King Jehoshaphat and the Coronavirus

FEBRUARY 6, 2020  |  JASON SEVILLE



“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

As I sit in my apartment in coronavirus-laden China, I’m hard pressed to think of a better prayer than that one, uttered by a desperate but confident Judean king named Jehoshaphat (2 Chron. 20:12).

The eyes of an anxious world are on this global health crisis. Companies and schools in China are delaying operations. Borders are closing. And in recent days many airlines have suspended all travel in and out of this great country. As an American who pastors in China, our decision to stay now feels like a clear “burn the ships!” moment.

Our prayer? We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you, Lord.

Jehoshaphat’s ancient perspective is more apropos for February 2020 than we might think. In his context, a dangerous delegation from Edom was closing in on Judah. But his faith was all-encompassing. He wasn’t just trusting the Lord in the face of potential military defeat, but for any disaster that may come!

If disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before you—for your name is in this house—and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save. (2 Chron. 20:9, emphasis mine)

Jehoshaphat had a disposition of trust, regardless of danger. Even in the face of pestilence or plague, he cried to God.

And, given the current threat of pandemic, we must learn to do the same. Here are five aspects of his trusting in God that can help us today.

1. Trust God with your fears.
Jehoshaphat was “afraid and set his face to seek the Lord” (2 Chron. 20:3). He wasn’t superhuman; he was normal. The initial step of anyone trusting in God’s help—in his day or in ours—must be admitting weakness. It may be good medicine right now to go before the Lord and honestly tell him how you’re doing. I’m scared. I’m frustrated. I’m angry. I’m lonely. I’m wounded. I’m exhausted.

The point of airing our pain isn’t to shake a finger at God; it’s to be honest as we trust him with our deepest concerns. Jehoshaphat chooses to trust the Lord, which is what we’re called to as well. Trust is always a choice. And it’s one we’ll have to make over and over again.

2. Encourage others to trust God.
After Jehoshaphat seeks God, he proclaims a national fast: “And Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord; from the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord” (2 Chron. 20:4). The king knows whence true help comes, and he leads others to go there for their hope as well.

When everyone around us is freaking out, and our neighbors fear the sky is falling, we must remind each other that we serve a loving, merciful, and sovereign God, who is himself untouched by pestilence or virus (Ps. 91).

As we take our anxieties to the Lord in prayer, we can experience peace that surpasses understanding (Phil. 4:6–7). And as we experience such peace, the countercultural—and often counterintuitive—hope that we have in Christ is put on display (1 Pet. 3:15). Our faith, after all, is personal but not private.

3. Call out to God.
Jehoshaphat offers a model prayer in verses 5–12. He appeals to God’s character, his promises, and his actions in the past. The prayer then culminates: “[W]e are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do but our eyes are on you.”

Maybe you feel that way in light of nCoV. Perhaps you feel powerless against a virus to which you can be exposed even when there are no visible symptoms. Maybe your anxiety rises as specialists still aren’t sure all the ways this virus can be transmitted. You might feel discouraged as you watch the infection and death tolls rise. If so, join with Jehoshaphat in declaring that you are helpless, but your hope is fixed on God Almighty.

How many of our prayers should end with a line like this? This is the posture of the Christian. Appeal to God’s character, confess your inability, and put your eyes on the Lord.

4. Remember God’s salvation.
In the 2 Chronicles narrative, God responds by sending a prophet to remind Judah that the battle doesn’t belong to them; it belongs to God (20:15). They won’t even need to fight; they can just sit back and watch his salvation on their behalf (20:17)!

This story is a small example of a bigger, spiritual battle for everyone in every age. We have a lethal problem we can do nothing about on our own (though we try!). We must trust another, because the battle isn’t ours to fight. As we trust the One who can battle on our behalf, we’re invited to sit back and watch the salvation of the Lord.

The coronavirus may plateau over the next week. Or it may worsen. My family may be spared from this epidemic, or we may become a statistic. Still we look to God’s salvation. Not because he’ll necessarily prove his love to me by protecting me from illness, but because he’s already demonstrated his love by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners, so that whoever believes in him might not perish but have eternal life (Rom. 5:8; John 3:16).

I pray for this virus to be eradicated and for my family to be healthy, but God is good regardless of what these next weeks bring. I wear a mask outdoors and wash my hands frequently, but my hope isn’t finally in these efforts. I desire long life for myself and my family, but I also know the goal of life isn’t to escape physical death. That’s a fool’s errand. The goal is to be prepared when physical death inevitably comes, glorifying and enjoying God until that day. 

5. Worship.
Jehoshaphat trusts God, and he leads others in trusting God. But note the end game: worship. In 2 Chronicles 20:21, before victory had even come, the king leads the people to praise: “And when they began to sing and praise, the LORD set an ambush against [their enemies], so that they were routed” (2 Chron. 20:22).

How is this final scene part of trusting God? Because if God is good, and we know he can be trusted, we can worship him even amid suffering. We can praise him even under the threat of danger. We glorify him even as viruses spread.

God didn’t tell Jehoshaphat to do this. He wasn’t instructed by God to call together a worship service. Worship isn’t a strategy for getting God to act; it’s a response because we know he has acted, and he will continue to act. This is what it looks like to seek the Lord.

The Judeans go out the next day, and their threat is gone. I’m not saying God will miraculously solve all your problems if you’ll only start worshiping. But I am saying your biggest problem—the problem of disbelief—will be solved if you’ll only start worshiping.

In the face of the coronavirus, may Christians in China and around the world have an unshakeable confidence in the Lord—even when we don’t know what comes next.


Jason Seville is the senior pastor of an international church in China, where he lives with his wife, Kim, and four daughters. You can follow him on Twitter.

BBC NEWS: Somalia declares emergency over locust swarms

2 February 2020


The UN says the situation in the Horn of Africa is the worst in 25 years

Somalia has declared a national emergency as large swarms of locusts spread across east Africa.

The country's Ministry of Agriculture said the insects, which consume large amounts of vegetation, posed "a major threat to Somalia's fragile food security situation".

There are fears that the situation may not be brought under control before the harvest begins in April.

The UN says the swarms are the largest in Somalia and Ethiopia in 25 years.

Meanwhile, neighbouring Kenya has not seen a locust threat as severe in 70 years, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

However, Somalia is the first country in the region to declare an emergency over the infestation.

Drones tested to combat desert locusts
Somalia's unstable security situation means that planes cannot be used to spray insecticide from the air.



In January, the FAO called for international help in fighting the swarms in the Horn of Africa, warning that locust numbers across the region could grow 500 times by June.

The swarms spread into east Africa from Yemen across the Red Sea, after heavy rainfall in late 2019 created ideal conditions for the insects to flourish.

Locusts can travel up to 150km (93 miles) in a day. Each adult insect can eat its own weight in food daily.

In December, a locust swarm forced a passenger plane off course in Ethiopia. Insects smashed into the engines, windshield and nose, but the aircraft was able to land safely in the capital, Addis Ababa.

What is the meaning of pestilence in the Bible?

Question: "What is the meaning of pestilence in the Bible?"

Answer: Pestilence is a deadly disaster, usually a disease, that affects an entire community. Pestilence is contagious, virulent, and devastating. For example, the Black Plague in Europe that killed over thirty percent of the population during the late Middle Ages was a pestilence. In the Bible, pestilence is usually a sign of God’s judgment on a nation or people group (Deuteronomy 32:24; 1 Chronicles 21:12; Ezekiel 7:14–15). The God who protects and blesses is also the God who sends disaster and pestilence when it accomplishes His righteous purposes on earth (Isaiah 45:7; Ezekiel 5:16–17; Amos 4:10). Pestilence is promised as part of God’s final judgment on the world in Revelation 18:8.

The word translated “pestilence” is often translated as “plague” or “disaster” in new versions of the English Bible. However, because the word is often paired with both of those, it may imply a greater devastation than mere physical disease. Pestilence incorporates any and all forms of public and mass destruction and often accompanies famine (Ezekiel 7:15) or war (Jeremiah 21:9). Jesus forewarned of pestilence when He described the end times (Luke 21:11).

After David’s sinful census, the Lord brought judgment upon Israel in the form of pestilence: “The Lord sent a pestilence on Israel from the morning until the appointed time. And there died of the people from Dan to Beersheba 70,000 men” (2 Samuel 24:15, ESV). God had also sent pestilence in the aftermath of Korah’s rebellion (Numbers 16:49) and as a judgment for Israel’s immorality at Baal Peor (Numbers 25:9), but the epidemic recorded in 2 Samuel 24 was the most deadly ever to hit the Israelites. Then God had mercy and halted the judgment: “When the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the LORD relented concerning the disaster and said to the angel who was afflicting the people, ‘Enough! Withdraw your hand’” (verse 16).

Our sovereign God is Lord of any pestilence (Habakkuk 3:5). He promises protection for those who trust in Him: “You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. (Psalm 91:5–6). Whatever happens, the children of God do not need to fear.

Jesus Christ is our protection against the righteous judgments of God. For everyone who submits to the lordship of Jesus, God “canceled the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:14). Those who are “in Christ” need never fear pestilence or any other judgment.

Among the various forms of judgment that God brings upon the unrighteous and rebellious is pestilence. Not every epidemic is the direct judgment of God, but the Bible indicates that some instances of pestilence in history have been a punishment for sin. God sent pestilence to punish the Israelites for their ongoing idolatry and disobedience (Deuteronomy 32:24; Jeremiah 42:22), and during the tribulation He will send pestilence to punish the unrepentant: “The first angel went and poured out his bowl on the land, and ugly, festering sores broke out on the people who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image” (Revelation 16:2; cf. Revelation 18:8; Matthew 24:7). We never have to experience God’s pestilential judgment if we will accept His protection through faith in Jesus Christ (John 1:12; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Christian Hong Kong Protesters Turn Out in Thousands, Sing Famous Hymn in Defiance

By Will Maule



As pro-democracy demonstrators continue to mount a mass resistance against China’s communist rule in Hong Kong, the region’s Christian community has started to rise up.

Amongst the throes of tear gas, rubber bullets, and riot shields, a sweet melody of worship can be heard echoing through the city’s central district. Gathering in peace and prayer, thousands of Christian protestors can often be heard belting out the 1974 hymn, “Sing Hallelujah to the Lord.”

Not only is this a show of devotion to Jesus in the midst of tumult and political tyranny, but the singing of this worship song also offers the community a level of immunity, thanks to a Hong Kong law of public assembly that makes exceptions for religious gatherings.

In these volatile days of Chinese agents, facial recognition and mass arrests, this protection is a welcome comfort for the Christian community, who not only stand in unity with their fellow protesters but also solidarity with the much-persecuted Christian community back in mainland China.

Last Friday, thousands upon thousands of believers gathered in Chater Garden for the first political rally organized by the Christian community. According to Religion News Service, the central motto of the gathering was “Salt and light, for justice we walk together.”

An accompanying press release to the event described its aim as helping to “provide all Christians a platform to express themselves outside the church, hoping people would safeguard Hong Kong by singing, praying, worshipping God and at the same time speaking up for justice and standing together with all the Hongkongers in difficult times.”

China has continued to stay tight-lipped on its plans to quell the political protests and has shown no intention of scrapping the extradition bill that sparked the mass action in the first place. In her latest comments, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, said that she was “not accepting the demands,” of protesters who insist on the bill being completely withdrawn.

“We have to say ‘no’ to violence, end the chaotic situation with law enforcement,” she added, according to the Guardian. “We will not give up on the platform for dialogue.”

Fears were stoked in recent weeks after large numbers of military vehicles and troops were shipping into the border region with Hong Kong. So far, however, no major offensive has taken place to rid the city of protestors.

Todd Bentley Scandal Reveals Bigger Problem: 2 Demonic Spirits Roam the Church Freely Todd Bentley Scandal Reveals Bigger Problem: 2 Demonic Spirits Roam the Church Freely

JOHN BURTON



The uniting of two sinister forces, hyper-grace and hyper-love, has created a ferocious monster that is devastating lives.

I believe there are two evil, powerful and seductive demonic spirits that are roaming freely in churches all over the world, and people are celebrating them, promoting them and imparting them into millions of others. These spirits, dark and crafty entities that have already caused extreme destruction in innumerable people, are: hyper-grace and hyper-love.

The reason I call these two mindsets, philosophies and theologies "spirits" is simple: Satan has devised a scheme to deceive the church to such a degree that people believe themselves to be radical followers of Jesus while living in such a way that disqualifies them from an eternity with Jesus. Those infected by hyper-grace and hyper-love are at great risk, with many of them already surrendering their salvation and many others moving in that direction.

I was at Jimmy Swaggart's confession in 1988. I helped give leadership to a city-wide prayer movement with Ted Haggard approximately 15 years ago. My wife and I had a private meeting with Todd Bentley in Lakeland in 2008. All three had a powerful, undeniable anointing. All three failed dramatically. Hyper-grace didn't restore them. Hyper-love didn't remedy the destruction.

(If you'd like more details on the current crisis, read a Charisma News article titled "Revivalist Todd Bentley Accused of 'Sexual Perversion' With Male, Female Interns," that was released yesterday HERE.)

I remember John Bevere sharing the story of him visiting Jim Bakker in prison. John asked Jim, "When did you stop loving God?" Jim shocked John Bevere by saying, "I never stopped loving God. I stopped fearing God."

Hyper-Love
For a closer view into this topic of hyper-love, read one of my more popular articles titled, "The Great Love Deception: A False-Love Movement Is on the Rise," here.

When we encounter love, we will be presented with a view of God that is quite different than what we previously understood to be true. God's love can be expressed in a very direct, uncomfortable way that breaks you and may even wonder how a loving God could act that way. God's expression of love will often put you at risk, threaten you and trouble you. —"The Great Love Deception: A False-Love Movement Is on the Rise"

I'll say it loud, clear and repeatedly until it's finally received: The love of God that results in glorious breakthrough and warm feelings, no matter how great the revelation, is not nearly enough to keep us calibrated with the heart and expectations of God. (Yes, contrary to the love camp, God absolutely has expectations. If you read your Bible, you can't miss them.)

I've heard from countless people, most of them wonderful yet deceived, that all we need to do, whether in evangelism, in our personal relationship with Jesus, in ministry or in any place in our life is to focus on God's love. Reveal God's love. Preach God's love. Grow in understanding of God's love. Go deep in God's love. Meditate on God's love. Study about God's love. Minister God's love.

I'll be the first to say that I agree we have the glorious opportunity to do what they are campaigning for. Going deep in revelation of God's love will mark us, transform us and overwhelm us. God's love is powerful beyond description. However, it's not enough.

The fear of God is critical (and fear here doesn't always translate as reverence. It's also translated as terror in places.) We must embrace both God's kindness and severity. We must minister both.

Someone mentioned to me that God would forgive him if he starts dating a girl who wants to have sex prior to marriage. He knew that this sin was wrong, but he didn't believe it was a big deal, and God certainly wouldn't send anybody to hell over it. He argued he could just ask for forgiveness later, and all would be well.

While most might not be as brazen as this young man, millions would actually agree with him. The percentages of people who profess Christ while also living in sexual sin is staggering. Fornication, pornography, lust, adultery and other sinful lifestyles are a pandemic in the church. A misunderstanding of God's love has led to this. The Bible is clear on just what appropriate love looks like in this case:

But I have written to you not to keep company with any man who is called a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner. Do not even eat with such a person.

For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But God judges those who are outside. Therefore "put away from among yourselves that wicked person" (1 Cor. 5:11-13).

True love protects the flock, and true love trusts God's wisdom. True love obeys God even when it doesn't feel like the humanized love so many have adopted.

When leaders are the ones in sin, love demands we handle it immediately. Ministry must stop for that individual. Restoration into the ministry is not the next step. It's possible they will never step behind a pulpit again. That's okay. Ministry has become an idol for too many. True love will expose that in someone's heart and deal with it.

True repentance is so rare today. I am waiting for the day the failed minister is more broken over the lives he destroyed than he is endeavoring to start preaching again. That is true love in action.

Hyper-Grace
My article "Five Marks of the False-Grace Message" is my most read ever, and the most scrutinized. Read it here.

We as Christians are not exempt from judgment or from the repercussions of sin. If we are in Christ, there is no condemnation, but if we are deceived by false theology into thinking we are in Christ, while actually living in disobedience, we are in trouble. We are not in Christ and there is condemnation. No salvation. The wrath of God remains on us. False-grace doctrine is eternally deadly. There are many people following Jesus today in an unsaved condition. —"Five Marks of the False-Grace Message"

When you add the deception of hyper-love to hyper-grace, a rampant theology that actually encourages Christians not to confess sin, you have a two-headed monster that is bringing widespread destruction to the church.

Those who subscribe to both deceptions promote God's love and forgiveness to the exclusion of his severity, and they believe God is indifferent to sin. This monster creates the perfect environment for sin to be nurtured, and to kill.

"Then, when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin; and when sin is finished, it brings forth death" (James 1:15).

So, the response to sin is tepid. The threat is wildly minimized.

Instead of a severe and immediate response to sin, "love" and "grace" is enacted, believing all is well and that is all that's necessary to see happy restoration take place. This fallacy has put millions in the path of unrepentant ministers and has caused many of those millions to adopt doctrines of demons as a result.

When true love and true grace are in play, it looks very different than the passive, mild response we see today. People presume that we are all sinners (we are not) and that we all sin daily (we should not) and therefore the sexual sin, sins of leadership, unforgiveness, lust, greed and any other number of evil acts are minimized, deemed benign. In reality, unrepentant, unresolved sin is eternally deadly, especially for Christians.

For if we willfully continue to sin after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment and fiery indignation, which will devour the adversaries (Heb. 10:26-27).

False-love coupled with false grace will rip people to shreds spiritually. It's already seduced untold numbers of people.

I want to encourage you to read a bold, sobering and tear-driven message from Jeremiah Johnson regarding the recent controversy regarding Todd Bentley and Rick Joyner. It was written with much prayer and fasting, and the message it contains will have us all trembling in the fear of the Lord. You can read the message titled, "An Open Letter To The Body Of Christ 8/26/19," here.

To hear more on hyper-grace, listen to Michael Brown's two podcasts on the matter.




John Burton has been developing and leading ministries for over 25 years and is a sought out teacher, prophetic messenger and revivalist. John has authored ten books, is a regular contributor to Charisma Magazine, has appeared on Christian television and radio and directed one of the primary internships at the International House of Prayer (IHOP) in Kansas City. A large and growing library of audio and video teachings, articles, books and other resources can be found on his website at www.burton.tv. John, his wife Amy and their five children live in Branson, Missouri.

Evangelist Todd Bentley Claims Shirtless 'Financial Angel' Visited Him in Hotel Room, Another Wrestled Him at Home Evangelist Todd Bentley Claims Shirtless 'Financial Angel' Visited Him in Hotel Room, Another Wrestled Him at Home By Leonardo Blair, Christian Post Reporter

By Leonardo Blair, Christian Post Reporter



Fresh Fire USA founder and healing evangelist Todd Bentley claimed during a "Supernatural Debt Forgiveness Jubilee Service" Sunday that he has had live encounters with angels during his ministry similar to those experienced by biblical figures, including a visit from a shirtless "financial angel" in a dingy hotel room and another in his home where the angel wrestled him in his bed.

"It (angel) appeared to me as a person. A man. So I'm not having a dream. It's not a trance. I'm wide awake. I'm in my bathroom. And I've never had an angelic encounter where it's like in this world. A messenger from Heaven," Bentley said in the service of his first encounter with an angel which he said happened in Albany, Oregon, around 2004 or 2005.

He explained that at the time he was an evangelist based in Canada and was invited by a group of churches in Oregon to minister due to his reputation as a "miracle healing guy."

During his American tour late one night inside the "dingy" and seedy hotel room where his hosts had booked him, Bentley said he encountered the "financial angel."

"I'm in my hotel and in my bathroom and it's the middle of the night. And I open my hotel room and turn the light on, and there's a man in there, in my bathroom. And I looked at this man, he didn't have his shirt on, so I thought he must've got into the wrong hotel room. First thought. You know 'you're in the wrong room bro.' ... And then realized he was wearing funny like white yoga pants, like really tight, white ballet-type pants and like Aladdin golden slippers. And I looked down at him and thought 'wow, this isn't a man. This is an angel,'" Bentley recounted.

He then pointed to Scripture to say that his experience had biblical precedent.

"You know this is where you may be entertaining strangers but you're entertaining angels Hebrews 13:5," he said. (The verse he was referring to is actually verse 2, which says: "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.")

"Literally this is like Abraham thought three men came to his tent and it turned out to be the Lord and two angels but he thought it was three men. He likes told his wife to go get the fattened calf and you know Genesis 18, he said three men are coming to have dinner with me, they were actually angels. That was what happened to me," he said.

Bentley then continued his testimony of angelic encounters.

Fresh Fire leader Todd Bentley accused of ‘perverse sexual addiction,’ preying on interns

By Leonardo Blair, Christian Post Reporter



Stephen Powell, an estranged protégé of controversial evangelist Todd Bentley at Fresh Fire USA, has publicly dismissed his mentor as “not fit for public ministry,” alleging that he has a “perverse sexual addiction” that has driven him to prey on interns.

Citing personal and reported testimony, Powell, who runs Lion of Light Ministries in Pineville, North Carolina, alleged in a lengthy post on Facebook Thursday that Bentley “has an appetite for a variety of sexual sins, including both homosexual and heterosexual activity.” He was not immediately available to respond to The Christian Post's request for further comment on Friday.

Powell also charged that Bentley’s behavior is enabled and covered up by his wife, Jessa, as well as Christian leaders in the evangelist’s orbit such as Rick Joyner, author of The Final Quest and founder of Morning Star Ministries and Heritage International Ministries.

Joyner helped Bentley create Fresh Fire USA in 2009, the year after Bentley separated from now ex-wife, Shonnah, and got involved in an emotional relationship with a staff member. Joyner was also part of the “healing team” that was formed to help restore Bentley after the divorce and emotional affair.

In a Facebook Live broadcast on Friday, Joyner said he currently has no authority over Bentley and acknowledged being aware of accusations that he had preyed on interns. He also acknowledged that Powell had come to him and tried to pressure him into taking swift action against Bentley. He accused Powell of operating in a spirit of “witchcraft” for going public with his knowledge.

“When people come to me with pressuring, manipulating, especially threatening if I don’t do something their way, or in their time, I know that’s the devil," Joyner said. "That’s in Scripture, counterfeit spiritual authority which is called witchcraft. That is not the Holy Spirit. We’ve got to start recognizing what is from the Holy Spirit and what is not.”

Powell said that even though he had been aware of misconduct by Bentley over the years, much of the evidence supporting his current allegations came to light this summer after he started appealing to Joyner to stage an intervention.

“Down through the years, Todd [Bentley] has made sexual advances toward (and in some cases engaged in sexual sin with) a number of different men and women outside his marriage, many of them interns and/or students under his leadership care in the church,” Powell alleged.

Powell cited testimony from a male intern who claimed in 2013 that Bentley offered to pay him $1,000 if he allowed him to perform oral sex on him.

He said the intern told him: “‘There was a time that I was with Todd and I was struggling to get by. ... I was living with my sister, working a job, just trying to pay my bills and get by, and Todd was supposed to be my mentor you know. And we’re hanging out and he’s paying for me to eat out, paying for me here, paying for me there, you know, and always showing off his money you know. ... And he was like, ‘I know you’re struggling so’... I don’t know how it came up, but He was like, ‘Can I suck your d--- for $1,000?’ And I’m like, ‘What?’ I was like, ‘What the F is your freaking problem?' ... And I was like, oblivious. ... And you know, it was not just that. ... I saw pictures of His wife naked, fully naked, the whole nine yards.”

He said he was told by another male intern who witnessed what happened that he informed Joyner of Bentley’s actions but ultimately “nothing was done and Todd was still allowed to go on in ministry as if everything was okay.”

In a response on Facebook Friday, Bentley admitted to “having a past” and noted that the allegations against him weren’t new.

“I decided to come out in a public way ahead of what has been brewing in recent months….This isn’t something new as many of the things that I’m dealing with do go back up to six, seven years. Yes, old stuff. I do have a past and many of the things I’m being accused of today come from the fact that I’ve had cracks in my foundation. I’m not about to hide, try to lie or run from the fact that I have a past in which my wife and my therapist [have been a part],” he explained.

He said he has been working with a therapist for approximately one year as well as an accountability team.

Bentley called many of the current accusations against him, “false.”

“They are gossip, they are swirl, they are speculation, hearsay and they are without any real evidence. As far as let the accusers come forth. Let them name names. Let them meet with me, with Rick. With whoever is on my leadership. I would love to be able to look in the eye of the people making the claims,” he said.

“I do have the things in my past I gotta say … whether they are six months, a year, two years, five, six, seven. Many of the things that I’ve addressed and continue to address in my life to be clean,” he said.

“I am not guilty of the things that I’m being accused of as far as those homosexual acts. Things that are taken out of context in inappropriate text messages or conversations that I had that were not right that I’ve had to own, that go back to 2013,” he said, noting that he didn’t have any sexual affairs or commit adultery.

He said he is now leaning on the prayers and support of his friends, then read a prepared statement after assuring his followers that his ongoing healing revival will continue.

In his response, Joyner explained that after he completed oversight of Bentley’s restoration in 2012 stemming from the 2008 scandal, the evangelist has been charting his own path while continuing counseling.

“I do not have authority over Todd Bentley. Those of you who know the story had the issues [that manifested in 2008]. I was asked by Peter Wagner as a representative of the Revival Alliance to oversee Todd’s restoration. I was given very few guidelines, [not] anything. Just here, you take this. We think you’re supposed to do it. I thought I was the worst one in the world to do it,” he said. “I’m not good at that. That’s not my type of calling.”

He said he prayed about it, however, and he felt like God would give him the grace to do it.

“I would say this about Todd, he’s still being restored but guess what? So am I. So are you. We still have a ways to go. I felt like the Lord showed me in 2008 that this wasn’t the last big public embarrassment that Todd was gonna have or mistake or sin. I was given a Scripture in Proverbs where the righteous fall seven times. Even the righteous fall seven times, but He said Todd would keep getting back up. He said he would fight on. But I never expected after we released him in I think about 2012, that he would be perfect,” Joyner said.

He disputes as well that nothing was done when he learned of Bentley’s behavior toward interns.

“A situation arose in 2013 when Todd, a friend brought some text messages that Todd had sent to some interns. I was appalled,” Joyner said.

“They are in the accusations that the brother put out yesterday. I was shocked. I still didn’t have authority over Todd but I went to him as a brother and I confronted him with it. As a matter of fact, I confronted him harder than I ever confronted anybody over anything. I was absolutely outraged,” he said.

Skillet Lead Singer: 'Stop Making Worship Leaders, Thought Leaders the Most Influential People in Christendom'

JENNY ROSE SPAUDO



In the past several weeks, two major Christian influencers announced publicly that their faith was not what it once was. I Kissed Dating Goodbye author and purity advocate Joshua Harris said he is no longer a Christian. And former Hillsong worship leader and songwriter Marty Sampson said his Christian faith is on "incredibly shaky ground."

As these well-known leaders move away from their faith, Skillet lead singer and songwriter John L. Cooper asks, "What is happening in Christianity?"

In a lengthy Facebook post, Cooper questions why these influencers are leaving the beliefs they once promoted so passionately. He also challenges believers to "STOP making worship leaders and thought leaders or influencers or cool people or 'relevant' people the most influential people in Christendom."

Read Cooper's post in its entirety below:

Ok I'm saying it. Because it's too important not to. What is happening in Christianity? More and more of our outspoken leaders or influencers who were once "faces" of the faith are falling away. And at the same time they are being very vocal and bold about it. Shockingly they still want to influence others (for what purpose?) as they announce that they are leaving the faith. I'll state my conclusion, then I'll state some rebuttals to statements I've read by some of them. Firstly, I never judge people outside of my faith. Even if they hate religion or Christianity. That is not my place and I have many friends who disagree with my religion and that is 100% fine with me. However, when it comes to people within my faith, there must be a measure of loyalty and friendship and accountability to each other and the Word of God.

My conclusion for the church (all of us Christians): We must STOP making worship leaders and thought leaders or influencers or cool people or "relevant" people the most influential people in Christendom. (And yes that includes people like me!) I've been saying for 20 years (and seemed probably quite judgmental to some of my peers) that we are in a dangerous place when the church is looking to 20-year-old worship singers as our source of truth. We now have a church culture that learns who God is from singing modern praise songs rather than from the teachings of the Word. I'm not being rude to my worship leader friends (many who would agree with me) in saying that singers and musicians are good at communicating emotion and feeling. We create a moment and a vehicle for God to speak. However, singers are not always the best people to write solid bible truth and doctrine. Sometimes we are too young, too ignorant of scripture, too unaware, or too unconcerned about the purity of scripture and the holiness of the God we are singing to. Have you ever considered the disrespect of singing songs to God that is untrue of His character?

I have a few specific thoughts and rebuttals to statements made by recently disavowed church influencers ... first of all, I am stunned that the seemingly most important thing for these leaders who have lost their faith is to make such a bold new stance. Basically saying, "I've been living and preaching boldly something for 20 years and led generations of people with my teachings and now I no longer believe it ... therefore I'm going to boldly and loudly tell people it was all wrong while I boldly and loudly lead people into my next truth." I'm perplexed why they aren't embarrassed? Humbled? Ashamed, fearful, confused? Why be so eager to continue leading people when you clearly don't know where you are headed?

My second thought is, why do people act like "being real" covers a multitude of sins? As if someone is courageous simply for sharing virally every thought or dark place. That's not courageous. It's cavalier. Have they considered the ramifications? As if they are the harbingers of truth, saying "I used to think one way and practice it and preach it, but now I've learned all the new truth and will start practicing and preaching it." So the influencers become the voice for truth in whatever stage of life and whatever evolution takes place in their thinking.

Thirdly, there is a common thread running through these leaders/influencers that basically says that "no one else is talking about the REAL stuff." This is just flatly false. I just read today in a renown worship leader's statement, "How could a God of love send people to hell? No one talks about it." As if he is the first person to ask this? Brother, you are not that unique. The church has wrestled with this for 1500 years. Literally. Everybody talks about it. Children talk about it in Sunday school. There's like a billion books written on the topic. Just because you don't get the answer you want doesn't mean that we are unwilling to wrestle with it. We wrestle with scripture until we are transformed by the renewing of our minds.

And lastly, and most shocking IMO, as these influencers disavow their faith, they always end their statements with their "new insight/new truth" that is basically a regurgitation of Jesus's words?! It's truly bizarre and ironic. They'll say "I'm disavowing my faith but remember, love people, be generous, forgive others". Ummm, why? That is actually not human nature. No child is ever born and says "I just want to love others before loving myself. I want to turn the other cheek. I want to give my money away to others in need". Those are biblical principles taught by a prophet/Priest/King of kings who wants us to live by a higher standard which is not an earthly standard, but rather the 'Kingdom of God' standard. Therefore if Jesus is not the truth and if the Word of God is not absolute, then by preaching Jesus's teachings you are endorsing the words of a madman. A lunatic who said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." He also said that he was alive before Abraham, and to see him was to see God because he was one with God. So why then would a disavowed Christian leader promote that "generosity is good"? How would you know "what is good" without Jesus's teachings? And will your ideas of what is "good" be different from year to year based on your experience, culture trends, popular [sic] opinion, etc and furthermore will you continue year by year to lead others into your idea of goodness even though it is not absolute? I'm amazed that so many Christians want the benefits of the kingdom of God, but with the caveat that they themselves will be the King.

It is time for the church to rediscover the preeminence of the Word. And to value the teaching of the Word. We need to value truth over feeling. Truth over emotion. And what we are seeing now is the result of the church raising up influencers who did not supremely value truth who have led a generation who also do not believe in the supremacy of truth. And now those disavowed leaders are proudly still leading and influencing boldly AWAY from the truth.

Is it any wonder that some of our disavowed Christian leaders are letting go of the absolute truth of the Bible and subsequently their lives are falling apart? Further and further they are sinking in the sea all the while shouting "now I've found the truth! Follow me!!" Brothers and sisters in the faith all around the world, pastors, teachers, worship leaders, influencers ... I implore you, please please in your search for relevancy for the gospel, let us NOT find creative ways to shape God's word into the image of our culture by stifling inconvenient truths. But rather let us hold on even tighter to the anchor of the living Word of God. He changes NOT. "The grass withers and the flowers fade away, but the word of our God stands forever" (Isaiah 40:8)

Pray for the Peace of Hong Kong

By Jaeson Ma



Dear friends, please Pray for the peace of Hong Kong,

I am now in HK heartbroken and praying. I can’t begin to describe the urgency of global intercession needed right now for the city of Hong Kong for the peace of its government and its youth. HK airport has gone into complete mayhem, riots and violent protests are beginning to go out of control.

Two days ago I was flying from LA to HK on a 1AM Cathay airlines flight but it was canceled due to the airplane pilot protesting. I took the next day flight and arrived in HK Monday evening to an airport flooded with thousands of HK youth in black t-shirts angry, infuriated and in pain crying out for justice. I walked into the airport shocked and saddened in my heart.

I knelt on my knees and begin to ask the Lord for mercy over this great city and gateway of Asia in the middle of the arrival hall. As I lifted up my eyes I saw that I was in the middle of the hallway entrance with the words above “Hong Kong Asia’s World City”, the financial center of Asia, the London & Wall Street of the East, how did it all of a sudden become this city of darkness & hopelessness? This place I call my second home.

I began to pray in the spirit and weep for the youth of the city. I then began to see holy hands linked together all across the city of HK in unison crying out “Holy! Holy! Holiness unto the Lord!” I then saw warring and healing angels rise from the ashes of the streets of Hong Kong into the mid-air and the Spirit of revival and awakening began to rumble across the city streets. I then saw praise, worship and prayers being lifted up over the city and young people crying out for salvation in unison with those who began to pray first. Then I heard the scriptures:

“He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.””‭‭Malachi‬ ‭4:6

“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”‭‭ 2 Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NIV

I had a vision while praying in the spirit of angels rising up from the ashes through concerted prayers , Malachi 4:6 “the hearts of the fathers must turn towards the sons and daughters in order for the land to be healed” this must come from the cities spiritual fathers and mothers in repentance and leadership and then the youth will turn in prayers as well. Then I saw angels all across the city rising up if we humble ourselves repent and pray for not democracy, but for salvation. The Spirit of God is speaking that His Church must arise and shine at this moment not in protests but in never-ending prayers. It is Isaiah 60! “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭60:1-2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

If we don’t unite in prayer for revival as one church in the city, it will be pain unbearable ahead (Psalm 133). At this point, HK is on the verge of mayhem, anarchy and all-out warfare. China PLA (Peoples Liberation Army) will come in and it will be over if the youth don’t back down - we need nothing short of a miracle right now. I see bloodshed ahead unless a miracle breaks forth from the heavens.

“Then if anyone hears the trumpet but does not heed the warning and the sword comes and takes their life, their blood will be on their own head.” Ezekiel‬ ‭33:4‬ ‭NIV

My heart breaks as I’ve spoken to both sides of the argument and political dilemma. There are students being gunned down with tear gas, rubber bullets and severe beatings from the police force in the name of freedom. There are police being beaten and jumped by angry and violent youths who feel violated & threatened by the government in the name of protection. Eastern media is demonizing the youth protesters as unruly & evil, Western media is sensationalizing the narrative as injustice against democracy, in between all the politics and game of thrones at play are innocent bystanders being caught in the crossfires, innocent citizens, elderly, children, teachers, fathers & mothers, civilians who can’t go to work, can’t pay their bills and others passing through the city of HK in fear of their lives being endangered. And then those who have been beaten, dragged through the streets, left for dead: police who have children, students who have parents, and those who want peace but are only faced with violence.

We don’t need more violent protests, WE NEED MORE PRAYERS. We don’t need more hate, WE NEED MORE LOVE. We don’t need more pain, WE NEED A GREATER PURPOSE. That purpose is not politics, is not democracy, is not communism, that purpose and cause is the love of CHRIST IN ALL and ABOVE ALL & FORGIVES ALL.

We need to pray for the Hong Kong government to exercise wisdom, we need to pray for those young protesters to feel that they have been heard. There needs to be God’s solution, not a human solution. I don’t know what it is, because both sides are not hearing one another, and the worst could be very well yet to come. The scripture says:

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. Romans 13:1-5

I am not advocating for communism or democracy, what I am advocating for is peace.

God is our ultimate democracy. Every human government is flawed, but we live and believe for a heavenly kingdom ruled by Jesus as our ultimate King. Jesus didn’t die for democracy He died for a kingdom.

I was there in Hong Kong for the first three peaceful protests. I believe in democracy, I believe in the HK citizens' rights to fight for their freedom. The one country two systems agreement is clear & shouldn’t be obstructed but upheld. Yet, I don’t believe in violent protests. I don’t believe in brutality, unnecessary violence & gorilla warfare to achieve freedom - there is a better way & I believe the Bible is clear, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians‬ ‭6:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The true battle is not waged with our fists in the air, the true battle is waged on our knees in prayer.

There doesn’t need to be anymore unnecessary bloodshed, instead, we plead the blood of the Lamb to save and protect Hong Kong and all its people from any harm, danger, and the spirit of death. Instead, may the spirit of life, of awakening, of greater love be poured out over all and spill into the streets of Hong Kong with God’s love. We pray for a divine miracle to happen now for Hong Kong.

Lord Jesus, we pray for the peace of Hong Kong. We pray that we would learn to love one another amidst our differences, that You Jesus would be lifted up over this city! We pray that Your Church would unite in prayer and praise, that a miracle would reign down from heaven unto the earth, into every heart in Hong Kong at this moment and bring healing to this land. God, we cry out for mercy, we declare Your Holiness over the Hong Kong people and we ask for Your mercy to protect the innocent from bloodshed and for supernatural grace to be granted to this great city of Hong Kong. We pray Lord that You would turn the hearts of the parents to the children and the children to the parents, break the curse off the land and release a spiritual revival and awakening unto true salvation in Jesus name over Hong Kong, China, the World. Amen!

Praying for Hong Kong 🇭🇰,

JMA

Is China Hoarding Food, Gold And Other Commodities In Anticipation Of A Global Collapse?

Does China believe that we are on the verge of a major global crisis? The communist Chinese government has always been very big into planning, and it appears that they have decided that now is the time to hoard food, gold and other commodities. Of course in recent days the fact that China is completely cutting off U.S. agricultural imports has made headlines all over the globe, but at the same time China is dramatically increasing the amount of food that it is importing from the rest of the world. The end result is actually a substantial surge in Chinese imports, and this is starting to show up in the official numbers. For example, we just learned that Chinese soybean imports in July were actually up 8 percent compared to last year…

China’s soybean imports in July rose 8% from a year earlier, to their highest level in almost a year, customs data showed on Thursday, as importers increased their purchases of Brazilian beans on higher crush margins.

As I discussed the other day, China had already been drastically reducing soybean imports from the United States even before this recent announcement that U.S. agricultural imports were being cut off completely. So American farmers were definitely not benefiting from this Chinese import boom, and now that China has decided not to buy any of our crops it is going to be a “devastating blow” for our farmers…

With China officially pulling out of buying U.S. agricultural products, American farmers are losing one of their biggest customers. It could be a devastating blow in an already tough year for crops and commodity prices. It may also dent U.S. gross domestic product and hurt companies like Deere, whose business is directly tied to farming in the Heartland.

“Sales have already been lower this crop year because of the existing tariffs. If we went all the way to no China exports whatsoever, that would of course result in even larger market and price impacts,” said Pat Westhoff, director of the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute at the University of Missouri. “Cutting China completely out of the market would be a very big deal.”

Needless to say, China has had to turn to other sources to supply their needs, and last month we learned that China had decided to substantially increase wheat and soybean imports from Russia…

China has approved wheat imports from the Russian region of Kurgan, the Chinese customs office said on Friday, bringing Russia a step closer to its goal of dramatically increasing grain exports.

It also approved soybean imports from all parts of Russia, the General Administration of Customs said in a separate statement on its website, having all but halted U.S. soy imports as the trade dispute between Beijing and Washington deepened.

This is yet another sign that Russia and China are drawing closer, and this is something that we have been anticipating.

Meanwhile, China is also hoarding gold. In fact, July was the eighth month in a row in which the Chinese increased their reserves…

China bought nearly 10 tons of gold in July, marking the eighth consecutive month the country increased its reserves, Bloomberg reported Wednesday morning.

The purchase is another signal from China that it’s gearing up for a prolonged trade conflict with the US. Gold serves as a historic safe-haven investment, and its price typically rises when markets and other currencies see increased volatility or prolonged weakness.

In addition, Bloomberg is reporting that Chinese commodity purchases of all types were very, very strong in July…

Commodity purchases by China rebounded strongly in July. Imports of soy to coal and crude oil gained, signaling demand in the world’s biggest buyer remains solid even as a trade spat with the U.S. escalates.

So why are the Chinese suddenly stocking up on everything?

Well, the truth is that the answer to that question is quite obvious. The trade war between the United States and China is rapidly escalating, war in the Middle East could erupt at any time, the global economy has been steadily slowing down, crops are failing all over the planet, and everywhere we look we seem to see rising political instability.

In fact, we even see it in China’s own backyard. After weeks of unprecedented political protests in Hong Kong, it looks like we could be right on the verge of a brutal crackdown. The following comes from the New York Post…

After eight weeks of huge Hong Kong street protests against Beijing’s rule, the People’s Republic is massing police and soldiers just across the border. Message: If the protesters don’t quit, a bloodbath is coming.

Beijing has also started denouncing the protests as the work of American provocateurs. That’s so the regime can paint its Tiananmen Square-style crackdown as a battle against “foreign influence,” not a smashing of Chinese people who decided all on their own that they’d rather be free.

The relative stability that we have been enjoying for the past several years is ending, and it appears that the months ahead could potentially be quite chaotic.

Normally I would never suggest that anyone should emulate the Chinese government, but in this case they appear to be doing the wise thing. Now is the time to get prepared for what is coming, because the road ahead promises to be quite tumultuous.

Most people don’t realize it, but U.S. relations with China have already passed the point of no return. Things are going to become increasingly tense between our two nations, and that is going to have very serious implications for all of us.


About the author: Michael Snyder is a nationally-syndicated writer, media personality and political activist. He is the author of four books including Get Prepared Now, The Beginning Of The End and Living A Life That Really Matters. His articles are originally published on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News. From there, his articles are republished on dozens of other prominent websites. If you would like to republish his articles, please feel free to do so. The more people that see this information the better, and we need to wake more people up while there is still time.

When Is It Time to Leave a Church?

By J. Lee Gradys



A friend of mine from England recently asked me for counsel regarding a serious dilemma. His pastor had been involved in extramarital affairs, yet the man never stepped down after the scandal. My friend grew increasingly uncomfortable. Then he became alarmed when the embattled pastor announced he was going to lay hands on every church member during a weekend service to impart "special revelation."

This pastor had a base of loyal fans, but the Sunday crowd was dwindling because people could smell trouble. They knew it wasn't right for this man to remain in leadership without receiving some serious personal ministry. I advised my friend to run for the door.

I've never found a perfect church in all my travels—and it certainly wouldn't be perfect if I joined it. But there are some churches that deserve to be called unhealthy. Though I believe we shouldn't give up on a church too fast, there are some warning signs that should cause you to stop and ask if you'd be better off finding better pasture.

1. No accountability. There is safety in the multitude of counselors (see Prov. 11:14). There is much less safety—perhaps even danger—when a leader runs a church in total isolation. All leaders should be team players. They should seek counsel from peers as well as from gray-haired men and women who have the wisdom that comes with experience. If a pastor or church leader isn't open to correction or financial oversight, he is headed for a train wreck. If you stay in that church, you may crash with him
2. Spiritual elitism. Healthy leaders love the entire body of Christ. Beware of any church that claims "exclusive" revelation or suggests it is superior to other Christians. This is how cults start. If a pastor ever makes such claims, it is time to shake the dust off your feet and move on.
3. Entrenched immorality. The apostle Paul commanded leaders to enforce biblical discipline. This must be handled with gentleness (see Gal. 6:1) but nevertheless with firm resolve, because the enemy wants to infiltrate the church with moral compromise. If a pastor has been involved in adultery or perversion and continues preaching, meanwhile refusing discipline, his unrepentant spirit will infect the entire congregation—and you can expect to see immorality spread throughout the church. Don't be defiled.
4. An authoritarian spirit. I'm amazed at how much spiritual abuse is tolerated in churches today. No pastor is perfect, and we are called to be patient with each other's faults. But if a church leader is verbally abusive toward his staff or members of his congregation, he is in direct violation of Scripture. The apostle Paul taught that church leaders should not be "violent" or "quarrelsome" but "self-controlled" and "gentle" (see 1 Tim. 3:2-3, ESV). It's best to find another pastor if yours cannot control his anger or if he is unwilling to repent of a dictatorial style.
5. Unbridled greed. Paul made it clear that a leader has no business being in the ministry if he isn't "free from the love of money" (1 Tim. 3:3b, NASB). Yet we have turned that requirement on its head today. We have given greedy charlatans access to the airwaves and allowed them to corrupt the church with a money-focused message. Your pastor does not have to live in poverty, but if he insists on living in luxury—and manipulates people during offering time to squeeze more money out of your wallet to pay for his toys—you are supporting his habit.
6. False doctrines and manifestations. A pastor should be open to the Holy Spirit's spontaneous work, but he or she should also protect the flock from deception. In many segments of the charismatic movement today, bizarre New Age influences have been wholeheartedly embraced—and Christians seem to have thrown away the gift of discernment. If your church is focusing on a particular prophet's revelations, or is going off on weird tangents—at the expense of solid doctrine—then you should go elsewhere fast.
7. A culture of pride. Some church leaders are so insecure that they manufacture a sense of importance around them in order to function. They surround themselves with security guards, "armor bearers," handlers and assistants—and never actually build genuine relationships with their church members. They think church is all about their stage performance, so they rely on volume, theatrics, clothes and a grand entrance to impress the crowd rather than just being normal, touchable, accessible servants.

If your pastor is building a personality cult rather than a dwelling place for God, get out before you become a casualty!

President Trump & the Jezebel Spirit in America! Coming World War III?

Franklin Graham warns of serious 'nightmare' for U.S.

'Nation may never recover' if it becomes law

By Bob Unruh

Billy Graham Evangelical Association CEO Franklin Graham says that if Congress adopts the Democrats’ Equality Act, which would nullify constitutional protections for religious rights, the “nation may never recover.”

H.R. 5 which already has passed the House of Representatives, would cancel civil rights protection for women, eliminate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and codify the LGBT agenda.

It previously was condemned by Graham and other Christian leaders.

In the July-August issue of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s “Decision” magazine, Graham points out it’s not likely that the Republican majority in the Senate will go along, but “if the Senate majority changes or if enough Republican senators change their position, it would be up to the president to veto the bill.”

“And if that office were to change hands in 2020, I have little doubt this would become the law of the land,” he warned.

He said there would be “catastrophic consequences.”

Christian organizations “would lose all protections to hire people who adhere to their biblical statements of faith. Christians will be persecuted for their sincerely held beliefs as never before. The clear teachings of the Bible on the sins of homosexuality and abortion will no doubt be considered ‘hate speech.’ It will be a nightmare from which this nation may never recover,” he warned.

In a separate article, “The Equality Act: A Clear and Present Danger,” the organization’s Jerry Pierce explains the law would force the closure of faith-based adoption agencies and women’s shelters.

And those who fail to use transgender pronouns could be fined.

School field trips? Dorm room assignments? All would be ruled by “the new sexual orthodoxy.”

Then religious groups, including churches, would be under the thumb of the “newly framed Civil Rights Act,” he wrote.

“The law would make no exemptions for religious institutions and explicitly invalidates the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act.”

Parents no longer would be allowed to choose medical treatment for their children and “the law would also strip parents of their right to raise and educate their own children if their beliefs contradict government mandates.”

Men who say they are women would have access to women’s locker rooms, homeless shelters, hospital rooms, elder care facilities and more. And bakers, florists, photographers, videographers and others who believe in traditional marriage would be forced to violate their beliefs or be run out of business.

“Tolerance is no longer enough,” Pierce wrote. “What Obergefell [the case creating same-sex marriage} didn’t accomplish, the misnamed Equality Act of 2019 attempts to complete with the full crushing force of the federal government behind it.”

He quoted Kelly Shackelford of First Liberty, who said, “The Equality Act attempts to make sure that in all cases LGBT rights trump religious freedom – in every situation. It makes religious freedom a secondary freedom or right.”

Pierce said under the law, people couldn’t “have a different belief and expect to live in peace.”

“They can’t even make the argument for their beliefs, which is why this is so extreme.”

WND reported Rep. Doug Collins, R-Ga., the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, charged that H.R. 5 would endanger millions of American women, undermine fundamental American rights to faith in both religion and science and put children at risk by medicalizing them in harmful, permanent ways without parental involvement.

“Americans can all agree. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect,” he wrote. “No one should be mistreated by his or her employers, coworkers or anyone else. However, when lawmakers propose amendments to federal law, we must avoid doing more harm than good,.

“We must not pass legislation that harms children, sets back the rights women have fought so hard to attain or erases the gains made possible by other federal civil rights laws, such as Title IX. H.R. 5 does all of these things. This bill would do much more harm than good, and women and children would bear the brunt of the damage.”

WND reported 21 Christian leaders wrote to Republican and Democratic leadership in the House and Senate declaring their “adamant” opposition to the “poorly named Equality Act.”

“We the undersigned cannot remain silent concerning a dangerous bill pending in Congress known as the Equality Act (H.R. 5). Not only is it incompatible with God’s Word (the Bible) and the historic teaching of the church, but the Equality Act is also riddled with threats to religious liberty and the sanctity of human life,” they wrote.

Signatories included Tony Perkins of Family Research Council, former Rep. Michele Bachmann, Paul Blair of Reclaiming America for Christ, Stephen Broden of Fair Park Bible Fellowship, Times Square Church Pastor Carter Conlon, James Dobson of the James Dobson Family Institute, Jim Garlow of Well Versed, Franklin Graham of Samaritan’s Purse, Jack Graham of Prestonwood Baptist in Texas, Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, Harry Jackson Jr. of International Communion of Evangelical Churches and Robert Jeffress of First Baptist in Dallas.

Others were Guillermo Maldonado of King Jesus International Ministry, author and radio host Eric Metaxas, Robert Morris of Gateway Church, Ramiro Pena of Christ the King in Waco, Everett Piper of Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Ralph Reed of the Faith & Freedom Coalition, James Robison of LIFE Outreach, Todd Wanger of Watermark Community Church and Tim Wildmon of American Family Association.

Collectively, they are considered leaders for tens of millions of Americans.

“First, the ideology enshrined in the Equality Act – which falsely equates one’s sexual conduct with immutable characteristics like skin color and ethnicity – is a falsehood that openly contradicts the scriptural mandates we were given for our good (1 Thess. 4:3-8),” the letter explains. “We cannot remain silent and allow this lie to harm countless men, women, and children – whether in this or any other legislation. … No family would be safe from the long reach of the Equality Act.”

Also, the leaders contended, the Democratic proposal would “gut” religious freedom protections in the U.S.

The Alliance Defending Freedom previously condemned the plan.

“Essentially, the ‘Equality Act’ gives people of faith an ultimatum: Change your faith-based practices or face government punishment,” wrote the ADF’s Sarah Kramer in a post about the proposal.

Washington watchdog Judicial Watch also warned it would remove access to all single-sex “public multi-stall bathrooms, domestic violence or rape crisis shelters, drug rehabilitation centers, jails, juvenile detention facilities, homeless shelters, locker rooms or group showers.”

And Family Talk founder James Dobson warned, “Make no mistake – the so-called Equality Act is nothing but a thinly veiled attempt to finish off religious liberty in America once and for all, which ought to be plainly obvious based upon a cursory reading of the First Amendment.”

Their worst concerns have been confirmed by the left. Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., said, during congressional debate that religious rights protected by the First Amendment never should be used as a defense in a conflict with LGBT demands.

Liberty Counsel said the bill “literally sets the stage for setting up the Bible as prohibited material where it addresses homosexuality.”

‘God grant the right of worshipping,’ Guizhou Church stands firm against harassment by authorities

Thursday, July 11, 2019

ChinaAid



(Guizhou—July 11, 2019) On Sunday, June 30, authorities in Guizhou province broke into Zion Reform Evangelical Church during worship. Officials reportedly subjected congregants to inquiry and confiscated some church possessions.

When asked to sign official documents, church leader Zhu Jieheng wrote down “God grants the right to worship” to demonstrate the church was not subject to the mindsets and activities of the authorities.

According to reports, Zhu received a notice of rectification and reform from the Kaili Municipal Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau. Officials say the organization of religious events at the church violates regulations.

As ChinaAid has reported, authorities across China often operate to shut down churches. Reports say officials in Sichuan might force Baihua Church, a campus of Chengdu’s Early Rain Covenant Church, to close down after an investigation. 

A Henan Christian named Mr. Huang says officers are often pressured by their bosses to visit churches on Sunday if they do not have the day off. 

Information from an anonymous pastor details strict religious policies from the government that are even impacting churches associated with the Three-Self Patriotic Movement, China’s state-run, technically legal church network.

Such churches are being subjected to constant surveillance, with officials even installing facial recognition cameras. In addition, many of them must sing nationalistic songs as a part of their worship services, and individuals affiliated with the Chinese government will preach propaganda from the pulpit alongside the pastor’s sermon. 

These congregations are often viewed by non-government churches as an instrument for the secular government, due to this continued politicization of the religious field. 

According to the pastor, fewer people are speaking out against persecution as a whole because anyone who does so will face trouble. Instead, “many people hide themselves and exist peacefully.” 

ChinaAid exposes abuses in order to stand in solidarity with the persecuted and promote religious freedom, human rights, and rule of law. If you wish to partner with us in helping those persecuted by the Chinese government

David Barton: Only 2.8% of American Pastors Are Willing to Preach These Biblical Truths

STEPHEN STRANG | CHARISMA



History is not taught in schools as it once was. And when schools do teach history, it's often with a very secular spin. But David Barton, a well-respected Christian historian, has deep insight into the United States' Christian founding that every American needs to know. He says only 2.8% of American pastors are willing to preach biblical truth on political topics, and if God's people won't step up, the trend will only get worse.

I recently interviewed Barton on my "Strang Report" podcast, where he exposes the truth behind America's uniquely Christian founding—and why that matters for us today. Bible-believing colonists once devoted this nation to scriptural principles, but now, many American Christians don't even believe the Bible is true. Click here to listen to that episode, or click on the podcast icon in this article.

"When you look at where we are now, my question is not 'Where has God gone?' But it's 'Where are His people?'" Barton tells me. "I say that for several different reasons. I work closely with George Barna. We just put three massive polls in the field on Christian values and beliefs, and we know that ... 72% of churches and senior pastors do not agree with the Bible and do not agree with its teachings."

The Barna Group conducted that survey among 384,000 churches and senior pastors. That leaves 28% who actually believe the Bible is true and agree with its teachings. Among those 28%, Barton says, 97% say the Bible speaks directly to hot-button political topics today. But those same people said they refused to preach about those issues because they were political.

"That puts us at 2.8% of pastors addressing what the Bible addresses if it's also in the news," Barton says. "Now that's a problem. We also have a problem when only 14% of Christians read the Bible every day. ... And only 9% of Christians have a biblical worldview. ... So we're looking at a nation that doesn't think biblically."

This modern trend of unbiblical thinking stands in stark contrast to the common mindset during our nation's founding, Barton says.

"When you look at the founding of America on the side that was the really biblical side, they were very covenantal as a people, and they believed in covenants," he says. "As John Winthrop said, 'If you deal treacherously with God in this endeavor, you'll bring judgment.' ... And they viewed their contracts as covenants. As a matter of fact, that's why the longest-lasting treaty back in history was between Pilgrims and the Wampanaugs. And it wasn't the Pilgrims who broke the treaty; it was the Wampanaugs who broke it."

In this way, Barton explains, the Bible-minded colonists of early America acted like Israel. Israel had a covenant with God that could not change. That's how these early colonial Americans viewed their national covenant with God.

But not all colonists had this biblical view. The covenant-minded colonists only represented one camp of the British settlers. The Spanish, the French, the Dutch and the rest of the British all had different approaches to their faith. As a result, those nations often promoted or allowed slavery and broke their treaties with Native Americans. Even the Dutch, who were gentler than the harsh Spaniards, had no problem making money by transporting slaves.

"They weren't really Bible-believing; they were Bible-professing and Christian-professing," Barton says. "The way that the Jamestown colonists treated the Native Americans is pretty poor. But then you get to the Reformation Christians, the back-to-the-Bible Christians and the Puritans and the Pilgrims and the Huguenots and others, and you find that the Plymouth Plantation colony is completely different."

Barton says these Reformation Christians wouldn't take a foot of ground unless they had bought it and had a title deed from the Native Americans. Their covenantal view affected their way of living so much that when they found corn buried during that first harsh winter, they refused to eat it until they had found the owner and paid him for the corn.

"So they respected biblical rights of property, of life, of freedom," he says. "When you're in the U.S. Capitol, you see the embarkation of the Pilgrims. They're all gathered around the Bible. The reason is that the Geneva Bible drove their lives. They spent hours a day literally studying the Bible."

Yet now, Barton says, most Christians in America don't hold that same reverence for the Word of God. The result of that disdain for the Bible is that secular America has grown more ungodly.

"We're now in a place described three times in the Bible where everyone did what was right in their own eyes," he says. "[They say,] 'I can choose my identity if I want.' ... So we now have 92 legally recognized identities in America. ... So I would say that it's not 'Where's God?' It's 'Where's God's people and why have they stopped studying His Word and why do they no longer believe what He said?' That's where America is right now. That's where the crossroads is."

If you agree with Barton, I encourage you to speak up for what you know is right. Don't be afraid to take God at His Word and love the Bible the way early God-fearing American colonists did. The more God's people boldly embrace His truth, the more we can make a difference.

Wisconsin Company Continues to Microchip Employees, Expands Technology

Josh Rosenthal
August 24, 2018 06:04 PM

Last year, KSTP reported on a Wisconsin company that microchipped its employees

A year later, the Three Square Market is still at it, and it's using the technology for a whole lot more.

"We've been in touch with NASCAR, with baseball stadiums," Three Square Market President Todd Westby said Friday. "We've gotten in doors that we would have never gotten in before."

Previously, Westby demonstrated how the microchips are being used to buy snacks, open doors and log onto computers. However, the company is now expanding its use of the technology.

"I scanned my hand and here's my driver's license information," Westby said, holding up his phone.

Westby added the company is using the chips less but is continuing to explore the use of the technology.

"The microchip is a big talking point, but it's not practical right now," Westby said. "What is practical is RFID bracelets."

Because of this, Three Square Market is branching out. The company has developed a system where people on probation can wear a wristband instead of an ankle bracelet. The company has also created a system that is being used in an Indian hospital that proves doctors have washed their hands.

While the company is branching out its technology, it continues to microchip employees.

On Friday afternoon, developer David Vazquez had a microchip implanted.

He plans to use it to log onto his computer, shop, open doors and whatever else the future may bring.

"Part of the gang now," he said. "I'm excited."

3 million evangelicals march in Brazil: 'Our country belongs to Jesus'

By Caleb Parke | Fox News
CHRISTIANITY
Published June 28


People take part in the 27th edition of March for Jesus, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on June 20, 2019. "March For Jesus" is the largest evangelical event in Brazil. (Photo by Fabio Vieira/FotoRua/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Millions marched in the streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil last week as part of one of the largest Christian gatherings in the world.

The March for Jesus in Brazil organizers report there were three million attendees with more than 10 hours of praise and worship, led by 28 Brazillian gospel bands and singers, and dozens of evangelical pastors and leaders, Evangelical Focus reported.

The president of the March for Jesus in Brazil, Estevam Hernandes, gave the opening prayer for the event that saw its largest turnout since it began in 1993.



“We cry out for Brazil, for the families, for the end of corruption, for the afflicted hearts, our country belongs to Jesus Christ," Hernandes said. "To Him all honor, glory, power, and majesty. As it says in Psalms 33: Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord.”

And for the first time, Brazil's president, Jair Bolsonaro, who has been called the "Trump of the Tropics," participated in the march, something he did last year as a candidate and promised to return after winning the election.

“You were decisive in helping change the destiny of Brazil," Bolsonaro told the millions who attended during a seven-minute speech. "It is very good to be among friends. And even better when they are friends with God in their hearts."

Bolsonaro pointed out that his country is "secular but its current leader is Christian," adding he hopes to overcome the "ethical and moral" problems in Brazil with the help of his Christian brothers and sisters.

The Brazilian leader, much like Trump, has not shied away from controversy and has been largely supported by evangelicals, a population that has spiked in Brazil, around 30 percent of the population of about 190 million people.

Although Bolsonaro is Catholic himself, his wife and children identify as evangelical.

Chinese Christians flee China amid crackdown on church: ‘No longer safe for us’

By Caleb Parke | Fox News



As China continues its crackdown on religion, Christians in the Communist country are fleeing for their lives.

China’s ruling Communist Party has carried out a widespread crackdown on all religious institutions in recent years, including bulldozing churches and mosques, barring Tibetan children from Buddhist religious studies and incarcerating more than a million members of Islamic ethnic minorities in what are termed “re-education centers.” President Xi Jinping , who is also party leader, has ordered that all religions must “Sinicize” to ensure they are loyal to the officially atheistic party or face the wrath of the Communist regime.

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Liao Qiang, who fled from Early Rain Covenant Church after it was raided and targeted by the government for its opposition to Xi and the party, is now in Taipei, Taiwan, hoping to get asylum in the United States until China reverses the anti-religious surveillance.

More than 100 members of Early Rain were taken into custody from the church or their homes on Dec. 9 and 10, according to Human Rights Watch. Those detained included Wang Yi, the pastor, who made a point of holding a prayer service on June 4 each year to commemorate the 1989 bloody crackdown on democracy protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, which China's government has tried to erase from history. Since then, they have been under constant Orwellian watch under the state.

Ren Ruiting, Liao's 23-year-old daughter, told the Associated Press she had to report her whereabouts to police using social media whenever she left her home and was informed that her safety would not be guaranteed.

“That’s when I knew it was no longer safe for us here, and that my children were most in danger,” Liao said after Sunday’s service, attended by about 30 people, at the small Reformed Presbyterian Xinan Church in Taipei.

China’s government requires that Protestants worship only in churches recognized and regulated by the officially sanctioned Three-Self Patriotic Movement, although many more are part of independent congregations.

Liao refused to sign a statement renouncing his church after police tried to force him to do so.

“If our elders decided to break up the church, then I can accept it,” he said. “But it’s not up to you to say it’s evil or illegal.”

The persecution of Christians in China is nothing new. A report by the watchdog group Freedom House found that Christians and other religious groups in China have been persecuted since 2012, Fox News reported.

A third of all religious believers in China who belong to a faith group were also found to face “high” to “very high” levels of persecution, which ranges from bureaucratic harassment and economic exploitation to harsh prison terms and even violence.

But experts and activists say the Chinese government is now waging the most severe suppression of Christianity in the country since religious freedoms were granted by the Chinese constitution in 1982.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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