http://www.citizenlink.com/2015/01/13/a-teacher-a-bible-and-an-investigation-2/

A teacher gifts a Bible to a student, and legal action begins.  This reminds me of Peter and John being arrested and threatened in Acts 4.  No, he was not imprisoned like them, but that behavior is bound to happen in our the USA, and probably in the not-so-distant-future.  He is being persecuted for his faith, both in losing his job, and being threatened with legal action.

It is important to note how the disciples responded to this threat in Acts 4:

²⁷ For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy ^[t]servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the^[u]Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, ²⁸ to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur. ²⁹ And ^[v]now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence,³⁰ while You extend Your hand to heal, and ^[w]signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy ^[x]servant Jesus.” ³¹ And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were allfilled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.

We offer a similar prayer for all those who suffer today.

Lord, truly You are the one who made the heavens and the earth, and the government and the people are gathered against this and other educators, just like in the time of the apostles, and just as you have ordained to happen.  Please take note of their threats, and grant each and every believing teacher today, that they may speak Your word with all confidence, despite the threats against their jobs, their livelihood, and their position before the law.  We pray that just as you provided signs and wonders by the Apostles, that you would put words in their mouths, and use them mightily to heal the hurting children.  May we all, like them, follow the examples of Jesus, Peter and John, and speak the truth of the gospel with boldness, despite the opposition by the world.  Amen.

I haven’t seen the movie yet, but was concerned over the reports I have seen of the seemingly intentional cuts.  I think Mr. Zamperini may have been correct, as many people will read his book after seeing the movie, or be curious enough to ask questions.  It is fantastic that Billy Graham is releasing additional video for those who are curious, but won’t read it. I will also say that many unbelieving people have already been exposed to the gospel through this book. While the author does not appear to be a believer, I think she did a fantastic job capturing what Jesus did in his life.  God continues to use Zamperini’s story in a mighty way.

http://www.wnd.com/2014/12/the-rest-of-the-unbroken-story-part-2/

Well, you’ve gotta love this Pope. First he told us that capitalism (i.e. free market economics) is evil, then he told us that abortion wasn’t so bad. Then he told us that homosexuality wasn’t so bad. Then he cozied up with the Islamists. Now he’s jumping on the “climate change” bandwagon.

Papal Edict Regarding Climate Change?

If they ever oust him as Pope, maybe he could take a job with the DNC. He seems to be marching in lockstep with the Democrats. I’m not holding my breath on the ouster, mind you.

Which Bible is the Pope reading?

I was just thinking about Billy Graham this week, wondering how he was doing.

Then out pops this article. Glad to hear he is still going strong at age 95.

By the way, we’re having a prayer meeting at Temple on Saturday night, October 25th from 7:30 – 9:00pm. Just tell ’em Billy Graham sent you.

Here’s the NFL again showing their true colors.

NFL makes RG3 turn his Jesus shirt inside out before interview

We should be careful which organizations we align ourselves with as Christians.

In his speech, Obama said “ISIL is not “Islamic.” No religion condones the killing of innocents, and the vast majority of ISIL’s victims have been Muslim. And ISIL is certainly not a state. ”

This sentence is wrought with lies and falsehoods.  First of all, the first two letters in their acronym, and currently their name of themselves is ISLAMIC STATE.   I think he was trying to say that ISIL is not controlled by Islam, but is using the name without the cooperation of the people who belong to the religion.  He so overstated the point that he lied.  His second sentence is even more shocking:  “No religion condones the killing of innocents?”  Really? History is riddled with examples making this entirely untrue.   The Bible mentions many times ‘walking his son through the fire’ and the like, which is slaughter of innocent children.  Demons desire destruction of all of God’s creation, as illustrated by them running the pigs over the cliff after Jesus cast them out.  If you want more examples http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice .  In fact, even in Judaism, God on multiple occasions instructed the Jews to utterly destroy all life in communities that had forsaken Him.   It is difficult for us to see this as just, but who are we to argue with the God of the universe?  Back to this particular case, Islam fundamentalists obey the Koran, and whether out of context or not, the Koran gives instruction to kill the infidels.   Whether it be true Islam (which Christianity views as doctrine of demons to begin with), or whether your view is that Satan has corrupted this otherwise ‘peaceful’ religion, there is no mistaking that ISIL/ISIS/Islamic-State is PART of Islam.  Stop lying about religions, and trying to make excuses for the Islamic nations around the world who refuse to denounce ISIS.  Already, Germany and other European nations are outlawing support for this group.  It is only a matter of time before the world begins crusades not seen since responding to the Ottomans.  Taking no response but talking, like Prime Minister Chamberlain, will only encourage more to join the modern-day-nazi-party called ISIS.  Thankfully we, the USA, are not doing absolutely nothing.  However, denying the truth about ISIS, and covering up the history of religion, will not help anything.

Santayana was right. “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”

Here’s a story about a church that has been demonstrating in front of a Coshocton, Ohio strip club for eight years and the strip club has been demonstrating (TOPLESS!) in front of the church on Sunday mornings in response…

Now the town officials are getting involved trying to get them both to stop the feud, but nobody’s budging.

Town sends cease and desist letter

Pastor’s response to town’s letter

I’m sorry — I simply cannot help but find humor in this situation. However, one has to admire, if nothing else, the determination of both parties.

What would Jesus do? How would Solomon resolve this one?

All of us are familiar with the concept of offering thanks before meals, but I had no idea that Judaism was so specific as to prescribe specific blessings offered for specific foods, even multiple in one meal.

http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/278538/jewish/Basic-Blessings-on-Food-Guide.htm

Apples of gold in settings of silver
Is a word spoken in right circumstances.
An earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold
Is a wise reprover to a listening ear. Prov 25:11-12

Many times in proverbs we are told to be quiet, and not to speak many words.  However, it is important to speak under right circumstances, and sometimes even to correct those who need it.  By learning the season to speak, we can be an ornament of gold!

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2428279,00.asp

The tree huggers are still at it, and 40w are now almost impossible to find.  Get them now.