2016-November/December

News and Views

November 1, 2016

Religious A new Pew Research Center analysis finds that, as of 2014, about a quarter of the world’s countries and territories (26%) had anti-blasphemy laws or policies, and that more than one-in-ten (13%) nations had laws or policies penalizing apostasy. The legal punishments for such transgressions vary from fines to death. — Pew Research Center, 8/2/2016 There hasn’t been a mosque in the Greek capital in 150 years. That’s about to change. The Greek parliament approved plans to build a state-funded mosque […]

Today in Prophecy – Israel’s Burden

November 1, 2016

“And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it” (Zechariah 12:3). Israel continues to be a focal point in the Middle East. Turmoil within and surrounding dangers make for a challenging environment. Within Israel According to data compiled by the Israeli Shin Bet Security Agency, 2015 was the deadliest year for terrorism there since […]

Spiritual Lethargy

November 1, 2016

Lethargy Saps Our Joys Overcoming “A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest, Then your [spiritual] poverty will come as a robber” (Proverbs 24:33-34 NASB). Brad and Debbie Sweeney The prospective bride of Christ presently lives in “the best of times.” It is an unparalleled era of clearer Scriptural understanding of the Creator and His divine plan in which to place our complete faith. We also possess unprecedented amounts of leisure time, freedom, and opportunity to […]

Overcoming Intolerance

November 1, 2016

A Fruit of Love “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called … showing tolerance for one another in love” (Ephesians 4:1-2 NASB). Robert and Sharon Whittaker In our quest for maturity in Christ, tolerance in our relationships with others is a necessity. It is a basis for developing all the fruits of the spirit, for without it how can we be joyful, peaceful, long-suffering, gentle, and godly — not just outwardly but from the heart? […]