Jun. 1, 2016 |
BLOOMBERG
Investors are putting record amounts of money into exchange-traded funds as bonds become increasingly difficult to buy and sell. Global fixed-income ETFs, which track bond indexes and trade like stocks, attracted $60 billion of inflows this year through May 25.
Genetic engineering, which for decades never quite lived up to its promise, is being transformed thanks to a new tool called Crispr. Scientists can use it to manipulate the genes of any living creature with astonishing ease. Its initial applications have been to target genetic disease, modify foods, and develop new drugs. What comes next is up to us.
Goldman Sachs Group cut investment banking jobs in the last few weeks, joining securities firms that are adjusting to a slowdown in deal activity, according to people familiar with the matter.
Europe is losing its status as a global leader in clean energy, with investment in the region plummeting 21 percent last year, while spending in the rest of the world boomed.
China’s official factory gauge for a third month remained above the dividing line that signals improving conditions, adding to evidence of stabilization in the world’s second-largest economy.
Federal Reserve officials spent 2015 pining for a pickup in U.S. wage gains. For the heads of the district banks, anecdotal evidence existed in their own paychecks. Fed presidents saw a 4 percent average salary increase last year, following a 6.6 percent bump in 2014, according to the central bank’s annual report.
AP Top Stories
Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder says Edward Snowden broke the law by leaking classified documents that revealed the National Security Agency’s domestic surveillance program. But in doing so, Holder believes the NSA contractor turned whistleblower performed a “public service,” too.
General Mills on Tuesday announced it has recalled about 10 million pounds of flour amid a health investigation over an E. coli outbreak.
A U.S. appeals court on Tuesday denied a motion to reconsider its ruling that gave a Virginia transgender high school student access to the bathroom of his gender identity.
Two US troops were wounded over the weekend in separate Islamic State attacks in Iraq and Syria, Pentagon officials said. The casualty in Syria marks the first time an American soldier has been injured in that country since military advisors deployed there at the end of last year.
A baby suffering from a birth defect caused by the Zika virus was born on Tuesday in New Jersey to a woman visiting from Honduras who is infected with virus after she was bitten by a mosquito early on in her pregnancy, media reported.
A New York City man has been charged with manslaughter after police say he killed his wife’s would-be rapist.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to hear an appeal asserting that the death penalty violates the U.S. Constitution’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment filed by a Louisiana man convicted of fatally shooting his pregnant former girlfriend.
Latin America’s biggest airline LATAM said Monday it will suspend its flights to crisis-hit Venezuela for an indefinite period, following a similar move by German carrier Lufthansa.
The world’s longest tunnel officially opened with the trailblazing rail passage under the Swiss Alps aiming to ease transit through the heart of Europe. The 35-mile Gotthard Base Tunnel (GBT) made its ceremonial first run with European leaders on board. With political unity on the continent shaken by a massive influx of migrants and the looming threat of Britain’s EU departure the tunnel would “join the people and the economies” of Europe.
Florida’s native alligators and crocodiles could be facing some new competition – from a bigger and meaner member of their own crocodilian family. Nile crocodiles – American crocodiles’ larger, more aggressive cousins from the African continent – have been identified in the wild in southern Florida for the first time, according to a new study.
Saudi Arabia intercepted a ballistic missile fired from Yemen on Monday night. It was the second missile launch from Yemen since UN-brokered peace talks began in Kuwait.
A congressional committee has launched an investigation into the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s handling of the heist of more than $80 million from accounts it maintains for the central bank of Bangladesh, CNBC has learned.
Manufacturing unexpectedly expanded at a faster pace in May, helped by an increase in orders that signals U.S. factories are rebounding from an early-2016 slump.
The United States took steps to further block North Korea’s access to the U.S. financial system in response to what it said was the threat the isolated country posed to the global financial system.
BBC
Signals have been detected from one of the black boxes of the EgyptAir plane that crashed last month, French investigators have confirmed.
A UK-developed system capable of jamming signals to small drones is to be trialed by the US aviation authority.
WND
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick told superintendents of all public schools in the state via letter that they should defy President Obama’s unilaterally issued demands to open all bathroom doors to transgenders and that he will support them in any legal fight that might brew.
The rape crisis in Sweden and Germany continues unabated, but news of the attacks sometimes doesn’t leak out for weeks, even months.
The Environmental Protection Agency wants to raise the amount of biofuels in America’s gasoline once again, but an energy industry executive says the move could severely damage most of the vehicles in the U.S., reduce the amount of energy per gallon and add to the national economic uncertainty.
Top News – 6/1/2016
Minor earthquake reported off Massachusetts coast; no damage reported
The U.S. Geological Survey is reporting a small earthquake was reported late Tuesday off Cape Ann, some 30 miles northeast of Rockport.
California Lt. Governor’s Anti-Gun Remarks Anger Civil Rights Groups
Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom found himself the target of criticism from civil rights groups after posting an anti-gun message on his Facebook in late May. On his Facebook page…
American Death Rate Rises for First Time in a Decade
The death rate in the United States rose last year for the first time in a decade, preliminary federal data show, a rare increase that was driven in part by more people dying from drug overdoses, suicide and Alzheimer’s disease. The death rate from heart disease, long in decline, edged up slightly.
Putin Creates New ‘Young Army’ That Draws Comparison To Nazi Germany’s Hitler Youth
The first 104 schoolchildren joined the revived Soviet military-patriotic movement ‘Yunarmiya’ – or Young Army – in the city of Yaroslavl, the first cadets on a scheme that will be rolled out across the country in September.
Taking defense post, Liberman says Israeli unity trumps holding land
Defense Minister, Avigdor Liberman on Tuesday declared that Israeli national unity is more important than territory, as he vowed to prevent unnecessary future conflicts and end ongoing “wars of attrition.”
6-6-16: Satanists In Los Angeles Will Construct A Giant Pentagram To ‘Raise Awareness’ For Satanism
On June 6th, a group from the Satanic Temple in Los Angeles will use GPS technology to construct a giant pentagram around the city of Lancaster, which is located in northern Los Angeles County. The goal is to “raise awareness” for Satanism, and it looks like this event has already accomplished that goal. Of course this particular date was chosen because it corresponds closely to “666” and the Mark of the Beast….
Russia: Temporary ceasefire introduced for 48 hours in Damascus suburb of Daraya
The Russian defense ministry said on Wednesday that a temporary ceasefire, which it called a regime of calm, had been introduced from June 1 for 48 hours in Syria’s Damascus suburb of Daraya.
US ‘provocations’ may force China to declare air defense zone in S. China Sea – report
Beijing is reportedly planning to launch an air defense identification zone (ADIZ) in the South China Sea, the timing of which will depend on US “provocations.” Billions of dollars of trade passes annually through the area, which is subject to rival claims.
Mysterious Hemorrhagic Fever Outbreak Stumps Disease Detectives
…So far, there have been 51 cases — including 10 deaths — from an unknown disease in the northern part of South Sudan. The main symptoms of the disease are similar to those seen with Ebola: unexplained bleeding, fever, fatigue, headache and vomiting. But the culprit definitely isn’t Ebola. First, the symptoms “rapidly resolve following supportive treatment,” WHO said.
Moderate earthquake rocks Alaska Peninsula
The quake had a preliminary magnitude of 5.8 and was at a depth of 23 miles. The epicenter was 81 miles east of Sand Point.
4.9 magnitude earthquake shakes Surigao del Sur
A magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck Surigao del Sur province on May 31, 2016, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said. The quake was tectonic in origin and had a depth of 30 kilometers, Phivolcs said.
Earthquake measuring 6.1 shakes parts of Taiwan, including capital
An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1 shook parts of Taiwan on Tuesday and was felt in the capital, Taipei, residents and officials said, but there were no immediate reports of damage.
Amid deadly floods, Texas’ Brazos River crests at record 54 feet
Residents of some rural southeastern Texas counties were bracing for more flooding Tuesday along a river that had reached a record-high crest just two years after it had run dry in places because of drought. The National Weather Service said the Brazos River crested at nearly 54 feet Tuesday in Fort Bend County, which is just southwest of Houston and home to many suburbs.
India hospital transfusions infect thousands with HIV
At least 2,234 Indians have contracted HIV while receiving blood transfusions in hospitals in the past 17 months alone, say officials. The information was revealed by the country’s National Aids Control Organisation (Naco) in response to a petition filed by information activist Chetan Kothari. Mr Khothari told the BBC that he was “shocked” by the revelation.
Syria conflict: US-backed fighters ‘advance on IS-held Manbij’
US-backed Kurdish and Arab fighters have opened up a new front against so-called Islamic State (IS) in northern Syria, close to the Turkish border. The offensive by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) is reported to be directed at Manbij, a town under IS control. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said US-led pre-dawn air strikes on Manbij killed 15 civilians.
Venezuela: OAS head calls emergency meeting over crisis
Venezuela’s government came under renewed pressure on Tuesday when regional body Organization of American States called for an emergency meeting. OAS head Luis Almagro wants members to evaluate whether Venezuela has suffered an “unconstitutional alteration of the constitutional regime that seriously impairs the democratic order”. Venezuelan opposition politicians had urged the OAS to call the meeting.
Abbas: PA open to talks with Liberman, if he ‘truly supports’ 2-state solution
The PA issued first remarks on Netanyahu’s Wednesday affirmation that he is ready to hold peace talks based on a revised version of the 2002 Arab peace initiative. Israel must recognize a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders for any negotiations to move forward, the Palestinian Authority said on Wednesday.
Report: Israeli decree calls on Wakf to end ‘damaging’ Temple Mount construction
An Israeli government order issued Tuesday called on the Wakf trust that oversees Islamic holy sites to halt construction work on the Temple Mount that is damaging valuable ancient artifacts found in the area… According to the report, the decree cites Israel Antiquities Authority warnings that the Wakf’s building structures and activities along the perimeter wall of the contested holy compound are destructive.
State Department Issues New Travel Alert for Europe
The State Department on Tuesday warned Americans traveling to Europe about risk of terror attacks over the summer. “The large number of tourists visiting Europe in the summer months will present greater targets for terrorists planning attacks in public locations, especially at large events,” the State Department said in a travel advisory.
Death toll from Russian air strikes in Idlib climbs to 23: monitor
At least 23 people were killed in Russian air strikes overnight in the rebel-held Syrian city of Idlib, the heaviest bombardment there since a cessation of hostilities was agreed in February, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
First baby born with Zika-linked microcephaly in New York tri-state area
Doctors at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey confirmed Tuesday the birth of a child suffering from Zika-linked microcephaly, a condition wherein the child’s brain and head are partially developed.
Is Obama’s Iran Deal a ‘Dhimmi’ Contract?
IRGC Commander Ali Fadavi’s recent threat to “drown American vessels” in the Persian Gulf is only the latest indication that America’s relationship with Iran resembles a dhimma contract more than a traditional foreign policy.
Appeals Court Delivers Devastating Blow To Cellphone-Privacy Advocates
Courts across the country are grappling with a key question for the information age: When law enforcement asks a company for cellphone records to track location data in an investigation, is that a search under the Fourth Amendment? By a 12-3 vote, appellate court judges in Richmond, Virginia, on Monday ruled that it is not — and therefore does not require a warrant.
Don’t count on this oil ‘wild card’ coming back anytime soon
Libya has been the big supply “wild card” this year. Over one million barrels a day have been shut-in amid political and security challenges over the last 12 months, keeping production stagnated around 400,000 barrels a day.
Top Headlines – 6/1/2016
Netanyahu says willing to discuss Arab initiative for peace with Palestinians
Netanyahu’s call for a revised Saudi initiative may be too little, too late
Abbas: I’ll judge Liberman by his ‘stance on peace,’ not his politics
‘Guardians of Democracy’ Call For Revolt in Israel
Jerusalem city hall orders halt to illegal Waqf construction on Temple Mount
Israel hosts first-ever anti-BDS conference at UN
Iran announces new ‘Zionist caliphate’ cartoon contest
Is Obama’s Iran Deal a ‘Dhimmi’ Contract?
Egypt to open border with Gaza ahead of Ramadan
Roadside bombs kills 6 soldiers in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula
A Former Miss Turkey Is Convicted of Insulting President Erdogan
Russia demands Turkey withdraw troops from Iraq
State Department Issues New Terror Travel Alert for Europe
Nearly 46 Million People Trapped in Modern Slavery, Report Finds
Predatory Peacekeepers – UN Soldiers Are Committing Widespread Child Rape
Christians cry out for God’s intervention as Venezuela’s economic woes take a turn for the worse
‘We can’t go on like this’: Shortages, economic crisis make Venezuela a nation of lines
More in Debt Than Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands Rejects Rescue
EU links up with Twitter, tech firms to combat hate speech
June 7: FEMA Will Hold a Drill to Prepare for a 9.0 Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake and Tsunami
5.8 magnitude earthquake hits near Chignik Lake, Alaska
5.5 magnitude earthquake hits the Kuril Islands
3.1 magnitude earthquake rattles parts of central Oklahoma
Sangay volcano in Ecuador erupts to 19,000ft
Colima volcano in Mexico erupts to 17,000ft
Tenggar Caldera volcano in Indonesia erupts to 10,000ft
Amid deadly floods, Texas’ Brazos River crests at record 54 feet
Texas floods deliver snakes, ants, debris to neighborhoods
Houses collapse during severe floods in southern Germany
Drone footage shows devastating flood in Braunsbach, Germany
First baby born with Zika-linked microcephaly in New York tri-state area
Startup Aims To Track Women’s Health Through Smart Tampons
Ecstasy use jumps in Europe, no longer just a dance drug: report
Transgender bathroom debate likely headed to Supreme Court
State leader quits ACLU after daughters were ‘visibly frightened’ by men using women’s restroom
Advocates sue Fort Collins over topless ban
Hillsong Youth Pastor Dresses as Naked Cowboy; Story Gets Weirder
As Olympics Near, Violence Grips Rio’s ‘Pacified’ Favelas
Jackie Alnor – The True Legacy of Jan Crouch
Rick Warren: There Are Two Ways to Enter Into God’s Family
Christian rock star comes out as gay. Here’s the letter he wrote to the world
What It’s Like to Be Gay at Wheaton College
German Protestant bishop wants Islam classes in all state schools
Israel’s 47 Christian Schools Face a Murky Future
Jan Crouch Dead at 78 After Suffering Massive Stroke
In Her Final Days Crouch Family Battled Over Access to Hospitalized Matriarch
Audio – Jackie Alnor Reveals The Real Jan Crouch
The Real ‘Naked Cowboy’ Extremely Offended by Hillsongs Use of His Trademark
Pope Awards Medals to Celebrities George Clooney, Richard Gere, and Selma Hayak
Bible Emoji Hits iBooks as Scripture 4 Millenials
Evangelist Ray Comfort Threatened With Arrest For Outreach to Atheists
Are We Supposed to Pray for the Wolves?
Eddie Long tries, fails to put gay sex scandal behind him
Why the World’s Largest Church Still Worships Its Embezzling Former Leader
The Pandemonium of “Prophecy” Open Mic
Pope Francis Says Our Hope is in Mary and the Mother Church, not Jesus
Outrage as Church Holds Muslim Funeral for Islamic State Fighter
Arab Catholic wins first ‘Miss Trans Israel’ pageant
In Brazil’s Political Crisis, A Powerful New Force – Evangelical Christians
Moralizer in Chief Obama Calls For the World to Evolve Morally
6 Giant Corporations Control The Media, And Americans Consume 10 Hours Of ‘Programming’ A Day
If you allow someone to pump hours of “programming” into your mind every single day, it is inevitable that it is eventually going to have a major impact on how you view the world. In America today, the average person consumes approximately 10 hours of information, news and entertainment a day, and there are 6 giant media corporations that overwhelmingly dominate that market. In fact, it has been estimated that somewhere around 90 percent of the “programming” that we constantly feed our minds comes from them, and of course they are ultimately controlled by the elite of the world. So is there any hope for our country as long as the vast majority of the population is continually plugging themselves into this enormous “propaganda matrix”? (Read More….)
Why the Hillsong ‘Dancing Naked Cowboy’ Story Matters
New York’s Hillsong Church having a performance during a Christian women’s conference of the iconic Times Square Dancing Naked Cowboy draws reactions
Hillsong’s dance with the world
I usually don’t expect to see a near-naked cowboy gyrating from the stage of a Christian women’s conference. Nor would I see and hear thousands of Christian females applauding and squealing in delight, and spurring on the performance. Indeed if I were of the world, I’d expect these sights and sounds to come from a […]
The post Hillsong’s dance with the world appeared first on Berean Research.
Why I Am Not A Catholic
Popular blogger, pastor and author Tim Challies, gives three strong reasons that he could never be a Roman Catholic. For those who are not so sure that Catholic doctrine is really opposed to Scripture, this is an important read, as we are admonished in 1 Peter 3:15: but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord […]
The post Why I Am Not A Catholic appeared first on Berean Research.
Yes, Bethel Redding and Bill Johnson are part of the New Apostolic Reformation
Holly Pivec of Spirit of Error addresses Arch Heretic Bill Johnson’s denial that he’s a part of the New Apostolic Reformation, which he clearly is as Holly reveals in her blog post: Following Christianity Today’s recent cover story on Bethel Church in Redding, California, I’ve been contacted by people wondering about Bill Johnson’s statements made in that […]
The post Yes, Bethel Redding and Bill Johnson are part of the New Apostolic Reformation appeared first on Berean Research.
Aborted babies DO live
Abortion does one thing: End the life of a human being. A baby that was alive for weeks and months, suddenly and violently murdered. For abortionists, it’s a clump of tissue that to them was already dead. But sometimes their own eyes are yanked open by the brutal reality of what they are doing. Newly […]
The post Aborted babies DO live appeared first on Berean Research.
Steven Furtick: Unqualified, Not Unworthy
Cameron Buettel of Grace to You reviews megachurch pastor Steven Furtick’s latest book that he wrote to defend his qualifications as a pastor. However, Buettel reveals that the criterion for “overseers” detailed in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9 are not mentioned in the book! As we pointed out in Why Won’t Steven Furtick Answer Tough […]
The post Steven Furtick: Unqualified, Not Unworthy appeared first on Berean Research.
Hillary for Criminal-In-Chief!
At this point (in early 2016) it is a fait accompli that Hillary Clinton will be the Democratic nominee and is the Establishment’s number one choice to be the next president. Never mind that she has a list of jailable offenses as long as your arm (which the Establishment-controlled media will totally cover up or ignore). She is a progressive (i.e., global socialist – AKA communist) who will continue and expand Obama’s (and the Establishment’s) orchestrated plunge toward the New World Order (global government) and destruction of a free America. In a fair contest against an anti-Establishment (conservative) Republican, with an unbiased, objective, non-Establishment-controlled media, she could lose – but this will most assuredly not be the case; it will definitely not be a fair contest. The election is already being rigged in favor of the Democrats.
Hillary has already raised $2.5 billion (the highest in US political history) for her campaign (most of it from wealthy Establishment types and from foreign Muslim countries, where those funds are laundered through the Clinton’s PACs). This is how Obama’s two campaigns were funded, but Obama raised only $1.1 billion in 2012 – which garnered (bought) him 66 million votes. This time it is clear that the Establishment is going all out to insure that they remain in power. Hillary already has (according to campaign experts from both parties) 40% of the popular vote locked up. She needs only another 10%+ to win. Her campaign strategy will in part mimic Obama’s winning strategy in 2012. She will bribe all the groups considered to be the Democrats’ core constituency and cobble together a coalition that will exceed 50% of the vote.
(Excerpt from McAlvany Intelligence Advisor, February 2016)
The Daily Discovery (June 1, 2016)
ARTICLES I LIKE FROM AROUND THE WEB:(Click title to go to full article)
Of Gorillas and Men – “A few days ago, Harambe the gorilla was shot by the Cincinatti Zoo after a 4-year-old child accidentally climbed past the fence and enclosures–only to tumble into the moat surrounding the gorilla’s habitat. Sensing that the child’s life was in immediate danger, zoo workers made the prompt decision to shoot and kill the animal. For many reasons this was indeed a tragic incident–not least of which is the fact that silverback gorillas are a regal and endangered species.”
The Slave of Christ – “When I began to preach the book of Philippians a couple years ago, I noticed that Paul immediately identifies himself and Timothy as slaves of Christ Jesus (Phil 1:1). Now, most of the English versions have ‘servants’ or ‘bond-servants’ there, but the Greek word is doulos, which is properly rendered ‘slave.’”
Devotional Theology: God Reveals – “In the busyness of the day we unwittingly distance ourselves from our Creator. We rush through devotions. We zoom out the door and past the roses He made for us to ‘stop and smell.’ We trudge through another night of dinner preparations, but don’t take even a moment to consider ourselves, made in God’s image, as creative beings. We forget to be still. We forget to lift our heads from the screens and look around and take in. It is no wonder we feel that God is distant. We hold tight to the fact that we believe in God, but wrestle with knowing Him. We tend to doubt His goodness, His kindness, His providence; we even doubt His presence. How can we be absolutely sure that God is who He says He is, and that He’s with us? When we understand that God has deliberately chosen to make Himself known, and even speak to us, we can have confidence.”
Of Discipline and Diligence – “Very often there is what we must needs describe as a mystical view of faith. This certainly accounts for the trouble in many people. By a mystical view I mean a conception of faith which always thinks of it as a whole. Putting it negatively I mean that such people do not realize that faith needs to be supplemented by virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity, as the apostle shows here. They have one formula only and the one formula is that you must always be looking to the Lord’, and as long as you look to the Lord’ there is nothing else to do. They say that any attempt to do anything else is dropping back to the ‘salvation by works’ position. So if you have a problem in your Christian life they say to you: ‘Just look to the Lord, abide in the Lord’. This is a very common error.”
The Spiritual Gift You Don’t Notice Until It’s Gone – “An orchestra without a conductor, a building site without an architect’s plans, and an airfield without an air-traffic controller. That’s the church without administration. If thorns are the stuff of work in a fallen world, thornbushes are the stuff of teamwork. That’s why God’s Spirit has given to some the gift of administration (1 Cor. 12:28)—a gift hard to appreciate until you’re on a team, in a meeting, or at an event without it; a gift that allows people to work together in happy, coordinated, and fruitful ways; a spiritual gift of grace for spiritual works of grace made possible by the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
SERMON:
Andrew Rogers – Joy of Repentance
VIDEOS:
Six signs you are not hearing Christian sermons at your church.
John MacArthur Explains why sin is sin
“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 (June 1, 2016) appeared first on Entreating Favor.
A La Carte (June 1)
This month’s free book from Logos may yield some helpful content in various chapters. The same will be true of the two volumes they have packaged together for $1.99. They also have some good monthly deals that include 33% off the amazing NIGTC commentary series—now’s the time to begin or complete your collection!
Free from Christian Audio this month is a title I am not familiar with, so consider this information not endorsement: The Tank Man’s Son. (Note the content warning that accompanies it.)
Alarmism And Transgendered Kids
Rod Dreher writes about transgendered kids and teens: “Ten, twenty years from now, there are going to be a lot of maimed, broken people staggering around. This episode in history will be looked back on with horror.”
Why Patience Doesn’t Come Naturally
Sam Storms writes about his natural impatience. “It grieves my heart that I’m as selfish as I am. It grieves me even more that I don’t have enough confidence in the goodness and sovereignty of God and the truth of his Word that I would trust him when things don’t go my way.”
What Does It Mean to Take the Lord’s Name in Vain?
You probably won’t be surprised to learn there is much more to it than simply speaking God’s name in anger or as an insult.
7 Questions to Ask an Older Mother
These are wise questions from Melissa Kruger.
Died: Jan Crouch
Jan Crouch, cofounder of Trinity Broadcast Network, died on Tuesday. Christianity Today provides a brief overview of her life and legacy.
After 30 Years It’s Good to Be Married
This is a sweet article and one that’s good to see in a mainstream publication.
This Day in 165. 1,851 years ago today (according to tradition), apologist Justin Martyr was beheaded for his faith in Christ. *
How Budget Airlines Work
This video tells how budget airlines work and how they make so much more money than many traditional airlines.
The Benedict Option
You’ve probably heard someone talk about “The Benedict Option.” In this article Carl Trueman describes it a little bit and how it is not as silly as a lot of people make it out to be.
Flashback: The Bestsellers: The Shack
This entry in my series The Bestsellers look at what may the least likely bestseller of them all: The Shack. It has sold 20 million copies and will soon be released as a movie.
It is easier to save us from our sins than from our righteousness. —C.H. Spurgeon
Check Out
Blogs
The Transgender Conversation You Need to Have With Your Family | Tim Challies
“My concern is that we are hurtling full-speed into untested territory and we and our children are the ones who will need to figure out how to navigate it well. As we do that we may find ourselves in situations that are trying or even dangerous.”
Alarmism And Transgendered Kids | Rod Dreher, The American Conservative
“The woman told me that at her kids’ high school, a shocking number of students are going to their parents asking to be put on hormones and asking for surgery, because they are transgender. This is the cool thing, and the school is falling all over itself to be supportive, and to encourage an ‘ally’ culture.”
The LGBT Movement Will Self-Destruct | Rachel Lu, The Federalist
In the light of the above, here’s an optimistic post. Let’s hope it’s prophetic.
Here is my prediction. Within my lifetime, the LGBT movement will die. It will be remembered not as a Selma moment, but as a Salem moment: a period of collective insanity.
Awkward Gospel Conversations | Jordan Standridge, The Cripplegate
“I’d like to encourage you to rethink the common thought that it is better not to share the Gospel than to do it awkwardly. So here are five reasons why it’s ok to share the Gospel awkwardly.”
10 Ways to Grow Your Marriage While Having Young Kids | Gavin Ortlund, TGC
“I know I can’t be the dad God calls me to be unless my marriage is strong. Here are some strategies we’ve reflected on that might be helpful to other young parents in a similar season of life.”
The Bible Is Unbreakable | Erik Raymond, TGC
“I remember as a non-Christian myself attempting to ‘break it’ only to find it breaking me. What a glorious book! I thought I was reading it, but again it was reading me. I began in judgment of it only to find it was judging me. But even more than that, it provided me the truth that there is a means of rescue from non other than the God whom I feared. What a peerless book indeed!”
Stefan Molyneux: “We Who Reason Demand Freedom” | RealClearPolitics
Stefan Molyneux celebrates his philosophy talk show, Freedomain Radio, for passing 100 million views on YouTube, and delivers a stirring call to arms for deliverance from the tyranny of stultifying political correctness.
After 30 years, it’s good to be married | John Kass, Chicago Tribune
I loved this article.
New Books
A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament: The Gospel Promised edited by Miles V. Van Pelt
A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament: The Gospel Realized edited by Michael J. Kruger
Kindle Deals
Start Next Now: How to Get the Life You’ve Always Wanted by Bob Pritchett ($0.99)
The God Who Is There: Finding Your Place in God’s Story by D. A. Carson ($2.99)
Manhood Restored: How the Gospel Makes Men Whole by Eric Mason ($0.99)
How to Develop a Brilliant Memory Week by Week: 50 Proven Ways to Enhance Your Memory Skills by Dominic O’Brien ($0.99)
Marine!: The Life of Chesty Puller by Burke Davis ($1.99)
Video
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Panic as three earthquakes strike Umbria Posted: 01 Jun 2016 08:29 AM PDT An earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale struck the central Italian region of Umbria on Monday night, and was followed by two smaller quakes… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| France sees worst flooding since records began
Posted: 01 Jun 2016 08:25 AM PDT Scenes in parts of France looked like something straight out of a Jules Verne novel, with cars and houses under water after a deluge of… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| Dangerous Heat Wave Coming To West
Posted: 01 Jun 2016 08:19 AM PDT The mercury will skyrocket later this week across a large portion of the western U.S., especially the Southwest, as an impressive high-pressure ridge aloft builds… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
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‘Momentous’ Transgender Case on Track for Supreme Court Posted: 01 Jun 2016 08:13 AM PDT A Virginia transgender bathroom case is likely heading to the U.S. Supreme Court. An appeals court has now refused to rehear the case of Gloucester… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| White House Wants Clinton Emails Involving Obama Kept Private
Posted: 01 Jun 2016 08:06 AM PDT As the U.S. Department of State continues to release thousands of pages of former secretary Hillary Clinton’s private server emails, the White House wants some… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| Evangelist Ray Comfort Blocked by Police From Giving Away $25K in Gift Cards to Atheists at Reason Rally
Posted: 01 Jun 2016 07:56 AM PDT Police in Washington, D.C. have blocked evangelist Ray Comfort and his team from giving away close to $25,000 in Subway gift cards to atheists at… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
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US Manufacturing Weakest Since 2009 Posted: 01 Jun 2016 07:48 AM PDT Following China’s drop, Japan’s plunge, and Brazil’s crash, US Manufacturing PMI slipped once again to 50.7 – its weakest since September 2009 amid ” subdued… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| Europe’s Stock Markets Plummet As Bank Policies Fail
Posted: 01 Jun 2016 07:43 AM PDT Key measures of the eurozone’s economy continue to show sluggish growth and stagnation, in what is a huge blow for policymakers. In March the ECB… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
| 8 Lessons That We Can Learn From The Epic Economic Meltdown In Venezuela
Posted: 01 Jun 2016 07:40 AM PDT (Reported by Michael Snyder) We are watching an entire nation collapse right in front of our eyes. As you read this article, there are severe… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
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7 Reasons America Has Not Been Reached for Christ Posted: 31 May 2016 09:16 PM PDT (Written By Greg Stier) There are more than 300,000 Protestant churches in America. Virtually every city in the United States has an abundance of Bible-believing… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
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6-6-16: Satanists in Los Angeles Will Construct a Giant Pentagram to ‘Raise Awareness’ for Satanism Posted: 31 May 2016 11:47 AM PDT (Reported By Michael Snyder) On June 6, a group from the Satanic Temple in Los Angeles will use GPS technology to construct a giant pentagram… Read more at End Time Headlines. |
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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