Tuesday, December 27th, in the year of our Lord 2016
By Kevin Swanson
Republican Chairman Declares Jesus Christ as King and Savior
The Republican National Committee Chairman took a little flak for his Christmas message. What Reince Priebus wrote was this: “Over two millennia ago, a new hope was born into the world, a Savior who would offer the promise of salvation to all mankind. Just as the three wise men did on that night, this Christmas heralds a time to celebrate the good news of a new King.”
Detractors on the left thought he might be referring to Donald Trump as the “new King.” Turns out, Priebus was referring to Jesus Christ, who is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Queen Elizabeth Speaks of Christ’s Example, but Not His Work of Redemption
Queen Elizabeth spoke of the example of Jesus Christ in her annual Christmas speech, but did NOT mention reconciliation with God, Christ’s death for our sins, or the cleansing of His blood.
“Jesus Christ lived obscurely for most of His life, and never traveled far. He was maligned and rejected by many, though He had done no wrong. And yet now billions of people follow His teaching, and find in Him the guiding light for their lives. I am one of them, because Christ’s example helps me see the value of doing small things with great love.”
27 Shootings in Chicago During Christmas Weekend
There wasn’t much peace in Chicago over the Christmas weekend, with a body count of 12 dead in 27 shooting incidents. That makes for more than 700 homicides for the year, according to the Chicago Tribune. . . ten times the number of deaths by terrorist events nationwide. Internationally, there were 96 people killed in 11 separate terrorist events over the Christmas holiday weekend.
Isaiah 57:20-21 says, “But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.”
Trial of Jakarta’s Christian Governor in Progress
Indonesian Christians are carefully watching the results of the trial of Jakarta’s Christian governor. Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, originally from China, was charged with blasphemy after posting a video on Facebook about the Quran. Purnama says he did not intend to insult Islam, and reminded the court that his adoptive parents are in fact Muslim. Purnama is the first elected Christian governor of Jakarta in 50 years.
According to al Jazeera, the trial proceedings are being broadcast over nationwide television.
Daniel Harris, Regional Director of International Christian Concern for Southeast Asia, spoke to The World View about the governor’s trial. He said that many moderate Muslims actually love him, even though the radicals don’t.
“There’s an ongoing trial over an alleged statement of blasphemy against the Quran against him. But what is happening is that radical Muslims are becoming very mobilized, very vocal, against this Christian governor. They want him to resign and they want him thrown in prison, whereas the majority of Indonesians, including moderate Muslims, really like this guy and the things that he’s done.”
North Korean President Announces His Grandmother’s Birthday to Replace Christmas
Meanwhile North Korean President Kim Jong Un made the announcement over the weekend that his grandmother’s birthday would replace Christmas this year. Kim Jong Suk was a communist activist in the 1940s, that aided the revolution and installed the dictatorship.
To the persecuted Christians in North Korea, we give the prophetic words of the Apostle Paul: “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” (Romans 16)
Four Christians in Nepal Sentenced to Five Years in Prison
Four Nepali Christians were arrested and given a prison sentence of 5 years for ‘witchcraft?’
The Christians were actually praying over a woman who some had reported to be demon possessed. The woman’s husband defended the four Christians, but the court wasn’t persuaded to set the believers free.
Psalm 103:6 says, “The LORD executes righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.”
Suspected ISIS Jihadist Taken into Police Custody in Arizona
Derrick Thompson of Phoenix, Arizona was taken into custody by police as a suspected ISIS threat just days before Christmas. As reported in the Arizona Central, court documents identify Thompson as an “avowed Jihadist,” who made “frequent contact with ISIS.”
No One Killed in 7.7 Earthquake in Chile on Christmas Day
Christmas Day brought a 7.7 earthquake to southern Chile. However, the really good news is that no deaths were reported.
Psalm 116:5-6 says, “Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful. The LORD preserves the simple; when I was brought low, He saved me.”
Woman Walks for 30 Hours Seeking Help for Husband and Son Stranded in Car; All Survive
Eric and Karen Klein’s car took the ditch in a snow-blown highway near Rocky Mountain National Park last weekend. Eric stayed with their ten-year-old son in the car, while Karen went for help.
She hiked 30 miles in about 30 hours, before she collapsed in a deserted cabin.
The Morning Call reports that the rescuers reached the husband and son first, before finding Karen. All three are recovering, thanks be to God.
And that’s the World View in Five Minutes.