Friday, August 12th, in the year of our Lord 2016
By Kevin Swanson
Reports on ISIS in 2014 and 2015 Were Skewed
The U.S. military’s Central Command “skewed” its reports tracking the rise of ISIS in Iraq and Syria during 2014 and 2015 to make the situation appear better than it was, according to a House Republican task force analysis released Thursday. Newsmax.com reports that, simply put, U.S. Central Command hid the truth.
Instead of being discouraged by the rise of ISIS, look at Psalm 37:20 where the Psalmist declares what the Lord will do to His enemies. “But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.”
Former Marine Court-Martialed For Keeping Bible Verse in Workspace
A former Marine who was court-martialed because she would not remove a Bible verse from her workplace, lost her appeal in federal court earlier this week. Monifa Sterling was told to remove Isaiah 54:17 from her workplace. . . “No weapon formed against thee shall prosper.” However, in a 4-1 decision, the federal appeals court said that superior’s actions did not constitute a “substantial burden” on her First Amendment rights. First Liberty Institute plans to appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Organizations Pressure U.S. to Confront Pakistan About Persecution of Christians
Some organizations are working to apply more pressure on the U.S. to confront Pakistan on their religious persecution of Christians and other minorities. Advocates from the Heritage Foundation and Open Doors want the issue of religious persecution to play a more important role in negotiations between the two nations. Also, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has repeatedly recommended that the U.S. designate Pakistan a “Country of Particular Concern,” according to Fox News. Christian women, in particular, have been targeted for persecution by being compelled to convert to Islam by forced marriage.
Persecuted Chinese Christians Seek Refuge in Czech Republic
Sixty Chinese Christians are seeking refuge from religious persecution in the Czech Republic. The Christians have been there since May living in detention centers. Martin Rozumek, the director of Aid to the Refugees, is doubtful that their request for refugee status will be granted.
Christians in Iraq Determined to Stay Despite Persecution
One million Iraqi Christians have been exiled or killed. But a remnant are still holding out in Iraq. These Christians have faced every possible hurdle in the past few years, suffering persecution at the hands of ISIS and other groups. But they are determined to stay whatever the cost. Emily Fuentes from Open Doors explain why this small band of Christians is staying.
“Many are choosing to stay, even though it’s a great risk to them, to be Christ-like, to be the representation of Christianity in the community, and to be reaching out to their neighbors with Christ’s light.”
These Iraqi brothers and sisters in Christ are not afraid to say with Paul in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
Pastors Sue State of Illinois For Banning Homosexual Conversion Therapy for Minors
Repentance is against the law in Illinois, and a handful of pastors are suing the state. Illinois is one of five states that actually bans “homosexual conversion therapy” for children under 18 years of age. The pastors are arguing for an exemption for clergy, like the one in a similar California law. Their federal lawsuit argues that homosexuality runs counter to God’s purpose. And conversion to heterosexuality is possible.
“Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites. . . will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
American Bar Association Opposes Christian Principles
The American Bar Association is attempting to squeeze Christians out of the legal profession. A recent amendment to Rule 8.4 in the Rules for Professional Conduct forbids discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
First Muslim Woman in Minnesota House of Representatives
The Minnesota House of Representatives will have its first hijab-wearing, Muslim woman as of November. Ilhan Omar won the Democratic primary in a Minneapolis district, and claims to be a feminist.
“I want to remind you all, that what we did tonight, no one thought was possible. In the earliest conversations of this campaign, everybody said, ‘Ilhan, there is no real path to you winning.’ Tonight, we proved these skeptics wrong.”
Retail Chains Shutting Down Hundreds of Stores Around the Country
The United States retail market continues to bleed, as Macy’s Department stores shuts down 100 retail outlets, and they’re not alone. In recent months, Walmart, Kohl’s, JC Penney, Target, Kmart, and Sears have announced shutdowns of hundreds of stores.
Christians Suffering Persecution from Muslims in German Refugee Camps
Meanwhile, Open Doors Germany says 75% of Christian refugees have suffered persecution from Islamic refugees in the German resettlement camps. As many as 40,000 have received repeated attacks. According to one pastor, speaking at a recent press conference, “church services are held in secret, bibles and crucifixes have to be hidden.”
Ukraine Preparing for Combat Readiness Against Russia
Tensions are rising between Russia and Ukraine over Crimea. Yesterday, Ukraine announced that it is preparing its forces to be in “combat readiness.” The Reuters wire said this.
Psalm 46:6 says about the raging, “The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: He uttered his voice, the earth melted.”
And that’s the World View in Five Minutes.