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"For there are certain men crept in unawares,who were before of old ordained to this condemnation,ungodly men,turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness,and denying the only Lord God,and our Lord Jesus Christ.
I will therefore put you in remembrance...
These...walking after their own lusts;and their mouth speaketh great swelling words,having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.
But beloved,remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time,who should walk after their own lusts.
These be they who separate themselves,sensual,having not the Spirit."
JUDE 4-5;16-19
Friday, November 30, 2007
DECEPTION WATCH:Oprah on Jesus:"Is Jesus the Only Way to God?"
Although raised Baptist, Oprah Winfrey's faith has undergone a significant transformation towards New Age spirituality. Watch Oprah denying Jesus as the Only Way...
Watch this video...it speaks for itself!!!!!!!!!
As in the days of Noah.....
FRANKESTEIN SCIENCE WATCH:Tax-Funded Research Implants Aborted Fetal Tissue in Mice
American scientists are using tissue from aborted babies in genetically engineered mice to study how certain diseases are spread, and the experiments are being paid for with U.S. tax dollars. It's not clear how much fetal tissue is used or how it is supplied. Scientists involved in some of the research at the National Institutes of Health refused to speak with Cybercast News Service about their work.The experiments started 20 years ago, when scientists first began implanting or injecting a mouse without an immune system with human cells or tissue to study diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and certain cancers. While some of the cells and tissue comes from adults, much of it comes from babies aborted at 17-23 weeks' gestation. It is legal, but controversial and not well known outside of research circles.Over the years, thousands of "SCID-hu" mice (pronounced skid-hew) have been bred for experimentation purposes, making the animal-human hybrid-or "chimera"-a hot commodity for researchers.SCID-who?
The SCID-hu mouse originally was created in 1988 by Stanford researcher J. Michael McCune. SCID stands for "severe combined immuno-deficiency." "Hu" stands for human. The mouse itself is not considered to be controversial."It has been something of a godsend for modern-day research," said Dr. Joseph Bryant, director of animal research at the University of Maryland's Institute of Human Virology."It was discovered several years ago that this mouse, which is kind of like the bubble boy in that it has no real immune system, can't reject tissue, even from a human," Bryant said. "It is used in transplant medicine and cancer research, research on diabetes, for studying HIV, the effects of some drugs, Alzheimer's - you name it.."Thus far, its use has galvanized AIDS research, according to Dr. Dan Littman, a top SCID-hu researcher at New York University's Medical Center."I think in terms of testing for various drugs that may be effective in HIV infection in an animal model, SCID-hu may be as good an animal model as one can get," Littman told Cybercast News Service. "I think it has been successful for that." The mice are being utilized in so many areas of research that an online search of the scientific literature would generate a vast number of hits. As Bryant put it, "it would take you to the end of the year just to read all of them."Indeed, though the National Institutes of Health (NIH) would not comment on that research, Cybercast News Service has found records indicating that the federal government is funding hundreds of SCID-hu studies, likely to the tune of millions of dollars. It's not known exactly how much fetal tissue is being used. Attempts over a period of weeks to obtain details from the NIH have thus far proved unsuccessful. But article after article in prominent scientific journals such as Blood and The Journal of Virology, as well as The Proceedings of the National Academies of Science describe the transplantation of "fetal human tissue" in myriad SCID-hu experiments. For instance, a 2005 study published in Blood said, "Mice were surgically implanted with human bone chips of fetal femur or tibia from 19- to 23-week gestation human abortuses ...." Another study, published in 2000 in The Journal of Virology said: "The mice were implanted with 1-mm3 pieces of human fetal thymus and liver when they were 6- to 8-weeks-old. Tissue at 16- to 24-weeks of gestational age was obtained...." Yet another, from 2001 in The Proceedings of the National Academies of Science said, "Human fetal skin tissue (18 to 23 weeks gestational age) was purchased ... in accordance with all local, state, and federal guidelines."
To read more go to:
As in the days of Noah...
Calvinism on the Rise in Southern Baptist Life
Calvinists in the Southern Baptist Convention make up a small minority but are steadily growing, particularly among younger Baptists, a recent study showed.Nearly 30 percent of recent SBC seminary graduates now serving as church pastors indicate they are Calvinists, according to Ed Stetzer, director of LifeWay Research. Only around 10 percent of SBC pastors at large affirm the five points of Calvinism, or Reformed theology, noted Stetzer, comparing the latest results with an earlier 2006 survey conducted by LifeWay Research.The five points of Calvinism, also called the doctrines of grace, include total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints.Stetzer presented the data at the "Building Bridges: Southern Baptists and Calvinism" conference, which concluded Wednesday, at LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center in North Carolina. The recent study was conducted by the North American Mission Board's Center for Missional Research which surveyed those who graduated from master's degree programs at SBC seminaries between 1998 and 2004.The number of gradates who affirmed Calvinism rose steadily between students who graduated in 1998 and those who graduated in 2004, Stetzer said."It would be difficult to say that Calvinism is not a growing influence in SBC life-and certainly a growing influence in the graduates of our seminaries," he told the conference crowd.However, the steady growth may be a growing issue for Southern Baptists."I recently read that one key Southern Baptist leader was quoted as saying the two biggest problems in Southern Baptist life are contemporary churches and Calvinists," Stetzer said. "So there is obviously a growing concern but we're here to talk and build some bridges."“Calvinism has generated a lot of interest in recent years in Southern Baptist life,” Danny Akin, president of Southeastern Seminary, noted. “Unfortunately we have often talked at and not with one another. Unhealthy rhetoric and misrepresentations from all directions have led to confusion and even ill will among brothers and sisters in Christ." Nevertheless, Stetzer could not deny the growth of Calvinism in SBC life."Calvinism is on the rise among the most recent seminary graduates," he said. "If present trends continue, Calvinism will continue to grow as an influence in our convention."The Nov. 26-28 conference was designed to facilitate honest discussion on theological issues and help Southern Baptists gain a common understanding.Explaining the evangelistic implications of the recent studies, Stetzer noted that churches pastored by Calvinists tend to have smaller attendance and typically baptize fewer persons each year. While the study did not look at the "why" factor, it also revealed that the "baptism rate" – the number of annual baptisms relative to total membership and a statistic used to measure evangelistic vitality – of Calvinistic churches is virtually identical to that of non-Calvinistic churches.A majority of both Calvinistic and non-Calvinistic churches believe that local congregations should be involved in sponsoring missions and planting new churches. Also, Calvinistic recent graduates report that they conduct personal evangelism at a slightly higher rate than non-Calvinists.At the end of the day, however, both Calvinists and non-Calvinists in Southern Baptist churches are failing to engage "lostness" in North America, Stetzer highlighted."This theological discussion has to lead to missional action and that missional action needs to cause Calvinists and non-Calvinists alike to love each other and to encourage each other and to provoke one another on to love and good deeds."As in the days of Noah...
Pentecostals Propel Church Planting Thrust
Pentecostals have convened this week to play out a vision to become a church planting and church multiplication movement beginning with 1,000 new churches over the next two years.There are over 18,000 communities in America without an Assemblies of God church and the Pentecostal denomination has planted a cumulative average of 267 churches per year over the last 40 years. This year, the national church wants to unleash an exponential wave of new church plants.The Assemblies of God is one of several U.S. denominations that have rediscovered church planting. Earlier this year, it formed the Church Multiplication Network to encourage churches across the denomination to work together and plant as many churches as possible.As the church body thrusts into the movement, newly elected Assemblies of God General Superintendent George O. Wood has stressed church planting, calling it the most effective means of evangelizing a community.The network is hosting the Multiplicity 2007 conference in Surprise, Ariz., which kicked off Thursday and concludes Friday. The conference features 18 prominent church planters and speakers including missiologist Ed Stetzer, who is presenting research on church planting trends; Seacoast Church founding pastor Greg Surratt; and National Community Church founding pastor Mark Batterson."We're calling this a build your own conference approach," said Steve Pike, director of the Church Multiplication Network, explaining that attendants will have the chance to listen to speakers in 20-minute presentations about their own church planting experiences and challenges and further engage with them individually at a deeper level throughout the conference.With church planting being the new cutting edge for reaching more people, according to the recently released State of Church Planting USA study, the Assemblies of God launched an aggressive campaign titled MX9 this year with a goal of doubling their current church plant rate. MX9 is aimed toward seeing 1,000 new churches planted by 2009.And the Church Multiplication Network will help provide support by creating a fund from which new churches can be supported indefinitely. Local church planters will raise funds for start-up costs and the Assemblies of God will match the funds raised with loans available exclusively to church planters that partner with districts or parent churches. There is a $30,000 cap per congregation. When the money is repaid, the limit will be raised. The Assemblies of God has committed $2 million to the Church Multiplication Network.The network has made available resources and a place for planters to connect on its website, churchmultiplicationnetwork.com.
As in the days of Noah....
PERSECUTION WATCH:China President Urged to Listen to Plight of Persecuted Chinese Christians
This man of God-Pastor Zhang- is absolutely bold in the Lord....Read these news at:As in the days of Noah...
Protesters Worldwide Prepare to Rally against China's 'Flagrant' Human Rights Violations
Demonstrations, petition drives, and prayer vigils will mark the “International Protest Against China’s Violent Treatment of North Korea Refugees” on Friday and Saturday at Chinese consulates and embassies in major cities around the world, including those in Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Holland, Japan, Norway, Spain, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.“The demonstrations are a way of pressuring the Chinese government to comply with their obligations under the U.N. Convention on Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol,” says Lindsay Vessey, the advocacy coordinator for Open Doors USA, which is a member of the North Korea Freedom Coalition. “Under this convention, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHRC) should have access to the North Koreans refugees hiding in China – estimated at 100,000 to 300,000 – and be able to protect and help them find asylum in other countries like the U.S. and South Korea. Yet, China is deporting refugees back to North Korea where they face terrible punishment.”It is said that at least 500,000 North Koreans have crossed the border over to China in the past 10 years. Although the U.N. Special Rapporteur on North Korea considers the North Koreans who flee to China “refugees” deserving of protection, China has signed an agreement with its communist ally to return refugees back to North Korea where they face imprisonment, torture, and sometimes execution for leaving the country – a state crime.China, in defense of its actions, has claimed North Koreans entering its country are “economic migrants” and not refugees and thus it has the right to return them.“For several years both the Chinese and North Korean authorities have implemented measures to close the border,” notes Suzanne Scholte, chairman of the North Korean Freedom Coalition. “Currently the Chinese authorities are working more aggressively with North Korean agents to hunt down and repatriate the North Korean refugees. We have heard several reports that North Korean agents are posing as refugees to draw out both humanitarian workers and true refugees as part of this escalating crackdown. Even refugees in jail are being used as 'bait' to draw out potential rescuers, so that Chinese authorities can arrest them.“The Chinese government needs to know that Christians around the world are aware and care about the government’s flagrant human rights violations and that we are committed to praying and assisting these refugees,” she adds. Scholte is urging people from around the world join those who are protesting against the injustice and praying for the refugees, many of whom are Christians.“We need everyone to join and support these events as the situation in China is worse than ever for North Korean refugees,” she says. “Some cities will deliver petitions; some will stage protests and demonstrations. Wherever you are in the world, please take part in this effort.Please remember the suffering of the North Korean refugees and take a stand for them so that together we can help end the most avoidable human rights tragedy occurring in the world today.”U.S. human rights activists have urged people not to travel to Beijing to attend the 2008 Olympics unless China grants the United Nation’s refugee agency, UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), access to North Koreans hiding in its territory.North Korea is currently one of the most repressive regimes in the world and is ranked by the ministry Open Doors as the world’s worst persecutor of Christians.[[[[Citizens of the communist state are forced to adhere to a personality cult that revolves around worshipping current dictator Kim Jong Il and his deceased father, Kim Il Sung.]]]]For more information on a specific event this weekend, contact the North Korea Freedom Coalition at sueyoonlogan@gmail.com or visit nkfreedom.org.
As in the days of Noah...
Church of Scotland Rejects Calls to Boycott 'Golden Compass'
LONDON-The Church of Scotland is going against the tide of opposition to the soon-to-be-released movie “The Golden Compass“ by rejecting calls for its boycott and saying it is instead "looking forward to a major cinematic event this winter."“The Golden Compass” is the film adaptation of the first book in British author Philip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials” fantasy trilogy, published in the United Kingdom under the title “Northern Lights,” and is due for release across the United Kingdom on Dec. 5.In the movie, starring Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig, a young girl’s quest to uncover the reason behind her friend’s disappearance concludes with the killing of a character named “God”-who turns out to be a phony.The governing body in Pullman's fantasy world is the Magisterium, which attempts to get to the root of sin by conducting cruel experiments on children, and concealing facts that would jeopardize the power and authority of the Church.There have been calls from within some sections of the Christian community for the film to be boycotted because of its attack on Christianity.The Catholic League in particular has strongly criticized the movie for promoting atheism and denigrating Catholicism, and has already published a brochure called “The Golden Compass: Agenda Unmasked” in an effort to respond to some of the atheist elements in the series.The Church of Scotland’s Mission & Discipleship Council says, however, that the film “provides a golden opportunity to stimulate discussion on a wide range of moral and spiritual issues.”The film’s heroine, the young girl Lyra Silvertongue, becomes involved in a struggle between good and evil as she traverses a fantastical universe to find her kidnapped friend.The Church of Scotland said she is “one of the powerless who turns out to be a saint, and so the film is an invitation to dialogue on human purpose and destiny, the abuse of power, the making of choices and the meaning of life.”Rather than boycotting the film, the Church of Scotland is planning to publish a leaflet to mark its release, which will be made available to Church of Scotland congregations, as well as other denominations all across Scotland.The Kirk’s Mission & Discipleship Council said it believes the movie “will enable congregations to engage with young people, and adults, in terms with which they can relate.”“Far from condemning the film, the Kirk looks forward to its release and the opportunities that it presents,” the Church of Scotland concluded.Pullman has hit out at critics, denying that he is using his books to sell “atheism for kids” on the U.S.-based “Today” show with Al Roker.Speaking on last Thursday’s show, the author said, “Well, you know, I always mistrust people who tell us how we should understand something. They know better than we do what the book means or what this means and how we should read it and whether we should read it or not.”“I don’t think that’s democratic,” he continued. “I prefer to trust the reader. I prefer to trust what I call the democracy of reading – when everybody has the right to form their own opinion and read what they like and come to their own conclusion about it. So I trust the reader.”Kidman, a Catholic, has defended her role in the film by saying she would not want to star in a movie that was anti-religious.The Catholic League, however, remains unconvinced by Pullman's assurances.On its website, the group says: "It is his objective to bash Christianity and promote atheism. To kids."Catholic League President Bill Donohue voiced his scepticism in a statement last Thursday:“The last thing Pullman trusts is the people.“That is why he tries to sneak his atheism in back-door to kids. If he had any courage, he’d defend his work, but instead he continues to do what he does best-practice deceit.”Donahue also doubted Pullman’s claims that the he just intends readers to get a “good experience of a good story,” pointing to a comment made several years ago by the writer."I'm trying to undermine the basis of Christian belief," said Pullman in an article by The Washington Post, adding that C.S. Lewis, the Christian author of “Chronicles of Narnia,” would describe his books as the “Devil's work.”“The Golden Compass” releases in the United States on Dec. 7.
As in the days of Noah...
WARNING AGAINST APOSTASY.....
"For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened,and have tasted of the heavenly gift,and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost.
And have tasted the good word of God,and the powers of the world to come,
If they shall fall away,to renew them again unto repentance;seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh,and put him to an open shame."
HEBREWS 6:4-6
And have tasted the good word of God,and the powers of the world to come,
If they shall fall away,to renew them again unto repentance;seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh,and put him to an open shame."
HEBREWS 6:4-6
Playing into the Hands of Osama?
Ed Husain is the author of The Islamist, a book about how he entered and then left the jihadist group Hizb ut-Tahrir. He recently debated Ayaan Hirsi Ali, and has now written a piece in The Guardian, "Stop supporting Bin Laden," about how Hirsi Ali, Ibn Warraq and I are-unwittingly, of course-playing into the hands of Osama bin Laden himself.This is, of course, a familiar canard, and one that I have dealt with before, when Dinesh D'Souza made the same charge. The contention is that because I-and Hirsi Ali, and Ibn Warraq, and others-point out that there is a broad and deeply rooted tradition of violence and supremacism within Islam, therefore we are marginalizing other Islamic traditions and legitimizing bin Laden. In saying this, Husain (and D'Souza) implies that jihadism is a clear Islamic heresy, and that there is a broad tradition within Islam that rejects violence against non-Muslims and Islamic supremacism-and that Hirsi Ali, Ibn Warraq and I are ignoring or downplaying it out of some base motives. Bin Laden or someone like him invented jihadism and grafted it onto a religion that has otherwise peaceful teachings.In reality, however, while there are a few courageous reformers out there, all-not just one, or a few, but all-the orthodox sects and schools of Islamic jurisprudence teach that it is part of the responsibility of the Islamic community to wage war against unbelievers and subjugate them under the rule of Islamic law (references can be found here).There is no sect or school recognized as orthodox that rejects this. It is not playing into bin Laden's hands to point it out; in fact, it is playing into bin Laden's hands to deny it and denigrate those who point out that it is so, for there can be no reform of what one will not admit needs reforming.There are some disagreements between modern jihadism and traditional jihad theology: modern jihad is all defensive, as there is no caliph authorized to call offensive jihad, and some assert that only the state authority can call jihad in any case. But these disagreements do not touch on the central point: that it is legitimate to wage religious war. If Ed Husain wishes to pretend to the world that the situation of Islamic theology and jurisprudence is other than what it is, how sincere a reformer can he be? Wouldn't a genuine reformer acknowledge the existence of problematic passages and doctrines and formulate new ways to understand them, rather than pretending that they don't exist at all-except in the minds of violent fanatics and those he would have you believe are merely hatemongers?To read more go to:
As in the days of Noah....
Christians needed for Russian orphans
Russia-In Russia today [[[750,000 children are considered orphans.]]][[[ These are children who have either been totally abandoned at birth, their parents have died, parental rights have been terminated, or parents simply can't afford to take care of their children. These kids are institutionalized, and many have little hope.]]]Children's Hope International wants to give them hope. Mary House with Children's Hope says children in orphanages in large cities have good shelter, food, and clothing. However,"The orphanages in the outlying areas are pretty bad. They don't have warm clothes. They don't have good formula for the babies. They maybe have enough food to keep body and soul together, but not enough to thrive."According to House, there's something worse than that."The worst part of it is they have no hope because they are not prepared for life in the way that we prepare our children.[[[They're fed and they're clothed, but they have no understanding of what's going on.]]][[["Unfortunately, at 18 these young people are put out on the streets, many times to fend for themselves.]]] Children's Hope is helping prepare these kids with life skills training, says House, "so that these kids can make their way in the world. It will still be a poor life, but at least it will be a productive life where they can have some kind of a job and take care of themselves."House says, "Without this training, often the boys turn to crime, often they get on drugs. The girls: the only thing they can turn to is prostitution."There are two ways to help Children's Hope International rescue these kids. The first is to sponsor a child for $32 a month."There are children they can choose to sponsor, children of all ages. They can see a picture and pick out a child and correspond with that child and send messages of encouragement." That encouragement can be a means of outreach.The other way is adopting older children from Russia. House says,"We are active in 10 or 11 regions in Russia. It isn't easy. It's expensive."Unfortunately, children aren't usually available until they're almost a year old.The bottom line is that Christians need to do what it says in James 1:27-take care of orphans. House says, "How can we turn our backs on children? We are here to love one another. That is the thing that Jesus told us to do: Love one another. There is no excuse for not helping."If you'd like to be a "Doer of the Word" and help an orphan in Russia or elsewhere, click here.
Source:MNN
As in the days of Noah...
Ministry assembles Bible distribution teams in Sudan
Sudan-There's concern growing over lapses in the peace accord between North and South Sudan. A lack of progress in the implementation of key provisions of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) threatens trouble, but not, some government authorities say, a full blown war.The specter unrest raises memories of the losses Christians faced during the war, which included burned churches and destroyed Bibles. In many areas, those Bibles haven't yet been replaced.So, World Gospel Mission's Joy Phillips, in partnership with Samaritan's Purse, is distributing a quarter of million a Bibles to six language groups in the South next year.The Bibles have been shipped from the printers in Korea and are now on the high seas due to reach the port of Mombasa, Kenya, in late December.But the challenge is just beginning. She explains, "The logistics of getting the Bibles here is huge. Even once we get them to Sudan, moving around Sudan is quite a challenge.I'm here in Malakal right now and talking with church leaders.They keep telling us that we have to either fly to certain places or go by river because there are just no roads that are open at this time."They'll be partnering with a church network for the distribution. Training is also in progress for lay church leaders to start reading groups and Bible study groups."One of the things that we need most is prayer, that the Bible will get into the hands of literate people, that their hearts and minds would be open to the Word of God, and that this would be incredibly encouraging as well as challenging, and that the body of Christ, as the church, would be built up." http://www.mnnonline.org/article/10626As in the days of Noah...
Pro-Israel advocate 'trembles' for future of America after Annapolis summit
The head of a pro-Israel ministry says she's convinced there are dark days ahead for America if the Bush administration ultimately pressures Israel to give up more covenant land-including parts of Jerusalem-to the Palestinians.Even though nothing substantive came out of the recently concluded Annapolis peace summit, the Bush administration is pleased that the two sides agreed to restart negotiations for a peace deal. More talks are being planned in the Mideast in the coming weeks. But many observers argue that the underlying goal of President Bush is to establish a foreign policy legacy with the creation of a Palestinian state. Plans for the Palestinian state would include a division of Jerusalem and Israeli surrender of the entire West Bank.Jan Markell, founder and director of Olive Tree Ministries, says there are warnings in Scripture about what nations should and should not do to God's promised land."If we're going to take some of these warnings seriously, America has some very, very dark days ahead-and I'm not going to mince any words," warns Markell. "I believe we do have dark days ahead because of what we are doing with the nation of Israel in trying to carve up the land. If this so-called Annapolis agreement comes into being in the next year, I am just trembling for America." Markell says God clearly gave the land to the descendants of Isaac, not Ishmael. "He [God] identifies in Leviticus 25; he said, 'The land is mine.' And then he gave it as covenant to the descendents of Isaac, the Jews-not [to] Ishmael," she says.She believes peace will not come from any agreement that carves up Israel.As in the days of Noah...
Richard Roberts says God forced his resignation
TULSA, Okla.- Richard Roberts has told students at Oral Roberts University that [[[he did not want to resign as president of the scandal-plagued school, but God insisted.]]]At the university's chapel Wednesday, Roberts said God told him on Thanksgiving that he should resign the next day. Roberts said he prayed over the decision with his wife and his father, OralRoberts, before announcing his resignation last Friday.Richard Roberts spoke for only a few minutes and was applauded and cheered by students.A lawsuit accuses him of misusing university funds to support a lavish lifestyle.Richard Roberts said he now plans to return to a full-time healing ministry.http://www.onenewsnow.com/2007/11/richard_roberts_says_god_force.php
PS:Good he resigned....He should have done it inmediately and not saying that "God insisted..."(sigh.....)
As in the days of Noah...
Islamic terrorists, Mexican drug cartels team up in plot against Ft. Huachuca
A top executive with the Minutemen Civil Defense Corps is very concerned about a recent report that terrorists being smuggled across the Mexican border were planning a massive terrorist attack on an extremely important military installation in Arizona.According to The Washington Times, the nation's largest intelligence training center-Fort Huachuca-changed its security measures this past May after being warned of a planned terrorist attack involving Islamic extremists and Mexican drug cartels. The Times reports that as many as 60 Afghan and Iraqi terrorists paid Mexican drug lords $20,000 or the equivalent in weapons for assistance in illegally entering the U.S. An FBI advisor revealed that a number of the terrorists are hiding in a safe house in Texas.Al Garza, national executive director of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps, lives near Fort Huachuca. He says the terrorists can easily blend into the Mexican culture."They know how to pick up the language. They've blended into the culture and dietary customs," he says. "And before you know it, they've mixed with your Mexican people, whether it's the Latino communities or the illegal immigrants per se. And eventually they become a part of them. A very unsuspected individual could turn out to be your terrorists."Garza considers the situation another example of why the United States government must take stronger steps to secure its border with Mexico.As in the days of Noah...
Christian leaders criticized for seeking 'common ground' with Muslim imams
A Lebanese-American author and activist is criticizing Christian leaders who are seeking to find "common ground" with Muslim imams. She says that six years after 9/11, these leaders "still do not understand the Islamic faith and ideology driving terrorism around the world.Last month, 138 Muslim scholars signed a letter addressed to Pope Benedict XVI, and other religious leaders, urging them to find common ground between Islam and Christianity.The letter declared that Islam and Christianity both believe in only one God, and the commandment to love one's neighbor.Some 200 Christian leaders have responded to the Muslim scholars with their own letter, which calls for an interfaith dialogue that will "reshape" the two communities to "genuinely reflect our common love for God and for one another. "Signers of the response letter include Leith Anderson, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, Jim Wallis of the liberal advocacy group Sojourners, and evangelical pastors Bill Hybels and Rick Warren.Brigitte Gabriel is founder of the American Congress for Truth and author of the book Because They Hate: A Survivor of Islamic Terror Warns America. She says the letter displays a disturbing lack of knowledge about the Koran."Our terrorist enemies-who have launched an attack against the West and against the infidels, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, atheists and everything else-those terrorists repeated[ly] quote the Koran and many, many verses of the Koran and the Hadith," she points out. "…the accompanying books of the Koran [talk] about how Islam looks on unbelievers, or the Kafirs, as those who are condemned to go to hell."Gabriel says the Christian community would be wiser to call Muslim imams on the carpet by urging them to tell their fellow Muslims to "stop committing acts of barbarism in the name of their religion."She is also disturbed that Hybels and Warren are suggesting that God and Allah are one."Islam is very different from Christianity, or Judaism, or Buddhism. The Allah of Islam is not the same God we worship," she argues."Our God looks at all his people as equals; our God does not command us to kill anybody. I mean, our Ten Commandments, one of the top commandments, [says] 'thou shall not kill'-regardless of if you believe with these people or not."In a recent column, WorldNetDaily editor Joseph Farah said the Christian theologians, ministry leaders, and pastors who signed the letter to Muslim scholars do not speak for him or for Christ.As in the days of Noah...
STRONG MEAT IS NOT FOR BABIES....
"For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness:for he is a babe.
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age,even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."
HEBREWS 5:13-14
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age,even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."
HEBREWS 5:13-14
Symposium:Hitting Iran?
Is it high time for a pre-emptive strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities? A distinguished panel has joined us today to discuss this issue. Our guests are:Michael A. Ledeen, a resident scholar at the American Enterprises Institute and a contributor to The Wall Street Journal. He is the author of Machiavelli on Modern Leadership and Tocqueville on American Character. His new book is The Iranian Time Bomb: The Mullah Zealots' Quest for Destruction.
Rohan Gunaratna, the author of Inside Al Qaeda: Global Network of Terror. He is Head of the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies in Singapore.
Lt. Gen. Tom McInerney, the co-author with Maj. Gen. Paul Vallely of Endgame: The Blueprint for Victory in the War on Terror. He is a retired Air Force Fighter Pilot who has been a Fox News Military Analyst for the last four and a half years and continues to appear regularly on Fox.Lt. Gen. Ion Mihai Pacepa, the highest ranking intelligence official ever to have defected from the Soviet bloc. In 1989, Romania's president Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife were executed at the end of a trial where most of the accusations had come word-for-word out of Pacepa's book, Red Horizons, republished in 27 countries. Pacepa's newest book is Programmed to Kill: Lee Harvey Oswald, the Soviet KGB, and the Kennedy Assassination.
Steve Schippert, co-founder of the Center for Threat Awareness and managing editor for ThreatsWatch.org.
and
Thomas Joscelyn, an expert on the international terrorist network. He has written extensively on al Qaeda and its allies, including Iran. He is the author, most recently, of Iran’s Proxy War Against America, a booklet published by the Claremont Institute and available for download at its web site. (Click here to download the booklet.)
FP: Steve Schippert, Thomas Joscelyn, Michael A. Ledeen, Rohan Gunaratna, Lt. Gen. Tom McInerney and Lt. Gen. Ion Mihai Pacepa, welcome to Frontpage Symposium.
Rohan Gunaratna, let’s begin with you. The evidence suggests that negotiations with Tehran have failed and that there is no alternative but for the U.S. to launch a pre-emptive strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.Do you concur?
Gunaratna: Attacking Iran will be much more devastating for the United States than attacking Iraq.
Iran will retaliate with strikes against US targets both in the US mainland and overseas. Furthermore, Iran is next door to Afghanistan and to Iraq, the two most important theatres of conflict for the US and the West.
Iran is holding over 100 Al Qaeda leaders, members and their families in detention. This includes Saif al Adel, head of security and intelligence, Abu Hafs al Mauritani, head of the fatwa committee, Abdel Aziz al Masri, head of WMD committee, and Abu Mohamed al Masri, the head of the training committee and other prominent and capable leaders. This includes Saad bin Laden, the son of Osama and two of his wives and other significant figures very close to the Al Qaeda leader such as Abu Khyer al Masri, Al Qaeda's key negotiator with Iran. The quality of Al Qaeda members in detention in Iran is much higher than those operating in FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas that run along the Pakistan-Afghan border). Iran is likely to release these leaders, members and family members with arms, explosives and finances to strike the US and its Allies.
The US must refrain from over-reacting. There are many methods to subdue an adversary without attacking him.
FP: Thank you Dr. Gunaratna. I just want to follow up with you for a moment and hopefully you can crystallize a few things.
Thomas Joscelyn, an expert on the international terrorist network. He has written extensively on al Qaeda and its allies, including Iran. He is the author, most recently, of Iran’s Proxy War Against America, a booklet published by the Claremont Institute and available for download at its web site. (Click here to download the booklet.)
FP: Steve Schippert, Thomas Joscelyn, Michael A. Ledeen, Rohan Gunaratna, Lt. Gen. Tom McInerney and Lt. Gen. Ion Mihai Pacepa, welcome to Frontpage Symposium.
Rohan Gunaratna, let’s begin with you. The evidence suggests that negotiations with Tehran have failed and that there is no alternative but for the U.S. to launch a pre-emptive strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.Do you concur?
Gunaratna: Attacking Iran will be much more devastating for the United States than attacking Iraq.
Iran will retaliate with strikes against US targets both in the US mainland and overseas. Furthermore, Iran is next door to Afghanistan and to Iraq, the two most important theatres of conflict for the US and the West.
Iran is holding over 100 Al Qaeda leaders, members and their families in detention. This includes Saif al Adel, head of security and intelligence, Abu Hafs al Mauritani, head of the fatwa committee, Abdel Aziz al Masri, head of WMD committee, and Abu Mohamed al Masri, the head of the training committee and other prominent and capable leaders. This includes Saad bin Laden, the son of Osama and two of his wives and other significant figures very close to the Al Qaeda leader such as Abu Khyer al Masri, Al Qaeda's key negotiator with Iran. The quality of Al Qaeda members in detention in Iran is much higher than those operating in FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas that run along the Pakistan-Afghan border). Iran is likely to release these leaders, members and family members with arms, explosives and finances to strike the US and its Allies.
The US must refrain from over-reacting. There are many methods to subdue an adversary without attacking him.
FP: Thank you Dr. Gunaratna. I just want to follow up with you for a moment and hopefully you can crystallize a few things.
Scholars such as Thomas Joscelyn have documented that Iran has been waging war on us for a long time and part of this war has involved Iran’s cooperation with Al Qaeda. Why is Iran holding Al Qaeda leaders in detention when Al Qaeda serves the interests of Iran in terms of doing damage to the “Great Satan”? And if Iran could hurt the U.S. by exploiting these leaders and releasing them etc., surely it would have already done so, no? If not, why hasn't it done so?
More than anything else, what sense does it make for us not to provoke a country that has long ago declared war on us and that is hurting us, and is also planning to hurt us more – and God knows in what horrible way?
Gunaratna: Yes, Iran has been working against the U.S.
However, since the rise of the Taliban in 1996, Iran has not sponsored Al Qaeda and its associated groups. Iran has sponsored Shia groups - Lebanese Hezbollah globally and Jaysh-e- Madhi in Iraq - and the Sunni Palestianian groups - Hamas, PIJ, Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade.
Iranian intelligence services - MOIS and IRGC - are anti-US.
We have seen no evidence of direct Iranian sponsorship of Al Qaeda or its associated groups. Iran is fully aware of the dangers of supporting Al Qaeda and Al Qaeda in Iraq. Both these groups may one day attack Iran and its interests.
More than anything else, what sense does it make for us not to provoke a country that has long ago declared war on us and that is hurting us, and is also planning to hurt us more – and God knows in what horrible way?
Gunaratna: Yes, Iran has been working against the U.S.
However, since the rise of the Taliban in 1996, Iran has not sponsored Al Qaeda and its associated groups. Iran has sponsored Shia groups - Lebanese Hezbollah globally and Jaysh-e- Madhi in Iraq - and the Sunni Palestianian groups - Hamas, PIJ, Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade.
Iranian intelligence services - MOIS and IRGC - are anti-US.
We have seen no evidence of direct Iranian sponsorship of Al Qaeda or its associated groups. Iran is fully aware of the dangers of supporting Al Qaeda and Al Qaeda in Iraq. Both these groups may one day attack Iran and its interests.
By Jamie Glazov
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As in the days of Noah....
Bahamian Government Supports Christian Intervention Program to Heal their Nation of Youth Violence
More than 40 pastors throughout New Providence have recently promised to give their time and resources to crime fighting and to the youth of our nation, after realizing that the youth need their assistance.This announcement was made earlier this week after the pastors got together in a symposium led by the Bahamas Christian Council with the idea for men of the cross to become public school chaplains.Speaking to the press, two of the church's leaders Rev. Victor Cooper and Rev. Patrick Paul explained that the group's goal is simply to steer children in a more positive direction and away from crime, as the youth are the future of this country."We feel that this is necessary because we don't have parents or children who are attending Sunday school and they are not getting the Christian Education," said Cooper."And we feel that man is not a composite of body and flesh but also spirit and so it is important that the spirit man is fed. And we've been given that responsibility as men of God to do that."Adding that this is a step in the right direction, Paul said that as men of God it is their duty to talk to these children and guide them in the right way."This is very, very important because for the most part in their development they think things at different times and they need to have information to be able to balance their lives. And we believe that the Bahamas Christian Council plays a very important role in the life of our country,"he said.So far no date or school placement has been set for project. However, the Ministry of Education has giving the program it's full support.However, as the murder count has risen yet again now landing at 71, suggestions such as this are said to be extremely needed.Just two weeks ago, several ministers held a candlelight vigil to honor the country's murder victims, and to ask that the violence cease.But as the crime issue seems to just increase, even hardened police officers are lamenting the level of violent crime that is "raping the nation."One officer who did not want to be named, said he never thought he would live to see the day when the country's citizens would resort to murder to resolve their differences."I would like to see a change,"said another."Because sometimes it just feels like no matter what we do, this just won't stop.That people can't control their rage or whatever has gotten into them.But they need to, because we need a change."On the night of the vigil, psychiatrist Dr. David Allen, one of the event's organizers, called on Bahamians to pray for the healing of the nation and to assist in the crime fighting efforts, stating that prayer was the first step towards healing."With heavy hearts and burdened spirits, we gather here tonight to mourn the loss of so many of our brothers and sisters who have succumbed to the cruel ravages of murder and violent crimes," he said. "Overwhelmed by the ongoing human atrocities, we lament in the words of William Butler Yeast:'Things fall apart-the center cannot hold'.""We come to empathize with and stand in solidarity with the victims of our fallen brothers and sisters especially their children. We come not to blame or point the finger. We come to say we are sorry," he added. "We confess that we have not done enough to dispel the darkness, anger and fear from our hearts making it difficult for the light of hope and freedom to shine through."Added that the time has come to pray for the healing of the wounded souls in the nation, Dr. Allen warned that if Bahamians do not come together in a unified effort, crime will never end. However, in an attempt to add hope to the sorrowful occasion, Dr. Allen also said it was not too late to turn the culture of violence around, stating that we must reclaim the safety of our homes so "our children can grow up in an atmosphere of love and follow their dreams."By KARAN MINNIS
As in the days of Noah....
Remains Of Ancient Synagogue With Unique Mosaic Floor Found In Galilee
ScienceDaily-Remains of an ancient synagogue from the Roman-Byzantine era have been revealed in excavations carried out in the Arbel National Park in the Galilee under the auspices of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.The excavations, in the Khirbet Wadi Hamam, were led by Dr. Uzi Leibner of the Hebrew University's Institute of Archaeology and Scholion-Interdisciplinary Research Center in Jewish Studies.Dr. Leibner said that the synagogue's design is a good example of the eastern Roman architectural tradition. A unique feature of the synagogue is the design of its mosaic floor, he said.The synagogue ruins are located at the foot of the Mt. Nitai cliffs overlooking the Sea of Galilee, amidst the remains of a large Jewish village from the Roman-Byzantine period. The first season of excavations there have revealed the northern part of the synagogue, with two rows of benches along the walls. The building is constructed of basalt and chalk stone and made use of elements from an earlier structure on the site. Archaeologists differ among themselves as to which period the ancient Galilean synagogues belong. The generally accepted view is that they can be attributed to the later Roman period (second to fourth centuries C.E.), a time of cultural and political flowering of the Jews of the Galilee. Recently, some researchers have come to believe that these synagogues were built mainly during the Byzantine period (fifth and sixth centuries C.E.), a time in which Christianity rose to power and, it was thought, the Jews suffered from persecution. Dr. Leibner noted that this difference of scholarly opinion has great significance in perhaps redrawing the historical picture of Jews in those ancient times.The excavators were surprised to find in the eastern aisle of the synagogue a mosaic decoration which to date has no parallels-not in other synagogues, nor in art in Israel in general from the Roman-Byzantine period. The mosaic is made of tiny stones (four mm. in size) in a variety of colors. The scene depicted is that of a series of woodworkers who are holding various tools of their trade.Near these workers is seen a monumental structure which they are apparently building. According to Dr. Leibner, since Biblical scenes are commonly found in synagogue art, it is possible that what we see in this case is the building of the Temple, or Noah's ark, or the tower of Babel. The mosaic floor has been removed from the excavation site and its now in the process of restoration.The archaeologists at the site are also attempting, though their excavations, to gain a clearer picture of rural Jewish village life in Roman-era Galilee. In addition to excavating the synagogue, they also are involved in uncovering residential dwellings and other facilities at the site, such as a sophisticated olive oil press and solidly-built two-story homes."There are those who tend to believe that the rural Jewish villagers of that era lived in impoverished houses or in huts and that the magnificent synagogues existed in contrast to the homes that surrounded them," said Dr. Leibner. 'While it is true that the synagogues were built of a quality that exceeded the other structures of the village, the superior quality private dwellings here testify to the impressive economic level of the residents."Participating in the excavations were students from the Hebrew University Institute of Archaeology, Jewish youth groups from abroad and many other volunteers.As in the days of Noah....
Famine hits north India,Christians respond
India-Bamboo flowering season may be happy times for swamping rats, but it's causing incredible hardship on people in southwest Manipur, India.[[[Farmers are fighting a tough battle for survival as the rats multiply rapidly beyond their control and are eating everything in sight.According to reports, laying traps and guarding crops have failed to stop the millions and millions of rats that are feasting on the flowering bamboo. Unfortunately, the rats are causing starvation in the region as well, according to founder and president of Bibles for the World Rochunga Pudaite, who is from the region. He says the rice harvest is devastated."Last year there was no harvest among our people. I just got word that the second wave of these rats have moved in just before harvest again. In my old village, they said there isn't enough to even last a week when the harvest was done."Laying traps and guarding crops for months together have failed."Many farmers do not reap even ten baskets of rice as the rats ravaged our fields,"]]]said Lala, a farmer from Damdiei village in this hill State.[[[Thousands of people are affected by this phenomenon.]]] Pudaite says,[[[["The most seriously affected right now are 5,800 families who are on the verge of starvation. These are all Christians.When they report to the Hindu government, they simply do not respond because the Hindus worship rats as one of their gods."]]]]There has been no word from the government on how it plans to tackle the crisis.The famine-like situation is forcing Bibles for the World to provide relief to these people. "We're going to need about 10,000 bags of rice every month to keep them alive. $45 every month will buy a bag of rice, and then $545 will supply enough rice for a family for a full year."Pudaite says they need about 6,000 families to cover the $45 cost each month. Helping to sustain these believers will be an incredible witness for Christ in this predominately Hindu area. It will also help sustain a missionary-sending area. Pudaite says this village has sent out more than 100 missionaries.The situation is desperate. If you'd like to help, call Bibles For the World in the USA at 1-888-382-4253. You can also send your donation to them:Bibles For the World,
PO Box 49759,
Colorado Springs,
CO 80949
USA
As in the days of Noah....
King of Thailand's pastel-coloured birthday
Thailand has dissolved into sentimental pastel shades as the kingdom prepares to celebrate King Bhumibol’s 80th birthday next week. When the king suffered a stroke in October more than a million Thais signed books wishing him a speedy recovery. When he walked out of hospital wearing a pink jacket, newspapers printed commemorative editions in the same colour, with headlines such as “In the Pink”.Pink T-shirts became a fashion sensation overnight.Such was the public euphoria at Bhumibol’s recovery that a university study showed that the “Gross National Happiness Index” had hit levels unseen since a military coup last year.The king is seen by many as semi-divine and widely credited with leading his country’s rapid economic development. If alternative views exist they are rarely heard. Criticising the king is punishable with 15 years in jail.Yellow T-shirts have been popular for years, because yellow is the colour associated with Monday-the day on which Bhumibol was born.Government House announced this week that “the premier has asked his cabinet members to wear yellow on all five days [of the birthday celebrations], except at events where they are required to wear uniform or specific formal attire.”Phufa, a clothes shop that belongs to a princess, sold 40,000 pink T-shirts in November.“Our factory is making these shirts every day, every minute, day and night,” a spokeswoman said.When the king visited his sister in hospital earlier this month wearing a green jacket a new sensation arrived.“Now the T-shirt craze in green,” announced the Bangkok Post in a front page headline. “Pink is thought to be auspicious and green can help bring success for a person born on a Monday,” the newspaper explained.“If he wears orange, I’ll have to put orange shirts on my stall,” said Somying Puangjinda, a 26-year-old street vendor.It was not to be. A few days later newspapers carried large front page photographs of the king in a sky blue blazer. “Now it’s blue,” announced the Bangkok Post.As in the days of Noah....
Arson attack in woman priest hate campaign
The vicarage of a woman priest who has been subjected to a hate campaign has been attacked by an arsonist.The Rev Yvonne Hobson, 54, has had anonymous letters expressing hatred for women priests sent to her church and home and even left in her vestry.Police were investigating the threats when there was a fire at her £350,000 vicarage in Newlyn, Cornwall. The arsonist placed a burning candle in a log basket in the porch in what police believe was a symbolic act. Firemen put out the blaze.Mrs Hobson has been curate at Paul Church in Newlyn since July 2006 and says the problems began in June.At one point a "particularly frightening" letter was found in her vestry that prompted the Bishop of Truro, Bill Ind, to make an appeal for information from the church's pulpit. The arson attack came four weeks later.A spokesman for the bishop said it was uncertain whether it was a personal attack or an attack against women priests in general.Police said the letters were of a "threatening" nature and "expressed anger at Rev Hobson for being a female priest".As in the days of Noah...
Cardinal's former aide savages Vatican
The Catholic Church [[[has turned away from the message of Christ and is heading towards “aggressive fundamentalism”,]]] according to the former Principal Adviser to Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor.Sir Stephen Wall, the senior diplomat who served as the Cardinal’s right-hand man from 2004-5, has written a blistering attack on recent Catholic moral teaching in the Tablet, a stridently Left-wing magazine regarded as the unofficial voice of the Bishops’ Conference.In the article, Wall accuses the Church of [“using the civil law to punish the sinner because of his or her sin. ]There seems to be nothing in Christ’s teaching to justify such an approach. Indeed, the whole of Jesus’ life, and even more so his death, point firmly in the other direction.” According to Wall-formerly Tony Blair’s chief adviser on Europe-the Vatican is wrong to oppose gay adoption and IVF; it is “using, or abusing, its own moral absolutism to deny to people whose way of life it stigmatises the civil rights that a more generous state recognises as basic to their status as citizens”.[[[The Church portrays itself as the victims of aggressive secularism, but is actually heading towards an aggressive fundamentalism that is further from the Christian ideal than secular ideology.]]]Intriguingly, Wall also attacks the Vatican for threatening to excommunicate John Kerry because he “chose to exercise his own conscience and political judgment on the issue of abortion” (ie, voted for late-term abortions).Think about that, and bear in mind that Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor is getting ready to receive into the Church another politician who “exercised his conscience” on abortion.You may or may not agree with some of Wall’s points; but what we have here is a comprehensive trashing of the Vatican of Benedict XVI by the man who, until recently, was the English cardinal’s senior adviser.Not that I’m having a go at His Eminence, mind. No doubt, even now, the Cardinal is composing a statement distancing himself from these statements. I’ll keep you informed.
As in the days of Noah...
THE AUTHOR OF SALVATION...
"Christ...
...Though he were a Son,yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
And being made perfect,he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him."
HEBREWS 5:8-9
...Though he were a Son,yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
And being made perfect,he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him."
HEBREWS 5:8-9
Summit sets 2008 for Palestinian state
Israeli and Palestinian leaders have hailed an "historic opportunity" for peace and agreed to open negotiations aimed at reaching a final accord on an independent Palestinian state by the end of next year.President George W Bush read out a joint statement by Ehud Olmert and Mahmoud Abbas at a US-sponsored summit designed to launch the first substantive talks to solve the Middle Eastern conflict in years.The agreement was reached after weeks of intense negotiations and it was not clear until the US president stepped to the podium in the grand Memorial Hall at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, that the two sides would come together on how to move forward on the path toward peace.Despite the enormous difficulties, the statement's positive language created a level of expectation that will be hard to ignore."We express our determination to bring an end to bloodshed, suffering and decades of conflict between our peoples; to usher in a new era of peace, based on freedom, security, justice, dignity, respect and mutual recognition," it said."We agree to engage in vigorous, ongoing and continuous negotiations and shall make every effort to conclude an agreement before the end of 2008."Mr Bush's speech was unhesitant in its commitment to supporting a goal that has eluded his predecessors for decades.He said that the timing was perfect to pursue a peace settlement by the time he leaves office in January 2009 because "Palestinians and Israelis have leaders who are determined to achieve peace".He added that "a battle is under way for the future of the Middle East and we must not cede victory to the extremists".Mr Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority and leader of the Fatah faction, said the world would come to remember "pre-Annapolis" and "post-Annapolis" phases in the Middle East. He made an impassioned appeal to the Israeli people."Neither we nor you must beg for peace from the other. It is a joint interest for us and you," he said. "Peace and freedom is a right for us, just as peace and security is a right for you and us."Mr Olmert, the Israeli prime minister, promised that "the negotiations will address all the issues which thus far have been evaded. We will not avoid any subject."While this will be an extremely difficult process for many of us, it is nevertheless inevitable."At the conclusion of their speeches, the three men shook hands before President Bush grabbed each of the others by the hand for a somewhat awkward yet sincere gesture of unity.Handshakes have long been a powerful symbol of Middle Eastern diplomacy, and its failures. No one was expressing confidence that the embrace would lead to success, but all parties were encouraged by the announcement.Under the so-called work plan, Israeli and Palestinian negotiators will begin talks on Dec 12, and Mr Abbas and Mr Olmert will hold private bi-weekly talks throughout the process, which will be monitored by the United States.None of the most contentious issues was mentioned in the joint document, which was due to be endorsed by the conference participants, including key Arab nations such as Saudi Arabia and Syria.Tony Blair, the former prime minister, was present in his capacity as a Middle East envoy.As in the days of Noah...
How Venezuela's Church Is Challenging Hugo Chávez
Depending on who you talk to in Caracas, President Hugo Chávez is either a socialist messiah or a demonic tyrant. He quotes the Bible yet he incites violence. He talks of liberating the poor and enjoys their support, yet he is best friends with the world's dictators—including Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. You might expect most Venezuelan Christians to be united against Chávez, but that is hardly the case. In fact, in a nation where Pentecostal churches have grown rapidly in recent years, believers are evenly divided by the man who once denounced George W. Bush as a "devil." Many Pentecostals are in fact chavistas, the label used for Chávez' hard-core fans.Many Christians in Venezuela are asking for a miracle when voters go to the polls this weekend. The rift between Christians will be on display on Dec. 2, when Venezuelans vote on sweeping constitutional reforms that would eliminate term limits and give Chávez almost unlimited power. Polls taken this week indicate that the measure could be defeated—and if it is, it could be because some pastors in the country have bravely mobilized opposition to Chávez for the first time.[[["Hugo Chávez is not a Christian. He has a dark mind,"]]] says pastor Jaime Salinas, a church leader in Caracas. I interviewed him when I was in Venezuela last summer, and again last week. I promised not to use his real name because Chávez is known to jail his critics and has even threatened violence against those who vote against his proposed reforms.[[["If you are not totally with him, you are his enemy," Salinas says. "But even Spirit-filled Christians have fallen for him because he gives them money." When I visited Venezuela last year I learned that about half the Pentecostal churches in the country had accepted cash from Chávez' oil-rich government to fund church programs. Many of the pastors who received the money viewed it as a blessing from God and became Chávez supporters. One major church even painted a huge mural of the president in their sanctuary.But Salinas says these Christians have been "blinded by money, by corruption" and that they have ignored Chávez' obvious links to the occult.]]]{{{{{ It is known that Chávez participates in rituals of the Santeria religion, and that such ceremonies are performed inside the presidential palace. Chávez has also reportedly participated in occult rites in Cuba during his numerous visits with his trusted mentor, Cuban dictator Fidel Castro.Christians often relate an unconfirmed report that Chávez sacrificed a tiger in Caracas last year and had its blood sprinkled through the streets—in an effort to increase his power over the people.}}}}}[[[[ But the chavista Christians deny such reports and claim that Chávez is actually a Christian because he often quotes the Bible."]]]](1)"{{{{It is true that he quotes the Bible, but he also quotes Muhammad," Salinas notes. "Meanwhile he supports Iran and says he wants to eradicate the state of Israel. How can a Christian support that? How can a Christian support Fidel Castro?" A Christian brother in the city of Maracay told me that he voted for Chávez in 1998 but now regrets it. "I don't know why I did it," he said. "I think it was fear. There are worries that people know how you vote and they will hurt you if you don't vote for Chávez."}}}}[[[[[Another pastor in Maracay confirmed that evangelical churches in his country are evenly divided by politics. He views Chávez' monetary gifts to churches as outright bribes to win political support, and he left his denomination partly because his conscience would not allow him to become a chavista. ]]]]]Apparently more Venezuelans are having second thoughts about their previous support of the bombastic leader, who is known to give four-hour speeches and who once lectured for eight hours straight on his weekly TV talk show. [[[[Last week a group of pastors in Caracas signed a document denouncing Chávez' proposal to abolish term limits.]]]] Growing unrest among university students has led to huge opposition marches that have been marked by violence.Samuel Olson, senior pastor of Las Acacias Church in Caracas, has seen a number of his chavista congregants leave in recent months because he has come to be identified with the opposition. "People are going through a profound questioning of their conscience" right now, Olson told The Washington Times two weeks ago.[[[[Venezuelan Christians are also praying fervently, and Salinas urges believers from the United States to pray with them, especially for Sunday's election.He shared how prayer triggered a miracle in the tourist city of Merida in October. After learning that the government had erected a statue of Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara on one of the highest mountains in the country, Salinas and other pastors asked for God's intervention."The next day," he says, "we heard that an anonymous group of people went to that mountain at night and toppled the statue. They left a note that said they were 'Caring Venezuelans' who could not stand for that statue to be in that beautiful place."Many Christians in Venezuela are asking for a similar miracle when voters go to the polls this weekend. I urge you to unite your faith with theirs.]]]]http://www.faithnews.cc/articles.cfm?sid=8461
PS:PRAISE GOD for christians like pastor Salinas....!!!!God still keeps a faithful remnant in each country and tribe and nation,those that haven't fallen prey of the deception of these evil days.....
(1)Chavez is a christian cause he QUOTES scriptures......It's like saying that Hillary Clinton is a christian cause she went to church when she was growing up...Come on now!!!!Even Paris Hilton alledgedly read the Bible in prison...even tough she couldn'g quote any favorite verse to Larry King,cause...u know....the Bible is so cool....that she liked it all and didn't have a favorite verse...after all....(ROL)
This is the same deal....:"Oh look that singer is a christian,cause he said God two or three times in his/her song....!!!!"
COME ON PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!When are we gonna be DISCERNING OF THE SPIRITS AND TIMES WE ARE LIVING ON...?????
Let's remember the people of Venezuela and let's agree with the Church there for a miracle for that country!!!!!!!
As in the days of Noah....
Turkey probes atheist's 'God' book
ANKARA, Turkey-A Turkish prosecutor has launched a probe into whether a book by best-selling atheist writer Richard Dawkins is an attack on religious values-a move that could lead to the prosecution of the book's Turkish publisher. Publisher Erol Karaaslan said he would be questioned by an Istanbul prosecutor on Wednesday as part of the official investigation into Dawkins' book, "The God Delusion."Karaaslan could face trial and up to one year in prison if the prosecutor concludes that the book "incites religious hatred" and insults religious values, Milliyet newspaper reported. Karaaslan is both the publisher and translator of the book.The investigation of the British scientist's book comes at a time when Turkey has been criticized for targeting writers and intellectuals for expressing opinions. The European Union, which Turkey hopes to join, is pressing Ankara to change laws that curb free expression, calling them inconsistent with the bloc's free speech standards.Turkey said this month it would soften a much-criticized law that makes denigrating Turkish identity, or insulting the country's institutions, a crime.The Nobel Prize-winning author Orhan Pamuk was among the highest profile Turks snared by the law, when he commented on the mass killings of Armenians by Turks in the early 20th century.Historians estimate up to 1.5 million Armenians were killed by Ottoman Turks around the time of World War I, an event widely viewed by genocide scholars as the first genocide of the 20th century. Turkey, however, denies the deaths constituted genocide, saying that the toll has been inflated and that those killed were victims of civil war and unrest.A probe was launched into "The God Delusion" after one reader complained that passages in the book were an assault on "sacred values," Karaaslan said.No one was available for comment at the prosecutor's office.The book has sold about 6,000 copies in Turkey since it was published by Karaaslan's Kuzey publishing house in June.
As in the days of Noah...
Hanukkah:Bringing More Light into the World
Jewish children consider themselves the luckiest kids on the block around winter holiday season...they get presents for eight nights in a row! But just as Christian children are taught that Christmas is more than gift-giving so, too, Jewish parents teach that Hanukkah gifts are a reminder of the origins of the season’s joy, and not the reason for it.Hanukkah means “dedication” the name by which the holiday is called in John 10:22 and the story is told in the Book of Maccabees. It refers to the renewal of God’s worship in the Temple in Jerusalem after it had been desecrated by the Seleucid Greek conquerors of the Holy Land in 169 BC. The Greeks worshipped Zeus in the Temple, and prohibited Jews on pain of death from following their age-old practices. But in 167 BC, a priestly family called the Hasmoneans from the Judean-mountain town of Modi’in rallied the Jews against their oppressors. About two years later, a rag-tag guerilla army led by the Hasmonean Judah the Maccabee and his brothers overcame the vast and well-equipped Seleucid forces. Jewish families celebrate for eight days to commemorate the Hanukkah miracle: after the Jews had purified the Temple in the winter of 164 BC, they could find only a small jar of oil, essential in divine service since the time of the Tabernacle (Ex. 25:6). But don’t look for the story in the Book of Maccabees; it is first told in the ancient Jewish commentary on the Bible, the Talmud (Megillat Ta’anit 9).The Hanukkah candelabrum, or menorah, has nine branches, one to hold a candle or oil for each of the eight nights, and one to light the others, known as the shamash (servant). We light one candle a night until all eight burn brightly, symbolizing our efforts to continually bring more light (holiness) into the world. We place the menorah in the window of the home to remind one and all of God’s never-failing protection.The blessings the family or community says together when lighting the candles acknowledges God as the ruler of the universe, “who made miracles possible for our ancestors in those days at this same season.” Jewish observers then sing the hymn “Rock of Ages” including the words “My God, you are the rock of my rescue and it is lovely to praise you. Restore my house of prayer where I will offer thanks...”In remembering ancient heroes, we also tell our children about modern-day heroes, like Golda Meir, Soviet Prisoner of Zion Anatoly Sharansky, the Righteous Gentiles who risked their lives for Jews during the Holocaust and many others.Then, it’s time for supper, with popular Hanukkah foods including anything fried in oil, especially potato fritters. Like other Jewish holidays, children’s activities are teaching tools. Spinning a top (dreidl) is a favorite. Each side is marked with a Hebrew letter standing for the words “a great miracle happened there” (or “here” if you’re playing in Israel) and trying to guess which letter will come up.In Israel, part of the Hanukkah celebrations involve visits to the “Land of the Maccabees” in the foothills of Judah around the modern city of Modi’in, near the ancestral home of Judah’s family.
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As in the days of Noah...
PESTILENCE WATCH:'Investigate klebsiella more'
Durban - Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang said on Wednesday that further investigation into the outbreak of klebsiella at a Durban hospital where five babies died was needed.She said in a statement that she had been briefed by the management of the Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital about the outbreak and that "reasonable measures have been taken to contain the situation. However there is a need for further investigation of the actual cause of the outbreak.Alleviate overcrowding
"We can confirm that there have been 7 confirmed cases and two unconfirmed cases of klebsiella at this hospital."The hospital, situated in Durban's Umlazi area, serves an estimated 1.6 million people and 1 200 babies are delivered at the hospital every month.She said 26 beds at Durban's Wentworth Hospital would be used to accommodate some babies in a bid to alleviate overcrowding at the hospital.Meanwhile journalists taken on a tour of the hospital, as they waited more than three hours to speak to the minister, were on Wednesday prevented from interviewing a mother whose baby had contracted the deadly bacteria.The journalists who had been invited to attend a midday media briefing by Tshabalala-Msimang were led on a tour of the hospital by a health department official.When the group reached the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit, journalists were stopped by hospital staff from interviewing a mother, whose baby is recuperating from klebsiella.
Task team had identified the source
KwaZulu-Natal health spokesperson Leon Mbangwa on Tuesday said that an investigation into the "possible outbreak" of klebsiella was ordered on November 21 by the provincial health department.He said that although the investigation had not been completed, a task team led by Professor Prashini Moodley of the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine identified the source of the infection as being "contaminated intravenous medication"."The infectious source has been removed and the surviving babies are now doing well," he said.
As in the days of Noah....
SIGN of the TIMES:'Bad parenting' and sexual offences fuel record Children's Reporter cases
RECORD numbers of Scottish youngsters are being referred to the Children's Reporter due to "bad parenting", with a huge rise in sexual offences and cases of neglect.The shocking figures, published today by the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration (SCRA), show that more than 19,000 youngsters were victims of serious offences such as sexual assault, bodily harm and cruelty - a 12 per cent increase in the last year.A further 19,000 youngsters were also referred due to a lack of parental care.It also emerged that 154 unruly and vulnerable youngsters are being referred to the Children's Reporter every day - the highest rate since records began. That equates to a total of 56,199 for 2006-2007, a 4 per cent increase on the previous year.For the first time, this year's annual report saw an overall total of more than 100,000 referrals to the Children's Reporter, with 102,787 children, compared to 97,590 in 2005-2006.The damning report also showed that almost a quarter of all children referred on care and protection grounds were under four-years-old - a 12 per cent rise on last year.Adam Ingram, the children's minister, said:"Every young person deserves the best possible care. [The report highlights] how many children need the support of adults, agencies, communities and government."SCRA is at the centre of the children's hearings system - the child protection and justice system for young people in Scotland.The aim is to protect the safety and welfare of children while addressing their behaviour.Douglas Bulloch, chairman of SCRA, said:"[The figures] clearly indicate that the needs of children and their families have to be addressed much earlier. To achieve this, there must be effective responses in place in our communities to assist children and young people who have been identified as vulnerable."The most common grounds for referral involved the child being a "victim of a Schedule one offence", which includes cruelty, sexual offences, bodily injury and indecent behaviour against children - 19,485 children - and "lack of parental care" - 19,086 children.The number of children referred to the Children's Reporter for allegedly committing an offence fell by 7 per cent over the same period - from 17,641 in 2005-2006 to 16,490 this year.The report comes just months after it emerged that a £100 million crackdown on youth crime by the former Scottish Executive had no measurable effect on offending. While new initiatives such as antisocial behaviour orders and rehabilitation schemes increased the youth-justice budget by £101 million, from £235 million in 2000-1 to £336 million in 2005-6, the number of persistent young offenders has gone up.Among the most extreme cases recorded by the SCRA in recent years was a 15-year-old boy from Edinburgh accused of committing 800 offences, included car theft, joyriding,housebreaking and assault.Funding for youth-justice services run by councils, police, the Scottish Children's Reporter and others rose by 43 per cent, but auditors found little clear evidence that the money was well spent.e in the last year.As in the days of Noah....
Sarkozy 'owes Algeria apology'
Algiers - An influential Algerian war veterans' leader was quoted as saying on Thursday that French President Nicolas Sarkozy, due to visit Algeria next week, was not welcome until he apologised for the colonial past.Sarkozy was due to visit the oil and gas exporting country, France's main Africa trade partner, to lobby for French business and seek to deepen France's often uneasy ties with a country of increasing importance to European energy security.The dates were expected to be announced later on Thursday.Mohamed Said Abadou, secretary-general of the influential National Organisation of Fighters, which represented veterans of the 1954-62 independence war, was quoted as saying by El Khabar newspaper: "As the National Organisation of Fighters we, say that Sarkozy is not welcome in Algeria ... and we won't turn the page with France until we get an apology."Bouteflika 'knows our position'
He said: "They don't want to admit their crimes against our people ... Civil society in France is innocent, but we are speaking of the government, the state and the French parliament."Abadou, a former government minister, did not have the status of a state official in his current post, but his organisation wielded power in all parts of the administration because veterans were seen as revolutionary heroes.The newspaper also quoted Abadou as saying President Abdelaziz Bouteflika "knows our positions very well with regard to the French government and state".
Algeria was invaded by France in 1830 and became a colony with more than one million French settlers. A war begun in 1954 by Algerian fighters cost hundreds of thousands of lives - Algiers said 1.5 million - before it led to independence in 1962.The road to normal relations had been bumpy. In 2005, Bouteflika called on France to apologise for crimes committed during colonial rule. French authorities responded by calling for "mutual respect".Earlier this week, Algeria's Minister of War Veterans Mohamed Cherif Abbas said of Sarkozy's visit: "It's a courtesy visit, nothing more, which aims to maintain existing relations while we wait to see what the future has in store."
As in the days of Noah...
A GREAT HIGH PRIEST.......
"Seeing then that we have a great high priest,that is passed into the heavens,Jesus the Son of God,let us hold fast our profession.
For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;but was in all points tempted like as we are,yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,that we may obtain mercy,and find grace to help in time of need."
HEBREWS 4:14-16
For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;but was in all points tempted like as we are,yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,that we may obtain mercy,and find grace to help in time of need."
HEBREWS 4:14-16
Cyclone Sidr toll to top 4 000
Dhaka - The final toll from Cyclone Sidr was likely to be more than 4 000 as hundreds of fishermen are still missing in Bangladesh, the army said on Thursday.Lieutenant Colonel Faruque Hussain, giving updated figures, said 3 256 bodies had been found and that 880 people were missing and feared dead.Officials had earlier confirmed more than 3 400 deaths with 1 700 missing."Most of the missing persons are fishermen. We fear that most of them are dead as we did not receive any information of them taking shelter," he said.Sidr struck on November 15, smashing into the coast before cutting a swathe through the southern and central districts.About 360 000 people have been left homeless with about 4.7 million people affected.The government is working with agencies and donor countries to deliver relief to thousands of survivors and has received pledges of more than 470 million dollars in aid.The storm was the second most powerful cyclone to hit the disaster-prone country since records began.Half a million people died in a 1970 cyclone, while a cyclonic tidal wave in 1991 killed about 138 000.An early-warning system and a network of cyclone shelters introduced after the 1970 disaster is credited with saving many lives both this time and in 1991.As in the days of Noah....
After Annapolis: PA Television Erases Israel From Map
Just one day after the Annapolis conference at which the PA recognized the State of Israel's right to exist in peace and security, the PA's official television station screened a map that shows a Palestinian state in place of Israel. U.S. President George Bush, at the conference on Tuesday, read aloud the summit's agreed-upon joint statement, which declares, "In furtherance of the goal of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, we agree to immediately launch good-faith bilateral negotiations in order to conclude a peace treaty. "However, Itamar Marcus and Barbara Crook of Palestinian Media Watch (PMW) report that just a day later, "Mahmoud Abbas’s Palestinian Authority continues to paint a picture for its people of a world without Israel."Specifically, PMW reports that an information clip produced a while ago by the PA's Central Bureau of Statistics was rebroadcast on Wednesday on Abbas-controlled PA television. The clip shows a map in which the Land of Israel is painted in the colors of the Palestinian flag, symbolizing the replacement of Israel by a Palestinian state.The Palestinian entity depicted as replacing Israel includes all of Judea, Samaria and Gaza, though not the Golan Heights.The depiction of all of Israel as "Palestine" is not coincidental, PMW reports, "and is part of a formal, systematic educational approach throughout the Palestinian Authority. This uniform message of a world without Israel is repeated in school books, children's programs, crossword puzzles, video clips, formal symbols, school and street names, etc. The picture painted for the Palestinian population, both verbally and visually, is of a world without Israel."PMW concludes: "The fact that this campaign continues before the ink on the Annapolis agreement is even dry appears to contradict the central promise of the Palestinians at the Annapolis conference: that Israel has a right to exist."Man-in-the-Street Also Hates Israel
The television clip appears to be loyal to widespread public opinion on the PA street. PA forces were forced to put down anti-Israel and anti-Annapolis rallies in several cities this week, and one protestor was even shot and killed. The protestors stated that Abbas has no right to make "concessions" regarding Jerusalem, refugees and the like in the name of the Palestinian people, and that any deal he makes with Israel will not be binding.In Hevron, PA security forces killed a demonstrator, injured dozens, and arrested 29 when using force to disperse a mass protest. PA forces also dispersed large protests in Ramallah, Shechem (Nablus), and Bethlehem, making several arrests.In Hamas-controlled Gaza, the protests were much more intense, and hundreds of thousands of people rallied in Gaza City, emphasizing the importance of the "right of return" for millions of Arabs and their descendants, the "liberation" of Jerusalem, the retention of "every inch of Palestinian land" and “the path of resistance and jihad,” i.e., terrorism.
by Hillel Fendel
As in the days of Noah....
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