VERY IMPORTANT CHRISTIAN CONCERN

https://www.cufi.org.uk/news/failure-to-stand-up-to-hamas-is-destabilising-britain/
“Islamists and antisemites are now in charge of the country,” says former home secretary Suella Braverman.
Met Police dismisses the projected ‘From the River to the Sea’ onto Big Ben
Advisor to government’s Prevent programme says he “never thought that we would see on the streets of Britain, British citizens shouting death to the Jews.”
Failure to stand up to Hamas is destabilising Britain
“Islamists and antisemites are now in charge of the country,” says former home secretary Suella Braverman.
The nation is on the brink of unchartered territory if intimidation of politicians, support for Hamas, and hate towards Jews is not stopped now.
“The truth is that the Islamists, the extremists and the anti-Semites are in charge now. They have bullied the Labour Party, they have bullied our institutions, and now they have bullied our country into submission,” former home secretary Suella Braverman said this week.

Met Police dismisses ‘From the River to the Sea’ that was projected onto Big Ben during Wednesday's chaotic scenes in Parliament.

Reviewer of the government's counter-terrorism programme says he “never thought that we would see on the streets of Britain, British citizens shouting death to the Jews.”

Parliament's Speaker of the House said concerning threats to MPs this week: "the details of things that have been brought to me are absolutely frightening."
Click here to read
The 'Mother of All Parliaments' is under attack. Listen to these three clips:
@CommonsSpeaker
, Andrew Percy MP, and
@RobertJenrick
speak about threats and intimidation. Britain should wake up to what's really happening, it has nothing to do with the Middle East, it's a battle for British democracy.

Christians United for Israel UK
Watch Episode 40 of the CUFI UK Podcast
The Two-State Delusion / 'Never Again' Means Standing with Israel

Alex and Alastair discuss the so-called 'Two-State Solution' and why the world's blind belief in it is a mistake. They look at what Israel says, what the Palestinians say, what the UN says, what the UK says and, most importantly, what the Bible says about this key issue. They also look at Holocaust Memorial Day and why saying 'Never Again' is not complete without standing with Israel today.


Listen or watch on the following platforms:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EA7_OCDXBqs

https://rumble.com/v497yzf-fzs-ep40.html

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-zions-sake/id1674652650

https://open.spotify.com/show/2LKj4qtMEa6tXzchNg0fcJ

Join CUFI weekly as we sit down to discuss current issues affecting Israel. We’ll be presenting the FACTS, sharing opinion and providing an insight and perspective into the very latest stories.

Please remember to Like, Share and Comment. If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support CUFI UK further, please consider making a donation to our work. Thank you!

Watch 'Dark Road' - A Powerful Holocaust Drama
In time for Holocaust Memorial Day on Friday, CUFI UK has released a play on the Holocaust that tells the powerful story of a young German woman, Greta, and her journey down the ‘Dark Road’ into Naziism. Greta is transformed from a person of innocence into one of darkness who loses herself and those she loves along the way. Have tissues at the ready as this emotional performance will impact you just as it did us, and even the actors on stage as they performed it.

The production was put together by students at Cornerstone Christian School in San Antonio, Texas. This school was started by Pastor John Hagee, the founder of Christians United for Israel. As you can imagine, the students there understand the Biblical truth about Israel and the Jewish people. This play is an emotional expression of their deep understanding on this topic.

Some of the team here at CUFI UK were privileged to watch this play being performed live and we felt compelled to share it with our supporters here in the UK. Please make time to watch this play. It will be worth your time.
Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwO3jsXzqoE

'Dark Road' - A Powerful Holocaust Drama

Christians United for Israel UK
9.37K subscribers

220 views  1 day ago  #holocaustmemorialday #holocausteducation #holocaustremembrance
This play on the Holocaust tells the powerful story of a young German woman, Greta, and her journey down the ‘Dark Road’ into Naziism. Greta is transformed from a person of innocence into one of darkness who loses herself and those she loves along the way. Have tissues at the ready as this emotional performance will impact you just as it did us, and even the actors on stage as they performed it.
…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwO3jsXzqoE



Watch 'Dark Road' - A Powerful Holocaust Drama
In time for Holocaust Memorial Day on Friday, CUFI UK has released a play on the Holocaust that tells the powerful story of a young German woman, Greta, and her journey down the ‘Dark Road’ into Naziism. Greta is transformed from a person of innocence into one of darkness who loses herself and those she loves along the way. Have tissues at the ready as this emotional performance will impact you just as it did us, and even the actors on stage as they performed it.

The production was put together by students at Cornerstone Christian School in San Antonio, Texas. This school was started by Pastor John Hagee, the founder of Christians United for Israel. As you can imagine, the students there understand the Biblical truth about Israel and the Jewish people. This play is an emotional expression of their deep understanding on this topic.

Some of the team here at CUFI UK were privileged to watch this play being performed live and we felt compelled to share it with our supporters here in the UK. Please make time to watch this play. It will be worth your time.
Watch on YouTube
View our Holocaust Remembrance page
Remembrance and education are key to ensuring “Never Again”. We’ve selected some of our most viewed items that we trust will equip you as you engage in remembering the Holocaust.
Visit our Holocaust Remembrance Page
https://www.cufi.org.uk/holocaustremembrance/

CUFI

https://www.cufi.org.uk/news/israel-discovers-ancient-jesus-christ-guard-me-scripture-inscription-in-judean-desert/
Christians United for Israel
Israel discovers ancient ‘Jesus Christ, guard me’ Scripture inscription in Judean Desert
Sep 29, 2023 | News
An amazing find in the heartland of Israel has been announced, giving insights into the early Church and helps to dispel the myth that the land of Israel belongs to the Palestinians.

The inscription reads, “Jesus Christ, guard me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am faithful to you.”

The text appears to be a paraphrasing of Psalm 86:1-2, which reads:

“Bow down Your ear, O Lord, hear me;
For I am poor and needy.
Preserve my life, for I am holy;
You are my God;
Save Your servant who trusts in You!”

Experts say the inscription is written in Koine Greek – biblical Greek or New Testament Greek – which was the common supra-regional form of Greek that was spoken and written during the Hellenistic period, the Roman Empire, and the early Byzantine Empire and served as the lingua franca (bridge language) of much of the Mediterranean region and the Middle East during the following centuries.

It is a fascinating find that speaks of the history of the land.

The inscription was unearthed in the ruins of the Hyrcania (or Horkanya) fortress; an ancient structure built between 100-200BC by either Hasmonean ruler John Hyrcanus or his son Alexander Jannaeus.

Over the years the fort fell into ruin and a Byzentine monastery was built on the site around 100-200AD. The monastery is dubbed Kastellion, or “Little Castle” in Greek and remained active as a monastery past the Islamic conquest of the area in around 635 AD. It is thought to have been abandoned around 900 AD. The site is now a ruin and is known also by its Arabic name, Khirbet el-Mird, or “Ruins of the Fortress”.

In the 1930s there was an attempt to restore the ruins but harassment from local Bedouin put an end to that venture. Nowadays, tourists can visit the site if they are willing to take a short trek through the desert.

The excavation was directed by Oren Gutfeld and Michal Haber of the Hebrew University in cooperation with Tennessee’s Carson-Newman University and the American Veterans Archaeological Recovery that helps veterans transition back to civilian life through archaeology. Not only was it a good way for the veterans to find relief from their traumas, but it helps to paint the picture of early Christianity in Israel.

Avner Ecker of Bar-Ilan University, who helped decipher the inscription, said, “This is one of the most common psalms used in the ancient Christian liturgy. It appears that one of the monks drew a graffiti of the cross on the wall and underneath it, he penned a prayer he knew well. Based on the style of the script, the inscription dates back to the first half of the 6th century AD.

“Several grammatical errors in the transcription suggest that the writer did not speak Greek as his native tongue, but rather, he might have been a local, perhaps even a native of the region, and spoke Aramaic or another local language,” he said.

This discovery helps to back up Biblical truth.

In recent months more and more Christian and Jewish sites have been labelled as being “Palestinian” by the United Nations and other global bodies. Even the Church of the Nativity is now labelled, “Palestinian” and there are outrageous claims that Jesus himself “was a Palestinian”.

It is a disgraceful lie which both insults Christianity and makes a mockery of the Bible.

Another popular lie is that Palestinians have always owned the land. The site in this article predates both Islam and the Palestinians. Additionally, it is located in the Judean Desert which is part of Judea and Samaria. Unfortunately, the world today refers to this area today as the “West Bank” and governments around the world have recognised it as being part of “Palestine”.

The truth is that Judea is where Judaism originates from and where Christianity was born. It is the heartland of Bible history and should be recognised today as part of the heartland of Israel.

Activists and governments may ignore the truth, but we will not. Thankfully, archaeology is on our side to keeps proving the Bible to be true.

By Billy Hallowell
Editor
September 15, 2023
During a time when fewer Americans are claiming biblical allegiance, Christian values are still holding powerful sway in culture — even among those who don’t necessarily see value in Scripture.

In fact, the sixth chapter of the American Bible Society’s 13th annual “State of the Bible” report found something truly remarkable: “Even Americans who are hostile toward Scripture value biblical behaviors.”

Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast


The research found those who think America would be better off without the Bible score higher when it comes to “valuing pro-social behaviors that are championed in Scripture.”

Americans who believe the U.S. would fare better without the Bible actually score higher on valuing pro-social behaviors heralded in Scripture than do those who think would be “worse off” or “about the same” without Scripture.

These findings are pretty fascinating and show the sweeping impact the Old and New Testaments can have, even among those who would likely consider themselves as being far from Bible-minded.

“Our research shows that even those Americans who are most hostile toward the Bible value biblical behaviors like loving your neighbor, caring for creation, and welcoming the stranger,” Dr. John Farquhar Plake, chief ministry insights officer at the American Bible Society, said in a statement.

According to Farquhar, these findings could offer pathways to share the Gospel.

“This shared passion for neighborly behavior is a new avenue for ministry leaders to start conversations about the values Americans share and their ultimate source in Jesus and his Word,” he said.

There’s also something to be said about the negative elements associated with indifference, as the so-called “Moveable Middle” — the people the American Bible Society counts as possibly appreciating Christianity or Scripture but not being active participants — are also apathetic to biblical values.

“This group is more likely to consider the biblical behaviors surveyed — including welcoming immigrants, befriending people of other races or religions, or advocating for the oppressed — as only ‘somewhat’ important,” the press release explains. “In contrast, both Scripture-engaged Americans and Americans who do not engage with Scripture are more likely to count these behaviors as ‘important’ or ‘very important.'”

Data from Chapter 6: The Bible and Behavior in the “State of the Bible” survey comes from 2,761 online interviews with U.S. adults.

***As the number of voices facing big-tech censorship continues to grow, please sign up for Faithwire’s daily newsletter and download the CBN News app, developed by our parent company, to stay up-to-date with the latest news from a distinctly Christian perspective.***

https://www.faithwire.com/2023/09/14/why-the-explosion-of-artificial-intelligence-should-have-christians-on-guard/?
Why the Explosion of Artificial Intelligence Should Have Christians on Guard
Photo by Maximalfocus on Unsplash
By Billy Hallowell
Editor
3 hours ago
The sudden explosion of artificial intelligence has left some Christians pondering the moral implications of this ever-expansive technology.

Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast

And when it comes to the true size and scope of artificial intelligence, the future is anything but certain. Promises of profound technological advancement come alongside fear over job loss and lapsed ethics.

“One of the problems of the whole issue of artificial intelligence is that that landscape could change before I get to the end of this sentence,” Dr. Albert Mohler, Jr., president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, told CBN’s “The 700 Club.”

Mohler said new moral dimensions surrounding AI emerge as fast as the technology evolves.

“This is a truly frightening prospect,” he said. “And I don’t say that about everything. … What we don’t know, we don’t know, and this really is setting something loose in the lab.”

Mohler urged Christians to pay close attention to the claim AI could potentially develop a form of consciousness.

CUFI

This week, please pray about the legislation that has recently passed in UK parliament that seeks to prevent local authorities from boycotting Israel. It effectively means that local councils, universities and other public bodies cannot create their own foreign policy. This does not prevent local bodies from enforcing policies in line with the UK’s international sanctions, however this clearly doesn’t apply to the State of Israel, and therefore councils should not be allowed to boycott the Jewish state.

The bill is expected to be approved in September, however last week the Scottish government has proposed issuing a veto. Whilst Scotland is required to adopt the UK’s foreign policy, matters relating to local authorities is a devolved matter (policies that Scotland can determine separate to UK government). This presents a constitutional problem. The SNP-led Scottish Government has voiced opposition to the bill, using a special veto measure reserved for devolved matters. It means the bill will now be passed back to Westminster Parliament, which will be required to take on board Scotland’s concerns. Please pray that this anti-BDS bill will not be hindered by the Scottish Government’s intervention. Pray also that Scotland will be united in the belief that Israel should not be boycotted in any way whatsoever. Pray for those in the Scottish Parliament who this week have rebuked the SNP for their stance, arguing that the bill is important for the Jewish community and in fighting antisemitism.

Pray for Paraguay’s new president Santiago Peña who was sworn in office this week and hours later met with Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen who said Peña will move the embassy to Jerusalem. During his presidential campaign, Peña pledged to reopen Paraguay’s embassy in Jerusalem after it was closed by his predecessor. His friendship with Israel seems to be highlighted by how quickly he met with the foreign minister of Israel, during which he described himself as “Israel’s greatest friend.” We have previously seen the weight of opposition that is directed at leaders who voice support for a Jerusalem embassy. Pray that Paraguay will go ahead with the move and that other countries will follow. Uruguay has announced this week that it will be opening a diplomatic office in Jerusalem, which we can pray will be a first step towards opening a complete embassy in the future.

Pray for Christians in Pakistan that have come under intense persecution this week. An angry Muslim mob attacked a dozen churches and nearly two dozen homes of Christians in the eastern city of Jaranwala, causing Christians to flee to safer places. The attacks were in retaliation to allegations that two Christian men defaced a Koran. Police have arrested 129 Muslims so far for the violence and also the two Christian men accused of the desecration under Pakistan’s blasphemy law. Pray for calm and that these suffering Christians will be comforted. Pray that displaced Christian families will be safe and return to their homes without the risk of further violence.

“And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” – Deuteronomy 31:8

Thank you for praying with us today.

https://www.cufi.org.uk/
Watch Episode 22 of the CUFI UK Podcast
Oppenheimer's Arabic subtitle controversy & Scotland opposes anti-BDS bill

Alex and Alastair discuss how the Scottish Government under the SNP could block the UK from passing a law aimed at stopping local authorities from boycotting Israel. They also look at the controversary surounding the Arabic translation of Oppenheimer, which shockingly erases all references to Jews. There is also good news from South America, with Paraguay seeking to reopen an embassy in Jerusalem and Uruguay a new diplomatic office. They also share news from Pakistan where several Christian churches have been destroyed by angry Muslim mobs. They discuss the reasons why we must pray for the persecuted church and also for Israel, remembering that God protects His people!


Listen or watch on the following platforms:

Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVL3X4tivio
Watch on Rumble https://rumble.com/v38wnu7-ep22-for-zions-sake-podcast-oppenheimers-subtitle-controversy-and-scotland-.html

https://www.cufi.org.uk/

Watch: A Night to Honour Israel 2023 – Washington DC
Jul 18, 2023 | Featured Videos, News

Watch: A Night to Honour Israel 2023 – Washington DC
Pastor John Hagee leads the 2023 A Night to Honour Israel in Washington DC.

The event was held late Monday night (UK time) and features speeches from Pastor John Hagee, former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and former US Vice President Mike Pence.

Watch the full event below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UK5_zexBg4


Earlier in the day, Governor of Flora and Republican US presidential candidate, Ron DeSantis, spoke at the CUFI Summit 2023.


https://www.markingthemasses.com/

Libya: Nine Christians including Libyans, AoG American missionaries, and a Pakistani face possible execution after arrest for apostasy and evangelism
Nine Christians, including six Libyans, two Assemblies of God American missionaries, and a Pakistani have been arrested by Libya’s Internal Security Agency, and face possible execution on charges of apostasy from Islam and preaching Christianity, the Catholic News Agency (CNS) reports.
https://www.worthynews.com/84762-libya-nine-christians-including-libyans-aog-american-missionaries-and-a-pakistani-face-possible-execution-after-arrest-for-apostasy-and-evangelism

Christian News
Chicago agrees to $205,000 settlement in case brought by students barred from sharing the Gospel in park
The city of Chicago has agreed to pay $205,000 in settlement of a case brought by four Christian college students who were barred from sharing the Gospel in the city’s Millennium Park in 2018, Christianity Today (CT) reports.
https://www.worthynews.com/84767-chicago-agrees-to-205000-settlement-in-case-brought-by-students-barred-from-sharing-the-gospel-in-park

https://www.faithwire.com/2023/04/06/stunning-proportion-of-americans-
Stunning Proportion of Americans Believe ‘Biblical Accounts of the Physical Resurrection of Jesus Are Completely Accurate’
By Billy Hallowell
Editor

4 hours ago
As the world prepares to commemorate Jesus’ death and resurrection, a stunning new survey shows the majority of Americans believe the Biblical account of the empty tomb.

Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast


A stunning 66% of Americans said “biblical accounts of the physical resurrection of Jesus are completely accurate,” a notable proportion considering the ever-increasing secularization of American culture.

Lifeway’s “2022 State of Theology” study also found an additional 23% disagree the biblical account unfolded and 11% stated they’re unsure.

According to Lifeway, the percentage affirming the resurrection has remained “unchanged since 2018,” and is accepted by majorities in all geographical areas of the nation.

In the more secular northeast, 60% affirm the biblical account. And even younger Americans (58%) between 18 and 34 are more prone than not to embrace it.

And, for the first time, a majority (51%) said the Bible is “100% accurate in all it teaches,” with 62% seeing the Bible as the most authoritative source for what they hold dear.

Despite these encouraging numbers, other statistics in the study show a confused and apathetic populace regarding Scripture and truth. For the first time, a majority (53%) said the Bible contains “helpful accounts of ancient myths but is not literally true,” according to Lifeway.

And 40% see modern science as disproving Scripture, with 32% believing God isn’t concerned with their daily decisions.

This mixture of findings left author and apologist Rebecca McLaughlin seeing both positive and negative trends — a reality that left her “hopeful” and “heartbroken.”

McLaughlin said it was unfortunate to see so many people say they believe in the resurrection yet be so disconnected from church and other faith activities in their daily lives.

“This exposes the danger of ‘cultural Christianity’ — the vague assent to Christian beliefs without any evidence of actual faith in Christ,” she said.

Read more about the findings here.https://research.lifeway.com/2023/04/05/americans-believe-in-easter-resurrection-but-arent-sure-why-it-matters/

https://www.faithwire.com/2023/03/27/all-american-swimmer-blasts-espn-for-promoting-transgender-athlete-in-celebrating-womens-history-month/?
All-American Swimmer Blasts ESPN for Promoting Transgender Athlete in 'Celebrating Women's History Month'

Twelve-time All-American swimmer Riley Gaines — a woman — is condemning ESPN for promoting a transgender athlete in a segment celebrating Women’s History Month.
“In 2022, swimmer Lia Thomas became the first transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I Championship by winning the 500 Freestyle,” the narrator stated alongside video of Lia Thomas, a male who began identifying as transgender and competing on the women’s swimming team for the University of Pennsylvania. “The Texas native competed for three seasons on the men’s swim team at the University of Pennsylvania.”

https://www.christianity.com/wiki/church/dangers-of-churches-promising-a-blessed-life-over-the-gospel.html?
3 Dangers of Churches Promising a Blessed Life Over the Gospel
While God does offer us many promises throughout His Word, there is absolutely no guarantee of a rich and blessed life free from strife if we merely pray enough, think it enough, or give enough financially. This is a dangerous and flawed way of interpreting God’s promises.
SEE MORE https://www.christianity.com/wiki/church/dangers-of-churches-promising-a-blessed-life-over-the-gospel.html?

https://www.christianity.com/wiki/church/dangers-of-churches-promising-a-blessed-life-over-the-gospel.html?
3 Dangers of Churches Promising a Blessed Life Over the Gospel
While God does offer us many promises throughout His Word, there is absolutely no guarantee of a rich and blessed life free from strife if we merely pray enough, think it enough, or give enough financially. This is a dangerous and flawed way of interpreting God’s promises.
SEE MORE https://www.christianity.com/wiki/church/dangers-of-churches-promising-a-blessed-life-over-the-gospel.html?

Massive 8-Alarm Fire Destroys Church in New Jersey, Cause of Fire Under Investigation

A major fire ripped through a church in Burlington County, New Jersey earlier this week, completely destroying the entire house of worship. Despite the loss, however, the pastor and churchgoers are trusting that God will help them through it — and they even still plan to hold services this coming Sunday.

READ MORE
https://www.faithwire.com/2023/03/23/we-are-devastated-but-not-defeated-massive-8-alarm-fire-destroys-church-in-new-jersey-cause-of-fire-under-investigation/


Chicago Blackhawks Won't Wear Pride Jerseys, Citing Security Concerns

The Chicago Blackhawks have joined a cluster of NHL teams refusing to wear LGBT-themed jerseys during the 2023 season, citing security and safety concerns for Russian players.

READ MORE https://www.faithwire.com/2023/03/23/chicago-blackhawks-wont-wear-pride-jerseys-citing-security-concerns/?


"Get It or Be Fired"


Christian Ex-Cop Fired for Refusing Pandemic Mandate Doubles Down

A former cop who reportedly lost his job with the San Francisco Police Department for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine is speaking out and doubling down on his decision.

READ MORE https://www.faithwire.com/2023/03/23/christian-ex-cop-fired-for-refusing-pandemic-mandate-doubles-down-get-it-or-be-fired/?


Wow

World Athletics Bans Transgender Athletes From Competing in Female Sports

World Athletics — the international governing body for track and field and other running-related sports — announced Thursday it would not allow transgender athletes to compete against women.

READ MORE https://www.faithwire.com/2023/03/23/world-athletics-bans-transgender-athletes-from-competing-in-female-sports/?

https://www.faithwire.com/2023/03/02/i-wont-apologize-nyc-mayor-ignites-critics-with-speech-slamming-separation-of-church-and-state-decrying-removal-of-prayer-in-schools/?
‘I Won’t Apologize’: NYC Mayor Ignites Critics With Speech Slamming Separation of Church and State, Decrying Removal of Prayer in Schools
Photo: YouTube/NYC Mayor's Office
By Billy Hallowell
Editor

9 hours ago
Atheist activists are blasting New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) after the Democrat took aim at the separation of church and state and seemingly blamed the absence of school prayer for violence.

Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast


Adams, who made his controversial statements during an address before an interfaith prayer breakfast Tuesday, left atheists aghast when he also said the “mayor of New York is a servant of God.”

“Don’t tell me about no separation of church and state,” he said during the New York Public Library event. “State is the body. Church is the heart. You take the heart out of the body, the body dies.”

Adams also addressed his personal beliefs and how he cannot separate them from his job as mayor, as he said his faith is who he is.

“I can’t separate my belief because I’m an elected official,” he added. “When I walk, I walk with God. When I talk, I talk with God. When I put policies in place, I put them in with a God-like approach to them.”

Adams continued, “I am still a child of God and will always be a child of God, and I won’t apologize about being a child of God. It is not going to happen.”

Watch the mayor’s remarks:

Christians United for Israel

CUFI

https://cufi.org/

We’re pleased to announce the brand new Podcast from CUFI UK.
Join CUFI every week as we sit down to discuss current issues affecting Israel. We’ll be presenting the FACTS, sharing opinion and providing an insight and perspective into the very latest stories.

In our first episode, recorded on Monday 27th February, Alastair and Alex explain important new information that you need to know regarding the threat from Iran. They also discuss the current escalation of tensions in Israel.


Listen or watch on the following platforms:

Watch on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnxAV1hAbVE

Watch on Rumble
https://rumble.com/v2b9ar0-ep01-for-zions-sake-podcast-iran-and-the-latest-on-tensions-in-israel.html

Listen on Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-zions-sake/id1674652650

Listen on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/2LKj4qtMEa6tXzchNg0fcJ?si=6398ef3b37ff437a&nd=1

Please remember to Like, Share and Comment. If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support CUFI UK further, please consider making a donation to our work. Thank you!

https://www.cufi.org.uk/news/uk-government-confirms-iran-is-mapping-british-jews-in-preparation-for-attacks/
UK government confirms Iran is ‘mapping’ British Jews in preparation for attacks
Feb 24, 2023 | News, Operation Mordecai

UK government confirms Iran is ‘mapping’ British Jews in preparation for attacks
The UK government has now confirmed reports from last week that the Iranian regime is planning to attack Jews and Israelis in the UK if Israel carries out a military attack on Iran.

This is a deeply troubling story. We have long spoken about the dangers of the Iranian regime in regards to Israel and to Western security, including threats to UK citizens, however, we hoped they would stoop to planning on carrying out targeted attacks on British civilians in this manner. This should be a wake up call to the British government regarding how it deals with Iran.

Last week the Jewish Chronicle broke the story that Iran was mapping out the locations of Jews in the UK, as well as Israelis and Iranian anti-regime activists who live in the UK, after covering the storage of a Jewish woman who infiltrated the Iranian regime.

Shockingly, the UK government has now confirmed to the newspaper that the reports are true and that the Iranian regime is paying criminals in the UK to spy for them.

The UK’s Security Minister Tom Tugendhat, who is responsible for MI5, said: “You were right. We have very clear intelligence about the activities of hostile regimes in the UK and we keep a very close eye on what their agents and those close to them are doing.

“We know that the Iranians are using non-traditional sources to carry out these operations, including organised criminal gangs.

“They are paying criminal gangs to conduct surveillance.

“Basically, the Iranians are using crooks based in Britain to spy for them.”

He added: “You can be very clear that I wouldn’t have mentioned Jewish and Israeli targets unless I had good reason to do so.

“I take all threats against anyone in the UK very seriously and the reason I highlighted Israelis and the Jewish community is that we have been seeing threats and Iranian operational activity directed against them. I do not issue these warnings lightly,” said Tugendhat.

The Security Minister also confirmed that the UK was not the only target. “We can connect this to the threat of lethal operations, and this is one of the things I have been discussing in conversations with the French, the Germans, the Americans and others,” Tugendhat said.

The interview with Tugendhat came after he spoke in the House of Commons earlier in the week. A video of which can be seen here:

VIDEO

Last week, the threat from Iran was raised by a Jewish woman who had gone undercover to Tehran and met key figures within the Iranian regime. French-born Catherine Perez-Shakdam, who lives in the UK, told the Jewish Chronicle how she was told of the plan to map high-profile Jews to “make the diaspora pay a price” for any Israeli attack.

“The idea was to identify all the prominent NGOs (Non Governmental Organisations) run by Jews, who was doing what in each business sector, the important rabbis,” Perez-Shakdam, 41, said.

“They wanted to figure out their influence and where they lived with their families in order to target them.

“They wanted to have a better understanding so they would know how to strike and where, so that if Israel ever dared to attack Iran, the diaspora would have a very nasty surprise,” she said.

Catherine Pere-Shakdam said that Iran’s leadership is only scared of one thing, that is an Israeli attack upon them. They know that Israel is currently a superior military force. Iranian leaders will do everything possible to protect themselves and their interests, including terrorism against Jews in the UK, Europe and America.

We must pray for the protection of the Jewish community in the UK. The tyrants of Tehran have no right in threatening innocent civilians, and their targeting of the Jewish people in this manner highlights their antisemitism. Likewise, this news is going to impact and frighten a number of British people who may feel they are being targeted. We must pray for protection over our land, over the Jewish community of Britain and for all those who stand up for Israel and against the Iranian regime. We pray that the British security forces will be able to stop any plans of the enemy and that the people of Britain and Israel will be protected from all acts of Iranian terror. May God protect His people.

https://www.faithwire.com/2023/02/15/best-feeling-in-the-world-terry-crews-celebrates-marriage-to-praying-woman/?
‘Best Feeling in the World’: Terry Crews Celebrates Marriage to ‘Praying Woman’
AP Photo/Richard Drew

By Tré Goins-Phillips
Editor

5 hours ago
“America’s Got Talent” host Terry Crews has been honest and upfront about his past struggles with pornography, and now he’s praising his wife for the prayerfulness that helped them through that and other trials in their life together.

“She’s a praying woman,” he recently told The Christian Post of his wife, Rebecca. “She has prayed us through so many things. One thing I know is that, to have a woman like that, who really wants the best for you, let me tell you, there’s no replacing.”

Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast


Crews went on to describe his wife’s commitment to prayer as “absolutely the best feeling in the world.”

The 54-year-old actor and TV personality made the comments at the Movieguide Awards, which he hosted. Crews’ laudatory remarks about his wife come after his transparency about dealing with an addiction to pornography, a struggle he said began when he was just 9 years old.

Last year, the “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” star opened up about the “90-day sex fast” he went on to help him kick his compulsion to consume pornography. He said his wife joined him on the unconventional fast.

“Rebecca was right there and she actually regrouped with me,” he explained. “I went on a 90-day sex fast [with] her. And people were like, ‘Whoa, that’s crazy!’ But let me tell you something — what was so beautiful about that, was it took me to a time when I was 12 years old and I liked a girl and I didn’t know anything about sex.”

Crews said the fast jumpstarted his relationship with Rebecca, whom he wed in 1989.

“[A]ll I did was give her a flower and say, ‘I like you for who you are,'” he said, noting he struggled with pornography for two decades before admitting it to his wife. “And it wasn’t about sex. It took us back to those moments. I felt like I was 12 years old again, because sex had been taken out of the equation and it was all about love again.”

The “AGT” emcee said Rebecca’s prayer life has drawn the two of them closer to one another, especially during Crews’ battle against pornography addiction — which led to infidelity.

Rebecca previously told The Christian Post, “We understand the Bible says lust is never satisfied. So, when you toy with something like an addiction to porn, it’s going to lead you to other places.”

Her confrontation and authenticity with Crews ultimately led the couple to reconcile.

“I’m very proud of him,” she recalled. “I’m very thankful that he made the choice to deal with demons and to save our family because we need him.”

***As the number of voices facing big-tech censorship continues to grow, please sign up for Faithwire’s daily newsletter and download the CBN News app, developed by our parent company, to stay up-to-date with the latest news from a distinctly Christian perspective.***

https://www.faithwire.com/2023/01/31/god-is-real-actor-chris-pratt-delivers-powerful-proclamation-about-his-viral-mtv-speech-hitting-on-prayer-having-a-soul/
‘God Is Real’: Actor Chris Pratt Delivers Powerful Proclamation About His Viral MTV Speech Hitting on Prayer, Having a Soul

Chris Pratt arrives at the premiere of "Thor: Love and Thunder," Thursday, June 23, 2022, at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

By Billy Hallowell
Editor

10 hours ago
Over the years, actor Chris Pratt’s faith has often been a media focal point, as the “Jurrasic World” star has routinely shared Bible verses and uplifting messages with fans.

Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast


But Pratt also shocked some people last summer, when he curiously told Men’s Health, “I’m not a religious person,” sparking questions about what, exactly, he meant.

The comments were surprising and came just a few years after Pratt took to a major stage to encourage people to believe in God and prayer. These proclamations, which went viral at the time, encouraged many and sparked speculation about the actor’s worldview.

The aforementioned comments heralding faith and God unfolded during a 2018 speech at the MTV Movie & TV Awards, when Pratt spoke of God’s love for humanity.

“God is real; God loves you,” Pratt said while accepting The Generation Award. “God wants the best for you. Believe that — I do.”

This fueled speculation in 2022 about why Pratt was suddenly saying he’s not a “religious person.” Coincidentally, the actor also addressed his MTV speech in the Men’s Health interview. Here’s a portion of the article in which Pratt addresses the viral speech:

A few years ago, [Pratt] explains, he was asked to give a speech at the MTV Movie & TV Awards as the recipient of a Generation Award (a lifetime-achievement honor for people with a lot of life left to live), and he was instructed to say something inspiring. So, standing next to a trophy made of golden popcorn, he spoke from the heart: “God is real. God loves you. God wants the best for you.” He also said, “Don’t be a turd.” But people mostly just remember the God part.

“Maybe it was hubris. For me to stand up on the stage and say the things that I said, I’m not sure I touched anybody,” he offers, and he gets why people were put off. “Religion has been oppressive as f*** for a long time,” he says as we walk over a tiny footbridge, the words spilling out in an emotional tidal wave. “I didn’t know that I would kind of become the face of religion when really I’m not a religious person. I think there’s a distinction between being religious—adhering to the customs created by man, oftentimes appropriating the awe reserved for who I believe is a very real God—and using it to control people, to take money from people, to abuse children, to steal land, to justify hatred. Whatever it is. The evil that’s in the heart of every single man has glommed on to the back of religion and come along for the ride.”

These comments are certainly intriguing and, without talking to Pratt, we’re only left with the static statements included in the article. But let’s briefly and generally address the “I’m not religious” claim. For some Christians, such a proclamation involves rejecting dogmatic and ritualistic elements.

“I’m a person of faith; I’m not religious” can sometimes mean a person is simply more focused on a relationship with Jesus and the Bible than any of the other trappings sometimes perpetuated by and fuelled through mankind’s religious structures.

The Men’s Health quote makes it seem as though Pratt was discouraged by the reaction to his speech.

But earlier this month, the actor seemingly opened that discussion back up with an Instagram post looking back at that famed MTV speech.

“Throwback to that time MTV honored me with ‘The Generation Award,'” he wrote in an Instagram caption. “I was given three minutes to impart wisdom to the next generation.”

And Pratt wasn’t done there. He continued, “Given the chance to do it again, I wouldn’t change a thing. Except maybe I wouldn’t try to eat the popcorn backstage.”

The accompanying video included the nine rules Pratt laid out to the MTV audience. While some were clearly comical, others appeared to be predicated on his devotion to faith:

1. “Breathe. If you don’t, you will suffocate.”

2. “You have a soul. Be careful with it.”

3. “Don’t be a turd. If you are strong, be a protector. If you are smart, be a humble influencer. Strength and intelligence can be weapons, so do not wield them against the weak. That makes you a bully. Be bigger than that.”

4. “When giving a dog medicine, put the medicine in a little piece of hamburger and they won’t even know they’re eating medicine.”

5. “It doesn’t matter what it is. Earn it. A good deed. Reach out to someone in pain. Be of service. It feels good and it’s good for your soul.”

6. “God is real. God loves you. God wants the best for you. Believe that, I do.”

7. ”If you have to poop at a party, but you’re embarrassed because you’re going to stink up the bathroom, just do what I do. Lock the door, sit down, get all of the pee out first. And then, once all the pee is done, poop, flush, boom! You minimize the amount of time that the poop’s touching the air. Because if you poop first, it takes you longer to pee and then you’re peeing on top of it, stirring up the poop particles, create a cloud, goes out, then everyone at the party will know that you pooped. Just trust me, it’s science.”

8. “Learn to pray. It’s easy, and it is so good for your soul.”

9. “Nobody is perfect. People will tell you that you are perfect just the way that you are; you’re not! You’re imperfect. You always will be, but there is a powerful force that designed you that way, and if you are willing to accept that, you will have grace. And grace is a gift. Like the freedom that we enjoy in this country, that grace was paid for with somebody else’s blood. Do not forget it. Don’t take it for granted.”

You can watch the speech here:


The most interesting part of Pratt’s latest post was his decision to re-share the video with the proclamation he “wouldn’t change a thing.”

It’s certainly an intriguing development in the ongoing speculation about Pratt’s faith walk. You can read more about the actor’s beliefs here.

***As the number of voices facing big-tech censorship continues to grow, please sign up for Faithwire’s daily newsletter and download the CBN News app, developed by our parent company, to stay up-to-date with the latest news from a distinctly Christian perspective.***

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https://www.faithwire.com/2023/01/30/virtue-signaling-nonsense-london-school-of-economics-cancels-christian-holidays-lent-easter-from-academic-calendar/
‘Virtue-Signaling Nonsense’: London School of Economics Cancels Christian Holidays Lent, Easter From Academic Calendar

By Tré Goins-Phillips
Editor

4 hours ago
Administrators at the London School of Economics have stripped Lent and Easter — as well as Christmas — from the academic calendar in an attempt to become more “international.”

The move has been decried by critics as “ludicrous” and “virtue-signaling nonsense.”

Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast


Beginning next year, the Michaelmas term — a reference to the feast of Michael the Archangel — will be renamed “autumn term,” Christmas to “winter break,” Lent to “winter term,” and Easter to “spring break,” according to LBC.

The LSE, founded in 1895, has been an academic stalwart for centuries. In a statement, a spokesperson said the university’s revamped calendar is intended to align with its “broader global engagement.”

“These new names use more accessible and widely recognized terminology, and better reflect the international nature of our community and our broader global engagement,” said the representative.

Some fear this shift is nothing more than an attempt to appease the political and cultural left.

Toby Young, general secretary of the Free Speech Union, said the move “reflects the fact that the LSE, like most British universities, is in thrall to a new religious cult — the church of woke — that is far more dogmatic than Christianity.”

Anglican Deacon Calvin Robinson called the rebranding “whitewashing Christ from the calendar.”

“[Pop singer] Sam Smith is trending for normalizing debauchery and degeneracy,” he tweeted. “Police officers are prancing around with rainbow flags and glitter again. We truly live in a post-Christian Britain and it is ugly.”

Simon Calvert, deputy director of The Christian Institute, told The Telegraph, “We have been warning for years that Christians are being pushed from the public square, yet the problem is getting worse.”

“Christians and those with traditional views often find themselves silenced or bullied,” he said. “It’s particularly ironic when this happens at institutions that were originally founded on Christian principles and with endowments from Christian benefactors.”

“So this ludicrous decision by the LSE to rebrand traditional academic terms, by scrapping references to the calendar of the established church, is more virtue-signaling nonsense that creates exclusion in the name of inclusivity,” added Calvert.

The LSE’s announcement comes on the heels of a new report about the decrease in Christianity in Europe.

A census from 2021 found that — for the first time — less than half of England and Wales (46.2%) describe themselves as Christian, the BBC reported. In 2011, 59.3% called themselves Christian.

***As the number of voices facing big-tech censorship continues to grow, please sign up for Faithwire’s daily newsletter and download the CBN News app, developed by our parent company, to stay up-to-date with the latest news from a distinctly Christian perspective.***

VERY IMPORTANT CHRISTIAN CONCERN Faithw164
https://www.faithwire.com/2023/01/27/ex-psychics-alarming-warning-to-parents-about-witchcraft-evil-and-the-occult-shows-how-deceptive-the-devil-is/
Ex-Psychic’s Alarming Warning to Parents About Witchcraft, Evil, and the Occult: ‘Shows How Deceptive the Devil Is’
By Billy Hallowell
Editor

6 hours ago
Once overtaken by the occult, an ex-psychic is speaking out about culture’s obsession with crystals, herbs, and other items tied to witchcraft.

Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast


Jenn Nizza, a Christian who now shares her testimony on social media and through her new podcast, “Ex-Psychic Saved,” warned about young people’s increased use of such tools.

“This is so New Age … using crystals for protection, to ward off evil, for enlightenment, to bring about psychic awareness, to place on chakras, thinking you’re going to open them up and use the energy from the crystals,” she told CBN’s Faithwire. “This whole thing is relying on energy with crystals.”

Nizza reflected on her past use of crystals as a psychic, noting she used a heart-shaped rose quartz pendant to try and draw love toward herself. She said people use crystals for other reasons as well, including protection against illness.

“It’s really so scary,” she said, noting the use of such tools is growing.

Watch Nizza break down the increasing obsession with crystals:


Nizza is correct about the pervasiveness of the issue, as the Springtide Research Institute told CBN’s Faithwire it found 44% of young people between the ages of 13 and 25 “engage with herbs/crystals as a spiritual practice.” Shockingly, 21% do so every week.

These numbers have the ex-medium concerned.

“I’m heartbroken by that … because it just shows how deceptive the devil is … and how he’s not even hiding,” she said. “These kids are so exposed to witchcraft these days and they’re really looking for something — they’re really looking to feel better, they’re really looking for identity, they’re looking for love. They’re looking for all the things that only God can do.”

Tragically, Nizza said many aren’t hearing about God and are instead learning about tools like crystals. She said such mechanisms are “trendy” and made to look glamorous but are actually “spiritually dangerous.”

“It’s witchcraft,” she said. “It’s witchcraft, because you are invoking. Once you go to that crystal and you think you’re going to manifest something from that, whether it’s health protection, increase your happiness, increase your wealth … you are invoking demons.”

Nizza said people mistakenly think there is power in the crystals but believes, instead, that use of such tools — something precluded throughout Scripture — attracts evil. She said the demonic realm manipulates circumstances and plants ideas.

“The demons are the ones that have the power,” she said. “The crystal is a rock that God created.”

Nizza continued, “They’re making a choice, willingly, to put their faith and trust in God’s creation rather than the Creator.”

In the end, Nizza said the increased use of such tools is tragic but cannot be “shocking” in light of culture’s trajectory, with the occult making its way into entertainment and mainstream culture.

These occultic practices, including tarot cards and the Ouija board, are being mainstreamed and creating spiritual dangers many simply fall into.

“The devil’s … bold, and he’s blatant, and he’s out there,” Nizza said. “And the kids are exposed to it.”

She encouraged people to use their ministries and platforms to combat this messaging and to reach people with truth. Nizza, an avid social media user and podcaster, leverages technology to share her incredible story.

She also encouraged parents to talk with their kids about these topics.

“We need to do our best to keep making the kids aware,” Nizza said. “The world is trying to push God out further and further.”

***As the number of voices facing big-tech censorship continues to grow, please sign up for Faithwire’s daily newsletter and download the CBN News app, developed by our parent company, to stay up-to-date with the latest news from a distinctly Christian perspective.***

4
NYU Professor Says Generation Z Is Causing 'National Crisis'
Generation Z is putting the future of the U.S. at risk, according to one leading social psychologist.
Jonathan Haidt, an author and professor at the New York University Stern School of Business, recently told The Wall Street Journal that Generation Z — those born between 1997 and 2012 — are “doing terribly” compared to their older peers and could be sparking a “national crisis.”
Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast
As the first generation to grow up entirely in the internet era, Haidt is deeply concerned about Gen Zers’ mental and emotional fragility. He told the newspaper there has “never been a generation this depressed, anxious, and fragile” — including members of their predecessor Millennials.
“When you look at Americans born after 1995,” he said, “what you find is that they have extraordinarily high rates of anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide, and fragility.”
A recent study by Harmony Healthcare IT found 42% of Gen Zers have been diagnosed with a mental health condition. Relatedly, 57% are currently taking medication for their mental health conditions and 90% of those with such conditions admit struggling with anxiety.
These crippling concerns, the professor explained, have left members of Generation Z potentially less productive. He argued the mental fragility has pushed the younger generation into “defend mode” rather than “discover mode.”
MORE 
https://www.faithwire.com/2023/01/13/nyu-professor-says-generation-z-is-causing-national-crisis/


Homeless Ministry Fights Back After Government Allegedly ‘Cripples’ Its Work With ‘Cease and Desist’
Photo by Ev on Unsplash
By Billy Hallowell Editor
January 13, 2023
A ministry in Tennessee is fighting back after a city reportedly issued a cease-and-desist letter precluding the organization from operating.
Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast
The Father’s House, a homeless ministry of Living Water Full Gospel Church in Westmoreland, Tennessee, informed officials with the city of Westmoreland in a letter issued through attorneys that they believe the government is purportedly violating both state and federal laws by precluding the ministry from living out its mission and providing housing.
Ryan Gardner, an attorney with First Liberty, a religious liberty law firm representing the ministry alongside Anderson & Reynolds PLC, told CBN’s Faithwire The Father’s House ministry is run by a husband and wife who are former drug addicts and who “escaped that drug addiction and now they feel called to … minister to other men who are seeking to escape the trappings of drug addiction.”
MORE https://www.faithwire.com/2023/01/13/homeless-ministry-fights-back-after-government-allegedly-cripples-its-work-with-cease-and-desist/


Sixth Graders ‘Tried Out Some Pole Dancing’ on Field Trip, School Board Trustee Says
Photo by Jon Tyson/Unsplash
By Tré Goins-Phillips
Editor
January 13, 2023
A group of sixth graders from a Michigan public school recently went on a field trip, where some of them reportedly “tried out pole dancing” at a restaurant with an attached lounge.
The incident from the November field trip was recently highlighted by Libs of TikTok.
Andrew Weaver, a trustee on the board for Rochester Community Schools, shared details of the incident, which occurred during a field trip organized by a teacher at Hart Middle School, Fox News reported. She was taking the kids to see the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and, according to Weaver, took the students to Niki’s Pizza for lunch.
Because of a lack of space in the restaurant, Weaver explained, the kids were taken into the adjoining lounge, which includes stripper poles. He shared photos and details to his Facebook page.
Weaver, who successfully ran for the trustee position amid growing concern and frustration over decisions made by district administrators, told Fox News the school was not clear or honest about what transpired during the field trip.
“How did we get here?” he asked. “How do we not just communicate clearly to parents what happened? A mistake was made and address it and make sure that we have the policies in place to prevent it from happening again in the future.”
“It’s not a witch hunt,” the trustee added. “No one’s going after anyone. It’s really just about how do we make sure that we communicate properly.”
Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast 
MORE https://www.faithwire.com/2023/01/13/sixth-graders-tried-out-some-pole-dancing-on-field-trip-school-board-trustee-says/