked up its first official wedding this weekend. Marriage is the… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| French atheist hated God, visited church as one visits a zoo – to see exotic animals
Posted: 19 Apr 2016 06:01 AM PDT Guillaume Bignon grew up in a nominal Catholic family outside Paris, but stopped going to church when he recognized he didn’t believe “any of it.” “I hated… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| Cincinnati warns 16,000 residents their water is likely contaminated with lead
Posted: 19 Apr 2016 05:50 AM PDT After the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, Greater Cincinnati Water Works customers are now being warned that a great portion of the city-owned service lines are made… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| Nordstrom is cutting 400 jobs, Only the beginning of new trend
Posted: 19 Apr 2016 05:46 AM PDT Nordstrom said Monday it was slashing 400 jobs at its corporate headquarters. The move comes two months after the department store chain reported a 3% drop in… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| This Is the Tipping Point for the Next Great Awakening
Posted: 19 Apr 2016 05:39 AM PDT (Jennifer A. Miskov) Can thousands of people gathered together for one purpose shift a generation into the next Great Awakening? What if the date and location of… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| Mosquitoes taking priority over the unborn
Posted: 19 Apr 2016 05:36 AM PDT A pro-life leader insists the latest declaration about the Zika virus from the Centers for Disease Control only underscores the need for a change in the culture…. Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| Top Insurer Warns Global Civil Unrest Could Go Viral
Posted: 19 Apr 2016 05:16 AM PDT Top insurer Lloyds warns that a “pandemic” of global civil unrest could go viral, threatening international stability. Lloyds commissioned leading global risk management consultancy the Risk Advisory… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| Are you ready for haptic “smart hands” and interactive displays on packages?
Posted: 19 Apr 2016 05:11 AM PDT Imagine using your hand as an interactive touch-screen display. Sounds like science fiction, but Nokia Research Centre and the European Research Council have funded a study, led… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| Are these Earthquakes an indicator of the “End Times”?
Posted: 19 Apr 2016 05:07 AM PDT (Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz ) Four earthquakes were recorded around the globe, including three major shakers in the last 48 hours. A minor earthquake hit eastern Israel Friday morning… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| Houston Flooding Is The 8th Historic Flood To Hit America Since The End Of September
Posted: 18 Apr 2016 07:12 PM PDT (Michael Snyder) Why has the United States been hit by historic flood after historic flood in recent months? The flooding that is pummeling the city of Houston… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| Volcano In Mexico Unleashes Explosive Eruption Leaving Ash On Towns
Posted: 18 Apr 2016 06:56 PM PDT Mexico’s Popocatepetl volcano has seen a dramatic overnight explosion that sent ash blowing over the major city of Puebla directly to the east, forcing closure of the… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| DEVELOPING: NASA feed ‘Goes Down’ as U-shaped object appears on camera
Posted: 18 Apr 2016 06:51 PM PDT NASA has been accused of an alien cover up after a live ISS feed appearing to show a horseshoe UFO suddenly went down. Conspiracy theorists are having… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| Texas Flooding Kills at Least 5; Governor Declares State of Emergency
Posted: 18 Apr 2016 06:48 PM PDT The governor of Texas has declared a state of emergency in nine counties after widespread, deadly flooding hit Monday morning. Rainfall came down at rates as high… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| School goes ballistic over ‘Jesus Lunch’ in park
Posted: 18 Apr 2016 05:57 PM PDT School officials in Wisconsin were caught on video trying to intimidate parents into closing down a weekly “Jesus Lunch” for hungry kids in a local park, and… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| Snoop Dogg Praises Jesus in New Video
Posted: 18 Apr 2016 03:51 PM PDT Snoop Dogg may be known for his drug habits and sexual references in his music, but a new video is sending some shock waves through social media…. Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| Wearable stamp that allows contactless payments is on the way
Posted: 18 Apr 2016 03:48 PM PDT Wearable technology is getting even closer to your body. There have been ingestibles and implantables, and now you can add a wearable, disposable stamp to the mix…. Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| Demonic Possession Breaks Out In Malaysia School
Posted: 18 Apr 2016 03:40 PM PDT Schools in Malaysia have been struck by a mass hysteria ‘epidemic’ in which students claim they are having visions of female vampiric ghosts and are being physically… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| McDonald’s of the future will offer Kiosks and bottomless fries
Posted: 18 Apr 2016 01:36 PM PDT Bottomless brunch and mimosas may be the way to a millennial’s heart, but it may be bottomless fries that get them back to McDonald’s tables. A new… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| March was Earth’s 11th-straight warmest month on record
Posted: 18 Apr 2016 01:32 PM PDT NASA’s March temperature data was released Friday, showing that it was the planet’s second-most unusually mild month on record, only somewhat cooler than February 2016. The NASA… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| Defaults hit highest level since ’09 bust
Posted: 18 Apr 2016 01:26 PM PDT Get ready to step over some landmines, investors. The number of companies defaulting on their debt is hitting levels not seen since the financial crisis, and it’s… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| David’s Tent: An Act of Intercession for America
Posted: 18 Apr 2016 11:41 AM PDT (Taylor Berglund) David’s Tent has been worshipping for over six months straight—and has no intention of stopping anytime soon. David’s Tent is a 24/7 worship tent set… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
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10 Factors That Can Throw You Into Depression Posted: 18 Apr 2016 11:38 AM PDT (Mark Dejesus) As someone who has had to face depression and overcome it, I’ve also helped many press through the storms that depression can bring and develop… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| Disney Fairy Tale Show Introduces Gay Storyline…
Posted: 18 Apr 2016 11:28 AM PDT Once Upon a Time finally made good on its promise to include a gay storyline in season six, and it was an unexpected choice. Although Mulan (Jamie… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| Houston submerged after 16 inches of rain in 24 hours…
Posted: 18 Apr 2016 11:25 AM PDT More than a foot of rain fell Monday in parts of Houston, submerging scores of subdivisions and several major interstate highways, forcing the closure of schools and… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| Terror Attack Strikes Jerusalem with Bus Explosion
Posted: 18 Apr 2016 11:22 AM PDT A bus exploded in Jerusalem on Monday, wounding at least 15 people in what police said was a “terror attack,” raising fears of a return to the… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| Unusual Earthquake cluster worries Japan
Posted: 18 Apr 2016 11:18 AM PDT Seismic activity in southern Japan is mystifying geologists and keeping the nation on edge. The island of Kyushu has been struck by a series of significant earthquakes,… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
New Report Weighs Impact of Christian Exodus on Middle East
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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
Ravi Zacharias explains the gospel in two minutes:
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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(Alternative News, Apologetics, Current Events, Commentary, Opinion, Theology, Discernment Blog, Devotionals, Christian Internet Evangelism & Missions Activist).
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— Augustine
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