In the New Year, God Is Doing Something Old

Every New Year's, many people turn into Athenians.

"For all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time in nothing else, but either telling or hearing something new" (Acts 17:21).

Everyone seems to be looking for a new word. What is God saying? What is the newest thing God is doing? Who has had a vision? What is prophet so and so saying? It seems to be the trend every New Year's. And this leads to all kinds of click-bait articles to draw you into a sensational word.

Why robot brothels are not the solution to America's STD crisis

With several sexually transmitted diseases reaching an all-time high in the U.S., could sex robots be the answer? Catholics leaders say no, because the alleged benefits of “sexbots” will never outweigh the harms inflicted upon the person and authentic human sexuality.

“There are all sorts of bad solutions to a legitimate problem. Even if it were the case that sex robots would cut down on STDs, it wouldn’t make sex robots a good idea,” said Matt Fradd, author of The Porn Myth.

Pope Francis: Invite God to dwell in your heart this Christmas

God offers himself to us in the manger in Bethlehem, Pope Francis said in his Christmas homily Monday night, inviting each heart to welcome this heavenly gift.

“At Christmas, we on earth receive Jesus, the bread from heaven,” Pope Francis said Dec. 24 in St. Peter’s Basilica. “We discover that the life of God can enter into our hearts and dwell there.”

“If we welcome that gift, history changes, starting with each of us. For once Jesus dwells in our heart, the center of life is no longer my ravenous and selfish ego, but the One who is born and lives for love,” he added.

The pope’s homily at the Midnight Mass of Christmas centered on the meaning of Christ’s birthplace, Bethlehem, which translates to “House of Bread” in Aramaic and Hebrew.

The Hidden Message Revealed Through Each Detail of the Christmas Story

Neither the plot, the place, nor the people included in the Christmas story came about by happenstance. No, each detail was strategically selected by God to reveal the message of all messages. Kyle Winkler's inspirational Christmas short film will awe you with the revelation.

What went wrong in the Sexual Revolution? This documentary takes a look

The story of a donor-conceived woman. The Sexual Revolution of the 1960s. The development of birth control. And a papal document that shocked the world. These themes come together in a new documentary, Sexual Revolution--50 Years Since Humanae Vitae.

What we can learn from the beauty of Christmas carols

One of the perpetual complaints against Christianity is that it is a life-denying, puritanical system. In the Victorian era, poet Algernon Swinburne referred to Christ as the "pale Galilean" from whose breath "the world has grown grey." In our own time, films and television shows such as The Handmaid's Tale portray Christians as robotic control freaks. Meanwhile, elite commentators contend that the only reason Christians oppose same-sex "marriage" and transgendered toddlers is that they are full of hate.

One way to rebut the charge is to point to the fact that traditional Christmas carols – the ones that retell the central Christian story – are generally full of joy and gladness. They are decidedly not "grey" or "life-denying." What, exactly, one might ask, are the life-denying elements in Joy to the World and Ding Dong! Merrily on High?

But before getting to the carols, it's instructive to note that Christianity's two main competitors for the souls of men – secularism and Islam – actually are on the grey and grim side of the continuum. That's easy enough to see in Islam. With its burqas, alcohol ban, and rigid rules of behavior, Islam actually is a puritanical religion. But so, in its own way, is secularism. Today's universities, which are almost totally controlled by secularists, have elaborate behavior and speech codes which effectively take the spontaneity out of relationships and even out of simple conversation. You have to tread carefully in the secular world because it is seeded with hidden booby traps. Try reciting one of Swinburne's poems to a group of fellow student and you might end up in diversity hell. You never know what will offend the new puritans until it's too late.

LDS Church allows women missionaries to wear pants

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had announced that female missionaries will now be allowed to wear pants, specifically dress slacks, when doing mission work.

Church leadership had previously allowed women to wear dress slacks when doing mission work during the wet seasons in nations where mosquito-borne diseases are common.

The new change in dress code for women allows for the wearing of dress slacks all year round at their discretion, according to an announcement released Thursday.

Holy See dissatisfied Poland climate summit downplayed human rights

In a statement Wednesday, the Holy See said the rules for implementing the Paris Agreement, established during the recent UN climate change summit in Poland earlier this month, are lacking in urgency and in proper concern for human rights.

“We are grateful to the leaders from States and other stakeholders who contributed to this multilateral dialogue and the writing of the rulebook. Unfortunately, we must also note that the rulebook does not adequately reflect the urgency necessary to tackle climate change,” the Holy See stated Dec. 19.

How to Take Down 13 Demonic Strongholds That Bind You

Intercessory prayer can break demonic strongholds. Here is a list of those to be mindful of when praying:

Cluster 1—Anger, hatred, malice, rage, murder, temper, cursing, vengeance, retaliation, violence, abuse, cruelty, sadism, unforgiveness, bitterness, being judgmental or critical, taking offense easily/irritability, anger towards men or women, anger towards mother or father, anger towards authority, anger/resentment towards God

Cluster 2—Fear, fear of man, fear of authority, doubt/unbelief, dread, worry, anxiety, fear the worst will happen, fear of various illnesses like cancer, fear people will get angry with you or won't like you, spirit of false responsibility, spirit of rush

Pastor Breaks 18-Year Silence About Speaking in Tongues

After 18 years of silence, Pastor Shane Idleman finally opens up about his experience with the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues.

He kept it quiet because he was so afraid of the opinions of others—until God called him out.

Watch the video for his story.

How to Wage 'Good Warfare' to Claim Your Prophetic Destiny

Dr. Reg Morais, senior pastor of Living Faith Community Church in Perth, Australia, says Paul's instructions to Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:18 are a model for how believers today should wage "good warfare." Morais also mentions there is a global prophetic movement taking place in churches around the world. He explains more in this video.

Pope Francis explains symbolism of Vatican Christmas tree and sand nativity

As the Vatican illuminated its 65-foot Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square Friday, Pope Francis shared the deeper meaning found in the traditional festive spruce.

The signs and symbols found in Christmas traditions can “help us to contemplate the mystery of God made man to be close to each one of us,” Francis said Dec. 7.

9 Common Myths Christians Believe At Christmas

Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of the year, because it calls our attention to one of the most beautiful teachings of Scripture — the Incarnation of Christ. When you realize the incredible truths behind the reality that God came and dwelt among us, it can’t help but impact the way you live. Plus, it’s an awesome reminder that God kept His promises from the Old Testament to send a Messiah to rescue His people from their sins.

However, since that time, many myths have been added to the greatest story ever told.

Here are nine common myths Christians believe at Christmas:

Churches turned into military barracks, people killed: Cameroon Christians cry out

Cameroonian Christians are crying out against the ongoing violence in their country, where churches are being converted into military barracks and believers are forced to flee.

“We need peace and the United Nations intervention," a Methodist Christian, whose identity wasn't revealed, told Protestant Digital.

“Many people die every day, homes and villages are burned, there are famished people and also those who take refuge in Nigeria. We do not have a voice in our country."

How You've Given Satan Legal Rights to Harass You

Jesus told His followers many times in the Gospels to forgive those who sin against them—no matter how many times they do it.

But did He give that command simply because it's a nice thin (EO)g to do? Or does unforgiveness have a deeper effect on our souls and bodies?

Watch as Pastor Candice Smithyman interviews deliverance minister Kathy DeGraw about the role of unforgiveness in Satan's attacks on our lives. Learn how to destroy the works of the enemy and prevent strongholds in your life!

Pope Francis to visit Abu Dhabi in February 2019

Pope Francis will travel to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates Feb. 3-5 to participate in an international interfaith meeting, the Vatican announced Thursday.

“This visit, like the one to Egypt, shows the fundamental importance the Holy Father gives to inter-religious dialogue. Pope Francis visiting the Arab world is a perfect example of the culture of encounter,” papal spokesman Greg Burke said Dec. 6.

 

The papal trip is the second visit to a Muslim country scheduled for 2019; Pope Francis will also visit Morocco March 30-31.

Beware the Doctrine of the Modern-Day Nicolaitan Apostles

Nicolaitan apostles are rising. It's a new breed, but then again, it's not a new breed at all. Jesus warned us about Nicolaitan leaders in his letter to the church in Pergamum.

"So you also have those who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will war against them with the sword of My mouth" (Rev. 2:15-16).

Noteworthy is the fact that Jesus applauded the church at Ephesus in an earlier letter and noted how he "hated" this Nicolaitan doctrine. So, what, exactly, was the teaching of the Nicolaitans?

Iowa prisoners sue to get their pornography back

Dozens of Iowa inmates have filed a lawsuit challenging a ban on pornography which has affected the state’s prisons in recent weeks.

The law, which took effect Nov. 14, prohibits pornographic material and puts an end to “pornography reading rooms” in all of Iowa’s nine state prisons.

Pastor John Gray draws praise, caution after allowing congregants to take cash from offering

Pastor John Gray's recent move to allow members of his church to take cash from the offering baskets has stirred discussion, with some applauding him for helping those in need and others expressing caution.

Praising Gray, Bishop Alphonza Gadsden of Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary in Summerville, South Carolina, told a local media on Friday that he believes the church should be doing more to help the needy.

“Having felt as if he is led by the Spirit of God to do this, then I think it’s a great gesture,” Gadsden commented. “I believe that the church needs to play a more active role within the community and if it means helping those who are indigent and don’t have a means of support then by all means the church should be able to do that.”

What’s the difference between crystals and relics?

To the outside viewer, crystals are pretty rocks.

Perfectly curated pictures of the pretty stones pepper the social media feeds of scores of millennials, as they have become increasingly popular on necklaces and as part of a “wholistic”, wellness-minded life. But, more than just a fashion statement, crystals are believed by some to have healing properties, related to their energy or vibrations.

The Catholic Church rejects all things associated with New Age beliefs, including the trendy crystals, as heretical and dangerous.

At the same time, the Catholic Church embraces the veneration of relics.

Lisa Bevere: How to Win Any Spiritual Battle You Face

"There's an amazing door of opportunity standing wide open for me to minister here, even though there are many who oppose and stand against me" (1 Cor. 16:9, TPT).

Opportunity attracts opposition. When you advance to a new level, you will be opposed by a new devil. To illustrate this point, imagine a virtual video game. With any good video game, it is necessary to complete multiple levels before ultimately completing the game. Each level consists of unique battles requiring specific battle strategies. The advancement to a new level always includes a stronger enemy.

According to my sons—who have achieved a level of mastery when it comes to video games—each level is important. The goal is not to get through a level as quickly as possible. A player with that mindset will not fare very well or last in the game very long. As I watch my boys maneuver and take risks to get certain articles hidden within the confines of the course at any given level, I've observed that each of these items has a unique value, but the need for these items is not usually immediate. More often than not, they are collected for future use. What is obtained at one level may be needed at the next.

Don't Waste Your Time Ministering to Evil People

When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you, to deliver you from the way of the evil man, from the man who speaks perverse things, from those who leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness; who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the perversity of the wicked; whose ways are crooked, and who are devious in their paths (Prov. 2:10-15).

Some people have a hard time thinking a professing Christian can be evil, but the Bible is painfully pointed. For example, in Acts 5:3b, Peter says of one church member, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to deceive the Holy Spirit?"

Chinese scientists, officials denounce gene-editing of embryos

A Chinese scientist’s claim to have created a gene-edited baby has been met with an outpouring of condemnation, with critics voicing alarm at what they described as a disregard for biomedical ethics.

Approximately 120 scientists released a letter condemning the research, Reuters reported. The Chinese-language letter called the gene manipulation a “Pandora’s box,” warning, “The biomedical ethics review for this so-called research exists in name only. Conducting direct human experiments can only be described as crazy.”

Satanic Temple Settles Lawsuit Against Netflix for Using Baphomet Statue

The Satanic Temple has settled its copyright lawsuit against Netflix Inc and Warner Bros Entertainment over their alleged misuse of its goat-headed deity statue in the series "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina," a Warner spokesman said on Wednesday.

Keys to Releasing Angels and Opening the Heavens in Spiritual Warfare

The spiritual realm is not some far-off place. It's all around you and affects every facet of your life, including your health, your finances and your relationships.

One day Jesus will return and all evil will be defeated, Revive Israel's Asher Intrater says, but Jesus gave us the keys to heaven now. We don't have to wait for His return to open the heavens. Through prayer, we can open the heavens and release angels to do God's will.

Watch as Intrater reveals biblical keys to effective spiritual warfare and intercession.

How to Read the Book of Psalms Like a Bible Scholar

For many, Psalms is a book of encouraging, worshipful passages—thematically unified but you could read them in basically any order, with or without context. But the Bible scholars at The Bible Project say Psalms is actually an unconventional narrative, retelling the entire Bible story through the poetry genre. In five minutes, they give a primer on the entire book of Psalms, from its themes to its symbolism to its structure. By the time you finish watching, you'll have a richer understanding of Psalms than ever before.

A teen sex 'recession'? Blame porn, stagnating marriage rates, experts say

Young Americans are having less sex despite the hook-up culture and liberalized attitudes about its moral dimensions, a phenomenon some attribute to porn and others to falling marriage rates.

One of the reasons for a documented "recession" in sex now occurring in the United States is because marriage rates have stagnated, argued the Washington Free Beacon's Charles Fain Lehman, in a blog post for the Institute for Family Studies Monday.

Priest killed by military gunfire in Cameroon

A priest serving in Cameroon has been killed by military gunfire, amid a military and political conflict that has rocked the country in recent years.

Fr. Cosmas Ombato Ondari was reportedly killed Nov. 21 in Mamfe, a city in the country’s southwest, CNA has learned. Onari, a member of the Mill Hill Missionaries, had been serving in the country since March 2017, when he was ordained a priest.

Follow Mary's 'yes,' pope says ahead of World Youth Day

Serving others first requires listening to God in prayer, so that one can give the same ‘yes’ to God’s will that Mary gave, Pope Francis said in a message for World Youth Day 2019.

“To be at the service of others does not only mean to be ready for action. It means also to be in conversation with God with an attitude of listening, just like Mary,” the pope said in a video message Nov. 20.

“[Mary] listened to what the angel said to her and then she responded,” he said. “It is by relating to God in the silence of our hearts that we discover our identity and the vocation to which God is calling us.”

2 Killed in Chicago Hospital Shooting

Two individuals were killed in a shooting Monday at Chicago Mercy Hospital.

Two people were killed and two others critically wounded in a shooting at a Chicago hospital on Monday, and among the dead was the gunman who started shooting in the parking lot and then burst into the medical facility and opened fire, according to local media.

A police officer was among those wounded in the shooting on Chicago's South Side at Mercy Hospital, officials said.

Police cars and ambulances swarmed the hospital after the shooting.

Australian senator announces gender swap so he can speak on abortion issues

After being slammed for his religion and told he would never understand abortion because it is a women’s issue, Australian senator Barry O’Sullivan declared himself a woman before parliament last week so that he could speak about abortion issues.

“I’m going to declare my gender today, as I can, to be a woman, and then you’ll no longer be able to attack me,” O’Sullivan told fellow representatives at parliament Nov. 14.

Beware of This Pagan Influence on Your Prayer Life

I value quietness and solitude. In fact, it was in such a setting that I received the inspiration and direction for this article. It happened like this.

One morning I found myself wide awake at 3 a.m. No wanting to awaken Sue, I quietly arose and went into another room where I sat in a chair, enjoying the stillness and quietness of the early morning.

As I sat, with only light from a street light streaming through the window, I thought about God and His goodness and faithfulness. At times I would voice quiet words of praise and thanksgiving. As needs and concerns came to mind, I would present these in prayer. It was a wonderful, refreshing time. Sometime, during those quiet hours of fellowship with God, the title and layout for this article were presented to my mind.

Please do not confuse my "quiet time" with contemplative prayer. There is a world of difference. Contemplative prayer, emphasizing "silence," has roots that go back to the mystics of the medieval Roman Catholic Church. The mystics were, in turn, profoundly influenced by Neo-Platonism, a pagan, mystical religion founded by Plotinus, a disciple of Plato.

Pope creates class on ‘Sciences of Peace’ at Lateran University

Pope Francis Monday established a curriculum in Sciences of Peace at the Pontifical Lateran University, involving the “pope’s university” because of the special bond it has with the Holy See in a project to “foster seeds of peace.”

In a letter sent to Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, vicar general of Rome and chancellor of the university, Pope Francis put the new curriculum under the protection of St. John XXIII and St. Paul VI, “heralds of peace.”

Why Every Prophet Must Distinguish Between These 2 Things

A "prophet" gave me a prophetic word concerning my "little brother" about whom, he said, I had been very concerned. He assured me there was no need for my concern. God, he said, had revealed to him that my little brother would be saved.

Now, there was only one problem with this prophecy: I do not have a little brother! When I shared this fact with this individual, he seemed embarrassed and replied, "I will have to be more careful."

Trump Participates in Hindu Festival of Lights

President Donald Trump hosted Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, at the White House on Tuesday.

"We're gathered today to celebrate a very special holiday observed by Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains throughout the United States and around the world," Trump says.

Pope Francis to visit Morocco in 2019

Pope Francis will head to two cities in Morocco March 30-31, 2019, the Vatican announced Tuesday.

Pope Francis will visit the cities of Rabat and Casablanca, a Nov. 13 message stated. The schedule of the trip is not yet published.

According to papal spokesman Greg Burke, the visit takes place at the invitation of King Mohammed VI of Morocco and the Catholic bishops.

Why Peter Was Restored but Judas Was Not

Then a servant girl saw him as he sat near the fire, and gazed at him, and said, "This man was with Him." But he denied Him, saying, "Woman, I do not know Him." A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." Peter said, "Man, I am not!" About an hour later another man firmly declared, "Certainly, this man also was with Him, for he is a Galilean." Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are saying." Immediately, while he was yet speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." And Peter went outside and wept bitterly (Luke 22:56-62).

One of the most challenging things in life is learning to read people. We've all had people who completely surprised us. In Jesus' life, there were people constantly seeking to get closer to Him and enjoy a more intimate relationship with Him. Jesus was not paranoid, trusting no one. Neither was He naive, trusting everyone.

Trump signs rules restricting asylum for illegal migrants

US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation Friday morning that would prohibit those who entered the United States illegally through the southern border from applying for asylum.

The Nov. 9 proclamation, which goes into effect Saturday, is in response to the migrant caravan that has been headed toward the U.S. for the last several weeks. The caravan consisted of several thousand people at its peak, and recently departed Mexico City on its journey through Mexico.

Sandi Patty Warns Against This Deceptive Thought Process

Whether I was singing in my bedroom by myself with my little 45 rpm record player, using my hairbrush as a microphone, or I was singing to 18,000 people in a concert with a real microphone, it has all come from the same place. In music, I hear the voice of God and respond to Him.

Singing was always so natural to me that when I had to begin to talk in school, with teachers or with friends, I didn't know how. I probably presented a more confident affect than I actually felt. Every time I had to put things into words, I cringed inside. Although I liked to read, I was a slow reader. And my comprehension of what I read was slower still. But I liked to understand what I was reading. Whenever the teacher asked each student to take a section and read out loud, I froze inside. Are you kidding me? This was one of my worst fears. I would stumble through the words, and when I sat down, the teacher would say, "So, Sandy, can you tell us what those words mean?"

Francis makes appointments to Roman Rota, Vatican Court of Appeal

Pope Francis appointed Thursday two lay lawyers to tribunals of the Holy See and Vatican City.

On Nov. 8 Enrico Ferrannini was appointed substitute promoter of justice for the Vatican Court of Appeal, and Maria Fratangelo was named defender of the bond of the Roman Rota.

The Simple Key to Tapping Into Holy Spirit's Supernatural Power

John Wallace wrote, "Prayer moves the hand that moves the world." Think about that. A simple, sincere petition can influence the Creator of the universe to intervene in your situation. Truly, prayer is a valuable asset to the believer. As such, it should be our first resource not our last resort. Unfortunately, some people treat God like the paramedics—they only call when they have an emergency! Perhaps if we call on Him more often we will have fewer emergencies.

Trump Sends State Department to Nigeria Amid Massacre of Hundreds of Christians by Islamic Radicals

The U.S. State Department is headed to Nigeria this week amid the massacre of hundreds of Christians at the hands of various Islamic radical factions. Killings had spiked in October.

The State Department says on its website that the visit will be part of a wider focus on promoting stronger trade and commercial ties between the U.S. and several Africa countries, with the final stop in Abuja.

Faith Leaders Respond After Shooter Guns Down a Dozen in 'One of the Safest Cities' in US

A gunman walks into a bar. It's not the beginning of a sick joke, but the end of at least 12 lives.

The gunman, who has yet to be named, stormed into Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, California, and opened fire.

Catholic bishops ask Israel to repeal law excluding non-Jews

Top Catholic prelates in Israel are asking the government to repeal the recent Nation State Law, which they say paves a path for discrimination against non-Jewish citizens.

“Although the law changes very little in practice, it does provide a constitutional and legal basis for discrimination among Israel’s citizens, clearly laying out the principles according to which Jewish citizens are to be privileged over and above other citizens,” the Catholic leaders said in their statement, dated Oct. 31.

Vote, and Vote Biblically

The late Milton Berle used to say as a part of his comedy routine:

"Since perestroika and glasnost, the Russians have changed their electoral system. A man went in to vote and was handed a sealed ballot. He started to tear it open. An election official said, 'What are you doing, Igor?" 'I'm opening the ballot. I want to see who I voted for,' said the man. The election official replied, 'Don't be foolish, you're not supposed to know. We vote secret ballot in this country.'"

Berle's humor reminds us of a privilege which we often take for granted – one that other countries were not afforded so freely – the right to vote for our leaders – the right to choose the direction of our nation. Citizen Christians should earnestly thank God for the freedom to vote, and they should show their gratefulness each opportunity they have to cast a ballot.

Pope on All Saints' Day: Live for heaven, not the world

If a Christian wants to reach heaven, he or she should ask themselves if they are living for the pleasures of the world, or if they are striving after holiness with all their strength, Pope Francis said on the feast of All Saints.

“Let us ask ourselves what side we are on: that of heaven or that of the earth? Do we live for the Lord or for ourselves, for eternal happiness or for some fulfillment now?” the pope said Nov. 1.

“Let us ask ourselves: do we really want holiness?” he continued. “Or do we content ourselves with being Christians without disgrace and without praise, who believe in God and esteem others but without going too far?”

“In short, either holiness or nothing!” he said.

India blocks 800 websites, reviving 2015 porn ban

After Nepal banned thousands of pornographic websites last month, India has resurrected its internet pornography ban, blocking more than 800 major porn sites in an attempt to curb the country’s spate of sexual violence.

“I think it’s important to understand that India is struggling with really intense problems of sexual violence and harassment in particularly against women,” said Dawn Hawkins, executive director of the non-profit National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE).

Prayer and Humility

Prayer, when it is defined as asking or petitioning God for anything, is not, of itself, a relationship with God that enables a Holy Spirit connection with Him. There are other elements that bring this about. The major one is humility toward Him. The definition of humility that I like best is in 1 Peter 5:5-7, where it says: "Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."

When prayer is combined with humility, it has a lot more impact. Philippians 4: 5-7 says: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." The unconditional trust in God of being anxious for nothing precedes prayer, and results in the peace of God that passes all understanding which keeps our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. This is humility toward God. Then prayer follows. Prayer is talking to God. What precedes it is our relationship and trust in God. The order is important because righteousness is important when we pray. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16).

At Least 4 Dead in Shooting at Pittsburgh Synagogue

At least four people were killed and three officers injured responding to an active shooting incident in the area of a Pittsburgh synagogue on Saturday, local media and CNN reported.

"There are fatalities," an emergency responder said on local television station KDKA that was simulcast on CNN. The conditions of the officers were not immediately known.

One white male suspect was in custody, KDKA said, adding that responding officers "received fire."

Here's How Satan Will Try to Attack Your Identity

The devil said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread." (Luke 4:3).

You form your identity in one of two ways: you achieve it by yourself or you receive it from God.

Why Christians believe in resurrection, not reincarnation

Every time Christians recite the Apostles’ Creed, they affirm their belief in what will happen to them after death: “'I believe in the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.”

The belief in the resurrection of one’s physical body at the end of time is central to Christian theology, and finds its basis in the resurrection of Christ, who rose in body and soul three days after his passion and death.

But according to a new Pew survey, 29 percent of Christians in the US hold the New Age belief of reincarnation - the belief that when one’s body dies, one’s soul lives on in a new and different body, unrelated to the first.

How a new study says premarital sex affects marital happiness

People who have had only one lifetime sexual partner have happier marriages than people with two or more lifetime partners, according to a new report from the Institute for Family Studies.

The study’s author, Dr. Nicholas Wolfinger of the University of Utah, found that women who have been sexually intimate only with their spouses are most likely to report having “very happy” marriages, at 65 percent. Among women with between six and ten lifetime sexual partners, only 52% reported being “very happy” in their marriage, the lowest in the study.

7 Shocking Facts About How Early Christians Worshipped

Over 2 billion people who profess belief in Christianity each Sunday gather all over the world to worship God. It is a remarkable occurrence that should make us think and give pause over the significance of such a united event weekly. Just imagine in your mind when praying and bowing the head, when lifting up your hands or voice in worship: You are at the same time joining countless other believers at that very minute in the same worship of our Risen Lord.

It all goes back to apostles who walked the dirt trails of Israel with a radical rabbi who taught with "authority," not like the scribes. Jesus did not institute verbatim the Lord's Day, or command His disciples to gather on the first day of every week with significance and purpose. He rather followed the custom of His day in attending the synagogue services along with other devout religious of the day.

40 percent of U.S. children born to unmarried parents, rate increasing worldwide

New data shows that an increasing number of babies worldwide are born to unmarried parents.

The data was released in an annual report published by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA.).

Christians Arrested, Forbidden From Praying in Church

A military group in Myanmar has detained ethnic minority Wa and Lahu Christians and ordered them to pledge that they will not pray in churches but only in their homes, Catholic news agency UCAN reports.

Legal pot will have 'disastrous effects,' Canadian bishops say

Canada’s bishops reiterated their opposition to the legalization of recreational marijuana Wednesday, the same day that legal marijuana sales began across the country.

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops underlined “the ethical problems involved with the recreational use and abuse of this drug” in an Oct. 17 statement.

Is This Sabotaging Your Walk With Holy Spirit?

What does it mean to be led by the Holy Spirit? Some may refer to it as being filled with—or sensitive to or anointed by—the Spirit. It sounds really spiritual, but being led by the Spirit is actually a very practical part of living the Christian life.

Simply put, to be led by the Holy Spirit just means to be obedient to Him.

The Holy Spirit does such awesome, yet practical work in the lives of God's children. He is our Comforter, Counselor, helper, intercessor, Advocate, strengthener and standby. He teaches us and guides us into truth, and He even brings the things we learn back to our remembrance as we need them.

The Spirit Reveals

What's God doing in your workplace? How do you know what you write out for the day is of the Lord? Charisma Media's Dr. Steve Greene explains how to stay centered on the Lord in this workplace devotion. Pull down from God's word in 1 Corinthians 2: 9-11 to receive the Lord's Spirit instead of getting caught up by methods of the daily grind.

This Attitude Is Key if You Want to Pray With a Pure Heart

Worship is the beginning of prayer. It is the first step, the starting point. Consider the fact that almost all man-made ideas for prayer or quiet times begin with worship, such as one of the more popular, ACTS: adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication. Yet of far more importance is the fact that the King of the universe began His model prayer with worship: "Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name" (Matt. 6:9b, Luke 11:2b).

The word for worship in the New Testament is proskyneo. It means "to kiss the hand to (towards) one, in token of reverence." Worship is blowing kisses to God. It is an act of love, and it is a response to love.

Sexual assault linked to higher rates of infertility in women

Women who have experienced sexual assault may be more likely to suffer from infertility, a new study has found.

The findings of the study, which looked specifically at female veterans, are to be presented at the American Society of Reproductive Medicine's conference in Denver this week.