Tag Archives: Bible

China rewrites the Bible to include Buddhist principles and calling Jesus a sinner

Revelations –  I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

Important Takeaways:

  • China’s Communist Government Is Reportedly Rewriting the Bible and Calling Jesus a ‘Sinner.’ But That’s Not All…
  • “This is a project that the Chinese Communist Party announced in 2019. At the time, they said it would be about a 10-year process … to release a new translation of the Bible,” he said, noting it would include Confucian and Buddhist principles, among others. “This new translation … would really support the Communist Party.”
  • “The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) announced plans to update the Bible to ‘keep pace with the times.’ The revisions will include adding ‘core socialist values’ and removing passages that do not reflect communist beliefs,”
  • The new Bible translation, it seems, is just another step toward anti-biblical anarchy within the Chinese Communist Party ranks.
  • “This new socialist translation of the Bible is just another step for the Chinese Communist Party as they try to control the church, and really co-opt Christianity as a means of controlling the people and helping them serve the Party’s interests,”

Read the original article by clicking here.

Biblical views now on trial as Finnish politician fights for free speech

John 16:2 “Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God”

Important Takeaways:

  • Finnish politician begins trial for tweet while demonstrators protest for the right to free speech
  • Prosecution alleges that right to religious freedom exists only within certain boundaries; defense responds that open dialogue is key to a democracy
  • The former Finnish Minister of the Interior has pled “not guilty” to three criminal charges she faces after sharing her deeply held belief
  • As the defendants arrived this morning, crowds gathered outside of the courthouse to show their support for the politician and her Bishop, who are both being accused of “hate speech” for expressing their faith-based views.
  • Police investigations against Räsänen started in June 2019. As an active member of the Finnish Lutheran church, she had addressed the leadership of her church on Twitter and questioned its official sponsorship of the LGBT event ‘Pride 2019,’ accompanied by an image of Bible verses from the New Testament book of Romans. Following this tweet, further investigations against Räsänen were launched, going back to a church pamphlet Räsänen wrote almost 20 years ago. In the last two years, Räsänen has attended several lengthy police interrogations about her Christian beliefs – including being frequently asked by the police to explain her understanding of the Bible.

Read the original article by clicking here.

Verses of Comfort and Hope from God’s Word

By Kami Klein

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (KJV)

We are living in a time of great worry and fear. There is not anyone on this planet that is not being affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus. It seems there are more questions than answers from the world but we, as Christians, know where our strength comes from. God’s Word encourages us, holds us and comforts our spirit. Now is the time to turn to the Bible and spend time with the Lord in deep gratitude and love. Though the world around us may be in turmoil, you can rest within the Holy Spirit.

1 Chronicles 16:11 Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. (NIV)

Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. (NIV)

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (NIV)

Please remember that you are not alone. God is always with you! Reach out to others and give them the peace that comes from HIM! This is the time to show your faith and wisdom through your kindness and grace.

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (NIV)

Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV)

John 16:33 “I told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world, you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world.”(NCV)

The world needs our faithful prayers. Pray for our healers, those who are out on the front lines. Pray for those who are sick, for those that are mourning their loved ones. Pray to bring joy to those around you. Pray for patience and discernment. Pray for our leaders! Pray for those that are in such fear but do not know the relief, the hope and love found in Jesus. We are prayer warriors. Now is the time to do battle!

Jeremiah 29:12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. (NIV)

1 John 5:14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (NIV)

Ephesians 6:18 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times with all kinds of prayers, asking for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready and never give up. Always pray for all God’s people. (NCV)

We may all be in our homes but we can be a witness to the Power and Glory of God by our peace, by sharing a kind word and keeping a joyful attitude. Worry and stress are bad for our immune systems so stay healthy and have faith. Remember that what you fear the most is what you are trusting God with the least. Our Faith will always win!

Matthew 5:16 In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and will praise your Father in heaven. (NCV)

Is it time for you to have a Prophetic Encounter? Join us October 14th-18th at Morningside for our “Prophetic Encounter” Conference!

Prophetic Encounter Conference at Morningside USA

By Kami Klein

We are living in the days of which the prophets revealed long before the birth of Jesus. The great news is, we are here, now, to witness the Word and Revelation of Christ’s return!  God is still speaking to the prophets, still preparing the way and Morningside is blessed to be a platform for these great men and women of God. Please join us and our special guests here at beautiful, Morningside USA for a week of prophetic insight during our “Prophetic Encounter Conference” beginning Monday, October,14 through Friday, October,18.

This conference will be unlike any we have had before at Morningside. All of our guests are world-renowned and emerging prophetic voices.  Every day will be filled seeking biblical truth and hearing the men and women who are on a mission to encourage all of us to have a life-changing encounter with the presence of God. Some of our guests for this conference will be Larry Sparks, Katherine Ruonala, Jenny Weaver, Ana Werner, Jeremiah Johnson, Anne Graham Lotz, and Ryan Bruss!  

Each morning and late afternoon we will worship together with a prayer and anointing service at our peaceful, spirit-filled Prayer Mountain Chapel. Every day at 10:45 am join us on Grace Street for our musical worship and pre-show followed by taping of The Jim Bakker Show.  In each program, a new guest will join Jim and Lori Bakker to bring you a deeper understanding of what God’s plan is for the world. 

 Every night we will end our days worshipping on Grace Street with special music and inspiring guest speakers!  There is nothing quite like the uniting of believers praying and worshiping together! For those of you unable to attend, these evening services will be live-streamed to share with you!  Stay tuned as we will be updating you on these events!  

Now is the time for all of us to have a Prophetic Encounter with God. Morningside welcomes you with open arms as we take a journey into the Holy Spirit together.  We so look forward to sharing a bit of the breathtaking colors of autumn as we worship and pray at Morningside USA. Be sure to RSVP here if you plan to attend!  

Israel sees desalination as Sea of Galilee’s savior

A man walks towards an island that has materialized at the southern edge of the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel November 1, 2018. Picture taken November 1, 2018. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun

By Dan Williams

DEGANIA DAM, Israel (Reuters) – Some 2,000 years ago, Jesus walked across the Sea of Galilee, according to the Bible. Today, that doesn’t require a miracle.

Long periods of drought and over-pumping have brought the lake low. A reedy island has materialized at its southern edge, and will soon be a peninsula. Holiday-makers and fishermen teeter over expanding boggy beaches to reach the waterline.

The depletion imperils Israel’s biggest reservoir, starving the River Jordan and Dead Sea. It also diminishes a landmark that rivals Jerusalem as a major draw for Christian pilgrims.

Israel sees a solution in desalination, in which it is a world leader. It plans to double the amount of Mediterranean seawater it processes and pipe half of it 75 kilometers (47 miles) to the Galilee.

Rocks are seen above the low-water level of the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel November 1, 2018. Picture taken November 1, 2018. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun

Rocks are seen above the low-water level of the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel November 1, 2018. Picture taken November 1, 2018. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun

“We are doing this in order to save our nature, to fight global warming, to prevent the effect, the devastating effect, of global warming on the Sea of Galilee, and also to create a very significant water storage for the State of Israel,” Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz, who holds the cabinet water portfolio, told Reuters.

Noting the lake’s significance to Christians given the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ miracle-working there, Steinitz joked: “If he is coming back, we will make sure that he will have to make a real effort to walk on the water once more.”

Environmentalists welcome the move. Last full in 2004, the Galilee has dropped six meters (18 feet). It may be just weeks away from hitting a “black line” – 214.87 meters below global sea level – where it risk permanent contamination and pressure change from sediment.

Israelis hope winter rains will hold that off until the first desalinated water is piped in, next year.

PRESSURE

Preserving the lake would free Israel to offer Jordan more water under a 1994 peace treaty.

“If there is irreversible damage done to the Sea of Galilee, to the Jordan, to this whole ecosystem, Israel’s enemies could use it against her,” said David Parsons, vice president of the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem, which oversees evangelical outreach to Israel.

“It could also affect Christian tourism to the land. It’s very good to see Israel taking responsible steps now to address this, finally.”

People cool off in the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel November 1, 2018. Picture taken November 1, 2018. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun

People cool off in the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel November 1, 2018. Picture taken November 1, 2018. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun

Israel’s plan provides for piping in 120 million cubic meters annually. Steinitz hopes to see that almost tripled in a cabinet vote next month. Such capacity, he said, would replenish the Galilee by 2026.

He predicted a small bump to consumers’ water tariffs, to help defray the $622 million infrastructure cost.

Still, with a national election due in 2019 and an unusually wet winter looming, some worry the Galilee could be again neglected.

“The vulnerability of this program is that the Water Authority has to continue to commit to maximizing desalination production,” said Gidon Bromberg, Israel director for the environmental group EcoPeace/Friends of the Earth Middle East. “And that is a commitment that could change every year.”

The authority’s director, Giora Shaham, sounded reassuring.

“We need this water, not only for us but also for the Jordanians, because they are in very, very tough conditions now from the water problem point of view,” he said.

(The story restores missing word in 10th paragraph.)

(Writing by Dan Williams; editing by Jeffrey Heller, Larry King)

Matthew 24: 6-8 – A current statistic point of view

An American flag flies near the base of the destroyed World Trade Center in New York on September 11 2001

By Kami Klein

“If you want to know the future you must know the Word of the Living God.”       Jim Bakker

In every moment, the events that Jesus spoke of are evident all around us.  In the vastness of this world, it is sometimes difficult to see the big picture of what is happening NOW!  We must keep our eyes and ears open.

Matthew 24:6-8 (MEV) You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled. For all these things must happen, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines, epidemics, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

NATION WILL RISE AGAINST NATION, KINGDOM AGAINST KINGDOM –FROM GLOBAL CONFLICT TRACKER –   Total of 25 conflicts in the world.  Below are listed most significant to U.S. and linked to the history of each conflict 

  • Critical impact on U.S. Interests

Civil War in Syria -Iran, Russia and Turkey’s deeper involvement- recent Chemical weapons attacks

War against Taliban in Afghanistan

Territorial Disputes in the South China Sea

Tensions in the East China Sea

North Korea Crisis

War Against Islamic State in Iraq

  • Significant Impact on U.S. Interests

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Political Instability in Lebanon

Instability in Egypt

Conflict between Turkey and armed Kurdish groups

Islamist Militancy in Pakistan

Conflict in Ukraine

Criminal Violence in Mexico

Boko Haram in Nigeria

Conflict between India and Pakistan

Civil War in Libya

War in Yemen

Great humanitarian concerns– Rohingya crisis in Myanmar, Somalia, South Sudan Civil War, Destabilization of Mali, extreme violence in Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of Congo.

THERE WILL BE FAMINE – Global report on Current hunger crisis – March 2018 report

Around 124 million people in 51 countries face Crisis food insecurity or worse

This is an increase of 11 million people – an 11 percent rise in the last year – in the number of food-insecure people needing urgent humanitarian action across the world.

Last year’s Global Report on Food Crises identified 108 million people in Crisis food security or worse across 48 countries. The rise in numbers are attributed to increasing instability and conflict as well as drought and very poor harvests. Some countries are suffering from economic conditions that contribute to the malnutrition of their people. The country of Venezuela is now suffering from  lack of food sources or money to purchase necessary food and medicine. Thousands are fleeing to neighboring countries to feed their families. 

Approx. 21,000 people die each day, one every four seconds, of malnutrition

Forty percent of preschool-age children who suffer from malnutrition are estimated to be anemic because of iron deficiency, and anemia causes 20 percent of all maternal deaths. In addition, it is estimated that 250 to 500 thousand children go blind from Vitamin A deficiency every year.

EPIDEMICS 

Germs with Unusual Antibiotic Resistance Widespread in U.S- (From CDC Press release April 3rd, 2018)Health departments working with CDC’s Antibiotic Resistance (AR) Lab Network found more than 220 instances of germs with “unusual” antibiotic resistance genes in the United States last year, according to a CDC Vital Signs report released today.

FLU – As of the end of February 2018 4,000 people a week in the U.S. were dying of Flu and Pneumonia according to U.S. Center for Disease Control

The levels of influenza-like illnesses being reported for the 2017-2018 flu season are as high as the peak of the swine flu epidemic in 2009, and exceed the last severe seasonal flu outbreak in 2003 when a new strain started circulating, said Anne Schuchat, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s acting director. Swine flu, which swept the globe in 2009 and 2010, sickened 60.8 million Americans, hospitalized 274,304 and killed 12,469, according to CDC data. Deaths from the current outbreak will likely far outstrip those of the 2009-2010 season.  It is April and the Flu season continues.

AIDS –AIDS is now second only to the Black Death as the largest epidemic in history. (From the World Health Organization) Aids or HIV was originated with non human primates (monkeys) in Central and West Africa

AIDS kills roughly 1.5 million people a year, or about one person every 20 seconds.

MALARIA  –Approximately a half million people die from malaria each year and many millions more are seriously weakened by it. Malaria is spread by mosquitoes.

CHOLERA – Between 42,000 and 142,000 people die of cholera each year.  You can get cholera by eating or drinking contaminated water or food.

LASSA FEVER– Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic fever with symptoms similar to those of Ebola virus disease.  This disease is spread through contact with Rat feces and urine. Originated in West Africa. This year has generated more severe and fatal cases.  Usually an estimated 300,000 people are infected with the virus annually, with up to 5,000 deaths. But this year the fatality rate has gone to 50% of those infected.  

AND EARTHQUAKES IN VARIOUS PLACES

According to the USGS there have been 42 ‘significant earthquakes since January 1st, 2018. A significant earthquake is determined by a combination of magnitude, number of Did You Feel It responses, and PAGER alert level.  Those that have been counted are earthquakes above 4.2.  12 were in the U.S. The largest was a 7.9 in Alaska on 1-23-18.

227 people have died around the world.  For the last 365 days the total for all measurable earthquakes around the world has been 40,561.

Currently there are 33 erupting volcanoes and 55 that are having minor activity or have an impending warning issued.  

 

Smells like heaven: Israeli farm recreates Magi’s gifts to Jesus

A visitor walks in the cave, where Virgin Mary is believed to have given birth to Jesus, inside the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank town of Bethlehem December 12, 2017.

By Rinat Harash

ALMOG, West Bank (Reuters) – The aromatic plants bestowed on the infant Jesus are being cultivated by an Israeli entrepreneur who aims to transform the gifts of the Christmas story into therapeutic balms and incense.

Manger aside, the baby Jesus may have been swaddled in pleasant and pricey fragrances, thanks to the presents that the Bible says were given to him by the Wise Men of the East.

The frankincense (pungent and sweet) and myrrh (sharp and piney) recounted in the Gospel of St Matthew are being grown by Guy Erlich, a businessman who hopes to revive the rare plants’ use for commercial ends.

And what about gold, the third gift brought by the Magi according to the New Testament story?

Some Christians believe this refers to the precious amber resin of the Balsam of Gilead, an aromatic mix resembling citrus and cinnamon that Erlich also cultivates on his farm in the Judean desert.

“I see myself as a modern Magus,” he told Reuters.

“I decided to focus on plants that no one else in the world grows. Since those plants, those medical plants of the Bible were in medical use for so many years, there must be something about them and it is our duty to look for it.”

Dried and crushed resins of all three plants smolder in a nearby censer, filling the air with heavenly smells of fruity freshness.

Guy Erlich, an Israeli entrepreneur, taps a frankincense plant at a plantation in Kibbutz Almog, Judean desert, in the West Bank, November 30, 2017.

Guy Erlich, an Israeli entrepreneur, taps a frankincense plant at a plantation in Kibbutz Almog, Judean desert, in the West Bank, November 30, 2017. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun

Such smoke was used for religious rites and fumigation in ancient times. The plants have also been known to produce balms, poultices and perfumes. The Balsam of Gilead resin, Erlich says, was used as the oil with which biblical kings were anointed.

Archaeologists doubt the claim that it could be identified as the Magi’s gold, and attribute the origins of this theory to Christian evangelical circles.

But Christianity scholar Yisca Harani explains it may be plausible in at least a literary way, if there was a translation inaccuracy of the word “gold”.

“Maybe it was this very precious Balm of Gilead. Maybe it was another statement from Biblical times saying these are the perfumes that are typical of the prophecies of God, these are the gifts of the land.”

Prof. Shimshon Ben Yehoshua, from the Volcani Agricultural Research Centre and the Hebrew University’s Faculty of Agriculture, says Erlich’s plants are most likely the same as those from ancient times.

“For the frankincense and myrrh which I believe are similar to the ones that were growing in the past in Israel, those are many species but I believe that the species he (Guy Erlich) grew has the desirable qualities,” he told Reuters.

In addition to Christians interested in sampling the scents, Erlich says he has been fielding inquiries from pious Jews who thrill at the prospect of recreating the incenses that were burnt in their Roman-era temple in Jerusalem.

“My plants are sacred to all religions,” he said. “Now they can be a uniting factor. They can be a common ground. They can connect people.”

(Writing by Dan Williams, Editing by William Maclean)

Message from Pastor Jim Bakker “This is One of the Great Moments in Biblical History.”

Pastor Jim Bakker

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they that love thee shall prosper. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will say now, peace be within thee. For the sake of the House of the Lord our God I will seek thy good.

– Psalm 122

In a live message recorded shortly after the proclamation by President Donald Trump, recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, Pastor Jim Bakker spoke to Christians about this historic moment.  

“Our President has stood up for Israel.  He has stood up and fulfilled his promises.  The press has said that ‘The President has changed the course of history today.’ He knows the authority of the Bible”  

Please watch this compelling Christian view of this momentous and bold act by our President and what God says about Israel.  Please continue to keep both Israel and our President in your prayers!  

Posted by The Jim Bakker Show on Wednesday, December 6, 2017