• Iraqi Christians Look Homeward toward Mosul, Uncertainly

• Displaced Iraqi Christians Await Return to Mosul with Bated Breath

• North Korea Teaches That Christians Kill People and Suck Their Blood

• 'Mama Rwanda': How Women Entrepreneurs are Restoring Their Country

• Chinese Christians Face Trial for Spying as Christian Persecution Increases

• More than 48 Christians Killed in Kaduna, Nigeria Massacres

• As Retake of Mosul Looms, Muslim Extremism Has Already Emptied Iraq of Christians

• UPDATE: Family Seek Presidential Pardon for Algerian Christian

• Germany: 743 Christians Attacked by Muslims in Refugee Camps

• Christians and Hong Kong's Umbrella Movement: Defying Tyranny

• 'I'm Not Ashamed' producer suing Google for anti-Christian bias

• South Carolina man stabbed by person sitting behind him in church

• Study: Divorce Major Reason Millennials are Leaving the Church

• Survey: Christian refugees facing more persecution in Germany

• Iran Pastor Behnam Irani Released from Prison

• 45,000 Christians Who Fled Iraq Now Face Persecution in Turkey; U.S. Churches Urged 'To Wake Up' to the Crisis Kirk Cameron's Call to American Christians: 'This Could Be Our Red Sea Moment'

Christians rally to denounce Church attack in Tumakuru, Karnataka

Tumakuru: Thousands of Christians including religious leaders of the Christian community staged a dharna along with hunger strike on 18th July, as they took to the streets in the city to condemn the recent attack on Tomlinson church at Siragate.

They later submitted a memorandum to Additional Deputy Commissioner C Anitha.

Defining the act as an attack on the communal harmony and peace, the Head of Church of South India of Central Zone, Samuel B. Pujari said, "The attack is not just an attack on the church. But it is a conspiracy to disturb communal harmony in the district. Christians have been living in the district for the last 200 years. They have served people at times the region was hit by plague."

As part of the protest, the educational institutions affiliated to the Church of South India (CSI) in the district remain closed.

Priest attacked in Assam Seriously Injured Had to go for Operation

Guwahati: In an unprovoked incident a Church priest was attacked by unidentified assailants in Udalguri District in northern Assam. The incident happened on the evening of 19th June.

Father Sushil John Soren was returning to his residence after conducting a prayer service at student's hostel nearby when a machete wielding perpetrator attacked him fatally injuring his both hands. The assailant fled after Father Soren shouted for help.

Condemning the attack, Bishop Michael Akasius Toppo of Tezpur said "We are in a state of shock. This is the first ever incident like this in our region. We are clueless about the motive of the attack." He also lamented the fact that so far police have not made any arrests in the case.

The district administration as well as the Assam State Commission for Minorities had already taken the matter seriously and police have been asked to speed up the inquiry and arrest the culprits.

UN Decision To Deny Jewish History Also A Decision To Deny Christian History

A number of prominent leaders in the US Christian community expressed dismay on Friday over UNESCO's approval yesterday of a resolution that distorts Jerusalem's religious history.

Telling The Algemeiner that Christians were "gravely concerned" by the resolution, David Brog -- the director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI) -- said, "The places under discussion, namely the Temple Mount, play central role not only to the Jewish faith but also to the Christian faith. This resolution largely ignores and fails to honor this deep and holy connection."

Robert Nicholson -- the head of the Philos Project, a nonprofit group that "seeks to promote positive Christian engagement in the Middle East" -- told The Algemeiner, "UNESCO's decision to deny Jewish history is also a decision to deny Christian history. If the Jews don't have a legacy on the Temple Mount, neither do Christians. And yet we know that our Messiah Jesus came to the Temple throughout his life to worship and pray to the God of Israel, as a Jew, six centuries before Muhammad was even born."

Nicholson went on to call it "mind-boggling" that "Christian-majority countries like Brazil and Mexico" would back the resolution.

"It demonstrates just how far some Christians around the world have strayed from their origins," he said. "Christianity is not a European or American religion -- it is a Hebraic religion with roots in the land of Israel. Our faith only makes sense when it is moored in its original Jewish context."

In response to a query from The Algemeiner, Darrell Bock -- a senior research professor of New Testament studies at the Dallas Theological Seminary -- said, "This resolution is misguided and ignores the history of the city. Jerusalem is a city with a shared history having a tender place in the hearts to those of many faiths. It does not belong to one faith and its importance owes much to both Jews and Christians. The United Nations should appreciate this shared element versus denying it."

Dexter Van Zile -- the Christian media analyst for the CAMERA watchdog group -- wrote to The Algemeiner, "As a Christian, I find the UNESCO resolution an assault against Jewish history deplorable and I see it as an assault against Christianity, as well. It is moral and intellectual stupidity of the highest order and shows how far UNESCO has been captured by the enemies of Israel and of Christianity."

In a statement released to the press, Special United Nations Envoy for the World Council of Independent Christian Churches and President of Proclaiming Justice to the Nations Laurie Cardoza-Moore said, "This resolution is worse than Holocaust denial, as it questions the very existence of the Jewish people. UNESCO has been overtaken by history revisionists and anti-Semites whose obvious hatred for Jews is so strong that they refuse to acknowledge the facts and the truth right in front of them. By refusing to recognize the Jewish people's historic and biblical connection to the Temple Mount, UNESCO has denied the very foundation of our Judeo-Christian faith. This is an insult to millions of Jews and Christians alike and must be blocked."

Origianlly published at Algemeiner.com - reposted with permission.

• - BY PNW STAFF 

 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, EXPOSE them” Ephesians 5:11

 Section 1 - The Old Testament - God vs Baal

He took twelve stones, one to represent each of the tribes of Israel,and he used the stones to rebuild the altar in the name of the Lord. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold about three gallons. He piled wood on the altar, cut the bull into pieces, and laid the pieces on the wood.

Then he said,

“Fill four large jars with water, and pour the water over the offering and the wood.”

  After they had done this, he said,

“Do the same thing again!”

 And when they were finished, he said,

“Now do it a third time!”

So they did as he said, and the water ran around the altar and even filled the trench.At the usual time for offering the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet walked up to the altar and prayed,

 “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, prove today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant. Prove that I have done all this at your command. O Lord, answer me! Answer me so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God and that you have brought them back to yourself.”

 Immediately the fire of the Lord flashed down from heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water in the trench! And when all the people saw it, they fell face down on the ground and cried out,

“The Lord—he is God! Yes, the Lord is God!”

 Then Elijah commanded,

“Seize all the prophets of Baal. Don’t let a single one escape!” So the people seized them all, and Elijah took them down to the Kishon Valley and killed them there.” 1 Kings 18:21-40

Notice that self mutilation was part of the normal custom for Baal worship and remember that Satan loves to humiliate and mutilate man because he is made in God’s image. One of the evidences of the increasing influence of paganism on society today as we hurtle towards the new world order, the antichrist and the  end times, is the rise in self harm, tattooing and unusual piercings. Particularly tattoos have become socially acceptable and Christians have fallen prey to this pollution. Ronald Scutt, in his book Art, Sex and Symbol remarks how tattooing was historically associated with Baal worship, sun worship and serpent worship.

Mark Fairley

Do Christians Know Their Doctrine?

How well does the average American understand basic Christian doctrine?

LifeWay Research and Ligonier Ministries decided to find out and have just published the results of a second large-scale survey conducted of 3,000 American adults who were presented with 47 questions on basic Christian doctrine. 

In the previous study, respondents were left free to self-identify as evangelicals but in the most recent survey, the answers to several key questions were used to identify Christians as evangelical by their beliefs. Of the 3,000 total adults surveyed, 586 individuals provided statements that identified them as evangelicals. Allowing a comparison to the previous survey in which individuals self-identified, the result was surprisingly similar in most regards.

For purposes of the survey, an evangelical Christian is someone who believes that the Bible is the highest authority, the spreading the Gospel is important, that Christ's sacrifice on the cross is the only way to atone for our sins and that belief in Jesus Christ is the only means of salvation. The research extracted from the full forty-seven questions shows a wide range of differences within Christian orthodoxy, either in the form of differing belief or admitted confusion over specific points of doctrine.

As a common point of agreement from nearly all evangelical Christians, the respondents expressed their belief that God is triune (97%), perfect (97%), and responds to our prayers (94%). Those polled showed a surprising tendency for relativistic thinking, especially in contrast with their affirmations that Jesus is the only path to salvation.

"I'm surprised that people seem to know and affirm the formula for the doctrine of the Trinity, but aren't able to connect that to the Gospel truth that Jesus and the Spirit are truly and fully divine".

Speculating on the causes and effects of numerous points of confusion on basic issues of orthodox doctrine, the study authors write that "The survey underscores our desperate need for sound doctrinal teaching in the local church. "I fear we're spending too much time in cults of personality around charismatic superstar pastors who often focus more on their personal theological idiosyncrasies and pet ideas than on basic Christian orthodoxy."

An American spirit of individualism and independence pervades the list of responses to the 47 questions. The danger is, of course, a continued process of fracturing of the church and drifting away from established, orthodox belief. As individual interpretation and charisma in the pulpit grow in disproportionate value, so does knowledge of the word of God shrink. While the survey showed great common ground in some points, it also revealed surprising levels of liberalism and relativism even within the generally traditional and conservative evangelical community. Timothy Larsen, professor of Christian thought at Wheaton College, explained the confusion on basic points of theology as a product of later-in-life conversions to Christianity. Even internal contradiction between responses on the same survey are possible from believers who are not firm, consistent and certain in their beliefs.

Thus, if nothing else, the survey indicates the need for consistent and disciplined teaching of Christian doctrine in a population that has grown more diverse, accepting and open to other, even aberrant, views.

• BY PNW STAFF

Foul play suspected in death of Thoothukudi priest

The Church workers and social activists have raised suspicion over the death of a priest who was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Thoothukudi on Wednesday.

Madurai: According to sources, Kanagaraj (73), Head Priest at Pentecostal Church at Millerpuram in Thoothukudi, was found dead on Wednesday inside the church premises. Thoothukudi SIPCOT Police carried out inspection at the spot and booked the case as suspicious death.

Kathmandu: Hindus and Buddhists against ‘black festivals

Kathmandu: Hindus and Buddhists against ‘black festivals", i.e. the animal slaughter at Dashain

Christopher Sharma.Hundreds of people protest in front of the temples where Hindus sacrifice oxen, sheep, goats, and birds to the gods. The Dashain festival commemorates the gods’ great victory over wicked demons. For vegetarians, only “Pope Francis [. . .] is very serious in making appeals on behalf of the environment and animals”.

 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, EXPOSE them” Ephesians 5:11

 Section 1 - The Old Testament - God vs Baal

Elijah was becoming exasperated with the disobedience of the Jews and their constant wandering away from God. The nation that God had reserved for Himself by covenant kept prostituting itself with the evil Babylonian system. And so he challenged the priests of Baal to go to Mount Carmel for a contest in front of all Israel. Notice again how he chooses a mountain for this confrontation. They are competing to find out who is the commander of the high places and the real ‘most high’ God. The confrontation is designed to show God’s people once and for all that they should turn their back on Baal, who is Satan, and commit themselves to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent.  Then Elijah said to them, “I am the only prophet of the Lord who is left, but Baal as 450 prophets. Now bring two bulls. The prophets of Baal may choose whichever one they wish and cut it into pieces and lay it on the wood of their altar, but without setting fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood on the altar, but not set fire to it. Then call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by setting fire to the wood is the true God!” And all the people agreed.

Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “You go first, for there are many of you. Choose one of the bulls, and prepare it and call on the name of your god. But do not set fire to the wood.”

So they prepared one of the bulls and placed it on the altar. Then they called on the name of Baal from morning until noontime, shouting, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no reply of any kind. Then they danced, hobbling around the altar they had made.

About noontime Elijah began mocking them. “You’ll have to shout louder,” he scoffed, “for surely he is a god! Perhaps he is daydreaming, or is relieving himself. Or maybe he is away on a trip, or is asleep and needs to be wakened!”  So they shouted louder, and following their normal custom, they cut themselves with knives and swords until the blood gushed out. They raved all afternoon until the time of the evening sacrifice, but still there was no sound, no reply, no response.  Then Elijah called to the people, “Come over here!” They all crowded around him as he repaired the altar of the Lord that had been torn down. He took twelve stones, one to represent each of the tribes of Israel,and he used the stones to rebuild the altar in the name of the Lord. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold about three gallons

Mark Fairley

Praise Jesus

After BFF in Mumbai I and my wife reached home along with others. The Lord granted us a wonderful time to enjoy his presence seeing the mighty works God did for each one of them in Jesus name through his disciples (Goa and Mumbai team)

After reaching home, the next day I saw my neighbor Miss Ana Rose coming out of her flat going down to market and as usual wished her and inquired her when she arrived at Goa from Mumbai. She said yesterday at  6:30 pm. She reached by flight as it got delayed due to heavy rain.

So I said to her we also arrived from Mumbai yesterday night by train. She inquired the reason for us to be in Mumbai. I told her about the BFF we had in Panvel, Mumbai. She got enthusiast and asked me where do you pray or gather here. I said to her a new Troop church on the 2nd floor of our building on Saturdays  We gather at 7:00 p.m. she said “I want to attend” and I told her “sure”.

She attended and for the first time our sister prepared that day the Lord's supper as this was  the  4 th meeting and I had to explain her you cannot partake as one must be  water baptized ( immersion ). She immediately responded I am longing / desiring for a long time to be water baptized and I told her we will give you tomorrow and requested Bro. Aravind about it and we arranged the next day to baptize her and said even if it rains heavily you should not cancel as it was raining.

As we gathered the next day for preparing for the next BFF in Goa from  14th  Oct to 19 th Oct. That day at every 2 hrs interval  it was raining heavily, as we had to give water baptism to Sister Ana Rose and we prayed for rain to stop and for sunshine. Yes God answered our prayers and there was sunshine and did not rain , from that afternoon the rain stopped.

Praise Jesus , she was baptized  that day and she testified that she feels very light, like something lifted up from her. Praise Jesus One soul was brought to Goa from Mumbai by The Holy Spirit and added to His church and today Tuesday she left for Mumbai as she was desiring now to stay little longer.

Friends as I shared in the previous 2 BFF in the last,  while proposing the  a vote of thanks, I said  that we must go and make disciples, desire to bear fruit, that is winning souls for Christ. Surely God has done it and is doing it as we desire to step out to Go and make DISCIPLES.

Yes Jesus said I will make you Fishers of men. My prayer tonight is Lord Jesus give us India for CHRIST. Desire and Desire and Desire all you who have completed BFF and the Troop Church members.

Surely God will increase your fruit. The tree shall be known by its fruit.

Blessings.

- Br.Francis Alvares

Part 3 (concluding part) – The Epilogue : Why Jesus had to come down to earth?

IN THIS PART:

• Why the Son of Man had to take the human form?
• The redemption plan – seed of the woman to pay the price for sins!
• Jesus is the seed of the woman.
• Why virgin Mary?
• Satan disarmed and made null on the cross
• Hope for cancellation of generational curses
• Redemption plan: Jesus had to take the human form as a bond servant
  1. Prophecy about Son of Man in the bible
     1. In the book of Genesis (about 6000 years ago)
     2. Through a sorcerer named Baalam (1445-1405 BC)

• Messiah (Jesus), promised through Moses (1445-1405 BC)

1. Through prophet Isaiah (700-680 BC)

1. Gentile Babylonian emperor Nebuchadnezzar on rein of Jesus (confirming Isaiah 9:6-7) –536-530 BC
2. Medo Persian emperor Darius on the rein of Jesus, the son of man. 536-530 BC

• Prophet Daniel saw Jesus, the everlasting king of kings, in a vision – his kingdom shall not be destroyed!
• And the future (prophesied through John, the apostle at Patmos island) – 90-96 AD
• The redemption plan: Jesus defeated death
• Keys of death and hades back to Jesus, the Son of Man
• The box item: no one can kill Jesus, the Almighty God.
• Let the blind see: for those blind people who say Jesus was just a man and not the Son of God!
• Jesus has been given name above all the names:
• And Jesus is alive and active even today, doing miracles, signs and wonders:
• So, what is the verdict?

           The Son of God (Word of God)the second person of the trinity is eternal.The incarnated Word of God is called Jesus who was born on earth “When the time had fully come”(Gal 4:4)

     What Jesus has said about himself: “I am the only way to Heaven”

EPILOGUE:

WHY THE SON OF MAN HAD TO TAKE THE HUMAN FORM?

     Because of our sins, the Creator God had to come down to earth and live like a slave. The King of kings had to come down to give His life in the most horrible manner to redeem us from eternal death. If not for the price paid by Him we would not have any hope for eternal life.

     The Lord Himself tells this to Pilate.

     John 18:37 (NKJV) Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. FOR THIS CAUSE I WAS BORN, AND FOR THIS CAUSE I HAVE COME INTO THE WORLD, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” (to fulfil the prophecy in Genesis 3:15. His word alone is the truth-John 17:17).

     He came to the world to pay the price for sins committed by us.

     This plan was declared by the Lord in Eden garden when Adam and Eve fell to the deception of the serpent (devil).

THE REDEMPTION PLAN – SEED OF WOMAN TO PAY THE PRICE FOR SINS!

JESUS IS THE SEED OF WOMAN.

     Genesis 3:15 (NKJV) And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”

      When Adam and Eve committed the first sin, they had to pay the price because the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) and there is no redemption without shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:22).

      Instead of Adam and Eve or their descendants human beings paying the price for the sin with death, the Lord, the Creator of the universe chose to pay the price. The only route found out by Him was to come down to the earth in flesh and blood as a slave and allow satan to torture him and bleed him before killing Him (see the box item “no one can kill Jesus, the Almighty God”).

      Crucifixion route was chosen because in crucifixion alone the blood of the victim would be shed like the passover lamb.

      The Lord chose His own method of paying the price on the Cross and no one has a locus standi to question Him (Isaiah 40:13). He, being the repository of wisdom does not need anyone's counsel. Amen.

WHY VIRGIN MARY?

      The Lord chose virgin Mary because sin came into the world because of Eve, a woman. And redemption also had to come through a woman.

     Satan cunningly deceived the first woman – Eve, who was given as the greatest blessing to Adam (man). Satan succeeded in making the blessing into a curse. Now the Lord who created Eve had to do the reversal. That reversal had to happen through the same route which satan had taken. A woman had to be used to finish of satan for good and forever. Amen.

     And so, the Son of Man, Jesus was promised as the seed of woman in Genesis 3:15 and He came down at the right time as the seed of the woman to crush satan's head on the cross. Jesus accomplished it fully on the Cross.

    The Cross is a finished job (John 19:28,30). Full price for sin was paid to satan on the Cross. Amen.

    The Son of Man came to the earth at the right time.

    Galatians 4:4 (NKJV) But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

SATAN DISARMED AND MADE NULL ON THE CROSS

     Let us take a look at what had happened on the Cross – satan thought he finished Jesus, but the contrary had happened.

     Colossians 2:13 (NKJV) And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 HAVING DISARMED PRINCIPALITIES AND POWERS, HE MADE A PUBLIC SPECTACLE OF THEM, TRIUMPHING OVER THEM IN IT.

 - To be Continued

Biochip Technologies: From Fringe To Mainstream

Biochip technology is becoming big business, but not everyone is embracing the changes. There are concerns about the potential dangers these technologies can offer. Right now, implants are already being designed that will provide your medical information, act as a key to your home, and store business card information.

These are not wearable devices that you can put on and take off, but actual implantable devices that are placed under the skin. The implants work through RFID technology, which can be read by smartphones and readers that allow people access to buildings through ID cards or badges.

Current estimates indicate that some 50,000 people around the world may already have these implants and be using them for access to their homes and businesses, contact details, and more. While it is becoming a popular trend in some circles, there are real worries about where the use of these kinds of devices may take society.

The tags only work when the scanner activates them, so there is no worry about dead batteries, and they take only seconds to implant under the skin. That makes it sound almost too easy to get and start using these implants for all sorts of daily things.

Will This Become Mandatory?

One concern for many people is that the "chipping" of human beings may eventually become mandatory. Similar to how pet owners in some areas have seen the optional chipping of pets now become mandatory.  In that case, these chips would be needed as identity markers, much the same way people now carry a driver's license or ID card.

The implants could also be used to open doors, pay for things, and store medical and other types of data. But the argument against this is strong, coming from both religious individuals who feel the implants are similar to the "mark of the beast" that is mentioned in the Bible, and scientific individuals who worry about the long-term health effects of the chips on the human body. 

Will New Advancements Mean Additional Implants?

As technology moves forward, more options will be available to be implanted in human beings. These implants are the size of a grain of rice, but how many of them is too many, and how much data can they hold? Will they ever fail and need to be removed or replaced?

With so many questions still circulating when it comes to how these implants will be handled, it is entirely possible that advancements in technology will mean that new and better implants will come along. Since there are a number of good choices for placement of these implants, people could theoretically have an increasingly large number of them for different information and functions.

But What About Informed Consent? Among the biggest hurdles to the use of these tags is consent. While a healthy, competent adult could certainly choose to have a tag implanted, there may be others who would not be able to say yes or no to the procedure. That can include very young children, and the elderly who may have Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia. Additionally, those who have mental impairment or mental illness may struggle with understanding what the tag is for, and may not be able to consent to its usefulness and implantation.

Viruses and Hacking of People Instead of Machines

Computers and RFID scanners can get hacked. So can humans, if they have these implants. While storing data on a chip located inside the body may seem like the ultimate way of being safe when it comes to protecting information, that information can still be stolen under the right conditions. In theory, medical data, access to a home or a secure facility, and anything else that was stored on the implant could be the target of a hacker and could be something that a person would not want accessed by others. Controlling this kind of attack is very difficult, and data breaches happen every day in the technology sphere. Avoiding that with humans when it's so common with machines may not be realistic now, and may never be realistic, putting many people's data at near-constant risk. One can only imagine what would happen to a society that relies on such chip implants to function if it were struck with a widescale virus.  In 2010, Dr. Mark Gasson from the University of Reading had a chip inserted in his hand which was then infected with a virus.

In trials, Dr Gasson showed that the chip was able to pass on the computer virus to external control systems and if other implanted chips had then connected to the system they too would have been corrupted, he said. "With the benefits of this type of technology come risks. We may improve ourselves in some way but much like the improvements with other technologies, mobile phones for example, they become vulnerable to risks, such as security problems and computer viruses.

Government belongs to RSS, says BHU VC Girish Tripathi

Banaras Hindu University on Friday joined the controversies surrounding the premiere educational institutions in India as #SaveBHUfromRSS started trending on social media. The university that houses about 40,000 students making it one of the largest residential campuses in India, is facing accusations of rampant sexism by its students. Reports suggest that with the appointment of Girish Chandra Tripathi as the Vice Chancellor, the democratic representation of students, teachers and another staff has taken a back seat. Tripathi has been accused of openly endorsing the RSS ideology.

He also expelled Sandeep Pandey, winner of the Ramon Magsaysay award and renowned social activist. The expulsion is speculated to have happened as a result of Pandey’s denial of agreeing to the Sangh ideology. When objections surfaced as to his use of the university as an RSS unit, he openly said that there was nothing wrong in establishing an RSS shakha in BHU, since the Indian government itself belonged to the RSS.

With the VC talking on RSS principles and regulating them in the university, that should ideally be free of any political enforcement, it was only a matter of time that restrictions were imposed on students; more specifically female students. Reports have surfaced that the college administration has banned the use of mobile phones by girls after 10pm at night. As ridiculous as this may sound, the VC topped it with banning girls to study after 10 pm. His reason for such a rule was that girls who study at night are immoral. This has resulted in the 24×7 library being shut down for girl students at night. the prospectus of the BHU states that bus service can be availed by all the students of the university. Although, it has come to light that the female students have been banned from using it. Female students are also being made to sign affidavits stating that they would not participate or indulge in any protest or agitation. This is a direct choking off the fundamental rights of an Indian citizen. Female students are also banned for any sort of participation in socio-cultural activities outside the campus.

This discrimination between the genders also exists in the hostels as women are not allowed to consume meat as compared to their male counterparts. VC Girish Tripathi believes that the consumption of non-vegetarian food makes women “impure” in accordance with the Malviya rules. While male students have no curfew time, women have been asked to come back to the campus as early as 8 pm. women wearing short dresses and skirts are reported to have been reprimanded by the administration.

Protests cannot legally be organised by women as they were made to sign a lawful affidavit stating otherwise by the university administration. VC Tripathi has also been seen moral policing around the campus saying that it is aginst Indian cultures for boys and girls to hang out. The university has repeatedly warned the students that nay such acts would lead to a “category-A punishment”, which can be safely assumed to be a suspension. A few months ago, the university administration had denied the students’ demand for a cyber library stating the students ‘would’ use it to tune into pornography. The university, it seems remains ignorant about simple security software enabling them to ban porn sites. Although, under current circumstances, if the software is made available, the administration might use it to ban a lot more than just porn. The university administration solely consists of upper cast members of the Hindu community.

Students, though have been reported to have joined hands to form a joint action committee to stop the slow decay of saffronisation from spreading over the university. the committee is to spread information about the wrongs happening inside the walls of BHU to the world. Tags like #SaveBHUfromRSS and #StopCampusSexism were seen trending on social media with many prominent personalities all over the country were seen criticising the university for its enforcement of draconian traditions.

The BJP led Indian government has often been criticised for its age old views based on the Hindu books of mythology. While the Narendra Modi government has actively avoided any such controversies, it is high time that they step in to understand these issues and stop such rampant violations of fundamental rights of students.

ESV Bible Translation Revisions Won't Be Permanent Says Crossway: 'The Decision Was a Mistake'

Just a little over a month after its announcement that the text of the English Standard Version Bible will remain unchanged in all future editions, Crossway is now "convinced that this decision was a mistake" and would "allow for ongoing periodic updating of the text." The goal behind the earlier decision was "to stabilize the English Standard Version, serving its readership by establishing the ESV as a translation that could be used 'for generations to come,'" the Christian publisher says in a statement. "We desired for there to be a stable and standard text that would serve the reading, memorizing, preaching and liturgical needs of Christians worldwide from one generation to another."

But "this decision was a mistake," says Lane T. Dennis, Crossway president and CEO. "We apologize for this and for any concern this has caused for readers of the ESV, and we want to explain what we now believe to be the way forward. Our desire, above all, is to do what is right before the Lord." The Crossway Board of Directors and the ESV Translation Oversight Committee had unanimously decided that the ESV Bible would remain unchanged "throughout the life of the copyright" beginning the summer of 2016, calling it "the culmination of more than 17 years of comprehensive work by the Translation Oversight Committee, as authorized and initiated by the Crossway Board in 1998." That decision was made after making 52 word changes "to make only a very limited number of final changes to the ESV text, where such changes represented a substantial improvement in the precision, accuracy, and understanding of the ESV."

Crossway now believes that "the means to that goal … is not to establish a permanent text but rather to allow for ongoing periodic updating of the text to reflect the realities of biblical scholarship such as textual discoveries or changes in English over time." The updates are likely to be "minimal and infrequent," the publisher says, and adds, "but fidelity to Scripture requires that we remain open in principle to such changes, as the Crossway Board of Directors and the ESV Translation Oversight Committee see fit in years ahead." In its statement, Crossway also quotes the Preface to the ESV Bible, which reads: "We know that no Bible translation is perfect; but we also know that God uses imperfect and inadequate things to His honor and praise. So to our triune God and to His people we offer what we have done, with our prayers that it may prove useful, with gratitude for much help given, and with ongoing wonder that our God should ever have entrusted to us so momentous a task. To God alone be the glory!" Some biblical scholars had expressed concerns over the word changes Crossway made prior to its earlier announcement.

"This new translation of Genesis 3:16 suggests the curse against the woman is an act of God (a curse) that seals estrangement, alienation and tension between females and males," Northern Seminary New Testament professor Scot McKnight earlier told The Christian Post. "By so rendering this verse, the ESV creates the impression that females and males are contrarians with one another."

McKnight added that some think they make women rebellious and men authoritarian in response. "That is a sad and potentially dangerous interpretation for it gives the wrong kind of males a ready-made excuse for domination." Carolyn Custis James, a professor at Biblical Theological Seminary in Hatfield, Pennsylvania, also noted in a post on Missio Alliance that "because of the awkwardness of the ESV translation, I've heard pastors in churches with ESV Bibles in the pews abruptly interrupt their public Bible reading to explain that the actual meaning of the text is "brothers and sisters."

Iran Arrests 25 Christians in Raid Persecuting Believers for Their Faith in Jesus Christ

At least 25 Christians have been arrested in the Islamic Republic of Iran solely because of their faith in Jesus Christ, it has been reported. According to the National Council of Resistance in Iran, Iranian human rights outlets are reporting that over two dozen Christians were recently arrested during a raid by authorities in the southern city of Kerman. Security officials raided Christians' homes where they confiscated belongings and arrested as many as 25 believers. As of now, there has been no reason given for why the Christians were arrested and their location is unknown.

As Iran is ranked by Open Doors USA as the ninth worst country in the world when it comes to Christian persecution, the authorities in the Shia nation are widely known for their hostility towards Christians. Hostility toward Christianity and the Bible is so great in Iran that Christians must worship secretly in house churches. When religious police suspect Christians are gathering to worship in secret, they have been known to raid homes, arrest church leaders, worshipers and confiscate and destroy Bibles and other religious material. In August, armed Iranian agents raided a house church in the central city of Isfahan and arrested 11 Christians. The agents also confiscated Christian literature found in the house.

Then on Aug. 26, authorities raided a Christian picnic that was held in a garden in Firouz-Kouh County, which is north of the capital of Tehran. At least five people of the party had been arrested, according to Morning Star News. Mohabat News reports that police in Iran have begun cracking down on Christian weddings and gatherings in which Islamic principles are disregarded. Not even on Christmas are Christians in Iran safe from persecution. On Dec. 25, 2014, regime authorities raided a house church in in Roodehen and arrested nine Christians. According to NCRI, the Iranian government also executed seven Christians on Christmas Day. Despite the Iranian regime's hostility toward Christians, Christianity is on the rise in the Islamic Republic. As there are believed to be anywhere from 450,000 to 1 million Christians living in Iran, according to a source close to the Iranian house church movement who told The Christian Post in March that a "great, great number of Muslims are turning to Christ." Iranian-American Pastor Seed Abedini, who was imprisoned in Iran for over three-and-a-half years, recently shared the video testimony of one of his fellow Christian inmates in Iran. The video was recorded before Ali Asadi was set to be executed. According to Abedini, Asadi said in the video that he is not afraid of his coming death because he knows that it is the Iranian leaders who should be afraid of God's judgment."That kind of life which Muslims leaders in Iran have is a really scary life, because of God's judgment on them and they should FEAR [God]," Abedini quoted Asadi as saying.

 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, EXPOSE them” Ephesians 5:11

 Section 1 - The Old Testament - Ahab, Jezebel and Elijah

Now do Ahab and Jezebel remind you of anyone? They were virtually identical to Nimrod and Semiramis. It’s almost as though satan thought to himself that since this tactic had worked so well in Babylon, it might just be the one that would finally clinch victory in the battle to subvert the Israelites. Like when a play or shot works particularly well in sports, you’re tempted to use it again in the hope it produces the same result. This is what he was doing. He was attempting to create the same kind of structure within Israel that he had created in Babylon and was hoping the same end would be achieved.

Just as Semiramis had risen to power on the coat tails of Nimrod, the evil Jezebel wed herself to Ahab and introduced idolatry into their life as an evil religious practice. This was probably not a marriage of love; rather it was a spiritual and political affiliation designed to merge two different kingdoms. Just as Semiramis had an insatiable lust for power and would go to any ends to retain it, even killing her husband and plotting to kill her son, we see the same kind of spirit in Jezebel. A lust for power, control and domination. Given her background in Baal worship where sex acts and licentious living was exalted as a way to tap into the power of the gods, she would have had no qualms ‘sleeping her way to the top’. Ahab, King of Israel, was completely subdued and dominated by Jezebel. Israel was now full of pagan shrines, filled with priestess prostitutes servicing the worshippers. The sexual lure was more than the men of Israel could resist. By Jezebel’s influence, 10 million Israelites left the worship of God for Baal and Ashtoreth. Only 7000 people in the entire nation were not swayed by her control. This is how close Satan came to claiming Israel and thus, removing the last remaining barrier between him and world domination.

God however, as always, had a man for the job – Elijah. Jezebel had killed most of God’s prophets but hadn’t managed to get her hands on Elijah yet. And it was he who God used to turn Israel back from the brink. It all took place on Mount Carmel – a direct showdown between God and Baal. 

- Mark Fairley

The Truth About Israel's Christian Minority

 In the Gatestone Institute's August report on Christian persecution, Raymond Ibrahim described the brutal, rampant and global Islamic persecution of Christians and other minorities, including violations of religious freedom, harassment, detention, torture and executions. The accounts are too abundant and tragic to list in full, as many involve gruesome persecution, murder, and rape happening in Eritrea, Iran, Syria, Iraq, Uganda, Bangladesh, Congo, Philippines, Egypt, Tanzania, Pakistan, Germany, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Nigeria. Ibrahim concluded, "Such Muslim persecution is not random but rather systematic, and takes place in all languages, ethnicities and locations."

Elkhoury fled to Israel with family after his father, a former South Lebanon Army (SLA) officer, had to leave his homeland during Israel's withdrawal in May 2000.

Now that he's found safe refuge in Israel, Elkhoury writes and talks about the situation of Israeli Christians and minorities to various audiences and advocates for the Christian Empowerment Council (CEC) in Israel.

Elkoury concludes that to improve the life of Christians everywhere, Israeli Christians should speak out about their positive experiences as minorities in the Jewish state. "The Christian society is one of the successful minorities in Israel," he said. "There are people in high positions in education, in hospitals, courts - everywhere you look you will find a Christian in a high position. They are a quiet yet successful community, and they are not speaking out enough." I think we are heading towards a better future," he said. Indeed, through telling his story and educating the Christian sector, Elkoury is one of the few people creating that better future for his fellow Israeli Christians and Christian minorities around the world.

China's Christians Facing 'Harsh Religious Winter' as Gov't Crackdown Intensifies, Activists Warn

The Communist Party of China has intensified its ongoing crackdown of Christianity and other faiths with the publication of new rules and regulations that tighten the government's grip on underground churches, persecution watchdog groups have said. China Aid, which reports on religious freedom issues in China, said late last week that the new restrictions are aimed at dispersing Christian house churches and silencing Tibetan and Xinjiang separatists.

The Revised Draft of Regulations on Religious Affairs is expected to formally come into effect early in October, and includes prohibitions on "organizing citizens to attend religious training, conferences and activities abroad," "preaching, organizing religious activities, and establishing religious institutions or religious sites at schools," and "providing religious services through the internet."

Christian Boy May Be Executed in Pakistan for Posting 'Blasphemous' Picture on Facebook

A Pakistani Christian boy who was arrested earlier this week could face the death penalty after he was accused of posting a picture on Facebook that Muslims consider to be blasphemous toward Islam.

Obama Should Have Talked About 'Unprecedented Persecution' of Christians at UN, Watchdog Groups Say

Several persecution watchdog groups have said that President Barack Obama should have spoken out more forcefully for persecuted Christians and other religious minorities at his final U.N. General Assembly speech, as world leaders continue meeting this week in New York. "While President Obama referenced the tragic conflict in Syria and the 'mindless, medieval menace of ISIL,' in his speech at the UN General Assembly, I was disappointed that he did not reference the unprecedented level of brutal persecution faced by Christians, Yazidis, and other religious minorities throughout the Middle East," Kristin Wright, director of advocacy at Open Doors USA, told The Christian Post in a statement. "I believe the American people want to see greater evidence of deep concern from the president of the United States — in word and action — for those living under the tyranny of religious persecution,"

Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, EXPOSE them” Ephesians 5:11

 Section 1 - The Old Testament -  Ahab, Jezebel and Elijah

Immediately after Israel was established in the Promised Land of Canaan it was governed by a system of Judges and God was considered their supreme ruler or king. But by the time of 1 Samuel the people started to demand a human king in order to be like the other nations around them. In spite of God’s warnings about this they persisted with the request and God obliged. The first human king was Saul who was soon replaced by David. This takes us onto the book of 1 Kings in the Bible where the subsequent successions kings are documented. These transitions of leadership led to a downward spiral and the eventual division of Israel and throughout it all, we see a constant invasion of Baal worship over the years. Satan was still going with Plan A at this point.

The pivotal figure was king Ahab. And just as Nimrod’s importance was hinted at by the extra attention given to him in Genesis, the same can be said of king Ahab in the book of 1 Kings. The writer makes sure to elaborate on his reign and to tell us his story in greater depth than the others.  The Bible says of Ahab that “he did evil in the Lord’s sight, even more than any of the kings before him.” This guy was the worst of the worst. There had been bad kings before but no one touched Ahab. Not only this, but he married a woman called Jezebel, who was the princess daughter of Ethbaal, Canaanite King of Tyre and Sidon and priest of Astarte. You couldn’t get a worse combination of titles and clearly this was not the kind of family the king of Israel should have been marrying into. For a people that God was intent on keeping undefiled and pure, this marriage would pose significant problems.

As expected, soon after their marriage, the pollution began. Ahab established  temple for Baal and an Asherah pole in Israel for his wife’s sake. An Asherah pole is basically an obscene phallic symbol (remember paganism is obsessed with sex) otherwise known as an obelisk. But Queen Jezebel was not content to simply allow the worship of Baal and Asherah concurrently with the worship of Israel’s true God; she was determined to eliminate worship of the true God altogether. She embarked on a campaign whereby most of God’s prophets were killed and in their place were installed false prophets for Baal and Asherah. She successfully controlled Ahab, implemented idol worship and had him build a temple in their honour.

As a result the biblical record shows Israel plunging from the heights of David’s glorious and Godly reign to the depths of the pagan idolatry and Satanism under Ahab and this was in many ways Israel’s darkest hour. Satan was very close to  winning God’s chosen people to himself once and for all. The apostasy of Israel was almost complete. The foundations of Godliness were fast crumbling. The judgement of God was forthcoming.

 To be continued

Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, EXPOSE them” Ephesians 5:11

 Section 1 - The Old Testament -  Plan A & Plan B

When the Israelites eventually did reach the Promised Land the first thing they were commanded by God to do was destroy all the altars and images that had been set up there by pagan tribes to honour Baal and Asherah. Once more we see an insistence from God that their camp is kept clean. Holiness is paramount.The fate of the world is resting on these people. Instead of doing so, they ended up turning their back on God and worshipping the idols again. The lure of the gods that surround them and the culture in which they have been steeped keeps polluting and sidetracking God’s people and God is constantly disciplining them and drawing them back into Him. The battle between God and Satan for this people group manifests itself in a tug of war where the Israelites are constantly rebelling and being restored.

The determination of Satan to destroy the relationship the Jews have with God throughout the Bible is very clear. They were after all fast becoming the last barrier between him and total domination. He wasn’t about to leave them alone.

And at this point I want to introduce you to an absolutely vital point which we’ll develop in the following parts. I call it Satan’s Plan A and Plan B and it crops up constantly so we really need to get a hold of it. What Satan wants above everything else is domination or control. Now there are two ways to achieve this. One way is considered the feminine way which is employed when in a position of weakness. It’s manipulation. If women are to attempt to control their husbands, this is generally how they do it. Through tears, hurt feelings, emotional blackmail etc. The second way of achieving domination is considered the masculine way and it’s through violence or intimidation. This is generally how men control people, by threatening with their strength. So there’s a feminine way associated with the moon goddess or Asherah, which I refer to as Plan A, and a masculine way associated with the sun god or Baal that I refer to as Plan B. But both techniques are aiming for the same satanic end, which is control or domination.

Now up until this stage of human history, Satan had always managed to get his way with Plan A; subtle manipulation. He appealed to the pride of the angels and a third of them followed him. He appealed to the pride of Adam and Eve and the same thing happened. After the flood he managed to influence Nimrod and Semiramis and satanic polytheism began filling the Earth. He must have felt pretty pleased with himself because in the time period between Adam and Moses, human beings had actually been very easy pickings for him. He’d been able to sway  pretty much whoever he wanted, whenever he wanted, without much resistance. He’d never had to go to war against humans in an overt sense; he’d merely appealed to their vanity and offered them the world. In the face of that offer, they had buckled every time.

Some more examples of this. When the Muslim prophet Muhammad first established Islam, his initial approach to the Jews was the same. Muhammad tried to be subtle about introducing his false religion into their midst. He claimed he served the same God as them and was a prophet.  This was Plan A. When the Jews rejected his claims, he turned violent against them and was hell bent on their destruction for the rest of his days. This was Plan B. When Jesus was in the wilderness prior to the commencement of his ministry, Satan tempted him with Plan A. He promised him land, wealth, status. When Jesus turned him down, Satan saw to it that he was crucified. This was Plan B. When Edmund finds himself in Narnia in the Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis, the white witch is charming and polite, offering him Turkish Delight and hot chocolate.

 To be continued

Praise God for the successful completion of   10703 slots in National Worship Centre with a Non Stop   Worship (24/7)

Be Formed and Form is a 5 day short term course. This training is a challenge to the present Church. Because our Lord Jesus Christ (Head of the Church) wants the Church to be transformed according to Ephe 5:26,27. To make her holy, (cleansing her by the washing with water through the word), and to present her himself as a radiant Church. Today the Church is ignorant about the will of our Lord Jesus Christ. By this BFF training , the Church awakes and arises to shine in the world.

The educated as well as the uneducated can apply . Send your Resume, Recent Passport size Photograph (3 Copies), ID Proof and reference letters to

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Message by Sr.Angelica on August 14,2016(National Light House Conference) at Chennai

Ground is ready for Troop Churches

What is a Troop Church?

A Church where every believer is trained as a soldier to fight with satan.

A Church where every member manifests the five signs mentioned in Mark 16:17,18

A Church which is not institutional,  no buildings, lands or properties of its own

A Church which is not hierarchical

A Church which is not denominational

A Church which equips every soldier to be  a leader with shepherding qualities

A Church which gathers in houses, workplaces, offices etc

A Church which disperses after finding 10 members to start a new troop within a given time.

How to build this Church?

1. With living stones (1 peter 2:4,5 )  of  two types
2. Raw as it is cut  from the rock
3. trimmed with hammer and chisels as per 1 Ki 6:7 (in their workplaces, families)

One  will gather 10 members (stone upon stone,) as Jesus trained His disciples. (Mat. 28:19,20) They will be trained in the troop which will be the  process making disciples.

“In union with him the whole building is joined together and rises into a holy sanctuary for the Lord. You, too, are being built in him, along with the others, into a place for God's Spirit to dwell.” Eph 2:21-22 

How to be built in Him along with the others into a place for God’s Spirit to dwell? The brothers and sisters who are in  Chennai  are going to prove  to you that the place where God’s spirit  dwells is the troop Church where they come together for

Comforting each other (Is 40:1)

Ministering to each other  (through prophesying)

Loving each other (1 Cor 13:4-8)

Caring for each other (phil. 2:4)

Sharing with each other (Acts: 4:32)

Correcting each other  (Mat 18:15)

Fellowshipping with each other(Heb 10:25)

Supporting each other (3 Jn 1:8)

In the past 18 years, from 1998-2016, we have seen the evolution of Troop Meetings into Troop Churches. In the year 2014, a command came from the Lord to convert Troop meetings into Troop Churches. A few believers  tried it and it was proved  successful. After trying it in one Troop Church in Chennai,  they got the courage to bring out this revelation  to the whole Church in India. Today is the day, The Church in Chennai wants to cry out this truth to the whole of India. That is why you are here. This is the importance of the day.

Thank you for accepting the invitation.

To those who have applied the new strategy of the Lord, (Troop Churches) I make an appeal to you dear soldiers of Jesus Christ,.

“ I tell you, unless your righteousness greatly exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven!" Mat 5:20 

2000 years old Church which existed on this earth has made great contributions   to human history. But the earth  still  longs to see the manifestation of the glorious Church in all its beauty, which suits its bridegroom, Jesus Christ.

“… not only the creation, but we who have the first fruits of the Spirit also groan inwardly as we eagerly await our adoption, the redemption of our bodies. i.e. to be set free from corrupting bondage in order to share the glorious freedom of God's children”..Rom 8:23,21

Let the Troop Church soldiers’ righteousness exceed the righteousness of all the existing Churches on earth. This is possible only through the Holy Spirit.

Like Hiram sent a craftsman to Solomon who was an expert in everything, let us commit and surrender ourselves fully into the hands of Holy Spirit  who can do everything in us and basically change our fleshly character into the divine nature of Jesus Christ  who  is  the owner and Master of the Church.

-To be Continued

Ecumenical Movement Tries To Push Catholic & Protestant Churches Together

Are there fundamental differences between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism? Do any such differences matter at all? Historical events demonstrate that Protestant belief was in fact birthed out of a major protest or rebellion against theological doctrines held by the Catholic Church that were considered heretical.

Heather Clark for ChristianNews.net recently narrated a summary of the historical chronology of events that led up to the current split. Clark recounted that the Protestant Reformation, which resulted in the Counter-Reformation by the Jesuits, was sparked by a monk and scholar named Martin Luther, who served the Roman Catholic Church in Wittenberg, Germany.

 "I think I've found the truth at last," the classic film "Martin Luther" depicts Luther as stating to a Church official. "By faith man lives and is righteous, not by what he does for himself, be it adoration of relics, singing of masses, pilgrimages to Rome, purchase of pardon for his sins, but by faith in what God has done for him already through His Son."

Following the revelation, Luther began to challenge the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church, compiling a list of '95 theses' where he asserted that Catholic doctrine contradicted the Scriptures. He was later summoned to appear before a meeting of the Church and was declared a heretic and excommunicated.

Yet today there is a drive to re-unite the two major but opposite theological camps in an ecumenical exercise that emphasizes unity irrespective of significant doctrinal difference and conflicting Biblical interpretations with regards to the Christian tenets of faith.

In one such example, Clark reported that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) recently voted overwhelmingly to approve a declaration of unity with the Roman Catholic Church in an endeavor to "enumerate the many points of agreement between Lutherans and Catholics"--a move that some state is contrary to Biblical Christianity.

Coincidentally, the ELCA and Roman Catholicism both teach 'replacement theology', i.e. that the church has replaced Israel and become the heir of all covenants made with her. This could explain the two anti-Israel resolutions passed at the recent ELCA assembly.

The "Declaration on the Way" was approved 931-9 in New Orleans. It "seeks to make more visible the unity we share by gathering together agreements reached on issues of church, Eucharist, and ministry." However, it is called "on the way" because "dialogue has not yet resolved all the church-dividing differences on these topics."

"Dear sisters and brothers, let us pause to honor this historic moment," ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton said in an address to the assembly. "Though we have not yet arrived, we have claimed that we are, in fact, on the way to unity. After 500 years of division and 50 years of dialogue, this action must be understood in the context of other significant agreements we have reached, most notably the 'Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification' in 1999."

While this month's ELCA declaration calls out points of agreement between evangelical Lutherans and Roman Catholics, it also outlines several areas where differences remain between the two entities:

" Roman Catholics believe in transubstantiation, while Lutherans do not believe that communion is transformed "into the [actual] substance of the body and blood of Christ."

" Lutherans question the global papacy, which Roman Catholics assert is of the succession of Peter.

Mike Gendron, a former Roman Catholic who now leads Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries, an organization dedicated to evangelizing Catholics, said that the ECLA is in error in seeking to find common ground with Roman Catholicism despite these doctrinal disparities.

"By seeking unity with the Catholic religion they are departing from the Biblical faith of the Reformers," he told Christian News Network. "They need to know that there can never be Biblical unity between Roman Catholics and denominations which uphold the Gospel of God."

He noted several other integral and fundamental differences between evangelicals and Roman Catholics:

" The Bible teaches justification by faith; Catholicism condemns with anathema those who believe justification is by faith alone (Romans 4);

" The Bible teaches we are born again by the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit; Catholicism teaches regeneration is by water baptism (John 3);

" The Bible teaches we are purified of sin by the blood of Jesus; Catholicism teaches purification is by the fires of purgatory (1 John 1:7);

" The Bible teaches that Jesus is the one Mediator between God and man; Catholicism offers many mediators including Mary and its priests (1 Timothy 2:5).

Gendron said that unity simply for the sake of religious unity is contrary to the Scriptures.

Yet another clear bone of contention is the role of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ who holds an elevated and revered position in Roman Catholicism. Clark in a separate report stated that Pope Francis recently prayed for Mary to intercede for the oppressed.

The Pope recently urged the thousands gathered to observe what is known as the Roman Catholic "Feast of the Assumption" that Mary had been "assumed into Heaven body and soul."

"To the Queen of Peace, who we contemplate today in heavenly glory, I wish to entrust once again the anxieties and sufferings of the people who, in many parts of the world, are innocent victims of persistent conflict," he said. The Pope also led those gathered in the Magnificat and a recitation of the Angelus Domini.

Gendron held this belief about Mary to be un-Biblical. "The dogma that celebrates the assumption of Mary's body into Heaven is closely tied to another Catholic dogma, which is, the immaculate conception of Mary," he explained. "In 1854, Pope Pius IX declared Mary was conceived free from original sin and she remained free of every personal sin throughout her entire life

"Two thousand years ago the Pharisees nullified the word of God with their ungodly traditions and were soundly rebuked and called hypocrites by the Lord Jesus (Mark 7:6-14). Catholic bishops have made the same fatal error by rejecting and opposing God's word," Gendron said.

He noted that the Bible clearly states that all have sinned--including Mary, who Catholics declare to have been conceive immaculately, i.e. without inherited sin, and therefore received into Heaven bodily.

"In Romans 3:10-12, 23, we read, 'None is righteous, no, not one...All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one ... all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.'

Gotquestions.com explains that Mary herself understood this fact, as she declared in Luke 1:47, ". . . and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. . ." Mary recognized that she needed the Savior. The Bible never says that Mary was anyone but an ordinary human whom God chose to use in an extraordinary way.

Despite these stark differences on critical aspects of doctrine, the ecumenical movement continues to seek unity at any cost. Early June, Clark reported on an event featuring Hillsong United, Lecrae, Michael W. Smith, Josh McDowell, Ravi Zacharias, Francis Chan and other prominent evangelical and Catholic speakers and musicians that took place in Washington, D.C.

Worship leader, Matt Maher, who identifies as a Roman Catholic, has declared at other ecumenical events, that he believes it is his calling to work toward to the unification of Christians and Catholics.

"We've never seen a unified church before in the history of the church since the Reformation. We don't even know what it looks like," he said at OneThing 2015. "I think what the work of unity starts with [is]: It starts with us praying together. It starts with us fellowshipping together. It starts with us having a common respect for each other, a love for each other."

 "Together 2016" was convened with the unity agenda in mind. The ecumenical event was held on July 16 at the National Mall in Washington, and sought to unite those of various backgrounds to "stand together for Jesus." Both Christians and Catholics alike were featured at the prayer and worship event.

"Together 2016 is about laying aside what divides us to lift up Jesus who unites us," organizer Nick Hall of PULSE told Christian News Network. "We are coming together in historic unity to pray for a reset for our nation."

Pope Francis also delivered a video message to those in attendance.

"We are humbled and honored by his involvement and are eager to share his message with the crowd that gathers at Together 2016," Hall told the Christian Post. "That His Holiness would choose to speak into this historic day is a testament to the urgency and the need for followers of Jesus to unite in prayer for our nation and our world."

Gendron begged to differ, saying that Jesus Himself came to divide with truth, and prayed that His Church would be sanctified by that truth.

"It was the Lord Jesus Christ who came to divide: He divides with His word and His gospel. He divides mother against daughter, father against son--and we must remain sanctified and not united with any who are not born again," he explained. "More than ever, we must maintain the exclusivity of the Gospel of Christ. What hope does an unbelieving world have unless we maintain the purity of the Gospel?"

Gendron also stated that he is concerned about the message that it will send when Christians see evangelical leaders involved with an event that validates Roman Catholicism and therefore does not view those in that religion as a mission field.

"This is going to put the Gospel off-limits to many Roman Catholics who are there, so it will also confuse the evangelical Church," he said.

According to gotquestions.com, confusion is already rampant in this regard. The site teaches that a key distinction between Catholics and Christians is the view of the Bible. Catholics view the Bible merely as having equal authority with the Church and tradition while Christians view the Bible as the supreme authority for faith and practice.

A second key difference between Catholics and Bible Christians is the understanding of how we can approach God. Catholics tend to approach God through intermediaries, such as Mary or the saints. Christians approach God directly, offering prayers to no one other than God Himself. The Bible proclaims that we ourselves, through Christ our High Priest, can approach God's throne of grace with boldness. (Hebrews 4:16)

There is no need for mediators or intermediaries, as Christ is our one and only Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), and both Christ and the Holy Spirit are already interceding on our behalf (Romans 8:26-27; Hebrews 7:25).

Gotquestions.com adds that the most crucial difference between Catholics and Bible Christians is on the issue of salvation. Catholics view salvation almost entirely as a process, while Christians view salvation as both a completed status and a process.

Catholics see themselves as "being saved," while Christians view themselves as "having been saved."

The Bible presents salvation as a gift that is received the moment a person places faith in Jesus Christ as Savior (John 3:16) and that salvation is an accomplished work, purchased by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ (1 John 2:2). Hebrews 7:27 says, "He sacrificed for their sins once for all when He offered Himself."

The Catholic viewpoint is that salvation is received by faith, but then must be "maintained" by good works and participation in the Sacraments.

In the light of all these critical and undeniable differences, should Christians and Catholics still be uniting ecumenically without addressing these major issues, pretending that they don't exist or are not of any consequence?

Should unity be had at the expense of Biblical truth? Should traditions take precedence over the revealed will of God? As Jesus aptly stated: "Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Mark 7:7).

Yes, both groups should have a mutual love for each other. However, the scriptures still admonish Bible believers not to be "unequally yoked" with non-believers (2 Corinthians 6:14) but to rather "come out from among them" (2 Corinthians 6:14) and to avoid fellowship with those not in agreement with the infallibility and final authority of the Scriptures.

INDIAN PASTOR ABDUCTED AND KILLED

Pastor Uika Maria of Lachipuram church, Chintur ( located about 1.5 miles from Motu, a block of the Malkangiri district of Odisha) has been abducted and killed by the Naxalites. His dead body was found on in the morning on July 20, 2016. His body was found near the jungle with a poster accusing him of being a police informer. It claims he was trying to motivate and encourage the people of the tribe against Naxalism.

G20: Beijing free Christians from five months in prison for subversion

Ji Qingcao, Ji Qingcou, Ou Jinsi, Mei Xueshun and He Lijing were arrested in April on charges of public disorder and obstruction to the government. In fact, they were protesting the demolition of the Guankou Church. A Wenzhou Christian: The government is trying to pacify the area ahead of the summit of world powers.

Pakistan: Taliban-linked Jamaat-ur-Ahrar claims suicide bomb attack on Christian Colony in Peshawar

Two of the attackers detonated their suicide jackets while two others were killed by security forces, officials were quoted as saying by the Dawn News.

In a brazen assault, four heavily-armed suicide attackers on Friday stormed a Christian colony, opening indiscriminate fire that left one person dead and several others injured before the terrorists were gunned down by security forces in this northwestern Pakistani city. Pakistani Taliban-linked Jamaat-ur-Ahrar claimed the responsibility for the attack.

The firing began around 6 AM when terrorists attacked the colony and exchanged fire with security forces in Warsak area of Peshawar district in Khyber-Pakthunkhwa province, officials said. Two of the attackers detonated their suicide jackets while two others were killed by security forces, officials were quoted as saying by the Dawn News. One civilian was also killed in the attack, they said. “Terrorist attacked Christian Colony Warsak Road, Peshawar. Security forces promptly responded. All 4 suicide bombers killed. Search in progress,” Director General Inter-Services Public Relations Asim Bajwa tweeted.

In the exchange of fire, two Frontier Corps soldiers, a police constable and two civilian guards were injured. No outfit has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

Peshawar has faced numerous terrorist attacks, including the December 2014 massacre of students at an army-run school. Taliban gunmen had killed more than 150 people, most of them children, in the deadliest attack.

Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, EXPOSE them” Ephesians 5:11

 Section 1 - The Old Testament - The Desert Years

Eventually Pharaoh let the Jews go as documented in the book of Exodus butafter the dramatic and miraculous escape into the wilderness, they lost faith in the God who had liberated them and after just 2 months in the wilderness they were drawn back to the worship of false gods in the desert – the same gods that they had been surrounded with all their lives in Egypt. While Moses was at the top of Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments from God, the people at the foot of the mountain began to wonder if he was ever coming down again. They lost faith and demanded that new gods be made to show them the way. They built a golden calf and claimed that this was the god that had led them out of slavery. Why a golden calf? Remember that Nimrod was represented by a bull and had a crown of bull horns because the Chaldean word for “ruler” also meant “bull”. Thus, a bull was chosen to symbolise Nimrod in his worship. Gold was chosen because gold depicted the colour of the sun.

Incidentally, have you ever wondered why Satan is often depicted with bull horns coming out of his head? Now you know. And have you ever wondered why Hindus regard bulls as sacred? Seems random doesn’t it? But now you know. Look for the threads, connect the dots, and you’ll always end up back at Babylon. With your understanding of Babylon from this series so far, you should begin to see connections you hadn’t seen before. Following after the abominable patterns of worship set by Nimrod and Semiramis, which included sexual rituals and fornication, Moses returned from the mountain to find the Israelites defiling themselves by revelling in this kind of behaviour.They defiled themselves in every sense by worshipping this satanic god,allowing idols into their camp and in the depraved acts they perpetrated in their name.

Now we have already seen examples of the cancerous spread of wickedness in the world and the same was threatening to happen amongst God’s chosen people here. Moses had to take swift action to purge the camp. A little yeast is quick to infect the whole batch and the Jews simply had to be kept holy. They were absolutely vital to God’s master plan of salvation for the world. If they too were lost to paganism, there was no hope for mankind. The whole world would be doomed to hellish misery and destruction. If the Jews did not survive as a righteous people devoted to God, then there would be no people group through whom Jesus could be born. The Messiah who was destined to die on a cross for the sins of the world, overcoming death and Satan in the process to free mankind  from the yoke of slavery it was currently under couldn’t come. The Bible that tells us about those events would never have been written meaning we would be without hope. The very existence of hope, life and liberty hinged on what happened to the Jews; it was that important. Moses made a tough decision. He asked all those who were on the Lord’s side to come to him. They were then told to strap on their swords and to kill those who weren’t. Around 3000 died that day.

This incident is used by modern atheists to portray God as a blood thirsty monster, unworthy of worship. But if those 3000 hadn’t died, the Jews had turned to paganism and Jesus hadn’t come, I doubt if there would even be a world today.

And if there was, it would be hell on earth. Satan would be running amok and there would be nothing but wickedness, depravity, pain and misery. We only have to look in further detail at some of the practices associated with the ancient gods to get an idea.

To be continued

Message by Sr.Angelica on August 14,2016(National Light House Conference) at Chennai

The need to  change the  present Church into His Model Church – How the Church deteriorated

Christianity made  a religion during Constantine’s period – 313 AD

Deterioration of Christianity – Complete - 300-500 AD & Dark Ages – 500 AD – 1500 AD

Reformation through Martin Luther – 1517 onwards

Reformation was only  partial solution and did not bring  100% result because of 2 reasons.

1. Instead of people, (1 Cor. 3:16,17) Constructed Buildings called Churches,

2. Hierarchical Structure. The reformers and followers still failed in abolishing these. Continued to have these two.

 Bible brought t the knowledge of ordinary people.  With the exposure of Bible after 1000 years of prohibition,   humanity entered into a new era. Protestant movement in Christian history

After 400 years, (In 1900)  Pentecostal movement started to complete the renewal . With it came the latter rain promised in Zach 12:1,2. It spread like wild fire across the world in 100 years.  But why rapid Evangelization is not taking place by the Church? We left the Bible  pattern (given in  Acts ) and invented our own Church patterns and spread it throughout the world. Now the Lord is bringing  back what was lost.

By  introducing  the real model of Jesus Christ’s Church the earth will be ready  for the latter rain and the  final harvest.

House/Troop Church is going back to the original sources and finding what was lost.. Acts 2:41-47.

Signs of the final harvest

1. Persecution of Christians throughout the world

2. Deterioration of the hierarchical and organizational Churches

3. Dissatisfaction of Christians and  Believers about  the present Church structure.

4. Development of house Church patterns throughout the world.

In India 2015 was the year for uprooting, tearing down and pulling down the old wrong pattern and 2016 is the year for building up and planting the real Church pattern. It is named Troop Church.

-To be Continued

Why Are The Pulpits Silent On Bible Prophecy?

What incredible times we live in -- like no previous generation. The world is heading pell-mell for a conclusion though nobody knows the timing on this. But we are privileged to look at signs that are like clouds forming on the horizon. In the 1970s there were only a few events that were prophecy-related happening. There were minor shakings but sometimes connecting the dots was even a stretch!

Fast forward to today and there are so many prophecy-related events happening daily and hourly that it presents a major dilemma for those of us watching the signs of the times to know just where to focus.

 It is a privilege and a challenge to be born for such a time as this. Very little that is predicted to happen in the "last days" is good news and who wants a steady dose of bad? But if one can "look up" one can bear the heartache of looking around as the signs of the times explode on our news outlets.

The Bible asks us to be "watchmen" (Ezekiel 33). We're to be sounding an alarm. Trouble is ahead. Time is short. And I have never felt such a sense of urgency and the realization that time is, indeed, short.

I am watching signs "converge." They are stunning and breathtaking. But most pastors will not talk about them!

A third of America's Protestant pastors expect Christians to be Raptured -- or taken up in the sky to meet Jesus -- as the last of the last days begin. Over 36% believe in a pre-Tribulation Rapture. In spite of this glorious good news, their pulpits remain silent.

Over 50% of Protestant pastors, according to the survey, believe in a literal Antichrist -- but their pulpits are silent.

Most pastors hold to the basic teachings of Christ's Second Coming -- but their pulpits are silent.

This same survey says almost 50% of Protestant pastors believe in a coming Millennium and hold to premillennialism.  At this time we finally do away with the curse and fallen human nature -- but their pulpits are silent.

Pastor Tom Hughes leads The 412 Church in San Jacinto, California. He has written a thoughtful article titled, "Five Reasons Pastors Don't Teach Bible Prophecy." He writes, "Prophecy fills the Bible. End time prophecy touches every person alive today. Jesus taught on it. So did John, Paul, Peter, James, and Jude. Yet only a small percentage of churches teach this crucial part of God's message to our generation.

"Some pastors don't teach it for theological reasons. They don't believe it, don't think it applies to us, consider it symbolic, or whatever. Others believe we're probably living near the end of the age, but still refuse to touch the topic. They see it as an elective part of God's curriculum. Take it or leave it."

Hughes continues, "That's not how Jesus saw it. He reprimanded the Pharisees and Sadducees for not discerning the times. 'When it is evening you say, it will be fair weather, for the sky is red; and in the morning, it will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening. Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.' " (Matthew 16:2-3 NKJV)

Hughes concludes, "More than a quarter of the Bible is prophecy -- much of it yet to be fulfilled. How can we give congregations a well-rounded understanding of scripture if we leave out such a vital part of it?"

He then goes on to list these five reasons pastors may not be sharing these issues in the pulpit:

1) They don't understand prophecy.

2) They fear offending members of the church.

3) They sense this will scare people.

4) People might not tithe if they think we're close to the end.

5) There is fear in looking like the "loony-tune fringe. The Harold Campings have done great damage.

The prophecies of the first coming of Christ were fulfilled. They stand as evidence that the Bible can be trusted. Prophecies of His second coming work the same way, except we get to witness these events in our time, often with our own eyes.

The nations of the world seem moved, as though by a hidden hand, into exactly the right positions on a global chess board. What an amazing thing to see it happening before our eyes! It builds faith and draws our attention God-ward. And it is a fantastic evangelism tool. 

I think the church is headed into the home stretch of her history! I base that not on emotions or wishful thinking. I base that on what I see happening daily.  Man can live for a week or two without food. We can live only days without water. But our spirits are crushed within hours without hope.

We have the good news of the ultimate hope -- the "blessed hope." (Titus 2:13) His glorious appearing. Pastors, please don't remain silent!  Share the only good news out there.

Christians Urged to Help 'Save Christian Mom Asia Bibi From Execution' in Petition to Pakistan Supreme Court

The American Center for Law and Justice and other groups are calling on Christians to raise up their voices to support Asia Bibi, a Christian mother of five whose death sentence appeal will be heard by Pakistan's Supreme Court in October. Bibi was sentenced to death in 2010 on allegations of blasphemy after two co-workers accused her of insulting the Muslim prophet Muhammad. Earlier this week, the Supreme Court set a date in October for her final appeal hearing to determine whether she will be executed or not.

The ACLJ is urging Christians to sign a petition, which has over 417,000 signatures as of Thursday morning, describing Bibi's case as the "ultimate human rights violation," and calls for her release.

Radical Muslims Kill 8 People in Nigeria, Vandalize Churches After Christian Student Is Accused of Insulting Islam

A mob of radical Muslims vandalized multiple churches in northern Nigeria and beat a Christian student nearly to death after he was accused of insulting the Muslim prophet Muhammad.International Christian Concern reports that the attacks revolved around an argument at Abdu Gusau Polytechnic in Talata-Mafara, Zamfara State, between a Christian and a Muslim student on Sunday.The Christian was accused of blasphemy by other Nigerian students and was severely beaten by the angry mob. His life was saved by a fellow Christian and a compassionate Muslim who helped carry the victim to the hospital

Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, EXPOSE them” Ephesians 5:11

 Section 1 - The Old Testament - The Desert Years

Eventually Pharaoh let the Jews go as documented in the book of Exodus but after the dramatic and miraculous escape into the wilderness, they lost faith in the God who had liberated them and after just 2 months in the wilderness they were drawn back to the worship of false gods in the desert – the same gods that they had been surrounded with all their lives in Egypt. While Moses was at the top of Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments from God, the people at the foot of the mountain began to wonder if he was ever coming down again. They lost faith and demanded that new gods be made to show them the way. They built a golden calf and claimed that this was the god that had led them out of slavery. Why a golden calf? Remember that Nimrod was represented by a bull and had a crown of bull horns because the Chaldean word for “ruler” also meant “bull”. Thus, a bull was chosen to symbolise Nimrod in his worship. Gold was chosen because gold depicted the colour of the sun.

Incidentally, have you ever wondered why Satan is often depicted with bull horns coming out of his head? Now you know.

And have you ever wondered why Hindus regard bulls as sacred? Seems random doesn’t it? But now you know. Look for the threads, connect the dots, and you’ll always end up back at Babylon. With your understanding of Babylon from this series so far, you should begin to see connections you hadn’t seen before. Following after the abominable patterns of worship set by Nimrod and Semiramis, which included sexual rituals and fornication, Moses returned from the mountain to find the Israelites defiling themselves by revelling in this kind of behaviour. They defiled themselves in every sense by worshipping this satanic god,allowing idols into their camp and in the depraved acts they perpetrated in their name.

Now we have already seen examples of the cancerous spread of wickedness in the world and the same was threatening to happen amongst God’s chosen people here. Moses had to take swift action to purge the camp. A little yeast is quick to infect the whole batch and the Jews simply had to be kept holy. They were absolutely vital to God’s master plan of salvation for the world. If they too were lost to paganism, there was no hope for mankind. The whole world would be doomed to hellish misery and destruction. If the Jews did not survive as a righteous people devoted to God, then there would be no people group through whom Jesus could be born. The Messiah who was destined to die on a cross for the sins of the world, overcoming death and Satan in the process to free mankind  from the yoke of slavery it was currently under couldn’t come. The Bible that tells us about those events would never have been written meaning we would be without hope. The very existence of hope, life and liberty hinged on what happened to the Jews; it was that important. Moses made a tough decision. He asked all those who were on the Lord’s side to come to him. They were then told to strap on their swords and to kill those who weren’t. Around 3000 died that day.

This incident is used by modern atheists to portray God as a blood thirsty monster, unworthy of worship. But if those 3000 hadn’t died, the Jews had turned to paganism and Jesus hadn’t come, I doubt if there would even be a world today.

- To be continued