3 - Iranian Christians receive warning at Christmas
As Christians worldwide have celebrated our Savior's birth, we remember those who have faced death and other forms of persecution during this season leading up to Christmas. Faithwire reports during early December that "Iranian authorities have arrested more than 100 Christians as part of the government’s fresh crackdown on those who have left the Islamic faith and embraced Jesus. Reports indicate that many of the 114 detained were converts from Islam to Christianity, and were thus accused of 'proselytising.'"
Converting to Christianity is illegal in Iran, and those who do so could face over 10 years in prison, according to the article, which relates these arrests came shortly after the reinstating of sanctions by the U.S. against the nation.
The story states that the Telegraph quoted Jeff King, president of International Christian Concern, as saying, “There are many reports that [the sanctions] have contributed to the government’s ever-increasing dependence on hardline Islamic ayatollahs, who naturally see Christianity as a threat to their power..."
2 - Well-known Christian teacher's marriage is reconciled
It was a stunning piece of news when Proverbs 31 Ministries President Lysa TerKeurst announced in the summer of 2017 that she had separated from her husband, but Baptist Press shared good news of reconciliation recently; Lysa and husband, Art, renewed their vows at their North Carolina home in mid-December.
The article says that:
"On an unusually sunny Tuesday in December, we dressed up a bit and whispered healing words, heartfelt prayers, and holy vows," she posted on social media platforms after the Dec. 11 event. "A million prayers. A miracle answer. A marriage restored."Her husband was, according to the story, "repeatedly unfaithful and abused substances." The article goes on to say that she wrote, "Never doubt we serve a God who still does miracles," adding, "In the middle of the work He did from the devastation in my marriage, nothing looked like I hoped and everything felt impossible." She continued, "But all the while when I saw nothing, God was doing something," and added, "And in His way and His timing, new life came. … God does some of His best work in the unseen."
1 - Apple removes app from ministry helping homosexuals discover freedom in Christ
One of the leading stories of 2018 involves the censorship of Christians by large technology companies, and recently, the dubious spotlight shone on Apple, which has reportedly removed an app by the organization, Living Hope Ministries, according to The Christian Post, which stated that:
NBC News reported that the tech giant removed the app that was developed by Living Hope Ministries, a Texas-based organization, following a Change.org petition from gay rights group Truth Wins Out. The petition called the "ex-gay" app "dangerous," "bigoted" and "hateful."Living Hope executive director Ricky Chalette is quoted as saying that the organization is "saddened" by the removal by Apple, as well as Microsoft, but vowed their work will move forward. He says:
"The app falsely portrays being gay as an 'addiction', 'sickness', and 'sin,'" the petition argued.
"We are a ministry that for nearly thirty years has helped individuals resolve their feelings they deem incongruent with their faith. We help people deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ through Bible study and accountability. We walk with them to align their lives with the teachings of Jesus Christ. Through support groups they realize they are not alone and are able to share honestly and openly in a noncondemning atmosphere about their struggles, passions, and victories. From chaos and confusion they often find peace, hope, and a deeper sense of personal wholeness. Our ministry is free and strictly voluntary."
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