Pride Event Canceled in Europe

Orthodox Christians march in Belgrade, Serbia

Pride Event Canceled as Europeans March in Defense of Christian Values: 'We Don't Give Up Holy Places'

These days, it is often considered tantamount to professing allegiance to Nazi ideology to openly oppose homosexuality as a matter of Christian conviction.

This vitriol towards basic Christian sexual ethics and cultural values has caused many a believer to cower apologetically or even downright support LGBT lifestyles to avoid being branded as “hateful.”

Even the most right-wing conservatives often pour their energy into defending their views and trying to make them more palatable to the secular left according to the left’s own values.

I’ve expended quite a lot of breath on this subject myself, but the truth is, it is far too easy to become overly concerned with the opinion of man while forgetting the exponentially more important fear of the Lord.

Truth be told, to conscience-bound Christians, it doesn’t matter what the world thinks of our loyalty to God — it only matters that we have loyalty to God, and boldly and shamelessly so.

So I believe we have something to admire in the thousands of Serbian Christians who protested against a massive LGBT “pride” event planned in their country — Christians who were not afraid to boldly declare that “we don’t give up holy places,” as one sign professed.

The protest was held in the Balkan country’s capital of Belgrade on Sunday and organized by opponents of a “Euro Pride” event that was scheduled to take place in the city in September.

Reuters reported that thousands turned up, led by members of the Serbian Orthodox Church, whose bishops are calling for the event to be banned.

The outlet noted that the day before, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic had said Euro Pride, which is held every year in a different European city, will be postponed or canceled.

Still adamant as to the threat to traditional values that the LGBT movement poses in their country, protesters carried signs saying “Keep your hands off our children” and “We don’t want a gay parade and occupation by the West,” according to Balkan Insight.

All “far-right” Serbian political parties have reportedly condemned Euro Pride, and the now-suspended event has been the subject of scathing remarks from Bishop Nikanor of Banat, who stated this month that the “pride” attendees would “flaunt and desecrate the city of Belgrade, the holy Serbian city.”

“I will curse all those who organize and participate in something like that,” he reportedly said, going as far as to declare, “If I had a weapon, I would use it. I would use that force if only I had it, but I do not.”

Now, something many Americans don’t understand is the cultural complexities of Eastern European loyalties and where they might lie after the tumultuous last two centuries.

And so we certainly don’t need to support everything these Serbians stand for — Reuters noted a marked presence of pro-Russia sentiment, for example, and we cannot wholeheartedly condone the outraged bishop’s desire to use a weapon to prevent the “pride” event from taking place.

What is not difficult to understand, however, whether you are discussing Serbia or other nations such as those in Africa and Latin America, is the sick and twisted ideological colonialism coming out of Western Europe and the U.S., imposing progressive, atheistic values upon traditional, Christian cultures.

The United Nations, the European Union and the government of the United States are often accused of attaching promises of aid to the aggressive advancement of progressive priorities like abortion and LGBT “rights.”

Serbia is currently a candidate to join the EU. Reuters reported that the country will have to “improve the rule of law and its human and minority rights record” to make the cut, so banning “pride” parades is likely out if it hopes to join the enlightened West in this regard.

Meanwhile, Western Christians have stood by, afraid of being termed hateful, old-world bigots for opposing LGBT ideology in our own “advanced” countries.

To many Europeans, defending their traditional values is a matter of defending centuries of heritage and tradition. But to the unified body of Christ across the globe, defending our right to boldly oppose objective immorality is a matter of defending the cross and our right to bow before it.

Christianity spread around the world across centuries and brought with it unprecedented advancements in education, human rights, and dignity for women and children.

As the fear of God has been systematically dismantled, so have these critical social advancements and the values of universal liberty that could have only originated in a profound regard for the Creator of mankind.

It is high time we stop being afraid of whom we’ll offend when we stand up for our values — it should concern us much more how many people don’t care about offending God.

So as you watch things like drag shows for children and shamelessly vulgar LGBT “pride” parades become the norm in the U.S., why not ask yourself, sincerely, who it is that you truly fear — God or man?

Europeans March in Defense of Christian Values

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NGJM: The Most Gracious Miss Grace

 

Miss Grace lived in a tiny apartment adjoining my grandmother's big rambling home. I remember many times sitting at her small, fold-down table having a cup of tea from one of her tiny tea cups. Where we sat was a bookshelf of sorts filled with 30 charmingly arranged miniature cup-and-saucer sets. They were always carefully dusted and displayed. The whole scene looked like a picture. She said every set was a gift from someone precious to her.

When I was a child, she had a way of making me feel important as I sat with her sipping from her dainty cup and eating stale cookies that I clearly remembered from the last visit several months earlier. I assumed either she rarely had a visitor or she saved that particular type of cookie for me. Miss Grace worked at the public library, which at that time was an important hub of society. She made $30 a week, so her larder was quite sparse.

One day as I sat at her table sipping and visiting, one of my rude boy cousins burst into the apartment and fussed harshly at me for leaving my grandmother's front door open in the cold of winter. I knew I was not guilty and my face probably showed my anger. Miss Grace had the teacup to her mouth so I barely saw her lips move; her voice directed at me was just above a soothing whisper. “A lady is always gracious, maintaining her composure and dignity. God says, ‘He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.’” I know she thought she shrewdly calmed the storm, but I would battle and win later. No jerk was going to blame me.

It irked me that she expected me to just roll over and play dead. I fumed, "You know I have been in here with you all morning. It was not me! Should I just let the nasty bugger off? It was probably him that left the door open! He always makes Granny think I am the bad one."
Her smile was familiar as well as a gentle reminder to me of my crude, childish tone. “The truth may never come out, but who is guilty is not as important as how we respond. It’s just a door and not a matter of honor, which, of course, would call for judgement. Wisdom is to know when it is right to stand for judgement and when to let it drop. Usually, we need to forgive. Granny knows that when you are not in town the door is left open, and so she knows the truth. God says, ‘Forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.’” She had plenty of Bible verses, as God was her substance.

At every magical visit she said something that profoundly affected me even when it was unwanted. Once while we sat at her table, I watched as she lowered eyes to her hands while they moved over her lap carefully smoothing the delicate material of her ancient but prudently kept dress. I grew pensive because I knew she was about to say something she felt was important. “A lady knows the difference between sexy and elegant and always seeks the higher ground. God says, ‘Women adorn themselves in modest apparel.’ You are almost a woman so that is written for you,” she said. I am sure my young teenage face blushed. I had no idea who told her about my new swimwear; it was probably my renegade cousin. Without a doubt, I knew she was referring to my new bathing suit, which was not in the least elegant. I have not yet learned how to rebuke someone so thoroughly while maintaining such graciousness.

Miss Grace was not a “Miss” at all. In her youth she had married a local man. Years passed and there was no child. She could have grieved, closed down emotionally, and begun the process of brain-death, but instead she found an outlet at the library working with children. Being childless was tough enough, but life hit her with the harshest of blows. Her husband had an affair with a much younger woman. The lady in question got pregnant.

Opinions have drastically changed in the last 80 years concerning divorce and unwed mothers. At that time in history a divorced woman always had a murky cloud over her regardless of how wronged she had been by her husband. An unmarried pregnant woman had a far worse cloud, as did the fatherless child. The young pregnant woman visited Miss Grace at the home that she shared with her then-husband, and asked her to agree to a divorce so she could marry the unfaithful husband before the baby was born. That is when Miss Grace became a Miss and moved into the tiny apartment that was attached to my Granny’s home. In all the years I knew her, I never heard Miss Grace’s last name spoken. In a town that small, everyone knew everything. I know that every day was a new day of holding her head high as people watched and whispered.

The new family quickly had several more children. A few short years later, very late one evening, the second wife showed up at Miss Grace's tiny apartment, and this time she was pitifully begging. Her husband was on a drinking binge, her babies were terribly ill, she was exhausted and they were in need of food, and no one was willing to help due to her sin. Miss Grace followed her home and for the next week cared for her and her children until they were well. She spent her own meager funds to buy necessary food. When the crisis was over she quietly returned to her tiny cups to sip tea alone.

My mom told me that in all the many years she had known Miss Grace she had never heard her say a negative word about her ex-husband or the woman who stole him. She did remember Miss Grace speaking with joy of his children and then his children's children visiting her at the library every afternoon on their way home from school.

When Miss Grace was 86 years old, she won the Gold Cup at the County Fair Senior Citizen's Beauty Contest. I was newly married but wanted to go to the fair for that one event. I remember Miss Grace’s tall, straight, slim figure dressed in a graceful, flowing new dress of subdued purple flowers walking down the runway with twelve long-stemmed red roses in her arms. Her silvery-white hair was pressed into small, tight waves reflecting a style 60 years gone. She was truly beautiful. The whole town rejoiced with and for her.

A few years later Miss Grace died peacefully in her sleep. Hebrews chapter 11 comes to mind when I think of Miss Grace. It is the chapter in the Bible listing the greatest biblical characters of all times. "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city" (Hebrews 11:13–16).

By faith Miss Grace lived a life of grace and forgiveness, and although she had much cause, she had no voice to blame others. She forgave and went on with her life regardless of hardships, blessing all who needed her. Now 60 years later she is still blessing others.
“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matt. 25:21).

Miss Grace by No Greater Joy Ministries

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Christmas 2021: Just the Name We Need

IMMANUEL: God with us.  What does it mean? 

Sermons -- Warren Wiersbe

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Atheist Professor vs Albert Einstein

Professor : You are a Christian, aren’t you, son ?

Student : Yes, sir.

Professor: So, you believe in GOD ?

Student : Absolutely, sir.

Professor : Is GOD good ?

Student : Sure.

Professor: Is GOD all powerful ?

Student : Yes.

Professor : My brother died of cancer even though he prayed to GOD to heal him. Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But GOD didn’t. How is this GOD good then? Hmm?

(Student was silent.)

Professor : You can’t answer, can you ? Let’s start again, young fella. Is GOD good?

Student : Yes.

Professor : Is Satan good ?

Student : No.

Professor : Where does Satan come from ?

Student : From … GOD …

Professor : That’s right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world?

Student : Yes.

Professor : Evil is everywhere, isn’t it ? And GOD did make everything. Correct?

Student : Yes.

Professor : So who created evil ?

(Student did not answer.)

Professor: Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the world, don’t they?

Student : Yes, sir.

Professor : So, who created them ?

(Student had no answer.)

Professor : Science says you have 5 Senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Tell me, son, have you ever seen GOD?

Student : No, sir.

Professor : Tell us if you have ever heard your GOD?

Student : No , sir.

Professor : Have you ever felt your GOD, tasted your GOD, smelt your GOD? Have you ever had any sensory perception of GOD for that matter?

Student : No, sir. I’m afraid I haven’t.

Professor : Yet you still believe in Him?

 Student : Yes.

Professor : According to Empirical, Testable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says your GOD doesn’t exist. What do you say to that, son?

Student : Nothing. I only have my faith.

Professor : Yes, faith. And that is the problem Science has.

Student : Professor, is there such a thing as heat?

Professor : Yes.

Student : And is there such a thing as cold?

Professor : Yes.

Student : No, sir. There isn’t.

(The lecture theater became very quiet with this turn of events.)

Student : Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, superheat, mega heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don’t have anything called cold. We can hit 458 degrees below zero which is no heat, but we can’t go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold. Cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.

(There was pin-drop silence in the lecture theater.)

Student : What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?

Professor : Yes. What is night if there isn’t darkness?

Student : You’re wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light. But if you have no light constantly, you have nothing and its called darkness, isn’t it? In reality, darkness isn’t. If it is, well you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn’t you?

Professor : So what is the point you are making, young man ?

Student : Sir, my point is your philosophical premise is flawed.

Professor : Flawed ? Can you explain how?

Student : Sir, you are working on the premise of duality. You argue there is life and then there is death, a good GOD and a bad GOD. You are viewing the concept of GOD as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, Science can’t even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing.

Death is not the opposite of life: just the absence of it. Now tell me, Professor, do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?

Professor : If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, yes, of course, I do.

Student : Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?

(The Professor shook his head with a smile, beginning to realize where the argument was going.)

Student : Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor. Are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a scientist but a preacher?

(The class was in uproar.)

Student : Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the Professor’s brain?

(The class broke out into laughter. )

Student : Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor’s brain, felt it, touched or smelt it? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established Rules of Empirical, Stable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says that you have no brain, sir. With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures, sir?

(The room was silent. The Professor stared at the student, his face unfathomable.)

Professor : I guess you’ll have to take them on faith, son.

Student : That is it sir … Exactly ! The link between man & GOD is FAITH. That is all that keeps things alive and moving.

P.S.

I believe you have enjoyed the conversation. And if so, you’ll probably want your friends / colleagues to enjoy the same, won’t you?

Forward this to increase their knowledge … or FAITH.

By the way, that student was EINSTEIN (date of birth --  March 14, 1879)

SHARE.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1 )

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Albert Einstein

**

US Political Life 2021: Lessons Learned from 5 Roman Emperors

Unlocking the Bible,
 by Pastor Colin Smith
A study of Romans 12 during these troubling, uncertain political times.

"Overcoming Evil with Good"




5 Roman Emperors:
(spans approx. 70 years after Christ's birth)

1.  Emperor Augustus  ( 23 September 63 BC – 19 August AD 14)
     Reigned from 27 BC until his death in AD 14

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (Luke 2:1)

2. Emperor Tiberius (6 November 42 BC – 16 March 37 AD)

   Year 29 AD: the start of Jesus' ministry.
    Reigned from 14 AD to 37 AD

Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene ... (Luke 3)

3.  Emperor Caligula (31 August 12 – 24 January 41 AD)
     Reigned as emperor from AD 37 to AD 41.  
    4 traumatic years

He had an illness that affected him deeply and turned him into a tyrant, thus increasingly losing his mind.  Ordered an altar built for himself.  Believed he was a god.  
Roman secular historian, SUETONIUS wrote that Caligula ordered all statues of gods from around the Roman empire should be brought back to Rome.  Heads cut off, images on faces and new heads s/b of Caligula.  A golden statue in the temple had to be dressed like him daily.  There were excesses, indulgences, orgies.  Caligula spent all of the assets/money of the state passed on by Emperor Tiberius.  

 A man ought to be either a good economist, or an Emperor - - Caligula

Four years later, Emperor Caligula was assassinated by 2 members of his Guards

4.  Emperor Claudius (1 August 10 BC – 13 October AD 54)
reigned as Emperor  from AD 41 to 54

Gave edict regarding Jews -- that all Jews depart from Rome.  Yet, there was somewhat of a relief after Emperor Caligula.  Priscilla & Aquila had moved to Corinth because Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart Rome.

 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;

 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. (Acts 18:1,2)

5.  Emperor Nero (15 December 37 – 9 June 68 AD)
The year was 54 AD.  His Uncle was Emperor Claudius.  Nero ruled for 15 years.  He committed suicide at age 32.  

•  Nero had a good singing voice.  Historian, Suetonius, wrote that spectators even pretended to be dead in order to be carried out of Nero's ego-filled shows
• Nero was a man of extraordinary cruelty.  He arranged for the murder of his first wife, his aunt, and of his mother.
• Nero married 5x ... to 3 women ... and to 2 men ... over the course of 15 years.

"The whole of [Nero's] life was one continual scene of lewdness, sensuality, cruelty and folly." -- Suetonius

What were the CHRISTIANS up to?

At 33 AD the Church was "born".  The next 30 years, as recorded in the Book of Acts, were years during the reign of Caligula, Claudius, and Nero.

The Book of Romans, was written by the Apostle Paul in Corinth during Winter of year 56-57 AD.  Romans 12 was written when Nero was Emperor - - wow!!  Apostle Paul wrote Believers to submit to governing authorities (during the reign of Nero!). 

Shortly after the Book of Romans was written, false charges were brought against the Apostle Paul in Caesarea and he was arrested.  But Paul was a Roman citizen.  Any Roman citizen charged with a crime had the Right of Appeal to be tried in Rome itself, rather than in a conquered province.  See Acts 25:11 

"... I appeal unto Caesar." 

Two years after AD 60-61, the Apostle Peter was in Rome.  While he was there, he wrote 1 Peter.  Moved by the Holy Spirit, Peter writes in 1 Peter 4:12 (AD 63)

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

Peter was prophetically speaking about the great fire of Rome which happened in AD 64 -- one year later.

Tacitus, Roman historian, wrote that only 4 of the 14 Roman precincts were unaffected by the fire.  As Rome burned, Nero sang.  Thus, the famous saying,  "Fiddling while Rome burned."

People knew that Nero was behind the fire.  Thus, Nero needed a scapegoat -- Christians!

Tacitus:  To scotch the rumour, Nero punished with utmost cruelty, a class of men whom the crowd styled, "Christians".  Christians were arrested ...  vast majority convicted ... for hatred of the human race.

Their death was made a matter of sport... Hence there arose a feeling of pity toward Christians.  Their death was to satisfy the savagery of one man ...

This was only 6 years after Paul's appeal to the Emperor.

Christians have been here in these evil, uncertain times before.  

Christians are here today, but the ROMAN EMPIRE is not -- Pastor Colin Smith

Tertullian (c. 155 – c. 240 AD), Christian writer, was the first to call Nero the first persecutor of Christians.

"Examine your records.  There you will find that Nero was the first that persecuted this doctrine." (Tertullian, wikipedia).

Emperor Augustus

Emperor Tiberius

Emperor Caligula

Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus

Emperor Claudius

Emperor Nero

Publius (or Gaius) Cornelius Tacitus

Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus

***

While I was Driving, 17: Car License Plates for Quadriplegic and Others

Below's license plate is likely referring to the future, other-worldly  hope of paralyzed, quadriplegic Christian writer, Joni Eareckson Tada.  She also recently got infected with Covid-19 😕

We are the E Family -- and we  certainly love our 2 sons!

The ultimate Physician and healer of our souls -- the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth!

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4 )

Joni Eareckson Tada






**

Merry CHRISTmas 2020 From Our Family to Yours

 Joy, Joy, Joy!!!

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

(Luke 2 )

**

John Bunyan: Wise Guy

John Bunyan (30 November 1628 – 31 August 1688) .... was born approximately 392 years ago.  Similar to the Bible which he read, believed, and obeyed -- his wise words live on. His parents raised him well!  His book, The Pilgrim's Progress, is one book I want to take with me on my trips abroad. 

pc: The Doctrines of Grace

John Bunyan

FB: Doctrines of Grace

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Author, Joni Earekson Tada

JONI has a birthday (October 15th)! She became permanently permanently paralyzed from a diving accident while a vibrant, active 17-year old. She has never been not-dependent on the kindness and care of others since then.  She also recently had bouts with cancer. Now, she's 71 years old.  Who can bear this kind of Life? What has given Joni hope and sustained her through the years?  No one and nothing but the power of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth in her.  She is looking forward to someday "dancing" up in heaven.

Joni Eareckson Tada

**

I love you, but you hate my God?

This was an unforgettable convo that impressed me for its truths, honest answers, and a Dad's defense of his oldest son (Elija M).  











Elijah M: Having an awesome time of worship here at Deeper 20...!!

JJL: Ghandi said he came to love and respect Jesus Christ and would have became a Christian except for all the Christians

Tom M: Yes, but such a charge could be leveled against virtually any group based upon the select conduct of some of its adherents. For this reason, our focus must always remain on Jesus Christ and what he taught, because men and women of any and every creed will eventually disappoint us. Even the Apostle Peter denied Christ three times. Who of us is any better?

JJL:  I'm done with the church

Tom M: I understand, but I am certain that Elijah has never wronged you and so I find the comments out of place here.

JJL: Perhaps you are right. My apologies.  Please convey that to him.  I am sorry

Tom M:  I will, but I am sure that he will see your followup comments here. I love you, call me if you want to talk

JJL: Thanks.  I actually didn't realize it was his post

Tom M:  I have been hurt by people in the church many times too and it's fair to say that I have hurt others along the way as well. I don't believe that someone being a Christian is the source of the problem, but rather the sinful nature that continues to operate in every single person (even if that person becomes a Christian). When I consider others at church who have hurt me, I don't view it any differently than if I was at the hospital getting care for my injuries and then someone else who was there for medical care unexpectedly vomited on me. You tend to run into sick people at the hospital. There are a lot of sin sick people at church.

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

(John 13:35)

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