Thursday, October 5th, in the year of our Lord 2017

By Jonathan Clark

Four Iranian Christians Appeal Prison Sentence

Middle East Concern reports four Iranian Christian converts have appealed their 10 year prison sentence on charges of propagating house churches and Christianity.

Their names are Yousef Nadarkhani, Mohammadreza Omidi, Yasser Mossayebzadeh and Saheb Fadaie. Two of them were also sentenced to exile for two years in locations far from their families.

The lawyer representing the Christians received a notice that an appeal hearing would be held in Tehran this week. Please pray for this hearing and for these Christians to be freed.

Psalm 46:1 promises, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Train Delayed in London When Passengers Get Out After Man Starts Reading Scripture

Hundreds of thousands of commuters in London experienced delays during rush hour on Monday, reports The Guardian. It all started when passengers on a train near the Wimbledon station exited onto the tracks after a man in the train began reading Scripture.

One passenger said the man was calm and told passengers, “Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to talk to you about something and that something is the Word of the Lord, Jesus Christ. He’s here to heal your sins. The Bible tells you that homosexuality is a sin and sex before marriage is a sin. You need to repent.”

The man was questioned, but not arrested after the incident.

Pro-Homosexual Scottish Episcopal Church Excluded from Global Anglican Communion

On Tuesday, Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, confirmed that the Scottish Episcopal Church will be excluded from ecumenical and leadership processes in the global Anglican Communion. This comes after the Scottish Anglicans began conducting homosexual faux weddings.

These sanctions are similar to those imposed last year on the Episcopal Church in the U.S. after they caved on the issue of Biblical marriage.

The Scottish Episcopal Church responded by saying they would continue in their position that “love means love.”

Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”

Belgium Withdraws Saudi Imam’s Residence Permit

Belgium has taken steps to expel a Saudi imam who teaches at the country’s biggest mosque in the capital of Brussels, reports Reuters.

Immigration Minister Theo Francken said on Tuesday he has withdrawn the imam’s residence permit, describing him as “dangerous for our society and national security.” The imam has appealed the permit withdrawal.

Since 2016, Belgium has undergone multiple attacks claimed by ISIS, including suicide bombings in Brussels that killed 32 people.

Congress Approves Ban on Abortions After 20 Weeks

The U.S. House of Representatives approved the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act on Tuesday, banning the murder of the unborn any time after 20 weeks of pregnancy with some exceptions.

Similar legislation was defeated in 2013 and 2015, but a statement from the White House indicates President Trump would sign the law if it passed the Senate.

The president also released a statement in recognition of Down Syndrome Awareness Month: “Sadly, there remain too many people – both in the United States and throughout the world – that still see Down syndrome as an excuse to ignore or discard human life. This sentiment is and will always be tragically misguided.”

More People Regretting Sex-Change Surgeries over Last Five Years

Professor and surgeon Miroslav Djordjevic has found that more people, especially men, are regretting their sex-change surgeries over the last five years, according to The Telegraph.

The professor said he observes “crippling levels of depression,” including suicidal thoughts among those desiring a reversal. He has been approached for reversal surgeries by over a dozen people from countries across the Western world with two people currently in the process.

Churches Step Up to Help After Las Vegas Shooting

In the wake of Sunday’s tragic Las Vegas shooting, claiming the lives of 58 and injuring 500 others, churches have stepped in to minister.

Hope Church of 3,000 members has opened its doors for shelter, prayer, and counseling. Members were encouraged to donate blood, and they also set up a mobile blood unit on the church grounds. The church informed local officials that they were ready to serve any with needs.

Vance Pitman, pastor of Hope Church, said the crisis was an “opportunity for the church to shine the love and light of Jesus and his gospel.” He also posted a video saying the following.

“In times of crisis, in times of need, in times of tragedy, in times of heartbreak, the Bible reminds us God is a refuge. It means He is a place we can run to. And so I just want to encourage all of you no matter where you are no matter what you’re doing, this is a moment to run to the Father, to cry out to Him, to pour out your heart to Him.”

Closing Line

And that’s The World View in 5 Minutes on this Thursday, October 5th in the year of our Lord 2017. Subscribe by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldView.com. I’m Adam McManus. Seize the day for Jesus Christ.