thestream--2020-12-28--Why I Reject the ‘Christian Nationalist’ Label

Perhaps it is my background as a Jewish believer in Jesus .
Perhaps it is my calling as a preacher of the gospel first and a cultural-political commentator second .
Either way , until Jesus returns and sets up His kingdom here on the earth , I will reject any semblance of a Christian theocracy .
That includes Christian nationalism .
To be sure , some of my conservative colleagues want to embrace a positive use of the term , as in , “ I ’ m a Christian who is committed to the wellbeing of my nation .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that how others will understand our words , unless we qualify the meaning every time ?
In that case , why not simply find a better term ?
These conservative colleagues are certainly right to critique those who claim that , for Christian followers of Trump , Christian nationalism is the religion of white supremacy .
I , too , have rejected that equation , making clear that for the vast majority of white , Christian conservative , Trump supporters , our vote for him was not a vote to preserve a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see here . )
Promoting Patriotism is Not the Same as Promoting the Gospel Yet to the extent that the gospel is merged with patriotism and loyalty to Jesus is conflated with support for America , we are in error .
In a previous article I explained that , in my understanding , you were not a Christian nationalist simply because you were a follower of Jesus and you loved and appreciated America .
Or because you were patriotic and served in the military .
Or because you believed Trump was better for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt that God raised up America for special purposes in order to bless and help the world .
But you were a Christian nationalist if you confused loyalty to your country with loyalty to the kingdom of God .
Or you wrapped the gospel in an American flag .
Or you ‘ merge [ d ] Christian and American identities.
’ ” Is this just a matter of semantics , then ?
Perhaps for some it is .
But , since the term “ Christian nationalism ” is already fraught with so much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , why not simply identify as a “ Jesus-loving American ” ?
There goes the baggage and there goes the confusion , even when it comes to what “ Christian ” means .
( After all , roughly 75 percent of Americans identify as Christian , which is obviously far from reality . )
As for wanting to sound patriotic , let ’ s remember that in the Bible , the prophets were sometimes accused of being anti-patriotic .
That ’ s because , rather than joining with the nationalistic prophets , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first .
On some occasions , they even told the Israelite kings to submit to foreign leaders , since God was chastising the nation .
What could seem less patriotic than that ?
Yet it was because they truly loved their country that they felt the need to speak .
It is the same with many of us today who strongly reject the language of Christian nationalism .
Our love for God and country , which moves us to speak unpopular words , can be misconstrued as a lack of patriotism .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when the prophets renounced idolatry in any form , they were not applauded by their idolatrous nation .
Yet it was zeal for God and love for their nation that drove them .
It is that same zeal for God and love of country that moved some of us to speak up in the aftermath of the elections , as we saw a dangerous spike in Trumpism ( meaning , an unhealthy looking to Trump as some kind of political messiah ) .
Did we do this to gain the approval of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden administration ?
The suggestion is as laughable as it is ludicrous .
Speaking for myself , this reflected a position I have held to for decades in terms of Christians putting too much trust in a political leader .
And it is a position I often addressed as a Trump supporter .
Don ’ t We have Room for Sober-Minded Reflection ?
Perhaps there is room for some self-examination on the fervent pro-Trump side ?
Perhaps the concerns some of us are raising are not based on “ squishy compromise ” or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ middle ” but rather on sober spiritual reflection ?
( For my relevant discussion with Pastor Shane Idleman , see here . )
I mentioned at the outset of this article my perspective as a preacher of the gospel first and a cultural-political commentator second .
That means that , first and foremost , I see America as a nation needing to be saved , a nation needing to repent , a nation in need of God , a nation that is part of “ the world.
” And I see us , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nation , living in this world and yet not fully of this world .
As Peter wrote to the believers in his day , scattered throughout the Roman empire , “ Dear friends , I warn you as ‘ temporary residents and foreigners ’ to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls .
Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors .
Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong , they will see your honorable behavior , and they will give honor to God @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 Peter 2:11-12 , NLT ) .
That is how we live in this world in whatever country we find ourselves .
To the extent we can bring about change from the bottom up , that change will be lasting .
To the extent we try to impose it from the top down , it will be temporary , ultimately doing more harm than good .
Historically , Jews Have Not Fared Well Under Zealous Christian Rule I also mentioned at the outset of this article my perspective as a Jewish follower of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , generally speaking , have not fared well in countries where a zealous Christianity ruled , just as they have not fared well in countries where a zealous Islam ruled .
Jewish failure to conform to the spiritual and cultural norms brought all kinds of reprisals , sometimes culminating in exile .
That ’ s one reason why many Jewish voters in America fear the religious Christian right , even irrationally .
They wonder what would happen if Christian conservatives “ took over ” the nation .
Which of our values would we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jesus , we advocate for the life of the unborn and we support God ’ s definition of family , and we do what we can to change both hearts and laws .
But , others wonder , how far would we go ?
Would we also enforce penalties for not attending church or for working on Sunday , as some of the American colonies did ?
Consider this , from The Laws of Virginia ( 1610-1611 ) : Every man and woman duly , twice a day upon the first tolling of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days repair unto the church to hear divine service upon pain of losing his or her day ’ s allowance for the first omission , for the second to be whipped , and for the third to be condemned to the galleys for six months .
Likewise , no man or woman shall dare to violate or break the Sabbath by any gaming , public or private abroad or at home , but duly sanctify and observe the same , both himself and his family , by preparing themselves at home with private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fitted for the public , according to the commandments of God and the orders of our church .
As also every man and woman shall repair in the morning to the divine service and sermons preached upon the Sabbath day in the afternoon to divine service and catechizing , upon pain for the first fault to lose their provision and allowance for the whole week following , for the second to lose the said allowance and also to be whipped , and for the third to suffer death .
Would we ban sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the whipping post for those who slept in on Sunday morning ?
Would we exempt Jews or Muslims or Hindus or atheists ?
The Bible is the Answer It for reasons like this that America , unlike some of the colonies , was not established as any kind of theocracy , although we had strong biblical roots .
That ’ s also why someone like Thomas Jefferson , who was hardly an evangelical believer , could play such a major role in our early history .
And that ’ s why one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Sick America : A Prescription for Moral and Cultural Transformation was titled , “ The Bible , Not a Theocracy , Is the Answer.
” So , while rejecting a theocratic kingdom in the here and now , we do our best to bring as many people as possible into the knowledge of God and the embrace of the Scriptures , seeking to influence our culture with these values as much as possible through every righteous means available .
But that is also why I will never be a Christian nationalist .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world , needs saving .
For me , this perspective represents the highest form of true patriotism and the greatest way I can serve my country as a Jesus-loving American .
So , if you ’ re looking for a fitting term , try that one on for size .
Are there are any Jesus-loving Americans out there ?
Dr. Michael Brown ( www.askdrbrown.org ) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program .
His latest book is Evangelicals at the Crossroads : Will We Pass the Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Twitter or YouTube .

Perhaps it is my background as a Jewish believer in Jesus. Perhaps it is my calling as a preacher of the gospel first and a cultural-political commentator second. Either way, until Jesus returns and sets up His kingdom here on the earth, I will reject any semblance of a Christian theocracy. That includes Christian nationalism.
To be sure, some of my conservative colleagues want to embrace a positive use of the term, as in, “I’m a Christian who is committed to the wellbeing of my nation. That makes me a Christian nationalist.”
But is that how others will understand our words, unless we qualify the meaning every time? In that case, why not simply find a better term?
These conservative colleagues are certainly right to critique those who claim that, for Christian followers of Trump, Christian nationalism is the religion of white supremacy.
I, too, have rejected that equation, making clear that for the vast majority of white, Christian conservative, Trump supporters, our vote for him was not a vote to preserve a white America. (Most recently, see here.)
Promoting Patriotism is Not the Same as Promoting the Gospel
Yet to the extent that the gospel is merged with patriotism and loyalty to Jesus is conflated with support for America, we are in error.
In a previous article I explained that, in my understanding, you were not a Christian nationalist simply because you were a follower of Jesus and you loved and appreciated America. Or because you were patriotic and served in the military. Or because you believed Trump was better for America than Biden. Or because you felt that God raised up America for special purposes in order to bless and help the world.
But you were a Christian nationalist if you confused loyalty to your country with loyalty to the kingdom of God. Or you wrapped the gospel in an American flag. Or you ‘merge[d] Christian and American identities.’”
Is this just a matter of semantics, then? Perhaps for some it is. But, since the term “Christian nationalism” is already fraught with so much baggage and can be so easily misunderstood, why not simply identify as a “Jesus-loving American”?
There goes the baggage and there goes the confusion, even when it comes to what “Christian” means. (After all, roughly 75 percent of Americans identify as Christian, which is obviously far from reality.)
The Prophets Didn’t Necessarily Give a Patriotic Message
As for wanting to sound patriotic, let’s remember that in the Bible, the prophets were sometimes accused of being anti-patriotic.
That’s because, rather than joining with the nationalistic prophets, they spoke of impending judgment unless repentance came first. On some occasions, they even told the Israelite kings to submit to foreign leaders, since God was chastising the nation. What could seem less patriotic than that? Yet it was because they truly loved their country that they felt the need to speak.
It is the same with many of us today who strongly reject the language of Christian nationalism. Our love for God and country, which moves us to speak unpopular words, can be misconstrued as a lack of patriotism. So be it.
In the same way, when the prophets renounced idolatry in any form, they were not applauded by their idolatrous nation. Yet it was zeal for God and love for their nation that drove them.
It is that same zeal for God and love of country that moved some of us to speak up in the aftermath of the elections, as we saw a dangerous spike in Trumpism (meaning, an unhealthy looking to Trump as some kind of political messiah).
Did we do this to gain the approval of Never Trumpers or to appease a potential Biden administration? The suggestion is as laughable as it is ludicrous.
Speaking for myself, this reflected a position I have held to for decades in terms of Christians putting too much trust in a political leader. And it is a position I often addressed as a Trump supporter.
Don’t We have Room for Sober-Minded Reflection?
Perhaps there is room for some self-examination on the fervent pro-Trump side? Perhaps the concerns some of us are raising are not based on “squishy compromise” or a desire to find the “mushy middle” but rather on sober spiritual reflection? (For my relevant discussion with Pastor Shane Idleman, see here.)
I mentioned at the outset of this article my perspective as a preacher of the gospel first and a cultural-political commentator second.
That means that, first and foremost, I see America as a nation needing to be saved, a nation needing to repent, a nation in need of God, a nation that is part of “the world.” And I see us, the believers, as a remnant within the nation, living in this world and yet not fully of this world.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
As Peter wrote to the believers in his day, scattered throughout the Roman empire, “Dear friends, I warn you as ‘temporary residents and foreigners’ to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world” (1 Peter 2:11-12, NLT).
That is how we live in this world in whatever country we find ourselves.
To the extent we can bring about change from the bottom up, that change will be lasting. To the extent we try to impose it from the top down, it will be temporary, ultimately doing more harm than good.
Historically, Jews Have Not Fared Well Under Zealous Christian Rule
I also mentioned at the outset of this article my perspective as a Jewish follower of Jesus. That’s because Jews, generally speaking, have not fared well in countries where a zealous Christianity ruled, just as they have not fared well in countries where a zealous Islam ruled. Jewish failure to conform to the spiritual and cultural norms brought all kinds of reprisals, sometimes culminating in exile.
That’s one reason why many Jewish voters in America fear the religious Christian right, even irrationally. They wonder what would happen if Christian conservatives “took over” the nation. Which of our values would we impose?
Obviously, as followers of Jesus, we advocate for the life of the unborn and we support God’s definition of family, and we do what we can to change both hearts and laws.
But, others wonder, how far would we go? Would we also enforce penalties for not attending church or for working on Sunday, as some of the American colonies did?
Consider this, from The Laws of Virginia (1610-1611):
Every man and woman duly, twice a day upon the first tolling of the bell, shall upon the working days repair unto the church to hear divine service upon pain of losing his or her day’s allowance for the first omission, for the second to be whipped, and for the third to be condemned to the galleys for six months. Likewise, no man or woman shall dare to violate or break the Sabbath by any gaming, public or private abroad or at home, but duly sanctify and observe the same, both himself and his family, by preparing themselves at home with private prayer that they may be the better fitted for the public, according to the commandments of God and the orders of our church. As also every man and woman shall repair in the morning to the divine service and sermons preached upon the Sabbath day in the afternoon to divine service and catechizing, upon pain for the first fault to lose their provision and allowance for the whole week following, for the second to lose the said allowance and also to be whipped, and for the third to suffer death.
Would we ban sports on Sunday? Would we bring out the whipping post for those who slept in on Sunday morning? Would we exempt Jews or Muslims or Hindus or atheists?
The Bible is the Answer
It for reasons like this that America, unlike some of the colonies, was not established as any kind of theocracy, although we had strong biblical roots. That’s also why someone like Thomas Jefferson, who was hardly an evangelical believer, could play such a major role in our early history. And that’s why one of the chapters in my 2017 book Saving a Sick America: A Prescription for Moral and Cultural Transformation was titled, “The Bible, Not a Theocracy, Is the Answer.”
So, while rejecting a theocratic kingdom in the here and now, we do our best to bring as many people as possible into the knowledge of God and the embrace of the Scriptures, seeking to influence our culture with these values as much as possible through every righteous means available.
But that is also why I will never be a Christian nationalist. America, just like the rest of the world, needs saving.
For me, this perspective represents the highest form of true patriotism and the greatest way I can serve my country as a Jesus-loving American.
So, if you’re looking for a fitting term, try that one on for size. Are there are any Jesus-loving Americans out there?
Dr. Michael Brown (www.askdrbrown.org) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program. His latest book is Evangelicals at the Crossroads: Will We Pass the Trump Test? Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.


thestream--2020-12-28--President Trump Kept This 2016 Promise to Us

I know many Trump supporters are angry at the courts for turning away lawsuits alleging vote fraud .
Believe me , I share the feeling .
But if you want things to get exponentially worse , then let the Democrats win the Georgia runoffs and gain control of the Senate , taking away the Republicans ’ ability to block court stacking and any judicial nominees that a President Biden would put forth .
Biden has made it clear he would appoint nothing but leftist activist judges who think their gavels are magic wands that grant them super powers .
Appointing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activism was one of Donald Trump ’ s key campaign promises in 2016 , and it ’ s one that he ’ s certainly kept .
As of December 20th , the Senate has confirmed three Trump-appointed Supreme Court Justices , 54 appeals court judges , 174 district court judges and 21 judges for Article I courts , such as the US Tax Court and the Court of Appeals for Veterans ’ Claims .
To give you an idea of how historic this is , after just four years , Trump has appointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( # 1 was Jimmy Carter , which explains why we so desperately needed those Trump appointees to put the courts back on the right path . )
One out of every four federal judges and one in three appeals court judges are Trump appointees .
He ’ s flipped the balance of three federal appeals courts , and at least shifted nine appeals courts to the right .
That includes 10 Trump appointees to the often insanely liberal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco .
In choosing his nominees , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as the Heritage Foundation and the Federalist Society .
This insured judges who respect the Constitution and don ’ t view it as a “ living document , ” a euphemism for “ it means whatever the judge wants it to mean , ” which renders it meaningless .
It also means judges who understand that laws are to be written by the people ’ s elected representatives , not unaccountable lifetime appointees in black robes .
The appointment of Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett is already showing dividends .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote relegated to the liberal minority , there ’ s now a real 5-4 conservative majority .
That allowed the Court to smack down New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ’ s blatant discrimination against places of worship in coronavirus restrictions .
That decision is already reverberating throughout blue states that for too long have been crushing the First Amendment rights to freedom of worship and assembly .
Whatever happens in this election , those Trump appointees will act as a bulwark to protect the Constitution for years to come .
That may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wall Trump built .
Republicans Must Vote in Georgia Races to Stop Biden From Loading the Court With Leftist Activists The only thing that can overcome it is if Biden fills the courts with even more leftist activists .
If Republicans don ’ t hold the Senate , he would have no incentive to choose judges who can be confirmed by Republicans .
Worse , Sen. Chuck Schumer has already vowed to do away with the filibuster and expand the Supreme Court and stack it with leftist activists who have the same attitude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have toward a roll of Charmin .
If you care about protecting the individual rights and limits on government power enshrined in the Constitution , then run , don ’ t walk , to vote Republican in the Georgia runoffs ( if you live there ! )
.
And remember , you ’ re not doing it just for yourselves .
These lifetime appointments will stretch for generations , so you ’ re also doing it to protect the rights of your children , their children and your children ’ s children ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former governor of Arkansas and longtime conservative commentator on issues in culture and current events .
A New York Times best-selling author , he hosts the weekly talk show Huckabee on TBN .

I know many Trump supporters are angry at the courts for turning away lawsuits alleging vote fraud. Believe me, I share the feeling. But if you want things to get exponentially worse, then let the Democrats win the Georgia runoffs and gain control of the Senate, taking away the Republicans’ ability to block court stacking and any judicial nominees that a President Biden would put forth. Biden has made it clear he would appoint nothing but leftist activist judges who think their gavels are magic wands that grant them super powers.
Trump’s Appointed Hundreds of Conservative Judges
Appointing conservative judges to undo tyrannical liberal judicial activism was one of Donald Trump’s key campaign promises in 2016, and it’s one that he’s certainly kept. As of December 20th, the Senate has confirmed three Trump-appointed Supreme Court Justices, 54 appeals court judges, 174 district court judges and 21 judges for Article I courts, such as the US Tax Court and the Court of Appeals for Veterans’ Claims.
To give you an idea of how historic this is, after just four years, Trump has appointed the second-most federal judges of any President (#1 was Jimmy Carter, which explains why we so desperately needed those Trump appointees to put the courts back on the right path.) One out of every four federal judges and one in three appeals court judges are Trump appointees. He’s flipped the balance of three federal appeals courts, and at least shifted nine appeals courts to the right. That includes 10 Trump appointees to the often insanely liberal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
In choosing his nominees, Trump sought input from conservative legal groups such as the Heritage Foundation and the Federalist Society. This insured judges who respect the Constitution and don’t view it as a “living document,” a euphemism for “it means whatever the judge wants it to mean,” which renders it meaningless. It also means judges who understand that laws are to be written by the people’s elected representatives, not unaccountable lifetime appointees in black robes.
The appointment of Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett is already showing dividends. With Chief Justice John Roberts’ swinging door vote relegated to the liberal minority, there’s now a real 5-4 conservative majority. That allowed the Court to smack down New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s blatant discrimination against places of worship in coronavirus restrictions. That decision is already reverberating throughout blue states that for too long have been crushing the First Amendment rights to freedom of worship and assembly.
Whatever happens in this election, those Trump appointees will act as a bulwark to protect the Constitution for years to come. That may turn out to be the most important wall Trump built.
Republicans Must Vote in Georgia Races to Stop Biden From Loading the Court With Leftist Activists
The only thing that can overcome it is if Biden fills the courts with even more leftist activists. If Republicans don’t hold the Senate, he would have no incentive to choose judges who can be confirmed by Republicans. Worse, Sen. Chuck Schumer has already vowed to do away with the filibuster and expand the Supreme Court and stack it with leftist activists who have the same attitude toward the Constitution as most of us have toward a roll of Charmin.
If you care about protecting the individual rights and limits on government power enshrined in the Constitution, then run, don’t walk, to vote Republican in the Georgia runoffs (if you live there!). And remember, you’re not doing it just for yourselves. These lifetime appointments will stretch for generations, so you’re also doing it to protect the rights of your children, their children and your children’s children’s children.
Mike Huckabee is the former governor of Arkansas and longtime conservative commentator on issues in culture and current events. A New York Times best-selling author, he hosts the weekly talk show Huckabee on TBN.
Originally published at MikeHuckabee.com. Reprinted with permission.


thestream--2020-12-28--Mass Vaccination Campaign Begins in Europe, Millions of Doses to be Distributed in First Week

European countries began administering coronavirus vaccinations Sunday as a new , more contagious strain of the virus continued to spread throughout the continent .
Germany , France , Italy , Portugal and Spain were among the first European countries to administer vaccinations Sunday beginning with health care workers , according to NBC News .
European Union ( EU ) regulators formally approved pharmaceutical company Pfizer ’ s coronavirus vaccine on Dec. 21 , The New York Times reported .
“ Today is finally a good day , ” Italian coronavirus czar Domenico Arcuri said at a press conference Sunday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the light at the end of the tunnel.
” Germany ’ s Health Minister Jens Spahn said the country plans on distributing more than 1.3 million doses by Dec. 31 , according to NBC News .
France , meanwhile , ordered 63 million doses from the EU , which will be delivered intermittently by July 2021 .
A new strain of coronavirus was discovered in the U.K. on Dec. 19 , prompting British leaders to introduce additional lockdown measures .
The U.K. also informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than previous strains , the government said in a statement .
More than 40 countries , from Russia and India to Germany and France , have implemented rules restricting travel since the new strain was first reported .
Beginning Monday , the U.S. will require airline travelers coming from the U.K. to test negative for coronavirus before their flight , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced .
Despite the travel restrictions , Hans Kluge , the WHO ’ s regional director for Europe , said Friday that the new strain had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BioNTech , the company that partnered with Pfizer to develop the vaccine , said it believes the vaccine will be able to combat the new strain .
“ The likelihood that our vaccine works… is relatively high , ” BioNTech CEO Uğur Şahin said Tuesday .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

European countries began administering coronavirus vaccinations Sunday as a new, more contagious strain of the virus continued to spread throughout the continent.
Germany, France, Italy, Portugal and Spain were among the first European countries to administer vaccinations Sunday beginning with health care workers, according to NBC News. European Union (EU) regulators formally approved pharmaceutical company Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine on Dec. 21, The New York Times reported.
“Today is finally a good day,” Italian coronavirus czar Domenico Arcuri said at a press conference Sunday, NBC News reported. “We see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
https://twitter.com/EU_Commission/status/1343111879351156737
Germany’s Health Minister Jens Spahn said the country plans on distributing more than 1.3 million doses by Dec. 31, according to NBC News. France, meanwhile, ordered 63 million doses from the EU, which will be delivered intermittently by July 2021.
A new strain of coronavirus was discovered in the U.K. on Dec. 19, prompting British leaders to introduce additional lockdown measures. The U.K. also informed the World Health Organization (WHO) that the mutant strain of coronavirus could spread quicker than previous strains, the government said in a statement.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
More than 40 countries, from Russia and India to Germany and France, have implemented rules restricting travel since the new strain was first reported. Beginning Monday, the U.S. will require airline travelers coming from the U.K. to test negative for coronavirus before their flight, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced.
Despite the travel restrictions, Hans Kluge, the WHO’s regional director for Europe, said Friday that the new strain had been detected in eight European countries.
BioNTech, the company that partnered with Pfizer to develop the vaccine, said it believes the vaccine will be able to combat the new strain.
“The likelihood that our vaccine works… is relatively high,” BioNTech CEO Uğur Şahin said Tuesday.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


thestream--2020-12-28--Christian Examples and Warnings

Christian Examples and Warnings

“ In times of trouble , it ’ s always the most vulnerable who suffer the worst , ” Archbishop Bashar Warda , Chaldean Catholic archbishop of Erbil , Iraq , said just before Thanksgiving , at a mostly virtual global conference focusing on persecuted Christians and other religious minorities around the globe .
Warda does not speak to Westerners as a beggar , but as a realist .
It ’ s a reality that we are in some part responsible for .
Speaking of Iraq , where Christians and other minorities have experienced extreme persecution , Warda said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war , followed by violence and persecution and displacement , followed by even more violent war and then genocide.
” And the list went on .
“ It pains me greatly to say this , ” Warda continued , “ but I must be honest with you .
We Christians of Iraq are now down to our last remnant people : less than 250,000 by all counts , and should the world forget us in this time , it ’ s quite likely that we will have disappeared by the time the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s a daunting thought , as Christians have been in Iraq for thousands of years .
That said , they are still there right now , and they are fighting to stay there .
They are not asking us to fix the situation for them , but they are asking us to care .
I ’ m always struck by the gratitude that Iraqi Christians have for those who do pay attention to their plight .
And there is also a kind of optimism , despite their circumstances : Not long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broke that Pope Francis will visit Iraq in the new year .
That ’ s potentially a game changer for the Christians and other persecuted religious minorities there .
Since the beginning of his papacy , Pope Francis has been talking about the fact that there are more persecuted Christians in the world now than in the early years of Christianity .
That ’ s a huge responsibility for we Christians who are free to express our faith .
It ’ s also why our religious-freedom conflicts here at home matter in bigger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the religious order the Little Sisters of the Poor have to go to the Supreme Court to defend their conscience rights not once , but twice , and when the government has used the Coronavirus pandemic to place arbitrary and irrational restrictions on places of worship , we should be alarmed and vigilant .
The most alarming thing Archbishop Warda said was about the United States .
After chronicling all the people fighting for religious freedom around the world , he said he is not alone in being frightened watching what ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look to us “ for leadership and stability , ” but it ’ s getting harder to do so .
They see “ a deeply fractured country ” and this year , “ acts of destruction and physical attacks on religious symbols and institutions.
” These are not “ simply random events , ” Warda said .
From his “ bitter experience , ” they are “ calling cards for a far greater danger that lies at the end of this dark path .
We worry greatly about what is to come.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in pluralism here in the United States , making us a beacon of freedom to the world .
We owe it to our God , our Founders and all the persecuted people around the world at this very moment to be better stewards of the gifts entrusted to us .
“ It is always the most vulnerable who suffer the worst , ” Warda repeated .
“ We Christians of Iraq hope that the political situation in the U.S. will follow a peaceful and stable process.
” Let ’ s move forward as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in mind as motivation , and the courage of the persecuted serving as inspiration .
Kathryn Jean Lopez is senior fellow at the National Review Institute , editor-at-large of National Review magazine and author of the new book A Year With the Mystics : Visionary Wisdom for Daily Living .
She is also chair of Cardinal Dolan ’ s pro-life commission in New York .
She can be contacted at klopez @ nationalreview.com .

“In times of trouble, it’s always the most vulnerable who suffer the worst,” Archbishop Bashar Warda, Chaldean Catholic archbishop of Erbil, Iraq, said just before Thanksgiving, at a mostly virtual global conference focusing on persecuted Christians and other religious minorities around the globe.
Warda does not speak to Westerners as a beggar, but as a realist. It’s a reality that we are in some part responsible for.
Speaking of Iraq, where Christians and other minorities have experienced extreme persecution, Warda said: “International war was followed by civil war, followed by violence and persecution and displacement, followed by even more violent war and then genocide.” And the list went on.
“It pains me greatly to say this,” Warda continued, “but I must be honest with you. We Christians of Iraq are now down to our last remnant people: less than 250,000 by all counts, and should the world forget us in this time, it’s quite likely that we will have disappeared by the time the world chooses to look upon us again.”
That’s a daunting thought, as Christians have been in Iraq for thousands of years.
That said, they are still there right now, and they are fighting to stay there.
They are not asking us to fix the situation for them, but they are asking us to care.
A Potential Game Changer
I’m always struck by the gratitude that Iraqi Christians have for those who do pay attention to their plight. And there is also a kind of optimism, despite their circumstances: Not long after Warda’s remarks, news broke that Pope Francis will visit Iraq in the new year. That’s potentially a game changer for the Christians and other persecuted religious minorities there.
Since the beginning of his papacy, Pope Francis has been talking about the fact that there are more persecuted Christians in the world now than in the early years of Christianity. That’s a huge responsibility for we Christians who are free to express our faith.
Alarmed and Vigilant
It’s also why our religious-freedom conflicts here at home matter in bigger ways that we may realize. When the religious order the Little Sisters of the Poor have to go to the Supreme Court to defend their conscience rights not once, but twice, and when the government has used the Coronavirus pandemic to place arbitrary and irrational restrictions on places of worship, we should be alarmed and vigilant.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The most alarming thing Archbishop Warda said was about the United States. After chronicling all the people fighting for religious freedom around the world, he said he is not alone in being frightened watching what’s happening in our country. The persecuted look to us “for leadership and stability,” but it’s getting harder to do so. They see “a deeply fractured country” and this year, “acts of destruction and physical attacks on religious symbols and institutions.” These are not “simply random events,” Warda said. From his “bitter experience,” they are “calling cards for a far greater danger that lies at the end of this dark path. We worry greatly about what is to come.”
Becoming Better Stewards
We are part of a marvelous experiment in pluralism here in the United States, making us a beacon of freedom to the world. We owe it to our God, our Founders and all the persecuted people around the world at this very moment to be better stewards of the gifts entrusted to us.
“It is always the most vulnerable who suffer the worst,” Warda repeated. “We Christians of Iraq hope that the political situation in the U.S. will follow a peaceful and stable process.” Let’s move forward as better citizens with Warda’s warning in mind as motivation, and the courage of the persecuted serving as inspiration.
Kathryn Jean Lopez is senior fellow at the National Review Institute, editor-at-large of National Review magazine and author of the new book A Year With the Mystics: Visionary Wisdom for Daily Living. She is also chair of Cardinal Dolan’s pro-life commission in New York. She can be contacted at [email protected].


thestream--2020-12-29--‘You Work for Us!’ Judge Janine Addresses Congress About COVID Relief Bill

Judge Jeanine Pirro had a fiery message Saturday for congress members who failed to do their jobs for the American people in their handling of the COVID relief bill .
“ How do you justify taking money from America to give to foreign countries and special interests during a pandemic ?
” the judge asked Congress in her opening statement on Fox News ’ Justice With Jeanine .
“ You arrogant , selfish politicians think that $ 600 is enough ?
… You work in the House of Representatives .
It is the people ’ s house .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people .
You work for us !
We pay your salary .
… You spend our money , not yours.
” The COVID relief bill will give away $ 10 million for gender programs in Pakistan , $ 1.4 billion to the Asian Reassurance Initiative Act and $ 37 million to make sure Philippine students “ don ’ t play hookey.
” For starters .
Judge Jeanine went on to say that if Congress can ’ t afford to take care of Americans , the American people can ’ t afford to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house .
“ You ’ ve proven that you ’ re disloyal , that your health and your salaries are more important than the people who put you in power , naively .
You ’ re a disdain for the people you represent .
And it will be your undoing , trust me on that.
” President Trump did sign the COVID relief bill , but Congress is working to meet his demand to raise the payment to Americans to $ 2000 .
Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and follow The Stream @ Streamdotorg .

Judge Jeanine Pirro had a fiery message Saturday for congress members who failed to do their jobs for the American people in their handling of the COVID relief bill. “How do you justify taking money from America to give to foreign countries and special interests during a pandemic?” the judge asked Congress in her opening statement on Fox News’ Justice With Jeanine. “You arrogant, selfish politicians think that $600 is enough? … You work in the House of Representatives. It is the people’s house. It was built for those who were closest to the people. You work for us! We pay your salary. … You spend our money, not yours.”
The COVID relief bill will give away $10 million for gender programs in Pakistan, $1.4 billion to the Asian Reassurance Initiative Act and $37 million to make sure Philippine students “don’t play hookey.” For starters.
Judge Jeanine went on to say that if Congress can’t afford to take care of Americans, the American people can’t afford to have them in the people’s house. “You’ve proven that you’re disloyal, that your health and your salaries are more important than the people who put you in power, naively. You’re a disdain for the people you represent. And it will be your undoing, trust me on that.”
President Trump did sign the COVID relief bill, but Congress is working to meet his demand to raise the payment to Americans to $2000.
Watch:
Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream. You can follow her @NancyFlory3, and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-12-29--There Is No Mercy and No Redemption in Today’s Cancel Culture

It is one thing when , as an adult , you are held accountable for the life you choose to live , especially if you are unrepentant .
It is another thing when , as a young adult , you are severely penalized for a three–second video clip posted on social media when you were just 15 .
But that is exactly what happened to Mimi Groves .
She was a championship-winning cheerleader in high school and was accepted by the University of Tennessee , her dream school .
She was also accepted by their cheerleading squad , which was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation .
Now 18 years old , she was excited to start living out her college dream .
And that ’ s when the cancel culture struck .
When Mimi was 15 , she posted a three-second video on Snapchat while she sat in her car in traffic , saying , “ I can drive , n*****s. ” That was it .
Three years later , in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd in June of this year , and while a senior in high school , she posted something very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she encouraged people to “ protest , donate , sign a petition , rally , and do something ” to help support the Black Lives Matter movement .
So , whatever her intent was when she was 15 , her intent now was clear .
She was saying that racial justice was important and that she stood with the American Black community .
Good for her .
But that is not how the cancel culture thinks .
It does not understand the concepts of mercy and redemption .
Instead , it is ruthless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school classmates , Jimmy Galligan , whose mother is black and whose father is white , decided to make an example of her after a friend sent him a text message with her three-second video .
He sent it to the school faculty and administrators , but they did nothing about it , leaving him frustrated and angry .
So , he waited for an opportune moment .
When he saw Mimi ’ s post in support of Black Lives Matter , which he should have cheered on , he decided instead to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Instagram once he learned which college she planned to attend .
From there , the video spread to other social media platforms , including Tik Tok , as a result of which the University of Tennessee received a flood of emails and letters , protesting Mimi ’ s presence on the campus .
And so , “ within two days , she was kicked off the university ’ s cheer team and forced to withdraw from UT under pressure from admission officials , citing hundreds of emails and phone calls from outraged former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re angry , and they want to see some action , ’ an administration official told Groves and her family , as reported by the New York Times.
” As for Jimmy Galligan , he says he has no regrets about what he did , feeling that he taught Mimi a lesson .
And that is where things stand today … which is absolutely sick .
Who Can Survive Under This Glaring Light ?
How many of us did not say or do something stupid and insensitive at the age of 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are older today had social media when we were teens ?
How many of our idiotic moments would come back years later to haunt us ?
It ’ s also possible that Mimi was trying to “ talk Black ” in her three-second video , using the n-word as rappers do .
In that case , she guilty of being stupid more than being racist .
But let ’ s say that she used the word as a racial slur — again , at the age of 15 — only to support Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on earth should her college dreams be shattered because of that three-second infraction from three years earlier ?
Can anyone survive under such a glaring light ?
What if SnapChat Had Existed When I was 15 ?
I don ’ t know about you , but I was a first-class jerk at the age of 15 .
I was stupid enough to try every drug I could get my hands on .
That included putting a needle in my arm as often as I could .
That included shooting speed and heroin .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the age of 15 , despite having a great upbringing in suburban Long Island .
Despite my parents being happily married .
Despite my dad being the senior lawyer in the New York Supreme Court . )
I was stupid enough to lie and steal , to get stone cold drunk , and to say some of the ugliest , foulest things imaginable .
I had a terrible temper and was cruel and vicious with my tongue .
Had social media existed back then , I ’ m quite sure I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of my rants and outbursts and exploits .
Sins of Our Youth Held Against Us Forever ?
But three years later , at the age of 18 , after experiencing a radical conversion , I was a brand new man .
I had read the Bible cover to cover 5 times and memorized more than 4,000 verses .
I had preached my first sermon .
I was on my way to college , not because I wanted to but because it was my parents ’ desire , and I wanted to honor them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cruelty from my heart .
Yet in today ’ s cancel culture , the earlier sins of my youth could have been held against me for life instead of simply being part of my personal testimony .
In the words of Australian singer and songwriter Nick Cave , “ As far as I can see , cancel culture is mercy ’ s antithesis .
Political correctness has grown to become the unhappiest religion in the world .
Its once honourable attempt to reimagine our society in a more equitable way now embodies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to offer ( and none of the beauty ) — moral certainty and self-righteousness shorn even of the capacity for redemption .
It has become quite literally , bad religion run amuck.
” I hope and pray that in the days ahead , Mimi ’ s fortunes will take a dramatic turn and in the days ahead her best and most wholesome dreams will be fulfilled .
I also hope and pray that Jimmy will learn that vindictiveness destroys and that forgiveness liberates .
As for the cancel culture as a whole , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learn the power of forgiveness .
As expressed by Dr. Martin Luther King , “ We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive .
He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love .
There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us .
When we discover this , we are less prone to hate our enemies.
” The sooner we learn this , the better .
The body count is growing by the day .
Dr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program .
His latest book is Evangelicals at the Crossroads : Will We Pass the Trump Test ?
Connect with him on Facebook , Twitter or YouTube .

It is one thing when, as an adult, you are held accountable for the life you choose to live, especially if you are unrepentant. It is another thing when, as a young adult, you are severely penalized for a three–second video clip posted on social media when you were just 15.
But that is exactly what happened to Mimi Groves.
She was a championship-winning cheerleader in high school and was accepted by the University of Tennessee, her dream school. She was also accepted by their cheerleading squad, which was one of the top squads in the nation.
Now 18 years old, she was excited to start living out her college dream. And that’s when the cancel culture struck.
When Mimi was 15, she posted a three-second video on Snapchat while she sat in her car in traffic, saying, “I can drive, n*****s.” That was it.
Three years later, in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd in June of this year, and while a senior in high school, she posted something very different.
Using her Instagram account, she encouraged people to “protest, donate, sign a petition, rally, and do something” to help support the Black Lives Matter movement.
So, whatever her intent was when she was 15, her intent now was clear. She was saying that racial justice was important and that she stood with the American Black community. Good for her.
Ruthless
But that is not how the cancel culture thinks. It does not understand the concepts of mercy and redemption. Instead, it is ruthless and unforgiving.
One of her high school classmates, Jimmy Galligan, whose mother is black and whose father is white, decided to make an example of her after a friend sent him a text message with her three-second video. He sent it to the school faculty and administrators, but they did nothing about it, leaving him frustrated and angry.
So, he waited for an opportune moment.
I don’t know about you, but I was a first-class jerk at the age of 15.
When he saw Mimi’s post in support of Black Lives Matter, which he should have cheered on, he decided instead to strike again, posting her video on Instagram once he learned which college she planned to attend. From there, the video spread to other social media platforms, including Tik Tok, as a result of which the University of Tennessee received a flood of emails and letters, protesting Mimi’s presence on the campus.
And so, “within two days, she was kicked off the university’s cheer team and forced to withdraw from UT under pressure from admission officials, citing hundreds of emails and phone calls from outraged former and current students.
“‘They’re angry, and they want to see some action,’ an administration official told Groves and her family, as reported by the New York Times.”
As for Jimmy Galligan, he says he has no regrets about what he did, feeling that he taught Mimi a lesson.
And that is where things stand today … which is absolutely sick.
Who Can Survive Under This Glaring Light?
How many of us did not say or do something stupid and insensitive at the age of 15? What if those of us who are older today had social media when we were teens? How many of our idiotic moments would come back years later to haunt us?
It’s also possible that Mimi was trying to “talk Black” in her three-second video, using the n-word as rappers do. In that case, she guilty of being stupid more than being racist.
But let’s say that she used the word as a racial slur — again, at the age of 15 — only to support Black Lives Matter three years later. Why on earth should her college dreams be shattered because of that three-second infraction from three years earlier?
Can anyone survive under such a glaring light?
What if SnapChat Had Existed When I was 15?
I don’t know about you, but I was a first-class jerk at the age of 15.
I was stupid enough to try every drug I could get my hands on.
That included putting a needle in my arm as often as I could. That included shooting speed and heroin. (Yes, I was doing this at the age of 15, despite having a great upbringing in suburban Long Island. Despite my parents being happily married. Despite my dad being the senior lawyer in the New York Supreme Court.)
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
I was stupid enough to lie and steal, to get stone cold drunk, and to say some of the ugliest, foulest things imaginable. I had a terrible temper and was cruel and vicious with my tongue.
Had social media existed back then, I’m quite sure I would have been idiotic enough to post some of my rants and outbursts and exploits.
Sins of Our Youth Held Against Us Forever?
But three years later, at the age of 18, after experiencing a radical conversion, I was a brand new man.
I had read the Bible cover to cover 5 times and memorized more than 4,000 verses. I had preached my first sermon. I was on my way to college, not because I wanted to but because it was my parents’ desire, and I wanted to honor them.
Profanity was gone from my vocabulary and cruelty from my heart.
Yet in today’s cancel culture, the earlier sins of my youth could have been held against me for life instead of simply being part of my personal testimony.
The Opposite of Mercy
In the words of Australian singer and songwriter Nick Cave, “As far as I can see, cancel culture is mercy’s antithesis. Political correctness has grown to become the unhappiest religion in the world. Its once honourable attempt to reimagine our society in a more equitable way now embodies all the worst aspects that religion has to offer (and none of the beauty) — moral certainty and self-righteousness shorn even of the capacity for redemption. It has become quite literally, bad religion run amuck.”
I hope and pray that in the days ahead, Mimi’s fortunes will take a dramatic turn and in the days ahead her best and most wholesome dreams will be fulfilled. I also hope and pray that Jimmy will learn that vindictiveness destroys and that forgiveness liberates.
As for the cancel culture as a whole, I hope and pray that it will learn the power of forgiveness.
As expressed by Dr. Martin Luther King, “We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.”
The sooner we learn this, the better. The body count is growing by the day.
Dr. Michael Brown (www.askdrbrown.org) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program. His latest book is Evangelicals at the Crossroads: Will We Pass the Trump Test? Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.


thestream--2020-12-29--Is 2021 the Great Reset of the Church?

Is 2021 the Great Reset of the Church?

There has been a lot of talk lately about the “ Great Reset ” ( e.g.
, resetting the economic and the geopolitical aspects of the world with one group overseeing it .
See more here ) .
Those of us concerned about freedom , religious expression , morality , and a plethora of other topics , are not fans of a Great Reset .
Leading up to January 20th , let ’ s look below at two possible scenarios regarding the presidency and how they could affect the church .
By considering both possible outcomes , I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will reveal the massive voter fraud that took place .
I ’ m still very hopeful because my hope is in God .
( Check out this compelling interview and this document that includes 270 pages of evidence just released by Sidney Powell . )
In either case — a Biden or Trump presidency — I believe that something monumental will occur .
The church will reset .
She needs to .
She must .
It ’ s painfully obvious that most churches do not model themselves after the church that Christ commissioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down in order to build us up .
At the time of this article , the election results are heavily contested .
A Biden win will help show that ANTIFA accomplished its goal of instilling fear in citizens , courts , and politicians to not challenge voter fraud .
Gone are the days of true patriots such as Nathan Hale , who said , “ I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.
” A Biden presidency will no doubt usher in a great “ reset ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are seeing signs of this already .
The shutdowns are killing small businesses while major corporations thrive .
Although COVID-19 is a real virus , it is being used as a political weapon .
America , as we knew it , has been forever changed .
Like in the Old Testament , a Biden presidency may mean that God used foreign enemies to judge America .
In the church , a Biden win will divide us even more as the true church is forced to go underground .
It will be just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in China .
Although it may take time , it ’ s inevitable .
Churches with rainbow flags and positive messages will stay open , and may even be sanctioned by the government .
Those that compromise God ’ s Word will become irrelevant social clubs .
Lives will not be radically changed in these types of churches because the false prophet is not God ’ s prophet .
Under Biden , social media will censor the truth even further .
Churches that talk about sin , the inerrancy of the Word , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and so on will be marginalized and silenced .
The government will clamp down on what it deems “ hate speech ” and will attempt to silence pastors who don ’ t conform .
All of this , however , can be the fuel that sparks a powerful revival — a powerful reset — that God may grant us a little reviving in our bondage ( Ezra 9:8 KJV ) .
A Trump presidency would mean that God is giving us another season of grace and mercy in order to expose the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confront social media giants and other corruption , but it will not come without a heavy price .
There will be massive civil unrest .
There will be a huge attack from the media and the Left , designed to foster confusion and chaos .
This is what many call the “ new civil war , ” where we will remember that freedom is never free .
A Trump presidency will also bring division to the church .
It will force Christians to make a decision .
Will they stay silent about civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Will they have more in common with ANTIFA than with God ’ s agenda ?
Will they articulate the biblical view of unity under which we can all unite ?
Will Christians continue to support ungodly organizations that divide us , or will they denounce them ?
Will “ woke ” Christians finally realize that they also need to wake up ?
All of this , however , can also be the fuel that sparks a powerful revival : “ Wilt thou not revive us again that thy people may rejoice in thee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Why Does the Church Need a Great Reset ?
In the same way that Jesus warned the lukewarm church in Laodicea , He warns us today : “ I know thy works , that thou art neither cold nor hot .
… So then because thou art lukewarm , and neither cold nor hot , I will spue thee out of my mouth.
” He concludes , “ knowest not that thou art wretched , and miserable , and poor , and blind , and naked ” ( Revelation 3:15-17 KJV ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Laodicean church more than at any other time in our history .
Sadly , conviction is replaced with complacency , and God ’ s glory is often replaced with gimmicks and marketing ploys .
Just look at the top sermons viewed on social media today .
The preachers are motivational speakers .
They are not voices “ crying in the wilderness.
” They encourage the Laodicean lifestyle of being lukewarm instead of lovingly challenging it .
In most cases , these pastors only talk about having your best life now , positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mind .
Granted , we need to be encouraged , but if that ’ s all we talk about , the church will inevitably drift in the lukewarm direction .
And this is where the American church finds itself today .
Because the lukewarm church disdains the heat of conviction , they will label bold churches as “ legalistic , rigid , and arrogant.
” Like many Christians today , the Laodiceans thought that they were in the center of God ’ s will .
The Laodicean church was large , wealthy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looked at numbers .
Jesus looked at the heart .
He said that they were “ wretched , miserable , poor , blind , and naked.
” He intended for his strong words to convict and challenge , not coddle and comfort .
Again , be encouraged : God often breaks us down in order to build us up .
One thing is certain , on January 20th we will know what God ’ s will is .
It will separate the wheat from the chaff .
This will be the great reset @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Stay the Course Going forward , our overall spiritual condition will be measured by our prayer life .
E.M. Bounds believed that without prayer , “ The church becomes a graveyard , not an embattled army.
” Prayer must be our priority .
I ’ m not talking about a quick prayer before a meal .
I ’ m not talking about a brief closing prayer at the end of a church service .
I ’ m talking about prayer services .
I ’ m talking about focusing as much time on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to isolated places for extended times of prayer .
How then are we to lead the church , our nation and our families in these dire times if we do not cultivate a strong prayer life ?
We can ’ t !
In times of national crisis , we also see the power of prayer and fasting throughout the Bible .
Joel 1:14 ( NKJV ) powerfully declares , “ Consecrate a fast , call a sacred assembly … and cry out to the Lord.
” God ’ s people had departed from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through fasting , prayer , and brokenness .
It ’ s time to seek God ’ s mercy and humble ourselves before Him .
We must stop confusing God ’ s patience with His approval and seek Him like never before .
He is our only Hope !
Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Southern California and the creator of the WCF Radio Network .
His program , Regaining Lost Ground , points us back to God and reminds us that although times change , truth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and sermons can all be found at ShaneIdleman.com .

There has been a lot of talk lately about the “Great Reset” (e.g., resetting the economic and the geopolitical aspects of the world with one group overseeing it. See more here). Those of us concerned about freedom, religious expression, morality, and a plethora of other topics, are not fans of a Great Reset.
Leading up to January 20th, let’s look below at two possible scenarios regarding the presidency and how they could affect the church. By considering both possible outcomes, I’m not taking away my hope that God will reveal the massive voter fraud that took place. I’m still very hopeful because my hope is in God. (Check out this compelling interview and this document that includes 270 pages of evidence just released by Sidney Powell.)
In either case — a Biden or Trump presidency — I believe that something monumental will occur. The church will reset. She needs to. She must. It’s painfully obvious that most churches do not model themselves after the church that Christ commissioned. Often, God must break us down in order to build us up.
A Biden Presidency
At the time of this article, the election results are heavily contested. A Biden win will help show that ANTIFA accomplished its goal of instilling fear in citizens, courts, and politicians to not challenge voter fraud. Gone are the days of true patriots such as Nathan Hale, who said, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”
A Biden presidency will no doubt usher in a great “reset” that leads to greater financial collapse. We are seeing signs of this already. The shutdowns are killing small businesses while major corporations thrive. Although COVID-19 is a real virus, it is being used as a political weapon. America, as we knew it, has been forever changed.
Like in the Old Testament, a Biden presidency may mean that God used foreign enemies to judge America. In the church, a Biden win will divide us even more as the true church is forced to go underground. It will be just like what has happened to the church in China. Although it may take time, it’s inevitable.
Churches with rainbow flags and positive messages will stay open, and may even be sanctioned by the government. Those that compromise God’s Word will become irrelevant social clubs. Lives will not be radically changed in these types of churches because the false prophet is not God’s prophet.
Under Biden, social media will censor the truth even further. Churches that talk about sin, the inerrancy of the Word, Christ as the only way, repentance, and so on will be marginalized and silenced. The government will clamp down on what it deems “hate speech” and will attempt to silence pastors who don’t conform. All of this, however, can be the fuel that sparks a powerful revival — a powerful reset — that God may grant us a little reviving in our bondage (Ezra 9:8 KJV).
A Trump Presidency
A Trump presidency would mean that God is giving us another season of grace and mercy in order to expose the unfruitful works of darkness. It will confront social media giants and other corruption, but it will not come without a heavy price. There will be massive civil unrest. There will be a huge attack from the media and the Left, designed to foster confusion and chaos. This is what many call the “new civil war,” where we will remember that freedom is never free.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
A Trump presidency will also bring division to the church. It will force Christians to make a decision. Will they stay silent about civil unrest, and thus back it? Will they have more in common with ANTIFA than with God’s agenda? Will they articulate the biblical view of unity under which we can all unite? Will Christians continue to support ungodly organizations that divide us, or will they denounce them? Will “woke” Christians finally realize that they also need to wake up? All of this, however, can also be the fuel that sparks a powerful revival: “Wilt thou not revive us again that thy people may rejoice in thee?” (Psalm 85:6 KJV).
Why Does the Church Need a Great Reset?
In the same way that Jesus warned the lukewarm church in Laodicea, He warns us today: “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot. … So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” He concludes, “knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:15-17 KJV).
The church today in America resembles the Laodicean church more than at any other time in our history. Sadly, conviction is replaced with complacency, and God’s glory is often replaced with gimmicks and marketing ploys. Just look at the top sermons viewed on social media today. The preachers are motivational speakers. They are not voices “crying in the wilderness.” They encourage the Laodicean lifestyle of being lukewarm instead of lovingly challenging it.
In most cases, these pastors only talk about having your best life now, positive emotions, and taking control of your mind. Granted, we need to be encouraged, but if that’s all we talk about, the church will inevitably drift in the lukewarm direction. And this is where the American church finds itself today. Because the lukewarm church disdains the heat of conviction, they will label bold churches as “legalistic, rigid, and arrogant.”
Like many Christians today, the Laodiceans thought that they were in the center of God’s will. The Laodicean church was large, wealthy, and involved in the community. They looked at numbers. Jesus looked at the heart. He said that they were “wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.” He intended for his strong words to convict and challenge, not coddle and comfort. Again, be encouraged: God often breaks us down in order to build us up. One thing is certain, on January 20th we will know what God’s will is. It will separate the wheat from the chaff. This will be the great reset for the church in 2021.
How to Stay the Course
Going forward, our overall spiritual condition will be measured by our prayer life. E.M. Bounds believed that without prayer, “The church becomes a graveyard, not an embattled army.” Prayer must be our priority. I’m not talking about a quick prayer before a meal. I’m not talking about a brief closing prayer at the end of a church service. I’m talking about prayer services. I’m talking about focusing as much time on praying as preaching. Jesus often retreated to isolated places for extended times of prayer. How then are we to lead the church, our nation and our families in these dire times if we do not cultivate a strong prayer life? We can’t!
In times of national crisis, we also see the power of prayer and fasting throughout the Bible. Joel 1:14 (NKJV) powerfully declares, “Consecrate a fast, call a sacred assembly … and cry out to the Lord.” God’s people had departed from Him. The call was to return through fasting, prayer, and brokenness. It’s time to seek God’s mercy and humble ourselves before Him. We must stop confusing God’s patience with His approval and seek Him like never before. He is our only Hope!
Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Southern California and the creator of the WCF Radio Network. His program, Regaining Lost Ground, points us back to God and reminds us that although times change, truth does not. His books, blogs, and sermons can all be found at ShaneIdleman.com.


thestream--2020-12-29--Military Photo of the Day: Silhouette of a Warrior

A U.S. Marine fires an M16A4 rifle during combat training at Camp Hansen in Okinawa , Japan , on December @ @ @ @ @ you to this brave Marine for his service to our country .

A U.S. Marine fires an M16A4 rifle during combat training at Camp Hansen in Okinawa, Japan, on December 21, 2020.
Thank you to this brave Marine for his service to our country.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.


thestream--2020-12-30--Georgia Prayer March: A Date With Destiny

The eyes of the nation are focused on Georgia , as a pair of runoff races in the Peach State on Tuesday , January 5 , will determine control of the U.S. Senate .
The stakes seemingly could not be higher , as the Republican and Democratic parties and their allies are making unprecedented investments in advertising , outside spending , and grassroots efforts .
In anticipation of the special senate runoff elections , a Georgia Prayer March event has been scheduled on Saturday , January 2 , 2021 from 11:00 am – 2:30 pm EST .
The prayer walk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House in Atlanta with a goal of Saving the Republic … through Prayer .
The Georgia Prayer March is a non-partisan event co-chaired by Dr. Jim Garlow and Rosemary Schindler Garlow , co-founders of Well Versed , and Bishop Wellington Boone , founder of Wellington Boone Ministries .
“ We want to gather together to pray that Georgia elects and sends leaders with biblical values to the U.S. Senate , ” said Dr. Garlow .
“ We do not tell anyone for whom to vote .
That is your decision .
We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pray for Georgians to vote for candidates with distinctly biblical values .
Our prayer is for biblical values to be followed in our nation.
” “ This election in Georgia is important in the sense that God wants to do something , ” said Bishop Boone .
“ I would never vote for anyone who stands against the Bible , and the two main issues of the Bible are life and family .
I am voting the Bible , and on January 2 , I will be praying down heaven ’ s will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online participation are available .
Visit www.georgiaprayermarch.org for more information .
Participants are urged to register , whether attending online or in person .

The eyes of the nation are focused on Georgia, as a pair of runoff races in the Peach State on Tuesday, January 5, will determine control of the U.S. Senate. The stakes seemingly could not be higher, as the Republican and Democratic parties and their allies are making unprecedented investments in advertising, outside spending, and grassroots efforts.
In anticipation of the special senate runoff elections, a Georgia Prayer March event has been scheduled on Saturday, January 2, 2021 from 11:00 am – 2:30 pm EST. The prayer walk will take place at the Georgia State House in Atlanta with a goal of Saving the Republic … through Prayer.
The Georgia Prayer March is a non-partisan event co-chaired by Dr. Jim Garlow and Rosemary Schindler Garlow, co-founders of Well Versed, and Bishop Wellington Boone, founder of Wellington Boone Ministries.
“We want to gather together to pray that Georgia elects and sends leaders with biblical values to the U.S. Senate,” said Dr. Garlow. “We do not tell anyone for whom to vote. That is your decision. We are non-partisan. We do, however, pray for Georgians to vote for candidates with distinctly biblical values. Our prayer is for biblical values to be followed in our nation.”
“This election in Georgia is important in the sense that God wants to do something,” said Bishop Boone. “I would never vote for anyone who stands against the Bible, and the two main issues of the Bible are life and family. I am voting the Bible, and on January 2, I will be praying down heaven’s will for this election.”
Both in-person and online participation are available. Visit www.georgiaprayermarch.org for more information. Participants are urged to register, whether attending online or in person.