China Removes Crosses From Two More Churches in Crackdown
The crackdown on Christianity in Zhejiang also coincides with a nationwide campaign that has been directed at legal rights defenders, pro-democracy advocates and liberal online commentators.
At the Wenling Church in Taizhou, congregants said hundreds of Christians sang hymns at daybreak on Friday as the riot police surrounded the church, which is anchored by a distinctive clock tower capped by a bright red cross. In a phone interview, one congregant, Lemon Huang, said the show of force was overwhelming and unnecessary.... Continue Reading
No Other Name: All Or Nothing
It may seem pious to invoke saints or the blessed virgin but it is not. It diminishes Christ’s person and finished work.
Hebrews 7:25 says that Jesus alone is “able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him” because he alone is our substitute and our representative before God. Mary did not obey and die for us. St. Christopher did not obey and die for us. Further, Mary, St Anne, and St... Continue Reading
Church Cannibalism: Should Pastors be Called Out for Pac-Man Tactics?
Is this Kingdom building or empire building? I see these tactics doing three things specifically that work against the Kingdom.
I believe church cannibalism is a bad thing for the Kingdom. Why then is there so little discussion of these pac-man tactics? Why no accountability within these mega structures for this kind of activity? Where are the elders and directing boards and what are they thinking when such tactics are carried out again and again?... Continue Reading
The Exclusivity of Treasure Pursuit
It's spiritually impossible to pursue the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of self simultaneously
That’s why “The Exclusivity of Treasure Pursuit” Principle is bad news for our inner Pharisee. Christ has raised the standard of righteousness to an unattainable extreme, and there’s no way we can please God without the grace of Jesus. But if we incorrectly convince ourselves that it’s possible to serve two masters, we’ll believe that... Continue Reading
Ministry to Grieving Parents
Knowing what to say and when to be there but quiet
Don’t expect that if you only knew the right thing to say or do, the right book or counselor to recommend, that everything would be OK. This kind of loss will hurt a while. Your persistent presence with us, refusing to give up on us, your choosing to be at ease with our sadness and struggle,... Continue Reading
25 Things Successful Teachers Do Differently
Are teachers reaching their students? Here are 25 things successful educators do differently
What students take away from a successful education usually centers on a personal connection with a teacher who instilled passion and inspiration for their subject. It’s difficult to measure success, and in the world of academia, educators are continually re-evaluating how to quantify learning. But the first and most important question to ask is: Are... Continue Reading
Kurdistan Declares “Safe Haven” for Christian Refugees
Kurdistan has declared a safe-haven for Christian refugees, as Islamist militants extinguish the Christian presence in Iraq’s second city, Mosul
A ray of hope is the affirmation by Kurdish leaders that Christian refugees are being offered a safe haven in Kurdistan and will be welcomed, protected and free to practise their religion. Ainkawa is a mainly Christian district of Erbil, the Kurdish capital….‘In 2003 we had around 2,000 families living in Ainkawa, now we have... Continue Reading
Are We Too Concerned with Demons?
Too much concern with Satan and demons means that we focus less of our attention on Christ
We do not have to be possessed by a demon to get drunk. There is enough abiding wickedness in us to do it all by ourselves. We can never say, “The Devil made me do it.” We can say that we are tempted, incited, or seduced by Satan, but not that we are controlled or... Continue Reading
White House Caves on Religious Accommodations to HHS Mandate
The Obama administration announced that they would create a workaround to allow nonprofits to claim religious exemptions from the Obamacare contraception mandate
In a statement, a Justice Department official pointed to the Wheaton College decision as the impetus behind the decision. “In light of the Supreme Court order regarding Wheaton College, the Departments intend to augment their regulations to provide an alternative way for objecting nonprofit religious organizations to provide notification…” The Obama administration announced Tuesday evening... Continue Reading
A Web of Care: Internal Resources
Creating a web of care so that people find it hard to hide, get lost, slip away or fall through the cracks
There are always a number of people who have gifts of mercy and are relationally strong in helping others with wise counsel. Often, they have gained these skills and character qualities through the hard knocks of life. You know who they are because people talk about how they have been helped by them. The... Continue Reading