Saturday, December 31, 2016
Pervasive Deception At Work In Our World!
Last Trumpet Ministries, PO Box 806, Beaver Dam, WI 53916
Phone: 920-887-2626 Internet: http://www.lasttrumpetministries.org
Pervasive Deception At Work In Our World!
"And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity. Thine habitation is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the Lord."
Jeremiah 9:5-6
"If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."
John 14:15-18
"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God."
I Peter 1:18-21
In this issue of the Last Trumpet Newsletter, we will examine the current events of our day and the pervasive spirit of deception now at work in our world. As we look back on the year of 2016, we can see that it was a time of upheaval, intrigue, and surprises. Indeed, when citizens of the United Kingdom voted for their country to leave the European Union on June 23, 2016, (1) it was an enormous surprise. A few short months later in November 2016, the entire world watched in astonishment as Donald Trump was declared the winner of the United States presidential election. Since the unfolding of these events, liberals and progressives have sought to find the cause of their failure. After all, Hillary Clinton was so heavily favored to win the Presidency; how could she have possibly lost?
God’s Blessings for the New Year: A Message from the President
God’s Blessings for the New Year: A Message from the President
Davi P. Silva
December 26, 2016
A message to you from Brother Davi P. Silva as the new year approaches.
Dear brothers and sisters around the world,
Warm Christian greetings with the following inspired words: “Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us, therefore, cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light…. Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof” (Romans 13:11, 12, 14).
Recently, I had the privilege of visiting some of our elderly pioneers. One of them said to me: “Brother Silva, every sunset we experience is a sign that the coming of the Lord is nearer.” When we knelt to pray, I realized that the main hope of that brother is to go home with Christ soon.
Friday, December 30, 2016
Democrats Have a Religion Problem
The Atlantic
A conversation with Michael Wear, a former Obama White House staffer, about the party’s illiteracy on and hostility toward faith
Barack Obama attends Vermont Avenue Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., in 2010.Yuri Gripas / Reuters
EMMA GREEN
DEC 29, 2016
There aren’t many people like Michael Wear in today’s Democratic Party. The former director of Barack Obama’s 2012 faith-outreach efforts is a theologically conservative evangelical Christian. He is opposed to both abortion and same-sex marriage, although he would argue that those are primarily theological positions, and other issues, including poverty and immigration, are also important to his faith.
During his time working for Obama, Wear was often alone in many of his views, he writes in his new book, Reclaiming Hope. He helped with faith-outreach strategies for Obama’s 2008 campaign, but was surprised when some state-level officials decided not to pursue this kind of engagement: “Sometimes—as I came to understand the more I worked in politics—a person’s reaction to religious ideas is not ideological at all, but personal,” he writes.
Several years later, he watched battles over abortion funding and contraception requirements in the Affordable Care Act with chagrin: The administration was unnecessarily antagonistic toward religious conservatives in both of those fights, Wear argues, and it eventually lost, anyway. When Louie Giglio, an evangelical pastor, was pressured to withdraw from giving the 2012 inaugural benediction because of his teachings on homosexuality, Wear almost quit.
EMMA GREEN
DEC 29, 2016
There aren’t many people like Michael Wear in today’s Democratic Party. The former director of Barack Obama’s 2012 faith-outreach efforts is a theologically conservative evangelical Christian. He is opposed to both abortion and same-sex marriage, although he would argue that those are primarily theological positions, and other issues, including poverty and immigration, are also important to his faith.
During his time working for Obama, Wear was often alone in many of his views, he writes in his new book, Reclaiming Hope. He helped with faith-outreach strategies for Obama’s 2008 campaign, but was surprised when some state-level officials decided not to pursue this kind of engagement: “Sometimes—as I came to understand the more I worked in politics—a person’s reaction to religious ideas is not ideological at all, but personal,” he writes.
Several years later, he watched battles over abortion funding and contraception requirements in the Affordable Care Act with chagrin: The administration was unnecessarily antagonistic toward religious conservatives in both of those fights, Wear argues, and it eventually lost, anyway. When Louie Giglio, an evangelical pastor, was pressured to withdraw from giving the 2012 inaugural benediction because of his teachings on homosexuality, Wear almost quit.
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Free From Cheap, Common Expressions
The messages of truth are to be kept entirely free from cheap, common words of human devising. Thus forcible impressions will be made upon hearts. Let not our ministers cherish the idea that they must bring forth something new and strange, or that cheap, common expressions will give them influence. Ministers are to be the mouthpiece of God, and they must eradicate from their speech every expression that is cheap or common. Let them be careful lest by attempting during their discourse to cause laughter, they dishonor God.
Our message is a solemn and sacred one, and we must watch unto prayer. The words uttered must be of such a character that through them God can make an impression on heart and mind. Let the ministers of the gospel be sanctified through the truth.—Letter 356, 1906.
Evangelism, p. 211.
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Planned Parenthood Will Lead March on Washington to Declare Abortion a “Human Right”
Planned Parenthood Will Lead March on Washington to Declare Abortion a “Human Right”:
The Women’s March on Washington, sponsored by several leading pro-abortion groups, will be held on January 21, 2017 to bring together abortion activists from
The Women’s March on Washington, sponsored by several leading pro-abortion groups, will be held on January 21, 2017 to bring together abortion activists from
An Open Letter From Dan Jackson to Female Pastors in the North American Division
My Dear Sisters-in-Christ — My Colleagues,
I am sending out this brief note to encourage you today. Be strong in the strength of Christ our Lord. Human hands and hearts will fail you, but He is strong for you.
Yesterday at General Conference headquarters, the Annual Council voted to implement a process to deal with policy non-compliance issues at all levels of the church. We do not know, at this point, what the impact of this will be on the NAD. I invite you pray that the Holy Spirit will guide the church during this period.
Having said this, I want to give you the assurance that the vote yesterday did not affect your status as a pastor. Furthermore, as stated in our press release yesterday, the North American Division remains committed to empower and establish our women in pastoral ministry. We will not give up on this ideal and goal. We are grateful to God for your committed service to Him.
I recognize that there may be, in the coming days, significant rumor mongering and conspiracy theories that predict dire outcomes, etc. My encouragement to you is to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. My dear sisters, God will work things out in His time. His purposes will succeed. Please keep holding on. God bless each of you.
Your brother and colleague,
Daniel R. Jackson
President, North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
Source
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
8-year-old transgender boy barred from Cub Scouts
FROM THE MOMENT HE JOINED, 8-YEAR-OLD JOE MALDONADO EAGERLY LOOKED FORWARD TO CAMPING TRIPS AND SCIENCE PROJECTS WITH HIS SECAUCUS CUB SCOUT PACK.
Abbott Koloff | Staff Writer, @AbbottKoloff
5:45 a.m. ET Dec. 27, 2016
Joe loses spot in pack
A MONTH AFTER HE JOINED CUB SCOUTS, OFFICIALS TOLD HIM TO LEAVE
From the moment he joined, 8-year-old Joe Maldonado eagerly looked forward to camping trips and science projects as a member of the Cub Scouts. But his expectations were dashed after his mother said she received a phone call from a Scouting official who told her that Joe would no longer be allowed to participate because he was born a girl.
Kristie Maldonado said she was stunned because her son had been a member of Cub Scout Pack 87 in Secaucus for about a month and his transgender status had not been a secret. But some parents complained, an official from the Northern New Jersey Council of Boy Scouts told her — even though her son had been living as a boy for more than a year and was accepted as a boy at school, she said
Austrian cardinal tipped to become the next Pope warns Europe's migrant influx 'goes beyond our capacities and possibilities'
By Julian Robinson for MailOnline
09:36 EST 27 Dec 2016, updated 09:55 EST 27 Dec 2016
Christoph Schoenborn said 'unbelievable number' of refugees had come to EU
Archbishop of Vienna said influx 'goes beyond our capacities and possibilities'
Schoenborn called for more support for nations in Africa and the Middle East
An Austrian cardinal tipped to become the next Pope has warned that Europe's migrant influx 'goes beyond our capacities and possibilities'.
The Archbishop of Vienna, Christoph Schoenborn, said an 'unbelievable number' of refugees had come to Europe causing him to 'rethink' his stance on the issue.
Cardinal Schoenborn called for more support for nations in Africa and the Middle East, in the hope that migrants 'could live in their homeland again', it has been reported.
The Archbishop of Vienna, Christoph Schoenborn, has warned that Europe's migrant influx 'goes beyond our capacities and possibilities'
The 71-year-old, one of the favourites to become the next Pope, said he had become 'more cautious' in his attitude to migration.
Schoenborn also referred to German Chancellor Angela Merkel's phrase 'Wir schaffen das' ('We will manage it') - relating to the mass influx of refugees - as he added: 'We have had to learn: This goes beyond our capacities and possibilities.'
It is not the first time the Roman Catholic cardinal has made headlines for his controversial remarks.
In September, he warned that Europe faces its biggest threat from Islam since the 17th century.
He was speaking at the Holy Name of Mary festival on Sunday which dates back to 1683 when it was first held in gratitude for the victory of the Austrian Habsburg Empire over the Ottoman Turks.
Cardinal Schoenborn called for more support for nations in Africa and the Middle East, in the hope that migrants 'could live in their homeland again', it has been reported
He reportedly said at the time: 'Will there be an Islamic conquest of Europe? Many Muslims want that and say: Europe is at the end.'
He asked God to have mercy on Europe and said the continent was 'in danger of forfeiting our Christian heritage'.
In a comment which was seen as being an endorsement of the far-right Austrian Freedom Party Cardinal Schoenborn said people were seeing their loss 'not only economically, but above all, in human and religious matters'.
Source
Thus the message of the third angel will be proclaimed
The Sabbath will be the great test of loyalty, for it is the point of truth especially controverted. When the final test shall be brought to bear upon men, then the line of distinction will be drawn between those who serve God and those who serve Him not. While the observance of the false sabbath in compliance with the law of the state, contrary to the fourth commandment, will be an avowal of allegiance to a power that is in opposition to God, the keeping of the true Sabbath, in obedience to God's law, is an evidence of loyalty to the Creator. While one class, by accepting the sign of submission to earthly powers, receive the mark of the beast, the other choosing the token of allegiance to divine authority, receive the seal of God.
Heretofore those who presented the truths of the third angel's message have often been regarded as mere alarmists. Their predictions that religious intolerance would gain control in the United States, that church and state would unite to persecute those who keep the commandments of God, have been pronounced groundless and absurd. It has been confidently declared that this land could never become other than what it has been--the defender of religious freedom. But as the question of enforcing Sunday observance is widely agitated, the event so long doubted and disbelieved is seen to be approaching, and the third message will produce an effect which it could not have had before.
In every generation God has sent His servants to rebuke sin, both in the world and in the church. But the people desire smooth things spoken to them, and the pure, unvarnished truth is not acceptable. Many reformers, in entering upon their work, determined to exercise great prudence in attacking the sins of the church and the nation. They hoped, by the example of a pure Christian life, to lead the people back to the doctrines of the Bible. But the Spirit of God came upon them as it came upon Elijah, moving him to rebuke the sins of a wicked king and an apostate people; they could not refrain from preaching the plain utterances of the Bible-- doctrines which they had been reluctant to present. They were impelled to zealously declare the truth and the danger which threatened souls. The words which the Lord gave them they uttered, fearless of consequences, and the people were compelled to hear the warning.
Thus the message of the third angel will be proclaimed. As the time comes for it to be given with greatest power, the Lord will work through humble instruments, leading the minds of those who consecrate themselves to His service. The laborers will be qualified rather by the unction of His Spirit than by the training of literary institutions. Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy zeal, declaring the words which God gives them. The sins of Babylon will be laid open. The fearful results of enforcing the observances of the church by civil authority, the inroads of spiritualism, the stealthy but rapid progress of the papal power--all will be unmasked. By these solemn warnings the people will be stirred. Thousands upon thousands will listen who have never heard words like these. In amazement they hear the testimony that Babylon is the church, fallen because of her errors and sins, because of her rejection of the truth sent to her from heaven. As the people go to their former teachers with the eager inquiry, Are these things so? the ministers present fables, prophesy smooth things, to soothe their fears and quiet the awakened conscience. But since many refuse to be satisfied with the mere authority of men and demand a plain "Thus saith the Lord," the popular ministry, like the Pharisees of old, filled with anger as their authority is questioned, will denounce the message as of Satan and stir up the sin-loving multitudes to revile and persecute those who proclaim it.
As the controversy extends into new fields and the minds of the people are called to God's downtrodden law, Satan is astir. The power attending the message will only madden those who oppose it. The clergy will put forth almost superhuman efforts to shut away the light lest it should shine upon their flocks. By every means at their command they will endeavor to suppress the discussion of these vital questions. The church appeals to the strong arm of civil power, and, in this work, papists and Protestants unite. As the movement for Sunday enforcement becomes more bold and decided, the law will be invoked against commandment keepers. They will be threatened with fines and imprisonment, and some will be offered positions of influence, and other rewards and advantages, as inducements to renounce their faith. But their steadfast answer is: "Show us from the word of God our error"--the same plea that was made by Luther under similar circumstances. Those who are arraigned before the courts make a strong vindication of the truth, and some who hear them are led to take their stand to keep all the commandments of God. Thus light will be brought before thousands who otherwise would know nothing of these truths.
Great Controversy, pp.605-607.
Monday, December 26, 2016
Obama Quietly Signs “Countering Disinformation And Propaganda Act”
DECEMBER 25, 2016
In nineteen Eighty Four language, Obama has just created the “Ministry of Truth” with the signing of S.2943.The bill’s co-sponsor is Sen. Rob Portman, former U.S. Trade Representative with plenty of Trilateral Commission connections. ⁃ TN Editor
Late on Friday, with the US population embracing the upcoming holidays and oblivious of most news emerging from the administration, Obama quietly signed into law the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which authorizes $611 billion for the military in 2017.
In a statement, Obama said that:
Today, I have signed into law S. 2943, the “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017.” This Act authorizes fiscal year 2017 appropriations principally for the Department of Defense and for Department of Energy national security programs, provides vital benefits for military personnel and their families, and includes authorities to facilitate ongoing operations around the globe. It continues many critical authorizations necessary to ensure that we are able to sustain our momentum in countering the threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and to reassure our European allies, as well as many new authorizations that, among other things, provide the Departments of Defense and Energy more flexibility in countering cyber-attacks and our adversaries’ use of unmanned aerial vehicles.”
Much of the balance of Obama’s statement blamed the GOP for Guantanamo’s continued operation and warned that “unless the Congress changes course, it will be judged harshly by history,” Obama said. Obama also said Congress failed to use the bill to reduce wasteful overhead (like perhaps massive F-35 cost overruns?) or modernize military health care, which he said would exacerbate budget pressures facing the military in the years ahead.
But while the passage of the NDAA – and the funding of the US military – was hardly a surprise, the biggest news is what was buried deep inside the provisions of the Defense Authortization Act.
Recall that as we reported in early June, “a bill to implement the U.S.’ very own de facto Ministry of Truth had been quietly introduced in Congress. As with any legislation attempting to dodge the public spotlight the Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act of 2016 marks a further curtailment of press freedom and another avenue to stultify avenues of accurate information. Introduced by Congressmen Adam Kinzinger and Ted Lieu, H.R. 5181 seeks a “whole-government approach without the bureaucratic restrictions” to counter “foreign disinformation and manipulation,” which they believe threaten the world’s “security and stability.”
Also called the Countering Information Warfare Act of 2016 (S. 2692), when introduced in March by Sen. Rob Portman, the legislation represents a dramatic return to Cold War-era government propaganda battles.“These countries spend vast sums of money on advanced broadcast and digital media capabilities, targeted campaigns, funding of foreign political movements, and other efforts to influence key audiences and populations,” Portman explained, adding that while the U.S. spends a relatively small amount on its Voice of America, the Kremlin provides enormous funding for its news organization, RT.
“Surprisingly,” Portman continued, “there is currently no single U.S. governmental agency or department charged with the national level development, integration and synchronization of whole-of-government strategies to counter foreign propaganda and disinformation.”
Long before the “fake news” meme became a daily topic of extensive conversation on such discredited mainstream portals as CNN and WaPo, H.R. 5181 would task the Secretary of State with coordinating the Secretary of Defense, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Broadcasting Board of Governors to “establish a Center for Information Analysis and Response,” which will pinpoint sources of disinformation, analyze data, and — in true dystopic manner — ‘develop and disseminate’ “fact-based narratives” to counter effrontery propaganda.
In short, long before “fake news” became a major media topic, the US government was already planning its legally-backed crackdown on anything it would eventually label “fake news.”
* * *
Fast forward to December 8, when the “Countering Disinformation and Propaganda Act” passed in the Senate, quietly inserted inside the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report.
And now, following Friday’s Obama signing of the NDAA on Friday evening, the Countering Disinformation and Propaganda Actis now law.
* * *
Here is the full statement issued by the generously funded Senator Rob Portman (R- Ohio) on the singing into law of a bill that further chips away at press liberties in the US, and which sets the stage for future which hunts and website shutdowns, purely as a result of an accusation that any one media outlet or site is considered as a source of “disinformation and propaganda” and is shut down by the government.
President Signs Portman-Murphy Counter-Propaganda Bill into Law
Portman-Murphy Bill Promotes Coordinated Strategy to Defend America, Allies Against Propaganda and Disinformation from Russia, China & Others
Read full story here…
Obama Establishes Controversial Anti-Propaganda Agency
Monday, December 26, 2016
by. Common Dreams
"It owns all these not-at-all-important laws are smuggled into NDAAs that are signed on Christmas Eve with basically no public debate," wrote media critic Adam Johnson
by. Common Dreams
"It owns all these not-at-all-important laws are smuggled into NDAAs that are signed on Christmas Eve with basically no public debate," wrote media critic Adam Johnson
Buried within the $619 billion military budget is a controversial provision that establishes a national anti-propaganda center that critics warn could be dangerous for press freedoms. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
In the final hours before the Christmas holiday weekend, U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday quietly signed the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law—and buried within the $619 billion military budget (pdf) is a controversial provision that establishes a national anti-propaganda center that critics warn could be dangerous for press freedoms.
The Countering Disinformation and Propaganda Act, introduced by Republican Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio, establishes the Global Engagement Center under the State Department which coordinates efforts to "recognize, understand, expose, and counter foreign state and non-state propaganda and disinformation efforts aimed at undermining United Sates national security interests."
Further, the law authorizes grants to non-governmental agencies to help "collect and store examples in print, online, and social media, disinformation, misinformation, and propaganda" directed at the U.S. and its allies, as well as "counter efforts by foreign entities to use disinformation, misinformation, and propaganda to influence the policies and social and political stability" of the U.S. and allied nations.
The head of the center will be appointed by the president, which likely means the first director will be chosen by President-elect Donald Trump.
The new law comes weeks before the New York billionaire assumes the presidency, amid national outrage over the spread of fake news and what many say is foreign interference in the election, both which are accused of enabling Trump's victory.
Those combined forces have already contributed to the overt policing of media critical of U.S. foreign policy, such as the problematic "fake news blacklist" recently disseminated by the Washington Post.
And for those paying attention over the holiday weekend, the creation of the a new information agency under the Propaganda Act appears to be another worrisome development.
In the final hours before the Christmas holiday weekend, U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday quietly signed the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law—and buried within the $619 billion military budget (pdf) is a controversial provision that establishes a national anti-propaganda center that critics warn could be dangerous for press freedoms.
The Countering Disinformation and Propaganda Act, introduced by Republican Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio, establishes the Global Engagement Center under the State Department which coordinates efforts to "recognize, understand, expose, and counter foreign state and non-state propaganda and disinformation efforts aimed at undermining United Sates national security interests."
Further, the law authorizes grants to non-governmental agencies to help "collect and store examples in print, online, and social media, disinformation, misinformation, and propaganda" directed at the U.S. and its allies, as well as "counter efforts by foreign entities to use disinformation, misinformation, and propaganda to influence the policies and social and political stability" of the U.S. and allied nations.
The head of the center will be appointed by the president, which likely means the first director will be chosen by President-elect Donald Trump.
The new law comes weeks before the New York billionaire assumes the presidency, amid national outrage over the spread of fake news and what many say is foreign interference in the election, both which are accused of enabling Trump's victory.
Those combined forces have already contributed to the overt policing of media critical of U.S. foreign policy, such as the problematic "fake news blacklist" recently disseminated by the Washington Post.
And for those paying attention over the holiday weekend, the creation of the a new information agency under the Propaganda Act appears to be another worrisome development.
Rabbi uses National Menorah lighting to trash Obama UN move
Rabbi uses National Menorah lighting to trash Obama UN move:
The rabbi in charge of the National Hanukkah Menorah lighting used the ceremony, held Sunday just steps from the White House, to criticize the Obama administration's decision to allow the United Nations to pass a resolution condemning Israeli settlements in the West Bank and portions of Jerusalem as illegal. Rabbi Levi Shemtov, executive vice president of American Friends of Lubavitch, turned an Obama administration official's speech about fighting darkness with light on its head, evoking Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — who has had an antagonistic relationship with President Obama — and urging Jews not to despair about the darkness cast by the United Nations vote. Shemtov spoke after remarks by Adam Szubin, acting treasury undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, and the Obama administration's representative Sunday at the event. Szubin delivered a short speech focusing mainly on the significance and symbology of candles and light as they pertain to Hanukkah and later helped to light a 30-foot menorah.
Trumps Attend Church Services on Christmas Eve
By BENJAMIN SIEGEL
Dec 25, 2016, 1:22 AM ET
AP Photo/Andrew Harnik
President-elect Donald Trump, second from left, accompanied by his wife, Melania Trump, center right, departs after attending a Christmas Eve service at the Church of Bethesda-by-the Sea, in West Palm Beach, Fla., Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016.more +
President-elect Donald Trump and Melania Trump attended a Christmas Eve service Saturday night at the Palm Beach, Florida, church where they married in 2005.
They arrived at the Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, an Episcopal church just minutes from his Mar-a-Lago estate, around 10:30 p.m. Some members of the congregation stood up and clapped for the Trumps when they arrived.
They attended the same service at the church last Christmas Eve, and also visited the church for Easter.
The program for the service listed the Trumps as one of 569 households who contributed to Bethesda-by-the-Sea's December fundraising campaign.
When it was time for the the passing the peace during the two-hour service, a few people approached Trump to honor this ritual of greeting and bidding peace to those around you.
Communion was offered at midnight, with the Trumps taking communion around 12:15 a.m.
The Trumps started their evening at Mar-a-Lago, which hosts a Christmas dinner for members and their guests.
As seen in the video above, Trump made the rounds at the club, greeting patrons.
Earlier in the evening, Trump also tweeted a Hanukkah greeting, writing "Happy Hanukkah," along with an image of a menorah captioned, "Wishing You a Bright and Happy Hanukkah! Donald & Melania Trump."
Source
President-elect Donald Trump and Melania Trump attended a Christmas Eve service Saturday night at the Palm Beach, Florida, church where they married in 2005.
They arrived at the Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, an Episcopal church just minutes from his Mar-a-Lago estate, around 10:30 p.m. Some members of the congregation stood up and clapped for the Trumps when they arrived.
They attended the same service at the church last Christmas Eve, and also visited the church for Easter.
The program for the service listed the Trumps as one of 569 households who contributed to Bethesda-by-the-Sea's December fundraising campaign.
When it was time for the the passing the peace during the two-hour service, a few people approached Trump to honor this ritual of greeting and bidding peace to those around you.
Communion was offered at midnight, with the Trumps taking communion around 12:15 a.m.
The Trumps started their evening at Mar-a-Lago, which hosts a Christmas dinner for members and their guests.
As seen in the video above, Trump made the rounds at the club, greeting patrons.
Earlier in the evening, Trump also tweeted a Hanukkah greeting, writing "Happy Hanukkah," along with an image of a menorah captioned, "Wishing You a Bright and Happy Hanukkah! Donald & Melania Trump."
Source
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Churchgoers Give Trump Standing Ovation
Marcy Kreiter
December 25, 2016
The president-elect spent Christmas in Florida at his Mar-a-Lago estate.More
President-elect Donald Trump spent Christmas at his Florida estate, tweeting holiday greetings, dissolving the family foundation and planning for his Jan. 20 inauguration.
His son, Donald Jr., shared before-and-after shots of the family celebration on Twitter.
LIBERAL CHURCHES SHEDDING MEMBERS ALONG WITH TRADITIONS
December 25, 2016 at 10:00 am | By David Millard Haskell
The music in the malls is always a sign that we’ve hit the holiday season, and people get started making their Christmas preparations. In addition to shopping for the perfect gift, some advance planners go through the process of checking when their neighborhood church is holding its annual Christmas service.
While they might not go regularly, for many those Christmas carols at church are a holiday tradition, so they want to squeeze it in. Sadly, if their neighborhood church is mainline Protestant, they may be surprised to find it’s closed.
Across the English-speaking world the numerical decline of mainline Protestantism is accelerating. The largest mainline Protestant denominations in the United States are the United Methodist Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Episcopal Church. Collectively, membership in these denominations decreases by about 1 million a year, resulting in hundreds of church closures annually.
THE DESPERATE TREK Crossing the Darién Gap
The desperate trek
Migrants from around the globe are forging a grueling path to the U.S. — through the heart of the rainforest
By KATE LINTHICUM | PHOTOS BY CAROLYN COLE
DEC. 22, 2016
The day began with a crack of lightning over Turbo, a Colombian port city built along a murky, trash-strewn bay.
Once the site of gun battles between leftist guerrillas and paramilitary groups, the city’s narrow streets now swirled with all types of commerce: Shirtless men hauled timber to the docks. Women hawked freshly gutted fish. And smugglers offered their services to migrants from all over the world on their way to the United States.
“Every day they come,” said Emelides Muñoz Meza, a local official who has found himself consulting maps of the world to understand where some of the thousands of foreigners making their way through his city have journeyed from.
“Eritrea? I didn’t even know this country existed,” Muñoz said.
Christians face extinction in the very region from which their faith sprung
TELEGRAPH VIEW
24 DECEMBER 2016 • 6:30PM
Workers use a crane to prepare a large Christmas tree in al-Zawra Park, Baghdad, Iraq, Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. CREDIT: ALI ABDUL HASSAN
Yassir Sahd, a wealthy Iraqi Muslim, has erected an 85-ft Christmas tree in Baghdad this year to show solidarity with persecuted Christians in the region. He urged his fellow Muslims to join “our Christian brothers in their holiday celebrations” and demonstrate their horror at the persecution inflicted elsewhere in the country and in Syria by Isil. Mr Sahd’s gesture is a beacon of hope in an otherwise bleak landscape of religious sectarianism in the land where these two great faiths first took root.
In the early years of Christianity its adherents were hunted down and persecuted much as many are being today.
As the Prince of Wales commented on the BBC’s Thought for the Day persecution is a daily reality for Christians in some countries. We hear a great deal about so-called Islamophobia in the West but pay too little heed to its anti-Christian equivalent which can manifest itself in violence, ethnic cleansing and even genocide. Earlier this month dozens were killed in a Coptic Christian Church in Cairo after a suicide bomber blew himself up. Isil fanatics also beheaded 21 Coptic Christians in Libya.
Yassir Sahd, a wealthy Iraqi Muslim, has erected an 85-ft Christmas tree in Baghdad this year to show solidarity with persecuted Christians in the region. He urged his fellow Muslims to join “our Christian brothers in their holiday celebrations” and demonstrate their horror at the persecution inflicted elsewhere in the country and in Syria by Isil. Mr Sahd’s gesture is a beacon of hope in an otherwise bleak landscape of religious sectarianism in the land where these two great faiths first took root.
In the early years of Christianity its adherents were hunted down and persecuted much as many are being today.
As the Prince of Wales commented on the BBC’s Thought for the Day persecution is a daily reality for Christians in some countries. We hear a great deal about so-called Islamophobia in the West but pay too little heed to its anti-Christian equivalent which can manifest itself in violence, ethnic cleansing and even genocide. Earlier this month dozens were killed in a Coptic Christian Church in Cairo after a suicide bomber blew himself up. Isil fanatics also beheaded 21 Coptic Christians in Libya.
Watch | Prince Charles condemns 'evil' religious persecution
04:33
If they can, the extremists will push all Christians from the region since they also see them as representatives of the West. The once thriving Christian population of Iraq has fallen to under 500,000 today from as many as 1.5 million in 2003. In Egypt some 600,000 Copts have emigrated since the 1980s in the face of harassment or outright oppression.
Similar stories are unfolding in many Middle Eastern countries and in Pakistan. According to one report, Christians face religious persecution in more countries than any other religious group.
On this day of all days, therefore, as most of us celebrate Christmas in comfort and security with our families, we need to spare a thought for those for whom such a manifestation of their faith is to risk torture or death.
Justin Welby has spoken out against attacks on Christians in his Christmas message.CREDIT: HEATHCLIFF O'MALLEY FOR THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
In his Christmas message, Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said attacks on Christians “are not only designed to inflict appalling suffering but also to sow fear” and were “criminal acts for which the international community must bring those guilty to account”.
Yet the way forward is surely through people like Mr Sahd and his Christmas tree. Before the fanatics of Isil came to the fore countries like Iraq and Syria welcomed Christians and other faiths now being targeted by Muslim extremists.
In the early years of Christianity its adherents were hunted down and persecuted much as many are being today. They clung to the hope inspired by their faith and overcame the forces ranged against them. Today is the day when, every year, that hope is revived.
In his Christmas message, Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said attacks on Christians “are not only designed to inflict appalling suffering but also to sow fear” and were “criminal acts for which the international community must bring those guilty to account”.
Yet the way forward is surely through people like Mr Sahd and his Christmas tree. Before the fanatics of Isil came to the fore countries like Iraq and Syria welcomed Christians and other faiths now being targeted by Muslim extremists.
In the early years of Christianity its adherents were hunted down and persecuted much as many are being today. They clung to the hope inspired by their faith and overcame the forces ranged against them. Today is the day when, every year, that hope is revived.
The personalised presidency of Barack Obama
ST FILE PHOTO
PUBLISHED
DEC 25, 2016, 5:00 AM SGT
It can be inspiring but in bypassing institutions, it is also a dangerous proposition as the country braces itself for an unpredictable successor.
Carlos Lozada
US President Barack Obama's speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston was an astonishing piece of oratory. It was also a bit of sleight of hand.
Then a US Senate candidate from Illinois, Mr Obama wove his personal ancestry and biography - black and white, Kenya and Kansas, Hawaii and Harvard - into the American story of opportunity, multiplicity and solidarity. Not red versus blue, but united. Out of many, one. His campaign's chief strategist David Axelrod calls the address a love letter to America. "In no other country on earth is my story even possible," Mr Obama declared, his most poignant line of the night.
Two words in that sentence would matter most. Throughout Mr Obama's time in the White House, his touchstone would not be that singular country on earth, whose politics he was never able to bind together. Rather, it would be the man himself. "My story." This was a presidency preoccupied with Mr Obama's exceptionalism as much as with America's.
PUBLISHED
DEC 25, 2016, 5:00 AM SGT
It can be inspiring but in bypassing institutions, it is also a dangerous proposition as the country braces itself for an unpredictable successor.
Carlos Lozada
US President Barack Obama's speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston was an astonishing piece of oratory. It was also a bit of sleight of hand.
Then a US Senate candidate from Illinois, Mr Obama wove his personal ancestry and biography - black and white, Kenya and Kansas, Hawaii and Harvard - into the American story of opportunity, multiplicity and solidarity. Not red versus blue, but united. Out of many, one. His campaign's chief strategist David Axelrod calls the address a love letter to America. "In no other country on earth is my story even possible," Mr Obama declared, his most poignant line of the night.
Two words in that sentence would matter most. Throughout Mr Obama's time in the White House, his touchstone would not be that singular country on earth, whose politics he was never able to bind together. Rather, it would be the man himself. "My story." This was a presidency preoccupied with Mr Obama's exceptionalism as much as with America's.
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy
When the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably result.
The beast with two horns “causeth [commands] all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” Revelation 13:16, 17. The third angel's warning is: “If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God.” “The beast” mentioned in this message, whose worship is enforced by the two-horned beast, is the first, or leopardlike beast of Revelation 13—the papacy. The “image to the beast” represents that form of apostate Protestantism which will be developed when the Protestant churches shall seek the aid of the civil power for the enforcement of their dogmas. The “mark of the beast” still remains to be defined.
Great Controversy, p. 445.
Adventists Welcome New U.S. International Religious Freedom Law
Adventists Welcome New U.S. International Religious Freedom Law
POSTED DECEMBER 22, 2016
By BETTINA KRAUSE,
Photo credit: IRLA
Dwayne Leslie, an associate director of the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty department for the Adventist world church, says the impact of the new law is potentially significant. It increases the emphasis on religious liberty issues within U.S. foreign policy—such as requiring religious freedom training for all diplomatic officers, mandating tracking of religious repression around the world, and raising the status of the office of the Ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom.
"In recent years, we’ve seen the devastation of Christian communities in the Middle East"
“In recent years, we’ve seen the devastation of Christian communities in the Middle East, along with increasing religious violence in so many parts of the world—from Nigeria, to Pakistan, to the countries of Central Asia,” said Leslie. “As Adventists, we believe that every person, regardless of where they live, has a right to worship or not to worship according to their conscience. This fundamental freedom is one that governments around the world have a responsibility to both recognize and protect.”
The passage of bill, known as the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act, came in the final legislative moments of 2016 and was passed by unanimous consent by the U.S. House of Representatives after earlier passage by the Senate. This was the last step in a five-year-long effort to pass the bill. President Obama signed the legislation into law on December 16.
“The Adventist Church encourages governments of every country to protect and promote human rights, generally, and the principle of freedom of religion or belief, in particular,” Leslie explained. “As such, we are pleased to have been a part of the advocacy effort that helped move this legislation forward.”
"We pray that this new law will stimulate greater awareness, both within the United States and around the world"
“We pray that this new law will stimulate greater awareness, both within the United States and around the world, of the pivotal place that religious freedom occupies within the pantheon of human rights,” said Leslie. “And most importantly, we hope that it will help shine a spotlight on the plight of the many millions of men, women and children—members of vulnerable religious minorities—who suffer hostility or worse for choosing to remain faithful to their conscience.”
Dr. Ganoune Diop, director of the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty department of the world church, said supporting legislation such as this within every nation’s political system is a core part of the work of PARL. “Here at the world church headquarters, as well as at each of the church’s 13 world divisions, PARL leaders are charged with monitoring legislation, and advocating for legal change that will increase protections for religious freedom for all,” he noted. This, he adds, is a vital part of the church’s more than 150-year commitment to promoting religious liberty as a fundamental human right.
The law is named after former U.S. Congressman Frank Wolf — a lawmaker known for his relentless efforts, for more than two decades, to protect religious minorities around the world. Wolf was a keynote speaker, earlier this year, at the Adventist Church’s International Religious Liberty Summit, held at the Newseum in Washington D.C.
By BETTINA KRAUSE,
Communication director,
International Religious Liberty Association
Legislation signed into law last week by President Barack Obama represents a much-needed step forward in the global effort to combat religious persecution, the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Washington, D.C., representative said.
Legislation signed into law last week by President Barack Obama represents a much-needed step forward in the global effort to combat religious persecution, the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Washington, D.C., representative said.
Photo credit: IRLA
Dwayne Leslie, an associate director of the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty department for the Adventist world church, says the impact of the new law is potentially significant. It increases the emphasis on religious liberty issues within U.S. foreign policy—such as requiring religious freedom training for all diplomatic officers, mandating tracking of religious repression around the world, and raising the status of the office of the Ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom.
"In recent years, we’ve seen the devastation of Christian communities in the Middle East"
“In recent years, we’ve seen the devastation of Christian communities in the Middle East, along with increasing religious violence in so many parts of the world—from Nigeria, to Pakistan, to the countries of Central Asia,” said Leslie. “As Adventists, we believe that every person, regardless of where they live, has a right to worship or not to worship according to their conscience. This fundamental freedom is one that governments around the world have a responsibility to both recognize and protect.”
The passage of bill, known as the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act, came in the final legislative moments of 2016 and was passed by unanimous consent by the U.S. House of Representatives after earlier passage by the Senate. This was the last step in a five-year-long effort to pass the bill. President Obama signed the legislation into law on December 16.
“The Adventist Church encourages governments of every country to protect and promote human rights, generally, and the principle of freedom of religion or belief, in particular,” Leslie explained. “As such, we are pleased to have been a part of the advocacy effort that helped move this legislation forward.”
"We pray that this new law will stimulate greater awareness, both within the United States and around the world"
“We pray that this new law will stimulate greater awareness, both within the United States and around the world, of the pivotal place that religious freedom occupies within the pantheon of human rights,” said Leslie. “And most importantly, we hope that it will help shine a spotlight on the plight of the many millions of men, women and children—members of vulnerable religious minorities—who suffer hostility or worse for choosing to remain faithful to their conscience.”
Dr. Ganoune Diop, director of the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty department of the world church, said supporting legislation such as this within every nation’s political system is a core part of the work of PARL. “Here at the world church headquarters, as well as at each of the church’s 13 world divisions, PARL leaders are charged with monitoring legislation, and advocating for legal change that will increase protections for religious freedom for all,” he noted. This, he adds, is a vital part of the church’s more than 150-year commitment to promoting religious liberty as a fundamental human right.
The law is named after former U.S. Congressman Frank Wolf — a lawmaker known for his relentless efforts, for more than two decades, to protect religious minorities around the world. Wolf was a keynote speaker, earlier this year, at the Adventist Church’s International Religious Liberty Summit, held at the Newseum in Washington D.C.
Friday, December 23, 2016
Why shopping on Sunday is a controversial economic idea in Greece
WORLD
Why shopping on Sunday is a controversial economic idea in Greece
December 22, 2016 at 6:25 PM EST
Americans take shopping on a Sunday for granted. But Greece, a heavily religious country, has been reluctant to embrace the concept. Now, seven years into a financial crisis, the International Monetary Fund is insisting that the government allow Sunday shopping, in an effort to kickstart the economy. Special correspondent Malcolm Brabant reports.
MALCOLM BRABANT: This woman is unburdening her troubles to Saint Spyridon. Elsewhere millions of Greeks are crying silent tears of anger at what they perceive as the injustice of a never ending financial crisis.
For the “PBS NewsHour”, I’m Malcolm Brabant in Athens.here. However, in Greece, it remains a major point of contention, pitting religious tradition against recent economic realities.
Special correspondent Malcolm Brabant reports.
Thursday, December 22, 2016
"And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father"
And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
12 And when ye come into an house, salute it.
13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;
18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.
25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?
26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.
42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
Matthew 10
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Tiny quakes ‘the heartbeat’ of Mount St. Helens
Tiny quakes ‘the heartbeat’ of Mount St. Helens:
VANCOUVER, Wash. — More than 120 tiny earthquakes have taken place during a seven-day period recently beneath Mount St. Helens, but the U.S. Geological Survey said there are no signs of an imminent eruption.Beginning Nov. 21, the USGS said, four swarms of small quakes were detected. The tiny...
VANCOUVER, Wash. — More than 120 tiny earthquakes have taken place during a seven-day period recently beneath Mount St. Helens, but the U.S. Geological Survey said there are no signs of an imminent eruption.Beginning Nov. 21, the USGS said, four swarms of small quakes were detected. The tiny...
Will President-Elect Trump Move the US Embassy to Jerusalem?
By Susan.Michael
The United Nations Educational, Science, and Cultural Committee (UNESCO) recently attempted to deny the historical and biblical connection of the Jewish people to Jerusalem and, indeed, all the land of Israel, by referring to the Temple Mount and other Jewish holy sites only by their Muslim names. In response to this blatant denial of scripture, many Christians mailed Bibles to the agency’s headquarters in France.
Title Deed to the Temple Mount
The Bibles sent to UNESCO had many scriptures highlighted such as where King David purchased the threshing floor of Arauna in Jerusalem and placed the tabernacle there; then King Solomon built the First Temple there; Cyrus, the King of Persia, authorized and paid for the rebuilding of that Temple; and where Jesus was dedicated in the Temple, frequented there throughout His life, and was passionate for it, calling it “My father’s house” and a “house of prayer for all people.”
In 2 Samuel 24:18-25, King David wisely purchased the threshing floor of Arauna, and did not accept it as a gift. That property has become the most hotly contested piece of real estate on the planet. The Lord knew what David could not have fathomed, that 3,000 years later the world would come against his descendants’ right to own that piece of property and would deny David had bought it, or that a Temple had even stood there for a thousand years! Therefore, the purchase is recorded in scripture so generations of believers would know the truth.
Title Deed to the Temple Mount
The Bibles sent to UNESCO had many scriptures highlighted such as where King David purchased the threshing floor of Arauna in Jerusalem and placed the tabernacle there; then King Solomon built the First Temple there; Cyrus, the King of Persia, authorized and paid for the rebuilding of that Temple; and where Jesus was dedicated in the Temple, frequented there throughout His life, and was passionate for it, calling it “My father’s house” and a “house of prayer for all people.”
In 2 Samuel 24:18-25, King David wisely purchased the threshing floor of Arauna, and did not accept it as a gift. That property has become the most hotly contested piece of real estate on the planet. The Lord knew what David could not have fathomed, that 3,000 years later the world would come against his descendants’ right to own that piece of property and would deny David had bought it, or that a Temple had even stood there for a thousand years! Therefore, the purchase is recorded in scripture so generations of believers would know the truth.
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Pope frees jailed Spanish priest in Vatileaks case
Catholic Church
|
Left, Pope Francis arrives in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on April 27, 2016. Photo courtesy of Reuters/Alessandro Bianchi; right, Monsignor Lucio Vallejo Balda is shown in a YouTube video.
Monsignor Lucio Vallejo Balda was sentenced in August for stealing and passing Vatican documents to two Italian journalists in the so-called Vatileaks 2 case.
In a brief statement released late Tuesday (Dec. 20), the Vatican said:
“Considering that the Rev. Vallejo Balda has already served more than half of the sentence, the Holy Father Francis has given him the benefit of conditional release. … It is a measure of clemency which allows him to regain freedom. The penalty is not resolved, but he can enjoy the benefit of parole.”
Vallejo Balda was to be released from prison Tuesday and have no further employment in the Holy See. He will return to his home diocese in Spain.
Since his arrest in 2015, the monsignor has been in custody in a Vatican jail, though he later transferred to another Vatican property.
The first Vatileaks trial led to the conviction, and then pardon, of Paolo Gabriele, the former butler of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI found guilty of leaking private documents that exposed fierce infighting and political intrigue inside the Vatican.
Vallejo Balda and co-defendant Francesca Immacolata Chaouqui — members of the Vatican’s now-defunct financial commission — were both found guilty in the Vatileaks 2 trial.
Chaouqui got a suspended term of 10 months. Their aide Nicola Maio was acquitted, while the Vatican court said it did not have jurisdiction over the two journalists named in the case, Gianluigi Nuzzi and Emiliano Fittipaldi, who were both cleared.
(Josephine McKenna is RNS’ Vatican correspondent)
Source
Religious Hardtalk - Delving into Prophetic Matters with David Mould
Ryan Francis
Published on Dec 19, 2016
Religious Hardtalk - Delving into Prophetic Matters with Ian Boyne interviewing David Mould.
The Christian's Hope
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES
May 29, 1884
The Christian's Hope
[Remarks in the 9 o'clock morning meeting at Oakland, Cal., April 21, 1884.]
By Mrs. E. G. White
“Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.”
This world is a training-school, and the great object of life should be to obtain a fitness for those glorious mansions that Jesus has gone to prepare. Let us remember that this work of preparation is an individual work. We are not saved in groups. The purity and devotion of one will not offset the want of these qualities in another. Each case must bear individual inspection. Each of us must be tested, and found without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.
We are living in the great antitypical day of atonement. Jesus is now in the heavenly sanctuary, making reconciliation for the sins of his people, and the judgment of the righteous dead has been going on almost forty years. How soon the cases of the living will come in review before this tribunal we know not; but we do know that we are living in the closing scenes of earth's history, standing, as it were, on the very borders of the eternal world. It is important that each of us inquire, How stands my case in the courts of Heaven? Will my sins be blotted out? Am I defective in character, and so blinded to these defects by the customs and opinions of the world, that sin does not appear to me to be as exceedingly offensive to God as it really is? It is no time now to allow our minds to be absorbed with the things of earth, while we give only occasional thoughts to God, and make but slight preparation for the country to which we are journeying.
In the typical day of atonement, every man was required to afflict his soul before God. He was not to afflict the souls of others, but the work was between God and his own soul. The same work of self-examination and humiliation is required of each of us now; and I entreat you to make thorough work for eternity. “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found; call ye upon him while he is near.” Precious, golden moments which should be spent in seeking the inward adorning of a meek and quiet spirit, are frittered away in adorning the dress, and in other trifling matters not at all essential to comfort.
The secret world of Japan's hidden Christians (Catholics)
The secret world of Japan's hidden Christians
AFP news agency
Published on Dec 20, 2016
They are the subject of a new film by Martin Scorsese -- Japan's so-called 'hidden Christians', who were brutally persecuted in the 17th century, when Shoguns ruled the land.
Monday, December 19, 2016
Sunday, December 18, 2016
"Christian extremist" Franklin Graham awkwardly claims 'God' made Donald Trump president
ROBERT SOBEL
Expert in News
Donald Trump received controversial praise from religious right leader Franklin Graham during his final "Thank You Tour" speech of 2016.
franklin graham donald trump Archives - Citizens for Trump - citizensfortrump.com
When #Donald Trump first announced his plan to run for president as a #Republican, many wondered how the billionaire real estate mogul would be able to connect to those on the religious right. Even though he stumbled at times along the way, Trump was able to pander to enough conservative Christians to win the Republican primary, and eventually the entire election.
Graham on Trump
Donald Trump has been married multiple times, is known for his controversial comments about women, as well as lewd language, but the former host of "The Apprentice" was able to appeal to enough conservative Christians to win the election. Trump hit a wall at times when it came to his pandering to the religious right, including the time he misquoted the Bible last January when he referred to the verse "Second Corinthians" as "Two Corinthians," which resulted in laughter from the audience. Nonetheless, Trump was able to gain support from far right-wing Christian leaders, including evangelistic #Franklin Graham. As reported by The Washington Examiner on December 17, Graham made an appearance during Trump's "Thank You Tour" speech to offer his support.
Appearing with Donald Trump in MobilE, Alabama on Saturday night was Christian extremist Franklin Grahamwho explained that "God" was the reason that the election ended the way it did. "I don't have any scientific information. I don't have a stack of emails to read to you. But I have an opinion: I believe it was God," Graham told a cheering Alabama crowd. "God showed up," Graham continued, before noting, "He answered the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people across this land who had been praying for this country."
In response, Donald Trump later praised the Evangelical leader, referring to him as "great." "Having Franklin Graham, who was so instrumental, I tell you, we won so big with evangelical Christians," Trump said. "Anybody that has anything to do with the great Billy Graham, I love," the president-elect went on to say.
Moving forward
Whether or not "God" helped Donald Trump defeat Hillary Clinton is open for debate, but regardless, the president-elect will be sworn in as commander in chief on Inauguration Day. Despite support from the religious right, Trump is expected to face tens of thousands of protesters who will voice their opposition in Washington, D.C. on January 20.
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Pagan priest wins right to wear goat horns in license photo, saying they are ‘religious attire’
By Peter Holley
Acts of Faith
December 17 at 8:00 AM
Phelan Moonsong, a Pagan priest, recently persuaded Maine to allow him to wear goat horns in his state-issued ID. Courtesy of Phelan Moonsong)
It doesn’t matter how many articles of clothing Phelan Moonsong puts on before walking out the door each day: If he’s not wearing his favorite pair of goat horns, the Pagan priest might as well be naked.
Unless the 56-year-old Millinocket, Maine, man is sleeping or bathing, his beloved horns are rarely far from his scalp.
It’s been that way since he first laid eyes on the horns at a Pagan men’s group gathering in 2009. A friend whose goat had recently died offered the horns to group members. Nobody else wanted the dead goat’s hardware; Moonsong couldn’t believe his luck.
National Geographic Makes History With Transgender Cover Girl
QUEER VOICES
The stunning issue coincides with a new documentary.
1 day ago | Updated 19 hours ago
Curtis M. Wong Queer Voices Senior Editor, The Huffington Post
In what’s being touted as a first for the magazine, National Geographic will kick off 2017 by featuring a transgender person on its cover.
A stunning photo of 9-year-old Avery Jackson will appear on the subscriber’s edition of the magazine, which can be found below. “The best thing about being a girl is, now I don’t have to pretend to be a boy,” Jackson says in a caption accompanying the cover image, shot by Robin Hammond.
ROBIN HAMMOND/NATIONAL GEOGRAPHICAvery Jackson, 9, covers the subscriber's edition of National Geographic's "Gender Revolution" issue in January.
The “Gender Revolution” issue, which hits newsstands nationwide on Dec. 27, examines the “cultural, social, biological and personal” aspects of gender identity, according to a press release. Features include “Dangerous Lives of Girls,” which follows the lives of young women in Sierra Leone, and “Rethinking Gender,” which examines how science can help “navigate the shifting landscape of gender identity.”
National Geographic’s Editor-in-Chief Susan Goldberg told NBC Out that the magazine’s staff was inspired by gender’s omnipresence in the national conversation in creating the issue.
“We wanted to look at how traditional gender roles play out all over the world, but also look into gender as a spectrum,” Goldberg said. “There’s lots of coverage on celebrities, but there wasn’t an understanding on real people and the issues we face every day in classrooms or workplaces in regards to gender.”
The issue comes just ahead of the release of a two-hour documentary, “Gender Revolution: A Journey with Katie Couric,” which will cover “everything you wanted to know about gender but were afraid to ask,” according to Couric. That documentary will debut on National Geographic on Feb. 6.
Given the challenges facing the LGBTQ community in the years ahead, the timing of this issue couldn’t feel more appropriate. Bravo, NatGeo!
The “Gender Revolution” issue, which hits newsstands nationwide on Dec. 27, examines the “cultural, social, biological and personal” aspects of gender identity, according to a press release. Features include “Dangerous Lives of Girls,” which follows the lives of young women in Sierra Leone, and “Rethinking Gender,” which examines how science can help “navigate the shifting landscape of gender identity.”
National Geographic’s Editor-in-Chief Susan Goldberg told NBC Out that the magazine’s staff was inspired by gender’s omnipresence in the national conversation in creating the issue.
“We wanted to look at how traditional gender roles play out all over the world, but also look into gender as a spectrum,” Goldberg said. “There’s lots of coverage on celebrities, but there wasn’t an understanding on real people and the issues we face every day in classrooms or workplaces in regards to gender.”
The issue comes just ahead of the release of a two-hour documentary, “Gender Revolution: A Journey with Katie Couric,” which will cover “everything you wanted to know about gender but were afraid to ask,” according to Couric. That documentary will debut on National Geographic on Feb. 6.
Given the challenges facing the LGBTQ community in the years ahead, the timing of this issue couldn’t feel more appropriate. Bravo, NatGeo!
The Faithful of Earth Will Be Saved
The Faithful of Earth Will Be Saved, December 17
And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Matthew 24:31.
In the power of Him who rides forth conquering and to conquer, weak, finite man may gain the victory.
In the power of Him who rides forth conquering and to conquer, weak, finite man may gain the victory.
29 (Manuscript 151, 1899.)
The Lion of Judah, so terrible to the rejectors of His grace, will be the Lamb of God to the obedient and faithful. The pillar of fire that speaks terror and wrath to the transgressor of God's law, is a token of light and mercy and deliverance to those who have kept His commandments. The arm strong to smite the rebellious will be strong to deliver the loyal. Everyone who is faithful will be saved. “He shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”
In comparison with the millions of the world, God's people will be, as they have ever been, a little flock; but if they stand for the truth as revealed in His Word, God will be their refuge. They stand under the broad shield of Omnipotence. God is always a majority. When the sound of the last trump shall penetrate the prison-house of the dead, and the righteous shall come forth with triumph, exclaiming, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”—standing then with God, with Christ, with the angels, and the loyal and true of all ages, the children of God will be far in the majority....
In holy vision the prophet saw the ultimate triumph of God's remnant church. He writes: “I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory ... stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.”
The Lion of Judah, so terrible to the rejectors of His grace, will be the Lamb of God to the obedient and faithful. The pillar of fire that speaks terror and wrath to the transgressor of God's law, is a token of light and mercy and deliverance to those who have kept His commandments. The arm strong to smite the rebellious will be strong to deliver the loyal. Everyone who is faithful will be saved. “He shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”
In comparison with the millions of the world, God's people will be, as they have ever been, a little flock; but if they stand for the truth as revealed in His Word, God will be their refuge. They stand under the broad shield of Omnipotence. God is always a majority. When the sound of the last trump shall penetrate the prison-house of the dead, and the righteous shall come forth with triumph, exclaiming, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”—standing then with God, with Christ, with the angels, and the loyal and true of all ages, the children of God will be far in the majority....
In holy vision the prophet saw the ultimate triumph of God's remnant church. He writes: “I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory ... stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.”
30 (The Acts of the Apostles, 589, 590.)
Sons and Daughters of God, p.358.
Friday, December 16, 2016
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Glenn Greenwald: Pro-Hillary Trolls originated Fake News Factory
Friday, 09 December 2016
In her first public speech since conceding the election, Hillary Clinton on Thursday denounced “fake news,” and called for Congress to essentially censor the internet. The problem with Clinton’s statements however, is that her own campaign led with the widespread use of the same fake news she so roundly decries.
Clinton asserted in her Thursday speech that there is an “epidemic of malicious fake news and false propaganda that flooded social media over the past year.” She also stated that “fake news” can have “real-world consequences,” and that the issue, as she understands it, “isn’t about politics or partisanship.”
“It’s a danger that must be addressed and addressed quickly.” Clinton said, adding, “Bipartisan legislation is making its way through Congress to boost the government’s response to foreign propaganda, and Silicon Valley is starting to grapple with the challenge and threat of fake news. It’s imperative that leaders in both the private sector and the public sector step up to protect our democracy and innocent lives.”
The problem is, Clinton’s call for an end to free speech is hypocritical, at best. On Friday, journalist Glenn Greenwald wrote an article for The Intercept shining a light on fake news that was specifically crafted to benefit the former First Lady in her unsuccessful presidential campaign. In October, Greenwald noted, during the period in which WikiLeaks was releasing emails from Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta, the candidate’s campaign officials began lying to the public, claiming that the emails were doctored, and should be ignored. The claim was untrue, but was nonetheless faithfully repeated by networks and news outlets that were friendly with the Democratic candidate, such as MSNBC.
“That the emails in the WikiLeaks archive were doctored or faked – and thus should be disregarded – was classic Fake News, spread not by Macedonian teenagers or Kremlin operatives, but by established news outlets such as MSNBC, the Atlantic and Newsweek,” Greenwald wrote.
“And, by design,” he said, “this Fake News spread like wildfire all over the internet, hungrily clicked and shared by tens of thousands of people eager to believe it was true. As a result of this deliberate disinformation campaign, anyone reporting on the contents of the emails was instantly met with claims that the documents in the archive had been proven fake.” Soon, MSNBC’s so-called intelligence analyst Malcolm Nance began spreading a rumor that “Trumpists” were altering documents from the WikiLeaks release, and his falsehood spread like wildfire as well.
But the screengrab Nance cited as his proof did not come from supporters of the now President-elect, but from a hardcore-Clinton supporter named Marco Chacon, who was using the handle “the Omnivore” on Twitter. Chacon previously described himself, in an article for the Daily Beast, as a creator of “fake viral news” who targeted Trump and Bernie Sanders supporters. Chacon claimed that he created fake anti-Clinton controversy to discredit those who cited it. He never expected Clinton supporters to be the ones who fell for it.
"I think one of the things that has happened is that so many reporters, especially now, are so devoted to one of the candidates, particularly Hillary Clinton, that they’re not actually interested in any news stories that they perceive don’t directly help her to win,” Greenwald stated in October.