Friday, September 15th, in the year of our Lord 2017
By Jonathan Clark
Asia Bibi Nominated for Human Rights Award
A brave Pakistani Christian named Asia Bibi has appealed her death sentence by the Pakistani government after imprisonment since 2009 on false blasphemy charges against Islam. Bibi reportedly said, “Our Christ sacrificed His life on the cross for our sins…Our Christ is alive.” And for that she faces death.
On Wednesday, European legislators nominated Asia Bibi for the European Union’s 50,000 euro Sakharov Prize, Europe’s most prestigious human rights award, reports International Christian Concern.
Please pray for Asia Bibi’s release and that her faith in Christ would remain strong.
First Liberty Institute Releases Report on Rising Attacks on Religious Liberty in America
On Tuesday, the First Liberty Institute released their annual report entitled, “Undeniable: The Survey of Hostility to Religion in America.” We have it linked in our transcript today at TheWorldView.com. The study found attacks on religious liberty in the U.S. have increased by 133 percent in the last five years with over 1,400 current religious liberty incidents.
The cases come from all sectors of society including churches, schools, the military, open public places, and employment. First Liberty CEO and Chief Counsel Kelly Shackelford said there have been some encouraging court cases in the past few decades, but that “we’re really in the middle of the battle.”
Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:12-13, “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against. . . the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm.”
Court Rules Opening County Meetings with Prayer Not Unconstitutional
In a 9 to 6 vote on Wednesday, the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the commissioners of Jackson County, Michigan are not in violation of the Constitution by opening monthly meetings with prayer.
The case surfaced after local resident Peter Bormuth, a self-proclaimed pagan and animist, complained about the commissioners’ prayers before the meeting.
First Liberty Senior Counsel Ken Klukowski, who is representing Jackson County, Michigan, welcomed the ruling, saying, “Invocations before government meetings are constitutional and an important part of our nation’s history and heritage.”
Daleiden and His Attorneys Fined Almost $200,000
Judge William Orrick fined the Center for Medical Progress founder David Daleiden and two of his attorneys nearly $200,000 after they released banned undercover footage exposing Planned Parenthood and the National Abortion Federation.
Last Thursday, 20 state attorneys general called on the Supreme Court to release the undercover footage, saying it may inform them of criminal acts in their own jurisdictions.
Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich authored and filed the brief on behalf of the other states.
Proverbs 17:15 says, “He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.”
High School Student near Spokane, WA Fatally Shoots Fellow Student
A student at Freeman High School near Spokane, Washington opened fire yesterday outside a biology classroom, tragically killing student Sam Strahan who tried to stop the suspect. Three others were injured.
The suspect has been apprehended and put into custody, according to Brian Schaffer of the Spokane Fire Department. No comment yet as to a probable motive. Another student said the suspect had shared a note with friends, saying the he “was going to do something stupid.”
Over 100,000 People in Russia Evacuated Due to Bomb Hoaxes
Bloomberg reports over 100,000 people were evacuated from major buildings and transportation hubs in cities across Russia this week due to a number of bomb hoaxes involving telephone calls.
Emergency services told a Russian news agency, “This appears to be a case of telephone terrorism, but we have to check the credibility of these messages.”
Majority of Hurricane Relief Provided by Faith-Based Groups
USA Today reports that faith-based groups, and Christian non-profits in particular, have provided the majority of the disaster relief after recent hurricanes. The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster helped FEMA get resources to the needed areas.
Greg Forrester, CEO of the group, said, “About 80% of all recovery happens because of non-profits, and the majority of them are faith-based.” The billions of dollars in disaster relief is “all raised by the individuals who go and serve, raised through corporate connections, raised through church connections.”
Practical help from early response teams is also critical with some Christian groups having tens of thousands of volunteers ready to serve.
Listen to this pastor’s prayer while helping those in need.
“Jesus thank you for your grace and your mercy and your reality in our lives. God let them feel your love today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Closing Line
And that’s The World View in 5 Minutes on this Friday, September 15th in the year of our Lord 2017. Invite your friends to listen to this unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldView.com. I’m Adam McManus. Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
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