Episode 392
Protecting Free Speech, Thread Launches & Ways the Enemy Seeks to Attack
Two Supreme Court cases should have a positive impact on religious liberty in the U-S, according to a leading public policy group. Logged on to the new Threads app yet? It’s the competitor to Twitter that is connected to Instagram. And, were you able to make it to church yesterday? If not, Chuck Lawless offers some encouragement for you when it comes being a part of a local church.
Transcript
Two Supreme Court cases should have a positive impact on religious liberty in the U-S, according to a leading public policy group.
The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission says The 303 Creative case was a legal dispute involving graphic designer Lorie Smith who, because of her Christian beliefs about marriage, refused to create a website for a same-sex wedding. The case was about whether a state public accommodation law violates the First Amendment’s free speech protections.
They believe the court’s decision in the 303 Creative case is expected to have a significant impact on the free speech rights of all Americans by reaffirming the right to engage in free speech without worrying about legal repercussions from public officials.
At Baptist Press, they also write about The Groff v. DeJoy case. It was an employment dispute involving postal Gerald Groff, a Sabbatarian Christian whose beliefs make him unavailable for work on Sundays. Groff claimed that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) violated his religious freedom by requiring him to work on Sundays delivering packages for Amazon.
ERLC believes he court’s decision strengthens religious liberty in the workplace and reaffirms that employers cannot discriminate against employees on the basis of religion. The ruling will impact the religious freedom rights of all Americans and reaffirms the right to practice one’s religion without fear of discrimination in the workplace.
===
Logged on to the new Threads app yet? It’s the competitor to Twitter that is connected to Instagram.
“Social media platforms have blossomed and wilted very often in the last decade, and few have stuck around for a long time,” social media expert Chris Martin told Baptist Press. “But because Threads is a product of the most successful social media company in history, and because of current frustrations revolving around Twitter’s management and evaporating features, there is reason to believe Threads is here to stay for the long haul. Time will tell, but betting against Mark Zuckerberg is usually not a good idea.”
===
Good News for Today is sponsored by The Voice of the Martyrs
Good News for Today is made possible through our friends at The Voice of the Martyrs, a nonprofit organization that serves persecuted Christians around the world. Founded in 1967 by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, VOM is dedicated to inspiring believers to deepen their commitment to Christ and to fulfill His Great Commission — no matter the cost. Find out more and sign up for their free monthly magazine at vom.org/goodnews.
===
Were you able to make it to church yesterday? If not, Chuck Lawless offers some encouragement for you when it comes being a part of a local church. He offers a handful of struggles that are common to many people and keep the from avoiding the local fellowship of the church.
Here’s a few of them –
1. Mess up in sin. If Satan can deceive us and then lead us to hide like Adam and Eve did (Gen. 3:8), he’s at least temporarily won. Sin harms our relationship with God, blocks our prayer, and robs us of joy. The enemy delights in the sinful secrets of our lives.
2. Give up the fight. Job heard similar words from his own grieving wife when their world fell apart (Job 2:9), but still he worshiped God (Job 1:20, 2:10).
3. Get puffed up with pride. This problem is at the core of the rest of these problems (Prov. 16:18). We make ourselves our own God, set our own rules, and walk our own path. Then, we also think we can handle our spiritual battles. All of these are nothing less than idolatry of the self.
We all face these struggles, but we can be forgiven by Christ and receive the encouragement we need for a life of godliness as we walk with other believes in the local church.
Related Episodes
Church Responds to Online Threat, Worship Pastor Wins on ‘Wheel of Fortune’ & Praising God in Prayer
Police in Haymarket, Virginia responded in textbook fashion to neutralize a threat at an area church on Sunday. A Kentucky pastor recently used an appearance on the popular game show Wheel of Fortune to do more than spin the wheel and win some cash. And, Wesley Duewel, the 20th century missionary and prayer leader, once observed, “Praise gives you the spirit of triumph and overcoming. Praise fires you with holy zeal.
Doe v. Catholic Relief Services, Doors Opening for David Pollack & ‘The Blind’ Movie
The Maryland Supreme Court has ruled 4-3 that a Catholic employer was lawful in denying health benefits to the spouse of a gay married employee because such unions violate church doctrine. This college football season is unlike any other in David Pollack’s life. For as long as he can remember, the sport dominated his Saturdays in ways most people haven’t experienced. And, from 2012-2017, the reality TV series “Duck Dynasty” told many stories of the Robertson family and their duck-call and decoy business. “The Blind,” coming to theaters Sept. 28, tells the story of Phil Robertson’s life before he became a Christian.
Going Through a Valley, Kidney Day & How to Spend More Time in Prayer
Hard times often are described as “going through a valley.” But Bruce Watson, pastor of First Baptist Jeanerette, La., describes life’s valleys as the place where the soil is the richest. Rudy Kebreau and Randal Lyle are bound by far more than their mutual faith and pastoral calling these days. And, maybe your church has a prayer list. But have you ever considered have a personal prayer list? In a piece in the Baptist Press Toolbox, Kie Bowman says it may help you remain faithful in prayer.
0 Comments