"Turkey-Israel dialogue works a 'miracle' for Istanbul Jews" - Al Monitor

"Turkey's Jews marked a milestone Dec. 13 with a public celebration of the Hanukkah Holiday,  said to be the first in the republic's history after decades ( 90+ years) of Hanukkahs marked behind closed doors in synagogues or homes. Members of the tiny community took to the streets for the ceremony, as the tradition requires, lighting thousands of candles at Istanbul’s Ortakoy Square."

Read more.

"Canadian Liberalism" welcomes refugess. Why doesn't "Middle Eastern hospitality" welcome them?

Burak Bekdil addresses a key question millions are asking. Refugees are welcomed with open arms in the West, for example most recently in

Muslims pray in New York City. Can Christians do that in the ME?

Canada. Why don't they find the same reception in the Middle East? He writes:

"My column neighbor (and ex-sparring partner) Mustafa Akyol was perfectly right when he praised “Canadian liberalism” after a cute children’s choir in Canada welcomed Syrian refugees by singing “Tala al-Badru Alayna” (The Full Moon Rose Over Us), the tune that was sung to welcome the Prophet Muhammad upon his arrival in Medina from Mecca in 620 (“Canada: A bright hope for liberalism,” Hürriyet Daily News, Dec. 16).

"It was truly sweet of the choir. Unfortunately, the kind of peaceful co-habitation and interfaith dialogue the saner parts of the world long for requires a two-way journey. The reason for the insanity we observe today is NOT because elsewhere in Christian lands children’s choirs do not welcome Muslim refugees with holy Muslim songs. It is, rather, related to why Muslims in their homelands or in non-Muslim lands are possibly centuries away from the kindness that justifiably inspired Mr. Akyol.

"Forget, even in a world of fiction, the possibility of Muslims welcoming Christian refugees with hymns in their Muslim lands. Just look at what they do to their Christian compatriots. See, for instance, how the Muslim Brothers, when in power, treated the Coptic Christians in Egypt: Arson attacks on churches instead of peaceful hymns."

Read more.

A Carved stone block upends previous assumptions about ancient Judaism" - NYT

Thousands of hills, known as 'tels' still hold treasures from the past

A fascinating discovery in 2009 is the block of stone known as "The Magdala Stone".

It was found in the town which Mary Magdalene called "home". Why is this significant?

This stone is upending previous assumptions about ancient Judaism.

Read more.

"War on Christmas" From Carols to nativities, Athiests threaten legal action to separate church and state" - National Post

The conflict over the use of public spaces for religious purposes heated up this year.

Read more.

"Amazing Grace sung on a street car in Budapest, Hungry" Watch the video

Watch the video.

The most amazing apology you ever heard of. Between 145 Christian denominations.

Hagia Irene - Church of Holy Peace, 1400 years old, In Istanbul

When 145 Christian leaders representing the major denominations / divisions of Christianity ask for forgiveness from each other for past persecutions, abuse of power, genocide, financial fraud and discrimination over past wrongs . . . yes, that's BIG news. (Not for the 'world', maybe, but for Christians, yes).

"We are glad that repentance for persecuting each other is part of our message. We see the importance of healing memories wherever this has happened.”

You may not have heard about the meeting that took place in Tirana, Albania, but if you are convinced that Christians should (learn to, maybe? - yes; act it out?- yes) love one another, this is important.

Read more.

"How C. S. Lewis made Christianity seem like Common Sense" - National Post

One of our favorite authors - C. S. Lewis.

Here is a great review of the famous writer of the Narnia Chronicles and Mere Christianity.

Read more.

"Welcoming refugees a huge task underway in Saint John" City Officials- Global News

This series of short videos shows how many people in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada are getting ready to receive many refugees from Syria. Watch these short videos, one after the other.

Also, the story of Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon who are coming to Canada,, and how they are being processed to make sure that everything goes smoothly, is told in this story.

Hunted Down - The "Other" Christmas Story

I've never seen one of the most important stories of Advent acted out. The slaughter of the Innocents; the Revenge of the Jealous King; Deliberate Destruction; Zealousness gone wild.

That was King Herod's response to hearing about question asked by the magi, the astrologers from Persia. Startling. Dangerous. Seductive.  Deadly.

The other response was like the opposite side of a coin. The Great Indifference; Shrugged aside Possibilities; Deadened Curiosity; Orthodoxy Gone to Seed.

How could the scholars of the Scriptures, the scribes, have the knowledge that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, only eight miles away, and
not have their curiosity piqued when Persian magi arrived? Hadn't they been expecting the Messiah to be born? Didn't they know the Scripture passages by heart? Why the indifference to the arrival of the "King of the Jews"? Indifferent. Please don't disturb our studies; we're busy.

Fast Forward to today. A German reporter states that ISIL is determined to kill every person in western lands who believes in democracy, and he calls this new wave of terror, "worse than a nuclear bomb", having witnessed first hand the death of men, rape of women and girls and enslavement of innocents. Startling. Dangerous. Seductive. Deadly.

Fast forward even faster. A billion people wish vaguely for "world peace", yet when the "Prince of Peace is born", or his ways of non-violent peace making and reconciliation are commemorated on one particular day, the best the world can hope for is Black Friday, Boxing Day and all the special sales that go with the season. Indifferent. Please don't disturb us; we're too busy today.

"For this reason the Son of God appeared to destroy the works of the Devil". I call that "D" day.

"A congregation of 300 in Richmond, BC, set to receive 92 refugees from Syria" - Vancouver Sun

Talk about going beyond the second mile. Talk about a generous spirit. This congregation of about 300 members in Richmond BC is set to receive 92 refugees, three families now and another 27 families in the next year.

Read more.

"12,000 small miracles in one day" - 12,000 employees were asked to give "creative generosity"

These 12,000 employees of an airplane company were asked to show exceptional generosity to people in their home communities. Everyone was given the same day for this outpouring of kindness.

Here is what they came up with. (Watch only five minutes of thousands of hours of kindness.)

Watch this five minute video.

"Damage by ISIL no less than the Prophet Mohammed cartoons" - Turkish Daily News

Damage done by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militants is no less than the damage caused by that wrought by “Islamophobic” drawers of "intolerable cartoons," Mehmet Görmez, head of the Turkish Religious Affairs (Diyanet), has said.

“Today, the damage caused the networks, distant from any belief, reason and wisdom, who engrave the name [of God] on their so-called flags is no less

than the [damage caused by] cartoons –intolerable by any means– by the pioneers of Islamophobia,” said Görmez on Dec. 21 in his message on Mawlid an-Nabi, the Islamic anniversary of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, which is on the night of Dec. 22 this year.

Read the whole article. It may surprise some people to find self criticism included.

"For many in the Middle East, Faith comes at a high price" - New York Times

"AS we celebrate the holidays, let’s remember that this is one of those savage epochs when some families must choose between their faith
and their lives. It is an echo of when Nero burned Christians alive, or when self-described Christians unleashed pogroms against Jews.

Painting by Roberts: Siege and Destruction of Jerusalem

"Partly because of allergies about religion, the international response has been utterly ineffective. Liberals are sometimes reluctant to champion Christians who are persecuted for their faith. And conservatives are too quick to champion only Christians, neglecting other religious minorities — such as the Yazidis — who suffer even worse fates. One result of this “God gulf” is that the Western response to atrocities against religious oppression is pathetically inadequate." Nicolas Kristof in the New York Times

Read the whole article.

Who is he, in yonder stall?

Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him

Nativity - Angelico

Master.
He had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher .

He had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer. He had no army, yet kings feared Him.

He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.

He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.

He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.

We honored to serve such a Leader,  who loves us and teaches us holy living.

"Give us back our Data: The great power shift behind technological changes" Evgeny Morozov

"One has to be very naïve to believe that this data is not going to shape how we live the rest of our lives, especially when insurance companies and banks are so eager to incorporate it in their decision-making," says Morozov. "Unless we change the legal status of data, we're not going to get very far."

What he details so acutely are the ways technology is changing not just our behaviour, but also our political and social relations. The rhetoric of "innovation" and "disruption"- coupled of course with the reality of this amazing technology - has got us to accept things we probably wouldn't vote for in an election. If a party said: "We want to get rid of all labour protections and scrap the minimum wage," you would expect few to vote for it. But when an app or a website results in that same outcome we seem ready to accept that we're backwards if we "stand in the way of progress".

Read more.

"53 Photographs of the 2015 Syrian Refugee Crisis - haunting pictures" - Turkish Daily News

Each of these award-winning 53 photos tells a story of one or more persons.

Fleeing the terrors of war - separated from homes bombed into dust - leaving behind language, valuables, clothing, - going forward with hope of r survival.

Such has been the story of hundreds of thousands in 2015 in the greatest refugee turmoil since World War II.

Watch these photos, one by one.

"Is the Church in the Middle East on Life Support?" - Ethics Daily

Martin Accad, writing from Beirut, explains the way that Christians in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Turkey feel about the past, as they examine their history, and the future, as they look ahead with concern. This important article will take about one minute to read, but a very long time to digest.

Beirut, capital city of Lebanon

At the turn of this century, it has become quite clear that entire Christian communities in Iraq and Syria will never recover from the targeted obliteration of which they are now victim. They suffer both from the unstoppable rise in religious fanaticism expressed in Islamic terms, and from the action of foreign governments that often have little regard for the historical realities of their countries.

Read more.

Contrasting the White Daesh (Saudi Arabia) with the Black Daesh (ISIS)

Kamel Daoud contrasted the behaviour and culture of Isis (black Daesh) with the state of Saudi Arabia (white Daesh).

He began: “The former slits throats, kills, stones, cuts off hands, destroys humanity’s common heritage and despises archaeology, women and non-Muslims. The latter is better dressed and neater but does the same things.”

But the west wages war on one while shaking hands with the other and forgetting that the kingdom “relies on an alliance with a religious clergy that produces, legitimises, spreads, preaches and defends Wahhabism, the ultra-puritanical form of Islam that Daesh feeds on.”

This is a penetrating criticism from The Guardian that some readers may not appreciate.

Read more.

Is it a crime to compare Turkey's president to Gollum in Lord of the Rings?

Not meant to be humorous, because someone could go to jail for a long time, or receive a severe penalty for denigrating the President of Turkey if  this comparison is perceived to be "unfavorable".

Who, asked the judge, is Gullum? Why compare his looks to those of the Turkish president? The judge wants five top people in Turkish society to analyze Gullum's looks, character and actions.

(No joking.)

Read more.

"Centuries Old Mosaics are going to be restored in Great Palace Byzantium Palace." Turkish Daily News

1,500 years ago these mosaics were among the most ornate in the Roman Empire. They show wild animals in great detail, with incredible color. Now, sensing that even more tourists will enjoy them, the museum will restore some of the mosaics.

The artists who designed these fabulous mosaics used thousands of tiny stones to fill out the design. The original walk way included many scores of scenes such as these.

Read this and plan to visit Istanbul. Be ready to visit this great museum!

"Muslims give the reason they left their faith - using a hashtag" - BBC News

Tens of Thousands of Muslims in England have publically declared why they are leaving their Islamic beliefs. For some, this is liberating; for others, it is against their faith and deeply disappointing. This fair-minded BBC report takes us into a little known aspect of Muslim life in Great Britain.

Watch the video.

Baptist leaders and Donald Trump: Consider what is really at stake:

Baptist leaders joined in denouncing presidential candidate Donald Trump's call for a ban on Muslims entering the United States.

“It’s no more than disgusting demagoguery—exploiting popular fear and fanning pervasive anti-Muslim bigotry for political gain,” Walker said. “Americans deserve better than this from those who seek to lead.”

“Make no mistake. A government that can shut down mosques simply because they are mosques can shut down Bible studies because they are Bible studies. A government that can close the borders to all Muslims simply on the basis of their religious belief can do the same thing for evangelical Christians. A government that issues ID badges for Muslims simply because they are Muslims can, in the fullness of time, demand the same for Christians because we are Christians.”

Read more.

"B.C. Supreme Court rules in favor of Trinity Western University" - Vancouver Sun

The largest Christian university in Canada, with about 4,000 students, requires staff and students sign a "Community Covenant" in which they pledge to maintain Biblical ideals and eschew sex outside of traditional heterosexual marriage.

Read more on this important decision.

Miracles on the Border: Syrian Refugees encounter Jesus

For three years, since Syrian refugees started pouring over the border, Christian churches in Lebanon have been reaching out in concern and love to those devastated by war, destruction and cruelty. What is happening in the homes of those who had fled, who had no hope?

Sami*, a Lebanese Christian pastor who told a widow about Jesus, has had similar experiences of hope coming in these comes with other Muslims. He and several Christian partners have been reaching out to Muslim villages in Lebanon with the simple Gospel message. They expanded their outreach to Syrian Muslims when refugees started streaming across the border last year.
"When we started to serve among those villages and communities, I had a doubt in my heart," Sami admits. "Will it work? Are we going to experience what we hear from different parts of the Middle East and the world about Mus
lims coming to know Jesus as Savior and Lord? It was a challenge, a discovery process for me personally and for many with us in the ministry. But as we have shared the Gospel faithfully, the Lord is showing us signs of people who are opening up, asking questions and opening the door for us to reach a wider community.

Read more.

"How 1,000 women who aborted feel about the local church" - Christianity Today

Another great resource from Christianity Today, this one about the difficult issues involved in Christian women who went ahead with an abortion.

What do they feel, and say, about their local church?

Read more.

"Why Iranian Muslims are coming to faith in Jesus" - Denison Forum

A painting written in Turkish in a place where Iranians gather

This isn't a case of just one or two persons.

It's something that is very wide spread. And not just in Germany, as this blog talks about.

Iranian Muslims are coming to faith in Jesus Christ, or 'Isa Mesih', as they call him. Why is this happening in such numbers?

Read more.

It's Chanukah! Why Jesus Christ wasn't stonned to death on this day.

It's Chanukah! Today and for the next week, Jews celebrate the Feast of Rededication! Happy Chanukah! It's also the day when Jesus Christ gave his clear claim to be the Messiah.

Chanukah, or The Fest of Rededication, commemorated the multiplication of holy oil needed for the menorah after enemy troops were defeated in and around Jerusalem. Syrian troops under Antiochus IV Epiphanes had prohibited circumcision and the ceremonial observation of the Jews and then he had pigs offered on the altar in the Temple. Mattathias Maccabees and his sons, through a guerilla action, forced the numerically superior army to leave and a treaty was established giving the Jews their freedom once again to conduct their religious practices as they wanted. In the time of Jesus, the heroic actions of the Maccabees resulted in an aspiration that the coming Jewish Messiah would also overthrow the mighty forces of Rome, in other words, a political Messiah was to come.

On this day in the Jewish calendar, on Chanukah, some wanted to kill Jesus Christ for what he said. "They picked up stones to kill him for what he said." (John 10:31). But, why were they so upset? In the language of his day, in the meaning of the word "Messiah", he made many people upset. Why did this happen? Previously, Jesus had healed a man on the Sabbath. (John 5:1-15) Jesus was powerful, that is he could do miracles, but would a Jewish Messiah heal on the Sabbath? Wasn't he expected to lead a rebellion against Rome? When challenged about his miracle on the Sabbath, he said, "My Father is always at work and I too am at work." (5:17) Not only had he broken the Sabbath, but he "called God his Father, making himself equal with God." (5:18)

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me.

Now, at Chanukah, at the Feast of Rededication of the Temple, Jesus makes his claim to divinity even more clearly. He was asked point blank: "Are you the Christ, the Messiah, tell us!" (John 10:24) They demanded a clear answer. He completely disappointed them. First, the works (miracles) gave witness to his Messiah-ship. He described himself as a shepherd and said to his opposition, "You are not my sheep." (10:26)

He was calling himself the (1) Shepherd of Israel - which was one of various functions of the coming Messiah.

This was a clear reference to two O.T. passages of the Bible. Psalm 23 and Jeremiah 23:1-6. Jesus did something very clever, he joined the ideas behind of Chanukah with four OT themes: He claims to be (1) Shepherd to the house of Israel, (2) the Branch of David, (3) the coming King, and this implied a NAME!  (4) 'The LORD our Righteousness'. (Jeremiah 23:2-6) Jesus indicates that as Messiah he will not be a political leader and he will not fulfill the demands of customs and traditions of men. He gave a clear answer, "I am the Christ - I am the Messiah", but more than this, he was claiming to be Divine - WOW - "The LORD our Righteousness". He could not have been clearer: "I and the Father are one." (10:30)

Jesus completely disappointed him by saying  that while no one could snatch the sheep from him, his opposition would not be part of his flock. They would not, and could not, accept his teaching.

We may not understand this clearly, but Jesus' opposition certainly did. They heard it loud and clear and responded: This is Blasphemy! You deserve to die! And so they picked up stones to kill him. (10:31) "We are not stoning you for any of these," replied the Jews, "But for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God." (John 10:33) And again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp. (10:39).

So, Jesus Christ was not killed on Chanukah. His death, and resurrection, came several months later, at Easter, at the time of Passover.

"Why Robin Williams Died and why it matters" - Denison Forum

What happens when incorrect conclusions are reached? Why do we need immediate conclusions, even when we know that they may be wrong?

Millions of people enjoyed the insightful humor that Robin Williams brought to his craft, to scores of movies.

This interesting blog says to us: "Wait! Don't jump to premature conclusions." This is important, especially when dealing with complicated situations where health, ethics, emotions and controversy overlap.

Read more.

"Toronto City Hall bans Christian music Festival in the public square" - The Christians

Last year, Toronto City Hall banned a Christian preacher from speaking in the public square at the corner of Yonge Street and Dundas Avenue. A law suit followed and the decision of the manager of that department had to reverse her decision.

This year, Toronto City Hall refused to permit a Christian Musical Festival for next year, which has been performing at the Dundas S
quare since 2006 and bringing many Christian denominations together.

Dundas Square sees Muslim preachers attempting to convert people to their beliefs, as well as Buddhists and Kari Krishna preachers, every day of the year.

Read more.

"Is Germany Importing Terrorists?" - Denison Forum

Security officials in Europe are worried that the large number of refugees coming from Syria could conceal terrorists.

Major concerns:

First, should Europeans be afraid of Muslims?

Second, What should the response of Christians be to this unprecedented movement of people?

Read more.

"A Syrian family arrives in Paradise" (Nova Scotia, that is)

One of thousands of Syrian families is settling into their new home.

Yep, they have arrived in Paradise. Read more.

"Here's where America's 338,000 Christian refugees came from" - Christianity Today

Since the year 2003 the USA has resettled 762,000 refugees. Of these, 338,441 described themselves as Christians. That is, 44% of the refugees coming into the USA in the last 12 years identified themselves as belonging to one of America's many denominations.

This article from Christianity Today shows what denominations were included, which countries were represented and the percentages. A very useful article to save away in your electronic filing system if you are involved in helping to resettle refugees.     Read more.

"A 5,000 year old underground city discovered in Cappadocia, Turkey" Turkish Daily News

Cappadocia, in Central Turkey is known internationally for its underground cities. Some of them were able to house 35,000 people for several months at a time.

An estimated 400 larger and small cities have been discovered over the past 100 years, but a recent discovery in Nevsehir has archeologists and historians more excited than normal.

Tourists to this Cappadocia region find it to be mysteriously beautiful. Christian historians find its charm in the multitude of cave churches carved into the soft white stone. Balloon enthusiasts take early morning rides above the silent landscape, returning with thousands of photos.

The careful study of the ruins indicates that the inhabitants lived permanently in the underground city. This was not indicated in previous research in the other underground cities, so Hasan Unver, the mayor of Nevsehir is certain that this new discovery will rewrite history.

Read more.

15 photos of this "new (ancient) city here.

The incredible story of Turkey's "Converted Jews". Very few have ever heard this story.

The city of Izmir (ancient Smyrna), where Sabbati Sevi lived.

350 years ago, a Jewish Messiah, Sabbati Sevi, appeared in Smyrna - today's Izmir. His 2,500 (low number) or 10,000 (high number)  followers had to "convert" to Islam, or die. They "converted" in 1666 and became a secret group, mostly centered in Thessalonica, or Salonica, in Grece.

Ten years later, in 1676, questions of leadership and continuity resulted in a division into three groups of the "converted Jews" Now, three and a half centuries later (!) some are secular and a few still follow Jewish ways. One area of Istanbul even "looks different" and many of the 60,000 (estimated) "donme" (converted) live there. Now there is a book about the "Converted Jews". Some of them still consider themselves to be real Jews who deceived the Islamic power of the day, the Ottoman Empire, but they have great difficulty in being accepted as Jews by the several Orthodox Synagogues in Istanbul.

Read more.

The new world of conflict - "Friction is now between global financial elite and the rest of us"

How can the new polarization between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots' be explained?

In the USA pre-election debates, Bernie Sanders attracts thousands, even though he is a socialist.

And for the Republicans, Donald Trump is a towering presence. He is the well-known billionaire. USA politics has become an entertainment world of its own.

England's debate about economics is becoming shrill, too, with socialism being proposed by the leftist members of Parliament.

What is happening? Why this world-wide passion about economics?
Why does the expression, 'We are the 99%?' have to do with the noisy gap between rich and poor?

How much of this writer's thoughts do you agree with in this article?

"Is Germany's Refugee Crisis an opportunity for missions? Why do some German churches say 'No'?" - Christianity Today

While churches in Germany want to help recently arrived refugees, some are AGAINST taking the opportunity to present Christian teaching to them.

Other churches believe that this is an IDEAL moment to talk to people about Jesus Christ.

See what you think about this emerging theological conflict.

Note, this article is not for the faint of heart - it presents very complicated issues such as opportunism, Muslims' desire to convert the West and the response of converts' families, who will seek to kill those converting to the Christian faith.

Read more.

"Christian churches are flourishing in the United Arab Emirates" - Toronto Star

At St. Paul's Church, a 4,560-square-metre complex in Musaffah, a fast-growing suburb of Abu Dhabi, Father Ani Xavier has been coping with a hectic schedule since the church opened in June.

 

“We have 16 services on the weekend and 14 services during the week. It is happiness for me to see such a church in the desert. God has blessed us in this part of the world to live in safety and do our missionary work.”

Comments here about many other churches as well.

 

Read more.

"In Hollywood's movies, life is cheap but movies are expensive." - Christianity Today

In Jurassic Park, 22 park attendees die an incredible death. An endless chain of movies has people dying in every possible way - usually pretty gruesome and quickly.

But isn't life precious? Consider The 33 about those miners in Chile. The whole world watched for 39 days, with out hearts in our mouths, before they were saved. Or, the single person left alive on Mars, in The Martian. In real life, one person's life is precious and people will even mortgage their house to pay for a surgery to save a loved one.

What are Hollywood's values when it comes to life and death? This is a good article.

Read more.

How about a church that has sponsored more than 100 refugee families!

Beginning in 1979, one church opened its arms, and its pocketbook, to the boat people. Since then, more than 100 families have come to Ottawa through this church. The Refugee Committee in this church knows how to process an application to the proper government ministry, but much more, they know what Christian love does when one family after another is received with respect and love.

Read more.

"ISIS frees 37 Assyrian Christians" - Aljazeera (But at what cost?)

An agreement has been reached whereby 37 elderly Assyrian Christians can return to their home. However, they had to agree that they would not outwardly show any sign of their faith, whether in clothing or symbols, and they must pay extra taxes to stay alive.

Read more.

"All Hallow's Eve; a sonnet of reclamation" - by Malcom Guite

I think you will enjoy Malcolm's blog, his poem and his appreciation of Christian doctrine.

"Halloween seems to be creeping up on Christmas in the crass commercialism stakes, even here in England, where the tradition is less strong! Halloween itself simply means the eve of all Hallows, and All Hallows is the Christian feast of All Saints, or All Saints Day’ a day when we think particularly of those souls in bliss who, even in this life, kindled a light for us, or to speak more exactly, reflected for us and to us, the already-kindled light of Christ!,  It is followed immediately on November 2nd by All Souls Day. the day we remember all the souls who have gone before us into the light of Heaven."

Read more.

Why ISIS is Islam's worst nighmare in 1,400 years

A street in Downtown Beirut

At the present time, there are five simultaneous wars going on in Syria!

ISIS, or ISIL, has upset all the previous balances worked out in the Middle East over hundreds of years. Historical forms of Islam feel as though they are under attack. The terrorist activities of ISIS have brought condemnation from every other nation in the neighborhood, and beyond, especially Russia and the USA. No one has been able to put a stop to these Muslim fanatics after almost two years of atrocities: rapes, beheading, cruel jokes, slavery of women, destruction of historical cities and crucifixions.

A suburb in Cairo, Egypt

After hearing of such atrocities, many Muslims are beginning to discuss perplexing elements
in the Hadiths and the Quran. Before, these were accepted as truth, but now ...  One discussion on Egyptian TV was whether the urine of a camel is medicinal, or not. An iman said, "Yes" and a medical doctor said, "No." this caused an enormous row. Another discussion: how a woman should behave in a business full of men. The Hadiths indicate that she should give her breasts to the men to drink milk, so that they would "become her sons". This act would take away the sexual temptations the men might otherwise have towards her. Many other discussions are causing Egyptians to question the veracity of their faith.

These discussions, especially in Egypt (openly discussed on TV) and in Iraq (discussed in government circles and in the market place) mean that for the first time in hundreds of years Muslims are beginning to question tenants of their faith. But ...even "doubt" earns the wrath of Allah.

As a result, not thousands, but hundreds of thousands, and some say millions, are backing away from their Muslim faith.

HINT: You will not learn about this in the Western Media, since any discussion of Islam is practically "forbidden" (read "editorial policy"). But, if you listen to people on the ground - observing the changes that have taken place in the last four years, you will learn fascinating stories of people coming to faith in Isa Mesih (Jesus Christ). Some imams are changing their loyalties. Across the region, in several countries, the desire for a new kind of peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians is growing.  Never, in 1400 years (according to several witnesses from the region) has their been such a serious attack, an intellectual attack of critical thinking, on Islam, as that brought about by the arrival of ISIS

 

Frequent Bible Reading tied to Social Justice and Openness to Science" - Huff Post

Learning to share the work together

Some interesting news - which will surely stir up a lot of debate.

How does frequent Bible reading impact a person, say comparing reading the Bible one day a year, compared to once a month, once a week, or several times a week?

What is it about the life of Jesus that inspires millions of people to help widows, orphans, lepers, outcasts, prostitutes, refugees and many other people for whom life is hard?

Here is an article of interest. Read more.

"Christianities (plural) in Africa: What a growing faith looks like south of the Sahara"

"Christianity in Africa has benefited from sustained exponential growth, with numbers growing from about 10 million in 1900 to just over half a billion in 2015; but the diversity of the different forms of Christian practices and teachings on the continent means that it may be more accurate to see it as Christianities rather than Christianity. . ." Professor Joseph Galgalo lives in Limuru, Kenya and his view of the growth of the faith, as well as it's failure, is found here .

"Why do Muslims flock to the 'Evil West'?" - Gladstone Institute

Germany is receiving thousands of refugees

Burak Bekdil once again highlights the conflicting emotions and decisions of Muslims.

To stay in many parts of the Middle East is to face an uncertain future, perhaps persecution, war, poverty and death.

But, to leave the Middle East, having Berlin, or a small city in Southern Germany, as one's destination, is to put the hope of a peaceful future in the hands of a father's family.

Why leave the heartland of Islam for the "Evil West"?

Read more.

"A great tribute to Yogi Berra" - Kefsetz Letter

At the end of this baseball season, here is a great tribute to Yogi Berra, looking at the changes he faced during his lifetime and his impact upon the sport and the culture.

Read more.

"A Gladiator battle field is unearthed in Turkey" - Turkish Daily news on research in Anavarza

A "gladiator" - pay to take his picture!

This was an immense city, with a special area designated for gladiator fights.

Anavarza, near modern day Adana, was close to St. Paul's home city of Tarsus. Gladiator fights took place during the time that the New Testament was being written.

This is just one more spectacular discovery by archaeologists in Turkey, where there are an estimated 5,500 ancient cities.

Of those, about 800 sites are being explored, but none of them, even Ephesus, are anywhere near being completed for their archaeological heritage and riches.

Read more.

"Ancient animal bones in Ephesus from rhino and leopard give fresh archaeological insights" Turkish Daily News

Artist's concept of ancient homes - 4,000 years ago

Incredibly, ancient animal bones in Ephesus have come to light through this year's archaeological research.

Some of the animals were from rhinos and leopards, fallow deer and red deer. Some of these species no longer exist.

These discoveries point to social hierarchies, too.

Read more.

"One million more refugees to Turkey - Three Million more coming to EU" - Turkish Daily News

What does Turkey expect, now that Russian airplanes are bombing the opposition forces to the Syrian President? Could it really be true that another 1,000,000 refugees could be on their way to seek safety in refugee camps in Turkey, just north of the Syrian- Turkish border?

Read more.

Just think about it. Syrian refugees heard that friends and neighbors made it safely to Europe during the last few months. What can the EU expect next summer, given the warm welcome German officials have extended to these Syrian (and other) refugees. Could next summer see many times more refugees on their way to find safety and comfort?

Turkish authorities detained 1,451 refugees in the last few days as they tried to make it to Greek islands. During the last several months, 56,697 refugees were turned back.

Read more.

"Mobilizing a Generation of Missionaries" - Christianity Today

"The 19th century was the heroic age of missions. It produced some of the greatest heroes that the Christian faith has ever seen. Yet churches were only sending a small number of missionaries. If something had not changed, it would have taken centuries to evangelize the world.

"The churches needed a new initiative: something that would kick-start a new and powerful movement in missions. And that's what happened. In the summer of 1886, the Student Volunteer Movement was launched."

read more.
 

Is Climate Change mainly driven by the sun? Or, are humans causing these changes?

Sunrise over Athens, Greece

The Die kalte Sonne site here features a worrisome essay by German climate scientists Horst-Joachim Lüdecke, Dr. Alexander Hempelmann and Carl Otto Weiss. They carefully examined climate changes of the past and have found that the recent changes (of the last 40 years are nothing out of the ordinary and that we need to worry about a global cooling that will persist until 2080.
They published 2 papers on the subject in the journal European Geophysical Union (EGU) [2], [3].

According to the 2 scientists, climate is often cyclic. The first study appeared in February 2013 and it examined six of the longest existing thermometer data series recorded in Europe, as well as one dataset from an Antarctic ice core and another from a data series extracted from stalagmites. The datasets were covered the period of 1757 – 2010.

Read more.


 

Two views of USA gun deaths - one from England and one from Canada

The shocking deaths of college students and one college professor in Oregon has touched off a spate of commentaries. I found that these, one from England, and one from Canada, wrestled deeply with the main issues involved.

President Obama refuses to go along with the "normality" of it all and we could all see the visible anger showing through, on his face and in his demeanour. He has stated that since 2001, more than 150,000 persons died from gun shots, compared to the slightly more than 3,000 caused by Islamic extremism, or terrorism in the same period of time.

In 2015 alone, more than 250 school / college / university incidents have taken place in which guns caused unnecessary deaths.

From England Read here.

and from Canada Read here.

"A Top Nigerian Export: Christianity" (!) - The Christian Science Monitor

"The roads that wind north from Lagos, Nigeria, toward the headquarters of the Winners’ Chapel mega-church are lined with unusual testaments to Nigerians’ religious fervor.

"There’s the Amazing Grace Hair Salon and the No King But God Driving School, My God Is Able Furniture Makers and God’s Grace Multipurpose Hall. And wedged between these omnipotently styled businesses are the churches themselves, hundreds of them, carrying on tenaciously in a sweltering tin shack or a room balanced atop a gas station, in the parking lot of a half-finished shopping mall or perched on stilts above Lagos’s thick, viscous lagoon."

"Britain’s fastest growing church is the Nigerian Redeemed Christian Church of God, and four of that country’s 10 largest churches were founded by Nigerians. In Kiev, Ukraine, a city awash in onion-domed Orthodox cathedrals, the largest Sunday service – with about 5,000 people attending – is conducted by Sunday Adelaja, a Nigerian and founder of the Pentecostal Embassy of God church."

Read more.

How big is one trillion? What would that look like in 100 dollar bills?

How big is "one trillion"

What would that look like if it was pilled up in $100 bills?

Stand to be amazed.

Short video here.

"First inhabitants at Ephesus - 9,000 years ago" - Turkish Daily News

One of my favorite places to take tourists on their trip through Turkey is the ancient city of Ephesus. I was blessed to be able to visit there 25 times, 23 of them taking tourists who were being led by a Turkish guide.

On the walls of homes built more than 2,000 years ago, one can photograph images painted on bedroom walls by artists with exquisite taste.

Now, new excavations on one of the older sites of Ephesus yields a fascinating discovery. The amulets discovered may have been made 9,000 years ago, or very early in human history. These findings will be presented at professional archaeological bodies next May  - June.


Archaeologists believe that Ephesus occupied four different sites during its long history.

Ephesus is important for many reasons. For Christians, it is the city in Asia Minor to which one of the key books of the New Testament was addressed. Later, perhaps 40-50 years after Paul visited there, Jesus Christ told the Apostle John that the believers had lost their "first love". For historians, this ancient site reveals much about Greco-Roman culture, government and history.

Read more.


 

"Christianity in Britain is far from being extinct" - Ethics Daily

Fifty-seven percent of people in England call themselves Christians (though a fraction of those would be described as "practicing"), and one in five of those who don't is open to finding out more about Jesus after hearing Christians talk to them about their faith.

"The survey shows that the church is well connected throughout society. This connection is through the myriad of relationships that Christians have with the majority of the population in normal, everyday ways," said Rachel Jordan, national adviser for mission and evangelism for the Church of England.

"What is more, people like their Christian friends and family members and they enjoy being with them," she said.

"This is a different view of the church and Christians to the one often portrayed in the media but this survey shows it is the one held by the majority of the population."

Read more.

"Screen time in worship in Vancouver, Canada" An evaluation of contemporary worship: Christian Century

A church in Toronto, Canada

"I’ve been screening churches in my new city of Vancouver, and I guess you could say they’ve been “screening” me. Almost every church I’ve visited uses a screen in its sanctuary during worship.

"In the 1980s or ’90s this might have been a signal that a congregation had taken a side in the worship wars.

"Now it’s just a sign that a church is open and f
unctioning." So writes Jason Byassee in The Christian Century

Read more.

"Confessions of a Middle Aged Pastor" from Perspectives

What does a pastor with 40 years of experience make of his commitment to "shepherd" a flock? What have come to be the core principles of such a person?

After reading this short article, you may want to ask what are the basic principles that guide your life, too.

Read more.

"Farewell to the missionary 'hero'" - Christianity Today

A genre of Christian literature is coming to a close. In it, writers lifted missionaries up as heroes and gave them a "larger-than-life" status.

For generations, books and articles have been written that raise missionaries up, "putting them on a higher level" than the ordinary Christian.

Partially, may biographers had not seen the day-to-day, hum-drum life that missionaries in other countries had to face. Additionally, the small, internal conflicts that we all experience were largely unknown. Now, a new genre is coming out, with hundreds - no thousands, of books be written and published as e-books and self printing.

So, this article argues that a new kind of honesty is taking the place of the "hero" concept.

Read more.

The Day of Atonement - Yom Kippur - What does this mean?

The Day of Atonement is the most Holy day for Jews and it is being celebrated this evening and tomorrow all over the world.

What does this day mean to Jews? How does it help Christians understand our faith with a deeper, richer meaning of forgiveness?

Is there any similarity between the Day of Atonement for Jews, this year, and the Islamic religion, which commemorates the Day of Sacrifice on the same day this year?

Read more.

"Five Myths about Refugees" - Huffington Post

Five major myths need to be explored as (hundreds of) thousands of people make their way from Africa and the Middle East towards Europe.

Note: This article takes a rather compassionate look at the situation that refugees are facing.

 

Read more.

China and Laos: China has its own "Banana Basket" Pray for Laos

The Northern portion of Laos where the Lahu Aga live has become the "banana basket" for China, just as central America is positioned close to the USA.

Most of the economy at present centers around numerous banana plantations and other than their own highland fields, it is on these plantations that most of the Lahu Aga find work, people in one of the many local tribes.

At present there is no official schooling in Lahu Aga villages.

They have individuals who come in to teach from time to time, but no regular program.  They are hoping to have the first official school in a Lahu Aga village open up sometime next year.

That gives a small inkling of the amount of work that needs to be done in this part of Laos.

Pray for the people of Laos. People who become Christians usually have to spend one year in prison for going against the beliefs of the government. Training for Christian leaders is next to impossible, unless the person goes to another country for a short period of time.

"Women's hair-styles: the same today as 2000 years ago" Daily News - from Istanbul

Archaeological studies in many places have turned up statues of women and one is fascinated by the care taken in getting the hair just right.

2,000 years ago, women back-combed their hair, did it up in buns, curled it and alternatively, put it in a braid, or wore it straight. Many more exotic fashions involved diadems, tiaras or combs.

Some things haven't changed much in two millennia.




Some of the techniques used in sculpturing are displayed in the Antalya Museum, one of the almost unknown gems in Turkey.

The best display of sculptures comes from the nearby city of Perge, (or Perga) where Paul visited and preached. It is one of my favorites. The stunning detail captured centuries ago in dozens of statues illustrates the care taken by artists at that time.

Turkish museum staff have been very helpful in letting me take photos, which are helping me in get the details right in the seven novels I'm writing - on the Seven Churches of the Revelation.

Read more.

"Some amazing facts about College Freshmen" - Denison Forum

Beloit College has just published its annual list of factoids about students entering their first year of college.  They

• Have never licked a postage stamp
• Have always used cell phones with Wi-Fi access
• Had their first steps recorded by proud parents using camcorders (the students probably don't know what one is)
• Improved their reading skills with the Harry Potter series
• Have always watched television in high definition.

Read more.

Pray for Jerusalem - Anne Graham Lotz

9 1 1: An Emergency Recall to Pray for Jerusalem View this email in your browser

Less than one week ago today, on August 19th, I said good-bye to my husband of almost forty-nine years.  At that moment, the only thing that truly mattered was the decision he made as a five year old boy in vacation Bible school to trust Jesus as his Savior.  As a result, he knew for the rest of his life that his sins were forgiven, he possessed eternal life, and he had peace with God. What a gift his faith was, and continues to be, to his family and friends. We know our good-byes were not final. We grieve, but with hope. We know we will see Danny Lotz again in Our Father’s House not because of anything that he has done, but because of God’s amazing grace extended to him at the Cross. Several weeks ago, not knowing that Danny would soon step into eternity, I had a burden on my heart to once again pray for Jerusalem. I had decided to issue a Recall to Pray on September 1st, similar to the urgent call for prayer I had issued last September. I have a sense that something significant is going to happen in the very near future that involves the Epicenter—Jerusalem and the nation of Israel.  This foreboding has been confirmed by many indicators … Renewed missile attacks from Gaza on Israel’s southern communities during the first weekend of this August The deployment of the Iron Dome in the north to try and protect Israelis from expected incoming Hezbollah rockets The tsunami of cash that will flow into Iran, then through Iran to terrorists around the globe, as a result of the “Nuclear Deal” John Kerry has negotiated that includes the lifting of sanctions against Iran The fragile coalition Prime Minister Netanyahu has pieced together for his government that seems to lack unity of vision and strength of resolve The strained relationship between Israel and the US as our leaders have taken this nation to the dark side of Biblical prophecy because we no longer bless the descendants of Abraham by standing solidly with them against their enemies The fourth blood moon on September 28 considered by rabbis to be an omen for Israel that will also be a super moon seen over Jerusalem    The alarming rise of worldwide anti-Semitism The end of the Jewish Shemitah Year on September 13 and the beginning of the Jubilee Year on September 28—both very significant in Biblical prophecy. God has impressed on my heart to help "pre-prayer" Jerusalem for whatever He knows is coming. I am seeking to rally His people with 9 1 1:  An Emergency Recall to Pray for Jerusalem.  This is your invitation to please pray and fast with me for one hour of your choosing