Thursday, December 28th, in the year of our Lord 2017
By Jonathan Clark
Egypt Increases Security Around Churches in Preparation for January 7th Christmas Celebrations
Coptic Christians are still preparing to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus, traditionally on January 7th, and as a result Egypt is bumping up their security around the churches. Just last Friday, hundreds of Muslim demonstrators attacked a Coptic church south of Cairo, injuring three people.
The World View spoke to Claire Evans, regional manager for the Middle East with International Christian Concern, about why Christmas is a dangerous holiday for Christians in the Middle East.
“It is a leap of faith for them to go to church on Christmas, on holidays like Christmas and Easter, because these are the days that are often chosen by extremists to commit acts of violence. And they choose that because of the number of people that attend these times of worship services; it normally increases the number of casualties. And also by attacking these churches on these types of holidays, it’s a psychological tactic as well; it’s aimed at discouraging Christians from publicly practicing their faith.”
Having visited Egypt recently, Evans commented on the faith of Christians there amid attacks and threats of attacks.
“Despite all that, Christians are still going strong in their faith. They’re still going to church. They’re still engaging in Christian community; it’s just that unfortunately, the circumstances are less than ideal and dangerous even, at times, to go to churches.”
Thank the Lord that these brothers and sisters fear God more than man, and they are still celebrating the coming of Jesus Christ to bring light into the world.
Paul declared in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
ISIS Has Lost 98 Percent of Territory It Held in the Middle East
The Islamic State has lost 98 percent of territory it once held in the Middle East with about half of the Islamic caliphate being recaptured since President Trump took office last year, reports Fox News. On Wednesday, the United States-led coalition against the militants said less than 1,000 ISIS fighters remain in Syria and Iraq, down from nearly 45,000 two years ago.
Iraq and Syria have both proclaimed victory over ISIS in recent weeks after several years of fighting. And Christians are beginning to return to their ancient homelands in these regions, many celebrating Christmas for the first time since their displacement.
65 Percent of British People Say Religion Should Not Influence Politics
In a Christmas message, Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May said the English people should “take pride in our Christian heritage and the confidence it gives us to ensure that in Britain you can practice your faith free from question or fear.”
A YouGov survey for The UK Times found 65 percent of respondents in the British public said politicians should “keep their religious views separate and not allow them to influence their political decisions.” 14 percent supported religious influence in politics, and 21 percent supported neither option or were unsure.
This comes as a record 53 percent of Britons claim to have no religion, according to the British Social Attitudes Survey this year.
Speaking of God’s wisdom, Proverbs 8:15 says, “By Me kings reign, and rulers decree justice.”
Over 2,000 People Killed in First Year of Legal Assisted Suicide in Canada
In its first year of legal assisted suicide across Canada, the nation murdered over 2,000 of its citizens. Quebec was the first province to pass a “medical aid in dying” law which came into effect in December of 2015.
A study found 48 percent of doctors in the major city of Laval, Quebec said they would be willing to perform euthanasia before assisted suicide became legal. However, after the law passed, 77 percent of doctors in Laval could not stomach the murderous practice and chose “conscientious objection” to refrain from euthanasia.
United States Reduces Funding to the UN
The United States is cutting $285 million from the 2018-19 fiscal year budget of the United Nations, an organization involved in supporting abortion for decades.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley stated Sunday, “The inefficiency and overspending of the United Nations are well known. We will no longer let the generosity of the American people be taken advantage of or remain unchecked.”
This comes after President Trump threatened to withdraw funding to nations that voted in the UN to reprimand the U.S. for proclaiming Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Most Americans Feel Stressed in Their Daily Lives
A recent Gallup Poll found 79 percent of Americans say they feel stress sometimes or frequently during their daily lives. Only four percent said they never feel stressed.
Meanwhile, the American Psychological Association’s newest “Stress in America” survey found 29 percent of Americans turn to God in prayer when stressed, down from 37 percent in 2008. More people are turning to listening to music or exercise as well as other practices like meditation or yoga.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Popular Spanish Soccer Player Says He Needs Jesus Every Day
And finally, Spain’s best-known soccer player, Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, popularly known as Kaká, recently acknowledged his faith on social media amid plans to retire from the sport, reports The Christian Post.
Kaká posted a picture on Twitter wearing a shirt that said “I belong to Jesus.” Kaká wrote, “It was much more than I could ever imagine. Thank you! I’m now ready for the next journey. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
In the past, Kaká has said, “It may seem that I have everything. Due to my wealth and fame, some people ask why or if I still need Jesus. The answer is simple: I need Jesus every day of my life. His Word, the Bible, tells me that without Him, I can’t do anything.”
Please Prayerfully Consider Supporting The World View
As you know, The World View and Generations ministries are committed to bringing a Biblical worldview back to the news, to family life, and to the education of our children. We are grateful for your trust in the work we do.
As the Lord has blessed you this year, please consider blessing this ministry with a much-needed, year-end donation right now as we continue to declare Jesus as Lord over all. Go to www.TheWorldView.com/give. That’s www.TheWorldView.com/give.
Closing Line
And that’s The World View in 5 Minutes on this Thursday, December 28th 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.