It’s Thursday, January 30th, A.D. 2020. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard at www.TheWorldview.com. I’m Adam McManus. (adam@theworldview.com)

By Jonathan Clark

China prohibits Christian funerals

Not content to persecute living Christians alone, Communist China officials have now prohibited Christians from having religious ceremonies during funerals for believers, reports Bitter Winter.

The regulations also strip faith-based themes from any events outside of places of worship, including weddings, visiting groups, choirs, orchestras, and other fellowships.

In December, the government of Wenzhou city’s Pingyang county in the eastern province of Zhejiang adopted new rules to get rid of “bad funeral customs” and to ban clerical personnel from funerals.

Psalm 53:4-5 asks, “Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call upon God? There they are in great fear where no fear was, for God has scattered the bones of him who encamps against you; You have put them to shame, because God has despised them.”

Coronavirus infects 6,000 Chinese, claiming 130 lives

Meanwhile, 6,000 people are infected with the China-based coronavirus cases, claiming the lives of 130 people.

The virus has spread to 18 other countries, but with no deaths reported except in China so far.

European Union greenlights Britain’s exit by year’s end

On Wednesday, the European Union voted 621 to 49 to approve the U.K.’s Brexit plan.

The U.K. is formally scheduled to the leave the E.U. on January 31, but will abide by E.U. rules until the end of the year.

Trump gives $375 million to churches to defend against violence

Last week, President Trump addressed a gathering of American Mayors at the White House on transforming America’s communities.

Trump announced a funding plan for religious groups to defend themselves from violence.

TRUMP: “In the face of attacks on synagogues, mosques, and churches in our community — something that is just so horrible — we must work together to reject the monstrous evils of anti-Semitism and anti-religious bigotry. (applause) In a few moments, I will sign legislation authorizing $375 million for federal grants to help houses of worship and other faith-based and non-profit organizations defend against violence.” (applause)

Fox Sports: Yes to Drag Queens, No to pro-life TV ad

FOX Sports will be allowing drag queens to make an historical appearance in a commercial during the 2020 Super Bowl. However, FOX will not approve a pro-life ad during the football event.

Pro-life advocates with Faces of Choice have tried without success for over six months to get ad time during the Super Bowl. The organization is devoted to sharing the stories of people who have survived abortion attempts.

To support Faces of Choice, you can sign the petition linked in our transcript today at theworldview.com.

Isaiah 5:20 says, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness.”

Trump’s HHS to California:  Stop requiring health insurance to cover abortion

Last Friday, the same day as the 2020 March for Life, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights said it issued a “notice of violation” to California over the state’s 2014 abortion coverage mandate.

The Trump administration warned California that it will cut federal funding over the state’s requirement that health insurance plans cover abortions, a rule that affects church healthcare plans.

Atheist former legislator meets his Creator

Former California Democratic Rep. Fortney “Pete” Stark Jr. died at the age of 88 at his home in Maryland last Friday, according to his family.

Stark was known as the first openly atheist member of Congress and served on the advisory boards of the Secular Coalition for America and the American Humanist Association.

Hebrews 9:27 says, “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”

Needless to say, Pete Stark believes in God now!

Supreme Court: Immigrants barred if likely to go on public dole

On Monday, the five constitutionalists on the U.S. Supreme Court voted to allow Trump’s “public charge” immigration rule to take effect.

The rule, proposed last August and blocked by lower courts, is intended to prevent immigrants from gaining permanent residence if they use or would be likely to use public benefits like Medicaid and food stamps.

Close

And that’s The Worldview in 5 Minutes on this Thursday, January 30th in the year of our Lord 2020. Subscribe by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I’m Adam McManus (adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.